The I-Codes®: Safe, Green and Global

It is said that we may run out of freshwater before we run out of oil. With the possible exception of water conservation groups, no one knows better than plumbing professionals how critical water-saving measures are to our future. Yet, while water shortages have existed for centuries in regions all over the globe, many might not realize that, unless conservation efforts are dramatically heightened, water supplies will become even scarcer or non-existent, even in cities that have rarely or never experienced shortages.

Thankfully, the building industry has been well ahead of the green trend, implementing sustainable building practices for years already. With consumer interest and the Federal government becoming increasingly interested in and aware of conserving natural resources and saving money through the efficiencies realized from these efforts, the industry and the codes that support these changes are responding with ever more “green” codes and related products.

While several organizations that publish building provisions within specific industry segments have rushed out green building references to be the first to market, so to speak, the International Code Council® followed the same superior and comprehensive code development and approval process in the preparation of the Public Version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), the latest in a long list of sustainable design codes and provisions as the Code Council® has been offering for decades. The publish date for the IGCC is March 15.

Naturally the IGCC meets sustainable rating system (e.g., LEED, Green Globes) requirements. But it also goes well beyond these standards, offering a wide range of green building applications for every industry segment and a lot of exclusives. Of course, the IGCC is based on the same clear, easy-to-use progression as the other I-Codes®, but it also offers the most comprehensive and effective code for alternative water sources and energy sources, and is the first and only construction code that establishes minimum level sustainability requirements.

Going green becoming second nature

Although the green movement is relatively new, the not-too-distant future of codes in general will naturally integrate green building practices instead of having separate references for sustainable applications. “That is why it’s more important than ever to adopt building codes that are comprehensive and fully integrated,” said Jay Peters, executive director of the International Code Council’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Group. “Of course, our newest offering, the IGCC is integrated with ICC’s complete family of codes and future editions of the I-Codes will incorporate these green provisions within the body of each code. This will make implementing green and other codes totally seamless and simple. It will quickly become second nature to implement greener plumbing, mechanical and all other energy- and resource-saving practices. The future is now and the building industry can lead the rest of commerce with these innovations.”

Of course the IGCC ensures that, when systems are installed per the code, the standards by which sustainable rating systems (e.g., LEED, Green Globes) measure compliance will also be met. The IGCC also offers many overall features and benefits others cannot in that it:

• Is the first and only construction code that establishes code requirements for a minimum level of sustainability in commercial buildings;
• Is based on the same clear, easy-to-use sequence that makes the I-Codes® the most accepted code adoption platform in the U.S. This, combined with the extensive support and level of devotion the Code Council® offers its users, is why they’re the leader in codes and related products, and is a key reason for why more and more countries around the world are choosing to adopt ICC® Codes over others;
• Offers the flexibility jurisdictions need in order to customize the code based on local factors such as flood areas, greenfield sites, light pollution, and many others.

The IGCC will use as a baseline the myriad sustainable plumbing provisions referenced in the 2009 International Plumbing Code® (IPC). Building from those provisions, the IGGC will provide the most comprehensive and effective code for water conservation across many applications and industries.

Also, unlike other green standards and rating systems that use rigid and inflexible water reduction requirements, the IGCC offers a performance-based system for water conservation in plumbing fixtures while also offering designers greater flexibility in selecting the right devices.

Peters added, “With the green and sustainability challenge changing so rapidly and spanning across all facets of construction, it is imperative to do it right. It is a major investment, not only for customers in general, but also for contractors. The last thing they want is to complete a ‘green’ installation, only to realize it is already outdated or doesn’t integrate with other codes, standards and even the related systems.”

Specific to plumbing applications, the IGCC will cover water conservation issues such as:

• Being the most comprehensive and effective code for alternative water sources such as graywater, rainwater and reclaimed water. This is important, not just for regions struggling with limited water supplies, but to offset possible water shortages in the future, even in areas where this has never been an issue;
• Specific examples for these applications include reclaimed water use and systems, including municipally-reclaimed water, onsite water recycling systems, rainwater catchment systems, condensate capture systems, foundation drain water reclamation systems, and dual plumbing considerations and requirements;
• Fixtures, fittings and appliances, including faucets, toilets, urinals, dishwashers, washing machines, pre-rinse spray valves, showers, and drinking fountains;
• Hot water delivery system design, including pipe sizing and insulation;
• Landscape and site water use to include xeriscaping, turf, landscaping, and storm water management;
• Recreational water such as pools, spas, ornamental water features and water parks.

“The International Green Construction Code will provide the PMG industry, especially installers and inspectors, with a tool that is understandable and simple to use,” said Peters. “It is not a rating system or a complicated method of trade-offs, but a prescriptive method to design, install and inspect these systems. Like following the IPC, the IGCC is written in a simple language that prescribes each facet of the installation. It is being coordinated with all of the International Codes® already in place so, when adopted, unlike other green codes, it won't require extra amending, correlating and editing.

“For example,” Peters continued, “the International Energy Conservation Code is the most widely adopted energy code in the country and is slated for nationwide adoption as per the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Yet, other codes, standards or supplements contain energy and mechanical code provisions that are sure to duplicate or, even worse, conflict with the most widely adopted codes.”

