Building Green Codes, Standards and Alternate Methods


Codes

The following codes have been adopted by the State of Washington to regulate the construction, alteration or repair of buildings and structures.  Most or all of these have been adopted by local jurisdictions.  Check with your local jurisdiction for additional code requirements such as local zoning and site development codes.

• International Residential Code 2009 (IRC)
• International Building Code 2009 (IBC)
• Washington State Energy Code 2006 (WSEC)
• Uniform Plumbing Code 2009 (UPC)

Standards

There are numerous green building standards and guidelines in use today and the following are the most common standards for use in regulating and certifying sustainable construction, alteration, or repair.  Most or all of these standards are based on a point system and require third-party verification in order to be properly certified, please consult your local jurisdiction for complete certification requirements.

• National Green Building Standard ICC 700-2008 (NGBS) by the International Code Council
• LEED for Homes by the United States Green Building Council
• LEED for New Construction by the United States Green Building Council
• Built-Green by the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Washington
• NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines by the National Association of Home Builders
• ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes and Products by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Dept. of Energy
• Green Globes by the Green Building Initiative
• International Energy Conservation Code 2006* (IECC)  (not currently adopted by the State of Washington)

Alternate Methods

•  Rainwater Harvesting