For Immediate Release: Monday, October 3, 2016
County Executive Ike Leggett has moved forward with adoption of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (“IGCC”) which establishes base requirements for sustainable construction. Adoption of the IGCC follows extensive review, outreach and comment.
Adoption of the IGCC, which does not apply to houses, will require buildings and additions 5000 square feet and larger to be designed and constructed to reduce energy consumption, meet construction and demolition waste reduction targets, and mitigate heat island effects that occur when building and pavement surfaces absorb, retain and reflect heat. Projects will also be required to commit to conservation electives to reduce impacts on the environment as a result of development. The number of required conservation electives relates to the size of the building.
The IGCC builds on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code adopted by the County as of August 3, 2015. Both codes are very positive steps forward for Montgomery County towards implementing goals of the Montgomery County Climate Protection Plan. These codes will also result in lower energy costs for consumers as buildings use less energy.
The IGCC Regulations, which were sent on September 28, 2016, are now before the Montgomery County Council for its review.
As the IGCC sets a higher performance baseline than the current Green Buildings Law it is intended to take the place of the Green Building Law. Builders, owners and developers may still choose to have their buildings certified at LEED standards for added value and benefit.
The IGCC is an umbrella code and covers areas of land use planning, water conservation, material conservation, energy conservation and emission reduction, indoor environmental air quality, etc. Consistent with streamlining efforts, Executive Regulation 21-15 applies the IGCC in areas over which the Department of Permitting Services has authority.
The IGCC will capture more buildings and move Montgomery County beyond the progress it has made under the existing Green Building Law which, as of Spring 2016, resulted in 142 LEED certified buildings since 2007.
This new code is a necessary investment for Montgomery County’s future. By reducing the carbon footprint left by our built environment, it will make the county’s communities greener and more sustainable and leave a more lasting legacy for future generations. For more information about the benefits of the proposed Executive Regulation contact Hemal Mustafa at 240-777-6226.
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