Southeastern Regional Building
Commissioner’s Association
Overview of the International
Green Construction Code (IgCC)
Doug Connell
International Code Council
September 2011
What is the IgCC?
 An
Adoptable, Useable and
Enforceable code
 Intended to reduce the
negative impacts of the built
environment on the natural
environment
 Addresses

Conservation of:

Natural resources

Materials

Energy

Water

Air & indoor environmental
quality

Owner education
Scope and Intent
 Consistent
and coordinated with the
ICC family of Codes & Standards
 Applicable to the construction of
 New and existing buildings
 All buildings other than residential
buildings under the scope of the
IRC
 Intended to be enforced primarily
by building officials – a system
already in place nation wide
 Intended to drive green building
into everyday practice
IgCC Concepts

The IgCC is not a rating system,
nor is it intended to replace them.

The IgCC is code which is
intended to be adopted on
mandatory basis.

Unlike most rating systems, the
IgCC primarily consists of
minimum mandatory requirements,
just as other I-Codes.
IgCC Concepts
How should we compare green and sustainable
codes, standards, rating systems and programs?

Building by building?
- Or 
By their ability to be adopted on a mandatory basis
in all regions and potential overall reduction of
negative environmental impacts?
What should the intent of a green code or
program be?

To make a few buildings very green?
- Or 
To have as large a positive impact and as little a
negative impact as possible on the total natural
environment? Not just local, not just the U.S., but the
entire planet.
IgCC Concepts
Because the IGCC is intended to
apply to both private sector and
government owned buildings on
a mandatory basis – it

Raises the floor of sustainability
for all commercial buildings.

Positions the IGCC to achieve
environmental benefits on a
massive scale – a scale not
possible with voluntary rating
systems.
IgCC:
Detailed
and
Comprehensive

Provides many detailed
prescriptive requirements, as well
as performance targets, which are
quantified and enforceable.

Does not award innovation without
merit or the implementation of
theories without real world value.

Contains many detailed
requirements, including:

Gray water system details

Irrigation system details

Rainwater catchment system details

Actual energy provisions
7
Chapter Topics
 1: Administration

2: Definitions

3: Requirements determined by
the jurisdiction and project
electives

4: Site development & land use

5: Materials resource efficiency

6: Energy conservation and
efficiency

7: Water conservation and
efficiency
Chapter Topics

8: Indoor environmental quality

9: Commissioning, operation and
maintenance

10: Existing buildings

11: Existing building sites

12: Referenced standards

Appendices

A: Optional Ordinance

B: Greenhouse Gas Reductions in
Existing Buildings

C: Sustainability Measures

D: Enforcement Procedures

SCOPE
 New and existing construction
 All buildings other than those
covered by the IRC

The IgCC is an overlay code.

Compliance enforced as part of
other applicable codes.

References other I-Codes
 IBC, IFGC, IMC, IPC, IPMC, IFC,
IWUIC, ICCPC, IEBC, IZC.
Chapter 1
Administration
.
10
 Does
Chapter 1
Administration
not circumvent the
requirements of other codes,
but often exceeds them.
 Regulates
sustainable aspects
of construction not covered by
other codes.
 Regulates
the impact of the
built environment on the
natural environment.
11
Chapter 2

Shares some definitions which
are common to other
International codes.

Primarily provides definitions
unique to the IgCC.
 Examples:
Approved
 Approved Agency
 Building Commissioning
 Construction Documents
 Control
 Daylight Control
 Occupant Sensor Control

Definitions
12
Demand Response, Automated
 Energy Management and
Control System
 Registered Designer in
Responsible Charge
 Sequence of Operation

Chapter 2
Definitions
13
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA).
A technique to evaluate the relevant
energy and material consumed and
environmental emissions associated with
the entire life of a building, product,
process, material, component, assembly,
activity or service.
Chapter 3

Chapter 3 is unique in that the focus will be on stringency of
the entire document as adopted by the jurisdiction.

Focus is on adoptability through flexibility of the document
to coordinate with the local jurisdictions environmental
goals and specific regional geography.

Four (4) major components of Ch 3:
1. Jurisdictional Requirements.
2. Option to adopt ASHRAE Standard 189.1 (Replaces
IGCC Chapters 4 through 12)
3. Project Electives.
4. Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Project Elective.
15
Chapter 3 – Jurisdictional Requirements

Allows jurisdictions to make choices
which:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Can tailor the code to address
environmental concerns of a local nature.
Respond to environmentally related local
political agendas.
Apply to all buildings constructed in the
jurisdiction.
Determine whether certain provisions will
be enforced.
Internal document confidential information for ICC

IgCC Table 302.1 allows regional
choices, similar in concept to
Table R302.1(1) in the IRC.

