Green Construction Code Expected to Increase Energy Efficiency, Reduce Carbon Footprint for Commercial Structures

The International Code Council, American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International Launch Development of Safe and Sustainable Green Code

WHAT: On Monday (June 29), the International Code Council will announce the launch of its International Green Construction Code (IGCC) initiative, applicable to new and existing, traditional and high-performance commercial buildings. To kick off this multi-year initiative, entitled “IGCC: Safe and Sustainable by the Book,” the Code Council will host a launch event and media availability at its headquarters in Washington D.C.

WHY: The IGCC initiative will develop the first model green construction code addressing new and existing commercial buildings with a focus on increasing building performance. Results of the increased building performance driven by IGCC implementation are expected to include: increased efficiency in use of energy, water, materials and resources; improved indoor environment quality; education for building owners and facility managers; and a reduction in overall carbon emissions.

WHO: Code Council Chief Executive Officer Richard P. Weiland and Board President Adolf Zubia will discuss the initiative, joined by AIA CEO Christine McEntee and ASTM International President James Thomas. The event will host leaders from the building safety and sustainability communities, including representatives from the U.S. Green Building Council, the Green Buildings Initiative, federal officials, legislative representatives and other public interest groups

WHEN: Monday, June 29, 2009, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern).

WHERE: The rooftop of the LEED-certified National Association of Realtors Building, site of the Council’s Headquarters, 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW. The building is located between E and F Streets, NW on New Jersey Avenue, NW, between the Judiciary Square and Union Station Metro stops on the Red Line.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: For security purposes, if you plan to attend the event please try to RSVP by noon on Monday (June 29) by email to: nsaunders@iccsafe.org.

STORY IDEAS: How will the new code impact commercial buildings which are responsible for consuming approximately 40% of energy used and produce about the same amount of the nation’s carbon emissions?
What impact will this code have on commercial buildings in your readers’/viewers’/listeners’ areas?
How can the consumer advocate for greener buildings within their own community and adoption of the new green code?

CONTACT: Steve Daggers, 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 4212, (708) 351-8880 (cell), SDaggers@IccSafe.org, www.iccsafe.org