by Brianna Crandall — July 27, 2012—More than 27 leading associations representing a wide range of interests in the building and construction industry announced on July 18 the formation of the American High-Performance Buildings Coalition (AHPBC) . These organizations say they have come together to promote and support the development of sustainable building standards that are based on consensus and scientific performance data.
“As energy efficiency and building performance become increasingly important priorities for the public and private sectors, green building standards and rating systems should be based on the best available data, gathered from a range of stakeholder with relevant expertise. This coalition brings together industry leaders with an incredible range relevant expertise in manufacturing, material science and building performance, who will work to bring needed perspectives to this important work. The coalition will advocate for performance- and consensus-based standards for green building, which are the best way to achieve exceptional energy efficiency,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
The coalition intends to provide critical experience and expertise to the development of green building standards, and to support performance-based building codes, standards and rating systems developed in conformance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the established voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system. ANSI-accredited organizations recognize transparency, balance of interests represented and consensus decision-making, notes AHPBC.
The coalition announcement comes as the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is in the process of reviewing the use of green building standards by the federal government and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) revises its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. The American Chemistry Council recently expressed its concern about the “monopoly” and federal government endorsement GSA has provided to the LEED system.
The AHPBC says it supports certification systems based on sound data, scientific methodology and developed using a consensus process. The coalition will advocate that position with GSA, other federal agencies and in other venues where green building certifications are under consideration.
“Today’s highest performing building materials combine long-term durability with energy efficient properties and numerous other environmental benefits. Green building certification systems and standards should promote the use of these important materials, rather than penalize their selection,” said Craig Silvertooth, president of the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing.
The USGBC in its turn applauded the formation of the Council, saying, “If this coalition is sincere in its interest to advance high-performance buildings over the status quo, we welcome them to the table and sincerely look forward to engaging together to make green buildings more valuable to Americans.”
The members of the new coalition include the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, the American Chemistry Council, the Adhesive and Sealant Council, the American Coatings Association, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the American Supply Association, the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing, the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, the EPDM Roofing Association, the Expanded Polystyrene Industry Alliance, the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association, the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, the Industrial Minerals Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, the Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association, the Polyisocyanurate Manufactures Association, the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, the Society of Plastic Industry, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates, the Southern Forest Products Association, the Treated Wood Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Vinyl Institute, the Vinyl Siding Institute, and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.
