Author: Stephanie Hess

Off-Site Construction Summit

Join Us For

OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT

Friday, June 9th
12 – 5 PM ET
Reception to Follow
National Building Museum
401 F St NW
Washington, DC 20001

Register Now

Agenda

Welcome, Lunch and Fireside Chat

Solomon

Solomon Greene 
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

David Tompos 200x200

David A. Tompos 
President, ICC NTA 

Off-Site Construction Challenges and Opportunities

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Ivan Rupnik
Moderator

Principal, MODX/Professor, Northeastern University

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Phil Copeland
Vice President, Engineering, Champion Homes

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Michael Moglia
Director, Housing & Buildings Standards Division, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

Ken Semler 200x200

Ken Semler
Vice-Chair, NAHB Building Systems Council/President & CEO, Impresa Modular

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Sara Ann Logan, AIA, RIBA, NOMA, IIDA
Vice President, Design and Engineering,
Volumetric Building Companies

Policy and Financial Solutions to Facilitate Scale: Federal, State and Local Government Opportunities

Jenna Louie Headshot

Jenna Louie
Moderator

Director of Strategy & Operations, Ivory Innovations

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Cindy Davis
Deputy Director, Division of Building & Fire Regulations, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

Blake Thomas Utah 200x200

Blake Thomas
Community and Neighborhoods Director, Salt Lake City, Utah

Eric Schaefer 200x200

Eric Schaefer
Chief Business Development Officer, Fading West Development

Dan Hardcastle

Dan Hardcastle
Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Housing Administration

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Fannie Mae Logo White

Zach Ragland
Single Family Affordable Housing, Fannie Mae

Charting a Path Forward: A Strategic Plan for Off-Site Construction and Delivering Solutions

Ryan Colker 200x200

Ryan Colker
Vice President of Innovation, International Code Council

Ryan Smith 200x200

Ryan Smith
Founding Partner, MODX

Keynote

Dennis Shea 200x200

Dennis C. Shea
Keynote Speaker

Executive Director, J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy
Bipartisan Policy Center

Unable to come in-person but would still like to join us?

You can view the live stream during the summit.

*No CEUs will be provided for the online attendance.

This event has been organized to conform with Congressional and Executive Branch ethics rules.

Thanks to NAHB for supporting the Code Council's reception

sponsor NAHB

2023 BSM – Week 5

Building Safety is... Global

Solving Challenges Together

Week 5 – May 29 - 31

Foundation Sponsor AGA 2 

Week Sponsored by aci cnt 4cp tag

Week 5 elevates Building Safety Month to a global scale and addresses some of the issues that we face as a global community including extreme weather events and water scarcity.

Global Water Scarcity

Wk5 Global Water Scarcity

Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity, and public health depends on safe and readily available water. The World Health Organization estimates over two billion people live in water-stressed countries, which is expected to worsen in some regions due to a changing climate and population growth. Water conservation and efficiency issues have become crucial conversations amongst building safety professionals in recent years. The building industry looks to increase water efficiency through innovative practices and technologies not just domestically, but worldwide. Here are some examples of countries in water-scarce areas that are innovating:

  • Saudi Arabia boasts the highest production of desalinated water worldwide (removes salt out of water from the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf) and are in the process of converting their desalination plants to solar.
  • Israel is leading the world through their policies, practices and technologies for its water resources and conservation, most notably through reclaiming over 80 percent of its wastewater and stormwater for agricultural operation.
  • Cape Town, South Africa, is incorporating automated domestic water metering installations to set a target water usage for each resident per day, leveraging alternative water sources and is updating their supply network infrastructure.
  • The United Kingdom is cutting water use through water metering, incentives for water-saving technologies, hosepipe bans and investing in updating the country's water supply equipment.
  • The 2000s drought in Australia (also known as the "Millennium drought") compelled a coordinated response on water conservation. Changes were added to the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) that regulated stricter water flow rates on household appliances, the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme for products covered by the scope of the PCA (including washing machines and dishwashers) was introduced and using water for irrigating gardens and washing cars was banned.

