D.C.'s Green Codes Signal a New Era of Sustainability

WASHINGTON – The District of Columbia ushered in a new era of sustainability last week by adopting 2013 D.C. Construction Codes, which include some of the nation's most progressive green building standards. The new codes went into effect on March 28.

The 2013 D.C. Green Construction Codes demonstrate the city's commitment to becoming the greenest and most livable city in the nation," said Fulya Kocak, Clark's Director of Sustainable Solutions and a voting member of the Green Advisory Group that developed the codes. "These regulations will provide every member of the community with a greener and healthier environment to live, work, and play." Clark was involved with the green code development, and has been active in the commercial real estate community, working with clients to understand the codes' effects on future developments.

The D.C. Green Building Codes were drafted with input and support from sustainability experts, including Ms. Kocak, and representatives from the local and national chapters of the U.S. Green Building Council. Comprised of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) with local amendments, the 2013 D.C. Green Construction Codes apply to construction projects greater than 10,000 square feet, with the exception of single family homes, townhouses, and multifamily residential construction that are three stories or less. Projects larger than 10,000 square feet can satisfy the new green standards by building to existing LEED, Enterprise Green Communities, ASHRAE 189.1, or ICC-700 certification.