Year: 2025

International Code Council Honors Building Safety Professionals with 2025 Awards

Cleveland, OH – During its 2025 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, the International Code Council recognized individuals and organizations within the building safety industry who stand as examples of industry excellence.

The Code Council honors the following:

The Bobby J. Fowler Award honors the legacy of the organization’s first chair of the Board of Directors. The award is presented to a leader who demonstrates compassion, professionalism and integrity in their duties. Robert Davidson, Managing Partner for Davidson Code Concepts, LLC, was presented with this year’s award.

The Chapter of the Year Award is presented to a chapter that best promotes the goals and mission of the Code Council. This year’s winner is Big Sky Country – Montana’s ICC Chapter.

The Chapter Merit Award is dedicated to chapters exhibiting the Code Council’s goals and objectives. This year’s award went to the Building Officials of Palm Beach County, the San Diego Fire Prevention Officers Association and the Maryland Building Officials Association.

The Community Service Award is given to those who provide outstanding service and promote the public health, safety and welfare of their local community. This year’s recipients are the City of Dallas Code Compliance and the City of South Fulton Code Enforcement.

The Educator of the Year Award acknowledges excellence in promoting professional development and is given in memory of Brent Snyder, a renowned Code Council educator and past presiding officer, who was known for his calm and inspiring leadership. The California Fire Prevention Institute was named the 2025 Educator of the Year.

The Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award is given to an individual who has helped promote the code enforcement profession and carries out the Code Council’s mission. Presented in honor of the founders of the three model code organizations, this year’s winner is Yolanda Bundy, Director of Environmental Sustainability Department and Building Official for the City of Malibu, CA.

The Global Award acknowledges distinguished service to the Code Council’s global mission and vision. The 2025 recipient is Jimata Kabua, Assistant Secretary for the Republic of Marshall Islands Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Utility.

The Meritorious Service Award recognizes an individual who has dedicated their time and talent to furthering the development of the Code Council’s codes and standards. The 2025 award is awarded to Lucas Pump, Building Inspector for the City of Cedar Rapids, IA.

The National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award recognizes contributions to the growth and enhancement of codes or public policy related to sustainability and energy efficiency. The winner of the 2025 Leadership in Sustainability Award is Greg Johnson, Owner of Johnson & Associates Consulting Services.

The PMG Leadership Award is given to an individual or organization for exceptional service to the plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and swimming pool/spa (PMG) industry. This year’s recipient is Spencer Brown, Director of Sales for Pfister Faucets and Project Lead of American Plumber Stories.

The Raising the Profile Award recognizes acts or contributions that raise public awareness of accomplishments by code personnel that improve public safety in the built environment. Ryan Celestino, Electrical Inspector with Newport News, VA, received this year’s award.

The Robert W. Gain Fire Prevention Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and longstanding dedication to the support of fire codes and fire prevention. Christopher Brunette, Chief of Fire and Life Safety with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, is the 2025 recipient.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes an outstanding mentor in the building safety industry who guides and inspires others in their code-related careers. This year’s award is presented to Julissa Garcia, Owner of j.design.studio in San Diego, CA.

The W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award recognizes a chapter or individual that champions the Code Council mission and inspires others to become Code Council leaders. This prestigious award honors the memory of Scott Copp, a true leader who dedicated his career to advancing building safety at the local, state, regional and national levels. The 2025 winner is Adele Schaffeld, Building Official for Malheur County, OR.

“We deeply appreciate the commitment and contributions of our members and partner organizations, whose efforts continue to strengthen the safety, sustainability and resilience of our communities and the built environment,” said John Belcik, Chief Executive Officer of the Code Council. “It’s an honor to recognize the 2025 award recipients for their outstanding achievements.”

For more information on the Code Council Awards Program, click 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.

International Code Council’s 2025 Annual Conference and Expo to Kick Off in Cleveland, Ohio

Washington, D.C.– The International Code Council (ICC) will host its Annual Conference, Expo and Hearings at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland from Oct. 19-30, 2025. The event will offer a unique experience for building safety professionals from around the world to engage in educational sessions and network with peers.  

“Our annual conference and code hearings are a catalyst for progress and innovation in the building safety industry,” said ICC Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “By bringing together dedicated professionals, industry experts and community leaders, we create a space for meaningful connection, shared learning and collaboration. This annual event empowers our members to shape the future and strengthen the communities they serve.”

