Sustainable New Code

When I was younger I used to think of codes as having to do with the CIA, or being a super spy. It was fun to try to work on the various combinations of letters and symbols to see if I could create and or "crack" a friend's code. Then I grew up... Now, I'm not saying that codes are a bad thing, they are just not as much fun as I remember them being. There is a lot more paperwork involved, but at least the ending is aimed at the same goal of making things "better" in one sense or another.

While going through various construction industry news, I came across an article on Reed Construction Data's Web site by Wayne Engebretson. The article talks about the International Green Construction Code (IGCC)'s draft to be the first International Code (I-code) to address sustainable design and green construction practices for all commercial building types. The code is scheduled for release in March 2010.

According to the article the code was developed as a part of the multi-year "IGCC: Safe and Sustainable by the Book" initiative, and was authored by the Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC). Needless to say, those working on this I-code are well informed experts in sustainability as well as code paperwork. Other representatives that are a party to this grand endeavor include professionals within the architectural, engineering and construction community such as the International Code Council (ICC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International.

The SBTC envisions that the new green code will:

• Be progressive and forward-looking in scope
• Offer the flexibility to account for varying local and regional conditions, such as energy resources
• Be consistent with and coordinated with the ICC family codes and standards
• Apply to traditional and high performance buildings, structures and systems in both new construction and renovation applications
• Provide criteria to measure compliance

The article states that solicitation of public comments will begin with the release of the STBC's draft in March 2010. Public comment and hearings will continue through the spring and summer, ending in August 2010, after which the IGCC will go through another round of review, comments and public hearings in 2011. The final publication of the I-code is scheduled for the 2012 ICC Family Codes.

... See what I mean? All of this paperwork, reviews and public hearings do not sound nearly as fun as I remember code-making to be when I was little — but it is still all in the name of a good cause.

For more information on the IGCC-drafted code, or to read the original article, go to www.reedconstructiondata.com.