Voting members elect new board officers, directors
Code Council voting members welcomed a new slate of officers and directors to its 2021–2022 board during the Annual Business Meeting on Sept. 20, 2021. Three senior officers were elected to the executive committee and several sectional and at-large directors were elected or re-elected by eligible members. Read more
Individuals honored for contributions to safety
The Code Council honored numerous individuals for their contributions to safety and resiliency in the built environment during the Membership Council meetings, Welcome to Pittsburgh event, Leadership Luncheon, Chapter Presidents meeting, Safety 2.0 Happy Hour and Connections Gala at the Annual Conference. Read more
New electric vehicle, building codes resource unveiled
The International Code Council released a new educational resource on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and building codes: Electric Vehicles and Building Codes: A Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions. This is the first in a series of resources set to be published with the aim of supporting communities in achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals in a safe and efficient manner. The framework presents a carefully curated selection of solutions already implemented by jurisdictions that have chosen to enact policies aimed at supporting increased electric vehicle deployment. Read more
Achieving zero-carbon in the built environment
One way that designers and builders can begin designing zero carbon buildings today is to design to the latest codes and standards, according to Architecture 2030 founder and 2021 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient Edward Mazria. Energy-efficient buildings that use little energy to operate and are designed to current energy standards and codes —such as the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, ASHRAE 90.1-2019, or their equivalent (or better) — have several advantages, including high energy efficiency, cost effectiveness and zero carbon dioxide emissions. Read more
Emily Hoffman: Facts, evidence are key to consensus building
By design, it's not easy to reach consensus on code change proposals, according to Emily Hoffman, the incoming vice chair of the International Code Council's Commercial Energy Code Consensus Committee. Even the smallest tweaks could have significant repercussions on building design, construction, maintenance and safety. She has seen firsthand how supporting evidence — or the lack of it — can make or break a code change proposal and believes that foresight is a viable planning tool for the Code Council's energy conservation codes. Meet Emily
Code on a Mission campaign toolkit available
The Code Council’s “Code on a Mission” challenge aims to have more than one-third of the U.S. population covered by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code by the end of 2023. A new toolkit supports communities and advocates with adoption of the 2021 IECC and its appendices, and consideration of the 2021 International Green Construction Code, with various helpful resources. View toolkit
There is a long-standing relationship between construction codes and standards that address design, installation, testing and materials related to building construction. Building regulation cannot be effectively carried out without such standards. Code Council Standards Development Director Karl Aittaniemi provides an update on the Code Council standards that are current, being revised or are under new development. Read update
Significant changes to restroom privacy
An addition to Section 1210.3 (Restroom Privacy) of the 2021 International Building Code states that concerns regarding privacy within public restrooms have been addressed by requiring a screening element at the entry to the restroom. View excerpt
Upcoming webinar: FEMA’s billion dollar FY2021 BRIC program
Join panelists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Code Council, state and local government, and the private sector for a free webinar at 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, discussing opportunities and best practices for how to successfully leverage Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding for building and fire prevention departments through collaboration with hazard mitigation officials and other stakeholders. With $56 million in state/territory allocations available for fiscal year 2021, the BRIC program prioritizes the adoption and enforcement of hazard-resistant building codes and makes funding available for adoption activities (including staff time and consultant costs), training (including the ICC When Disaster Strikes Institute), certifications, building department accreditation, electronic permitting, and online access to codes and standards. Register now
Existing building code essentials: Exterior wall openings
Openings in exterior walls must be protected as required by International Building Code Section 705.8 when there is a Change in Occupancy classification to a higher hazard based on International Existing Building Code Table 1011.6. When openings are required to be protected because of their fire separation distance, the sum of the opening areas must not exceed 50 percent of the respective wall area on a per story basis. Read update
In considering the future of the construction industry, Edward Larkin, senior director with The Chazen Companies in New York, is most excited about the future of sustainable design and construction. For those starting out in the industry, Larkin advises, “Pick a career path that you are passionate about. The design and construction industries are hard, and it will be so much easier to work through your career and accomplish your goals if you believe in what you are doing.” Meet Edward
Fire Marshal Loesche inducted into fire service hall of fame
Fire Marshal William R. Loesche, manager of the Fire and Life Safety Division of the Golder Ranch Fire District in the greater Tucson area, was recently inducted into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant, positive contribution to the fire service and community. Loesche has taught fire science courses in community college for more than 20 years, participated in many fire code changes and legislative updates concerning the state of Arizona Fire Code, and is a certified fire and explosion investigator and wildland fire investigator. Read more
JOURNAL OF LIGHT CONSTRUCTION Is there a maximum distance that a deck board can extend past a joist, such as at the edge of a deck? Master Code Professional Glenn Mathewson explains why allowable overhangs can range from none to as much as four inches. Learn more
Specifying the correct weather-resistant barrier
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFIER Water intrusion comes with the potential for moisture-related issues like mold and rot in the building envelope. Since the elusive ‘waterproof wall’ is yet to be invented, specifiers must turn their attention to effective moisture management strategies to best protect wall assemblies. Weather-resistant barriers, also known as building wraps or house wraps, are one of the best building materials for controlling water, either through blocking rain from entering the wall cavity, allowing moisture vapor to move and escape the wall cavity, or draining bulk water away from the wall assembly. Read more
Protecting metal panels during construction
METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS Metal panels are used on buildings because of their durability and ability to withstand extreme weather. Protecting metal wall panels starts before they arrive on a job site. Prolonged exposure of bundled, pre-painted panels to wet conditions can cause paint blistering or substrate corrosion. Panels exposed to direct sunlight may exhibit thermal bow. Learn more
We've faced many challenges this year. And as we reflect on how much has changed in such a short time, we want to recognize the adaptability and resiliency of building safety professionals around the world. The dedication, especially of our Code Council members, has been inspiring. Watch video
Learn more on accelerating rooftop solar installations
Increasing rooftop solar across the U.S. is essential to meeting renewable energy goals, but cumbersome and inconsistent permitting processes are delaying growth and frustrating customers. A leadership roundtable discussed lowering solar deployment barriers, meeting climate action targets and increasing resiliency through automated permitting in communities. The event examined the benefits of instant, automated permitting and featured the national launch of an automated solar permitting software called SolarAPP+. The webinar livestream is now available. View webinar
