The amended 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is now in effect in Montgomery County. These changes were approved in the fall of 2021, and since then Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) staff has been educating stakeholders about how the new code may impact them.

If you are a building owner or work on a design team with a building nearing permit application, you should request a predesign meeting with DPS as soon as possible to see how the 2018 IgCC will apply to your project. Visit the DPS website for more information about green building codes, and to schedule your predesign consultation online.

Montgomery County joined forces with state and local governments across the country—including in Prince George’s County, Annapolis and Washington, D.C.—in the National Building Performance Standard (BPS) Coalition. It is a collaboration launched by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Building performance standards paired with complementary programs and policies will enable the meeting of health, equity and climate goals. Learn more here.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued a challenge to County residents and businesses today to “Lead the EV Charge” by pledging to buy electric vehicles as the County launched the Washington Region’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchasing Cooperative pilot program.

The pilot phase of the program is scheduled to run from January through May 2022. As a centerpiece of the pilot, County Executive Elrich is challenging residents and businesses to sign an online pledge stating that their next vehicle purchase will be a new or pre-owned electric vehicle. The County set a goal of getting 1,000 Montgomery County residents and 50 businesses to take the pledge this year.

Showing support will serve as the foundation for the purchasing cooperative, whereby the co-op members and partners will seek to educate residents and businesses and negotiate favorable pricing for EV purchases and leases on behalf of those who have taken the pledge.

Montgomery County Council passed the Montgomery County Green Buildings Now Act on February 1, 2022, which allocates 10% of the fuel-energy tax revenue - an estimated $18 million annually - to the Montgomery County Green Bank.

The Green Bank provides a number of programs for commercial entities, small business, and non-profits to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects around the County, and can also help you get started with technical support. These programs can help building owners finance projects that save energy, save money, meet sustainability goals, and prepare for Building Energy Performance Standards. 

Curious about electric leaf blowers and mowers? Interested in an electric car or solar panels for your property? Come to our Go Electric event, March 19 from 10 am to 4 pm, at Montgomery College, North Campus Drive, in. Rockville and learn more! Plus:

• Swap out your incandescent and compact fluorescent lightbulbs for LEDs (up to 3 per person)
• Tour electric cars in person and learn about car charging systems
• Learn about solar charging for your building and installation incentives
• Switch from fossil fuels to sustainable electric sources and save $$

Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs! Opportunities include local government positions throughout the region with DC Department of Energy and Environment, City of Roanoke, and Arlington County.

Local & Regional News

Local Policy: Bill would require review of climate implications for all future county legislation (Bethesda Beat)

Budget: Elrich unveils $5.1 billion capital budget focusing on education, climate change, racial equity (Bethesda Beat)

EVs: County hopes purchasing co-op will spark public to get electric vehicles (Bethesda Beat)

Year in Review: Department of Environmental Protection 2021 Year in Review (Montgomery County DEP)

Solar: The Tower Companies Installs Largest Solar Canopy in City of Rockville (PR Web)

State Policy: 2022 Climate Bills Will Focus on Electrification, Including School Buildings and Buses (Maryland Matters)

Lighting: D.C. To Upgrade 75,000 Streetlights With Energy-Efficient LEDs (DCist)

EVs: DC joins growing list of cities requiring new buildings to include EV parking (Utility Dive)

Other News

Energy Efficiency: 2021 was a landmark year for energy efficiency legislation in US states (Grist)

Green Leasing: Green Lease Leaders program now accepting silver, gold, and platinum level applications for the 2022 cohort. Submit by March 31, 2022. (Green Lease Leaders)

Climate: 25 cities show how major climate wins are possible (Green Biz)

Green Buildings: USGBC Releases its Top 10 States for LEED, Recognizing Leaders Committed to More Sustainable and Resilient Buildings, Cities and Communities (USGBC)