Green construction code aims to improve commercial buildings

The International Code Council (ICC) earlier this week launched the first public version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), which aims to bring together standards for the environmental performance of commercial buildings.

The draft code aims to reduce energy use through installation of efficient appliances, conserving and recycling water and employing renewable energy systems. It also covers indoor air quality, site development and land use.

Work on the code started in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2012, after which it will be available to municipalities and local governments to customise to meet regional requirements and priorities.

The code has been developed in partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and global standards organisation ASTM International.

The standard for high-performance green buildings developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC ) has also been worked into the IGCC as an alternative option.

Local governments across the US and around the world are clamouring for a green code, says the ICC, and will adopt the code immediately.

“Green building codes and standards working complementary to one another is a critical step towards advancing green building,” says president, CEO and Founding Chair of the USGBC. “This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of green building codes and standards… across the country and around the globe.”

For further information:
www.iccsafe.org/Pages/default.aspx
www.aia.org/
www.astm.org/
www.ashrae.org/
www.iesna.org/
www.usgbc.org/

17 March 2010

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