Most of the policies are related to American National Standards put forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.
"We’re confident that by advocating for these new positions, we can help improve the process for all," BOMA International Chairman and Chief Elected Officer David W. Hewett, principal for Trammell Crow Company, Auburn Hills, Michigan said in a statement.
The five new positions relating to ANSI:
1. Policy on Appeals on Standards: BOMA International will provide a process by which a stakeholder in a standard may make an appeal on a standard developed by BOMA International. BOMA has established this appeals process in order to demonstrate its commitment to due process in standards development, to offer an avenue by which a stakeholder may appeal a standard, and to receive comments on its standards that will serve as aids in the future revision of standards.
2. Policy on Interpretation of Standards: in order to provide additional background and explanations for the standard method for measuring floor area in office buildings and the standard method for measuring floor area in industrial buildings, BOMA International will maintain information on its Web site on the most commonly asked questions about the floor measurements standards. In addition to providing an interpretation, these inquiries help provide the basis for consideration of revision to the standard at the appropriate time.
3. Policy on the Metric System: BOMA International supports the use of the metric system and endeavors to include metric units in all BOMA publications.
4. Policy on Patents Used to Employ BOMA Developed Standards: BOMA International embraces the policy on use of patented inventions that may be required to adhere to American National Standards that has been developed and approved by ANSI.
5. Policy on Record Retention: The American National Standards process ensures that there is an opportunity for all those who are interested in and affected by a standard to participate in its development. Due process is key to ensuring that American National Standards are developed in an environment that is equitable, accessible and responsive to the requirements of various stakeholders. BOMA International recognizes that as a part of that due process the careful retention of documents is necessary and has put into place several procedures to ensure adequate record retention.
The sixth new policy adopted by BOMA’s Board of Governors relates to smart growth.
BOMA’s position states: BOMA International believes that growth, conducted in an unplanned or excessive fashion, only undermines the economies and quality of life of existing urban and suburban centers. To promote the viability of both existing and proposed communities, future development must occur in a structured fashion so that it does not harm the tax base, overburden infrastructure, overwhelm the environment, or imperil current municipal areas.
