WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Code Council recently announced that Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law legislation passed by the state’s General Assembly adopting the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) as an optional requirement for new construction. Maryland’s adoption of the IGCC, effective in March 2012, will apply to all commercial buildings as well as residential properties more than three stories high. The IGCC is a tool designed for jurisdictions to adopt into laws reducing the environmental impact of construction projects while keeping construction safety measures intact and enforceable.
“We applaud Maryland’s leadership in adopting an adaptable, affordable and enforceable code that will set the standard for safe and sustainable buildings throughout the state,” ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland said.
The Building Codes—International Green Construction Code Act (HB 972)—which was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and enacted into law by Governor O’Malley, authorizes the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development to adopt the IGCC, while allowing local jurisdictions to make amendments to the IGCC under certain conditions as long as the local amendment is adopted in accordance with applicable local law.
“Adopting green building codes and standards is a prudent way for Maryland’s jurisdictions to demonstrate their commitment to a more sustainable and safe future,” said Delegate Dana Stein, the legislation’s sponsor. “The International Green Construction Code is coordinated with several related I-Codes used for construction throughout the state.”
The Code Council expects several more state and local adoptions of the IGCC within the next few months. The code’s cooperating sponsors are the American Institute of Architects (AIA), ASTM International, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society ( IES).
