How much will the new International Green Construction Code impact projects?

The US Green Building Council, Maryland Chapter hosted a seminar to review the new International Green Construction Code recently approved by the Maryland Legislature. Maryland has been identified as a leading state in development of Certified LEED Buildings and now the first state to enable local governments to implement the code. The use of the International Green Building Code is voluntary—not mandated by the State—nor intended to be. Unique to this code is the flexibility provided to the jurisdictions to select portions most applicable to the conditions in their region. The code is LEED based in format with sections that resemble the categories for sustainable design.  Presented with this background information some professionals are of the opinion that the code will replace the LEED certification process.  This is not the case.  LEED certification requirements will continue to raise the bar for more energy efficient and carbon neutral buildings. For example, the code will establish a higher standard base line for building performance with a 30% increase to energy efficiency requirement over the present energy performance standards. For design professionals the question is, what impact will this code have on my project and will it help me to obtain LEED certification? Or will my clients forgo the expense of certification and just want to meet code?

Please visit www.usgbcmd.org to learn more about the International Green Construction Code

Stephen Burdette, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Vice President, Architecture

Steve is a USGBC Maryland Chapter Board Member and serves on the Northern Chesapeake Branch Steering Committee.  He is also the coordinator for WBCM’s LEED AP and Sustainable Design Initiative.