southeastern regional building commissioner’s association overview of the international green...

Southeastern Regional Building Commissioner’s Association

Overview of the International Green Construction Code

(IgCC)

Doug Connell

International Code Council

September 2011

What is the IgCC? An Adoptable, Useable and

Enforceable code Intended to reduce the

negative impacts of the built environment on the natural environment

Addresses Conservation of:

Natural resources Materials Energy Water

Air & indoor environmental quality

Owner education

Scope and IntentConsistent and coordinated with

the ICC family of Codes & Standards

Applicable to the construction of New and existing buildingsAll buildings other than

residential buildings under the scope of the IRC

Intended to be enforced primarily by building officials – a system already in place nation wide

Intended to drive green building into everyday practice

IgCC Concepts The IgCC is not a rating system,

nor is it intended to replace them.

The IgCC is code which is intended to be adopted on mandatory basis.

Unlike most rating systems, the IgCC primarily consists of minimum mandatory requirements, just as other I-Codes.

How should we compare green and sustainable codes, standards, rating systems and programs?

Building by building?

- Or -

By their ability to be adopted on a mandatory basis in all regions and potential overall reduction of negative environmental impacts?

What should the intent of a green code or program be?

To make a few buildings very green?

- Or -

To have as large a positive impact and as little a negative impact as possible on the total natural environment? Not just local, not just the U.S., but the entire planet.

IgCC Concepts

IgCC ConceptsBecause the IGCC is intended

to apply to both private sector and government owned buildings on a mandatory basis – it

Raises the floor of sustainability for all commercial buildings.

Positions the IGCC to achieve environmental benefits on a massive scale – a scale not possible with voluntary rating systems.

Provides many detailed prescriptive requirements, as well as performance targets, which are quantified and enforceable.

Does not award innovation without merit or the implementation of theories without real world value.

Contains many detailed requirements, including: Gray water system details Irrigation system details Rainwater catchment system

details Actual energy provisions

IgCC: Detailedand Comprehensive

7

Chapter Topics1: Administration

2: Definitions

3: Requirements determined by the jurisdiction and project electives

4: Site development & land use

5: Materials resource efficiency

6: Energy conservation and efficiency

7: Water conservation and efficiency

Chapter Topics 8: Indoor environmental quality

9: Commissioning, operation and maintenance

10: Existing buildings 11: Existing building sites 12: Referenced standards Appendices

A: Optional Ordinance B: Greenhouse Gas Reductions in

Existing Buildings C: Sustainability Measures D: Enforcement Procedures

SCOPE New and existing

construction All buildings other than those

covered by the IRC

The IgCC is an overlay code.

Compliance enforced as part of other applicable codes.

References other I-Codes IBC, IFGC, IMC, IPC, IPMC,

IFC, IWUIC, ICCPC, IEBC, IZC.

.

Chapter 1

Administration

10

Does not circumvent the requirements of other codes, but often exceeds them.

Regulates sustainable aspects of construction not covered by other codes.

Regulates the impact of the built environment on the natural environment.

Chapter 1

Administration

11

Shares some definitions which are common to other International codes.

Primarily provides definitions unique to the IgCC.

Examples: Approved Approved Agency Building Commissioning Construction Documents Control Daylight Control Occupant Sensor Control

Chapter 2

Definitions

12

Demand Response, Automated

Energy Management and Control System

Registered Designer in Responsible Charge

Sequence of Operation

Chapter 2

Definitions

13

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA).

A technique to evaluate the relevant energy and material consumed and environmental emissions associated with the entire life of a building, product, process, material, component, assembly, activity or service.

Chapter 3 is unique in that the focus will be on stringency of the entire document as adopted by the jurisdiction.

Focus is on adoptability through flexibility of the document to coordinate with the local jurisdictions environmental goals and specific regional geography.

Four (4) major components of Ch 3:

1. Jurisdictional Requirements.

2. Option to adopt ASHRAE Standard 189.1 (Replaces IGCC Chapters 4 through 12)

3. Project Electives.

4. Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Project Elective.

Chapter 3

15

Chapter 3 – Jurisdictional Requirements Allows jurisdictions to make choices

which: 1. Can tailor the code to address

environmental concerns of a local nature. 2. Respond to environmentally related local

political agendas.3. Apply to all buildings constructed in the

jurisdiction.4. Determine whether certain provisions will

be enforced.

Internal document confidential information for ICC

IgCC Table 302.1 allows regional choices, similar in concept to Table R302.1(1) in the IRC.

