The International Code Council (ICC) March 15 released the first comprehensive model green building code, the
International Green Construction Code (IGCC), for the construction of new and existing commercial buildings.
Public Version 1.0 of the IGCC places an emphasis on building performance and addresses site development and land use, including preservation of natural and material resources, while seeking to significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gasses. The IGCC also includes a section devoted to “jurisdictional electives,” which allows the code to be customized to address local priorities and conditions.
In addition, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) joined their existing Standard 189.1-2009 for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings with the IGCC to act as an alternative jurisdictional compliance option.
The IGCC Public Version 1.0 is only the first step in the development process and will be open for comment until May 14. To view the timeline for the development of code or to submit comments, click
here.
Each updated document along the development process can be adopted as is, or used as a resource in the development or revision of other green regulations. Each version is designed to integrate with existing ICC codes.
For more information, visit the
ICC website.