Allows jurisdictions to make
choices for higher levels of
stringency by:
Table 302.1

Determining whether certain
provisions will be enforced in the
jurisdiction. (Typically yes or no
Jurisdictional
Requirements

22 Choices affecting
Chapters 4 through 10
Decisions made in Table 302.1
apply to all buildings constructed
in the jurisdiction.

Many of the choices in Table
302.1 may pose risks for certain
jurisdictions. (Thus they may pose a
answers.)
barrier to adoption in some regions and are not
mandatory for all jurisdictions.)
17
Table 302.1
Requirements Determined by the
Jurisdiction
402.2.6
Greenfields
 Yes  No
403.4.1
High occupancy vehicle parking
 Yes  No
403.4.2
Low emission, hybrid and electric vehicle parking
 Yes  No
405.1
Light pollution control
 Yes  No
CH 5. MATERIAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY
502.1
Enhanced construction material and waste management
 Yes  No
502.1
Minimum percentage of waste material diverted from landfills Select a percentage only where “Yes” is selected in the
previous row.
 50%
 65%
CH 6. ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EARTH ATMOSPHERIC QUALITY
602.1,
602.3,
602.3.2,
302.1.1
Enhanced energy performance - for buildings pursuing
performance based compliance and buildings greater than
25,000 square feet in total building floor area
 Yes  No
Table 602.1,
302.1,
302.1.1
TANEU of Jurisdictional Choice - Where “Yes” is selected in
the previous row, the jurisdiction shall indicate a TANEU of 63
or less in Table 602.1 for each occupancy for which it intends
to require enhanced energy performance
See Table 602.1 and Section 302.1
18

Allows owners and design
professionals to make
choices which:

Table 303.1
Project Electives
52 Electives affecting
Chapters 4 through 8




Encourage and drive the
construction of buildings
which exceed the already
stringent minimum
requirements of the code.
Encourage practices which
are difficult to mandate.
Adds a degree of flexibility to
the code.
Jurisdiction determines
minimum number that must
be satisfied in Table 302.1.
Owner chooses which
electives will be complied
with on a project by project
basis.
19
Table 303.1
Project Electives Checklist
Sectio
n
Description
Check the corresponding
box to indicate each
project elective selected.
CH 3. JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROJECT ELECTIVES
304.1
Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment

CH 4. SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE
407.2.1
Flood hazard avoidance

407.2.2
Agricultural land

407.2.3
Infill site

407.2.4
Brownfield site

407.2.5
Greenfield development

407.2.6
Greenfield proximity to development

407.2.7
Greenfield proximity to diverse uses

407.3.1
Changing and shower facilities

20
Table 303.1 - Project Electives Checklist
407.3.2
Long term bicycle parking and storage

407.3.3
Preferred parking

407.4.1
Site hardscape 1

407.4.2
Site hardscape 2

407.4.3
Site hardscape 3

407.4.4
Roof covering

407.5
Light pollution

CH 5. MATERIAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY
507.2
Waste management (502.1 + 20%)

507.3(1)
Reused, recycled content, recyclable, bio-based and
indigenous materials (50%)

507.3(2)
Reused, recycled content, recyclable, bio-based and
indigenous materials (80%)
(2 Electives)
507.4(1)
Multi-story building – footprint reduced by at least 45%

21
Table 303.1 - Project Electives Checklist
710.2.1
710.2.1
710.3
710.4
CH 7. WATER RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY
Fixture flow rates are one tier above that required by

Table 302.1
Fixture flow rates are two tiers above that required by
 (2 Electives)
Table 302.1.
On-site wastewater treatment

Non-potable outdoor water supply

710.5
Non-potable water for plumbing fixture flushing

710.6
Automatic fire sprinkler system

710.7
Non-potable water supply to fire pumps

710.8
Non-potable water for industrial process makeup water

710.9
Efficient hot water distribution system

710.10
Non-potable water for cooling tower makeup water

710.11
Graywater collection

22
Chapter 3
Jurisdictional
Requirements
Project Electives
Whole Building
LCA Project
Elective

Even where adopted in its
baseline/minimum form (where
no project electives are selected
and only “No” boxes checked), the
IgCC is poised to produce
significant environmental
benefits.
 No longer must mandatory green
building requirements be limited
to government buildings.
23
Chapter 4
Site Development
and Land Use

Preservation of Natural
Resources

Protection by area: e.g.
floodplains, conservation areas,
park lands, agricultural lands,
greenfields.

