International Code Council Continues to Foster Innovation and Sustainability in Building Construction
During a two-day trip to Dubai, the Code Council worked with Dubai Municipality to advance efforts in the building construction landscape and advocate for more innovation and sustainability in the sector.
During a two-day trip to Dubai, Executive Vice President of Strategies and Business Development, Shahin Moinian, and Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Solutions, Judy Zakreski, accompanied by Mohamed Amer, the Regional Director of Operations for the MENA region, furthered the International Code Council’s initiatives to advance efforts in the building construction landscape.
As a leading provider of building safety solutions, the International Code Council collaborates closely with key stakeholders like Dubai Municipality (DM) to identify potential synergies and address market needs outlined in the existing Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration ensures that the International Code Council’s services remain relevant and applicable to the evolving needs of the industry.
Empowering Local Expertise
The visit began with a productive meeting with DM, one of the International Code Council’s longstanding strategic partners in the region, aimed at enhancing localization processes to improve clients’ experience. During the meeting, the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) led discussions on Evaluation Service Reports and explored proactive initiatives in building construction. Topics included the development and enforcement of building codes/acceptance criteria, as well as discussions on customized evaluation scopes to tailor evaluations to specific project needs.
Additionally, sustainable, and innovative building practices such as off–site construction solutions were examined, alongside efforts to establish a regulatory infrastructure for off–site construction activities.
A key focus of the visit was addressing DM’s technical team’s concerns regarding the growing demand for innovative building systems and the importance of facilitating market access and endorsement while ensuring safety. The meeting concluded with discussions on utilizing digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), to better align with on-site compliance requirements.
MENA Building Science Advisory Council Meeting
Building on the momentum of collaborative efforts within the MENA region, the International Code Council‘s MENA Building Science Advisory Council’s (BSAC) third meeting was held at the Dubai office, where members actively participated in discussions to advance building safety initiatives.
The year 2023 ended on a high note with the conclusion of COP28 and the announcement of extending the year of sustainability to 2024, highlighting ongoing efforts to address global challenges and promote sustainable practices in the built environment. Discussions emphasized the importance of private entities and academia collaboration to present findings based on research projects outlining the cost/benefit analysis of adopting sustainable construction methods, facilitating data-driven decision-making and encouraging the buy-in from all relevant stakeholders.
See Related: International Code Council Participates at COP28 to Advance Building Solutions for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Technical Workshop on Driving Innovation & Sustainability in Construction
Hosted by DM on February 21, 2024, the workshop featured comprehensive technical presentations and discussions on emerging construction methodologies, their scalability and economic implications.
ICC-ES underscored the importance of establishing robust compliance pathways for innovative building systems, ensuring regulatory assurance for authorities and facilitating market entry for manufacturers and suppliers. The sessions delved into trending topics such as semi-precast sustainable solutions, the rising demand for 3D concrete printing, off-site construction techniques and the development of advanced regulatory frameworks to accommodate this evolving landscape.
By prioritizing safety, the workshop exemplified Dubai’s dedication to leading technological advancements in the construction industry.
A Shared Vision for Future Excellence
The global reach of the International Code Council’s building safety mission is always evident, highlighting the significance of adapting and customizing our family of solutions to meet the demands and challenges in the MENA region. The exchange of information and insightful dialogues during the trip has generated valuable insights for everyone as we continue to advocate for more innovation and sustainability in this ever-evolving sector.
The International Code Council remains committed to providing the right tools and services that further advance local solutions for enhanced user experience and market acceptance.
About the Author
Mohamed Amer works as the regional director of operations for the MENA region with the International Code Council. With over 15 years of professional experience in oil/gas, project management, and TIC industries, he leads the ICC’s operations and business development aspects in the MENA through several engagement levers and demand drivers, to help deploy/lead/facilitate ICC’s service lines and actions for new business offerings across its family of solutions spectrum. Amer holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in engineering management, both from the American University of Sharjah.
