ICC Performance Code Resources

Useful Websites for Reimagining the ICC Performance Code

Following is a brief list of websites that provide access to a range of information and experiences with performance-based building codes (regulation) and design approaches.

This is just a start – we know there is a lot of good information out there – including guidance within jurisdictions. If you have links that you think we should add, please let us know! While our aim is to point to freely available resources, we also provide a brief list of professional associations and others that have ‘for purchase’ documents.

Performance-Based Building Codes (Regulations)

The purpose of the Inter-jurisdictional Regulatory Collaboration Committee (IRCC) is to promote effective international collaboration concerning "best practice" building regulatory systems, in particular those that are functional, objective, or performance-based. This purpose necessitates interaction with bodies having compatible interests worldwide.

There are currently some 20 organizations from 17 countries represented in the IRCC.  From the "About Us" page on the IRCC website, you can find links to the websites of the participating entities.

In addition, under the "Documents" tab, you can find a number of summary reports, articles and other publications, largely pertaining to performance-based building regulatory systems. These documents are free to download.  These include the seminal 1998 document, Guidelines for the introduction of Performance Based Building Regulations, which served as a resource for many countries who embarked upon performance-based codes from the late 1990s onward, and the 2010 document, Performance-Based Building Regulatory Systems - Principles and Experiences, which provided context on the development and scope of performance-based building codes at the time.

Building Performance

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) offers a range of publications on building performance and sustainability and more. Their Commitment to the Architecture 2030 Challenge  aims to achieve better performing buildings that are carbon neutral by 2030. They aim for more use of performance-based design of buildings as well.

The mission of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is to serve the public interest by advancing building science and technology to improve the built environment.  NIBS is active in construction issues, disaster resilience, and high-performing buildings, among other areas. With respect to high-performing buildings, NIBS and AIA collaborate on the development of the Building Research Information Knowledgebase (BRIK), an interactive portal to support incorporation of multidisciplinary research in the design, construction and operation of high-performance buildings. With respect to high-performing buildings, NIBS has compiled the Whole Building Design Guide, which provides discussion on many aspects of performance and outcome based design, sustainability and resilience, along with a number of helpful reference documents.

The Performance Concept: A Study of Its Application to Housing – Volume One. This HUD archive on the Operation Breakthrough reports lays out one of the earliest frameworks for PBD codes.

Energy Performance

The U.S. Department of Energy  provides information on a number of energy performance and energy technology issues. Publications can be found based around specific focal areas, such as energy efficiency and renewables.

Fire Performance

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides free-to-view access to their wide selection of codes and standards, many of which include performance-based options. The NFPA also provides access to free data and research reports on fire topics including fire and sustainability interactions in a number of areas (e.g., PVS, ESS, EVs, etc.)

Performance-Based Analysis and Design Research

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducts and supports research in a variety of building performance areas, including energy / high-performance buildings, fire performance of buildings, structural performance of buildings, and resilient buildings and communities.  Publications on NIST research can be found through their publications site.

Internationally, there are numerous research institutions which conduct and support building performance research. We note just a few here where publications are freely available.

Also, universities across the U.S. and around the world publish research reports, PhD and MS theses, and other such research documents.

International Code Council Resources

The International Code Council has published several resources that are helpful in informing a discussion about performance-based design, sustainability and resilience, which can be found at the following linked web pages

Performance Analysis, Design Standards and Guidelines
(purchase may be required)

Several professional societies and associations publish performance-based design standards or guidance. Many of these are only available for purchase. We list a few US-based entities below.

More Performance Code Resources and Activities

Media Resources

Online Resources

Useful Websites

International Code Council Celebrates Updates to Texas’ Statute for Building and Residential Codes

Washington, D.C. – On June 7, Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas House Bill 738 (HB 738), which amends sections of Texas’ Local Government Code and establishes the 2012 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as the statewide municipal statutory codes for commercial, multi-family and residential construction in Texas. The IBC and IRC are part of the International Code Council’s family of building safety codes, the International Codes (I-Codes) – the most widely accepted, comprehensive set of model codes used in the United States. Prior to HB 738, Texas had the oldest State Statutory IRC (2000) and IBC (2003) on the books to date in the U.S.

