US Adopts National Green Building Code

The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) was approved last week after two years of development. The Code applies to all new and renovated commercial buildings and residential buildings over three stories high. Unlike LEED, which is entirely voluntary, the IgCC creates a mandatory floor with enforceable minimum standards. This mandatory floor includes specific requirements for site development and land use, energy and water efficiency, air quality, and a 50% diversion of construction materials from landfills. Local governments and states have the choice of adopting the IgCC. Once implemented, it’s enforceable. The IgCC will go into effect beginning in March 2012.

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