Leading the way to building safe and sustainable in Oregon, the 2011 Oregon Reach Code is a fully integrated code based on the International Green Construction Code Version 2.0. It includes both commercial and residential provisions.

From the Preface
Roadmap to the Reach Code
While Oregon maintained much of the structure of the International Green Construction Code, the state's statutory framework resulted in a customization of the provisions. While Chapter 3 is the core of the International Green Construction Code, Oregon does not allow for customization of the code to address local issues. Oregon did retain where possible the options for construction contained in Table 303.1, which introduces the concept of project electives, which are fundamental to the understanding and use of this code.

Builders are required to pick two project electives. Project electives are the vehicles by which this code encourages the consideration and implementation of environmentally beneficial practices that might not be appropriate as strict mandatory requirements in some scenarios. They are also used to encourage construction and performance which exceeds the minimum requirements of this code.

All of the provisions of this code, other than those designated as project electives and the provisions of Chapter 9, are mandatory as applicable. Project electives, however, become mandatory only where they are selected or chosen by the owner or registered design professional and are indicated in Table 303.1, Project Electives Checklist. The primary functions of the checklist are to: a) give guidance to owners and design professionals as to what project electives are available to choose from; b) inform the code official as to which project electives have been selected or chosen by the design professional and must, therefore, be complied with and enforced as if they were mandatory requirements; and c) encourage environmental performance that exceeds the minimum requirements of this code.

As an example, provisions of this code have been designated as project electives where mandatory compliance might not be feasible, but where that provision was, nonetheless, important to identify as an option from an environmental perspective. For example, it would be unreasonable to mandate that all buildings be constructed with a vegetative roof. However, it is quite reasonable to allow the practice. Therefore, Section 404.3, which regulates roof coverings, is designated as a project elective.

Buildings designed with higher energy performance or lower plumbing fixture flow rates than required by the jurisdiction in Table 302. 1 of the IgCC, or buildings that incorporate options, are credited with project electives in Table 303. 1. Thus the concept of project electives facilitates the option of building performance that is higher than the minimum required by the International Green Construction Code.