ICC Launches Green Web Page
From its partnership with NAHB on a green building initiative and a new policy position on green building/sustainable communities, to green building evaluation systems and standards resources online, the Code Council is leading the way in the green building movement. Discover how we are emphasizing our commitment to social responsibility, and helping you to expand the boundaries of public safety.

Make an Impact on Code Council Governance
The International Code Council Board of Directors wants your input and feedback on recommended proposals from the Governance Committee related to Board elections and the Nominating Committee. Please review the report and provide your feedback on the proposed changes.

Working to Prevent Tragedies
The International Code Council extends its deepest sympathy to all those affected by the tragic deaths and injuries caused by recent tornadoes and violent weather in the Midwestern and Southern U.S.

	The high school in Enterprise, AL, suffered a direct hit from the EF 3 tornado, causing eight fatalities and more than 40 injuries.

In an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future, the Council has made available the Public Comments Report on the First Public Comment Draft Standard on Storm Shelters, dated October 2006. Find out what was accepted on structural design criteria, essential shelter features and accessories, and test methods for impact and pressure testing.

Where Caring and Technology Merge
As a building safety professional, you know how important building safety is, especially after disaster strikes. The Council’s Public Safety Volunteers database is your chance to help jurisdictions in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

ICC Enhancing Plumbing/Mechanical Programs
The International Code Council also is investing in a new strategic plan to support plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas activities. The goal of the investment is to stimulate member and industry participation and position the Code Council as a leader in the advancement of emerging technical issues.

Are You Eligible to Vote?

The agenda for the Final Action Hearings is now available, but are you ready to vote? Following an update to policy CP-28 governing code change voting at final action hearings, the Council encourages Governmental Members to review their records to ensure they can obtain their voting credentials. Modifications must be received 10 days prior to the start of a public hearing, which applies to the upcoming May Codes Forum in Rochester, NY. Don't delay. Review your membership record now.

Architecture Schools Get I-Code Donations
One of the Code Councils’ Presidential goals is for the Council to donate a full set of International Codes and the ICC/ANSI A117 Standard to each accredited architecture school throughout the U.S. Since there are approximately 117 programs operating that are affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, that adds up to many students benefiting from the Council’s efforts to improve building safety, and producing a new generation of code supporters and advocates. It is through programs such as this, with your commitment, that help promote the future of the Code Council and overall public safety.

Contact Rick Archer at (888) 422-7233, ext. 3242, for questions related to this charitable contribution.

Garden State, Bay State Adopt I-Codes The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recently adopted the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the energy conservation standard for new construction in the state. With this adoption, New Jersey joins a handful of states in moving to the latest energy conservation requirements published at the national level. The International Residential Code goes into effect in Massachusetts this April, with a six-month transition period. Join those selecting the I-Codes as their first choice for construction safety.

Come Forward and Nominate

Last year, Donald "Mickey" Arp (right) received the Code Official of the Year Award from Committee Chairman Ed Berkel.

It's that time again to encourage people to think outside the box and nominate someone they know for their accomplishments and service to the Council and the building safety industry. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2007 ICC Awards in several categories. It's always nice to be recognized, and this is a fantastic opportunity for the code community to recognize and reward its own.

Pioneering Log Standard Available Soon
The ICC Standard on Design, Construction and Performance of Log Structures, approved by the American National Standards Institute as an American National Standard, is the first of its kind. Intended to facilitate and promote the design, construction and installation of safe and reliable structures built with log timbers, the standard will soon be available for builders, architects, building officials, inspectors and other interested parties.

Restore Innovation for Disaster Recovery

The time to focus on building leadership; sharing innovative practices; and establishing networks among government, private-sector and non-profit organizations for recovery after a disaster is now. Registration for Restoration 2007, organized by the International City/County Management Association and cosponsored by the Code Council, is now open. Code Council CEO Rick Weiland will speak at this event, as well as the upcoming National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Silent Defenders Nominated
The ICC Foundation has selected “Silent Defenders” to be honored during this year’s Building Safety Week; Louisiana State Senator Ken Hollis and State Representative Gillis Pinac, the City of Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety; and Architects Without Borders, will be recognized for their extraordinary achievements in building stronger, safer communities at the Foundation’s Silent Defender Awards Dinner on May 10. Attendance and sponsorship opportunities are available online.

