Month: June 2021
Reimagining the ICC Performance Code
Reimagining the ICC Performance Code
Performance-based design has both advanced and grown in popularity over the past few decades, and many countries have successfully embraced performance-, objective- and function-based building regulations.
In order to provide a modern, updated International Code-based option available to those interested in an updated performance-based code, the International Code Council is reimagining the ICC Performance Code (ICCPC), a code that was first developed in the 1996–2000 code cycle and has had very few revisions since.
The ICCPC Committee Work is now underway. Subgroups have been formed. Anyone is welcome to participate. Please let us know of your interest through this link. ICCPC Subgroup Interest
In 2021, Meacham Associates undertook research for the Code Council to help us understand current thinking and perspectives across numerous disciplines about how performance-based approaches are viewed, what can and should be done to make them more robust to achieve a high level of confidence in the code, design approaches, tools, methods and data, designs that are developed. The steps in that research project are outlined below. At the end of the process, a report was generated and submitted to the Code Council Board of Directors with the suggestion to form an ICCPC Code Development Committee to develop a reimaged ICCPC to meet current and future best practice. The Board agreed, and the Code Development Committee was formed. You can download the research report using the button above.
Stage 1: Undertake broad sector-wide surveys and targeted workshops among stakeholders, including those currently using performance-based codes and those interested in having more performance-driven options in building codes.
Stage 2: Develop an outline of the essential components of a modernized performance code that embodies current thinking in the U.S., global experiences and best practices, existing and emerging societal expectations for building performance, and existing and emerging data, tools, methods, materials and systems.
Stage 3: Recommend changes to improve and modernize the ICCPC – which could be significant in terms of structure, approach and content – to increase the appeal of its use in jurisdictions around the world, including in the United States.
More Performance Code Resources and Activities
If you have questions, ideas, or need clarifications, please reach out to us at iccpc@iccsafe.org.
Protected: Building Safety – Your New Career
International Code Council Celebrates High Performance Buildings Week
Washington, D.C. – In recognition of High Performance Building Week, Code Council Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Sims, CBO, spoke on the panel, Building Better: Congressional and Private Sector Efforts to Promote High Performance Buildings organized by the High Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus and the High Performance Building Coalition, which the Code Council currently chairs. The roundtable discussion informed congressional and Biden Administration policymakers about the impact buildings have on health, safety and welfare, and the opportunities to best design, construct and operate buildings.
Joining Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) and industry leaders, Sims’ remarks addressed the importance of high performance building, sustainability, disaster mitigation, and the federal support needed to encourage greater adoption and effective implementation of model codes and standards that advance these imperatives.
“High performance buildings play a vital role as a part of America’s infrastructure,” said Sims. “High Performance Building Week offers a unique opportunity for the building industry to come together to raise awareness of policy initiatives, organizational priorities and cutting-edge innovations that enhance building performance, promote resiliency and sustainability, and help spur healthy construction and building industry growth throughout the country.”
The High Performance Buildings Coalition is a coalition of approximately 200 organizations that provides guidance and support to the High Performance Buildings Caucus of the U.S. Congress.
Watch the full presentation, here.
To learn more about the High Performance Building Coalition and other High Performance Building Week events, visit hpbuildings.org.
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.
Join the building safety community in Pittsburgh for the International Code Council Annual Conference & Hearings
Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council is hosting its 2021 Annual Conference and Public Comment Hearings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from September 19-28. The conference will focus on resiliency in the industry in the wake of significant disruption to traditional methods of working from the pandemic. Professionals from every sector of the building industry will come together to learn new skills, share best practices, and hear from leading professionals in the building safety and construction space on digital tools and resources to advance safe and sustainable buildings and communities.
This year’s event has been carefully planned to allow our members, stakeholders and employees to gather safely taking into account all required health and safety precautions. In addition to the in-person options in Pittsburgh, some sessions will be offered virtually.
Keynote speakers this year include:
- Jennifer McClure, an international speaker and business advisor, recognized as an influencer and expert on the future of work, innovative people strategies, and high-impact leadership.
- Markus Achord, Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Sunrun, specializes in the design and execution of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in large, global organizations.
The 2021 code development process continues immediately after the conference with the Public Comment Hearings. These hearings provide an opportunity for participants to influence the 2024 I-Codes, the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes in the world. At the hearings, governmental member voting representatives vote on hundreds of proposed code changes on behalf of their respective jurisdictions. Click here for details about the code development process.
“As we look forward to reconnecting at this year’s Annual Conference, the Code Council will be presenting new networking opportunities for the building safety community,” said Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “Our Empowering Leaders Luncheon, Safety 2.0 Happy Hour, and Connections Gala are three of many onsite activities that will provide professionals spaces to reengage with industry peers.”
Participants who register by Friday, August 6, receive an early-bird discount.
Sponsors at this year’s conference include iPlanTables, ISO, 4LEAF, Inc. and The American Concrete Institute. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Download the 2021 Visibility Prospectus to learn more.
Visit www.iccsafe.org/conference for more information. Use the hashtag #ICCAC21 to join the online conversation.
###
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.