10 Tips for Conserving Water at Home
Download pdf

Pulse Podcast Episode 49 - Flowing Forward: Solving America's Water Challenges
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EPA's WaterSense Program
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ICC Water: Standards for a Resilient Future
Watch Video

Water Conservation & Efficiency Toolkit
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Building Resiliency Solutions
Around the World

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Communities worldwide are experiencing an increase in disaster events that are significantly impacting their societies, economies and cultures.  Here are a few resiliency success stories that we can all learn from:

  • Copenhagen, Denmark is combatting flooding in one neighborhood by replacing asphalt with innovative tiles that allow rainwater to seep back into groundwater aquifers.
  • After severe earthquakes in 2011 and 2016, New Zealand has incorporated base isolation systems that allow a building's foundation to move horizontally to dissipate seismic forces.
  • The Netherlands have addressed their vulnerability to flooding by creating a "Room for the River" program that creates diversions, restores riverine landscapes and removes silt to combat river floods.
  • Białystok, Poland has built green bus stops designed to withstand intense rainfall, strong winds, drought and heat waves. They feature vegetation on the roof and walls and can retain up to 250 liters of rainfall.
  • Canada's Zibi waterfront city is a 34-acre master-planned community that relies on post-industrial waste energy for heating and the Ottawa River for cooling, and the urban design prevents local flooding.

Pulse Podcast Episode 48 - Building Safety, a Global Mission
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Global Building Resilience Guidelines
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Global Building Codes Tool
Visit Website

Global ABC: 10 Principles for Effective Action
Download pdf

COP27 Presentation: Addressing Extreme Weather Events in Building Codes
Watch Video

COP27 Presentation: How Alignment Can Help Build Coastal Resiliency
Watch Video

Modern Building Codes Support Sustainability

Wk5 Sustainability Around The World

Globally, buildings and building construction sectors combined are responsible for over one-third of global final energy consumption and nearly 40 percent of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions. Modern building codes are at the core of conversations on increased energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Here are a few ways that building codes and sustainability intersect:

  • The European Commission has been aggressive over the past 15 years improving the energy efficiency of new buildings in member countries, and satisfying net-zero emission building code requirements. This has been achieved through a series of building directives that promote policies that help:
    • achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050
    • create a stable environment for investment decisions
    • enable consumers and businesses to make more informed choices to save energy and money
  • Since 2005 the National Construction Code (NCC) in Australia has seen incremental increases in the stringency for greenhouse gas emissions and energy savings in all classes of buildings. These changes have been introduced in accordance with a Trajectory for Low Emission Buildings – the end point of which is net-zero ready buildings.
  • Dubai Municipality issued the second edition of the Al-Sa'fat system in early 2023, which aims to include a set of mandatory requirements for all new buildings to obtain the Silver Sa’fa as an official green building rating system (replacing the existing green building code). The update would help streamline the process of reducing energy, water and material consumption, and enhance design and construction related activities for efficient building operations.
  • As green building councils around the world are increasing focus on embodied carbon in buildings, expect to see a growing need for Environmental Product Declarations for all building products. An EPD is a comprehensive disclosure of a product's environmental impacts based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) based on the ISO 14025 standard. Learn more about the ICC-ES EPD program here.
  • The International Code Council and ASHRAE are developing a joint greenhouse gas (GHG) evaluation standard (ASHRAE/ICC Standard 240P) to provide a methodology to quantify and document GHG emissions associated with buildings, building systems and equipment over their life cycle.

Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency
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The Central Role of Building Codes in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
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2022 Moving Forward Report
Download pdf

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction
Visit Website

What is Off-Site Construction?
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COP27 Presentation: Aligning Clean Energy Goal and Building Codes
Watch Video

The Code Council in Action

Wk5 Code Council In Action

Spread the Word

Wk1 Spread The Word

2023 BSM – Week 2

Building Safety is... Personal

Building Safety Professionals and You

Week 2 – May 8 - 14

Foundation Sponsor AGA 2 

Presenting Sponsor

Week Sponsored by Gypsum Assoc Logo NCARB NMHC

Week 2 of Building Safety Month introduces you to the important role that building safety professionals play in keeping our homes, schools and businesses safe.

Do you have a building safety professional you'd like to thank? Let us know on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, and use #BuildingSafety365 to help spread the word about Building Safety Month!

Who are Building Safety Professionals?

