Year: 2024

MENA – Advisory Council

ICC MENA – Building Science Advisory Council (BSAC)

The MENA Building Science Advisory Council is a curated group of key representatives from multiple stakeholder groups in the MENA with a dedication to working collectively to address building safety challenges and bring awareness to new developments in the construction industry.

About the BSAC

When it comes to spreading the word about building safety from different aspects, working among a professional group creates a more significant impact, as each partner contributes from their perspective, thus adding value to the overall discussion. Safeguarding the public is maintained through the adoption and effective implementation of building codes, and ICC has always strived to team up with like-minded organizations to create the right platform for advocating the essence of building safety in the region.

The ICC-MENA BSAC is comprised of regionally based AHJs, consultants, manufacturers, designers, and other relevant stakeholders. The core mission is to discuss/address building safety challenges and new developments and trends in the construction/building safety space and present best practices in building safety industry from code compliance, TIC services, and training and personnel certification perspectives. The group also assists in communicating essential aspects related to modern construction practices such as 3D printing and modular construction, which falls in smoothly with the MENA vision of enhancing sustainability and innovation.

Through its family of solutions, ICC works closely with regulatory authorities and a wide range of interested parties to assess the market needs and provide applicable services accordingly. The advisory group channels ICC’s continuous efforts to increase the outreach by connecting more efficiently with the public and building safety community.

Objectives:

  • Support the ICC-MENA advocacy for use and acceptance of the I-Codes and family of solutions throughout the region – creating more visibility through sponsoring/endorsing workshops/seminars/dual branding/digitization.
  • Provide guidance/advice on areas of opportunities from market leaders’ perspective.
  • Assist in providing input about what experts are witnessing in the market with regards to compliance aspects.
  • Benchmark code compliance processes for the MENA region through endorsement/promotion of essential training/personnel certification programs.

C-O-D-E-S

Code Official Digitization and Efficiency Support Program

The Code Official Digitization and Efficiency Support (CODES) project, led by the International Code Council and other industry organizations, aims to modernize building code implementation through a transition to electronic code enforcement processes, with a primary focus on resource-constrained municipalities. Through stakeholder input, the program will identify and address implementation barriers and provide training resources to support workforce development in code enforcement.

Code Official Digitization and Efficiency Support

The Code Official Digitization and Efficiency Support (CODES) project, led by the International Code Council and other industry organizations, aims to modernize building code implementation through a transition to electronic code enforcement processes, with a primary focus on resource-constrained municipalities. Through stakeholder input, the program will identify and address implementation barriers and provide training resources to support workforce development in code enforcement.

The Code Council is seeking feedback
from small and under-resourced building and fire prevention departments
on transitioning from paper to digital systems as part of the CODES project, funded by the U.S. DOE.

Your input will help us understand challenges and improve how technology can support these departments in enhancing public safety and efficiency.

Complete the Survey

CODES Project Goals

The CODES project will provide a digitization roadmap with tiered solutions for transitioning to electronic processes in code administration and enforcement. The long-term impact includes improved efficiency, increased adoption of digital tools and enhanced compliance with energy codes, leading to safer, more resilient and energy-efficient communities.

The project will also deploy identified technologies in pilot communities located in rural New York State, focusing on critical metrics such as permitting and plan review times.

CODES Project Details

Timeline

January 2024 – December 2027
Check back for updates.

Objective

Develop a code administration/enforcement digitization roadmap and a supporting toolkit of digital tools, trainings and other resources initially focused on New York State, but with national applicability.

Total Funding

$2,582,256 (100% Federal Share)

Funding Source

Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) Funding

Collaborating Organizations

ICC International Code Council Resource Refocus Clarkson University

+ lab architect pllc. New York. State of Opportunity. Building Standards and Codes AOT 1933

Events

There are currently no upcoming events. Please check back for future webinars, meetings and more.

Resources

For the latest on the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) program, including details on the second round of RECI funding, click here.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Building Technologies Office Award Number DE-EE0010935.

For additional information regarding the Code Official Digitization and Efficiency Support program, contact the Code Council at federalgrants@iccsafe.org.

All other federal funding information and resources from the Code Council, including tip sheets, deadlines and more, can be accessed here.

The International Code Council Leads Discussions on Housing Affordability at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Innovative Housing Showcase

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council is co-sponsoring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase taking place from June 6-9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The Code Council is hosting an educational session during the event titled Avenues for Innovation: Insights from State and Local Governments and Manufacturers on Thursday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. The panel sessions will be viewable online and in-person at the District Architecture Center.

