Standard 189.1 was written in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Its purpose is to create a standard that provides the minimum requirements for sustainable or green buildings. This Standard applies to all building types excluding low-rise residential, similar to Standard 90.1. Although one of the goals of Standard 189.1 is to reduce building energy consumption over Standard 90.1-2007, the Standard addresses other aspects such as site sustainability, water efficiency, occupant comfort, environmental impact, materials and resources. This Standard is not a rating system but instead written such that it may be adopted by organizations like government, universities or corporations. It is also hoped to be integrated into green building rating systems and serve as a prerequisite or compliance requirement, such as the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDG). For more information, visit http://www.ashrae.org/greenstandard.
By: John Fabian
