WASHINGTON — On March 27, the International Code Council (ICC) announced the availability of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC), a new model code for constructing and remodeling buildings. According to the ICC, goals of the code include making buildings more efficient, reducing waste, and having a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare. The IgCC will increase the energy-efficiency of structures, while providing direction and oversight of green design and construction, according to the ICC.

“Today, the Code Council and its sponsors announce a new green construction code that will make a contribution toward healthier, lower impact, and more sustainable building practices,” said Richard P. Weiland, CEO of the ICC, which developed the new code. “The International Green Construction Code published today was developed during the last three years with input from code and construction industry professionals, environmental organizations, policy makers and the public. Our community was diligent in developing a code that is not only adoptable, usable and enforceable, but also flexible and adaptable. We expect this new model code, like the family of other ICC Codes, to be adopted across the country and used globally.”