Installation projects could soon be rated for environmental impact as part of the new Sustainability Technology Environment Program launched by InfoComm International (one of the two partners behind ISE) and other industry bodies.
“We’ve created a foundation to advance sustainability efforts in the industry, to help people use materials efficiently, without creating a lot of waste, and to reduce energy consumption,” explained Randal Lemke, InfoComm CEO and chair of the STEP Foundation (pictured).
Unlike the LEED rating system for buildings, which concentrates on planning, STEP ratings will look at planning, installation and operation, to ensure that what is planned actually happens, and full accreditation isn’t obtained until the systems are in operation.
To encourage people to adopt STEP, Lemke points out that sustainability should mean cost and time savings, as it includes travelling less (STEP encourages video conferencing). “Unless you’re really saving money, it’s going to be hard to get everyone involved,” he said.
InfoComm has already started 10 pilot projects, mainly in the US, and set up a website to explain the rating system (www.thestepfoundation.org), which will give examples of what can be done. To encourage the industry to take green matters more seriously InfoComm already gives a sustainability award.
Stand: 11N100
