ATLANTA -- A proposed new standard that will provide minimum guidelines for green building practices is nearing completion, according to Contractormag.com. Applicable to new commercial buildings and major renovation projects, it will address energy efficiency, a building's impact on the atmosphere, sustainable sites, water use efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources.

Proposed Standard 189, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is being developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This is the first such green building standard in the United States, according to ASHRAE.

The proposed standard has been released for public review. Comments will be accepted through July 9. To read the addenda or to comment, visit www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.