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Conference features green building, SMARTcodes, training, certification and

seismic safety. The Code Council’s 2007 Annual Conference, scheduled for September 30-October 2 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, features green building presentations, a demonstration of the SMARTcodes system, more than 30 educational sessions, opportunities for certification and testing, and a spotlight on plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas disciplines. The Council also will present an expanded Expo and meet concurrently with the Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC).

Register early for the events at this year’s conference

Call for 2008 Evaluation Committee Members. The ICC Evaluation Service Board of Directors is seeking candidates to

serve on the Evaluation Committee starting January 1, 2008. New committee appointments are for an 18-month period, with eligibility for two subsequent periods based on performance and committee participation. Candidates must be representatives of a jurisdiction enforcing building regulations. Applications will be accepted until September 1.

Organization issues energy efficiency scorecard. California, Connecticut and
Vermont are the most energy-efficient states in the U.S., according to a new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The non-profit Council analyzed federal energy data and surveyed state policies to rank states based on, among other things, their spending on energy efficiency programs, appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards, building codes, and tax incentives for energy efficiency.

Green home totals grow leaps and bounds. A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey of its local chapters shows that nearly 100,000 homes have been built and certified by voluntary, builder-supported green building programs around the country since the mid-1990s. In 2004, NAHB's Research Center counted 61,000 green homes in the U.S.

USGBC makes $1 million commitment to support green building research. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that it will commit $1 million to green building research. These funds will be targeted at increasing research in areas such as energy and water security, global climate change prevention, indoor environmental quality, and passive survivability in the face of natural and man-made disasters.

Public proposals period is open for design of health care facilities. The Heath Guidelines Revision Committee, with the support of the Facility Guidelines Institute and the American Institute of Architects, seeks proposals for the development of the 2010 edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities. More than 40 states use the document to regulate the design and construction of health care facilities. Architects, engineers and health care professionals also use it on a daily basis as a guideline or reference.


Peterson

ASHRAE installs new officers, directors. Kent W. Peterson was installed as the new president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) during the organization’s 2007 Annual Meeting. Peterson is vice president and chief engineer of P2S Engineering Inc. in Long Beach, California. Several other officers and directors were installed at the meeting.

IAPMO establishes Australian office. In response to increased demand for product evaluation services from plumbing and mechanical manufacturers in the Australian and New Zealand markets, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has established a new Australian business unit, IAPMO R&T Oceana. Also, IAPMO and the American Backflow Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding reflecting both organizations’ common goal of "protecting the public’s drinking water from pollution and contamination occurring from possible cross contaminations." IAPMO has also signed an MOU with the American Backflow Prevention Association that reflects the same goals.

Statistics show a 26% increase in inspection jobs by 2014.

Building inspection booms. Building inspection is one of the hottest professions in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau predicts a 26% climb in inspection jobs nationwide by 2014. An article in the Seattle Times highlights the field of building and construction inspection.

Apartment markets remain strong. Consumer demand for apartments grew for the 15th consecutive quarter, according to the National Multi Housing Council’s (NMHC) latest Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions. The sector’s strong conditions continue to attract equity investors with the availability of equity capital for apartments also rising for the 15th consecutive quarter.

Local fire officials: codes prevent tragedy. Local firefighters told The Chronicle-Telegram that the only way to prevent large-scale blazes like the one in Charleston, S.C., that killed nine firefighters is by staying vigilant on code enforcement. “Even though some people get upset that we enforce fire codes, there is a reason — to prevent things like this,” Elyria Fire Capt. Dave Igneczi said. The Charleston fire marked the nation’s worst loss of firefighters since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

NEW PRODUCTS

UL Standards: as Referenced
in the 2006 IBC
List $170 I Member $136
This valuable collection, produced in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), meets the needs of the building industry by providing all UL standards referenced in the 2006 IBC in a single volume. Containing 34 UL Standards for Safety, the publication can be purchased at a fraction of the cost normally paid for similar building standards.

Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures: ICC 400-2007
List $25 | Member $20
This standard offers a solid reference for design, construction and installation requirements for log structures. The standard addresses a variety of issues, including production, structural aspects, thermal envelope and settlement. (52 pages)

ICC 300-2007: Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands
List $20 | Member $16
This standard offers comprehensive provisions for regulating the design, inspection and construction of new and existing bleacher installations. Development of the standard follows two U.S. congressmen’s petition to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop such regulations. This standard is also referenced in the 2006 IBC. (22 pages)

The following are upcoming events at which ICC staff will attend and/or host an exhibition booth:

July 26-27, BOMA North American Commercial Real Estate Congress and The Office Building Show, New York City

August 5, NCSL, Boston, MA

August 15-18, Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference, Ocean City, MD

August 23, Fire Rescue International, Atlanta, GA

August 23-25, Aluminum Glass & Remodeling Trade Show, Orlando, FL

September 23-26, Ontario Building Officials Association 51st Annual Meeting & Training Sessions, Ottawa, Ontario

September 26-29, 2007 SEAOC Convention, Squaw Creek, CA

September 27-20, Sunbelt Builders Show, Grapevine, TX

September 30-October 3, ICC Annual Education Conference, Reno, NV

ICC ePARTNERS

Volume III, Issue 7
July 2007

ICC Vision and Mission Statements
Vision

Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people by creating better buildings and safer communities.

Mission

Providing the highest quality codes, standards, products, and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment.

CEO Rick Weiland appreciates your feedback on this enewsletter. Please send your comments to COO Dominic Sims,
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NYC Council Says Yes to New Codes


	Mayor Michael Bloomberg signs the bill approving NYC's new construction codes.

In a 47-0 vote, New York City (NYC) Council members approved Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s landmark modernization of the city’s building code. The decision culminates the efforts of the Department of Buildings and more than 400 volunteer subcommittee members who examined the International Codes for the purpose of making specific NYC modifications. Last month, Code Council CEO Rick Weiland and Board member Ron Piester were among Council representatives testifying in support of the proposal before the NYC Committee on Housing and Buildings. “Today’s Council vote represents a monumental step toward ensuring New York City’s economic prosperity and long-term vitality through improved building safety, enhanced enforcement tools, opportunities for construction cost savings, and incentives for innovative and sustainable building," said Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster.

Alabama Adopts I-Codes

The state of Alabama and city of Pasadena, Texas, are the latest jurisdictions to adopt the I-Codes. With recent adoptions in California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah, the I-Codes are now safeguarding Americans in more than 21,000 jurisdictions nationwide.

Coalition Will Promote Role of Code Officials

Code Council Board President Wally Bailey (right) discusses drafting a mission statement for a new coalition to promote code officials with ICC COO Dominic Sims (left), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) member and GEO Security Industry Affairs Director Bob Boyer, and NEMA Codes and Standards Technical Director Vince Baclawski.

Key stakeholders convened for a second Raising the Profile of the Code Official Summit at Code Council Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the Code Council, this “Founders” meeting brought together industry association representatives to discuss the formation of a coalition to promote the important role code officials play in making everyday life safer. Key goals include changing public perceptions by connecting the impact codes have on safety and demonstrating that enforcement is necessary to save lives and protect property.

Associations participating in the second summit included the American Association of Code Enforcement, Institute of Business and Home Safety, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, International Association of Fire Chiefs–Fire and Life Safety Section, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International City/County Management Association and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

The first Raising the Profile Summit was held during 2007 Building Safety Week.

NIST Tall Buildings Proposals Approved

Safer buildings—especially tall structures—that are more resistant to fire and more easily evacuated in emergencies are the goal of the first comprehensive set of building code changes recently approved by Code Council voting members based on recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The recommendations, which were heard during the Council’s Final Action Hearings in Rochester, New York, were based on the findings of NIST’s three-year investigation of the collapses of New York City’s World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. The changes will be incorporated into the 2007 supplement to the International Building Code.

ICC Board Modifies Call for Sprinkler Committee
The ICC Board of Directors has voted unanimously to ‘Not appoint the Committee at this time based on current market based efforts.’ This decision is in response to indications that the interests that the Board thought to bring together through the mechanism of an Ad Hoc committee were already working together independently to ‘…identify and overcome barriers to residential sprinklers.’ Additionally the Board was concerned about the limited time frame for the committee to develop proposals by the August 20th Code Change submittal deadline as well as assuring a complete balance of interests in a committee of 15-20 people.

ICC Cosponsors Green Codes Summit


ICC Technical Services Senior Vice President Tom Frost addresses attendees at the Green Codes Summit.

