ICC eNews

Mexico Forum Examines Building Codes and Sustainability

Code Council CEO Rick Weiland told forum attendees that the International Energy Conservation Code is on track to provide the tools to reduce energy consumption in buildings by 30 percent. "We are spreading the word through publishing informative guides and designing special evaluation and accreditation tools to insure that both manufacturers and organizations are truly able to effectively contribute to this effort."

The Code Council and Mexico's National Housing Commission (CONAVI) presented "Building Codes for a Sustainable Housing Project" during the Concreto LatinoAmerica 2009 International Conference in Mexico City. The two-day forum was a continuation of the Council's partnership with CONAVI to develop a model residential code in Mexico and to exchange information and technology regarding building codes and regulations.

"We are interested in exploring how this information exchange can grow and improve in the rapidly changing world of building construction technology," ICC Board President Adolf Zubia said at the onset of the forum. "We know that while codes are the first step, the enforcement of the codes either assures or prevents the stability of our built environment. We want to work with you as you pursue professional development, and as you seek to verify the skills and performance of organizations and products that are keys to building safety and sustainability."

Topics of the "Building Codes for a Sustainable Housing Project" forum included:

• Building Codes and their Impact on Community Development. Discussions focused on sustainable community development and urban planning, public safety and disaster mitigation, and the financial aspects and environmental impact of sustainable construction.
• Technological Focus to the Building Codes. Presentations focused on housing design through new methodologies, standards, production evaluation and accreditation, building codes in Mexico, and technologies for sustainable house.
• Model Code Systems. Discussions focused on industry participation in the code development process, standard model adaptation and the adoption consensus process, building code application, and the importance of having a sustainable housing regulation.
• Sustainability in Construction. Presentations focused on sustainability in today's world, building codes and green standards, the efficient use of energy in housing, standards and the efficient use of water, and incentives for sustainable housing development.


	ICC Board President Adolf Zubia said the International Green Construction Code could have a far-reaching, positive effect on sustainable development. "The discussions we are having at our development meetings do not just apply to the U.S."

As concepts of sustainable and safe construction continue to expand, Code Council CEO Rick Weiland told forum attendees that collaboration will be the key for enacting effective climate change. "We know that not every nation may want to do an actual adoption of our codes, but frequently our codes are seen as a resource tool for individual nations to access," Weiland said. "Our ability to train officials on code enforcement, and to test the capabilities of individuals and organizations in the form of certification, accreditation and evaluation, helps nations position for important improvements to the safety and sustainability of the built environment."

Zubia echoed those comments, saying shared information will be valuable in the Code Council's development of the International Green Construction Code. "We have much to learn from the experiences of the international community, and much to offer from our pool of experts," Zubia said. "We will be soliciting public comment and will be glad to engage with you as you move forward in the global movement toward a greener built environment."