Washington, D.C. – Due to the current state of affairs surrounding COVID-19, the International Code Council is extending the application process for its 2021/2022 code development cycle call for code, interpretation and code correlation committees. The new deadline for applications will now be June 15, 2020.

Understanding that modern building codes requires input from professionals throughout the building pipeline to be effective, the Code Council’s most important asset is the time and expertise of the volunteers that partake in numerous ICC committees.

“As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times and learn best practices for the ‘new normal,’ it will be important that the key learnings we are discovering now will be captured throughout the next code development process and present within the 2021 edition of the International Codes,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “With experts predicting a second and potentially even third wave of COVID-19, gathering the expertise of all building professionals will be crucial in ensuring that modern building codes address not only new public health guidelines, but mitigate against future threats to society as well.”

To help building industry professionals navigate the changing landscape, the Code Council has launched its Coronavirus Response Center with resources like free webinars, tips and best practices for going virtual, and survey results highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on code departments. The Code Council’s Coronavirus Response Center can be found here. 

Developed on a three-year cycle, the call for committee members is the first step in the Code Council’s code development process for its International Codes (I-Codes), a coordinated, modern set of building codes used in all 50 U.S. states and many other countries. For over 90 years, participation on the committees has been on a volunteer basis and professionals from all related fields such as contractors, architects, engineers and home builders are encouraged to apply to serve on one of the committees that preside over the Committee Action Hearings. Due to the extensive expertise of these committees, the I-Codes are the most widely used and highly regarded set of building safety codes in the world. The I-Codes provide a minimum safeguard for people at home, at school, at play and in the workplace.

For additional information on the Code Council’s call for committees and application, please click here.

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About the International Code Council

The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

Washington, D.C. – The celebration for Building Safety Month 2020 comes to a close with week four, which highlights training and education for the next generation of building safety professionals. This week the Code Council, its members and partners, will explore building safety career opportunities and the value of a well-trained workforce for maintaining a safe built environment. Thorough training and education help code officials consistently ensure the buildings in their communities are safe.

The building safety industry offers a wide range of career opportunities with positions that include code officials, inspectors, permit technicians, fire marshals, plumbing professionals, plans examiners and more. Through its Safety 2.0 initiative, the Code Council provides resources for students, veterans and others considering a career in the built environment.

“Especially during these difficult times when we find ourselves spending most of our time inside, we have a greater appreciation for building safety and the highly-trained professionals that ensure our communities are safe and protected,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “As the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has determined the work of building and fire prevention departments to be essential to the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a stronger demand for us to bolster our industry with a knowledgeable and qualified workforce.”

“The weekly theme of ‘Training the Next Generation’ aligns with NCARB’s current focus: to develop training materials for licensure candidates, supervisors, and mentors to best prepare for the challenges of the future,” said Terry Allers, President of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, a week four sponsor. “Only through proper mentorship and effective resources can the next generation of architects, and other architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals, be energized to improve the built environment for everyone.”

“LIUNA is proud to work with the International Code Council in promoting the importance of training in construction,” said Terry O’Sullivan, LIUNA General President, a week four sponsor. “As a highly skilled and experienced union workforce, training and safety are key to every project for the half-million members of LIUNA who build the infrastructure of the United States and Canada.”

The Code Council will host its final installment of the Building Safety Month Webinar Series on Friday, May 29, at 1:00 PM ET. The 90-minute free webinar will address deck safety, the codes and the second edition of the Code Council’s Deck Code and Education publication. The book, which will be available this summer, consists of ten chapters that provide every 2018 International Residential Code provision related to decks. Author and codes expert Glenn Mathewson will explain one overlooked or misunderstood provision from each chapter of the book. To register for the upcoming webinar, click here.

Learn more and download free resources about training and building industry career opportunities here. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #BuildingSafety365.

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About the International Code Council

The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

Washington, D.C. – The third week of Building Safety Month – an international campaign celebrated for 40 years during May and developed by the International Code Council – focuses on resiliency, sustainability and innovation.

The Code Council will host its third installment of the Building Safety Month Webinar Series on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at 1:00 PM ET. Panelists, including a code official, home builder, architect, and an expert on laborers’ health safety, will discuss the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on the building safety industry. To register for the upcoming webinar, click here. Attendance is free and CEUs will be provided.

Resilience starts with strong, regularly updated, and properly implemented building codes. For decades, the International Codes (I-Codes) have addressed resilience and sustainability by incorporating the latest innovations in science and technology. “The Code Council is committed to the technological advancements that prepare us for the future and enhance building safety and the built environment,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “COVID-19 has emphasized the value of technology for keeping us safe by underscoring the importance of the latest advancements in building science and encouraging the transition to virtual operations for code departments.”

“The theme of week three – Resiliency. Sustainability. Innovation. – addresses accreditation as a driver of innovation,” said Ingrid Miller, Senior Accreditation Officer for A2LA, a week three sponsor.  “International and industry standards create a crucial framework for competency and consistency that make the innovations of the modern world possible. A2LA is committed to demonstrating the value of accreditation and contributing to advancements in quality.”

The American Institute of Architects, also a week three sponsor, shared, “We continue to promote resilient design to substantially limit buildings’ harmful impact to the climate. Architects design environments that reduce harm and property damage from adverse events, allowing communities to adapt to evolving conditions and more readily recover.”

Learn more and download free resources about resiliency, sustainability and innovation here. Join the conversation online using the hashtag, #BuildingSafety365.

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About the International Code Council

The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.