The International Code Council and International Ground Source Heat Pump Association Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The International Code Council (ICC) and International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in recognition of shared interests.  

The ultimate objective of this agreement is to advance and promote the mutual interests of geothermal installations and technologies. Together, the organizations will: 

• Support the development of future codes and standards to promote geothermal installations and technologies 
• Promote respective educational programs, conferences and publications to members 
• Support the participation of subject matter experts on respective technical initiatives, including ICC’s Advisory Board and other committees and councils 

“We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with IGSHPA to advance safe, efficient geothermal technologies,” said Rich Anderson, CBO, Director, PMG Technical Resources. “This agreement deepens our shared commitment to education, technical expertise and future code development, supporting the growth of ground source heat pumps as a key solution for a low‑carbon, high‑performance-built environment.”  

Ground Source Heat Pumps 

The installation of ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems rely on: 

•  The ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 standard: governs the design and installation of GSHP systems in both commercial and residential buildings 
• The International Mechanical Code® (IMC®), which provides requirements for plastic-pipe GSHP system installations. Together, these documents ensure that systems are installed safely and perform as intended.  
• GSHP systems also align with the core goals of the International Green Construction Code® (IgCC®), advancing low‑carbon performance, high energy efficiency and long‑term building durability. 

“As the ground source (geothermal) heat pump industry grows, consistency of design and installation through codes and standards becomes even more important”, said Jeff Hammond, Executive Director of IGSHPA. “Our agreement with ICC demonstrates the shared goals of supporting work force development and encouraging quality installations, energy security and electric grid stability.” 

IGSHPA is a non-profit, member-driven organization established in 1987 to advance ground source heat pump technology on local, state, national and international levels. The geothermal heat pump industry exists to advance a sustainable, decarbonized future by promoting geothermal adoption as the cleanest and most efficient heating and cooling technology. 

This MOU underscores the growing importance of advancing geothermal technology and reaffirms both organizations’ commitment to supporting their members through shared knowledge and collaboration. 

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