Collaborative Effort Between Associations To Develop Section of International Green Construction Code

10/27/2014 | Construction Blog

The International Green Construction Code was developed by the International Code Council -more commonly known as the ICC – and first published in 2012. Its state purpose is to develop a model code for the measurement of sustainability in the construction industry. The goal in developing the code is to “make buildings more efficient, reduce waste, and have a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare”.

New code developments are underway to align the LEED program with the new code. The purpose of the “realignment” is to consolidate and streamline the regulatory construct of the code. This would theoretically allow for a more universal application by jurisdictions across the United States. The mechanism by which it will be accomplished is the development and implementation of new ANSI, ASHRAE, IES, and USGBC standards as it relates to the design of high performance, green buildings (to exclude low-rise Residential buildings).

The effort is a collaborative one being undertaken by a number of trade associations. The ICC, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and the U.S. Green Building Council are all signatories to a memorandum by which the parties agree to work together in the development of Standard 189.1. No time line has been given for the release of the new standard.