Muscat, Oman – In a significant move aimed at enhancing building safety and construction standards in the Sultanate of Oman, the International Code Council (ICC) has signed a contract with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) to develop a series of six comprehensive building codes.

Leveraging ICC’s renowned expertise in crafting and implementing building codes for jurisdictions around the world, the initiative aims to tailor these codes to suit local contexts, reflecting the nation’s priorities and aspirations. This endeavor exemplifies ICC’s extensive experience in executing similar projects, underscoring its commitment to fostering safe, affordable, and sustainable communities worldwide.

The Minister of Housing, His Excellency Dr. Khalfan bin Said Al Shueili, and ICC’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Solutions, Judy Zakreski, joined forces to formalize the agreement. A ceremonial signing event took place on 14 February 2024 at the Royal Opera House in Muscat.

Collaboratively, ICC and MoHUP are dedicated to setting new benchmarks in building safety and construction practices in the country. The project’s primary areas of focus include safety standards, sustainability, and technology integration, with the entire endeavor slated for finalization by early 2026.

The Sultanate’s adoption of building codes based on the 2021 and 2024 International Codes (I-Codes) will serve as a catalyst for raising standards and promoting best practices nationwide. By embracing advanced building regulations that also align with regional standards, the country not only ensures the safety and well-being of its citizens but also positions itself as a leader in fostering safety and sustainability in construction.

Director General of Urban Planning at the MoHUP, Dr. Hanan Al Jabri, said: “With rapid infrastructure growth and urban development happening in the country, the demand for robust building codes prioritizing safety and resilience, has become increasingly important. The strategic cooperation between MoHUP and the ICC underscores a shared responsibility to advancing safety, sustainability, and innovation in the Sultanate’s construction industry and represents a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.”

ICC’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Solutions, Judy Zakreski said: “We are honored to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning on this exciting and important project. The Oman Building Codes will serve as a blueprint for safe, sustainable, and resilient construction practices in the country and align Oman’s building safety regulations with others in the MENA region.”

Throughout the project duration, ICC and MoHUP will be working closely with designated Omani authorities, design professionals, and other stakeholders. This inclusive approach, adopted by the ICC on every project, ensures consistency, harmonization, and support which will benefit Oman’s construction industry and 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.

Washington, D.C.– The International Code Council is participating in the 2024 Buildings and Climate Global Forum in Paris, France, between March 7 and 8, 2024. This event is the first of its kind and will build upon the progress made at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and ongoing needs to deliver sustainable and resilient buildings around the world.  

The Buildings and Climate Global Forum will bring focus to the impact of the buildings and construction sector on the environment and its significant role in achieving climate goals. Cooperation and partnerships among high-level representatives from international organizations and building ministers will also be facilitated to accelerate the transition to near-zero emissions and resilient buildings.

The French Government and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) are hosting the forum through the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). The International Code Council is co-leading two sessions during the forum: Achieving Climate-Resilient Buildings and Harmonizing Policies for Whole Life Carbon and Resilient Building Goals. Sustainable design practices, technological innovations and solutions in the sector will also be explored during approximately 20 thematic sessions.

Achieving Climate-Resilient Buildings will examine the current approaches to integrating resilience into building design, including resilience to future climate-driven hazards. It will identify current gaps in tools and deployment drivers and determine the actions necessary to make climate resilient buildings the new normal. Harmonizing Policies for Whole Life Carbon and Resilient Building Goals will highlight the importance and current state of building codes, standards, assessment frameworks and certification schemes in delivering global climate goals and the need to harmonize around common principles.  

International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO is scheduled to speak at a CEO roundtable. Sims and Board President Stuart Tom will participate at ministerial roundtables alongside international building ministers on March 8. The International Code Council has also been a lead collaborator in shaping the development of numerous other thematic sessions, along with calls-to-action and commitments resulting from the forum.

“Tackling a changing climate requires multi-level international collaboration,” said Sims. “Being a part of global events like this and collaborating with governments, companies, and NGOs to address the climate-related challenges before us is an integral part of our mission to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. We look forward to highlighting the role building codes, standards and building safety solutions play in achieving international climate goals.”

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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.

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council will hold the first Committee Action Hearings (CAH) for Group A International Codes® (I-Codes) from Sunday, April 7, through Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Orlando, FL.

