Sustainability Membership Council-Copy

Sustainability Membership Council

The purpose of the Sustainability Membership Council (SMC) shall be to enhance professionalism and advocate for concerns and issues that are of particular interest to building officials, to assist ICC in increasing the participation of such individuals in the ICC Code development process, and to advise ICC on programs and policies, legislative matters, code adoption issues and such other matters as the Council deems appropriate.

Join SMC

The Sustainability Membership Council is open to all ICC Members. You'll have an opportunity to discuss issues that you face as a community, and how the Code Council might best serve you.

If you're looking to get more involved in green and energy code enforcement and influence the direction of ICC, enroll in the Sustainability Membership Council today. Simply fill out the enrollment form, and ICC will be in touch with more details. The Governing Committee serves to actively engage Members in discussions about priorities and opportunities for the direction of the Council.

Next SMC Meeting

SMC Governing Committee Meeting

August 9, 2024 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Agenda will be posted here prior to the meeting. 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET Join from the meeting link https://iccsafe.webex.com/join/rcolker Join by meeting number Meeting number (access code): 926 835 496

Learn more

The SMC meets every other month. See calendar for all Membership Council events.

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SMC News

 

2024 Building Safety Month Proclamation. Don Mock, Chair of the Sustainability Member Council's Governing Committee, proclaimed the month of May 2024 as Building Safety Month and encourages SMC Members to join with their communities in participation in Building Safety Month activities. View SMC Building Safety Month Tidbits Videos.

Each year, governors, mayors, county executives, and other officials sign proclamations, official statements, and letters of recognition to celebrate Building Safety Month. View all 2024 proclamations here.

Decarbonization: Check out ICC's Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction web page.

Award

The International Code Council National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the growth and enhancement of codes or public policy espousing the principles of the Code Council Sustainability Membership Council.

ICC Code Chat Forums

Want to comment on the latest Sustainability Membership Council news and discuss related sustainability activities? Visit ICC's discussion forums today!

Documents

Search all Membership Council documents for current and past information.

2024 SMC Governing Committee

Don Mock, Chair,  Howard County, MD
Patricia Chawla, Vice Chair, Austin Energy, TX
Chris Clausing, Secretary, Colibri Group, FL

Rob Emard, Maryland Department of Labor, MD
Sandy Gallo Sr., Building Efficiency Resources (BER), FL
Aaron Gary, Tempo Partners, TX
Shane Hoeper, City of Dubuque, IA
Bryan Holland, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, VA
Matthew Hunter, American Wood Council, PA
Michelle Jacobson, ML Jacobson Design, NY
Khaled Tarabieh, Ph.D., American University in Cairo, EG
Van Tran, Bureau Veritas North America, CA

Staff Liaison
Ryan Colker, Vice President of Innovation, International Code Council, DC

Jerica Stacey, Director of Technical Training, International Code Council, ID

Board Liaison
Ben Breadmore, ICC Board of Directors, ME

Questions on Membership Councils? Contact Ron Piester

A2L Refrigerants Transition  

Preparing for A2L Refrigerants

In late 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule implementing legislation that mandates an 85-percent nationwide phasedown in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants by 2036.

The following series of videos, from ICC and our industry partners, address some of the different aspects of the resulting transition to A2L refrigerants that are important for building inspectors, code officials and contractors.

An Overview of
A2L Refrigerants

with Samantha Slater

AHRI SVP of Government Affairs

A2L Transition Timeline
for 2024 and 2025

with Samantha Slater

AHRI SVP of Government Affairs

Changes to Codes & Standards
Addressing A2L Refrigerants

with Jim Cika

ICC Director, PMG Technical Resources

What Building Inspectors, Code
Officials & Contractors Need to Know

with Jim Cika

ICC Director, PMG Technical Resources

Restrictions on
A2L Refrigerant Use

with Chuck White

PHCC VP of Regulatory Affairs

The Basics of Handling
A2L Refrigerants

with Chuck White

PHCC VP of Regulatory Affairs

Where to Find A2L
Refrigerant Training Resources

with Chuck White

PHCC VP of Regulatory Affairs

A2L Refrigerant 101
and Their Flammability

with Samantha Slater

AHRI SVP of Government Affairs

Upcoming Code Changes

The 2024 I-Code changes facilitate compliance with these requirements and support producers and refrigerant appliance manufacturers already transitioning to lower-GWP solutions such as A2Ls. Approved code changes in the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), International Fire Code (IFC) and International Mechanical Code (IMC) allow commercial and residential use of A2L refrigerants to replace high global warming potential (GWP) HFC refrigerants (Click here to download changes to the 2024 I-Codes)

The Code Council, in collaboration with the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), and Heating Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) are prepared to partner with the construction industry to help navigate this positive change. Check back here for updates and new resources.

