Greetings! Does anyone in the forum have experience qualifying buildings as "certified green" for GIBc1 credit with rating systems other than USGBC's? If so, which non-USGBC programs do you know are eligible or likely to qualify?
My understanding is that ANSI is an IAF accreditation body, which would mean ANSI Accredited Standard Developers are eligible. That would mean Green Building Initiative's Green Globes and NAHB's ICC 700 National Green Building Standard are qualifying rating systems. Has anyone hit any snags using buildings certified by one of these rating systems in qualifying square footage to meet GIBc1? Any issues to think about?
Meghan Bogaerts
Manager, Neighborhood DevelopmentU.S. Green Building Council
50 thumbs up
September 12, 2012 - 4:53 pm
Hi Eric,
I'll let others give input based on their own project experiences, but I wanted to point out a guidance document we've put on our website about this: http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=9543
It's important to note that the prerequisite and credit require that the body issuing certifications meet one of the ISO standards listed. That's not necessarily the same thing as being an ANSI accredited standard developer. We're handling the determination on a case by case basis as project teams find rating systems they'd like to use.
Best,
Meghan
Eric Orozco
Urban Designer, LEED AP NDNeighboring Concepts, PLLC
38 thumbs up
September 14, 2012 - 11:57 am
Thanks Meghan.
That is quite a snag to keep in mind. Thanks for the heads up! ...Why do I get the distinct impression this has been rarely attempted successfully before? :)
My investigations have eliminated Enterprise Green Communities from the running. NAHB appears to be working on and committed to meeting the ISO guides, but as Meghan pointed out, their certifications will be handled on a case by case basis.
Since many consultants will be interested in the answer to this question (as well as 100% of developers), I'll try to keep one posted here as I find out more from rating system developers.