The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have partnered to create the first nationwide green residential remodeling guidelines for existing homes. The guidelines, composed of best practices using a “whole-house” approach, will be supplemented by learning programs and print and electronic resources for building professionals and homeowners as part of the Regreen Program.
A draft of the guidelines is available at www.regreenprogram.org, and the final guidelines will be released at the ASID Conference on Design in March 2008.
“We have the ability to effect major change through existing homes,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO, and founding chair of USGBC, in a press release. “Making our homes more energy efficient, resource friendly, healthier, and safer for the families who live in them is something we can do now and it is something that everyone deserves.”
The program will complement the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes program, but is not itself a LEED-branded rating system.
Upcoming Web-based offerings and instructor-led seminars at regional home shows and expos will demonstrate tools and strategies to assist in green remodeling projects. The Regreen Web site will cover sustainable remodeling topics targeted to building professionals. Consumers will be directed to the USGBC consumer Web site, www.greenhomeguide.org, for helpful tips and resources for green home renovation.
“Awareness of earth-minded initiatives is increasing exponentially, and the guidelines fulfill a need within the design industry and among consumers,” said ASID executive director Michael Alin, in a press release. “ASID has been and will continue to be committed to sustainable design. The Society has seen a surge in interest regarding green design across its membership, and partnering with USGBC to create these guidelines is a natural fit.”