Allows jurisdictions to make choices for higher levels of stringency by:

Determining whether certain provisions will be enforced in the jurisdiction. (Typically yes or no answers.)

Decisions made in Table 302.1 apply to all buildings constructed in the jurisdiction.

Many of the choices in Table 302.1 may pose risks for certain jurisdictions. (Thus they may pose a barrier to adoption in some regions and are not mandatory for all jurisdictions.)

Table 302.1

Jurisdictional Requirements

22 Choices affecting Chapters 4 through 10

17

402.2.6 Greenfields Yes No

403.4.1 High occupancy vehicle parking Yes No

403.4.2 Low emission, hybrid and electric vehicle parking Yes No

405.1 Light pollution control Yes No

CH 5. MATERIAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY

502.1 Enhanced construction material and waste management Yes No

502.1 Minimum percentage of waste material diverted from landfills - Select a percentage only where “Yes” is selected in the previous row.

50% 65%

CH 6. ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EARTH ATMOSPHERIC QUALITY

602.1,602.3,602.3.2,302.1.1

Enhanced energy performance - for buildings pursuing performance based compliance and buildings greater than 25,000 square feet in total building floor area

Yes No

Table 602.1,302.1,302.1.1

TANEU of Jurisdictional Choice - Where “Yes” is selected in the previous row, the jurisdiction shall indicate a TANEU of 63 or less in Table 602.1 for each occupancy for which it intends to require enhanced energy performance

See Table 602.1 and Section 302.1

18

Table 302.1 Requirements Determined by the

Jurisdiction

Allows owners and design professionals to make choices which: Encourage and drive the

construction of buildings which exceed the already stringent minimum requirements of the code.

Encourage practices which are difficult to mandate.

Adds a degree of flexibility to the code.

Jurisdiction determines minimum number that must be satisfied in Table 302.1.

Owner chooses which electives will be complied with on a project by project basis.

Table 303.1

Project Electives

52 Electives affecting Chapters 4 through 8

19

Table 303.1Project Electives Checklist

Section Description Check the corresponding box to indicate each project elective selected.

CH 3. JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROJECT ELECTIVES

304.1 Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment

CH 4. SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE

407.2.1 Flood hazard avoidance

407.2.2 Agricultural land

407.2.3 Infill site

407.2.4 Brownfield site

407.2.5 Greenfield development

407.2.6 Greenfield proximity to development

407.2.7 Greenfield proximity to diverse uses

407.3.1 Changing and shower facilities 20

407.3.2 Long term bicycle parking and storage

407.3.3 Preferred parking

407.4.1 Site hardscape 1



407.4.4 Roof covering

407.5 Light pollution

CH 5. MATERIAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY

507.2 Waste management (502.1 + 20%)

507.3(1) Reused, recycled content, recyclable, bio-based and indigenous materials (50%)

507.3(2) Reused, recycled content, recyclable, bio-based and indigenous materials (80%)

(2 Electives)

507.4(1) Multi-story building – footprint reduced by at least 45%

21

Table 303.1 - Project Electives Checklist

CH 7. WATER RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY

710.2.1 Fixture flow rates are one tier above that required by Table 302.1

710.2.1 Fixture flow rates are two tiers above that required by Table 302.1.

(2 Electives)

710.3 On-site wastewater treatment

710.4 Non-potable outdoor water supply

710.5 Non-potable water for plumbing fixture flushing

710.6 Automatic fire sprinkler system

710.7 Non-potable water supply to fire pumps

710.8 Non-potable water for industrial process makeup water

710.9 Efficient hot water distribution system

710.10 Non-potable water for cooling tower makeup water

710.11 Graywater collection 22

Table 303.1 - Project Electives Checklist

Even where adopted in its baseline/minimum form (where no project electives are selected and only “No” boxes checked), the IgCC is poised to produce significant environmental benefits. No longer must mandatory

green building requirements be limited to government buildings.

Chapter 3

Jurisdictional Requirements

Project Electives

Whole Building LCA Project Elective

23

Chapter 4

Site Development and Land Use

Preservation of Natural Resources

Protection by area: e.g. floodplains, conservation areas, park lands, agricultural lands, greenfields.

Site design and development requirements: Pre-design site inventory and

assessment Stormwater management, Landscape irrigation systems, Management of vegetation and soils Erosion control

Site waste management plan.

