Major building industry groups the International Code Council (ICC), ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have agreed to collaborate on the development of Standard 189.1, the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and the LEED green building program.
The groups aim to create a comprehensive framework for jurisdictions looking to implement and adopt green building regulations and codes and/or provide incentives for voluntary programs such as LEED. The agreement outlines the development, maintenance, and implementation of new versions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES/USGBC Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and the IgCC, which will be combined into one regulatory tool. The agreement sets out to align the LEED program with the new code to ensure a streamlined, effective set of regulatory and above-code options for states and communities.
“This agreement, which underscores the AIA’s dedication to sustainable design and construction, should lead to more rapid adoption of responsible approaches by designers, builders, developers and a host of other building industry groups,” said AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA.
“ASHRAE sees this as a move forward in green building, reducing fragmentation of compliance documents for users who are pressing toward a more sustainable environment,” ASHRAE President Tom Phoenix said.
(http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ca55cb2e5c853bc823c1f59af&id=4cfd82f2f0&e=e4f9394553)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
New guide for installation of mineral fiber pipe insulation on chilled water systems
Developed for professional insulation contractors, the 36-page guide recommends methods for insulating chilled water piping systems using a vapor-sealed mineral fiber pipe insulation.
Green | Jul 23, 2015
NASA: U.S. headed for worst droughts in a millennium
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind devastating water shortages and record droughts in the western U.S.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 16, 2015
Minneapolis relaxes parking requirements on new multifamily buildings
The city cut the number of spots required for large developments by half. It also will accept plans with no parking spaces in certain cases.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2015
Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse
Apartment building balconies will be subject to inspections every three years under new regulations adopted following a deadly collapse.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2015
Oregon to spend $300 million for seismic updates on public buildings
A survey found that more than 1,000 Oregon school buildings face a high risk of collapse during earthquakes.
Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015
Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects
For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.
Engineers | Jul 12, 2015
White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs
The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.
Contractors | Jul 9, 2015
Opioid abuse blamed for increase in worker injuries, business losses
Insurance giant CNA says concerns are increasing in the construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2015
California Supreme Court upholds affordable housing requirements
Court cites affordable housing crisis of ‘epic proportions.’
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2015
First valuation advisory for green and high performance property adopted
The document provides voluntary guidance to appraisers on the background and competency necessary to credibly value green buildings.
