TAMPA, FL--BICSI is currently working with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to develop strategies for the recognition of technology infrastructure related innovation credits in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification system.
BICSI representatives, including President Edward J. Donelan of Telecom Infrastructure Corp. and President-Elect Brian Hansen of Leviton Network Solutions, met with USGBC’s Brendan Owens, VP of LEED Technical Development in March of 2008 to create an awareness that the information transport systems (ITS) industry manufacturers and contractors have products and processes that could apply for LEED credits, if technology credits were a part of the existing LEED rating system.
“We recognized a long time ago that there were no technology credits for LEED,” stated Hansen. “We are responding to requests from our membership to respond to this issue. There are various manufacturers that are producing green-friendly products and have processes in place such as technology, recycling, and green friendly packaging that could apply for LEED credits but don’t because there is no placeholder within the current system for it.”
Owens agreed with BICSI’s concern, so he requested that BICSI create a consortium consisting of representatives from the industry in order to create the necessary technology credits for LEED.
The members of the consortium have already made comments on the existing system where possible technology credits could be included in the innovation in design section of the 2009 LEED rating system.