Learn more about the code changes and A2L refrigerants

Other Resources

FAQs

Talk to an Expert

For more information, contact Jim Cika, Director of PMG Technical Resources
at jcika@iccsafe.org.

Jim Cika, Director of PMG Technical Resources

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Update on Hurricane Ian

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Update on Hurricane Ian

As Hurricane Ian continues its northward track, the International Code Council reminds its members and partners to remain alert to continuing risks from this devastating storm. Heavy rainfall, life-threatening storm surge, and riverine flooding are forecast for parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, and southeast Virginia. Hurricane-force winds continue to pose a threat to people and communities in Ian’s path.
Photo courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Ian is forecast to rapidly transition into an extratropical low on Friday night and dissipate by Saturday after making landfall in the Carolinas. Major riverine flooding continues to impact central Florida at record levels through next week. Lifesaving and life-sustaining actions in affected areas remain the priority for federal, state, and local governments.
Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Government Assistance for Code Organizations Following Ian

President Biden has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida. An Emergency Declaration has been issued for South Carolina and a major disaster declaration may follow. Code officials are reminded that FEMA has a disaster policy specifically aimed at providing much needed assistance for code officials and floodplain managers during disaster response and initial recovery for up to 180 days following a major disaster declaration.

This policy, administered under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, offers reimbursement for critical community functions such as building code administration, code enforcement, floodplain management administration and enforcement, and conducting substantial damage surveys inspections in affected communities. See FEMA’s fact sheet, How to apply for Building Code Administration and Enforcement Reimbursement through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, for more information.

Also, following the declaration of a major disaster FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding to governments and communities so they can rebuild in a way that reduces or mitigates future disaster losses in communities. Typically, HMGP funds are available statewide and are not limited only to declared counties. Post-disaster code enforcement including inspections, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Substantial Damage determinations and other disaster-resistant building codes projects are allowable expenses under HMGP.

For more information contact your Code Council Government Relations Regional Manager or Karl Fippinger, Vice President - Government Relations, Fire and Disaster Mitigation at kfippinger@iccsafe.org.

FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Building Code-Related Hazard Mitigation Opportunities

The Code Council and FEMA support community-based mitigation strategies that decrease risk and repetitive loss while increasing a community’s resilience to disasters. As part of those strategies, the adoption and enforcement of building codes has been identified as one of the five priorities of FEMA’s FY2022 BRIC program. Eligible building code adoption and enforcement activities for the proposed BRIC program are activities that:

  • Evaluate adoption and/or implementation of codes that reduce risk
  • Enhance existing adopted codes to incorporate more current requirements or higher standards
  • Develop professional workforce capabilities through technical assistance and training

The BRIC program application period is currently open, closing on January 27, 2023. For more information on the disaster-resistant provisions of the International Codes or the FEMA BRIC program, contact your Code Council Government Relations Regional Manager or Karl Fippinger, Vice President - Government Relations, Fire and Disaster Mitigation at kfippinger@iccsafe.org.

As an aid to community disaster response, the Code Council and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) sponsor the Disaster Response Alliance (DRA). The DRA maintains a national database of skilled, trained, and certified building safety professionals who are standing by and ready to assist communities in need. The DRA has assembled a cadre of skilled code officials, engineers, and others from across the country who are willing to assist with post-disaster safety assessments, building damage assessments, inspections, and surge support for other code-related functions. The Disaster Response Alliance brings together skilled, volunteer second responders in one place for easy access and quick mobilization. Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial entities may request assistance directly through the DRA website.
Interested in becoming a DRA resource?
The DRA is always looking for volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a DRA second responder resource, please visit the Volunteer Now link on the DRA website. Architects, engineers, and building safety professionals willing to make a difference during times of disaster are encouraged to apply. The DRA is also looking for individuals with specialized skills, knowledge, or abilities such as plans examiners, permit technicians, and building inspectors.

The International Code Council Welcomes Kevin McOsker to the Government Relations Department

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council announced this week that Kevin McOsker has joined the Government Relations Department as Vice President of Technical Services. As part of his responsibilities, McOsker will help manage and develop the Code Council’s efforts toward advancing existing building inspections and will support strong relationships with governmental agencies that advocate for the adoption of the International Codes (I-Codes).

“McOsker’s firsthand experience working with the adoption of I-Codes, specifically the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, will greatly benefit the Code Council’s efforts to create safe, sustainable and affordable communities worldwide,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “We are confident his expertise and knowledge in the field will play a vital role in furthering our mission.”

