dwoodland@iccsafe.org, Author at ICC

International Code Council, Plumbing Manufacturers International announce transition of Matt Sigler to Code Council’s plumbing and mechanical team

Washington, D.C. – June 1, 2021 – The International Code Council and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) today announce the transition of Matt Sigler to the role of PMG Executive Director at the Code Council, effective on July 6.

In his new role at the Code Council – a global leader in plumbing and mechanical codes, standards and product certification – Sigler will lead a team of subject matter experts and business managers from all parts of the Code Council family of solutions to advance strategic goals in support of manufacturers and stakeholders.

Sigler is a well-known and highly respected technical expert in the industry with over 20 years of experience in construction, codes and engineering. He most recently worked as the Technical Director for PMI, the management trade association representing plumbing fixture and fitting manufacturers.

In addition, Shawn Strausbaugh has taken over as lead of the Government Relations PMG Team at the Code Council. As Senior Director of PMG Technical Resources, Strausbaugh will oversee the Code Council’s Government Relations PMG technical experts and work closely with Sigler to promote safe, effective and affordable plumbing codes and standards globally.

“I am excited to have Matt and Shawn on our staff to help advance plumbing and mechanical safety around the world,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Access to safe, clean water and indoor air quality are essential to the well-being of each of us. Matt and Shawn’s expertise, energy and leadership skills will help us expand our PMG programs to support manufacturers, designers, contractors and the entire building safety community.”

Kerry Stackpole, PMI’s CEO/Executive Director, said PMI will greatly miss Sigler but is glad to know he will be in a leadership position with a PMI member. “It is with a combination of emotions that we congratulate Matt on his new position with the Code Council. Matt has been a collaborator, strategist, and builder of member value at PMI, addressing the most critical technical and legislative issues facing our members. We all wish him well in this new endeavor.”

To learn more about PMG codes, product certification, training, and all the related technical experts at the Code Council, visit www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/pmg-program/.

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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 Plumbing Manufacturers International
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the trade association of plumbing product manufacturers that produce more than 90 percent of the United States’ plumbing fixtures and fittings, represent more than 150 iconic brands, and develop safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies.

Building Safety Month concludes with a focus on disaster preparedness

Washington, D.C. – The virtual celebration for Building Safety Month ends with week 4, which highlights disaster preparedness. This week the Code Council, its members and partners emphasize the cornerstone of advanced planning for devastating events like hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes to help individuals and communities increase the health and safety of their population during and after a disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a landmark 2020 study, Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study, showing how modern hazard-resistant building codes lead to major reduction in property losses from predictable natural disasters. The FEMA report calculates losses from three types of natural hazards (earthquakes, flooding, and hurricane winds) for each state and Washington, D.C. Cumulative losses avoided across the US from codes that have already been adopted are projected to grow to over $132 billion by the year 2040. For more information on Building Codes Save, click here.

“Uncertainty has been on the forefront of our minds all over the world,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “In this last week of Building Safety Month, we end on the note to be prepared for any circumstance, especially natural disasters. The I-Codes prevent, prepare and protect our families and communities, and the studies prove that adoption and administration of the codes will help defend us against disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse.”

The Code Council will host a Building Safety Month virtual panel event on “The Future of Building Codes and Hazard Mitigation” on Tuesday, May 25, at 2:00 PM ET. In this panel discussion sponsored by 4LEAF, Inc., public and private sector senior leaders will address how they are leveraging building codes to help shape the future of hazard mitigation. To register for the upcoming event, click here. View 4LEAF’s Building Safety Month video here.

“It is our pleasure to be able to support the agencies we serve by bringing together highly skilled and experienced professionals to impacted areas needing expedited technical support to facilitate the rebirth of affected communities,” said Kevin Duggan, President of 4LEAF, Inc.

Simpson Strong-Tie is the sponsor for week 4 of Building Safety Month. The American Gas Association (AGA) serves as the 2021 Building Safety Month campaign Foundation Sponsor. Learn more about the Building Safety Month sponsors here.

More information about Building Safety Month, including details regarding virtual events and downloadable resources, can be found at: www.buildingsafetymonth.org. Interested individuals can also follow along on social media using the hashtag #BuildingSafety365.

