ICC Announces New Green Building Code

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, announced last month the release of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) – a regulatory framework for construction of new and existing commercial buildings aimed to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gases.

Developed in partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International, the IGCC initiative aims to contribute to a more sustainable built environment by supporting improvements in indoor air quality and the use of renewable energy systems, energy-efficient appliances, and water conservations efforts. The IGCC also emphasizes building performance by requiring building owner education to ensure best energy efficiency practices. The new code also features “jurisdictional electives” which allow for code customization to address local priorities and features.

The IGCC references, as an alternative compliance option, Standard 189.1-2009 for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

The designers of Standard 189.1-2009 voiced their support for the new IGCC. “ASHRAE is pleased to continue its relationship with the ICC by joining the International Green Construction Code initiative,” Gordon Holness, P.E., ASHRAE President, said. “Our developers and stakeholders are excited about this unified approach to providing the best tools to jurisdictions wanting to ensure measurable regulation of green construction.” “This new collaborative agreement brings together organizations with expertise both in technical standards and code development, a significant and welcome extension of technical standards developing activities into the area of code development to reach a broader and more diverse audience,” said Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Director of

Technology Rita Harrold.

“Green building codes and standards working complementary to one another is a critical step towards advancing green building,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of green building codes and standards developed jointly by ICC, ASHRAE, USGBC and IES, across the country and around the globe as we work collectively towards transforming building design, construction and operations to green practices.”

Categories: Green Building