Code hearings are open to the public and offer building and design professionals, including code officials, architects, structural engineers, and plumbers, the opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group A I-Codes. Proposed changes to the 2024 Group A I-Codes are available for public view on the Code Council’s website. View the 2024 Complete Code Change Monograph and learn more about what will be discussed at the 2024 CAH here.

Starting in 2024, the code development process for the 2027 I-Codes introduces a restructured approach. It commences with two CAHs for the Group A codes followed in 2025 by two CAHs for the Group B codes. In April 2026, the Code Council will host a combined Group A and B Public Comment Hearings with a combined Online Governmental Consensus Vote in May 2026. Please refer to the 2024-2026 code development schedule for details on code groups and important deadlines.

The Group A I-Codes include:

• International Building Code®
• International Fire Code®
• International Fuel Gas Code®
• International Mechanical Code®
• International Plumbing Code®
• International Private Sewage Disposal Code®
• International Residential Code®
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code®
• International Wildlife Urban Interface Code®

“Opportunities to participate in the code development process allow all industry stakeholders to have a direct, positive impact on the safety and sustainability of the built environment,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Active participation from across the building and design community ensures the I-Codes are revised based on the latest building science and knowledge from prior experiences.”

The 2024 Committee Action Hearings, open to public participation, will take place immediately after the inaugural ICC Leadership Week. ICC Leadership Week is an exclusive benefit for Code Council members. The event features expert speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused around leadership.

For more information about ICC Leadership Week + Hearings and to register, visit www.iccsafe.org/committee-action-hearings/.

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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.

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council published a new resource, Guideline 6: A Guideline on Advanced Panelization, which employs lessons learned from international approaches to panelization. This guideline aligns with ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 for off-site construction and joins additional off-site construction resources including ICC/MBI Standard 1210 and ICC/THIA Standard 1215, which is currently in development.

Adding to the suite of resources developed by the Code Council to support the use of off-site construction, Guideline 6 focuses on panelized systems as an opportunity to infuse automation into the construction process, bringing the benefits of increased precision, enhanced productivity and reduced waste. The guideline focuses on panelized systems as an opportunity to infuse automation into the construction process, bringing the benefits of increased precision, enhanced productivity and reduced waste. Approaches to automated processes with a robust quality assurance program, extensive documentation of the production process and product traceability are expected to change to verify compliance.

Guideline 6 provides jurisdictions with guidance on the approval of panelized systems that meet advanced fabrication and monitoring criteria. It helps to efficiently verify compliance with existing criteria including building codes, standards and acceptance criteria.

“We are continuously working to provide jurisdictions and the building industry with the most helpful and up-to-date guidance for leveraging the benefits of off-site construction,” said Code Council Vice President of Innovation Ryan Colker. “Guideline 6 is a step in the right direction and will ultimately help improve the health, safety, affordability and welfare of the built environment.”

The method for advanced panelization outlined in this guideline is intended to eliminate confusion on how closed panels are treated from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This opens up opportunities for greater degrees of finish and potentially increased investment in automation based on that certainty. It also allows for panels to be considered building components under a product evaluation and listing type process similar to other finished products (e.g., windows, doors, HVAC equipment).

The guideline is available in digital and print formats here. More information on Guideline 6 can be found here.

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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.

Washington, D.C. – This month the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) adopted its Policy Statement on Housing and Historic Preservation which includes the International Code Council’s International Existing Building Code® (IEBC) as a resource for building conversions. The ACHP Policy Statement follows an October 2023 White House launch of a new guidebook to facilitate commercial to residential conversions to address post-pandemic office vacancies.

Created by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the ACHP is an advisory council that works to promote the preservation, enhancement and sustainable use of diverse historic resources in the United States.

Adopted by 45 states, the IEBC encourages the continued use and reuse of existing buildings, including historic buildings, by enabling changes in occupancy and use types without requiring full compliance with building features otherwise required for new construction. The 2024 IEBC covers repair, alteration, addition and change of occupancy for both existing and historic buildings.

“The Code Council welcomes ACHP’s support for the role the IEBC can play in enabling building reuse—including of historic buildings, which present unique challenges,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “With the increased interest in converting underutilized commercial buildings to residential, it’s imperative that communities, design professionals and developers leverage the IEBC’s flexibilities, which can facilitate their efforts through faster completions and generate cost savings.”

The 2024 IEBC is now available for purchase. Learn more here.

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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.