Great News! I am happy to hear the International Code Council (ICC) recently released the first-ever integrated green code for traditional and high-performance commercial buildings. ICC is a non-profit association dedicated to building and fire/life safety, energy efficiency and sustainable building construction and performance.

The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) is designed specifically to integrate and coordinate with the other international codes that are already enforced by governmental code officials at all levels.

All 50 states and more than 20k U.S. jurisdictions use the international codes developed by the ICC for safety and sustainability. The international codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.

The AIA and ASTM have played a vital role in the development of the IGCC. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) participated in the development of the IGCC.

Each organization has a strong prominence in the US strengthening the basis that will drive the Code. You can find more information about the new International Green Construction Code by visiting their website at www.iccsafe.org