The International Code Council (ICC), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM-International co-introduced the ICC's International Green Construction Code (IGCC) "Safe and Sustainable By the Book" initiative yesterday. The program's goal will be to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial buildings by developing and maintaining a model code focused upon new and existing commercial building construction.
According to the ICC, buildings consume roughly 40 percent of energy used and contribute about the same percentage of carbon emissions in the United States.
We believe the time has come for us to develop a code that will stand as a useful and credible regulatory framework for creating a greener commercial building stock,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Richard P. Weiland. “We applaud and plan to utilize the good work of those who have developed systems, guidelines and standards to address green buildings.”
The ICC's development schedule calls for a public comment period on the Committee’s initial draft, and a final draft that will be made available as a resource document in 2010 before it moves through the development and final action hearing stages. The AIA and ASTM will each share in the code development process. For the full press release, click here.
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