McOsker joins the Code Council with more than 30 years of experience in the building safety industry and brings expertise from nearly every aspect of the profession. His knowledge ranges from plan review and enforcement to inspections and special inspections of commercial and residential structures. Most recently, McOsker served as Building Official for the City of Las Vegas and has served as President of ICC Region I and the Chair of the Southern Nevada Building Officials.

“After thirty years of public service ensuring safety in the built environment, I am excited to bring my experience to the Government Relations team at the Code Council. I have a passion for building safety and the construction codes, and this position will allow me to continue to contribute in meaningful ways,” said McOsker, P.E., CBO.

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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. 

Emerging Leaders Membership Council

Emerging Leaders Membership Council

The Emerging Leaders Membership Council (ELMC) is a place created within ICC to accelerate motivated young professionals on a path to future leadership. It represents an opportunity to connect our current leaders with new talent and perspectives in hopes that we can shake-up convention and redefine success. It is a vehicle for those involved to grow professionally and create connections that will last a lifetime as those new members grow into involved and experienced mentors. Read more

We intend to grow our numbers, our involvement and our voice as we encourage our members to develop and learn. We hope that industry leaders will help us by sharing their experiences and teaching us the value of ICC as an institution in building safety.

Every single ICC member is welcome to our council. Please join us in a journey that will change lives, communities and careers for years to come.

–Andre Jaen, Past Chair
ELMC Governing Committee

Join ELMC

The Emerging Leader Membership Council (ELMC) is open to all ICC Members but is focused specifically on Members age 35 and under and/or those Members who have been in a codes enforcement-related profession for less than 10 years. If you're looking to network with peers, to learn how to become more involved in professional activities and influence the direction of ICC will take in the future, enroll in the Emerging Leaders Membership Council today. Simply fill out the enrollment form, and ICC will be in touch with more details.

  

Next ELMC Meeting

Meeting date to be announced.

See calendar for all Membership Council events.

Follow ELMC on Social Media

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News

March 4, 2024 I Christina Jackson's dedication and lasting impact on building safety industry. Code Council's Building Safety Journal puts spotlight on a leader's work to help women get careers in building safety. Read more.

February 6, 2024 I 2024-2026 Code Development Cycle Voter Eligibility Requirements and Validation explained. The International Code Council’s 2024-2026 code development cycle is officially underway. To be eligible to vote in this cycle, please check the eligibility requirements and validation. Read more.

February 2, 2024 I ICC Leadership Week is a FREE CEU and networking event in April in Orlando. Next in-person ELMC meeting plus 2024 Leadership Academy, 2024 Committee Action Hearings and more will be held. Check the schedule. Read more.

January 17, 2024 I ICC marks 30 years of championing building safety and innovation. The year 2024 marks an important milestone for the International Code Council as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary. Read more.

January 8, 2024 I Ever consider becoming a code hearings moderator? Code Council moderators serve a critical role in the execution of the International Codes® (I-Codes) hearings. Moderators are appointed by the President of the ICC Board of Directors and act as presiding officers for the public code hearings in accordance with CP 28. Read more.

December 29, 2023 I Serving on ICC Board of Directors is great opportunity for those with passion for codes. The Code Council’s Board has a pivotal role in leading the organization toward a sustainable future while remaining aligned with the overarching mission of promoting building safety. Read more.

December 28, 2023 l Nominations due March 15 for 2024 ICC Awards. The 2024 nominations applications for the Trailblazer Award and other ICC Annual Awards are available. Read more.

December 11, 2023 l 2023 Trailblazer Award. Silvia Gonzalez has dedicated much of her time toward educating, mentoring, hiring and promoting individuals in the code enforcement and construction industry. Read more.

December 4, 2023 I 2024 Building Safety Month raises profile on code officials and their value. The month-long educational campaign kicks off on May 1. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible” encourages people to get involved in all aspects of building safety. Read more.

News Archive

Award

The International Code Council Trailblazer Award recognizes an outstanding example of a mentor or leader who helped "blaze a trail" for the next generation of building safety professionals.

ICC Code Chat Forums

Want to comment on the latest Emerging Leadership Membership Council news and discuss related emerging leadership activities? Visit ICC's discussion forums today!

Documents

Search all Membership Council documents for current and past information.

 Governing Committee

Gregory Gilbert, Chair, Portland, ME
Cody Gunn, Vice Chair, Kathleen, GA
J. Brett Hanes, Secretary, McDonough, GA
Gabriella Bermea, Austin, TX
Jacinda Cheatham, Massillon, OH
Lisa Hartwig, Minneapolis, MN
Ty Jennings, Casa Grande, AZ
William Mallory, Spring Hill, KS
Cecilia Muela, Santa Rosa, CA
Peter Nyabagosi, Washington, DC
Quyen H. Thai, Tacoma, WA

Board Liaison
Christina Jackson, Newport News, VA, ICC Board of Directors

Staff Liaison
Richard Hauffe, Senior Regional Manager, Government Relations, International Code Council

Questions on the Council? Contact Ron Piester

Resources

Safety 2.0
The Code Council’s signature initiative to welcome a new generation of leaders to the building safety profession.