Chapter 4

Site Development& Land Use

Transportation impact. Walkways and bicycle paths Changing and shower facilities Bicycle parking and storage Vehicle parking

Heat island mitigation. Site hardscape Roof coverings

Light pollution mitigation.

Detailed site development requirements. Subsurface graywater irrigation systems Vegetation and soil protection Soil reuse and restoration Landscape, soil and water quality protection plan Vegetative roofs

Site & land use project electives.

IgCC Chapter 5Material Resource Conservation

and Efficiency

Chapter 5

Material Resource Conservation and Efficiency

Material and Waste Management Waste management plan for

construction phase Post occupancy recycling

areas must be shown on plans.

Materials and their properties. 55% of materials used in every

project must be any combination of the following Used, Recycled, recycleabe, Bio-based or Indigenous.

Chapter 5

Material Resource Conservation and Efficiency

Lamps: Limits mercury content in lamps

Service Life: Building service life plan to be included in construction documents. Not less than 25 years.

Storage and handling of materials.

Moisture Control: Requires specific inspection of foundation drainage systems, damproofing and waterproofing, flashings and roof coverings.

Strawbale construction.

Material related project electives.

IgCC Chapter 6:Energy Conservation, Efficiency &

Atmospheric Quality

Chapter 6

Energy Conservation, Efficiency and Atmospheric Quality

Buildings > 25,000 sq. ft. must use the performance based compliance path Uses Zero Energy Performance

Index (zEPI) concept – encourages use of renewable energy, cogeneration and zero net energy buildings.

Buildings < 25,000 sq. ft. may use any of the following :

Performance based path Prescriptive based path Energy Use Intensity (EUI) path

Must be in top 10% of EPA’s Target Finder Program

Outcome based path Estimated energy use relative to

actual energy use, based on a 12 month period after C of O.

Chapter 6


Major section topics: Energy performance and

peak power. Atmospheric impacts –

reduced CO2e emissions. Metering, monitoring and

reporting. Auto-Demand/Response

strategies. Building envelope

systems.

Chapter 6


Major section topics (cont.): Mechanical and Svc Water

Heating systems Electrical power and

lighting Appliances and equipment Renewable energy. Commissioning and

maintenance. Energy related project

electives.

IgCC Chapter 7:Water Resource Conservation and Efficiency

Chapter 7

Water ResourceConservation & Efficiency

Ch 7 major section topics:

Plumbing systems and conservation measures.

Landscaping and irrigation – addressed in Chapter 4.

Specific water savings measures.

Use of grey water, rain collection and storage.

35

Chapter 7

Water Resource Conservation & Efficiency

Ch 7 major section topics (cont.):

Fixtures, fittings, equipment & appliances

HVAC systems and equipment efficiency

Water treatment system efficiency

Specific topics (e.g. Submetering, fountains)

Nonpotable water use

Alternative water sources

Chapter 8

Indoor Environmental Quality

Chapter 8 major section topics:

Building construction features, operations & maintenance

HVAC system requirements

Construction phase emissions and pollution control, HVAC flush out

Asbestos use prevention

Material emissions & pollutant control

IAQ measures

Sound transmission

Views to exterior and daylighting

IgCC Chapter 9:Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance

Chapter 9 major section topics:

Pre-Occupancy inspections and testing.

Owner or tenant post occupancy operations.

Commissioning.

Building maintenance.

Education of building users.

Chapter 9

Commissioning,Operation & Maintenance

38

BUILDING COMMISSIONING

A process that verifies and documents that the selected building systems have been designed, installed, and function according to the owner’s project requirements and construction documents, and to minimum code requirements except as noted herein.

APPROVED

Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.

APPROVED AGENCY

An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing commissioning services, where such agency has been approved.

REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE

A registered design professional engaged by the owner to review and coordinate certain aspects of the project, as determined by the building official, for compatibility with the design of the building or structure, including submittal documents prepared by others, deferred submittal documents and phased submittal documents.

Section 902Approved Agency

902.1.1 Independence. An approved agency shall be objective, competent and independent from the contractor responsible for the work being inspected. The agency shall also disclose possible conflicts of interest so that objectivity can be confirmed.

Independence

Equipment

Personnel

Internal document confidential information for

ICC

Section 902Approved Agency

902.1.2 Equipment. An approved agency shall have adequate equipment to perform the required commissioning. The equipment shall be periodically calibrated.

902.1.3 Personnel. An approved agency shall employ experienced personnel educated in conducting, supervising and evaluating tests and commissioning.

