The Integrative Process (IP) Standard Guide for Sustainable Buildings & Communities 2.0© is available for Ballot Vote:  http://mts.sustainableproducts.com/IP.  The Ballot opens on February 23, 2011 and closes on April 11, 2011.

What the Standard Does: The 1.0 IP ANSI National Consensus Standard for Sustainable Buildings and Communities (Whole Systems Integrative Process) was developed so IP could be commercialized within the real estate sector of the U.S. economy.  As an industry standard, the integrative process enables owner’s and practitioners to design and build substantially higher performing buildings and communities while simultaneously reducing construction and operating costs as well as overall risk.  The 1.0 Standard codified the practice that changed conventional linear design and construction into one that integrates key professionals throughout the design and construction process.

Standard Benefits: The Navy's experience using IP for its green buildings reduced construction costs one percent attributable to a 10% reduction in change orders.  Fireman's Fund IP Risk Reduction Statement (2008) states:  "IP can have a positive impact on the risks associated with green buildings. ... As architects, contractors and all relevant professionals communicate with property owners and others, their Errors & Omission's risk of unrealized expectations is better managed." 

Highlights from Comprehensive Review Process for Draft 2.0 IP Standard:

- Over 5 years of practice from the Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS) 1.0 ANSI Whole Systems Integrative Process Standard

- IP Education Events throughout the country for practitioners

- The Integrative Design Guide to Green Building: redefining the practice of sustainability, by 7 Group and Bill Reed was published in 2009 by Wiley.

- In October 2009 Vulcan Inc. in Seattle, WA hosted a diverse stakeholders group to review and comment on draft process outline for 2.0 Standard.

- 2010 Public Meetings at Federal Reserve Offices with the Capital Markets Partnership reviewing IP economic benefits in green building underwriting, and determining that the added economic value and reduced risk warrants making IP a condition of financing

- With support from BetterBricks, final 2.0 IP Standard was drafted by Reed and Boecker incorporating comments and feedback received from industry.

- Development of 2.0 IP Standard LEED Appendix, and LEED IP Credit announced for comment in January 2011 using the 2.0 IP Standard as the Reference Standard

- Meeting with key stakeholders including the federal government and resulting incorporation of the 2.0 Mandatory Annex:  Legally Binding Certification

- January 4-27, 2011 Peer Review and Request for Substantive Comments on 2.0 Draft

- January 4, 2011 ANSI PINS Announcement for 2.0 IP Ballot Vote / response to comment

- January 27, 2011 MTS ANSI Committee Call determining that no substantive standard changes were requested by the Committee, with unanimous approval to send the 2.0 Standard out for concurrent MTS / ANSI Ballot Vote