International Code Council Hosts Successful Workshop for the MENA Region Focused on Innovation and Sustainability

On February 15, 2023, the International Code Council’s MENA (Middle East and North Africa) office in Dubai brought together over 90 stakeholders in the building safety space including manufacturers, consultants, contractors, developers and Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJs) for a workshop entitled: “Enabling Safe and Successful Use of Innovative Building Materials, Systems and Methods.”

Prioritizing Innovative Building Systems

The workshop kicked off with a welcome speech from International Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO, as well as the U.S. Consul General in Dubai, Dubai Municipality (DM) and the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBCNC). The speakers highlighted the importance of embracing new, sustainable building systems while simultaneously ensuring adherence to building codes and regulations.

Shahin Moinian, Executive Vice President, Conformity Assessment Group, presented the keynote address which highlighted the International Code Council’s solutions tailored to addressing this challenge. This was followed by a series of technical presentations showcasing engineering practical illustrations of how the principles of innovation and sustainability can be adopted and applied from different angles.

The speakers discussed various building systems including energy-efficient building methods, the use of alternative materials and new approaches to building design. The benefits of these systems included reduced energy consumption, lower carbon footprint and increased safety and durability.

The speakers also emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders involved in the building process to achieve the best outcomes. The workshop incorporated networking sessions throughout the day which created an opportunity for attendees to meet like-minded individuals and build relationships that could lead to future collaborations.

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on “Balancing Innovation and Compliance for a Sustainable Future” that addressed the need for finding a middle ground in the pursuit of sustainable development. The experts discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with balancing innovation and compliance, and how technology, education and regulations will play a role.

Exploring a Compliance Pathway for New Products and Systems

The goal of the workshop was to raise awareness and share knowledge about the significance of a robust regulatory framework for innovative and new building systems. This included an exploration of the compliance pathway for new products and systems via stringent third-party evaluations, as well as the value in working with regulatory bodies to ensure that all relevant standards are met.

By promoting a better understanding of the compliance process, the workshop aimed to empower stakeholders to take an active role in ensuring the safety of new building systems.

The International Code Council’s MENA office plans to continue hosting workshops and events to promote safe and innovative building practices in the region.

Interested in staying informed about the International Code Council’s activities in the MENA region, including code updates, compliance procedures, training, sustainability initiatives and more? Sign up for the MENA Building Safety Journal Subscription.