International Green Construction Code News

ICC has been working for a year in response to clamoring from many jurisdictions to deliver a new model code to address green construction. In the past few years, this need has come more into focus as a need for a baseline regulatory framework, even as cutting-edge builders use rating systems and other tools to aggressively address building design and performance beyond any baseline. Accordingly, with the support of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International, a 28-person committee and scores of Work Group members and interested stakeholders have contributed to the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Public Version 1.0 released on March 15. In the days preceding the release, ICC arrived at an agreement with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to include ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 within the IGCC as an alternative jurisdictional requirement.

What does this mean and how will it work? For starters, IGCC Public Version 1.0 is designed as an overlay on existing I-Codes, using familiar approaches seen in the International Building Code and elsewhere. For example, our chapter on energy establishes the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the baseline. Next, it includes the ability to customize the code beyond the baseline through the selection of jurisdictional requirements. Further, jurisdictions can dictate to project designers the number of project electives available for further customization.

The IGCC is written to be adaptable to local needs and goals, in language that is useable and enforceable. Take a look at the IGCC through ICC’s free download on www.iccsafe.org — use it now as a resource tool, and comment on it as ICC moves through the code development process.

Public Comments on Version 1.0 Now Viewable

The public comments submitted by the March 14, 2010 deadline to IGCC PV 1.0 are posted. The link is: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/Comments0810.aspx.

The comments are posted in a single file as well as by chapter. Under “Complete Document”, there is a separate file entitled “IGCC Public Hearing Introduction” which notes that there will be an introductory session at 7:30 pm on Friday, August 13^th for the hearing attendees to discuss the hearing logistics and procedures. Also in that file is hotel information, the hearing schedule, the hearing procedures and the tentative order of discussion. As you can see by the schedule and order of discussion (which identifies comment volume), it will be very busy week during the hearing period of August 14 – 22.

Code Review Committee

This committee shall consist of not less than five (5) members appointed by the President to review and report on any existing or proposed ICC code provisions.

For more information about this committee:  Glenn Moore at gmoore@montpelier-vt.org

This Website is maintained by the ICC Building Safety Association of Vermont under the direction of it’s Board of Directors. For any questions contact the webmaster.

Important Vermont Code Information:

For information regarding Vermont building codes and regulations, please contact the Div. of Fire Safety at 802-479-7561 or 800-640-2106 (http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/safety_code.htm).

For information regarding Vermont energy codes, please contact the Div. of Public Service at 802-828-2811 or Consumer Hot Line: 800-622-4496 (http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_energyefficiency.html; http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy-efficiency/ee_resbuildingstandards.html ).

Vermont Code References:

The following information is maintained by the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire Safety Division (http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire) and is provided here for convenience.  Confirm current data before completing construction documents.

For a listing of Minimum Ground Snow Loads Listed by Town, click here.  For a graphic/map version, click on the image below.

Other Vermont Code Information can be found in the following documents:

VT Fire & Building Safety Code 2006, effective 6-15-2009

Side-by-Side Outline Comparison of 2005 and 2008 VT Fire & Building Safety Code

VT Fire & Building Safety Code 2005

VT Residential Building Energy Code Handbook, Edition 2.0, Sept. 2004

 

Working to improve public health and safety throughout Vermont —

An ICC Professional Chapter since March 2009

ICC Building Safety Association of Vermont