DRRA 1206
Disaster Recovery Reform Act sec. 1206
FEMA recently announced guidance to implement a new program, “Building Code and Floodplain Management Administration and Enforcement,” that Congress established in 2018 through the Disaster Recovery and Reform Act (DRRA). The program is implemented under FEMA’s public assistance (PA) program and is intended to provide communities with the resources needed to effectively administer and enforce state and locally adopted building codes and floodplain management ordinances. The program’s goals are to increase the overall speed of recovery and enhance compliance with state and local building codes and floodplain management ordinances.
This code enforcement assistance is triggered within areas subject to a major disaster declaration. Reimbursement is only available eligible activities undertaken within 180 days after the date of the major disaster declaration.
Click here for a Code Council factsheet on the program that’s tailored to code officials.
Click here for the slides FEMA presented at the Code Council’s June 3, 2021 webinar on the post-disaster assistance program. Slides 21-22 include an extensive list of FEMA resources on DRRA 1206, the Public Assistance program, and mutual aid.
Click here for a recording of this webinar.
Click here for a in-depth presentation from FEMA on DRRA 1206.
Click here for how to apply for Building Code Administration and Enforcement Reimbursement through FEMA's Public Assistance Program.
We encourage you to reach out to your FEMA regional building sciences contact and us at ICC (advocacy@iccsafe.org) with any additional questions.
Code Council resources help prepare for safety and recovery as Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1
Washington, D.C. – June 1 marks the beginning of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season and preparing for natural disaster safety and recovery is a top priority. All levels of government and the private sector must work together to ensure communities are safe and resilient from devastating natural disasters. Throughout hurricane season, the International Code Council is dedicated to helping communities stay safe in their homes, workplaces and neighborhoods.
The Code Council and its members are ready to help through the Disaster Response Alliance. Local and state jurisdictions in the U.S. as well as federal agencies may also contact the Disaster Response Alliance for help to reach skilled professionals who volunteer to assist jurisdictions that request aid with building damage assessment, building inspections and other code-related functions in disaster areas. Code Council members also assist devastated communities with post-disaster building plans reviews, inspections and permit operations through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
“The momentum and awareness we’ve raised during Building Safety Month about the importance of disaster mitigation and building code adoption continues as we enter this year’s hurricane season,” said Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “Code officials play an integral role in preparing communities for natural disasters and in navigating recovery after a devastating event. The Code Council and its members are ready to help protect our communities.”
On Thursday, June 3, the Code Council, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and state and local officials will host a webinar on the implementation of FEMA’s new disaster recovery policy for code enforcement and administration. This new policy offers building officials and communities an effective way to access many of the resources needed to effectively administer and enforce building codes and floodplain management ordinances for up to 180 days following a major disaster declaration. Register for this free webinar to learn about more about this important new policy, including what activities are eligible and how to apply for reimbursement.
Resources to help prepare for hurricane season:
- Seasonal Hurricane Predictions
- FEMA: Hurricane Safety
- Building Safety Month Week 4: Disaster Preparedness
- Visit the Code Council’s Hurricane Safety & Recovery page to access more useful links and resources to help prepare for hurricane season.
###
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, Plumbing Manufacturers International announce transition of Matt Sigler to Code Council’s plumbing and mechanical team
Washington, D.C. – June 1, 2021 – The International Code Council and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) today announce the transition of Matt Sigler to the role of PMG Executive Director at the Code Council, effective on July 6.
In his new role at the Code Council – a global leader in plumbing and mechanical codes, standards and product certification – Sigler will lead a team of subject matter experts and business managers from all parts of the Code Council family of solutions to advance strategic goals in support of manufacturers and stakeholders.
Sigler is a well-known and highly respected technical expert in the industry with over 20 years of experience in construction, codes and engineering. He most recently worked as the Technical Director for PMI, the management trade association representing plumbing fixture and fitting manufacturers.
In addition, Shawn Strausbaugh has taken over as lead of the Government Relations PMG Team at the Code Council. As Senior Director of PMG Technical Resources, Strausbaugh will oversee the Code Council’s Government Relations PMG technical experts and work closely with Sigler to promote safe, effective and affordable plumbing codes and standards globally.
“I am excited to have Matt and Shawn on our staff to help advance plumbing and mechanical safety around the world,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Access to safe, clean water and indoor air quality are essential to the well-being of each of us. Matt and Shawn’s expertise, energy and leadership skills will help us expand our PMG programs to support manufacturers, designers, contractors and the entire building safety community.”
Kerry Stackpole, PMI’s CEO/Executive Director, said PMI will greatly miss Sigler but is glad to know he will be in a leadership position with a PMI member. “It is with a combination of emotions that we congratulate Matt on his new position with the Code Council. Matt has been a collaborator, strategist, and builder of member value at PMI, addressing the most critical technical and legislative issues facing our members. We all wish him well in this new endeavor.”
To learn more about PMG codes, product certification, training, and all the related technical experts at the Code Council, visit www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/pmg-program/.
###
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 Plumbing Manufacturers International
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the trade association of plumbing product manufacturers that produce more than 90 percent of the United States’ plumbing fixtures and fittings, represent more than 150 iconic brands, and develop safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies.
