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TIA CONTACT: EILEEN BRAMLET, TIA, +1.703.907.7749, ebramlet@tiaonline.org
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TIA Launches Effort to Standardize STEP Rating System

Effort in TIA is the Next Initiative in the STEP Foundation’s Program to Certify Sustainable Technologies

ARLINGTON, VA (July 9, 2012) - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), in cooperation with BICSI, CompTIA, InfoComm, and the Communications Cable & Connectivity Association, is launching the standards development process of the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP). This effort will bring sustainability to the process of planning, designing, integrating and operating technology systems.  Technology is part of the solution to the future’s economy and STEP will play an important role in coordinating and enhancing the benefits that technological innovation brings to the built environment.

TIA, a founding member of the STEP Foundation and a leading international standards development organization, was selected to standardize the STEP rating system and guide, which are managed by the STEP Foundation. The considerable work already completed by the founding members of STEP has created an advanced and thorough contribution for standardization. TIA’s TR-42 Engineering Committee on Telecommunications Cabling Systems has created a new Subcommittee for STEP, TR-42.10, which will lead the standards-setting process.  TIA is inviting new members and participants for this effort.

“STEP is addressing  the big void in ‘green’ buildings: technology systems,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert, who serves on the STEP Board of Directors.  “Green certification programs have largely ignored technology systems in their assessments. In fact, many eco-friendly buildings are being built in a way that actually impedes technology in today’s converged world.”

“The start of the standards development process is important to making STEP certification a reality,” Seiffert continued. “In developing standards for STEP, TIA’s goal is to facilitate the implementation of sustainable technologies in buildings and to help builders provide and maintain both high tech performance as well as energy efficiency.”

“Sustainability is good business, but only if business is part of the process,” said Allen Weidman, executive director of the STEP Foundation. “TIA regularly works with companies and industry groups to create standards for a wide range of tech sectors. With TIA’s expertise and industry connections, STEP will help project managers and building owners implement green technologies and practices that will produce economic benefits for their organizations.”

The first STEP Subcommittee Meeting will be held in Philadelphia on October 1, 2012. For more information about participation, contact TIA at standards@tiaonline.org.

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Read ANSI's report, "Standards Boost Business" at standardsboostbusiness.org/.  

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

About STEP Foundation

The Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP™ Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing technology industry benchmarks for sustainable energy and materials practices. STEP focuses on the technology systems that operate within sustainable buildings, employing a five-phase approach to planning, implementing, and measuring the impact of a project. The STEP rating system employs a flexible sustainability rating scale that is adaptable to any technology project within the built environment. For more information, visit www.thestepfoundation.org.

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