News
American High-Performance Buildings Coalition formed to take on USGBC
July 24, 2012 - Last week, more than 27 associations representing a range of interests in the building and construction industry, announced the formation of the American High-Performance Buildings Coalition (AHPBC) to “promote and support the development of sustainable building standards, which are based on consensus and scientific performance data”.
July 24, 2012 By Anthony Capkun
“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 stakeholders with relevant expertise,” said Steve Russell, VP of plastics for the American Chemistry Council (ACC). “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.”
The coalition says it will provide critical experience and expertise to the development of green building standards, and will support performance-based building codes, standards and rating systems developed in conformance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
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.
AHPBC 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.
“Manufacturers have led the way in innovating technologies and solutions to improve energy efficiency and keep energy affordable. With buildings using approximately 40% of the energy in the United States, green standards play an important role in the manufacturing of energy-efficient products. It is important that organizations setting the standards use a consensus-based and transparent process, grounded in good science,” said Chip Yost, National Association of Manufacturers assistant VP of energy & resources policy.
“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 members of the coalition include:
• American Architectural Manufacturers Association
• American Chemistry Council
• Adhesive and Sealant Council
• American Coatings Association
• American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
• American Supply Association
• Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing
• Chemical Fabrics and Film Association
• EPDM Roofing Association
• Expanded Polystyrene Industry Alliance
• Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association
• Flexible Vinyl Alliance
• Industrial Minerals Association
• National Association of Manufacturers
• National Hispanic Landscape Alliance
• National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association
• Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association
• Polyisocyanurate Manufactures Association
• Resilient Floor Covering Institute
• Society of Plastic Industry
• Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates
• Southern Forest Products Association
• Treated Wood Council
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Vinyl Institute
• Vinyl Siding Institute
• Window & Door Manufacturers Association
Print this page
