Landscape Architect Articles

New Green Building Code Released04-10-12 | News

New Green Building Code Released

The new International Green Construction Code uses mandatory language instead of a voluntary rating system.

The International Code Council released a model code last month that places mandatory requirements on green construction and remodeling where it?EUR??,,????'???s adopted.

The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is the first to include sustainability measures for an entire construction project, from design through occupancy. Unlike voluntary rating systems like Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED), the IgCC is a regulatory framework, establishing mandatory minimum standards for builders. Legislators can customize the code to address over 20 different criteria, including site lighting and waste management; irrigation, soil and vegetation control; and transportation impact. The code also requires 55 percent of construction materials used to be sustainable.

?EUR??,,????'??The new green construction code will make a contribution toward healthier, lower impact, and more sustainable building practices,?EUR??,,????'?? said Richard Weiland, CEO of the ICC. ?EUR??,,????'??We expect this new model code, like the family of other ICC Codes, to be adopted across the country and used globally.?EUR??,,????'?? Rhode Island, Maryland, Oregon, and a handful of U.S. cities have already adopted an early version of the IgCC.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International were initial sponsors, with the support of 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 AIA will publish a guide to the IgCC in May.

The new code allows permit applicants to choose between the IgCC and an alternative set of design standards, commonly called Standard 189.1, as their path to compliance. Earlier versions of the IgCC only allowed the permitting authorities to choose between the two sets of regulations.

?EUR??,,????'??Standard 189.1 stands on equal footing within the IgCC to provide a more complete set of options for governments and project teams alike,?EUR??,,????'?? said ASHRAE president Ron Jarnagin. ?EUR??,,????'??The IgCC adds to the strong foundation of guidance to move the industry forward with ?EUR??,,????'??? a viable green code at their disposal.?EUR??,,????'??

Developing the IgCC took more than three years, most notably via public hearings by the Sustainable Building Technology Committee, with input from more than 100 experts in code development and enforcement, architecture, engineering, building science, environmental advocacy, government, business and academia.

?EUR??,,????'??When adopted nationwide by states and communities, [the IgCC] will create a path for the United States to follow in cutting energy use in one of its biggest energy consumers ?EUR??,,????'??? commercial buildings,?EUR??,,????'?? said AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA. ?EUR??,,????'??Now that the IgCC is final, American architects can use the Green Code to help the U.S. lead the way in designing sustainable buildings and infrastructure.?EUR??,,????'??