Site design and development
requirements:






Pre-design site inventory and
assessment
Stormwater management,
Landscape irrigation systems,
Management of vegetation and
soils
Erosion control
Site waste management plan.

Chapter 4

Site Development
& Land Use
Transportation impact.

Walkways and bicycle paths

Changing and shower facilities

Bicycle parking and storage

Vehicle parking
Heat island mitigation.

Site hardscape

Roof coverings

Light pollution mitigation.

Detailed site development requirements.


Subsurface graywater irrigation systems

Vegetation and soil protection

Soil reuse and restoration

Landscape, soil and water quality protection
plan

Vegetative roofs
Site & land use project electives.
IgCC Chapter 5
Material Resource Conservation and
Efficiency
Chapter 5
Material
Resource
Conservation and
Efficiency

Material and Waste
Management
 Waste management plan for
construction phase
 Post occupancy recycling
areas must be shown on plans.

Materials and their properties.
 55% of materials used in
every project must be any
combination of the following
 Used,
 Recycled,
 recycleabe,
 Bio-based or
 Indigenous.
Chapter 5
Material
Resource
Conservation
and
Efficiency

Lamps: Limits mercury content in
lamps

Service Life: Building service life
plan to be included in construction
documents. Not less than 25 years.

Storage and handling of materials.

Moisture Control: Requires specific
inspection of foundation drainage
systems, damproofing and
waterproofing, flashings and roof
coverings.

Strawbale construction.

Material related project electives.
IgCC Chapter 6:
Energy Conservation, Efficiency &
Atmospheric Quality
Buildings > 25,000 sq. ft. must use
the performance based
compliance path

Chapter 6
Buildings < 25,000 sq. ft. may use
any of the following :

Energy
Conservation,
Efficiency and
Atmospheric
Quality
Uses Zero Energy Performance Index
(zEPI) concept – encourages use of
renewable energy, cogeneration and
zero net energy buildings.


Performance based path
Prescriptive based path
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) path


Must be in top 10% of EPA’s Target
Finder Program
Outcome based path

Estimated energy use relative to
actual energy use, based on a 12
month period after C of O.
 Major
Energy performance and
peak power.
 Atmospheric impacts –
reduced CO2e emissions.
 Metering, monitoring and
reporting.
 Auto-Demand/Response
strategies.
 Building envelope systems.

Chapter 6
Energy
Conservation,
Efficiency and
Atmospheric
Quality
section topics:
 Major
Chapter 6
Energy
Conservation,
Efficiency and
Atmospheric
Quality
section topics (cont.):
Mechanical and Svc Water
Heating systems
 Electrical power and lighting
 Appliances and equipment
 Renewable energy.
 Commissioning and
maintenance.
 Energy related project
electives.

IgCC Chapter 7:
Water Resource Conservation and Efficiency
Chapter 7
Ch 7 major section
topics:
 Plumbing
Water Resource
Conservation &
Efficiency
systems and
conservation measures.
 Landscaping
and irrigation
– addressed in Chapter 4.
 Specific
water savings
measures.
 Use
of grey water, rain
collection and storage.
Ch 7 major section
topics (cont.):
Chapter 7
 Fixtures, fittings,
Water Resource
Conservation &
Efficiency
 HVAC
equipment & appliances
systems and
equipment efficiency
 Water
treatment system
efficiency
 Specific
topics (e.g.
Submetering, fountains)
 Nonpotable
 Alternative
water use
water sources
35
Chapter 8 major section
topics:
Chapter 8
Indoor
Environmental
Quality

