CityBiz Real Estate released the following news article on April 10, 2011
The Maryland House of Delegates concurred with amendments approved by the Senate last week and Maryland has become the first state in the country to approve the International Green Construction Code (IGCC).
HB 972, sponsored by Delegate Dana Stein (Dem, Baltimore County) enables the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to adopt the IGCC, and adoption of the IGCC by local governments in Maryland.
The adoption of green building codes fundamentally advances and transforms the way buildings are designed, built and operated.
“This is the most significant environmental legislation adopted in Maryland this year”, said Stuart Kaplow, Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council Maryland. Kaplow went on to say, “The IGCC is at the confluence of pro business and pro environment … it is what is best about the modern environmental movement.”
The IGCC has been developed by the International Code Council, in conjunction with the American Institute of Architects; ASTM International; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; the U.S. Green Building Council; and the Illuminating Engineering Society to establish a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings addressing green building design and performance.
Buildings in the U.S. are responsible for 40% of energy consumption, 39% of CO2 emissions, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Green buildings can and do reduce energy use by up to 50%, reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 39%, use 40% less potable water, and eliminate almost 70% of solid waste.