“On behalf of the International Code Council, I was honored to work collaboratively with Representative Dennis Paul of Houston, the Texas General Land Office and a coalition of Texas stakeholders including the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT) to successfully advocate for the Lone Star State to update its statutory IRC and IBC codes. The Code Council commends Governor Greg Abbott for signing HB 738 into law and Texas for taking a proactive approach to adopting more modern codes across all municipalities,” said Kelly Sadler, Government Relations Senior Regional Manager for Texas, International Code Council. “This is an important step in the right direction for Texas to promote resilience and to mitigate disasters. We look forward to Texas taking many more steps to safeguard the safety of its citizens in the future.” 

Adopting and enforcing the most up-to-date building codes not only reflects a jurisdiction’s commitment to the health and safety of its citizens but helps to preserve building resilience and durability in the face of increasingly severe weather events. As a minimum safeguard, building codes establish a building’s safety and energy performance for years to come.

“BOAT is dedicated to enhancing the standards of uniformity and efficiency in administering and enforcing model building codes,” said Jeffrey Widmer, CBO, Building Official, City of Rockwall, Texas, BOAT President. “Promoting adoption of the ICC codes is consistent with our mission. We were pleased to offer our assistance to the International Code Council in their effort to successfully update the statutory codes in our great state of Texas.”

As the intensity and frequency of natural hazards like hurricanes continue to increase, HB 738 follows the recommendations of two significant Texas Hurricane Harvey Reports – Eye of the Storm: Report of the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas and Hurricane Harvey: Texas at Risk. According to a recent FEMA study, if all future construction adhered to up-to-date I-Codes, the U.S. would avoid more than $600 billion in cumulative losses from floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes by 2060. Additionally, the National Institute of Building Sciences estimates that adopting modern editions of the I-Codes saves $11 for every $1 invested through mitigation benefits against those hazards.

“In Texas, 78% of the municipalities have a population of less than 10,000 and in a majority of those, adoption of the latest editions of codes is not a priority. However, properly constructed homes and businesses provide life and fire safety to the occupants. In addition to providing this safety, the adoption and enforcement of current building codes are a major factor in a city’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating,” said Shirley Ellis, CBO, ICC Board of Directors, Building Official, City of Bastrop, Texas. “As a building official in a Texas city of less than 10,000, I am privileged to have a city council who understands the importance of the adoption and enforcement of current codes. Now that HB 738 is passed, I believe we will increase and improve the consistent updating of codes across the state.”

Model building codes are the foundation of a community and form an ecosystem of building policies that support the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhoods that adopt them. As the safeguard for our homes, schools, entertainment centers, workplaces, and every type of building in between, the adoption of both the IBC and IRC by Texas will create a uniformity that ensures maximum efficiency, resilience and safety for its citizens.

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

International Code Council and North American Deck and Railing Association release important Deck Safety publication

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council and the North American Deck and Railing Association have released the second edition of Deck Construction: Based on the 2021 International Residential Code, which is the most comprehensive publication available for deck code compliance. The publication contains provisions for decks from the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), as well as tables and figures, commentary, photos and illustrations that help readers better understand the intent and purpose behind the code provisions. Distinctions between the 2018 and 2021 IRC provisions were also included where relevant.

“As we enter the warmer months and families and friends look to spend more time outside, the integrity of deck construction will be essential to maintaining safety throughout the summer,” said Code Council Executive Vice President Mark Johnson. “Decks are niche construction projects, as such, everyone involved in these projects will benefit learning from this comprehensive and streamlined learning tool focused exclusively on decks.”

“May is Deck Safety Month®, however, deck safety is a 365-day issue,” said Michael Beaudry, Executive Vice President of NADRA. “As codes and construction capabilities are updated, the need to work closely with the association is paramount to ensuring that everyone involved in deck construction and maintenance adhere to the codes put forth by ICC.”

This publication also enables building authorities to easily access more specific information about decks and how their prescriptive designs and mandatory minimum requirements can be different from other structures.

The Deck Construction publication, by Glenn Matthewson, is available for purchase on the Code Council store, here.

About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

About the North American Deck and Railing Association
The mission of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of

Building Collapse in Surfside, Florida

Building Collapse in Surfside, Florida

ICC Pulse Web Header v1

Building Collapse in Surfside, Florida

We are deeply saddened by the news of the building collapse in Surfside, Florida, last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected and to the rescue crews working hard to identify survivors.