The Opening Session and Annual Business Meeting will take place on Monday, Oct. 20, and will feature updates from association leadership and the election of ICC Board Officers and Directors.

Participants will also benefit from eight tracks of educational sessions on hot topics in building safety. A new educational track will be offered this year for code enforcement professionals featuring topics ranging from inspection and compliance notices to safety protocols during inspections.

ICC has also partnered with ConstructReach to host a work-based learning event entitled, “I built this!” During this event, students will participate in hands-on activities and interactive demos led by construction professionals as well as get the opportunity to discuss career pathways with industry experts.

This year’s Committee Action Hearings will be held Oct. 22-30 and offer code officials, architects, builders, structural engineers, fire, residential and building code professionals, as well as those responsible for the administration of the International Codes® (I-Codes®), the opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group B #2 2027 I-Codes. The code hearings are free to attend and open to the public, but registration is required.

Click here for more information and use the hashtag #ICCAC25 to join the conversation on social media.

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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.

2024 Conference – App copy

#ICCAC24

Conference App

This year’s ICC Conference App, your source for all schedules and information, is now available!

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All schedules, information and class materials are only available on the ICC Conference App. It features the conference agenda, code hearings schedule, speakers, session handouts, directory, and event details.

Download the App

The App is accessible from all devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops and is available for Apple and Android devices. It’s also available on the web.

Find the App quickly in stores by searching for: iccac24.

You can use the Mobile App to:

  • Create your own schedule
  • Search for classes and events
  • Quickly find event locations
  • Stay up-to-date with event announcements
  • Learn about speakers and sponsors
  • See who else is attending and network
  • Access speaker presentations and documents
  • Learn about local hotels, dining and attractions

Register for Annual Conference

FDM – Batteries & ESS

Batteries & Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries known for their lightweight and long-lasting properties. They can be found in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems (ESS), as well as smaller devices including e-bikes, e-scooters, cell phones, computers and hoverboards. Despite their wide range of uses in commercial and residential settings, these technologies present unique safety challenges. 

New innovations and battery chemistries continue to be developed, challenging manufacturers, code officials and consumers to stay up-to-date on operational best practices of the technology.

Learn how codes, standards and guidelines are adapting to support the safe use, manufacture, storage, use and recycling of batteries and ESS, and find key resources to help ensure protection for installers, code officials, system designers, retailers and everyday users.

Battery and ESS Basics: What You Need to Know

From personal electronics to mobility devices, the consumer demand for reliable stored energy is drastically increasing. These needs are further increased by the desire for more clean energy in the automotive sector as well as the growing demand for improvements to our utility systems and the need for more stored energy.

As the development, manufacture and use of these batteries increases, attention to the storage, handling, disposal and recycling of new and aged battery units is crucial to ensure health and safety in the built environment and develop future code considerations that address battery chemistries and technologies.

To ensure performance, longevity and safety, it’s critical to follow best practices throughout the lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries and ESS.

business man on scooter with helmut

eldery woman on sit down scooter

children in a classroom using laptop computers

Failure

Lithium-ion batteries can fail for many reasons including improper manufacturing, damage to the battery and, in some cases, the improper charging of devices.

Lithium-ion battery failure may be caused by either an internal or external condition:

  • Internal failure is a result of a short circuit within the cell, called thermal runaway.
  • External failure may be caused by incompatibility between the battery and a connected charger, damage to the battery or exposure to extreme heat or cold.

An ensuing failure causes cell chemical off-gassing, very high temperatures, smoke and fire. When batteries fail there can be little or no early indications. When one cell fails as part of a battery pack, it could create an uncontrolled chain reaction where additional cells are damaged and then have a thermal event of their own. The gas that is produced as part of a thermal event is typically toxic and flammable in most cases.

Manufacturing and Processing

Over the past two decades, battery manufacturing facilities within the built environment have been limited. However, they are now rapidly expanding due to the high demand for batteries in energy storage, electric vehicles and mobility devices.

Best Practices:

  • Facilities and associated equipment should be regularly maintained and cleaned
  • Ensure batteries undergo necessary testing to detect defects and thermal instability before distribution
  • Maintain a quality assurance program to remove weak or defective cells before assembly
  • Adopt the most current International Codes® (I-Codes) to ensure building and fire safety requirements are met
  • Develop special emergency procedures for incident management and battery decommissioning as part of the facility’s emergency action plan

Installation and Use

Battery retailers, installers and users of ESS and battery-powered devices can help reduce the risk of a battery fire by following safe practices.

