Earth Day is a nationwide event celebrated every April 22 to highlight the importance of environmental protection and energize populations to secure a sustainable future. The
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is proud to support the initiatives of its federation of members that celebrate Earth Day and promote the health of our planet and its inhabitants every day.
| | Register Now! ANSI Exploratory Meeting for Energy Efficiency Standards Panel April 25 All interested stakeholders are invited to register for an April 25 exploratory meeting to examine the need for a potential ANSI Energy Efficiency Standards Panel, and to hear directly from stakeholders what shape such an activity should take. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders as to areas where an ANSI standards panel would be most beneficial in coordinating a U.S. approach to energy efficiency standardization activities. Register for the April 25 meeting (in-person attendance). Register to participate via webinar . | |
A large number of ANSI members and accredited standards developers are involved in private sector-led activities that help to conserve energy, reduce environmental hazards, and foster sustainability. One recent noteworthy example of a multi-organizational, collaborative initiative is the release of the
2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). The IgCC is the first model code that includes sustainability measures for the entire construction project and its site - from design through construction, certificate of occupancy, and beyond. Published by ANSI member and accredited standards developer the
International Code Council (ICC), the IgCC project was sponsored by four ANSI members and accredited standards developers:
ASHRAE,
ASTM International (an ANSI audited designator), the
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), along with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The development took place via public hearings over the last three years with input from standardization, code, and construction industry professionals, environmental organizations, policymakers, and the public. The IgCC is expected to make buildings more efficient, reduce waste, and have a positive impact on health, safety, and community welfare. In the public sector, ANSI government members are also doing their part this Earth Day to help make a greener globe. The
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering tips to help Americans make smart decisions about energy use. Visit the
FTC website for Earth-friendly advice for consumers on:
- Shopping strategies for energy-smart windows;
- Reading light bulb labels to choose the right energy-efficient bulb for your needs;
- Using EnergyGuide labels to compare different models of appliances; and
- Bumper-to-bumper tips on getting more mileage out of your gas purchases.
As part of the
Department of Energy's (DOE) Earth Day celebrations, U.S. secretary of energy Steven Chu will host a live chat on Friday, April 20, at 10:45 a.m. ET, on the environmental benefits of transitioning to a clean-energy economy. Secretary Chu will take questions from in-person and online audiences, to be streamed on
Energy.gov. To ask Secretary Chu a question in advance for possible response during Friday's chat, email
[email protected]. You can also ask questions live during the event; visit the
DOE website for more information. ANSI and its membership community are making impactful contributions to a healthier and more sustainable world through these and many other collaborative initiatives. For more information on Earth Day 2012, visit
www.earthday.org.
