Forty-six ASTM Intl. standards covering various aspects of building construction are cited in the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). Published by the International Code Council (ICC), the new model code addresses the construction and remodeling of residential as well as commercial structures. The IgCC is expected to increase cost savings and job growth while enabling safe and sustainable building design and construction.
ASTM Intl. is one of five cooperating sponsors of the IgCC, along with the American Institute of Architects, ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society. The new green code was developed at public hearings over the last three years with input from code and construction industry professionals, environmental organizations, policymakers and the public.
ASTM green construction standards such as E2399 on green roof systems, C1549 for solar reflectance and E2635 on water conservation in buildings are part of the 2012 code. Thirteen ASTM technical committees have standards referenced in the IgCC, with topics ranging from air quality to thermal insulation. Standards developed by ASTM committees E06 on performance of buildings and E60 on sustainability are well represented in the new green code.
"For over a century, the building community has turned to ASTM for the technical standards fundamental to all aspects of construction projects. By working alongside the ICC, and with the other cooperating sponsors of the green code, ASTM Intl. responded to market demands and regulatory drivers for greener building products and greener buildings," said James A. Thomas, president of ASTM Intl.
The IgCC is the first model code to include sustainability measures for entire construction projects. For both new and existing buildings, it provides model code language related to energy conservation, water efficiency, site impacts, building waste, material resource efficiency and other sustainability measures. Early versions of the IgCC, which were released during the development of the code, already have been put into use by states and jurisdictions.
