Flash Design

The Green Building Code and Me

Whatever your opinion is about global warming, you cannot ignore the fact that the cost of energy of every kind has gone up and will continue to do so for the foreseeable time to come.  It’s also not difficult to understand how these increases filter into every aspect of the homebuilding business and into the costs of living for the homeowner, specially the cost of heating system and cooling. 

In realism when the entire building process is examined there is no point at which we can afford to not pay attention to methods and practices that save energy. The almost universal terminology for these practices is “going green”. As Kermit, the frog, sang: “it’s not easy being green.”

Last spring, it got a bit easier. The International Code Council has adopted the National Green Building Standard ICC-700. The standard’s rating system allows builders, designers and communities to choose the levels of high-performance green buildings that best suit their needs. Key provisions include:

    * Land conservation

    * Rainwater collection

    * Construction of smaller homes to conserve resources

    * Energy performance start at 15 portion above the baseline requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code

    * The use of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials and detached garages or carports to improve indoor environmental calibre

• Homeowner education on proper maintenance and operation to maintain its green status throughout its life cycle

Training on ICC-700 already is available. verification with the ICC ot your local Home Builders Association for more information on scheduled training opportunities.

And just so the rest of the industry won’t feel left out.  The Code Council is finalizing its Green Building Technologies Certification program for building officials, inspectors, planners, zoning personnel, mayors, city council members, developers and other interested parties. Again check with the ICC for more info.

Also many utilities working with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have developed guidelines and green codes. Georgia Power and the Southern Companies have been leaders in this program known as Energy Star.

The National Home Builders Association working through state and local chapters have created workshops and encouraged builders to work together to strengthen green practices and codes.

Now it’s up to you and me.  First as good business people: going green and the green codes will save money and make you money as more and more consumers understand the impact of energy conservation on almost everything. Second as responsible citizens of our planet and guardians of the future for all generations to come. The time to start is today. Doesn’t it just make good sense?