The Code Council cosponsored the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Green Codes Summit in Washington, D.C. Federal agencies, jurisdictions, green building advocates and codes and standards developers discussed the coordination of future activities. Council Technical Services Senior Vice President Tom Frost was a speaker at the event and explained ICC's code development process is the best tool available for implementing green changes in communities. Frost invited attendees to become involved in the code development process by submitting proposed changes before the August 20 deadline.

Green Reception Held at Headquarters Office


	Code Council CEO Rick Weiland (right) and Government Relations Senior Vice President Sara Yerkes (second from right) talk with California Building Standards Commission Executive Director David Walls and his wife Brenda at the reception ICC hosted in Washington, D.C.

The Code Council hosted a reception at the Headquarters office for members of the National Green Building Standard Committee, representatives from partnering organizations, and attendees from Congressional and federal agencies that are focused on promoting the development of green building practices and technologies. The reception was held in conjunction with the National Green Building Standard Committee’s week-long meeting that included a review of task group recommendations to the working draft of the joint ICC/National Association of Home Builders green building standard.

Going Green with the I-Codes in Mexico


	Carlos Gutiérrez Ruiz (left) and Evangelina Hirata Nagasako meet with ICC’s Alberto Herrera and Dick Kuchnicki at the housing seminar in Mexico City.

Code Council Federal Programs Liaison Dick Kuchnicki presented “Facilitating the Application of Sustainable Building Policy through the International Codes” as part of the Mexican National Housing Commission’s Seminar on Sustainable Housing. The presentation provided a better understanding of the green building climate in the U.S. and the potential impact on, and opportunities for, the International Codes related to green and sustainable building.

Article Highlights Impact of Green Building

An article by Code Council CEO Rick Weiland, "Green Building is Here to Stay," appears in the inaugural issue of Construction Monthly magazine, a publication dedicated entirely to the New York construction industry. The article addresses the growing impact of green building, the Council’s green policy adopted by its Board of Directors, the joint development of the National Green Building Standard with the National Association of Home Builders, and more.

Joint Activities Discussed with Partners

Code Council CEO Rick Weiland and Government Relations Senior Vice President Sara Yerkes met with International Association of Fire Chiefs Executive Director Mark Light, and President and Fire Chief James Harmes to discuss joint activities between the two organizations. The Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IAFC several years ago and the association’s members are active participants in the ICC code development process. Weiland and Yerkes also had an introductory meeting with National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) President Doug Bibby. Joining the meeting was NMHC Vice President of Building Codes Ron Nickson, an active participant in ICC’s code development process. The group met over lunch to discuss initiatives of mutual concern between the two organizations.

Weiland and Yerkes discuss areas of mutual concern with (far right) NMHC President Doug Bibby and (second from right) NMHC Vice President of Building Codes Ron Nickson.

ICC Federal Forum Meets in D.C.

Matthew Chibbaro, fire protection engineer for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration Directorate of Standards and Guidance, presents an overview of a guidance manual during the Federal Forum.

The Code Council recently hosted its semi-annual Federal Forum at its Washington, D.C., office for building safety and fire prevention professionals from various federal agencies. The forum provides representatives a means to discuss ongoing federal activities pertaining to codes and standards.

WUI Blue Ribbon Panel Holds First Meeting


	Health and Human Services Representative Jennifer Schottke explains the benefits of GIS mapping systems to address issues such as evacuation, alternate routes and location of fire hydrants during WUI fires.

The Blue Ribbon Panel on Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI) fires held its first meeting at the Code Council’s Headquarters office to begin reviewing current programs and their effectiveness against the increasing number of WUI fires. The panel also discussed organizational accomplishments and the importance of collaboration. Several partnering organizations participated in the first meeting as well as National Geographic and the Sierra Club. In a letter to Code Council CEO Rick Weiland, Senator Max Baucus of Montana voiced his support for the Blue Ribbon Panel on Wildland/Urban Interface fires. “This panel will help to provide valuable insight and dialogue on wildfires and public land management; issues of critical importance to Montanans,” Baucus said.

ICC a Founding Member of Wildland Alliance

The Code Council is one of about 20 international organizations that are founding members of the Global Wildland Fire Alliance. The objectives of the Alliance, which is sponsored by the United Nations, are to review and update the Strategy to Enhance International Cooperation in Fire Management, encourage stakeholders to adopt and use the guidelines, review experiences from applying the guidelines and strengthen international cooperation in fire management. The Alliance will work with the Global Wildland Fire Network to promote mutual goals and objectives in enhancing international cooperation in wildland fire management.