ROCKLEIGH, NJ, June 3, 2010 – Crestron is pleased to announce, in conjunction with InfoComm International, the new InfoComm Sustainable Technology Environment Performance^SM (STEP^SM) Rating System. This new rating system is being developed by the AV Sustainability Task Force, of which Crestron is a member. The first of its kind, the task force will address the contribution and responsibility of the AV industry to sustainable building, focusing on the efficient use of energy, processes and materials. David Wilts, Crestron Director of Integrated Building Technology (IBT), will serve as a founding member. Wilts, a LEED Accredited Professional (AP), has extensive experience in integrated IP-based building control and intelligent energy management system design. Crestron is the world leader in integrated systems and enterprise management, which together deliver maximum energy savings and efficiency.

 

“As building design moves toward network-based technologies, a truly integrated, ‘green’ building has to factor AV into the equation,” explains Wilts. “We fully support this InfoComm initiative to define best practices that balance value, technology and sustainability.”

 

The ultimate mission of the InfoComm AV Sustainability Task Force is to develop a rating system and certification program that will apply to the entire project process, including design, installation, implementation and operation of AV systems. There are multiple opportunities to save energy in industry processes and systems, many of which apply to virtually any business. For example, there will be credits available in the design phase for working with electronic drawings and eliminating paper. Limiting travel by utilizing video conferencing will also earn points. As part of the InfoComm rating system task force, Crestron will help write all the sustainability standards for each project phase, including post-occupancy. 

 

“Green building certification programs – such as LEED – do not address AV, at least not yet. So it falls on the experts in the field to step up to the plate,” adds Vincent Bruno, Crestron Director of Marketing. “We are committed to empowering consultants, programmers, designers and integrators with the hardware, software and design guidance to create the most energy efficient and sustainable systems possible.”