The Innovative Housing Showcase is a public event that raises awareness of innovative and affordable housing designs and technologies that can increase housing supply, lower the cost of construction, increase energy efficiency and resilience, and reduce housing expenses. The Showcase also features innovative housing solutions on the National Mall from June 8-9. The Code Council will have a booth at the Showcase.

The Avenues for Innovation event will include a fireside chat titled Delivering Innovations in Building Science through Codes and Standards followed by panel discussions. The first panel discussion, Addressing Housing Affordability and Availability through Off-Site Construction, will be moderated by Code Council Vice President of Innovation Ryan Colker. Panel speakers include:

  • Steve Waltrip, Housing Innovation and Senior Strategy Advisor
  • Spencer Cox, Utah Governor
  • Paige Roosa, Director, Boston Housing Innovation Lab, Office of the Mayor
  • Ryan Terbush, Commercial Loan Officer, Colorado Housing and Finance Agency

This panel will explore state and local success stories and opportunities around off-site construction related to building policies that have led to addressing affordability and availability challenges.

The second panel discussion, Bringing Innovative Materials and Products to Market, will be moderated by Michael Temesvary, Vice President, ICC Evaluation Service. This panel will examine how manufacturers of innovative materials and products have been able to gain acceptance from designers, builders and code officials using product evaluation. Manufacturers will share their experiences with product evaluation and the benefits they have seen.

“Housing affordability and availability is an issue that is necessary to address, and I cannot think of a better group of people to speak on the topic than our selected panelists,” said Colker. “Attendees will not only get the opportunity to educate themselves on the housing crisis but should also leave feeling inspired about possible solutions.”

Learn more about the showcase 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.

U.S. Virgin Islands Strengthen Building Safety and Resilience by Improving Code Adoption Process

Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands recently approved legislation that requires the adopted 2018 International Building Code® (IBC), International Residential Code® (IRC), International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC), International Fire Code® (IFC) and International Mechanical Code® (IMC) be updated to the 2024 editions. This also requires the territory to update all codes within six months of any new I-Code edition being published.

“Implementing updated International Codes® facilitates the modernization of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ building regulatory framework and enhances the well-being of its communities,” said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “We commend this commitment to leveraging building codes to maximize public safety. This sets an example for other territories to evaluate current building codes and construction practices as they relate to the safety, resiliency and sustainability of buildings in the region.”

The I-Codes are base codes that establish the minimum requirements to ensure safe and resilient structures, and the benefits of adopting modern building codes include cost reduction and casualty prevention. Learn more about building code advocacy here.

Learn more about the new legislature 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.

El International Code Council Presenta los 2021 Códigos Internacionales en Español

Washington, D.C.– Los 2021 Códigos Internacionales  (I-Codes) del International Code Council ya están disponibles en español, tanto en formato impreso como digital. Este lanzamiento marca un importante paso en la promoción de la seguridad, la accesibilidad y la innovación en la industria global de la construcción.

Las ediciones en español 2021 de los I-Codes ayudan a facilitar la comprensión de las disposiciones de seguridad de la edificación a las comunidades hispanohablantes de todo el mundo. Mejorar la comprensión y la accesibilidad de los códigos de edificación eleva la calidad de la construcción y garantiza la seguridad.

2021 I-Codes en Español:

“Esta iniciativa es otro ejemplo de nuestro compromiso con la seguridad en la construcción en todo el mundo,” dijo el Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Contenido y Servicios del Code Council, Mark Johnson. “Nuestro objetivo es continuar proporcionando a los profesionales de la seguridad en la construcción los recursos que necesitan para mantener los más altos estándares de seguridad y prácticas de construcción.

Los I-Codes son el conjunto de códigos modelo más utilizado y adoptado del mundo. Estos modernos códigos de seguridad en la construcción ayudan a garantizar el diseño y la construcción de estructuras seguras, sostenibles y asequibles. El Code Council se dedica a mejorar la experiencia del usuario en todo el mundo y seguirá traduciendo al español las futuras ediciones de los I-Codes.

Compra los 2021 I-Codes en Español aquí .

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Acerca del International Code Council

El International Code Council es una asociación sin fines de lucro que ofrece una amplia gama de soluciones de seguridad en la edificación, como la evaluación de productos, acreditación, certificación, codificación y capacitación. Desarrolla códigos modelos y normas utilizados en todo el mundo para construir estructuras seguras, sostenibles, asequibles y resilientes.

Celebrate With The International Code Council During Week Five of Building Safety Month

Washington, D.C. – The final week of the International Code Council’s Building Safety Month campaign recognizes the individuals and communities who excel in building safety initiatives.   

