As of last week, Maryland became the first state in the country to authorize the full adoption of the International Green Construction Code 2012 (IGCC). Rhode Island had previously adopted an earlier version IGCC specifically for public buildings. While an overall boon for the provision of "a regulatory framework to make green building an everyday practice and addresses issues such as energy use efficiency, environmental impact and site design," statewide adoption of the IGCC could be seen as a potential threat to the future of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED influence on green building.
Interestingly enough, USBGC is one of a myriad of developers of the IGCC, alongside the American Institute of Architects (AIA); ASTM International; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and the Illuminating Engineering Society. In the long run, Maryland's codification of green construction across the state is far more important than an IGCC vs. LEED battle for market share.
As we look to include UMD's WaterShed house, a Solar Decathlon 2011 finalist, into our UC proposal, we should also look to the steps the state of Maryland is taking to formalize a green built environment. Incorporating this message - particularly the fact that our state government has been proactive in adopting official measures to ensure a reduced carbon footprint - can only strengthen our proposal.
>> HB 972: Building Codes – International Green Construction Code
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