Additional links:

Register for upcoming educational sessions here.
View and download this year’s website and social media graphics here.
Join the Twitter #CODEversation. Every week throughout Building Safety Month the Code Council will post a series of questions related to each weekly theme.

Building Safety Month Week 3 puts focus on water conservation and efficiency

Washington, D.C. – The virtual celebration for Building Safety Month continues with week 3, which highlights water safety. This week the Code Council, its members and partners, will explore the how building, plumbing and green codes help guard clean water through proper construction, conservation and safe disposal.

The coronavirus pandemic revealed critical vulnerabilities within health systems, including many health care facilities around the world without adequate water services. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.8 billion people were at heightened risk of COVID-19 and other diseases because they use or work in health care facilities without basic water services, which underscores the importance of efficient and clean water supply.

“Everyone deserves access to clean and safe water and plumbing systems,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “The adoption and application of up-to-date building and plumbing codes is key to increasing the availability of clean water globally. Around the world, plumbers and code officials serve as the vigilant protectors and advocators for clean water supply. The Code Council remains committed to providing resources to assist jurisdictions, manufacturers and the public with water conservation and efficiency. Now is the time for us to address big issues with the availability and quality of water.”

The Code Council will host a Building Safety Month virtual panel event on “Hot Water Safety” on Wednesday, May 19, at 1:00 PM ET. This panel discussion with chief plumbing inspectors will address key code changes in the 2021 International Plumbing Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation that have an impact on hot water safety. To register for the upcoming event, click here.

The American Gas Association (AGA) serves as the 2021 Building Safety Month campaign Foundation Sponsor. Learn more about the Building Safety Month sponsors here.

Additional links:

Register for upcoming educational sessions here.
View and download this year’s website and social media graphics here.
Join the Twitter #CODEversation. Every week throughout Building Safety Month the Code Council will post a series of questions related to each weekly theme.

The U.S. Department of Energy analysis finds significant energy and carbon improvements in 2021 International Energy Conservation Code

Washington, D.C. — Preliminary analysis released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finds that the residential provisions of the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are 9.38 percent more efficient than the 2018 edition and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 8.66 percent. The International Code Council has developed the IECC for over three decades; it is one of the International Codes, the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes in the world. With this new analysis, the IECC has seen a 40 percent improvement in energy savings starting from the 2006 edition.

Publication of each new edition of the IECC triggers a Congressionally mandated review of the code by DOE to determine that the new edition saves energy over the prior edition. In his first day in office, President Biden issued an Executive Order expediting DOE’s analysis. The determination is now open for a 30-day public review period. Once finalized, the determination triggers requirements for states to review their residential energy codes to determine if updates are appropriate. States must then certify to DOE that they have undertaken such a review.

Both the Biden Administration and the Code Council have recognized the key role energy codes play in reducing GHG emissions and achieving the recently announced nationally determined contribution (NDC) of GHG reductions of 50 to 52 percent compared to a 2005 baseline by 2030.

“As communities around the world work to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to a changing climate, energy codes are an essential tool in reducing the impacts of buildings,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “DOE’s analysis confirms the significant contributions of the IECC to date. Adoption and effective implementation by state and local governments are critical next steps towards ensuring the IECC’s benefits are realized. We look forward to continued work with DOE and other agencies in assisting states and localities in their efforts to address climate change and reduce residential energy bills.”

The Code Council will continue the significant progress captured in the 2021 IECC through new commitments embedded in the scope and intent of the 2024 edition and beyond including improvements from edition to edition; the inclusion of zero energy building pathways today and paths to zero energy by 2030; and the inclusion of additional GHG reduction strategies like electric vehicle charging and building electrification. These commitments were announced in a new energy efficiency and GHG reduction framework issued in March, Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate.

To learn more about the Code Council’s energy activities visit iccsafe.org/energy.

International Code Council and Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation join forces to support code officials

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council and Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation (CEOSF) signed a memorandum of understanding to share resources and exchange information in support of code official safety. The new agreement will expand career development resources for code officials and increase collaboration between the two building safety organizations.

The Code Council and CEOSF will work together to promote best practices for the safety of code officials, provide resources and up-to-date training that encourages the highest standard of professionalism throughout the building safety community, and recognize code enforcement professionals that have paid the highest price to protect their communities.

