“The IgCC adds to the strong foundation of guidance to move the industry forward in regards to high performance buildings,” Jarnagin said. “The document brings together the code expertise of ICC with technical expertise of ASHRAE to create a comprehensive green building code to improve overall performance of buildings, including reduction of energy consumption.”

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. It is the first model code to include sustainability measures for an entire construction project and its site — from design, through construction, certificate of occupancy and beyond. It establishes minimum green requirements for buildings and complements voluntary rating systems. The IgCC offers flexibility to jurisdictions which adopt the code by establishing several levels of compliance, starting with the core provisions of the code, and then offering “jurisdictional requirement” options that can be customized to fit the needs of a local community. A jurisdiction can also require higher performance through the use of “project electives” provisions.

Publication date: 04/16/2012