ANSI announces recipients of 2007 Leadership and Service Awards. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has announced recipients of its 2007 Leadership and Service Awards ANSI will honor the 14 award recipients during an October 17 ceremony held in conjunction with the U.S. celebration of World Standards Week 2007.

ASHRAE, Mexico Green Building Council will partner on sustainability. Under a new partnership agreement, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the Mexico Green Building Council will work together to promote buildings that are healthful, environmentally responsible, comfortable and productive, and profitable. The agreement is part of ASHRAE’s new strategies for a global environment, committing the organization to working with other partners with shared objectives.

NAIOP endorses sustainable practices for commercial real estate. The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) announced an official association policy on sustainable development, which was ratified by its Board of Directors. The policy statement is the outcome of a Green Task Force established in March 2007 to examine sustainable development and recommend how NAIOP should address this important issue within the industry and among its members.

Florida officials recognize FLASH disaster safety programs. Governor Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum and other state officials recognized the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes for its commitment to helping Florida's citizens prepare for and protect against disasters such as hurricanes. McCollum offered a resolution declaring the week of August 27 as the Tenth Annual Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Week to raise public awareness of the free disaster safety information and referral services the organization offers. 

Study of Hurricane Charley damage claims shows benefits of stronger homes. A study of losses in the hardest hit area of Florida during Hurricane Charley in August 2004 shows the effectiveness of modern engineering-based building codes and supports the need to strengthen the wind resistance of homes built before 1996. The study, released by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, finds that when a home was built made a big difference in the damage it sustained as a result of Charley. 

Sept. 13-15, AIA North Carolina 2007 Design Conference, New Bern, NC
Sept. 13-14, South Texas Builders Expo, South Padre Island, TX
Sept. 13-15, Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Emergency Response Conference, Indianapolis, IN
Sept. 20-22, Montana State Fire Chiefs Conference, Great Falls, MT
Sept. 26-29, Structural Engineers Association of California 2007 Convention, Olympic Valley, CA
Sept. 27-29, Sunbelt Builders Show 2007, Grapevine, TX
Sept. 30-Oct. 3, ICC Annual Conference and Education Program, Reno, NV

ICC/WSSPC Joint Events Planned in Reno
The Code Council’s 2007 Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, runs concurrently with the Annual Meeting of the Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC), bringing attendees in contact with officials from the worlds of geology, emergency management, seismic research and building design. Of key interest is the impact of new seismic zone maps from the U.S. Geological Survey and resulting adjustments to national earthquake standards and model codes. Read more about WSSPC events at this year’s conference.

Code Council CEO Rick Weiland, Executive Director of Plumbing and Mechanical Activities Jay Peters and Government Relations Senior Vice President Sara Yerkes met with officials from the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (PHCC) National Association at the Council’s Headquarters office in Washington, D.C. The parties discussed mutual initiatives and avenues in which both organizations can work together.

Public Comments Accepted on Green Standard
A draft of the National Green Building Standard, developed jointly by the Code Council and National Association of Home Builders, is available for public comment until September 24. A second Public Comment Period will be held in October following the Consensus Committee meeting in Washington, D.C.

Arizona Inspectors Team Up with Project HERO
Arizona building inspectors have announced they are teaming up with Project HERO to assist disabled veterans in the area. “If there’s a local person who needs help, we’re right here,” said Jack Holden, a building official from Oro Valley.

Plano, Texas, Earns IAS Accreditation
The City of Plano, Texas, is the first jurisdiction in Texas to earn accreditation through the IAS Building Department Accreditation program. “The City of Plano is extremely proud of Selso Mata (Chief Building Official) and the entire Building Inspections team for the hard work in garnering this outstanding honor and recognition for both the department and the city,” said City Manager Thomas H. Muehlenbeck.