Washington, DC — The American Society of Interior Designers Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have partnered to create what the organizations are calling the first nationwide green residential remodeling guidelines for existing homes.

The guidelines, according to the two organizations, are comprised of best practices using a “whole-house” approach, and will be supplemented by learning programs and print and electronic resources for homeowners and green design professionals, including kitchen and bath specialists.

A draft of the guidelines was released at the recent Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Chicago. The final guidelines will be released at INTERIORS 08: The ASID Conference on Design, in New Orleans this March, officials said.

“We have the ability to effect major change through existing homes,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, USGBC. “Making our homes more energy efficient, resource friendly, healthier and safer is something we can do now and something everyone deserves.”

“Awareness of earth-minded initiatives is increasing exponentially and the guidelines fulfill a need within the design industry and among consumers,” added Michael Alin, executive director of the Washington, DC-based ASID.

“The ASID has seen a surge in interest regarding green design, and partnering with USGBC to create guidelines is a natural fit,” he said.

USGBC is a non-profit organization working to transform the way buildings are designed and built.

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