As Florida officials continue to investigate this tragedy, the International Code Council will support Florida in any way it can. We understand this incident will likely spur additional inspections throughout the area, and the Code Council will share information with its network of code officials and inspectors should Florida need additional support.

The building that collapsed was built in the 1980s. Since Hurricane Andrew hit the state in 1992, Florida has adopted a rigorous code adoption and enforcement process. In fact, Florida has one of the strongest building codes in the U.S., which is based on the International Codes. As noted in the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s Rating the States 2021 report, Florida is ranked number one among the 18 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts for building code adoption, enforcement, and contractor licensing.

In times like this, we are reminded of the vital role building safety professionals play in making sure these incidents are rare while ensuring safe and sustainable communities. Together we will help Florida recover, and we will look to the lessons of the past to help us prepare for a better future.

TēCA Raises the Bar for Cannabis-Related Trainers and Course Developers with IAS Accreditation

Brea, California – The ēLearn Cannabis Academy (TēCA), a division of the ēLearn Academy, is the first cannabis-related training and curriculum development organization to be accredited through the International Accreditation Service (IAS) Training Provider and Training Course Developers (AC371) program.

TēCA’s mission is to provide the cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) industries with a “Gold Standard” learning experience through IAS-accredited courses that are available 24/7/365 online. The TēCA certificate credential, earned by trainees after passing an online proctored exam, will recognize and validate an individual’s qualifications to work in the cannabis and CBD industries and enhance their legitimacy and professionalism.

When asked about the importance of accreditation, Robert Cochrane, Chief Learning Architect for the ēLearn Academy said, “Legitimate accreditation is the future of the industry. Training, education and credentialing are vital to providing greater professionalism, consistency and standardization in the cannabis and CBD industries. Our goal is to prepare knowledgeable cannabis dispensary technicians (CDT) by providing the most comprehensive and detailed employee training program available anywhere. To accomplish this goal, we need to ensure that TēCA credentialed customers are qualified, and our curricula meets, and even exceeds, regulatory and recognized standards.”

The IAS Accreditation Criteria for Training Providers and Training Course Developers (AC371) requires training agencies to demonstrate competence, both in the way of qualified trainers and curriculums. The comprehensive accreditation process requires an evaluation of the training agency’s corporate structure, facilities, staffing, curriculum, program development and administration. The IAS approach aims to ensure that accredited training programs prepare trainees to be efficient and competent to meet the needs of industry, regulators and consumers. It strengthens the professional and academic reputation of training programs.

Dr. George Anastasopoulos, IAS Vice President of Global Development & Compliance welcomed TēCA’s AC371 accreditation as the first of its kind that solely focuses on the training and curriculum development for the cannabis sector, setting an international benchmark and a best-practice model.

“The TēCA certificate will enhance the professional recognition of a person’s qualifications to work in the cannabis and CBD industries,” he added.

About TēCA

As a division of the ēLearn Academy, The ēLearn Cannabis Academy (TēCA) provides an accredited, 24/7/365 online training program for professionals in the cannabis and CBD industries.  Upon passing an online proctored exam, trainees are awarded a certificate of completion which will recognize and validate their qualifications to work in the cannabis and CBD industries and enhance their legitimacy and professionalism. 

About IAS

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) is a nonprofit accreditation body based in Brea, California USA. Providing accreditation services since 1975, IAS is one of the leading accreditation bodies in the United States and a signatory to several international mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs). IAS is part of the International Code Council Family of Solutions. The Code Council offers a leading personnel certification program that recognizes an individual’s qualifications in the code enforcement profession of the construction industry. For more information, visit iasonline.org.

The International Code Council launches process to conduct an in-depth review of the ICC Performance Code

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council announced today that it will be working with Brian Meacham, PhD, PE, an international expert in performance-based building control systems, to launch a process of reimagining the ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC). The aim is to gain a better understanding of current thinking and perspectives across multiple disciplines about how performance-based approaches are viewed in the United States and internationally, and to learn from the past two decades of increasing use of performance-based codes.

When the ICCPC was developed in the late 1990s, the key areas of focus in the discussion surrounding performance-based design were structural and fire and life safety. Since that time, knowledge has advanced in many areas, such as indoor air quality, renewable energy and energy storage systems, and on the performance of building materials and systems. The current ICCPC also does not include explicit consideration of sustainability and resiliency concepts, which have become important components of building regulation. A more contemporary ICCPC could address these items and more, and it would also be better positioned to address matters of resiliency related to increasingly severe weather-related events. Like the original effort which led to development of the ICCPC, the current reconsideration of the code should consider the current state of practice in performance-based design, what advancements have been made in the U.S. and internationally, what is needed for broad acceptance and implementation, who the key players are, and what is needed to achieve the objectives.

