The International Code Council said it has launched its International Green Construction Code initiative, which will reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. Entitled “IGCC: Safe and Sustainable by the Book,” ICC said the initiative is committed to develop a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings. It will focus on building design and performance. The ICC included a number of key organizations during its announcement, including noting special roles for the American Institute of Architects and ASTM as cooperating sponsors for the project. 
   “We believe the time has come for us to develop a code that will stand as a useful and credible regulatory framework for creating a greener commercial building stock,” said ICC CEO Richard Weiland. “We applaud and plan to utilize the good work of those who have developed systems, guidelines and standards to address green buildings.”

   The first public meetings of the Sustainable Building Technology Committee are scheduled for July 28-30, at the Wyndham O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Ill. The meetings of the SBTC are open meetings with meeting dates posted on www.iccsafe.org/IGCC. For more information on supporting publications and services for green activities, please review the Code Council’s green pages on the Web.