Streamlining Green Buildings: USGBC, ASHRAE, ICC, IES, and AIA Collaborate on a Single Code

In an unprecedented commitment to cooperation, the International Code Council (ICC), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), and ASHRAE are collaborating on the next editions of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), ASHRAE Standard 189.1, and the LEED standard.

The organizations say the effort should encourage the construction of more sustainable buildings. 

“Different partners have different strengths,” says IES director of technology Rita Harrold. “Our organizations working together will result in harmonization of technical, administrative and compliance expertise to produce a single green code, simplifying the choice among design and code options for the using community.”

ASHRAE is revising Standard 189.1, the Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The goal is to incorporate it with IgCC into one regulatory tool. Another goal is to align that document with LEED. The effort will make compliance and building to green standards easier, the groups say.

The ICC, along with cooperating sponsors AIA and ASTM International, develops the model code for green buildings. The code is intended to be administered by code officials and adopted by governments at any level on a mandatory basis.

The LEED program will also be revised to more closely align with the other groups’ codes and standards.