The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced its support for the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), a new model code expected to help conserve energy in both commercial buildings and residential structures while providing direction for safe and sustainable building design and construction. The International Code Council (ICC) will publish the 2012 IgCC later today.
"The IgCC is a tool that, when adopted nationwide by states and communities, will create a path for the United States to follow in cutting energy use in one of its biggest energy consumers - commercial buildings," said AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA.
"Now that the IgCC is final, American architects can use the Green Code to help the U.S. lead the way in designing sustainable buildings and infrastructure."
Early versions of the IgCC released during the development of the code are already in use by states and jurisdictions, demonstrating the need and demand for safe and sustainable design and construction.
The IgCC was developed at public hearings with input from experts in code development and enforcement, architecture, engineering, building science, environmental advocacy, government, business, academia and the public. Besides the AIA, IgCC cooperating sponsors include ASTM International, ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).