Code Council goes green, moves to LEED building in D.C.

The International Code Council will move its world headquarters to the heart of Washington, D.C., and into a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building in the nation's Capitol.

"Our new world headquarters will be just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building," said Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "Having our offices in a LEED-certified green building in D.C. shows our corporate commitment to respect the environment. Green technology is going to play an important role in our collective future—not just in the United States but around the world."

The move will elevate the Code Council's profile, according to Weiland. It also will enhance relationships with the Federal government, and national and international organizations that have a presence in D.C., including the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the building owner.

"Last year the Board directed staff to find appropriate office space for our new headquarters," said ICC Board President Wally Bailey, who is Director of Development and Construction for Fort Smith, Ark. "It was a big plus that the best space available turned out to be a green building. This move fits in perfectly with our mission of safeguarding the public and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate citizenship."

The NAR building is one of Washington's greenest office buildings, having achieved a silver rating using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building rating system. Among its green features are energy efficiency, rainwater collection, high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, water-efficient fixtures and waterless urinals, excellent day-lighting and views, and use of recycled content materials.

"The combination of location, features of the building, energy and environmental performance, and accessibility makes it the right move for ICC," said Senior Vice President of Government Relations Sara Yerkes, who along with Chief Operating Officer Dominic Sims are overseeing the move.

"This organization is about our members and about our mission," said Sims. "Visitors need to feel the quality of the I-Codes and the stability of our organization when they enter our offices. They'll get that in our new headquarters where we'll be better able to accommodate visitors and meetings."

Michele Vernon of VOA Associates, Inc., a Chicago-based design firm with an office in D.C., led the team that designed the build-out of the new space.

"ICC had its own process and criteria including the importance of the location, functionality of the space, room for growth, and the health and well-being of its staff and those visiting and using the offices. The NAR space fulfills all that and more," said Vernon.

The International Code Council, a membership organization dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.

EDITORS NOTE: For a photo of the new building click here.