Green and Advanced Codes

A white paper published by the USGBC (updated May 2011), this report discusses the importance of codes and the need for further code development.  Argues that as building codes advance they must incorporate green building practices, thus driving the stringency of LEED certification to advance beyond net zero energy and impact.  Additionally, the report discusses recent advances in building and energy codes including the IGCC, as well as how these codes can be implemented in the future.

This two-page policy brief is an extension of the Greening the Codes white paper that intends to more succinctly answer the question that policymakers so often ask; “How are green building codes and LEED intended to be used as policy levers?” That we’ve seen a series of “voluntary adoptions” of the IGCC adds more confusion than clarity, since codes by their very nature are mandatory minimums. USGBC actively promotes that jurisdictions consider weaving green building codes into existing regulatory minimums. But a raised floor is still a floor all the same, and beyond-code leadership with LEED remains an important piece of the green building policy puzzle. This leadership is best demonstrated by commitments for public buildings and incentives for the private sector to step above and beyond. (From: USGBC Blog)

A summary of the Commercial Buildings Initiative (CBI) to achieve Net-Zero Energy Buildings by 2025.

This presentation from the Department of Energy's Technical Assistance Program covers stretch codes as a possible above-code policy for State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as well as Massachusett's experience with the state's 120.AA stretch code. It also covers the above codes ASHRAE Standard 189.1 and the California Green Standards Code (CalGreen).