Best Practices:

  • Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) mark on battery-powered devices that shows it has been tested to nationally recognized safety standards
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the use, charging and maintenance of the battery
  • Installation of ESS should be performed by licensed professionals following local codes, standards and the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Ensure proper ventilation around the ESS to prevent overheating
  • Do not attempt to modify or disassembly batteries or ESS
  • Avoid exposing batteries to high heat, water or physical shock
  • Use only manufacturer-approved batteries, chargers and cables for your device
  • Avoid overcharging batteries, unplug the device as soon as it has completed charging
  • Inspect the battery for any signs of damage, leaking, increased heat or smoking. If you see any signs, immediately stop using the battery and place safely away from other combustibles

Storage

After manufacturing, batteries are stored in preparation for transportation, distribution and use. Safety strategies in storage buildings and areas help reduce the potential fires from expanding.

Best Practices:

  • Storage facilities must have adequate fire protection systems coverage that is designed to suppress a developing battery fire
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and flammable materials
  • Storage of batteries that have less than 30 percent state of charge may be considered less volatile

Disposal and Recycling

Replacing a battery when it comes to the end of its lifecycle or becomes damaged includes proper and safe disposal of the old battery. Some disposal and recycling facilities process batteries and extract their components for reuse.

Best Practices:

  • Never use damaged batteries
  • Dispose the battery at a certified recycling or disposal center, do not place it in a standard trash container
  • Be careful of handling damaged batteries after a fire incident as the batteries may cause a secondary fire caused by the damage
  • Contact your local battery recycling drop-off site to receive easy instructions for disposal

Batteries in Emergency Planning and Response

Many U.S. states and other countries have experienced a significant surge in fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.

The use of lithium-ion batteries as ESS in our homes can create a potential need for early identification in post incident mitigation and evaluation. Containment, collection and disposal of batteries impacted by a disaster, especially involving fire or flood, takes much care and consideration as part of the response and recovery phases of disaster management.

Training emergency responders and managers to stay up to date in codes, regulations and best practices of battery handling is critical to maintain community awareness and safety. This is especially crucial after a disaster when damaged batteries are left in homes and buildings affected by the disaster.

The Code Council’s When Disaster Strikes (WDS) Institute prepares participants to properly evaluate damage through instruction, interactive activities and review of case studies. The goals of the WDS Institute are to increase the number of trained and qualified Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluators and Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Coordinators and to increase awareness regarding when and how to perform Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations. Learn more here.

Codes and Standards

Adopting and implementing current building codes and standards ensures that lithium-ion batteries and ESS are installed, operated and maintained safely to minimize risks of fire, electrical hazards and system failures.

The International Code Council (ICC), through its membership, code action committees and the code development process, has rapidly developed the I-Codes since the 2015 editions of the International Fire Code® (IFC), International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC) to incorporate the evolving and advancing battery chemistries and technologies. These codes and standards incorporate the latest research and best practices, helping protect both occupants and first responders while supporting the safe integration of advanced energy technologies.

Over the past two code development cycles, the collaborative efforts of ICC Code Action Committees and various Code Development Committees have established and enhanced a minimum level of battery safety across the built environment.

This progress is evident in the 2024 suite of I-Codes including the IFC, IBC and IRC as shown in the ESS Development Time frame recap below.

2000-2015

Early Considerations for Battery Storage and Fire Safety

2018

IBC/IFC: Initial Recognition of Lithium-Ion and Emerging Technologies

2018

IBC/IFC: Expansion of Fire Protection Requirements for Energy Storage

2021

IBC/IFC/IRC: Refining ESS Regulations and Integration of Large-Scale Systems

2024

IBC/IFC/IRC: A Comprehensive Framework for ESS in the Built Environment

See Complete Timeline

Resources

The ICC Ad-Hoc Battery and Energy Storage Committee's efforts are documented in this comprehensive report that includes how and where batteries and ESS are used in the built environment, details the committee's code gap analysis approach, highlights areas of focus within future I-Codes, examines professional training and community education needs, and explains necessary public awareness strategies for maintenance and charging of personal mobility devices.

