The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Network on Smart and Sustainable Cities (ANSSC) will hold a web meeting on July 22 focusing on the STAR Community Rating System (STAR), the first national framework and certification program for local sustainability. Built by and for local governments and the communities they serve, STAR - which stands for Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating - encompasses economic, environmental, and social performance measures for both local governments and the broader community. Kristi Wamstad-Evans, Technical Manager of STAR Communities, will be the featured speaker at the July 22 event. Conceived in 2007 by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, ANSI member and accredited standards developer the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Center for American Progress, in subsequent partnership with the National League of Cities, the STAR Community Rating System is intended to address the needs of U.S. cities, towns, and counties seeking a common framework for sustainability. STAR Communities was incorporated as an independent organization in the District of Columbia in 2012 and the founding members provide leadership and guidance to the program and maintain a leadership role on its board and committees. The rating system was developing following a consensus process that involved some 200 volunteers representing 50 cities and counties, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, national associations, universities, utilities, and private corporations.
Participation in the July 22 web meeting is open to individuals who have joined the ANSSC, a forum for information sharing among members of the standardization community, representatives of local governments, and experts in sustainable urban infrastructure planning and development [see related story], and to invited guests. For additional information about the ANSSC and to participate, please visit www.ansi.org/cities or email ANSI staff at cities@ansi.org.