Building Safety Leadership Experience
An opportunity for members to engage with leaders and stakeholders at the Annual Conference and Expo.

Building Safety Career Path
 This Code Council initiative sets out the path for a successful career in building safety.
Your Building Safety career awaits.

 

Mentor Program
Refreshed and relaunched in the Code Council's new online Member Community - Join now!

Technical Training Program (TTP)
 An education program based on the International Residential Code® (IRC®) divided into six disciplines.

Chapter Leadership Academy
An event for ICC chapter leaders to strengthen leadership skills, network and discuss best practices.

 

ICC Code of Honor Scholarship

Code of Honor Scholarships
Provides funding to Governmental Member Voting Representatives seeking to engage in Public Comment Hearings.

Vote for your codes. Your actions, your codes. ICC

Vote for Your Codes
This campaign challenges new professionals to participate in the code development process.

The International Code Council and the International Building Quality Centre Announce the U.S. Incorporation of the IBQC and the New IBQC Leadership

Washington, D.C. – The International Building Quality Centre (IBQC), with support from the International Code Council, has announced its official incorporation as a Delaware nonstock corporation. Formed in 2020 as an informal coalition of international thought leaders in the building regulatory space, and with sponsorship from the University of Canberra (Australia), the IBQC has to date published a series of four guidelines for good practice building regulation in various disciplines, including two targeted for emerging economies. The incorporation in the U.S. provides the IBQC with a greater level of permanence along with formal governance, in addition to more formally expanding its footprint into the northern hemisphere.

Since its establishment in 2020, the IBQC board has grown from five to 12 members, with representatives from the United Kingdom, Peru, Colombia, the U.S., Kenya, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Board is equally as diverse in respect of the vocational fields of its members, with representatives from global NGOs, prominent universities, government, the legal profession and the private sector.

Adjunct Professor Kim Lovegrove, founding member and Chair of the IBQC, offered a description of the organization: “The IBQC is preoccupied with solution engineering; the utilitarian extrapolations from lessons derived from that which has failed and succeeded. Its remit is to fashion concepts that can better ‘inoculate’ building regulatory ecology against harm. These motivations are integral elements of the IBQC’s essence.”

International Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO, has served on the board of the IBQC since late 2020, and added, “Our involvement in the IBQC has provided much broader access to the International Code Council’s knowledge base and family of solutions to building safety professionals throughout the world, especially in emerging economies. While providing this expanded access to knowledge, tools and information is integral to our mission, our participation with the IBQC has also facilitated considerable learning on our part, helping us to understand what we can do to best facilitate building safety solutions globally.”

The new governing board and corporate leadership of the newly incorporated entity were also announced. Governing board members include Adjunct Professor Kim Lovegrove, RML, MSE, chair; Professor Charles Lemckert, FIEAust FRSN, vice chair; Professor Robert Whittaker AM, FRSN, FAIB, FAIQS, MAIBS, vice chair; ARCH. Professor Alfred Omenya; Adjunct Professor Neil Savery; and Mr. Dominic Sims, CBO. The newly appointed executive director of the IBQC is Judy Zakreski, International Code Council Vice President of Global Services, and the newly appointed secretary is Will Coffman, International Code Council Assistant General Counsel.

The other originally appointed board members of the IBQC will continue to serve on the board in a strategic advisory capacity as non-voting member. These include Ms. Stephanie Barwise QC, Mr. Michael de Lint, MA, PLE, Mr. Alejandro Espinosa-Wang, Dame Judith Hackitt, Professor Jose Torero, FRSE, FRSN, and Ms. Bronwyn Weir.

Adjunct Professor Lovegrove concluded, “This incorporation is a key milestone event as it secures the perpetuity of the IBQC and is testament to the tremendous esprit de corps of the Board members, their energy and altruism, along with those that participate in IBQC working groups in the design of international good practice building regulatory guidelines. A special thanks to the International Code Council for such largess and to the University of Canberra for taking the initiative in 2020 in getting the ball rolling. Thanks to all of the Board members of the IBQC and to Dominic Sims for facilitating his organization’s support.”

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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.

About the International Building Quality Centre
The International Building Quality Centre is an altruistic organization comprised of building safety and regulatory experts from around the world who share a common goal of improving building safety globally. The IBQC serves as a collaborative medium through which systems, practices, regulations, codes and laws that provide best practice solutions and answers are identified, endorsed and encouraged.