Building construction features,
operations & maintenance

HVAC system requirements

Construction phase emissions and
pollution control, HVAC flush out

Asbestos use prevention

Material emissions & pollutant
control

IAQ measures

Sound transmission

Views to exterior and daylighting
IgCC Chapter 9:
Commissioning, Operation &
Maintenance
Chapter 9
Commissioning,
Operation &
Maintenance
Chapter 9 major section
topics:
 Pre-Occupancy
inspections
and testing.
 Owner
or tenant post
occupancy operations.
 Commissioning.
 Building
maintenance.
 Education
of building
users.
38
BUILDING COMMISSIONING
A process that verifies and documents
that the selected building systems
have been designed, installed, and
function according to the owner’s
project requirements and construction
documents, and to minimum code
requirements except as noted herein.
APPROVED
Acceptable to the code official or
authority having jurisdiction.
APPROVED AGENCY
An established and recognized agency
regularly engaged in conducting tests
or furnishing commissioning services,
where such agency has been
approved.
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN
RESPONSIBLE CHARGE
A registered design professional engaged by
the owner to review and coordinate certain
aspects of the project, as determined by the
building official, for compatibility with the
design of the building or structure, including
submittal documents prepared by others,
deferred submittal documents and phased
submittal documents.
 902.1.1
Section 902
Approved Agency
Independence
Equipment
Personnel
Independence. An
approved agency
shall be objective,
competent and
independent from
the contractor
responsible for the
work being
inspected. The
agency shall also
disclose possible
conflicts of interest
so that objectivity
can be confirmed.
Internal document
confidential information for
ICC

902.1.2 Equipment. An
approved agency shall
have adequate equipment
to perform the required
commissioning. The
equipment shall be
periodically calibrated.

902.1.3 Personnel. An
approved agency shall
employ experienced
personnel educated in
conducting, supervising
and evaluating tests and
commissioning.
Section 902
Approved Agency
Independence
Equipment
Personnel
Internal document
confidential information for
ICC
Modeled after
Section 903
Commissioning

Special inspections criteria in
Chapter 17 of the IBC and

Commissioning criteria
found in the IECC
Table 903.1 – Commissioning
Plan

List of items for which
commissioning is required or
encouraged

Contains columns which
distinguish between preoccupancy and postoccupancy commissioning

