The International Code Council announced their intent to develop a “Green Building Code” targeted at the commercial market. The objectives of this new code will be targeted toward high performance buildings that are consistent with the ICC family of other Codes and Standards. It will create a new regulatory framework based on components of other recognized rating systems. The intent of ICC with this new code is to provide criteria for green building practice that can be used in everyday practice.
The new code will focus on commercial construction. (Residential issues are addressed in ICC-700, otherwise known as the NAHB National Green Building Standard). The new green code will likely address energy efficiency, water use efficiency, materials and resources conservation, indoor environmental quality, and overall impact of the building on the environment. A coordinated approach under the Council’s governmental consensus process, will ensure that code officials, design professionals and industry experts will have a role in the development of the new code. The Sustainable Building Technology Committee will also play a role.
The initial planning meeting for this code development took place on Earth Day, April 22 in Chicago. According to Code Council CEO Richard Weiland, “It has become clear to us that to advance the goal of achieving more sustainable building performance, some regulatory framework is needed for areas where market forces are not enough. We face challenges not only with new construction, but with existing buildings and how we can increase their levels of safety and sustainability over time.