ICC Community Development Launches Municity NextGen

Washington D.C. – ICC Community Development, a subsidiary of the International Code Council, has recently launched Municity NextGen. This transformative cloud-based platform is designed to streamline permitting, planning and code enforcement for jurisdictions of all sizes.

Municity NextGen offers a seamless, intuitive experience for staff, contractors and the public. The platform provides configurable workflows based on industry best practices, built-in reporting tools and direct access to the International Codes®. Municipalities can now work smarter and more collaboratively.

“Municity NextGen is a game-changer for local governments,” said Dan Foster, General Manager of ICC Community Development. “We’ve combined decades of industry expertise with modern technology to deliver a solution that’s powerful, flexible and easy to use. From permitting and inspections to code enforcement, Municity NextGen helps communities thrive.”

As part of the Code Council’s broader commitment to advancing digital transformation in the built environment, ICC Community Development is now an integral part of ICC Innovation, the Code Council’s initiative to foster forward-thinking solutions for communities and local governments. Municity NextGen is positioned at the forefront of today’s technology, ensuring jurisdictions have access to tools that are both cutting-edge and future ready.

Learn more about Municity NextGen 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.

About ICC Community Development

ICC Community Development is a member of the International Code Council’s family of solutions and offers software solutions that allow municipalities to streamline their workflows and automate processes. They are a Laserfiche Premier Partner.  

2024 Conference – Webcast

#ICCAC24

Webcast

Watch a live webcast of the Annual Business Meeting and
Committee Action Hearings, Group A #2

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Fire Disaster Mitigation (FDM) home page

ICC Fire and Disaster Mitigation

The International Code Council’s (ICC) Fire and Disaster Mitigation (FDM) Team brings together a powerhouse of experts in building and fire codes, emergency management, disaster mitigation, wildfire preparedness and mitigation, and public safety awareness and professional leadership. Our team, located across the country, supports ICC membership and stakeholders involved with fire and disaster management. This allows for greater presence in national, state and regional efforts for building code officials, fire code officials, and emergency managers.

Our Mission

Meet the Team

Areas of Focus

Our Mission

Meet the Fire & Disaster Mitigation Team

With decades of combined experience across federal, state and local jurisdictions, the FDM team is committed to advancing resilient codes and standards and supporting communities in reducing community risks from natural and human-caused hazards.

The FDM team works hand-in-hand with the Code Council’s Government Relations and Technical Services – Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) teams to drive member engagement, advocacy and information sharing.

Karl Fippinger

Vice President
kfippinger@iccsafe.org

Mark Roberts

Program Manager
mroberts@iccsafe.org

Christine Reed

Program Manager
creed@iccsafe.org

Justice Jones

Program Manager
jjones@iccsafe.org

Sarah Carter

Program Manager
scarter@iccsafe.org

Areas of Focus

Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation

Explore proactive approaches to wildfire prevention, response and recovery. Learn how communities and individuals can reduce risk and build resilience in the Wildland-Urban Interface through collaboration, preparedness and the application of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code®.

Disaster
Mitigation

Identify strategies to minimize the impact of disasters such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Learn about the four phases of emergency management and how to build resilience in your community.

Battery & Energy Storage Systems

Examine how batteries and energy storage systems are used in communities and their associated risks. Explore best practices for battery manufacturing, installing battery energy storage systems, and proper charging and maintenance of personal battery-powered devices.

Training, Education and Certification

Expand knowledge and expertise in fire and disaster mitigation strategies. Explore resources for training, education, certifications and career tools that support professional advancement and proficiency of code professionals and emergency managers.

Information & Advocacy

Find sharable resources to promote awareness about the importance of community risk reduction, fire prevention and disaster mitigation. Learn about current community fire risks in your community.

Post-Disaster Rebuilding

Establish a framework for post-disaster rebuilding including adopting, implementing and enforcing the most recent editions of the I-Codes, coupled with best practices and a strong commitment to increasing community resilience.

Technical Resources

The FDM Team curates essential technical provisions of the I-Codes, broken down by risk, hazards, into an easily accessible and understandable set of online technical resources. From battery and energy storage systems to wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes – this is your one-stop, comprehensive source for tools and resources to mitigate and strengthen the built environment to withstand all-hazards in your community. Coming soon!

Current Topics & What’s New

Every three-year cycle of code development brings new thoughts and challenges to fire and disaster mitigation professionals. Here we track the latest topics of interest and provide insights about the code proposals of interest to you.