“The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation is humbled and excited to gain the support of the International Code Council,” said CEOSF President Justin Edson. “The Foundation is focused on promoting the safety of code professionals across the United States through training, sharing resources, and collecting data. This is a common passion that the Code Council and CEOSF both share. The Foundation is grateful for the support from the International Code Council and we look forward to working together to promote the safety of code professionals. The Foundation supports the Code Council’s vision and we are honored to be a ‘supporting organization’ of the Code Council.”

“The Code Council has an unwavering commitment to building safety and to those individuals who have dedicated their careers to ensuring our buildings and communities are safe by implementing the latest codes and standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “By signing this agreement, we are proud to help further spread awareness of the special nature and immense value of building safety professionals.”

Week 2 of the virtual celebration for Building Safety Month spotlights building safety professionals with a focus on training the next generation. Through the week, the Code Council, its members and its partners, will explore the importance of mentorship and networking in the building safety industry and the value of a well-trained workforce for maintaining safe buildings and communities. Learn more about the week two theme and activities here.

To learn more about the importance of code officials to our communities, visit www.iccsafe.org/about/value-of-the-code-official/. Watch the “Value of the Code Official” video here.

About the Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation
The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation exists to promote best practices for the safety of Code Enforcement Officer throughout the United States; to provide a resource for officers; report incidents; provide up-to-date training and to encourage a high standard of professionalism within our chosen profession.

Building Safety Month continues with a focus on the next generation of building safety professionals

Washington, D.C. – The virtual celebration for Building Safety Month continues with week 2, which highlights training the next generation. This week the Code Council, its members and partners, will explore the importance of mentorship and networking in the building safety industry and the value of a well-trained workforce for maintaining safe buildings and communities.

The building safety industry offers a wide range of career opportunities with positions that include code officials, inspectors, permit technicians, fire marshals, plumbing professionals, plans examiners and more. Through its Safety 2.0 initiative, the Code Council provides resources for students, veterans and others considering a career in building safety.

At the height of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security determined the work of building and fire prevention departments to be essential to the U.S.’s response to COVID-19, thus emphasizing the importance of having a knowledgeable and qualified workforce. Thorough training and education help code officials consistently ensure the buildings in their communities are safe.

“The Code Council is committed to helping our communities meet the critical demand for trained professionals in the building safety industry,” said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “In partnership with our members and stakeholders, we are engaging prospects and new professionals in the field with career development resources and mentorship opportunities.”

“The American Concrete Institute strongly supports education and credentialing of personnel to be properly qualified to conduct tests and special inspections as required by code,” stated Steve S. Szoke, Code Advocacy Engineer for ACI, the virtual event sponsor for week two. “Building Safety Month is an opportunity for ACI to assist in elevating the importance of adoption and enforcement of building codes with the public – especially regarding ACI’s code requirements for structural concrete design, concrete repair, fire resistance, and more.”

The Code Council is hosting a Building Safety Month Speed Networking Event on Thursday, May 13, at 2:00 PM ET. Sponsored by the American Concrete Institute, the event will allow professionals to virtually connect in a welcoming, relaxed environment. To register for the upcoming event, click here.

The American Gas Association (AGA) serves as the 2021 Building Safety Month campaign Foundation Sponsor. Week Two of Building Safety Month is sponsored by the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). Learn more about the Building Safety Month sponsors here.

Additional links:

Register for upcoming educational sessions here.
View and download this year’s website and social media graphics here.
Join the Twitter #CODEversation. Every week throughout Building Safety Month the Code Council will post a series of questions related to each weekly theme.

Virtual Building Safety Month Celebration Begins

Washington, D.C. – Today marks the beginning of Building Safety Month, a campaign led by the International Code Council and its members and partners, to raise awareness about the importance of building codes and the role of building safety professionals in ensuring our communities remain safe, sustainable and resilient. This year’s theme is, “Prevent, Prepare, Protect. Building Codes Save.”

Week 1 of the campaign highlights energy codes and standards as an essential component to increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gasses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, model building energy codes like the International Energy Conservation Code are projected to save homeowners and businesses $126 billion in energy costs. Learn more about the Code Council’s energy efficiency initiatives at www.iccsafe.org/energy.

