2018 International Green Code: Adoption expedited, standardization eased

Source: U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Green Building Council, International Code Council and ASHRAE have released the 2018 International Green Construction Code (2018-IgCC), citing its potential to help state or local governments streamline code development, adoption and enforcement, and improve industry standardization by integrating two previously separate guidance documents: ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES 189.1 – Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings and the ICC International Green Construction Code.

“Our hope is that building professionals and policymakers alike adopt better, greener strategies that help implement LEED and achieve higher performance in sustainability,” says USGBC CEO Mahesh Ramanujam. “Over the last several decades, market leaders have adopted LEED and achieved higher levels of building performance and sustainability in the face of increasing global challenges. 

“USGBC has led the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, an unrivaled standard of living critical to providing a better quality of life for millions around the world. And with the 2018-IgCC, we are helping people build upon that work, as well as on the universal truth that every human being deserves spaces that foster longer, healthier lives.” When pursuing LEED certification in IgCC-adopting jurisdictions, he adds, USGBC will allow project teams to be recognized for compliance to select measures in the 2018 version.

“The 2018-IgCC leverages ASHRAE’s technical expertise to offer a comprehensive tool that has a direct effect on how green building strategies are implemented,” observes 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila Hayter. “Improving energy efficiency, building performance and indoor air quality are at the core of [our] mission and we are encouraged by the impact of this landmark model towards realizing more a sustainable future.”

“Building safety codes help communities prepare for the future,” notes ICC CEO Dominic Sims. “Taking into account the latest technologies and cost effective strategies for dealing with resource scarcity, the IgCC helps cities, states and countries build stronger, smarter, sustainably and more resiliently.”