Building Codes

Oregon Adopts Alternate Energy Efficiency Building Code

December 12, 2018

The Oregon Building Codes Division has adopted an alternative energy code for energy efficiency. Their Zero Code Efficiency Standard is based on the Architecture 2030 ZERO Code and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016 (Standard 90.1-2016). 

2018 IgCC Integrates Previously Separate Standards

December 12, 2018

The 2018 International Green Construction Code (2018-IgCC) has been released by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), International Code Council, ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).

W. Florida CMs Host Education for Building Officials

December 10, 2018

On November 2, SBCA’s West Florida Chapter (WFC) presented to regional building officials. During the meeting, the chapter gave a presentation entitled, “How to Read Truss Documentation,” and hosted a Q&A session afterward.

IgCC 2018 Designed to Align with LEED

November 28, 2018

The 2018 version of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is designed to align seamlessly with LEED.

The code is developed by a coalition of partners, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), The American Institute of Architects (AIA), and ASHRAE.

Resilience, EV charging, and required renewables

What’s different about the 2018 code?

New Jersey Fire Bill Curtails Lumber Framing

November 26, 2018

The following article summarizes a move by the fire service industry to curtail the use of wood in framing larger apartment buildings in New Jersey.  This is an effort SBCA has been opposed to through several legislative NJ sessions and, thankfully, this legislation has repeatedly failed to gain traction with lawmakers.

Net-Zero: USGBC Officially Launches "LEED Zero"

November 14, 2018

Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED Zero, a new program that will address net zero operations and resources in buildings.

Report Outlines How Energy Efficiency Can Boost Economy

November 14, 2018

Efficiency Canada, an operating unit of the Carleton Sustainable Energy Research Centre, released a new report entitled, "Building a Competitive Economy Through Energy Efficiency," which lays out an energy efficiency strategy for Canada's Budget 2019.

Homebuilder Has Success Promoting ‘Near Zero Energy’

November 7, 2018

Just into the Francis Marion National Forest, a builder has spent two years constructing energy-efficient 1,700-2,400-square-foot homes costing $290,000-$320,000.

New Net-Zero Certification Available Under LEED

November 7, 2018

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced a new certification that rewards net-zero carbon, energy, water, or waste.

Insulated Concrete Forms Help Home Survive Hurricane

October 31, 2018

Christened the “Sand Palace” by its owners, the blocky beach home survived not by luck or magic, but good design. Here’s how—with money and expertise—the crew outmaneuvered Hurricane Michael, and made this home a model of resilient architecture.