Green Codes

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Green buildings represent a holistic, eco-conscious approach to construction that encourages energy efficiency, water conservation, resource management, renewable energy sources, occupant health, and environmental stewardship. Green codes lead a path towards more sustainable communities by mandating all new buildings be constructed using these principles that encourage the construction of green buildings. According to BCAP's National Listing of Above Code, High Performance, and Green Building Programs, to date, over 275 cities, counties, and states have adopted some level of green codes.

In response to broad public concern over resource depletion and climate change, many states and municipalities are adopting building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier, and environmentally sustainable buildings. By promoting credible and practical green building approaches for both residential and commercial construction, green codes are transforming the way city planners examine their communities.

Most green codes focus on issues such as water and energy conservation, building materials, site location, environmental effects, life-cycle considerations, and air quality issues. Some green codes encourage investment in pedestrian infrastructure, proximity to public transit, and reduction in stormwater through an increase in pervious surfaces.

A majority of local ordinances draw elements from the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Environment and Energy Design (LEED) and often state a minimum certification level that buildings must achieve. In some jurisdictions, only government-owned buildings are required to meet green code standards.

In 2008, the International Codes Council (ICC) and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) developed the ICC 700, also known as the National Green Building Standard, which provides guidelines to "green" building practices that can be incorporated into new construction, including single and multifamily buildings and remodeled homes. Like the USGBC’s LEED for Homes, the National Green Building Standard also has a point-based rating system. Currently, both the American Society of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the ICC are developing green standards for commercial buildings. Both of these publications will greatly assist states and jurisdictions by allowing the adoption of a nationally developed standard in codified language.

Most green codes incorporate energy efficiency requirements that are significantly more stringent than the national model energy code. Also known as “advanced codes,” “reach codes,” or “stretch codes,” these energy efficiency provisions help to transform the marketplace and shape the development of future model codes by bringing high performing buildings into the mainstream. In this way, green codes represent an important means to achieving climate goals set by many states and municipalities, as well as addressing the rising cost of energy.