AIA issue brief: International Green Construction Code
Safe and Sustainable by the Book
Just as construction practices have evolved over time, so have the regulations that govern the design, construction, and occupation of the built environment. Many elements that used to be considered best practices are now codified as minimally acceptable construction practices.
The American Institute of Architects supports the development and adoption of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), which provides model code language for states and municipalities to establish baseline sustainable design requirements for new and existing buildings, including, but not limited to energy and water use efficiency; materials and resource use; indoor environmental quality; building impacts on the environment; site design; and sustainable building owner/facility management education.
The AIA urges state and local government leaders to support legislative and regulatory measures authorizing adoption and enforcement of the IgCC in their respective jurisdictions.[Quote end]
Architects are typically the responsible design professionals, with a corresponding duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both building occupants and the public. The AIA represents the profession on these important issues by supporting member architects’ participation in the code development and adoption processes.
Issue briefs are an important tool the AIA uses to provide guidance on public policies. The Codes Advocacy Program creates these resources to educate its architect members, the state and local components that serve them, and the policymakers to whom they advocate.