Green Building Code references ASTM standards.
Press Release Summary:
In 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) published by International Code Council (ICC), there are 46 ASTM International standards cited that cover various aspects of building construction. There are 13 ASTM technical committees which have standards referenced in IgCC, with topics from air quality to thermal insulation. Standards developed by ASTM Committees E06 on Performance of Buildings and E60 on Sustainability are well represented.
Original Press Release:
New Green Building Code References ASTM Standards
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.-Forty-six ASTM International standards covering various aspects of building construction are cited in the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). Published today by the International Code Council (ICC), the new model code addresses the construction and remodeling of residential as well as commercial structures. The IgCC is expected to increase cost savings and job growth while enabling safe and sustainable building design and construction.
ASTM International is one of five cooperating sponsors of the IgCC, along with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The new green code was developed at public hearings over the last three years with input from code and construction industry professionals, environmental organizations, policymakers and the public.
ASTM green construction standards such as E2399 on green roof systems, C1549 for solar reflectance and E2635 on water conservation in buildings are part of the 2012 code. Thirteen ASTM technical committees have standards referenced in the IgCC, with topics ranging from air quality to thermal insulation. Standards developed by ASTM Committees E06 on Performance of Buildings and E60 on Sustainability are well represented in the new green code.
Commenting on the release of the IgCC, James A. Thomas, president of ASTM International, said, "For over a century, the building community has turned to ASTM for the technical standards fundamental to all aspects of construction projects. By working alongside the ICC, and with the other cooperating sponsors of the green code, ASTM International responded to market demands and regulatory drivers for greener building products and greener buildings."
The IgCC is the first model code to include sustainability measures for entire construction projects. For both new and existing buildings, it provides model code language related to energy conservation, water efficiency, site impacts, building waste, material resource efficiency and other sustainability measures. Early versions of the IgCC, which were released during the development of the code, already have been put into use by states and jurisdictions.
More than 100 years ago, ASTM's earliest standards activities were driven by construction-related needs. Today, more than 1,300 ASTM specifications, test methods and practices are used in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. For more information on ASTM standards in building codes visit www.astm.org/DEMO/buildingcodessubscriptions.htm.
To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. To become an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.
For further information on the standards development activities of ASTM Committees E06 on Performance of Buildings and E60 on Sustainability, contact Steve Mawn, staff manager, ASTM (phone: 610-832-9726; smawn@astm.org).
For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-construction, or follow us on Twitter @ASTMBuildings.
ASTM Staff Contact: Steve Mawn, Phone: 610-832-9726; smawn@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org