Each subsequent week will focus on a specific theme that is critical to building safety including Training the Next Generation (week 2), Water Safety (week 3) and Disaster Preparedness (week 4). Throughout the month-long campaign, a series of free virtual educational sessions are available, including:

International Energy Conservation Code: 2021 Changes, Getting Involved in the 2024 Process, This webinar – cohosted by the Code Council, AMCA and RESNET – provides information on the significant changes in the 2021 IECC and background on the 2024 IECC development process;
A free webinar to “Meet the ICC Membership Councils“;
Codes and Standards, How Are They Different and How are Codes Developed?, a webinar that provides an overview of the codes and standards development process hosted by Women in Standards and featuring the Code Council’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations Sara Yerkes;
Building Safety Month Speed Networking; a Code Council mentor virtual networking event sponsored by the American Concrete Institute; and
Hot Water Safety; a panel discussion with chief plumbing inspectors about 2021 plumbing code changes and hot water safety topics.

“The forty-one years of momentous Building Safety Month celebrations are a direct result of the dedication and passion of Code Council members and building safety professionals,” said Code Council Board President Greg Wheeler, CBO. “We are proud to see industry professionals going above and beyond to spread awareness about building safety through hosting virtual events, engaging in social media, and sharing resources with their communities. This voluntary effort speaks to the heroic roles our building safety professionals continue to hold, keeping their communities safe during the pandemic and ensuring a resilient future.”

The American Gas Association (AGA) serves as the 2021 Building Safety Month campaign Foundation Sponsor. “The Code Council’s Building Safety month provides the opportunity to showcase the benefits of ICC membership, the I-Codes themselves, the open process for developing those codes, the collaborative efforts of the many different stakeholders working together with ICC and recognition of the code officials who are responsible for enforcing those codes,” said AGA Managing Director of Building Codes and Standards, Jim Ranfone.

Over a hundred jurisdictions and organizations have issued proclamations proclaiming May 2021 Building Safety Month including U.S. President Biden. “Investing in our infrastructure and adopting and implementing modern building codes are the most effective mitigation measures communities can undertake.” View the proclamation for National Building Safety Month, here.

Additional links:

Register for upcoming educational sessions here.
View and download this year’s website and social media graphics here.
Join the Twitter #CODEversation. Every week throughout Building Safety Month the Code Council will post a series of questions related to each weekly theme.

International Code Council to lead the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee on buildings

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council has been appointed as the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (US TAG) administrator to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 59 (ISO/TC 59), which has oversight over the development of ISO standards related to buildings and civil engineering works. As the US TAG administrator, the Code Council is responsible for formulating the official US position to proposals and within activities under the responsibility of ISO/TC 59, as well as for bringing to ISO any new work items that would support the broad efforts in the US in this area of standardization. To ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to contribute to the development of the US position on key issues that are considered by ISO/TC 59, the Code Council is now soliciting US stakeholders to participate in the US TAG.

The construction industry is constantly being challenged with demands of higher effectiveness and better profitability, and new demands emerge as globalization and international trade expand. The standards developed under ISO/TC 59 are meant to address these demands and benefit the entire industry, as well as provide frameworks that other construction-related committees at ISO can build on in their work.

“It is critical for the US industry involved in the built environment and building safety to have a seat at the table in discussions of international standardization impacting buildings and civil engineering works, and the Code Council is strategically positioned with our NGO partners to facilitate this dialogue among US building industry stakeholders,” said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

Participation in the US TAG is open to all US national interested parties who are directly and materially affected by all of the TAG’s activity. To learn more about ISO/TC 59 and the US TAG, click here.

The International Code Council supports the building industry and communities at the frontline of tackling a changing climate

Washington, D.C. – Today’s celebration of Earth Day reflects the global efforts to chart a path forward to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The tools and solutions provided by the International Code Council to create a more efficient and sustainable built environment play an essential role in tackling both climate adaptation and mitigation.

According to the International Energy Agency, buildings and construction consume 36 percent of global energy and, through the materials they use and their ongoing operations, buildings contribute almost 40 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, all of which has a significant impact on the planet. As the developer of model codes that protect occupants from natural hazards, support energy efficiency and green construction and provide solutions that support their effective use, the Code Council is committed to delivering the solutions needed to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through zero energy buildings and greenhouse gas reductions.

