The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) has become the first building code to adopt minimum efficiency levels based on AMCA Standard 205, Energy Classification for Fans.

The role of air conditioning and heating contractors — as well as those in the refrigeration sector — played a big part in a seminar called “Going Green and Paying for It: Green Tools for Municipalities” presented by the Illinois Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Center for Green Schools, working in conjunction with its founding sponsor, United Technologies Corp., released its inaugural Best of Green Schools 2011 list recognizing school administrators and government leaders in 10 categories for their efforts to create sustainable learning environments.

Green building consultant Jerry Yudelson, CEO of Yudelson Associates in Tucson, Ariz., released his annual list of green building trends for 2012, what he calls “MegaTrends.”

The Building Performance Institute Inc. (BPI) and the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) are partnering to promote BPI’s Green Jobs Connection.

Thornton Tomasetti, an international engineering firm, has announced the acquisition of Fore Solutions, a green building consulting firm that Thornton Tomasetti said will allow it to significantly expand its sustainability consulting services and integrate green objectives across all its practices.

The 2011 Idea Show House, located in the Creekside Village community in Shelby Township, Mich., is a stylish 4,000-square-foot home that features innovative design and green, sustainable living. One of its primary green features is a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Members of the Hatfield Township community place a high value on locally sourced and organic foods and environmental stewardship. As such, planning for the town’s new ShopRite supermarket included making sustainability a priority from product offerings to construction of the store itself — including the choice of refrigeration systems and display cases.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that the third public comment period for the proposed 2012 update to its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program will open on March 1, 2012.

Delmar, part of Cengage Learning, has announced the availability of three new books for the green building industry. As part of its Green Destination series, the new titles cover all aspects of green building, from gaining certification, to codes, concepts, technologies, and alternative sources of energy.