Virginia Code Officials, Home Builders Association Earn Code Council 2010 Raising the Profile Award

A public campaign highlighting the importance of building codes and building safety is the 2010 recipient of an International Code Councilaward. The Raising the Profile Award recognizes contributions that raise public awareness of accomplishments of code enforcement officials that improve public safety.

The “Better Building. Safer Homes.” campaign was developed by the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association Region II (VBCOA) and the New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA). This is the first time a partnership between two organizations has received the award.

“This is a great example of how the public can benefit from a government and private sector partnership that brought together code enforcement officials and home builders to the benefit of the public and public safety in the New River Valley,” said Code Council CEO Rick Weiland.

The initiative promotes better construction practices and safer homes, and built a partnership with citizens, building professionals and local government to ensure that homes are built as safe as possible.

“The mission of the “Better Building. Safer Homes.” Campaign is to promote better construction practices and safer homes for all those who live in the New River Valley,” said VBCOA Region II Chair Cathy Cook. “Our goal is to work together with citizens, contractors, and local government to ensure that our buildings and communities are as safe as possible. In a nutshell, we’re promoting better building and safer homes.”

“By partnering together, our two organizations can fill in the gaps for anyone who is building, remodeling or in the beginning stages of planning,” Chris Pfohl, NRVHBA President said. “Together, we’re building homes that are safe, healthy and will grow in value.”

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.