Week Five: Celebrating Success in Building Safety shares stories of exceptional individuals and communities that are dedicated to building safety initiatives not only in May, but all year long. This week also features celebrations and events that took place during this year’s Building Safety Month, as well as highlights from the Code Council’s 30th anniversary. 

“As Building Safety Month draws to a close, we acknowledge that our changing world relies on the combined efforts of many,” said Stuart Tom, CBO, President of the Code Council Board of Directors. “We all have the power to make a difference as proven by the actions highlighted this week. From citizens to engineers to governmental officials, no action is too small, and it’s important to celebrate any success in building safety as we embrace the future.”

The American Gas Association is the foundation sponsor of 2024 Building Safety Month. Week Five is sponsored by the American Concrete Institute and National Multifamily Housing Council. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here.   

“AGA is once again proud to be a Foundation Sponsor of the Code Council’s Building Safety Month held each May. AGA has been a leader in advancing safety codes and standards across the industry to help protect customers, communities and employees, while continuing to deliver the reliable energy Americans expect,” said Karen Harbert, AGA president and CEO. “We have an extensive history partnering with the Code Council and our support for Building Safety Month continues to demonstrate that ongoing partnership.”

More information about Building Safety Month, including downloadable resources to help support Building Safety Month, can be found here. 

Communities have been issuing proclamations declaring May 2024 as Building Safety Month. View the proclamations here or submit one here.

To participate in Building Safety Month:

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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 Federal Emergency Management Agency Host Discussion on Boosting National Resiliency Through Modern Building Codes

Washington, D.C. – On May 16, 2024, the International Code Council and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosted an event that brought together federal and state governmental stakeholders to discuss the progress made in advancement of modern building codes.

The panel discussion, Celebrating a “Mission Possible”: A Building Safety Month discussion on progress of the White House National Initiative to Advance Building Codes, marked the second anniversary of the government-wide effort to boost national resiliency and reduce energy costs through modern building codes.

“Through the implementation of the National Initiative, federal departments and agencies—some for the first time—are actively reviewing the federal funding of building construction to ensure projects follow updated model codes and provide incentives and support for communities to strengthen their own construction standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “These collaborative efforts are worth celebrating as we reaffirm our commitment to advancing building safety across the world. Together, we have laid the foundation for a safer, more resilient future for all.”

White House Deputy National Climate Advisor Mary Frances Repko provided a keynote address, followed by remarks from U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, who also served as the panel’s moderator. Panelist Carlos Martín, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard University, discussed the uneven consequences from disasters for underserved communities. Women in Code Enforcement of Virginia President Maryia Lackansing discussed pathways to connect the current and future graduates with opportunities in building safety, while International Association of Emergency Managers President Justin Kates focused on the importance of communication between emergency managers and code officials. Code Council Vice President of Fire and Disaster Mitigation Karl Fippinger discussed the momentum the National Initiative has generated across the federal government in furthering the adoption and effective implementation of hazard-resistant building codes.

“Today, fire is faster than ever before. Residential structures built with lightweight materials, furnished with synthetics, and often containing many devices powered by lithium-ion batteries; provide the environment for a deadly situation should a fire occur,” said Dr. Lori Moore-Merrill, Administrator, U.S. Fire Administrator. “All nationally recognized modern building and fire codes require the use of life-saving technology, like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and automatic fire sprinkler systems. We can create safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, especially in under-served and vulnerable populations. Affordable and fire safe housing should not be mutually exclusive.”

View the livestream recording of the panel here.

Learn more about the Code Council’s Building Safety Month celebration 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.

The International Code Council Releases 2021 International Codes in Spanish

Washington, D.C.– The International Code Council’s 2021 International Codes®  (I-Codes) are now available in Spanish, in both print and digital formats. This release marks a significant step forward in promoting safety, accessibility, and innovation within the global construction industry.

The 2021 Spanish editions of the I-Codes help facilitate the understanding of building safety provisions for Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Improving the understanding and accessibility of building codes elevates the quality of construction and ensures safety.

2021 I-Codes in Spanish:

“This initiative is another example of our commitment to building safety worldwide,” said Code Council Executive Vice President of Content and Services, Mark Johnson. “Our goal is to continue to provide building safety professionals with the resources they need to uphold the highest safety standards and construction practices.”

The I-Codes are the most widely used and adopted set of model codes in the world. These modern building safety codes help ensure the design and construction of safe, sustainable and affordable structures. The Code Council is dedicated to enhancing the user experience across the globe and will continue to translate future editions of the I-Codes in Spanish.

Purchase the 2021 I-Codes in Spanish 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.