Episode 19 - Standards

---

Episode Highlights: 

• [4:06] Game time - John introduces a new game to Brent.
  
  
• [6:35] A conversation about standards - John leads off with a fun example from Lego Movie.
  
  
  • There are standards all around us! They make our lives better and more secure.
    
    
  • Most standards created are voluntary. For example, being able to plug into a wall.
    
    
    • If you travel internationally, you realize how frustrating it is not to have a standard.
      
      
• [9:18] How are standards set? - Standards are created by a group of people with diverse interest. They work to come to a consensus based on science and input from stakeholders.
  
  
  • We now have international standards organizations so products can work better in all countries.
    
    
• [11:45] Water standards - Most of the standards relate to how faucets are hooked to the plumbing.
  
  
  • Another standard is about faucets is in relation to health and that they to be lead free. This is also an example of how a standard may be put into the plumbing code or other laws. 
    
    
• [15:12] LEED Buildings - LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. These buildings must be higher performing or greener buildings.
  
  
  • LEED has been marketed well but it is not a government program. However, the government has adopted LEED for new buildings.
    
    
  • LEED is truly a voluntary program and does not go through the consensus, standard-building process. LEED creates requirements and for those that want to be LEED certified they must meet certain criteria.
    
    
  • LEED's goal was to incentive the marketplace to do things better without it being mandatory.
    
    
• [21:15] Codes - People are familiar with fire codes, buildings code and plumbing codes.
  
  
  • ​Codes are about protecting like and health and are mandatory. 
    
    
• [27:00] What was all the white on National Mall during Inauguration? - This was a covering to protect the grass and make a better viewing surface.
  
  
  • National Mall recently went through a big turfgrass restoration process. The white coverings helped protect this.
    ​
    
• [13:05] Brent's tip of the week - be focused on our goals and don't worry about the distractions.