History of the IgCC

IgCC Code Development

Several years ago ICC recognized the need for a mandatory baseline of codes addressing green commercial construction. At the time, local and state jurisdictions were experimenting with "substitute codes" and there was an increasing desire for a regulatory framework specific to green commercial construction. The International Green Construction Code™, was designed to meet new market needs through model code regulations that promote safe and sustainable construction in an integrated fashion with the ICC Family of Codes.

In 2009 ICC's Board of Directors approved a motion stating its "Intent to Initiate a Code Development Project" regarding a green code for commercial and high-performance buildings. Staff then convened a focus group of leading industry experts in Green Building. Based on focus group participant input and public comment, in May 2009, the Board voted to move forward with the development of the new code.

The ICC Board of Directors created the Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC) to draft the IgCC and submit it for public comment in the spring of 2010. The SBTC was formed as a broad based committee representing a balance of interests and was composed of 29 individuals from public, private and nonprofit sectors with an expertise in disciplines critical to the topics in the International Green Construction Code. The intent was to develop a comprehensive set of regulations for green building systems consistent and coordinated with the I-Codes. The SBTC was supported by Work Group participants, public meeting attendees and ICC staff.

ICC collaborated with cooperating sponsors – the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International (ASTM) on the initial development of IgCC Public Version 1.0. AIA and ASTM played a vital role in the development of the IgCC: the AIA presence ensured a focus on their 2030 Carbon Neutrality Goal, while ASTM International, which carries a worldwide reputation as a standards developer, solidified the scientific basis behind the IgCC. ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) joined the ICC/AIA/ASTM team in developing the IgCC. ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2011 is included as an optional path to compliance within the IgCC.

Public Comment hearings for the initial version of the IgCC were held in Chicago, IL in August 2010. The IgCC Public Comment Committee reviewed and voted on proposed revisions to Version 1.0, moving development to Version 2.0, issued in November 2010.