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Contact: John Schneidawind
202-626-7457
johnschneidawind@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – June 14, 2010 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) applauded the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ endorsement today of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), a comprehensive set of requirements intended to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the natural environment while maintaining safety standards and increasing long term peak performance.

The Mayors’ Conference endorsement today of the IGCC at its annual meeting is a major expression of support from an organization outside of the building and construction industry. Such resolutions document support for a policy and represent ways for mayors to learn about and support policies nationally that they are free to adopt in their communities. 

“The IGCC needs the backing of leadership within local jurisdictions if it is to have any impact on the carbon footprint of the nation’s building sector, which accounts for almost 40 percent of America’s energy consumption and 72 percent of its electricity use,” said George H. Miller, FAIA, president of the AIA. “This resolution by America’s mayors is a huge step in that direction.”

The Mayors Conference resolution calls on local governments “wishing to take a more holistic approach to incorporating energy efficiency, sustainable community planning and healthy and safe building practices into the codes to adopt the IGCC and consider its Standard 189.1 compliance path as base code in their jurisdiction.”

The IGCC is a document which can be readily used by design professionals, builders and others in the industry. It was created with the intent to be administered by code officials and adopted by governmental units at any level as a tool to establish a green “floor” above which voluntary rating systems can continue to drive the cutting edge of sustainable and safe design.

The IGCC has been developed by the International Code Council (ICC) in association with cooperating sponsors ASTM International (ASTM) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Other organizations have joined the effort, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), producers of the LEED green building rating systems and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) responsible for developing the Standard 189.1 and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code was publicly released in Washington, D.C. on March 15th, 2010. Comments received and testimony presented at the August 14-22 hearings in Chicago will be the basis for Public Version 2.0 of the IGCC, scheduled for release in November 2010.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org