Month: January 2024
2023 Chapter Leadership Academy
International Code Council Celebrates 30 Years of Creating Safe Buildings and Communities
Washington, D.C. – This year marks the International Code Council’s 30th anniversary as an international nonprofit dedicated to building safety, affordability and sustainability. With over 100 years of impact through its legacy organizations, the Code Council has driven the development and implementation of the International Codes® (I-Codes) in all 50 U.S. states and many other countries.
Formed on December 9, 1994, by its three legacy organizations and officially consolidated in 2003, the Code Council was created to develop a single set of comprehensive and coordinated model codes. To date, the I-Codes are the most widely used and accepted model codes available to support the built environment, impacting the safety of nearly 2 billion people globally. The I-Codes reference more than 1,600 standards developed by the Code Council and other standards developing organizations.
Since its formation, the Code Council has grown to offer a wide range of solutions to the building safety community. Currently, the Code Council has eleven offices in three different countries and is active in more than 100.
“Over the past 30 years, we have helped communities on a global scale create a safer built environment,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “We remain committed to serving our members and customers — hundreds of thousands of dedicated building safety professionals who uphold public safety in communities across the world day after day — and we owe a debt of gratitude to them for the building codes and standards we have today.”
To kick off the year-long celebration, the Code Council has launched a 30th anniversary website for members and stakeholders to reflect on the past three decades. Featuring an interactive timeline, photo gallery, documentary and digital guestbook, the site spotlights important milestones from the past three decades.
Those interested can get involved in the celebration by sharing what the Code Council and its mission mean to them in the digital guestbook.
Learn about the most recent 30th anniversary celebratory efforts 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.
Protected: MENA – Resources
2024 IECC Notice of Appeals Hearings
The International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) Notice of Appeals Hearings is now available. Download it here.
The Appeals Board has decided to consider the appeals in four groups as noted below.
- Scope and Intent
- Consensus Building Approaches
- Procedural Specific Issues
- Subject Specific Issues
The Appeals Board hearings will be conducted virtually and are scheduled for February 21, 22, and 23, 2024.
Interested parties, or their representatives, are hereby invited to respond to the appeal(s) by submitting their comments in writing for consideration by the ICC Appeals Board and/or participating in and presenting information at the Appeals Board hearings pursuant to Council Policy 1. Written comments and a notice of attendance must be submitted by all interested participants, including appellants, by filling out the online form “Appeals Viewpoint and Notice of Attendance.”
The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm Pacific Time (PT) on February 5, 2024.
Interested parties not wishing to present can view the Appeals Board hearings live online without registering for the event. The links to watch the Appeals Board hearings live will be posted on the 2024 IECC Appeals web page.
For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org/2024-iecc-appeals.
Hydrogen Fuel
Advancements in the Implementation of Hydrogen Fuel
Amongst global efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogen fuel has emerged as a viable solution in transitioning to a more sustainable and climate-friendly fuel source.
Because of its ability to be produced with zero or near-zero carbon emissions, many regions have begun investing in hydrogen technologies, which has further accelerated industry innovation and job opportunities on a global scale.
Accelerating Hydrogen Fuel Deployment Through H2Hubs
On October 13th, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the allocation of $7 billion dollars to develop seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2 Hubs) strategically located across the U.S. as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The H2Hubs will accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of low-cost hydrogen to meet the nation’s climate and energy security goals.
The H2Hubs are anticipated to generate a combined output of three million metric tons of hydrogen each year, contributing to almost one-third of the 2030 U.S. production goal while reducing emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors.
Additionally, the H2Hubs are projected to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 25 million metric tons annually, as well as generate and maintain tens of thousands of jobs nationwide while promoting healthier communities.
Hydrogen Fuel Provisions in the I-Codes
Model codes and standards must be updated to address safety gaps when hydrogen is blended into the natural gas supply. The Code Council is currently in the process of developing the 2027 International Codes® (I-Codes), which includes code proposals developed by the PMG and Fire Code Action Committees that address the blending of gaseous hydrogen with natural gas in the built environment.
Gaseous hydrogen fuel at least 95 percent by volume and no more than 1 percent oxygen, has had code requirements included in the International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®) and many other publications for years. The working group’s scope was to expand the minimum safety provisions to address natural gas including gaseous hydrogen admixtures.
