ICC Building Code Effort Targets Energy Efficiency, Carbon Footprint
July 2, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The International Code Council (ICC) announced an International Green Construction Code (IGCC) initiative, focused on developing a model code to reduce the carbon footprint and energy usage of new and existing commercial buildings.
The ICC cited its development of the International Energy Conservation Code as a foundation for the new effort.
"We are now at a place in the evolution of the sustainability movement that requires the specificity, the reliability and the enforceability that only a code can bring," ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland.
The first public meetings of the Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC) are scheduled for July 28-30. Thereafter, public comments on an initial draft will be solicited before a final draft in 2010 is created. A development hearing and final action hearing stages will follow.
The ICC included ASTM International and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in its announcement, with Weiland citing the compatibility of the AIA 2030 carbon neutrality goals with the IGCC initiative.
"ASTM International welcomes the opportunity to work hand in hand with the ICC, AIA and other stakeholders in the development of a new international code to improve the efficiency and sustainability attributes of buildings," said ASTM International President James A. Thomas.
"Over 450 ASTM building- and construction-related standards are referenced by existing international codes and our members continue to develop innovative standards that will play an important role in meeting the objectives of this new green code initiative."
The effort was dubbed by ICC as "IGCC: Safe and Sustainable By the Book."
For more information, visit the IGCC web page. Supporting publications and services for green activities may be found on the ICC's green, sustainable and high performance building pages.
Source: International Code Council (ICC).