Did You Know? offers a quick look at the broad scope of activities underway within the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Federation of members and partners, highlighting recent accomplishments and new resources related to standardization.
UL Creates LinkedIn Group for Water Professionals
UL, an ANSI member and audited designator, has formed a group on LinkedIn for individuals in the water business. The UL Water Group will provide information on industry and certification-related news.
Members of the group can participate in discussions on regulatory news and testing products. They can also share best practices and get information on industry events, training, and new services. Prospective members include manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, retailers, and consumers of water products.
See the UL website for more information.
USGBC Lists Top 10 States for LEED Green Building
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published their annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED. This ranking highlights states that have made progress in sustainable building design, construction, and transformation each year by evaluating the total square feet of LEED-certified space per resident.
Massachusetts, Colorado, and Illinois hold the first three spots on the list. New York, California, and Nevada also hold high ranks. Washington, D.C. is not included in the list of states because it is a federal territory, but USGBC notes that it has more square feet of LEED space per resident than any individual state.
"LEED guides our buildings, cities, communities and neighborhoods to become more resource- and energy-efficient, healthier for occupants and more competitive in the marketplace," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. "The green building movement continues to evolve with advancements in technology, benchmarking, and transparency, and the states on this list are leading the way toward a more sustainable future."
Learn more in the USGBC news item.
Vision Council Survey Explores Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain
The Vision Council, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has conducted a nationwide survey on the effects and implications of blue light.
Blue light, which is emitted from LED lighting, TVs, computer screens, and smart phones, among other sources, may lead to digital eye strain. The survey revealed that 87% of respondents use digital devices for more than two hours daily, and over half often use two digital devices at the same time. Over 75% of parents responded that their children have more than two hours of screen time per day, and 78.3% are concerned about the impact of digital devices on their kids.
The Vision Council is working to educate eye care providers on recommendations for computer eyewear and other lens coatings that can prevent digital eye strain and protect eyes from blue light. Eye care providers are also encouraged to discuss these issues with their patients, including healthy vision maintenance and the issues surrounding electronic device use.
Read more in the Vision Council news item.
SCTE Hosts Energy in Practice Webinar Series
The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has a series of webinars providing information and guidance on energy-related topics. The webinars are part of Energy 2020, SCTE's Energy Management Program that provides cable system operators with information on energy management standards, technology innovation, organizational solutions, and training.
Three webinars are currently archived on SCTE's site and freely available to view: Facility Energy Planning and Cost Avoidance Strategies; Overview of EMS Standards and Operational Practices; and SCTE 213 - Facilities Metric Success Story, Charter Communications.
To access the webinars, visit SCTE's website.