Hydrogen Working Group
The PMGCAC Hydrogen Working Group was composed of representatives from academia, national and international associations, national testing laboratories, manufacturers of appliances/equipment/piping systems, contractors, engineers, natural gas energy suppliers, standard development organizations, building and fire officials and other stakeholders.
This group assessed existing I-Code requirements related to hydrogen use, considering current industry practices and safety needs in the built environment.
Through collaborative efforts, rigorous code proposal development and proactive regional outreach, the Code Council is ensuring codes address the global paradigm shift towards a safer, more sustainable and efficient hydrogen-fueled future.
Hydrogen Fuel FAQs
Learn More About Hydrogen Fuel
Background Information
- Background on hydrogen use as a carbon free fuel
Read article - Background on the regional clean hydrogen hubs
Read article
Other Hydrogen Fuel Resources
- Read about bringing heat-reaction technology to the U.S.
- Learn more about the development of the I-Codes
- Get an overview of our PMG Codes
- For more information on the progress of hydrogen utilization in the U.S. and globally, visit the Department of Energy's Hydrogen Program website
Hydrogen Codes and Standards Development
The Code Council actively engages in opportunities to support hydrogen codes and standards development. Some of these activities include:
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Codes and Standards Coordinating Committee – Member
Read details▼
- Through this committee, the Code Council advises the DOE on hydrogen advancements in research, development and technology for U.S. Clean Hydrogen Strategy Road Mapping
- Members of this committee include the Code Council, National Research Labs, CSA, ASTM, ASME, DOE, EPA, NFPA, multiple state natural gas supplier companies, Authorities Having Jurisdiction, academia and manufacturers
Development of Canada’s National Hydrogen Deployment Codes and Standards Roadmap through Standards Council of Canada and National Resources Canada – Committee Task Group Member
As an active member of the Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS), the Code Council is involved in developing tools and best practices to address several education gaps related to hydrogen production, storage, transportation and end-use. This involvement extends to both national and international levels. Specifically, the Code Council focuses on developing permitting and inspection guidance for H2 projects, along with training programs covering hydrogen manufacturing, transportation, storage and usage, among other aspects of guidance development.
CHS Culture Working Group – Participant
NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technologies Code Technical Committee – Member
ASTM D03 Gaseous Fuels Main Committee – Member
ASTM D03.14 Subcommittee for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells assisting in the development of gaseous hydrogen related standards – Committee Member
Read details▼
Served as panelist at ASTM Natural Gas Hydrogen Blends Workshop Dec. 5-6, 2023, performing presentations on codes and standards associated with the use of hydrogen
ASTM D7606-17 Standard Practice for Sampling of High-Pressure Hydrogen and Related Fuel Cell Feed Gases – Committee Member
Code Council PMGCAC H2 – Working Group Liaisons
Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) Hydrogen Hubs Working Group
Read details▼
Worldwide, there's a noteworthy surge in activities and substantial funding allocated toward advancing hydrogen hubs.
As these initiatives proceed, there will naturally arise inquiries about safety protocols and optimal practices. In the realm of hydrogen safety, the preeminent global authority is the Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS). To meet the needs of these developing hubs CHS is establishing a Hydrogen Hubs Working Group that will be open to any CHS member that is a part of a global hub.
The Hydrogen Hubs Working Group will provide a forum for hub participants to:
- Discuss safety topics and issues
- Participate in a community to resolve shared problems.
