“Going green” has been a topic of growing importance in recent years. Certification systems have been created for those who follow the green methodology. For example, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) focuses on the shell and core of a building, encouraging “green building” from the start of a project through to and beyond completion. The STEP Foundation is working to complement LEED by adding a rating system for the technology systems that work within the physical building.

Founded by InfoComm International and CompTIA, STEP has been created by manufacturers, designers, integrators, programmers and the users of technology to guide project and building owners to implement practices that will produce economic benefits to their organisation while preserving the planet. It fills the void not addressed by other “green building” rating systems and establishes a position alongside rating systems such as LEED and Energy Star. All associations participating in STEP will be able to promote sustainable practices to their members and their customers.

BICSI is a Sustaining Member of the STEP Foundation—a 501 organisation—and will have two seats on and be a voting member of its Board. In this capacity, BICSI will be active in the development of the program and will have subject matter experts working on the rating system, accreditation and other facets of STEP.

“BICSI is proud to be a member of The STEP Foundation,” says BICSI president Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI.

“‘Green and sustainable’ is the way we should all be thinking — now and in the years to come. We are eager to help lay the foundation of this program, knowing that it is setting an important precedent for the ITS industry and our members.”

“The STEP Foundation commends BICSI for taking a leadership role in promoting sustainability in the information technology systems industry,” says STEP Foundation executive director Allen Weidman.

“BICSI’s involvement advances our goal of buildings being green, not just when the structure is constructed, but when it is occupied and operational.”

The STEP rating system will be a tool for owners and technology providers to plan for and implement sustainable practices in their technology projects. Successful projects will contribute to an organisation’s sustainability goals and will be recognised by STEP. In addition, educational programs will be available based on the STEP rating system and documentation provided by The STEP Foundation.