By Christopher E. Chwedyk, AIA , Nov 26, 2018
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is informing state and local jurisdictions that it is critical to adopt Appendix H along with the recently released 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC), which now incorporates ASHRAE Standard 189.1.
By adopting Appendix H and IgCC, jurisdictions will comprehensively address every aspect of sustainable design; modernize building codes by ameliorating current challenges to sustainable design; and coordinate the energy requirements of the 2018 IgCC with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Additionally, Appendix H is also essential as it will allow architects the option to specify either ASHRAE 90.1 or the 2018 IECC to meet the energy requirements of the 2018 IgCC.
In an effort to better implement these changes, the AIA is providing architects, engineers and building code officials with webinars that will (1) highlight nuances in the 2018 IgCC and (2) explain how best to use the 2018 IgCC and Appendix H with other I-Codes. The first webinar in the series—available online now—provides a review of the 2017 ASHRAE 189.1 standard and explains how it merges with the 2018 IgCC. Additional training will be provided during 2019.
For building code training support, please contact the AIA’s Codes Advocacy Program at codes@aia.org.
It is also important to note that while the AIA supports the adoption of the 2018 IgCC and Appendix H—as it defines minimum sustainability requirements within the I-Codes—we also believe we can take these initiatives further. Many architects and engineers want to address climate change by designing carbon neutral buildings. In order to achieve this goal, AIA is planning to propose a new Net Zero/zEPI stretch code option—that will go beyond the minimum requirements to achieve higher performance—for inclusion in the 2021 IECC.
If you have any questions regarding the adoption of Appendix H or the new IgCC, please email codes@aia.org.
Christopher E. Chwedyk, AIA is Chair of the 2018 AIA Codes & Standards Committee