|
ICC Green Construction Code Released for Public Comment
Initiated last year in cooperation with the American Institute of Architects and ASTM International, the first public version of the International Green Construction Code was released by the International Code Council (ICC) on March 15 for public comment.
The new model green building code is intended to be integrated with existing I-Codes — such as the International Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code — to create a new regulatory baseline for green construction that will “accelerate the construction of high-performance green buildings across the United States,” according to an ICC press release.
In 2007, NAHB partnered with the ICC to write what eventually resulted in the first standard for residential green building to be approved by the American National Standards Institute: the National Green Building Standard (ICC 700).
Like the National Green Building Standard, the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) includes requirements for energy and water conservation and efficiency, land use and development, and a remodeling component.
The IGCC will apply to all buildings, including residential.
While its text is limited to specifying requirements for commercial and industrial buildings, its scoping provisions stipulate that the requirements of ICC 700 shall apply to all residential occupancies.
This means that if it is adopted by a jurisdiction as a mandatory green code, the International Green Construction Code will require all single-family and multifamily housing to comply with the National Green Building Standard. However, designers will have the option to use either ICC 700 or the provisions of the International Green Construction Code for high-rise multifamily buildings.
Additionally, the International Code Council announced that the ICC/AIA/ASTM team had joined forces with developers of the “ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2009 for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.” This new standard will now be referenced within the IGCC as an alternative path for compliance.
The release of Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code marks the completion of the drafting process by the ICC Sustainable Building Technology Committee. The ICC is now seeking public comments on this first draft of the code. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments by the May 14 deadline.
Hearings on the public comments are scheduled in Chicago for Aug. 14-22. The results will then be incorporated into a second draft — Public Version 2.0 of the IGCC — which will be posted by Nov. 3.
Following that, the IGCC will be subjected to a full cycle of code development hearings in 2011, which will culminate in the first published edition of the code in early 2012.
To download a copy of the draft code and related information from the ICC Web site, click here.
The forms for submitting Public Comments and other IGCC development information are also available at http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/PublicVersionDevelopment.aspx.
For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8312.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.
The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.
Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here.
'National Green Building Standard Commentary' Available at BuilderBooks.com
The "National Green Building Standard Commentary," available through BuilderBooks.com and a companion to the ANSI approved "National Green Building Standard," that provides valuable insight to the intention and implementations of the practices and provisions found in the green building standard.
The "Commentary" is a useful resource for any designer or builder using the ICC 700-2008 as a rating system for developing or renovating residential properties of all types to reduce their relative impact.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 ‘Build Green and Save’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Build Green and Save: Protecting the Earth and Your Bottom Line,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read reference that shows builders how to identify and select green building materials; implement green construction techniques; explain the benefits of green housing and offer affordable green building solutions to consumers; and use resources wisely and reduce water and energy consumption.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
|
