After three years, Green Building Initiative (GBI) is close to finalizing an update to the American National Standard, which was finalized in 2010 and informed the creation of the 2013 version of Green Globes. ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings is undergoing final revisions using American National Standard Institute (ANSI) approved procedures and participation from approximately 100 experts in green building and sustainable practices. The process will conclude in 2018 resulting in a completely revised American National Standard to be titled: Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings.

“We’ve been really impressed by the level of participation as we watched the industry update this Standard for green building certification,” states Vicki Worden, president & CEO of GBI. “We’re excited to work collaboratively with other organizations on education to advance new concepts and best practices that are included in the revision.”

Green Globes, a sustainability rating system for commercial and multi-family buildings, can be applied to virtually every building type and use.

A highly qualified Green Globes Assessor is assigned to each project and provides a customized report on achievements and opportunities for improvement. During the pilot program, Assessors are involved upfront as guides and interpreters of the new criteria. Donald Martin, a licensed architect, principal of Marston Design Studio and pilot project Assessor, likes the enhancements from the ANSI Consensus Body.

“Green Globes has hit that sweet spot of increasing rigor of the Standard while maintaining realistic expectations,” Martin said.

Revisions to the Standard are available online.

Visit www.TheGBI.org and www.TheGBI.org/Canada.