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ICC eNews

International Delegation from Ukraine, Georgia and Russia's Far East Learn about ICC-ES

The International Code Council recently hosted a delegation from Russia’s Far East‚ Georgia and Ukraine to discuss building safety codes and energy efficiency. The meeting was part of a trip sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce/International Trade Administration Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT) Energy Efficiency and Renewables for the Construction Industry Program. The delegation of 16 construction professionals will visit with a number of organizations during their American tour to learn about innovative construction techniques and energy efficiency design, and to bring home new technology and management skills to their respective countries.

During their presentation, Code Council representatives provided an overview of the U.S. regulatory system and Council programs, including ICC-Evaluation Services and ICC- International Accreditation Services programs. The international delegates discussed challenges they face within their organizations and asked questions on a variety of topics relating to construction design (energy efficiency building codes being a predominant factor); construction materials (roofing, doors, windows, heating/cooling systems); alternative energy; how International Codes and Standards are adopted and enforced in the United States; as well as how I-Codes can be implemented in other countries.

Following a tour of the Code Council Headquarters, the delegation visited the Arlington County, Virginia Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development. They took a tour of the facilities with tour guide Building Official Shahriar Amiri. The delegates had the opportunity to learn about the department’s structure, organization and code enforcement systems, which includes housing, inspection services, planning and neighborhood services; as well as how the building department promotes the improvement, conservation and revitalization of Arlington's physical and social environment. They witnessed the day-to-day operation of the facility and experienced how building codes, standards, evaluation reports and accreditation services fit into the daily routine of a building department. During the tour, Amiri discussed the materials being used in a building site under construction next door.

"The SABIT delegation was able to take all they had learned about the International Codes and the U.S. regulatory system and really see it put into action following our presentation," said Sylvana Ricciarini, International Liaison and International Operations Director for the Code Council. "With the help of Arlington County’s Buildings Department, we were able to have the delegation witness the day-to-day operation of the facility and experience how building codes, standards, evaluation reports and accreditation services fit into the daily routine of a building department."

Upon completing the month-long the delegation will return home to implement what they have learned to benefit the construction sector in their countries.

Government Relations Senior Advisor David Conover (standing left) and International Liaison and International Operations Director Sylvana Ricciarini (standing right) answer questions about the American building safety system during a presentation to an international delegation of construction professionals from the Ukraine, Georgia and Russia's Far East.

An international delegation of construction professionals from the Ukraine, Georgia and Russia's Far East, hosted by Code Council International Liaison and International Operations Director Sylvana Ricciarini (fourth from right), take a tour of the Arlington County, Virginia, Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development guided by Building Official Shahriar Amiri.