7.16.08 | Washington, DC | AIA released the results of a study it commissioned on Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Counties. The study looked at 200 of the most populous counties in 2008 representing more than half of the country. Working in conjunction with the National Association of Counties, the AIA spoke to planners, building officials, and sustainability managers across the country, resulting in a total response rate of 88%. The results show:

• 39 counties have a green building program
• 25.6% of the sample population in iin counties with green building programs
• an additional nine counties are in a more advanced stage of developing green building programs

7.2.08 | Minneapolis, MN | Implications' June issue features an article titled "Growing Water" by Martin Felsen, AIA, and Sarah Dunn. The Growing Water project addresses a report from the United Nations that states two out of every three people in the world will be facing water shortages by 2025.  www.informedesign.umn.edu

7.1.08 | Grand Rapids, MI | CIDA, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation Board of Directors, adopted new quality standards for interior design higher education programs that prepare graduates for entry into the profession. Professional Standards 2009 elevate the concepts, such as critical thinking, global context for design, collaboration and creativity, and professional values deemed most significant for successful entry-level interior designers. Visit CIDA's  website a http://www.accredit-id.org/profstandards.php for more information about the recently adopted Professional Standards 2009.