Craig Williams, Founder of Architects Without Borders North America, on site in Banda, Aceh, Indonesia, working to create a child-centered village for children and widows that lost their families to the December 2004 tsunamis. Architects Without Borders is a Silent Defender honoree for this year.

Addressing the Needs of First Responders
The annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner offers the opportunity to meet with Congressional leaders about fire service legislation, network with other fire service leaders from around the country, and take advantage of federal grants and programs. Hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, this year's dinner in Washington, DC, will be held March 29. The Code Council has been a long-time supporter of this event.

The Cutting Edge of Code Compliance

Currently, many building departments do plan reviews by hand so building data isn't easily transferable or accessed. Automation can reduce plan review time and increase code compliance, allowing staff resources to be shifted to the field to perform enhanced building inspections. The Council is in the beta test phase of its SMARTcodes code compliance checking tool that will reduce plan review time and increase code compliance. Interested? View our online demo.

The Council’s SMARTcodes project supports the objectives of the buildingSMART Alliance. The National Institute of Building Sciences recently approved the buildingSMART Alliance charter.

Plan Ahead for This Institute
Want to learn how to effectively perform structural, nonstructural and residential plan reviews based on the 2006 IBC and IRC? The May 14-17 Plan Review Institute offers a step-by-step process for conducting plan reviews while increasing efficiency.

Members Cozy Up at Fireside Chat
Participants from locations such as Alaska, Michigan and Kenya joined in to chat with Code Council President Wally Bailey during the first-ever “fireside chat” on March 6. Bailey outlined current organization initiatives such as the Code Officials Awareness Program and answered questions for nearly one hour. The fireside chats will continue on a quarterly basis.

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.
New Plumbing Mark Unveiled
Warning Issued over Counterfeit Fire Extinguishers
Builder Confidence Slips in March
2008 Budget Slashes First Responder Funding
Engineers Slam Failed Joint Detail
New Online Sustainable Engineering Seminars
Two Plastic Piping Standards Developed
DOE Launches Hydrogen Safety for First Responders
Louisiana Intros $14 Million Program for New Building Codes
Statewide Mississippi Building Code Attempted Again
AIA Applauds Withdrawal of SC Amendment
Building Codes Made a Difference in FL Tornadoes
22 States File to Require Fire-Safe Cigarettes Sales
US Military Bases in Korea Built to IBC Seismic Code

This issue of ICC eNews is sponsored by

The clear fire protective glazing solution with the best value.		The trusted source across the globe for product compliance.
Click here for a quick code report reference.		For questions on recessed down-lighting in fire-rated ceilings, contact TENMAT.

Headquarters and Birmingham, Chicago and Los Angeles District Offices

Membership x33804 IT Product Support x33822 Code Opinions x338077 Plan Review x33809 Product Orders/Customer Service x33801 Training/Education Services x33818	Building Safety Journal® x5248 Government Relations x6239 Contractor/Trades Testing Program for Licensing Agencies x33805 Certification Program x33806 Certification Renewal Program x33815
You can also reach the following departments and subsidiaries by dialing:
Product Orders/Customer Service 1-800-786-4452 National Certification Program 1-866-422-3926 Contractor Examinations 1-877-783-3926 UST System Operator Testing & Certification Program for States 1-866-422-3926 Inspector Certification Programs for States/Jurisdictions 1-866-422-3926	Disaster Preparedness/Mitigation & Response/Recovery Exams & Credentialing for Inspectors 1-866-422-3926 International Accreditation Service, Inc. 1-866-427-4422 ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. 1-800-423-6587 ICC Foundation (513) 574-0957