Independence

Equipment

Personnel

Internal document confidential information for

ICC

Modeled after Special inspections criteria

in Chapter 17 of the IBC and

Commissioning criteria found in the IECC

Table 903.1 – Commissioning Plan List of items for which

commissioning is required or encouraged

Contains columns which distinguish between pre-occupancy and post-occupancy commissioning

Commissioning requirements extend well beyond the energy realm, including site, materials and water, etc.

Section 903 Commissioning

44

903.1.1 Pre occupancy report

The approved agency shall furnish commissioning reports.

Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of occupancy, a final commisioning report shall be submitted to and accepted by the code official.


Pre commissioning report

45

903.1.2 Post occupancy report

Post occupancy reports required.

Within 30 months of the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy a post commissioning report shall be submitted to the owner and made available to the code official.


Post commissioning report

46


Construction or System requiring Verification

Pre Occ.

PostOcc. Method

Occurrence

Section/Ref. Std.Pre Occ. Post Occ.

Chapter 4: Site development and land use

Landscape irrigation systems X None Field inspection Installation None

402.3.3406.6

Vegetative Roofs and Terraces X X

Field inspection and report

Installation of protective membranes, base materials, soils and vegetation 24 months 404.3.2

Site Lighting X NoneTesting and report Installation None 405

TABLE 903.1COMMISSIONING PLAN


Table 903.1 Commissioning Plan (continued)



Pre Occ.

PostOcc. Method

Occurrence


Chapter 6 - Energy

Energy consumption, monitoring, targeting and reporting

a. Monitoring system X NoneInspection and verification

During construction and prior to occupancy None 604

b. Calibration X X

Testing and review and evaluation or test reports

During commissioning Annually 604, 611

Mechanical systems completion – all buildings

a. Air system balancing – provide the means for system balancing X None

Inspection and verification

During construction and prior to occupancy None

612.1.2.1 and

through reference to IECC

b. Hydronic system balancing – provide means for system balancing X None

Inspection and verification

During construction and prior to occupancy None

612.1.2.2 and

through reference to IECC

c. Duct system testing

X None Testing, testing report and verification of results

During construction and/or at final inspection.

None613.5.3 and through reference to the IECC




Pre Occ.

PostOcc. Method

Occurrence


Chapter 6 – Energy (continued)d. Mechanical system manuals – construction documents to require O&M manual

X None Verification of construction documents

Plan review None 612.1.5.2

Mechanical systems – buildings over 5,000 square feet total building floor area

a. Commissioning required and noted in plans and specifications

X None Verification of construction documents

Plan review None 612.1

b. Documentation of required commissioning outcomes

X None Verification with the building owner

Subsequent to completion of all commissioning activities

None 612.1

TABLE 903.1COMMISSIONING PLAN (continued)



Pre Occ.

PostOcc. Method

Occurrence


Chapter 6 – Energy (continued)

Mechanical systems – buildings over 5,000 square feet total building floor area

c. Preparation and availability of a commissioning plan

X None Verification with the RDP or commissioning agent

Between plan review and commissioning initiation

None 612.1.1

d. Balance HVAC systems (both air and hydronic)

X X HVAC system installer/contractor or commissioning agent

After installation of HVAC systems and prior to occupancy

TBD 612.1.2

e. Functional performance testing of HVAC equipment



TBD 612.1.3




Pre Occ.

PostOcc. Method

OccurrenceSection/Ref. Std.Pre Occ. Post Occ.

Chapter 6 – Energy (continued)Mechanical systems – buildings over 5,000 square feet total building floor area

f. Functional performance testing of HVAC controls and control systems



TBD 612.1.3.2

g. Preparation of preliminary commissioning report

None X HVAC system installer/contractor or commissioning agent

None Subsequent to commissioning

612.1.4

h. Acceptance of HVAC systems and equipment/system verification report

None X Building owner None Letter verifying receipt of the commissioning report

612.1.4.1

i. Preparation and distribution of final HVAC system completion - Documentation that construction documents require drawings, manuals, balancing reports and commissioning report be provided to the owner and that they have been provided

None X RDP, contractor or commissioning authority

None 90 days after final certificate of occupancy

612.1.5




Pre Occ.

PostOcc. Method

OccurrenceSection/Ref. Std.Pre Occ. Post Occ.

