Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards—developed by the U.S. Green Building Council—already exist, but an effective more user-friendly set of codes or guidelines that provide a framework for integrating sustainability into new building construction or renovation efforts are the logical next step in bringing energy-efficiency or green building standards to a wider market. From Talk Radio News Service:

The creation of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), a framework to measure sustainable building development, construction and use, was announced today by International Code Council CEO Richard Weiland, during a press conference atop the roof of the National Association of Realtors building.

The ‘Safe, Sustainable and by the Book’ IGC Code, which is expected to be completed by April 2010, will add sustainable initiatives to existing construction codes. The code in the works will also provide a routine set of guidelines that will be easy for local and state governments to implement for the creation and renovation of green buildings.

The IGCC will also aid in the reduction of a buildings carbon emissions, said American Institute of Architects CEO Christine McEntee.

“Buildings are the largest source of energy consumption and green house gas emissions in America. [In the U.S.] buildings consume about 40% of the energy produced and also produce the same percent of carbon emissions,” said McEntee.

“We are encouraged by the desire of our government and many across the United States and around the world to move forward in ways that will acknowledge how design, engineering, construction management and enforcement can create a greener america and a greener globe,” said Weiland.