The first public review period, held last summer, generated more than 900 comments. Now a coalition of groups developing the Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, better known as Standard 189, is for a second time seeking input on a proposed code-enforceable language for sustainable buildings.

The coalition developing Standard 189 includes the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Speaking with RECORD in January, ASHRAE president Kent Peterson explained that Standard 189 is intended as an appendix to the International Building Code that jurisdictions may adopt and “code officials would understand how to enforce.” In both new construction and major renovations, it will set minimum design requirements regarding energy efficiency, air pollution, sustainable sites, water use efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

The second comment period for Standard 189 began February 22, 2008 and ends April 7, 2008. Visit ashrae.org/publicreviews for more information.