Chapter 6 - LightingAuto demand reduction control system functionality

X X Functional Testing

Final Inspection

18-24 months 605.4

Plug load controls X None Functional Testing

Final Inspection

None 609.6

Connection of appliances to switched receptacles

X Field Inspection None 18-24 months 609.6

Specified transformer nameplate efficiency rating

X None Field Inspection Final Inspection

None 609.8.1.1

Verification of lamp X X Field Inspection Final Inspection

18-24 months 609.10

Verification of ballast X None Field Inspection Final Inspection

None 609.10

Lighting controlsa. Installation X None Field Inspection Post

InstallationNone 609.11

a. Calibration X X System Installer/Contractor or Commissioning Agent

Post Installation

18-24 months 612.2


Loosely based on the provisions of the IBC for existing buildings: For alterations/renovations:

whatever is changed must meet current IgCC requirements.

Unaltered components can remain as they are.

Additions are treated much like new construction: applicable requirements of the IgCC must be satisfied.

Section 1002.1: Prohibits the construction of additions to buildings in flood hazard areas. Exception: where all

habitable space is located at least 1 foot above flood elevation.

Chapter 10

Existing Buildings

54

Alterations to Existing Buildings: Basic prescriptive

requirements addressing: Leaks Defective equipment and

systems Extensive prescriptive list

limited to 10% of the cost of alterations.

Triggered by any change of occupancy or alteration.

Chapter 10

Existing Buildings

55

For more information and updates check the ICC website

www.iccsafe.org/igcc

Frequently Asked Questions

What about residential properties?

The ICC co-developed the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), otherwise known as ICC 700-2008, with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It is not referenced in the IgCC. Residential buildings that are not covered in the IRC must the IGCC.

Who is supporting the ICC in this effort?

The AIA and ASTM-International are the “Cooperating Sponsors” for this initiative, and as such have an active role in the development process. Other organizations who participated in the development include the U.S. Green Building Council (the purveyor of the LEED rating system), the Green Buildings Initiative (GBI), ASHRAE as well as state and local officials. Well over 100 organizations and individuals participated in the development effort.

Standard 189.1, included as a jurisdictional compliance option, was developed by ASHRAE, USGBC and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Those organizations have now joined in the effort to promote the IGCC.

How does the development process work?

The ICC Board created a Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC) composed of 28 individuals from multiple sectors, to draft Public Version 1.0. The SBTC conducted open meetings around the U.S. between July 2009 and January 2010, creating IGCC Public Version 1.0 as a tool for jurisdictions wishing to develop a code based on the ICC process.

A Public Version 2.0 was released in November 2010 after public comments and hearings. It is published for comments now.

In 2011, Code Development and Final Action Hearings will deliver the 2012 IGCC.

How does the development process work?

This process tracks the development of the other codes in the I-Codes series. Once the 2012 Code is issued, it will be revisited every three years along with the other I-Codes, through the two-hearing process used to update all of the I-Codes.

What is the difference between the IGCC and other systems and standards such as LEED, Green Globes, etc. ?

The IGCC creates a regulatory framework for new and existing commercial and high-performance buildings. Rating systems are not written in the form of enforceable codes, acting as optional approaches, such as awarding points based on the inclusion of certain design elements and other features with the assumption is that the combination and concentration of favored elements will result in a positive environmental impact. The IGCC will build on that foundation to ensure that measurable building performance and an adherence to building safety will be featured in the model code language. It is anticipated that the IGCC will look to existing rating systems and standards as resources in developing the regulatory framework.

How will the IGCC differ from other International Codes such as the International Building Code (IBC)?

One of the values of the IGCC is that it will be designed to coordinate and integrate with existing I-Codes. The IGCC includes various levels for jurisdictions to apply unique “green” requirements to commercial buildings. The IGCC will not replace the IBC but rather can be adopted and used in conjunction with the adopted IBC, as well as all the other I-Codes.

Why is the ICC promoting its Green Construction Code when other options already exist?

The development of a code occurs when there is a clear need indicated from regulators and others in the building safety industry. In the case of the IGCC, there has been an increasing call for an actual code that is clear and enforceable. We have heard this not only from our members in local and state government, but from stakeholders across the spectrum. This is why the AIA and the ASTM have joined the ICC as “Cooperating Sponsors.” For example, architects want a code book that will guide their design activities just like the other I-Codes. The inclusion of ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 provides the jurisdiction the option of using either the IGCC or Standard 189.1.

For more information and updatescheck the ICC website

www.iccsafe.org/igcc

southeastern regional building commissioner’s association overview of the international green...

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