Code Council Celebrates Green Building

From left, Lawrence Schultz, Acting Assistant Chief of Operations for the Washington, D.C., Fire Department, and Lisa Morgan, Executive Director of the Washington, D.C., Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, present ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland and Board President Wally Bailey with the certificate of occupancy for the Code Council’s new world headquarters.

The International Code Council officially opened its new world headquarters in Washington, D.C., yesterday with open house ceremonies. The move into a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building in the nation's Capitol will elevate the Code Council's profile, according to ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland, and enhance relationships with the Federal government and national and international organizations.

Final Chance to Have Your Say
This is your last chance to comment on the Code Development Hearings. Code change results and the report of hearings are now available online.

What’s Your Take on Egress Requirements?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking comments to recognize the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) as meeting or exceeding OSHA Exit Route requirements. The Code Council requested the recognition to reduce confusion and regulatory overlap, as many jurisdictions already use the IBC and IFC for commercial construction. The Code Council encourages you to review this rulemaking and submit comments.

Learn the Latest on Inspections, Permitting
Permitting and inspections are among the main duties of building departments. To increase awareness of the many provisions in the IBC and International Residential Code, and improve permitting and inspection skills, the Code Council is offering the first-ever Permit Tech Institute and the Residential Inspection Institute.

Building Solidarity in the Caribbean
The island nation of Jamaica should have legally enforceable construction codes this month, according to Jamaica's National Building Code Committee chairman Noel daCosta. Jamaica’s National Building Code will be based on the IBC with adaptations (amendments), which will be included in the Caribbean Application Document. According to the Jamaica-Gleaner, the IBC was chosen partly because it includes standards for hurricanes, earthquakes and heavy rain conditions.

Code Council Translation Plans Are Concrete
ASTM International has contracted the International Services division of the International Code Council to translate 48 ASTM standards referenced in the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) ACI 318S-05 Structural Concrete Code into Spanish. The ACI 318S-05 requirements are referenced in the Code Council’s IBC. The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2007.

	NIBS President David Harris (left) receives the Council’s President’s Award from Immediate Past President Henry Green.

Harris Earns
President’s Award
For his profound support for the efforts of the Code Council and the building community, David Harris, FAIA, President of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), was presented with the Council’s President’s Award. The award is based on the selection of a recipient worthy of special recognition for service during the President’s term.

Keeping Codes and Structure in Sight
The International Code Council continues to build partnerships with numerous segments of the construction industry. The January issue of Structural Engineer magazine and its gostructural.com website features several articles by Code Council staff. Technical expert John Henry’s article covers conventional construction provisions for light wood frame buildings in accordance with Section 2308 of the 2006 IBC. An article by COO Dominic Sims discusses how the Code Council and structural engineers work together to secure a safer future through codes. A third story covers the appointment of Rick Weiland as the Council’s CEO.

The Bottom Line on Safety
Studies indicate that every dollar spent on building safer and stronger, on average, reduces losses from high wind damage, floods, earthquakes and other disasters by $4. Discover the jurisdictions that are updating, adopting and enforcing the I-Codes Let us know if you are taking advantage of the I-Codes as well.

What to Do When Disaster Strikes?
Through practice exercises and case studies, participants in When Disaster Strikes—An Institute for Disaster Response will learn how to interface with onsite command structures; become a resource in identifying unsafe buildings and uninhabitable structures; and discover the skills, knowledge and tools needed to perform effectively as a Disaster Response Inspector. A customizable emergency preparedness kit, including a basic first-aid kit, disposable camera and training tools, will be provided to participants.

Learn New Firewise Skills and Strategy
Conference kindles interest in wildland fire suppression.
Bringing together technical members of the fire community and the authorities concerned with policy and national practices in wildland fire management, the 4th International Wildland Fire Conference will focus on disaster reduction at local, national, regional and global levels. International cooperation has developed strongly over recent years, involving not only exchange of personnel and equipment, but also exchange of experience, to improve tactics, strategy and policy. The International Code Council is a collaborating entity of this conference scheduled for May 13-17 in Seville, Spain. You will not want to miss this important event.

Helping Homebuilders in Seismic-Prone Areas
An easy-to-understand guide to help homebuilders, code officials, contractors and other non-engineers understand earthquake design requirements for homes is now available. The new Homebuilders' Guide to Earthquake-Resistant Design and Construction (FEMA 232) is an invaluable resource to homebuilders in earthquake-prone areas, and features examples of typical floor plans for earthquake resistant one- and two-story homes, excerpts of seismic requirements from building codes, and checklists for homebuilders.

Seven Easy Ways to Be Heard
Find out more on Tax Credit for Katrina Disaster Recovery, Fire Safe Cigarette legislation in New Jersey, or the HUD Safe Harbor Draft. We offer you an easy way to locate and write your legislators to let your thoughts be heard. All you have to do is input your name and address, preview and personalize the message, and the rest will be done for you.

Standard Development Moves Forward
The IS-LOG Standard on Design and Construction of Log Structures has been submitted to ANSI for final approval. The standard should be published prior to the May 2007 ICC Final Action Hearings. The IS-HRC Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions and the IS-STM Standard on Design, Construction and Performance of Storm Shelters are available for public comment. Both committees are expected to meet next month to consider comments.

Where Do You Stand on Energy Standards?
New U.S. Department of Energy building energy efficiency standards reference the 2004 Supplement to the International Energy Conservation Code for low-rise, federal residential buildings, requiring that new federal buildings achieve at least 30 percent energy savings over prevailing private sector standards.

The following news links may take you outside ICC's website. ICC is not responsible for the content and privacy practices of non-ICC websites.
Builder Confidence Climbs Upward in January
Central Texas City Unanimously Adopts the 2006 I-Codes
Hurricane Expert Warns of Potential Disaster
Campus Fire Safety Act Reintroduced in Congress
Shake Table Study Tests Wood-Framed Structure
CPSC and USFA Sound Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Webcam Technology Keeps an Eye on Construction
South Station Earns LEED Pre-Certification
Better Metal Wall System Coming for Seismic Zones
Dangers of Basement Living Often Overlooked

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