International Green Construction Code for High-Performance, Green Commercial Buildings Goes Public

Having started its public review phase on March 15, 2010, the International Code Council (ICC) is planning to publish the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) in early 2012 after a series of public and department hearings. Once published, the IGCC will require adoption by governing jurisdictions before it becomes enforceable.

The need for a green building code is stated in the IGCC Preface Introduction, page iii:

"All levels of government and Building Safety Professionals recognize the need for a mandatory baseline of codes addressing green commercial construction, providing a framework linking sustainability with safety and performance." 

Also stated is the inter-relationship with other ICC codes:

 “This comprehensive code establishes minimum regulations for buildings and systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions, working as an overlay to the I-Codes. For example, the requirements of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code are established as a baseline for the International Green Construction Code energy provisions…”

The IGCC applies to all new and existing buildings, including high-rise residence buildings, except as listed in Chapter 1:

• The code does not apply to low-rise residential buildings (three stories or less than in height above grade) except where residential occupancies are part of a mixed use building.
• Also excluded from the IGCC are equipment or systems that are used primarily of industrial or manufacturing process.

Six organizations collaborated in the development of the IGCC, prepared by the ICC's Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC):

• International Code Council (ICC)
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• ASTM International
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
• Illuminating Engineers Society (IES)

Additional information is available in the ICC handout of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Even though California has published its own first Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) earlier this year, it is likely that the IGCC and the ASHRAE 189.1 Standard will further influence the next CALGREEN version and perhaps influence the local jurisdictions that are in the process of adopting the current CALGREEN version.

Bruce M. Bergman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C