Adopting Green Building Codes

The adoption of green building codes started in the west coast with California adopting its own green code, CALGreen [California Building Standards Code], statewide in 2010.  Its purpose is to enhance the design and construction of buildings to encourage sustainable construction practices in a way that reduces negative impacts on the environment.  Since this time the east coast has developed the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) 2012, introduced by the International Code Council, for new or renovated commercial buildings and residential buildings. This regulatory tool complements existing green building rating systems such as U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards; and includes sustainability measures  (energy, water efficiency, site impacts, building waste, and materials) throughout the building development phases.  It’s intended to drive green building into everyday practice and be used by primarily building officials.  Whether the code will be mandatory or voluntary, it will be up to jurisdictions to decide and for existing building code systems to enforce.  The IgCC is currently adopted in  Rhode Island, Maryland,  North Carolina, Florida,  Washington DC and Oregon; and is gaining traction across the U.S. communities.  

These changes raise the bar for the standard of construction on all buildings. Although we are not at the point yet where true sustainable buildings are being produced, however buildings are expected to be more efficient and produce positive effects on our health and environment.