AIA Supports International Green Construction Code

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced its support for the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), a new model code expected to help conserve energy in both commercial buildings and residential structures while providing direction for safe and sustainable building design and construction. The International Code Council (ICC) published the IgCC March 28.

“The IgCC is a tool that, when adopted nationwide by states and communities, will create a path for the United States to follow in cutting energy use in one of its biggest energy consumers – commercial buildings,” said AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA. “Now that the IgCC is final, American architects can use the Green Code to help the U.S. lead the way in designing sustainable buildings and infrastructure.”

Early versions of the IgCC released during the development of the code are already in use by states and jurisdictions, demonstrating the need and demand for safe and sustainable design and construction. With the IgCC’s release, the AIA will continue its effort to provide information and education resources to its members engaged in the adoption of the IgCC in their states. In May, the AIA will publish a guide to the IgCC that will be available at the AIA’s annual convention in Washington, D.C., May 17-19.

The IgCC was developed at public hearings with input from experts in code development and enforcement, architecture, engineering, building science, environmental advocacy, government, business, academia and the public. Besides the AIA, IgCC cooperating sponsors include ASTM International, ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

The Green Code acts as an overlay to the existing International Codes, including provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code for some baseline requirements. The IgCC provides model code language that establishes a baseline for new and existing buildings related to energy conservation, water efficiency, site impacts, building waste, material resource efficiency and other sustainability measures. The ongoing development and evolution of the IgCC serves as the best process to monitor, validate and develop green regulations that are useable, enforceable and adaptable.