“Performance-based design has both advanced and grown in use over the past few decades, and many standards development organizations in the United States have embraced performance-based design in their area of focus,” said Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “And while performance criteria and methods have been incorporated into the International Building Code (IBC), the time seems right to explore the potential opportunities as well as concerns that can support the development process of a modernized ICCPC.” 

The Code Council has launched a new ICCPC portal, which includes the opportunity for stakeholders around the world to register their interest in collaborating to rethink the ICC Performance Code, and to join an active discussion through a new Code Council-moderated discussion forum on LinkedIn. The Code Council will also be using surveys and roundtable discussions to solicit input and engagement to determine how to best proceed to create a more updated, comprehensive, and robust performance code that will be more attractive for adoption by a wide range of jurisdictions around the world.

About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

International Code Council appoints committees to lead energy code development

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council, the developer of the most widely used and highly regarded set of building safety codes and standards in the world, announced the committee members for the development of its 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). As part of the new process outlined within the Code Council’s energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction framework, Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate, the Code Council Board of Directors has appointed 48 members to its Residential Energy Code Consensus Committee and 45 members to its Commercial Energy Code Consensus Committee, one-third of which are governmental regulators.

The committee appointees represent a wide array of experience in building types and energy efficiency strategies, as well as racial, gender and socio-economic diversity, composing balanced committees that represent a multitude of stakeholder interests. Each committee member was chosen based on their qualifications, interest category, past participation in the codes and standards development process, geography and organization size.

For the 2024 development process, the Code Council is pleased to announce the following committee Chairs and Vice Chairs. See the full list of appointments.

Duane Jonlin, Energy Code & Conservation Advisor, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, Chair of the Commercial Energy Code Consensus Committee. Jonlin previously served as a member of the Washington State Building Code Council, ICC Zero Carbon Task Force, IECC Commercial Energy Committee, and is currently a voting member of ASHRAE SSPC 90.1. Since 2012, Jonlin has been closely involved in the development of each new edition of the Seattle Energy Code, building upon development of the Washington State Energy Code.

Emily Hoffman, Director of Energy Code Compliance, New York City Department of Buildings, Vice Chair of the Commercial Energy Code Consensus Committee. Hoffman has served as a member of the IECC Commercial Code Development Committee, NYC Energy Code Advisory Committee, NYSERDA Stretch Energy Code Committee, and currently serves on the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Energy Cost Budget Subcommittee. Hoffman received the AEE Energy Professional Development Regional Award 2020 and Local Award in 2019 and NYC Climate Hero in 2020. 

JC Hudgison, Chief Building Official, Tampa, Florida, Chair of the Residential Energy Code Consensus Committee. Hudgison is an active member of the ICC Emerging Leaders Membership Council Governing Committee and Building Officials Association of Florida Suncoast Chapter. Hudgison has over 13 years of experience in the fields of architecture, building code, construction, and construction management. Hudgison previously served as a member on the AIA Georgia Board and Building Officials Association of Georgia.

Bridget Herring, Energy Program Coordinator, Asheville, North Carolina, Vice Chair of the Residential Energy Code Consensus Committee. Herring has previous experience as a member of the ICC Residential Energy Development Committee, NC Building Code Council, and NC Energy Efficiency Roadmap Steering Committee. Herring is also a NC certified continuing education instructor for building codes and a RESNET HERS Rater. Herring is a staff liaison for the City of Asheville Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment as well as the Energy Innovation Task Force, and manages the city’s energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Robin Yochum, Energy Program Manager, Nevada Governor’s Energy Office, Vice Chair of the Residential Energy Code Consensus Committee. Yochum serves as an active member of the ICC Building Membership Council and its Raise the Profile Subcommittee and Community Best Practices & Innovation Subcommittee, ICC Sustainability Membership Council Zero Carbon Buildings Subcommittee, and Nevada Energy Code Collaborative. Yochum led the technical group who drafted the policy analysis section of the first ever Nevada Climate Strategy, which focused on the built environment including energy codes, appliance standards, energy labeling and ozone depleting substance alternatives.