- Develop resources that can be used among working group members
- Highlight and promote significant hydrogen safety issues to outside entities
Technical committee member for the following appliance and equipment standards developing requirements for blended H2 and natural gas
Read details▼
- ANSI/CSA Z21 and Z83 Joint Technical Committee members addressing H2 and Natural Gas blending standards for appliances and equipment
- CSA Z21.83 Gas Fueled Products and Related Accessories
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - H2 test gas composition and compatibility/flashback/burner characteristics
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - Piping Systems and Higher Pressures
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - Impact on Venting Materials (Metallic and Non-Metallic)/Heat Exchangers
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - Piping Systems/Threaded Connections (for end use)
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - Retroactivity/Inservice Appliances
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - Controls/Internal-External Leakage - Vent Limiting Function
- CSA Z21/83 H2 Level 2 Subgroup - Test Gas Composition/Gas Compatibility Limits
- CSA Vented Heaters TSC (J101.22)
- Z21.50/CSA 2.22, Vented decorative gas appliances
- Z21.86/CSA 2.32, Vented gas-fired space heating appliances
- Z21.88/CSA 2.33, Vented gas fireplace heaters
- CSA Unvented Heaters TSC (U101.2)
- Z21.11.2, Gas-fired room heaters, volume II, unvented room heaters
- Z21.11.3, Gas-fired room heaters, volume III, propane-fired portable emergency use heater systems
- Z21.76, Gas-fired unvented catalytic room heaters for use with propane gas
- Z21.91, Ventless firebox enclosures for gas-fired unvented gas log type room heaters
- CSA Infrared Heaters TSC (J101.4)
- Z83.19/CSA 2.35, Gas-fired high-intensity infrared heaters
- Z83.20/CSA 2.342, Gas-fired tubular, and low-intensity infrared heaters
- Z83.26/CSA 2.37, Gas-fired outdoor infrared patio heaters
- CSA 2.20 (draft), Gas-fired brooders
- CSA/ANSI LC 1 Fuel Gas Piping Systems Using Corrugated Stainless-Steel Tubing (CSST)
- CSA/ANSI LC 4 Press‐connect metallic fittings for use in fuel gas distribution systems
- CSA/ANSI LC 6 Natural Gas Operated Diaphragm Pumps
- CSA/ANSI Z21.41- CSA 6.9, Quick-disconnect devices for use with gas fuel appliances
- CSA/ANSI Z21.66 - CSA 6.14 - Automatic damper devices for use with gas-fired appliances
- CSA/ANSI Z21.21/CSA 6.5 - Automatic valves for gas appliances
- CSA/ANSI Joint Technical Sub-Committee on Standards on Automatic Gas Controls [J101.7]
- CSA/ANSI Joint Technical Sub-Committee on Standards on Manual Valves [J101.16]
- CSA Technical Sub-Committee JB 121.17 Performance Testing of Hydrogen-Enriched Appliances (P.17)
Talk to an Expert
For more information, contact Mark Fasel Director of PMG Technical Resources at mfasel@iccsafe.org.
International Code Council Signs MOU with Women in Plumbing & Piping to Promote the Plumbing Trades
Washington, D.C. – On December 21, 2023, the International Code Council and Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP) signed an MOU to collaboratively promote opportunities for women to pursue successful careers in the plumbing industry. This partnership advances the Code Council’s Safety 2.0 mission to welcome and engage a new generation of members and leaders in building safety and illustrates the Code Council’s commitment to increasing inclusivity within the plumbing and piping industries.
WiPP is a nonprofit membership organization that focuses on the inclusion and support of women in the plumbing and piping industries. Founded in 2022, WiPP’s mission is to provide a community of connection and empowerment for women in those trades to thrive personally and professionally.
The Code Council will work with WiPP to help bring the plumbing and piping industries to a new level of excellence by advancing gender inclusivity in the trades. As a founding sponsor, the Code Council will provide resources, support, training and educational opportunities to better serve WiPP’s and the Code Council’s members and stakeholders.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing standards and inclusivity within the plumbing and piping industries,” said Kim Gill, Executive Director, Women in Plumbing & Piping. “By joining forces with the Code Council, WiPP is poised to make an even greater impact, ensuring that women continue to play an essential role in shaping the future of these vital trades.”
“This relationship is the latest in a series of actions we’ve taken to continue our long-time support of the plumbing industry,” said Code Council Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Executive Director, Matt Sigler. “We are thrilled to begin this relationship with WiPP and help support their mission of advancing gender inclusivity in the plumbing field.”
More information on Women in Plumbing & Piping can be found here.
Learn more about the Code Council’s plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, swimming pool & spa, and private sewage disposal codes 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 Women in Plumbing and Piping
Women in Plumbing and Piping, founded in 2022, is driven by visionary women committed to creating a thriving community for women in the plumbing and piping industries. WiPP members are advancing the industry to new levels of excellence by supporting and promoting the contributions of women as an essential component in shaping the future of these trades.
Building Safety Month Sponsors
Sponsors
The International Code Council is grateful for the companies and organizations that are making building safety a priority by sponsoring Building Safety Month.
For more information on becoming a sponsor see the Sponsorship Options page.
