WASHINGTON, March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From increased energy efficiency to integration with the latest information and communication technologies, the world's attention is focused on commercial, government, and residential buildings that are accessible, safe, and sustainable. In today's global trade environment, major construction projects often require coordination among many different countries, including important decisions about which building and safety codes apply. The global celebration of World Standards Day will spotlight the critical role of standards and conformity assessment programs in ensuring safety requirements; facilitating coordination among contractors, builders, engineers, and architects; and incorporating new technologies in the design and construction of intelligent and sustainable buildings. On October 23, 2008, the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day will bring together leaders of business, industry, academia, and government along with consumer representatives and experts in science and technology. The event will kick off with a reception and exhibition at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. The evening's festivities include presentation of the 2008 Ronald H. Brown Standards Leadership Award, which was named after the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce and honors an individual who has dedicated him/herself to the promotion of standardization as a key tool in the elimination of global trade barriers. The winners of the 2008 World Standards Day Paper Competition will also be announced and presented with their awards. Since the initial celebration in 1970, World Standards Day is now recognized in nations around the globe. U.S. activities are organized annually by a planning committee consisting of representatives from across the standards and conformity assessment community. The event is co-chaired each year by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In celebration of the Institute's ninetieth anniversary, ANSI will also serve as the 2008 administrating organization.
