Overview of the IgCC

Code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date code governing the impact of buildings and structures on the environment. The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is designed to meet this need through model code regulations that contain clear and specific requirements with provisions that promote safe and sustainable construction in an integrated fashion with the ICC Family of Codes.

This comprehensive green code establishes minimum regulations for building systems and site considerations using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is intended to be an overlay code to be used with, and is fully compatible with, the Family of International Codes.

Benefits of the IgCC:

• This code has been developed in collaboration with Cooperating Sponsors:
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • ASTM International
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
  • U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

• The IgCC is fully coordinated with the family of I-Codes to ensure provisions are applied and enforced in a manner that does not compromise safety.
• The IgCC is the first model code that includes sustainability measures for the entire construction project and its site—from design through construction, certificate of occupancy and beyond.
• Provisions of the IgCC encourage the use of new and smarter technological advances.
• The IgCC references nationally developed consensus standards.
• The publication also contains ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings as an alternative path of compliance.

The IgCC is known for:

• Sustainable Construction – The IgCC provides a vehicle for jurisdictions to regulate green for the design and performance of new and renovated buildings in a manner that is integrated with existing codes, allowing buildings to reap the rewards of improved design and construction practices.
• Ease of Use – The IgCC uses the same easy-to-use format provided in all I-Codes.
• Embrace of New Technology – The IgCC provides the building industry with language that both broadens and strengthens building codes in a way that will accelerate the construction of high performance, green buildings.
• Correlation – The IgCC is specifically correlated to work with ICC's family of codes.
• Open and Honest Code Development Process – The IgCC is revised on a three year cycle through ICC's highly-respected consensus code development processthat draws upon the expertise of hundreds of sustainable construction, plumbing, building and safety experts from across North America.

Code Development

Current Version: 2015 IgCC

• Click here to purchase the 2015 IgCC, released in June 2015.

Upcoming Version: 2018 IgCC Development

The International Green Construction Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for building professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.

• Click here for the 2018 Code Development Schedule.
• Click here for cdpACCESS. Learn more about ICC's new web-based code development process called cdpACCESS.