“Achieving the NDC target announced by the Biden Administration will require innovations and adjustments within many sectors of the U.S. economy,” said Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “With the recent launch of our energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction framework including the commitment to develop an International Energy Conservation Code that includes zero energy building and greenhouse gas reduction requirements, we offer a range of robust tools that will enable energy efficient buildings to contribute to reaching the targets announced today.”

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Green Construction Code (IgCC) have been at the core of delivering energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions in buildings. The 2021 IECC already delivers significant savings towards the NDCS, increasing efficiency requirements by about 40 percent over the 2006 edition. The 2021 IECC is only 10 percent away from net zero for residential buildings. The IgCC powered by ASHRAE Standard 189.1 provides a whole systems approach to the design, construction and operation of buildings including measures that result in better indoor environments, lower impact on natural resources, better neighborhood connections, and improved walkability.

“Buildings are central to society. When designed and constructed properly, they protect us from the elements of nature and allow us to withstand hazards,” said Code Council Vice President of Innovation Ryan Colker. “At the same time, buildings have significant environmental impact. Whether advancing building codes and standards that are responsive to changing risks or reducing the energy and GHG impacts of buildings or engaging with key partners to chart a common path forward, the need is clear and the Code Council will continue to advance its vision of creating safe, affordable, and sustainable buildings and communities.”

The Code Council is also partnering with leading organizations in support of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded initiatives to advance the use of distributed energy resources. The Sustainable Energy Advisory Committee (SEAC) administered by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is focused on developing solutions to advance the deployment of solar energy systems, energy storage systems, demand response, and energy efficiency. The Code Council is a member of the SEAC Steering Committee.

The Code Council has been active in supporting policies to advance progress. Current legislative priorities include the Built to Last Act introduced by Senators Baldwin and Rubio and Representative Cartwright to provide authoritative federal climate science data to codes and standards developers and others.

Furthering its global activities, the Code Council is the newest member of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC), the leading global platform for governments, the private sector, civil society and intergovernmental and international organizations to increase action towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector.

For more on the Code Council’s involvement to address the changing climate, read “Buildings and Communities are at the Frontline of Tackling a Changing Climate.”

Resources supporting adoption of and compliance with the IECC plus resources and model policies for zero energy buildings and decarbonation are featured here.

Colombia revises plumbing standard based on 2018 International Plumbing Code

Washington, D.C. – The Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación (ICONTEC) recently released the Colombian technical standard 1500 Hydraulic and Sanitary Installations (NTC 1500). This was adopted and modified from the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), which is developed and published by the International Code Council.

The International Code Council and ICONTEC have had a long-standing collaboration since 2008, when the two organizations set the initial framework for developing the Colombian Plumbing Code. The previous edition of the Colombian Plumbing Code was based on the 2009 IPC, which the Code Council and ICONTEC had signed into agreement in March 2011. In November 2020, the two organizations signed a new agreement to update the Colombia Plumbing Code based on the 2018 IPC.

The NTC 1500 standard includes provisions applicable to the assembly, installation, modification, repair, relocation, replacement, extension, use and maintenance of hydraulic and sanitary installation systems. The appendices are non-mandatory unless specifically adopted.

While NTC 1500 is voluntary, the Colombian Ministry of Housing, City and Territory is consulting it in order to elaborate a mandatory regulation.

“The Code Council is proud to continue working alongside ICONTEC to ensure Colombian design and construction professionals in the plumbing field are up-to-date with the I-Codes,” said Code Council Executive Vice President Mark Johnson, “Water and sanitation standards are a global priority to maintain public health. Our continual collaboration to update the Colombian Plumbing Code helps us move forward with this mission.”

“ICONTEC appreciates the support given by the ICC throughout the process of adoption and ratification of our NTC 1500 standard,” said ICONTEC Standards Projects Manager, Ayleen Vanessa Bogoya Jerez. “We look forward to continue working with the ICC to stay at the forefront of hydraulic and sanitary issues.”

About the Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación
The Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación is a private, non-profit organization, with wide international coverage; created in 1963 with the aim of responding to the needs of different economic sectors, through services that are specific to the development and competitiveness of organizations, through the trust generated in their products and services. ICONTEC provides standardization, education and conformity assessment services.