Ever-improving water conservation

More and stricter requirements regarding water savings will continually be improved upon. “Water saving fixtures have always been in there,” Peters noted. “But water monitoring and leak detection devices might be added in the not-too-distant-future.” These measures, although seemingly small, are in fact huge. According to the EPA, the amount of water wasted from leaks in U.S. homes each year could exceed one trillion gallons — equivalent to the annual water use of Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami combined. The adage, “every little bit helps” certainly resonates with that statistic.
Of course, green plumbing applications aren’t restricted to water conservation practices. Selecting materials that are environmentally safe or recyclable is important, as is the material selected for a particular job. This decision may also be based on proximity to the manufacturer or other factors. For example, PVC might be the best option based on its long lasting properties. However, depending on the projected lifespan of the fixture it will be applied to, a cast iron drain might be a better option because of that material’s recyclability and the fact that it isn’t made from nonrenewable petroleum.
Supplies are also being made using as little materials as possible to avoid wasting resources. Transporting smaller supplies also conserves fuel, thereby saving additional resources, not to mention related cost savings.

While many resource-saving materials are available for plumbing professional looking to follow sustainable design practices, the best way to conserve is to use fewer materials for each project as much as possible. The IPC has always focused on material conservation along with efficiency and public health and safety.

Actually, although the color of the cover of the IPC was the initial reason for why it is often referred to as the “green book,” this code has also come to symbolize the beginning of the environmental sustainability movement across the plumbing industry. A few examples of the material conservation measures referenced in the IPC are:

• Dimensions of water, drain, waste and vent pipes are smaller where feasible for the same number and type of fixtures than other plumbing codes;
• Greater venting options result in less piping required to accomplish the same task;
• Vent terminals can end through exterior walls rather than through roofs which reduces vent piping length requirements;
• Air admittance valve venting options can significantly reduce the length of vent piping to outdoor terminals;
• Circuit venting methods within the IPC eliminate redundant vent piping;
• Waste stack venting is an efficient option for installing vertical drainage pipe systems;
• Some approved engineered vent system designs allow reduced vent system pipe sizes;
• Manifold water distribution systems are allowed, which require smaller water pipe sizes, resulting in significant water and energy savings;
• Waterless urinals are a huge water saving measure and do not require “backup” water supply, which reduces additional piping needs. Graywater systems can be used to ensure waste pipes are flushed, yet without the need for fresh water;

Aiding the global sanitation crisis

Naturally, conserving natural resources is a key component of sustainable design, but ensuring the world has access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation now and well into the future is also a key mission of the ICC. One example of how the organization is helping is by lending its extensive expertise and assistance to global organizations that are devoted to ensuring that waterborne illness and death are completely eradicated.

Continuing to strengthen its strategic partnership with the World Toilet Organization (WTO), the Institute of Plumbing South Africa, the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance, and the Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council, the ICC®’s PMG Group will continue to collaborate on programs that focus on safe water and sanitation issues worldwide.

For example, WTO and the ICC® are partnering in the development of the Global Guideline for Practical Toilet Design. During the WTO-sponsored World Toilet Summit & Expo, held last December in Singapore, focused on “Creating the Blueprint for Sustainable Sanitation Marketplace.” Representatives from government, academia, manufacturing, and other building industry professionals from across the globe conveyed to review this critical document and provide input with which to continue to develop these guidelines.

One of the provisions in these Global Guidelines responds to an important sanitation-related initiative that affects women (and the men who wait for them) in the U.S. and around the world. Referred to in the industry as “potty parity,” these provisions are being modified to more appropriately allocate the proper number of toilets in public restrooms based on women’s needs versus men’s (e.g., stockings and other clothing, having small children in tow, etc), along with safe and sanitary restrooms overall. This provision has great promise worldwide and is receiving attention and technical input from experts all over the world.

In an effort to amplify the severity of the global sanitation crisis among residents of the U.S., the Code Council®’s PMG Group developed wristbands that simply state, “Every 15 seconds…” with the iccsafe.org/pmg URL. Visitors are brought to a section on the ICC® website that explains how every 15 seconds a child dies from a waterborne-related disease, and encourages them to request and wear a wristband to help promote awareness of this dire statistic.

More and more countries and choosing PMG codes

The ICC® is also working closely with specific countries that are seeking to implement superior plumbing and other building codes to dramatically improve sanitation and safety conditions for their citizens, as well as to conserve this precious resource which is nearly as important to the agricultural future of these countries as is drinking water. Agreements have or are anticipated to be signed from Mexico to the Middle East.

“The fact that so many countries are choosing the IPC over others more and more is a testament to the professionals who help create our codes through our code development process, as well as the extensive work we do to help global organizations improve sanitation conditions, water purity and conservation worldwide.” said Peters.

The Code Council® also proudly supports many important events focused around water conservation, sanitation and safe drinking water. Just a few examples are the:

EPA’s “Fix a Leak Week” promotes fixing leaks in sinks, toilets and otherwise and dramatizes the incredible amounts of water wasted every year from leaks that are simple to fix;

World Toilet Organization’s annual toilet awareness event. Last year, the event was called “The Big Squat” which encourages participants to squat (albeit fully clothed) in public to generate awareness of the fact that nearly 40% of the world’s population has no access to toilets, something we in the U.S. take for granted;

World Plumbing Council’s first annual “World Plumbing Day,” which will take place on March 11, is promoting the important role the entire plumbing industry plays with regard to health and public safety, as well as water conservation efforts these professionals implement;

United Nations ’World Water Day to be held this year on March 22, will focus on the issues surrounding wastewater that is either untreated or not repurposed as graywater.

The International Code Council®’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Group is devoted exclusively to providing PMG products and support to jurisdictions and construction industry professionals across the country and around the globe, with one or more PMG code adopted in 49 states. The over 200 superior products and related services were developed specifically by and for plumbing and mechanical professionals. Contact the PMG Group for additional information at 1-888-ICC-SAFE, X4PMG or pmgresourcecenter@iccsafe.org.