“As more emphasis is placed on addressing the impact of our changing climate, building codes like the IECC remain a critical component in achieving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases,” said Dominic Sims, CBO, Chief Executive Officer of the Code Council. “Through the new framework and IECC development process, all committed parties – from energy advocates to government officials and building safety professionals – will collaboratively determine the provisions of future editions to meet the sustainability and resiliency needs of all communities. Reducing carbon emissions through building operations under the IECC is just the first step in the Code Council’s effort to reduce the carbon impacts of other stages in the building process.”

The Code Council remains committed to assisting communities in meeting their energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction priorities. According to a preliminary analysis released by the Department of Energy, the residential provisions of the 2021 edition of the IECC are 9.38 percent more efficient than the 2018 edition and reduce GHG emissions by 8.66 percent. Through the development committees, each future edition of the IECC, including the 2024 edition, will build on prior successes allowing the IECC to remain a strong avenue for communities to reach their energy efficiency and sustainability goals globally – with a commitment to providing communities with the tools necessary to achieve zero energy now and by 2030.

The next step in the development of the 2024 IECC is the solicitation of code change proposals for consideration by the committees. Code change proposals related to the 2021 IECC can be submitted online beginning in mid-July 2021 through October 12, 2021.

To learn more about the Code Council’s energy activities visit www.iccsafe.org/energy

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

International Code Council Appoints Committees to Lead Energy Code Development

International Code Council Appoints Committees to Lead Energy Code Development
The Code Council announced the committee members for the development of its 2024 IECC

Building Safety Career Path Initiative

Building Safety: Your New Career

A world of opportunity awaits, which offers many exciting opportunities with competitive salaries at various levels of experience and training.

A Building Official manages the development, administration, interpretation, application and enforcement of the codes adopted by their jurisdiction.

A Building Inspector inspects structures to determine compliance with the various Building Codes and Standards adopted by the jurisdiction.

A Fire Marshal develops and delivers Fire Prevention and implements Public Fire Safety Programs that provide for inspections of occupancies for life safety and fire issues in accordance with Codes and Standards adopted by their jurisdiction.

A Fire Inspector evaluates compliance with means of egress and fire protection requirements for inspected occupancies and identifies any deficiencies.

A Plumbing Inspector inspects the installation, maintenance and alteration of plumbing systems complete with their fixtures, equipment, accessories, and appliances.

A Mechanical Inspector inspects the installation, maintenance, and alteration of mechanical systems that control environmental conditions and related processes within a building.

An Energy Inspector inspects the installation, maintenance and alteration of building envelope components and mechanical, lighting and power systems to determine compliance with energy efficiency requirements.

An Electrical Inspector inspects the installation or alteration of electrical systems indoors and outdoors including services, conductors, equipment, components, fixtures, appliances, devices, and electrical accessories.

A Special Inspector provides a specialized inspection of structural material fabrication and placement, such as poured concrete, structural steel installation and fasteners, etc.

A Plans Examiner reviews submitted plans for any structure of any occupancy classification to determine if they meet the requirements of the various Building Codes and Standards adopted by the jurisdiction.

A Permit Technician assists in the issuance of construction and development permits to ensure compliance with the provisions of a jurisdiction’s adopted regulations and codes.

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2021 IECC – A Code on a Mission

2021 IECC: A Code on a Mission

States and localities have set either greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals or established zero-energy building targets. The U.S. Administration has set zero-energy building goals of 2030 for new construction and 2050 for all buildings.

National, state and local governments cannot meet their GHG reduction goals without addressing buildings and thus having building energy codes that align with the goals.

The International Code Council is launching the Code on a Mission challenge to get over a third of the U.S. population covered by energy codes based on the 2021 IECC by the end of 2023.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will make available an unprecedented $225 million investment towards energy code implementation through the new Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) program. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will make $1 billion available for Building Code Technical Assistance. This includes $330 million to adopt the latest building energy code, including the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and $670 million to adopt a building energy code that meets or exceeds the zero energy provisions in the 2021 IECC. For more information on the RECI and IRA programs, visit our Federal Grants Webpage. More information on these grant programs is also available on the Code on a Mission Toolkit.

Check this page regularly to find out how we are progressing in meeting our goal. We also have resources, including a fact sheet, that can be shared to promote the benefits of the adoption and implementation of the 2021 IECC.

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