International Green Construction Code Recognizes SFI

SFI certification is among the forest certification standards accepted by the new International Green Construction Code (IgCC), a regulatory tool that helps state and local governments in the United States increase energy efficiency and complement voluntary green building rating systems.

In its bio-based materials section, the Code states that "wood and wood products used to comply with this section, other than salvaged or reused wood products, shall be labeled in accordance with the SFI Standard, FSC Indicators of Sustainable Forestry, PEFC Council Technical Document or equivalent fiber procurement system. As an alternative to an on-product label, a Certificate of Compliance indicating conformance with the fiber procurement system shall be permitted. Manufacturer's fiber procurement systems shall be audited by an accredited third-party."

State and local governments in Washington, New Hampshire, Arizona, Colorado, Rhode Island, Oregon, North Carolina, Maryland and Florida have already adopted the IgCC, which will be published in March 2012. It was developed by the International Code Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model construction codes. The outcome of a public development process that began in March 2010, it applies to new and existing traditional and high-performance commercial buildings, and is designed to go beyond traditional code requirements for safe and sustainable construction.

For more information, visit the IgCC website or contact Jason Metnick.