The International Code Council (ICC) has released the initial draft of its new International Green Construction Code (IGCC), the first model code for green buildings. The IGCC was designed to be compatible with the widely adopted ICC family of codes and standards, including the National Green Building Standard (NGBS).
Importantly, the IGCC directs most residential projects, including multifamily buildings three stories or less, to comply with the NGBS. Multifamily buildings four stories or more have the choice of either following the new IGCC provisions or complying with the NGBS.
The IGCC provides apartment firms with a complete toolbox of green building guidelines while increasing the visibility and credibility of the NGBS. However, building owners and developers are cautioned that the code is still in draft form and has not been fully vetted through the code development process.
Because official publication of the IGCC is not expected before 2012, firms should be alert for jurisdictions considering the premature adoption of draft versions.
An additional concern is the fact that the IGCC incorporates ASHRAE’s green building standard 189.1 as an alternative compliance option within the IGCC. As currently written, a jurisdiction that approves use of ASHRAE 189.1 for IGCC compliance is agreeing to rely solely on the 189.1 provisions—eliminating the ability of building designers to follow the IGCC’s own criteria. This is a departure from the usual structure of alternative compliance options, and NAA/NMHC are concerned that adopting jurisdictions will not fully understand the implications of their selections.
NAA/NMHC will continue to support the development of the IGCC and its reference to the NGBS and will provide further guidance for apartment firms facing adoption of the ASHRAE 189.1 standard.