BICSI has become a founding member of STEP - The Sustainable Technology Environments Program Foundation, which is described as a coaltion of technology associations seeking to define sustainability for the broadband and electronics industry.
STEP was founded by InfoComm and CompTIA. When announcing its founding membership, BICSI said, "'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, encouraing '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 technology systems that work within the physical building."
BICSI further stated that STEP "fills the void not addressed by other 'green building' rating systems and establishes a position alongside rating systems such as LEED and Energy Star."
As a founding and sustaining member of STEP, BICSI will have two seats on, and be a member of, STEP's board. Subject matter experts from BICSI will work on STEP's rating system, accreditation and other aspects, the association says. The association's president, Brian Hansen, said, "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."
STEP's executive director Allen Weidman said the foundation "commends BICSI for taking a leadership role in promoting sustainability in the information technology systems industry. BICSI's involvement advances our goal of buildings being green, not just when the structure is constructed, but when it is occupied and operational."