Foundation Sponsor
The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver clean natural gas throughout the United States. There are more than 78 million residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers in the U.S., of which 95 percent — more than 74 million customers — receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets one-third of the United States' energy needs.
www.aga.org
Member Resources Sponsor
Verisk’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS®) assesses community building codes and their enforcement, with special emphasis on mitigation of losses from natural hazards. Municipalities with well-enforced, up-to-date codes should demonstrate better loss experience, which can be reflected in lower insurance rates. The prospect of lessening catastrophe-related damage and ultimately lowering insurance costs provide an incentive for communities to enforce their building codes rigorously — especially as they relate to windstorm and earthquake damage. The anticipated benefits are safer buildings, less damage, and lower insured losses from catastrophes.
www.verisk.com
Theme Week Co-Sponsors
4LEAF, Inc. was established in 1999 and incorporated in 2001. Our extensive team of engineers and managers are fully equipped with the training and experience required to perform the plan review, project inspection, on-call inspection, code enforcement, planning, and disaster recovery services they provide to municipal Building, Public Works, Planning and Fire Departments. Because of our goal of setting the industry standard for excellent customer service, we have grown to more than 400 personnel throughout the United States.
www.4leafinc.com
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
www.concrete.org
Bureau Veritas is the nation’s leading provider of code compliance and building safety services. Providing these services allow our clients to better serve the needs of their customers and assists them in the honorable duty of protecting the health, life, and safety of the people, structures, and environment within the jurisdiction. Our team takes this responsibility very seriously. All of our services are performed by licensed, certified and experienced professionals in their fields of expertise.
www.bvna.com
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a nonprofit organization made up of the architectural licensing boards of 55 U.S. states and territories. In collaboration with jurisdictional architect licensing boards, NCARB facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
www.ncarb.org
NMHC is the place where the leaders of the apartment industry come together to guide their future success. With the industry’s most prominent and creative leaders at the helm, NMHC provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action that enable both members and the communities they build to thrive.
www.nmhc.org
Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956.
www.strongtie.com
Tyler’s civic services solutions are purpose-built for local governments to create safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities. They allow you to work with citizens efficiently and effectively, enabling your agency and community to thrive. Automated government operations allow new businesses in your community to safely build, open their doors, and stay in compliance. Mobile solutions bring automation to the field, so your employees perform their jobs more proficiently and successfully. You can rely on our business management and community development software to break down silos for the best workflow experience around planning, licensing, permitting, regulatory management, inspections, and code enforcement.
www.tylertech.com
Supporters
Friend
Deadline for Code Change Proposals for Group A 2024 International Codes® is January 8, 2024
Washington D.C.– The deadline for code change proposals for Group A of the 2024 International Codes® (I-Codes) for inclusion in the 2027 editions of the codes is Monday, January 8, 2024, 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Details about the code cycle, what each code group covers, and other relevant information can be found here. All interested parties should submit their proposals here.
Developed by the International Code Council, the I-Codes are a family of fifteen coordinated, modern building safety codes that help ensure the design and construction of safe, sustainable and affordable structures. The I-Codes are the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes in the world.
“The code development process is open to input from all interested stakeholders,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Building codes and standards are the foundation of our system of building safety. Widespread participation in this important process helps to ensure that the I-Codes incorporate the latest advancements in building science, and to facilitate participation from around the world, we have perfected the use of our online Code Development portal which we launched ten years ago.”
The development of the I-Codes is a transparent consensus process that allows industry professionals, building safety advocates and the public the opportunity to influence the future of safety in the built environment.
The 2024-2026 code development process will include three significant changes to the existing process. First, there is the addition of a second Committee Action Hearing for each code group. This allows for more in-depth vetting of code change proposals and greater opportunity for participants to respond to and submit comments. The second notable change is the introduction of a single Public Comment Hearing in 2026 for Group A and B codes. Finally, a single Online Governmental Consensus Vote for both Group A and B codes is scheduled for 2026.
After the code change proposals are submitted, expert committees will review the proposed changes at the Committee Action Hearings in Orlando, Florida, on April 7-16. The hearings offer code officials, architects, builders, engineers, designers, construction trade associations and other interested parties the opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group A codes. In advance of the hearings, the Code Council has posted the hearing schedule on Codes & Standards – ICC (iccsafe.org) and plans to post proposed code changes at the end of February.
Additional resources:
- To submit a code change proposal, visit cdpaccess.com. Anyone can submit a code change, but registration is required. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes.
