ICC unveils new commercial energy code

The International Code Council has introduced an initiative to reduce energy inside of commercial buildings.

By Source: International Code Council June 30, 2009

A new initiative has been created by the International Code Council (ICC) to reduce energy use and limit the carbon footprint within commercial buildings.

Titled the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), the initiative outlines a model for both new and existing commercial buildings, in terms of design and performance. The AIA and ASTM worked with the ICC to create the code. The IGCC emphasizes the importance of improved design and architecture in the construction of building to increase their energy efficiency.

Approximately 40% of U.S. energy is used by buildings, and the same amount of the nation’s carbon emissions is produced by them, according to the ICC. Decreasing those percentages is a stated goal of the initiative, as is the progression of green building codes. This also will help progress toward the AIA’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.