Commissioning requirements
extend well beyond the
energy realm, including site,
materials and water, etc.
44
903.1.1 Pre occupancy
report
Section 903
Commissioning
The approved agency shall
furnish commissioning
reports.
Pre commissioning
report
Prior to the issuance of a
Certificate of occupancy, a
final commisioning report
shall be submitted to and
accepted by the code
official.
45
Section 903
Commissioning
Post
commissioning
report
903.1.2 Post occupancy
report
Post occupancy reports
required.
Within 30 months of the
issuance of the Certificate
of Occupancy a post
commissioning report
shall be submitted to the
owner and made available
to the code official.
46
TABLE 903.1
COMMISSIONING PLAN
Occurrence
Construction or System Pre
requiring Verification Occ.
Post
Occ.
Method
Pre Occ.
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
None
402.3.3
406.6
24 months
404.3.2
None
405
Chapter 4: Site development and land use
Landscape irrigation
systems
X
Vegetative Roofs and
Terraces
X
Site Lighting
X
None
Field inspection
X
Field inspection
and report
None
Installation
Installation of
protective
membranes,
base materials,
soils and
vegetation
Testing and report Installation
Internal document confidential information for ICC
Table 903.1 Commissioning Plan (continued)
Construction or
System requiring
Verification
Occurrence
Pre
Occ.
Post
Occ.
Method
Pre Occ.
Chapter 5: Materials
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
None
506.3 and IBC
Ch 18
None
506.3 and IBC
Ch 18
Moisture Control
(Section 506.3)
1. Foundation sub-soil
drainage system.
2. Foundation dampproofing and waterproofing.
3. Flashing at: Windows,
exterior doors, skylights,
wall flashing and
drainage systems.
4. Exterior wall
coverings.
X
X
X
X
None
Field inspection
and verification
None
Field inspection
and verification
None
None
Field inspection
and verification
Field inspection
and verification
Periodic
inspection for
entire sub-soil
drainage
system.
Periodic
inspection for
the entire
foundation.
Periodic
inspection for
not less than
XX% of all
flashing
locations.
Periodic
inspection for
not less than
25% of exterior
wall cladding
systems.
None
None
506.3 and IBC
Ch 14
506.3 and IBC
Ch 14
Internal document confidential information for ICC
Table 903.1 Commissioning Plan (continued)
Construction or System requiring
Verification
Pre
Occ.
Post
Occ.
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
None
604
Annually
604, 611
None
612.1.2.1
and
through
reference
to IECC
Occurrence
Method
Chapter 6 - Energy
Pre Occ.
Energy consumption, monitoring,
targeting and reporting
a. Monitoring system
b. Calibration
Mechanical systems completion – all
buildings
a. Air system balancing –
provide the means for system
balancing
b. Hydronic system balancing
– provide means for system
balancing
c. Duct system
testing
X
X
X
X
X
During
construction
and prior to
occupancy
None
Inspection and
verification
X
Testing and review
and evaluation or
During
test reports
commissioning
None
None
None
Inspection and
verification
During
construction
and prior to
occupancy
Inspection and
verification
Testing, testing
report and
verification of
results
During
construction
and prior to
occupancy
During
construction
and/or at final
inspection.
None
None
612.1.2.2
and
through
reference
to IECC
613.5.3
and
through
reference
to the
IECC
Internal document confidential information for ICC
TABLE 903.1
COMMISSIONING PLAN (continued)
Occurrence
Construction or System
requiring Verification
Pre
Occ.
Post
Occ.
Method
Pre Occ.
Chapter 6 – Energy (continued)
None Verification of
Plan review
construction
documents
d. Mechanical
system manuals –
construction
documents to
require O&M
manual
Mechanical systems –
buildings over 5,000
square feet total building
floor area
a. Commissioning
required and
noted in plans
and
specifications
X
X
None
Verification of
construction
documents
b. Documentation
of required
commissioning
outcomes
X
None
Verification with
the building
owner
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
None
612.1.5.2
Plan review
None
612.1
Subsequent
to completion
of all
commissionin
g activities
None
612.1
Internal document confidential information for ICC
Table 903.1 Commissioning Plan (continued)
Occurrence
Construction or System
requiring Verification
Mechanical systems –
buildings over 5,000
square feet total building
floor area
c. Preparation and
availability of a
commissioning
plan
Pre
Occ.
Post
Occ.
Method
Pre Occ.
Chapter 6 – Energy (continued)
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
X
None
Verification with
the RDP or
commissioning
agent
Between plan
review and
commissioning
initiation
None
612.1.1
d. Balance HVAC
systems (both air
and hydronic)
X
X
HVAC system
installer/contract
or or
commissioning
agent
After
installation of
HVAC systems
and prior to
occupancy
TBD
612.1.2
e. Functional
performance
testing of HVAC
equipment
X
X
HVAC system
installer/contract
or or
commissioning
agent
After
installation of
HVAC systems
and prior to
occupancy
TBD
612.1.3
Internal document confidential information for ICC
Table 903.1 Commissioning Plan (continued)
Construction or System
requiring Verification
Occurrence
Pre
Occ.
Post
Occ.
X
X
HVAC system
installer/contractor
or commissioning
agent
g. Preparation of
preliminary
commissioning report
None
X
h. Acceptance of HVAC
systems and
equipment/system
verification report
None
X
HVAC system
installer/contractor
or commissioning
agent
Building owner
i. Preparation and
None
distribution of final
HVAC system
completion Documentation that
construction documents
require drawings,
manuals, balancing
reports and
commissioning report be
provided to the owner
and that they have been
provided
X
Mechanical systems – buildings
over 5,000 square feet total
building floor area
f. Functional
performance testing of
HVAC controls and
control systems
Method
Pre Occ.
Chapter 6 – Energy (continued)
RDP, contractor or
commissioning
authority
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
After installation TBD
of HVAC
systems and
prior to
occupancy
None
Subsequent to
commissioning
612.1.3.2
None
Letter verifying
receipt of the
commissioning
report
612.1.4.1
None
90 days after
final certificate
of occupancy
612.1.5
612.1.4
Internal document confidential information for ICC
Table 903.1 Commissioning Plan (continued)
Construction or System
requiring Verification
Pre
Occ.
Post
Occ.
Auto demand reduction
control system
functionality
Plug load controls
X
X
X
None
Occurrence
Method
Pre Occ.
Chapter 6 - Lighting
Functional
Final
Testing
Inspection
Post Occ.
Section/
Ref. Std.
18-24 months
605.4
Final
Inspection
None
None
609.6
X
Functional
Testing
Field Inspection
18-24 months
609.6
Connection of
appliances to switched
receptacles
Specified transformer
nameplate efficiency
rating
Verification of lamp
X
None
Field Inspection
Final
Inspection
None
609.8.1.1
X
X
Field Inspection
18-24 months
609.10
Verification of ballast
X
None
Field Inspection
Final
Inspection
Final
Inspection
None
609.10

Lighting controls
a. Installation
X
None
Field Inspection
None
609.11
a.
X
X
System
Installer/Contrac
tor or
Commissioning
Agent
Post
Installation
Post
Installation
18-24 months
612.2
Calibration
Internal document confidential information for ICC

