Commercial IgCC Green Construction Code

Scottsdale City Council adopted the 2021 suite of building codes including the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) as a mandatory code with an effective date of July 1, 2023. Until then, the 2015 IgCC is mandatory where stipulated as part of the planning approval process for zoning bonuses including floor area, building height and density.

The IgCC makes it easier for developers of commercial and multi-family projects to be green designated by addressing:

  • Mitigation of heat island effect with site shading and low-emitting hardscape surfaces.
  • Transportation impact mitigation with electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity
  • Biodiversity with certified lumber for building projects using wood framing, sheathing and flooring.
  • Construction waste reduction by diverting waste from the landfill.
  • Occupant waste reduction with multifamily recycling chutes, dwelling unit kitchen pull-out recycling/trash bins, and recycling containers in mailrooms and clubhouse kitchenette areas.
  • Reduced energy consumption/greenhouse gases with energy efficient building envelope, mechanical systems, lighting and renewable energy.
  • Improved indoor air quality with low-VOC interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants and flooring.
  • Enhanced indoor environmental quality with minimum daylighting measures based on use and occupancy.
  • Building commissioning with verification and documentation of the installation, testing and operation of building systems in accordance with the basis of design and project requirements.

Most IgCC measures are already required in Scottsdale

Most of the IgCC measures are already required in Scottsdale's adopted/amended codes, ordinances and design standards as follows:

  • International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
    • Cool roofs with a solar reflectance index of 64 or more
    • Unobstructed residential and commercial rooftop solar-ready zones
    • Daylight-responsive controls for spaces within daylight zones
    • Efficient hot water distribution systems
    • Energy system commissioning for mechanical systems, service water heating, and lighting controls
  • International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Residential Code (IRC)
    • High-efficiency plumbing fixtures and fittings
  • International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Residential Code (IRC)
    • Bathroom exhaust fan controls
    • Prohibition of ductless kitchen recirculation range hoods
    • Balanced supply/return and exhaust ventilation systems
    • Recirculating water pump system for evaporative cooling equipment
  • Planning Ordinances and Design Guidelines
    • Site lighting and hardscape shading
    • Native plants and landscaping
    • Pedestrian connectivity and bicycle parking
  • Water Conservation Ordinance
    • Low water-use landscaping
  • Stormwater Management Ordinance
    • Grading, drainage and retention basins
  • Solid Waste Design Standards and Policies Manual
    • Space allocation for waste and recycling collection and pick-up

Scottsdale's Green Building Program Manager Anthony Floyd says, “The IgCC integrates green building into the building code permit process while providing a building industry-wide framework for uniform baseline measures.” He adds that it also offers an alternative way for buildings to become green designated, thus boosting resource savings, productivity and the environmental benefits of green commercial developments at a wider scale.

Established in 1998, Scottsdale's residential Green Building Program was the first in the state and the fifth in the nation. Since then, the city has issued over 1,450 green home building permits. The city established a commercial program in 2001 with over 60 green commercial and multifamily permits issued to date including IgCC compliant projects.

In 2005, the city adopted the nation's first LEED Gold certification policy for newly constructed and renovated public facilities. LEED is a national/international multi-level green building rating program administered by the Green Building Certification Institute on behalf of the U.S. Green Building Council. Scottsdale has committed to the LEED certification process to ensure the objectivity of a third-party verification process for public facilities. As a market-based rating program, LEED provides an independent approach for achieving higher performance thresholds, whereas the IgCC is designed to provide a minimum green baseline performance level administered by local and state governmental authorities. Projects obtaining any level of LEED certification is deemed to comply with the IgCC.

Please use the following documents and resources for achieving compliance with Scottsdale's adopted version of the IgCC for commercial and multifamily buildings:

2021 IgCC

2021 IECC

2015 IgCC

Other Resources

Contact Information

City of Scottsdale - Green Building Program
7447 E. Indian School Road, Suite 125
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Anthony Floyd
Sr. Building Consultant
480-312-4202

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