Code adoption
State and local governments continue to search for code documents and code language that can help them achieve energy, health, environmental, and economic goals. Unlike rating systems that assess and validate how well a project did against a set of metrics, codes offer jurisdictions the opportunity to tailor requirements for minimum acceptable practice for all buildings. Beyond the building code’s traditional focus on fire, structural, heath and safety elements, codes and standards are also increasingly adopting minimums for building energy efficiency.
Green building ideas are working their way into the codes as well. USGBC worked with a host of partner organizations to develop the nation’s first set of national model green building codes and standards. USGBC also works actively with a network of code officials who provide critical insight and credibility to this effort. By promoting smarter regulations, we’re ensuring that green building principles and practice are incorporated into every building project.
We support: green building codes as an important regulatory tool for states and localities to define minimum requirements for greener building practice. These codes serve as an important, distinct and complementary addition to beyond-code green building rating systems like LEED, mainstreaming green building concepts and unleashing further rating system development in pursuit of truly sustainable buildings and communities.
Related Campaign
Learn more about our campaign for building better codes.
Greening the Codes
Read the summary that discuss how codes and the LEED rating systems play important, distinct and complementary roles.
Policy Brief: LEED and Green Building Codes
Read the white paper on USGBC’s vision for distinct and complementary green building policy tools.