Chapter 10
Existing
Buildings

Loosely based on the
provisions of the IBC for
existing buildings:
 For alterations/renovations:
whatever is changed must
meet current IgCC
requirements.
 Unaltered components can
remain as they are.
 Additions are treated much
like new construction:
applicable requirements of
the IgCC must be satisfied.
Section 1002.1: Prohibits the
construction of additions to
buildings in flood hazard areas.
 Exception: where all
habitable space is located at
least 1 foot above flood
54
elevation.
Chapter 10
Existing
Buildings

Alterations to Existing Buildings:
 Basic prescriptive
requirements addressing:
 Leaks
 Defective equipment and
systems
 Extensive prescriptive list
limited to 10% of the cost of
alterations.
 Triggered by any change of
occupancy or alteration.
55
For more information and updates
check the ICC website
www.iccsafe.org/igcc
Frequently Asked Questions
What about
residential
properties?
The ICC co-developed the
National Green Building
Standard (NGBS), otherwise
known as ICC 700-2008, with the
National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB). It is not
referenced in the IgCC.
Residential buildings that are
not covered in the IRC must the
IGCC.
Who is
supporting
the ICC in
this effort?
The AIA and ASTM-International are
the “Cooperating Sponsors” for this
initiative, and as such have an active
role in the development
process. Other organizations who
participated in the development
include the U.S. Green Building
Council (the purveyor of the LEED
rating system), the Green Buildings
Initiative (GBI), ASHRAE as well as
state and local officials. Well over
100 organizations and individuals
participated in the development
effort.
Standard 189.1, included as a
jurisdictional compliance option,
was developed by ASHRAE, USGBC
and the Illuminating Engineering
Society (IES). Those organizations
have now joined in the effort to
promote the IGCC.
How does the
development
process work?
The ICC Board created a
Sustainable Building Technology
Committee (SBTC) composed of 28
individuals from multiple sectors, to
draft Public Version 1.0. The SBTC
conducted open meetings around
the U.S. between July 2009 and
January 2010, creating IGCC Public
Version 1.0 as a tool for
jurisdictions wishing to develop a
code based on the ICC process.
A Public Version 2.0 was released in
November 2010 after public
comments and hearings. It is
published for comments now.
In 2011, Code Development and
Final Action Hearings will deliver
the 2012 IGCC.
How does the
development
process work?
This process tracks the
development of the other codes
in the I-Codes series. Once the
2012 Code is issued, it will be
revisited every three years
along with the other I-Codes,
through the two-hearing
process used to update all of
the I-Codes.
What is the
difference
between the
IGCC and other
systems and
standards such
as LEED, Green
Globes, etc. ?
The IGCC creates a regulatory
framework for new and existing
commercial and high-performance
buildings. Rating systems are not
written in the form of enforceable
codes, acting as optional
approaches, such as awarding
points based on the inclusion of
certain design elements and other
features with the assumption is that
the combination and concentration
of favored elements will result in a
positive environmental impact. The
IGCC will build on that foundation
to ensure that measurable building
performance and an adherence to
building safety will be featured in
the model code language. It is
anticipated that the IGCC will look
to existing rating systems and
standards as resources in
developing the regulatory
framework.
How will the IGCC
differ from other
International Codes
such as the
International
Building Code
(IBC)?
One of the values of the
IGCC is that it will be
designed to coordinate and
integrate with existing ICodes. The IGCC includes
various levels for
jurisdictions to apply
unique “green”
requirements to
commercial buildings. The
IGCC will not replace the
IBC but rather can be
adopted and used in
conjunction with the
adopted IBC, as well as all
the other I-Codes.
Why is the ICC
promoting its
Green
Construction
Code when
other options
already exist?
The development of a code
occurs when there is a clear need
indicated from regulators and
others in the building safety
industry. In the case of the IGCC,
there has been an increasing call
for an actual code that is clear
and enforceable. We have heard
this not only from our members in
local and state government, but
from stakeholders across the
spectrum. This is why the AIA and
the ASTM have joined the ICC as
“Cooperating Sponsors.” For
example, architects want a code
book that will guide their design
activities just like the other ICodes. The inclusion of
ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES
Standard 189.1 provides the
jurisdiction the option of using
either the IGCC or Standard
189.1.
For more information and updates
check the ICC website
www.iccsafe.org/igcc