Wk2 Who Are Bldg Safety Prof

While you’re probably very familiar with what your local police and fire departments do, you may be less familiar with building safety professionals. In that way, building safety professionals are the silent defenders of public safety.

Here are a few things you should know:

  • Building safety professionals include building inspectors of all kinds, building officials, plans examiners, permit technicians, fire marshals and more.
  • Building safety professionals are constantly training and keeping up with the latest codes and standards.
  • Their knowledge spans every aspect of the life of a building – from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the roof – and everything in between.
  • Many building safety professionals have experience as architects, engineers, contractors or even government officials.
  • There are many paths available to become a building safety professional.

Careers in Building Safety
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International Code Council 2022 Chapter Spotlight
Watch Video

Code Professional Spotlight: Ismael “Izzy” Rivera
Visit Website

Colorado Building Official Nate Romero Mentors and Inspires Industry Professionals
Visit Website

What Do They Do?

Wk2 What Do They Do

Building safety professionals provide guidance and advice to architects, engineers and contractors to help them bring building projects to life while ensuring safety for occupants and residents. They also help keep existing buildings safe by conducting inspections and adopting the latest building codes. They are community-oriented and dedicated to making the world a safer place. Building safety professionals:

  • Protect the public through their commitment to building safety.
  • Enforce code compliance to empower and educate partners to embrace and integrate safety standards in their work.
  • Ensure that buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use.
  • Perform safety checks that protect your home from emergencies before fire, flood or disaster strike.
  • Support economic development by making our buildings studier, and therefore longer lasting.
  • Play a significant role in community planning decision making as a connection between government, business and built environment partners.

Value of the Code Official
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Code Officials: Building Safety Today for a Stronger Tomorrow
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Code Officials Bring Building Codes To Life

Defining Building Safety
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When to Call a Professional

Wk2 When To Call A Prof

Always check with your local building department before beginning home improvement projects . Requirements vary, but most building departments require permits for home improvement projects, including electrical, mechanical, structural or plumbing work. Follow-up inspections provide a measure of safety to protect your life and property.

Code officials ensure that building codes are followed by:

  • Conducting site inspections
  • Providing code interpretation support and consultations
  • Advising on renovations and rebuilding
  • Issuing building plan and permit approvals

Do I Need a Permit?
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Benefits of Building Permits
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Remote Virtual Inspections
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The Code Council in Action

Wk2 Code Counicl In Action

Spread the Word

Wk1 Spread The Word

ICC/IAEI Electrical Inspector Joint Certification Program

ICC/IAEI Electrical Inspector Joint Certification Program

ICC/IAEI Electrical Inspector certificate holders can expect to receive recognition in the U.S. nationally, experience increased job opportunities and improve mobility within the building safety industry.

International Code Council

Certification Exams

The exams are offered through the Code Council’s Proctored Remote Online Testing Option (PRONTO). Exams through PRONTO are offered 24/7, can be scheduled up to 90 minutes in advance and utilize advanced exam security features. Learn More

Access the exam catalog for pertinent exam info. Simply go to the catalog and search for the following exam titles:

  • E1 for the Residential Electrical Inspector
  • E2 for the Commercial Electrical Inspector
  • E3 for the Electrical Plans Examiner
Exam Catalog

Resources

Adopted in all 50 states, NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®) is part of the Code Council’s suite of codes and is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.

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FAQs

  • I already hold an ICC Electrical Inspector certification, how do I obtain the ICC/IAEI Electrical Inspector Joint certification?

If you held an ICC Electrical Inspector certification prior to February 15, 2023 you have automatically been granted the new certificate. You can access your certifications in your myICC Dashboard by clicking My Certifications. From there, you will be able to download and print the new wall certificate and access your digital badge.

 

  • I already hold an IAEI Electrical Inspector certification, how do I obtain the ICC/IAEI Electrical Inspector Joint certification?

ICC will automatically transition current IAEI 2A, 2B, & 2C certifications by May 1, 2023.  Keep an eye out in your email for an email with the subject line: TAKE ACTION – NEW ICC CERTIFICATION and follow the instructions contained therein to access your account.

 

  • I have the IAEI certifications and have not received an email from ICC.  Who do I contact?

If it is after May 1, 2023 and your certification(s) with IAEI were current, please contact dwitherspoon@icccsafe.org.

