Architects Announce Guide to International Green Construction Code

Washington, D.C. – May 17, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today introduced the first overview guide on how architects can implement in their practice the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), which was introduced in March by the International Code Council (ICC).

The guide, entitled simply, “Guide to the IgCC,” www.aia.org/igcc is meant as a one-stop-shop document exclusively for AIA-member architects working in jurisdictions where the IgCC is adopted or soon will be. The announcement was made on the opening day of the AIA’s 2012 National Convention here.

“For architects to begin implementing and advocating for a code as far-ranging and complex as the IgCC, they need a document that covers everything about it,” said AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA. “The IgCC Guide should be part of every architect’s client tool-kit going forward.”

Getting the IgCC adopted in all 50 states and in jurisdictions across the country is the primary mission of the ICC, which published the code in March. However, the AIA has taken a leadership position in advocating for the code. This guide is but another initiative in the AIA’s effort to make the IgCC commonplace in the talent toolkit architects bring to the market.

“This guide is the product of countless hours of review and vetting,” said Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA and head of the AIA’s IgCC Task Force. “It is the product of weeks of input from some of the best minds at the AIA and within the profession. I know it will be of tremendous help to architects.”

Among the areas covered by the AIA’s IgCC Guide:

• A comprehensive overview of the IgCC;
• A backgrounder on the IgCC’s genesis and a history of environmental advocacy by the AIA;
• A closer look at energy and energy modeling;
  A chapter-by-chapter summary of the IgCC;
• An entire chapter on how to lobby state and local governments to adopt the IgCC.

“We commend the AIA for undertaking this significant effort to educate its membership and the Architectural profession as a whole about the IgCC, a new code which we expect will have a dramatic and positive effect on the design of safe and sustainable structures,” said Richard P. Weiland, ICC Chief Executive Officer. “This guide should serve as the handbook for any architect focused on high-performance building.”

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. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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John Schneidawind
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