- For more information about cdpACCESS, visit iccsafe.org/cdpaccess.
- For more information on the code development process, visit 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.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Revolutionizes the Building Industry by Being the First State to Adopt ICC/MBI Off-Site Construction Standards
Richmond, Virginia – The Commonwealth of Virginia has approved the adoption of ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 as a part of their adoption package of the International Code Council’s suite of 2021 International Codes®. The Commonwealth becomes the first state to adopt the ICC/MBI Standards for Off-site Construction and is the first jurisdiction to do so since Salt Lake City adopted the standards in 2021.
The adoption of ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 was led by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and will become effective on January 18, 2024. This underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment and leadership in establishing uniformity in off-site construction regulation.
The Code Council and the Modular Building Institute (MBI) developed ICC/MBI Standard 1200-2021: Standard for Off-Site Construction: Planning, Design, Fabrication, and Assembly and ICC/MBI Standard 1205-2021: Standard for Off-Site Construction: Inspection and Regulatory Compliance in order to provide best practices based on existing off-site construction programs and support consistency and efficiency in how off-site construction is approved and inspected.
The Commonwealth of Virginia will leverage the two standards to promote greater uniformity with existing statewide programs across the country.
“The Commonwealth of Virginia has taken an important step forward and will have our support to ensure success,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “This will allow communities in the Commonwealth to reap the safety and cost-savings benefits of off-site construction and emphasizes the Commonwealth’s efforts to address the critical need for safe, sustainable and affordable buildings and communities.”
Off-site construction is a rapidly growing, innovative construction technique, that creates affordable housing with greater speed to market than traditional construction methods. Off-site construction can also support jurisdictions in achieving their goals of sustainability and jobsite safety. The ICC/MBI Standards for Off-site Construction aid communities in advancing off-site construction while adhering to local building codes.
“MBI is very proud of its relationship with the Code Council and the work we’ve done on these two standards,” said Modular Building Institute Marketing Director John McMullen. “Our hope is that every other state will follow Virginia’s example in order to maximize the benefits offsite and modular construction can offer around the country.”
###
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 Modular Building Institute
Founded in 1983, the Modular Building Institute (MBI) is the international non-profit trade association serving modular construction. As the Voice of Commercial Modular Construction (TM), it is MBI’s mission to expand the use of offsite and modular construction through innovative construction practices, outreach and education to the construction community and customers, and recognition of high-quality modular designs and facilities. Learn more about MBI at modular.org.
International Code Council’s Code on a Mission Goal Exceeded with Over 119 Million People Benefiting from Adoption of Modern Energy Codes
Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council’s Code on a Mission challenge achieved a significant milestone by surpassing its original goal of covering over a third of the U.S. population (115 million Americans) with energy codes based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) or its equivalent by the end of 2023. As of December 18, 2023, more than 119 million Americans will now benefit from modern energy codes based on the 2021 IECC.
The Code on a Mission challenge was issued to highlight the role buildings play in meeting community energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals, and the power energy codes have in helping meet those goals. The Code Council challenged both the building industry and communities alike to update their building energy codes to meet or exceed requirements of the 2021 IECC.
“Our organization is dedicated to supporting jurisdictions in meeting their energy and decarbonization goals through a variety of resources, including the IECC, and the International Plumbing, Mechanical and Green Construction Codes” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Energy codes continue to be an essential tool in achieving energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals. We urge national, state and local governments to continue to leverage the benefits provided by modern energy codes to enhance the resilience and sustainability of communities.”
The U.S. Department of Energy has acknowledged the 2021 IECC for its resilience benefits in response to the growing frequency of extreme weather events. In addition to energy efficiency improvements, the 2021 IECC contains updated provisions that improve usability and support communities interested in pursuing zero energy buildings through new appendices. Communities that regularly adopt the IECC save money for residents and businesses and improve community health and resilience.
Nine states have adopted minimum energy codes based on the 2021 IECC with several others having adopted equivalent base or stretch energy codes. The U.S. federal government has incorporated requirements from the 2021 IECC into design requirements for their own buildings and for federally regulated manufactured housing.
In support of the Code on a Mission challenge, the Code Council has developed a suite of resources to assist jurisdictions in their efforts to adopt updated energy codes located on a dedicated webpage.
###
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.