If it is after May 1, 2023, and your certification(s) with IAEI were not current, please contact certrenewal@iccsafe.org.

 

  • What do I need to obtain the ICC/IAEI Electrical Inspector Joint Certification?

Pass one or more of the following examinations:

E1 - Residential Electrical Inspector

E2 - Commercial Electrical Inspector

E3 - Electrical Plans Examiner

 

  • Will I receive a wall certificate?

Yes, you will receive a digital wall certificate, which can be printed. The certificate can be found in your myICC account. Access from your myICC Dashboard by clicking My Certifications.

 

  • How do I renew this certification?

Your certificate needs to be renewed every three years, and during that time you’ll need to maintain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to prepare for renewal. Learn More about renewal.

Your Guide to Tiny Houses Regulations

Your Guide to Tiny House Regulations

Download the International Code Council's free guide to learn more about regulations surrounding tiny homes

Tiny houses have become increasingly popular as people seek alternative housing solutions that are more affordable and sustainable. However, as more people begin exploring the possibility of building or buying a tiny home, it has become essential to help clear the confusion surrounding these new types of housing.

If you’re a builder, code official, policy maker or future tiny homeowner, this guide can help clarify what you need to know to get certified and stay safe.

The International Code Council’s Navigating Certification and Regulation of Tiny Houses: A Guide for Policymakers, Builders and Code Officials was developed in partnership with the Tiny Home Industry Association (THIA) to outline the existing codes, standards and other criteria that should be followed to create safe, sustainable and resilient tiny houses.

In this guide you’ll learn:

  • How to determine what requirements should apply to a tiny house based on how the tiny house will be used
  • The differences between the building codes and standards that apply to tiny houses
  • The importance of tiny house certifications and inspections

Navigating the Tiny Home Landscape

Navigating the Tiny Home Landscape

Tiny houses have garnered considerable attention in recent years, providing a unique lifestyle that addresses many of the challenges faced by new homeowners or those looking to downsize. As communities are opening zoning laws to allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to address the availability of housing, many of these ADUs could be considered tiny houses. Young homebuyers who are looking for affordable options that fit with their sustainable lifestyle identify tiny houses as viable options.

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So, what is a tiny house, and what should I know to assure they are safe, resilient and efficient?

As defined in the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix AQ, tiny houses are dwelling units that are 400 square feet (37 m2) or less in floor area, excluding lofts.

When it comes to the design and construction requirements for tiny houses, a wide variety of codes and standards are being used. It is important for tiny house designers and builders, code officials, consumers and policymakers to understand the differences and to assure that the criteria matches up with how the tiny house will be used.

Tiny House Resources

The International Code Council has the resources and expertise to deliver the solutions needed to ensure safe, sustainable and resilient construction and use of tiny houses.

Model Tiny House Legislation provides model language for AHJs to ensure the use of affordable, safe, sustainable and efficient tiny homes.

Navigating Certification and Regulation for Tiny Houses resource outlines the applicability of existing codes, standards and other criteria that should be followed to create safe, sustainable and resilient tiny houses.

The 2021 International Tiny House Provisions outlines the existing codes, standards and compliance mechanisms available for tiny houses. Here is a guide to help navigate when specific requirements should apply to a tiny house.

Plan Review and Inspection Services

ICC NTA is an independent third-party certification agency and a leader in plan review engineering and inspections for the tiny house off-site construction industry. ICC NTA's third-party plan review and inspection services help ensure structures meet or exceed building code requirements for quality, safety and performance.

Specific tiny house expertise includes:

  • NTA has professional engineers and certified ICC level III plan reviewers and inspectors experienced in modular construction.
  • NTA participates in the ICC off-site modular consensus committee.
  • NTA is a member of the Tiny Home Industry Association (THIA).
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Off-Site Construction Solutions

For tiny houses built in a factory, many states have programs specifically focused on off-site construction, including modular housing. The International Code Council and Modular Building Institute (MBI) developed standards, ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205, to support consistency in this process.

Visit www.iccsafe.org/offsite for more information.

ICC/MBI 1200-2021 Standard for Off-site Construction: Planning, Design, Fabrication and Assembly

2021 ICC/MBI 1205 Standard for Off-site Construction: Inspection and Regulatory Compliance