ICC eNews

PLUMBING, MECHANICAL & FUEL GAS NEWS

Some of the following links take you outside the Code Council's website. We are not responsible for the content and privacy practices of outside websites.

Article: New Green Codes Are Powerful Tools

Developed by the International Code Council and the cooperating sponsorship of the American Institute of Architects and ASTM International, the highly anticipated Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) offers many exclusive benefits for plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas professionals. But when the IGCC was augmented with ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IEC Standard 189.1, the result is a green construction code that far and away offers the most extensive and superior sustainable building provisions.

Released on March 15, the International Green Construction Code is the first and only construction code that establishes code requirements for a minimum level of sustainable design in commercial buildings. This makes implementing green building practices much easier and, simply by following the IGCC, makes it much simpler to achieve green rating points.

This new green code is based on the same clear, easy-to-use sequence that makes the International Codes the most accepted code adoption platform in the U.S. The IGCC is the most complete and effective code for alternative water sources and encompasses the latest alternative energy sources for ever greater sustainable design.

The addition of ASHRAE Standard 189.1’s provisions offers an alternative jurisdictional requirement for water, energy and every other major sustainable design application for commercial buildings. This provides even more flexibility for jurisdictions and builders alike. This standard complements the IGCC with code-minimum language and mature sustainability provisions developed by using a robust ANSI-approved consensus process.

Partnership of Industry Leaders
The combined codes were developed by a partnership of many noted industry organizations: The International Code Council, the American Institute of Architects, ASTM International, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. The cumulative expertise that went into the development of these codes has resulted in the most comprehensive green code available.

The IGCC is fully integrated with all of the International Codes, many applications for which are included in the International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code and International Residential Code. This makes implementing and enforcing it much more efficient and effective since most jurisdictions in the U.S. that adopt codes use the I-Codes.

Leading the Green Charge
Since many green applications relate to water and energy efficiency, provisions in the IGCC supporting these resource conservation measures are extensive and perfectly complement those already referenced in the International Plumbing Code and International Mechanical Code.
In fact, the IGCC uses the 2009 International Plumbing Code as a baseline for many of the plumbing-related provisions.

A summary of the topics covered by the IGCC’s key water conservation and alternative water provisions include:

•Rainwater, graywater and other non-potable water systems, including municipally-supplied reclaimed water;
•Water treatment devices and equipment, like water softeners and reverse osmosis units;
•Non-potable water use for toilet and urinal flushing, trap priming, irrigation, fire suppression and water features;
•Fixtures, fittings and appliances, including faucets, toilets, urinals, dishwashers, washing machines, pre-rinse spray valves, showers, and drinking fountains;
•Hot water delivery system design, including pipe sizing, layout, and insulation;
•Landscape irrigation and other site water use, including xeriscaping, turf, landscaping, non-potable water use, and storm water management;
•Car washing systems;
•Recreational water uses such as pools, spas, and ornamental water features;
•Performance-based system for water conservation in plumbing fixtures while also offering designers greater flexibility in selecting the right devices for their projects.

Read the full article at contractormag.com.

Indiana Chooses Code Council Plumbing Code to Promote Safe Construction

The State of Indiana has just been added to the growing and extensive list of jurisdictions, choosing the International Code Council's (ICC) International Plumbing Code (IPC) for updating from other outdated codes.

The Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission (IFPBSC) is the division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security that reviews, adopts and enforces building, fire safety, and energy efficiency codes. The Commission has previously chosen to adopt the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code. The Commission’s action will result in the publication of the 2011 Indiana Plumbing Code to match the remaining core codes already in place statewide.

Once the IPC is in place, Indiana’s building department and other governmental agencies, along with all six million residents will enjoy greater peace of mind in knowing that the buildings and other structures in their communities are built to meet the standards of the International Codes. Since the International Codes have a consistently clear, easy-to-use sequence and are fully integrated, building departments and construction professionals also realize greater efficiency in enforcing and following the code.

Read the full release.

Code Council Assists Colombian Stakeholders to Upgrade Plumbing Code


Site visit in Bogotá included ICC PMG Executive Director Jay Peters, plumbing lead project engineer Camilo Castiblanco, ICC Global Services Director Sylvana Ricciarini, ICC PMG Director of Industry Relations Shawn Martin, APROCOF Vice President Germán Flechas, and the project’s head plumbing foreman Luis Soto.

Over the past several years, the International Code Council’s (ICC) has been strengthening relationships with Colombia’s building sector stakeholders, including the Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación (ICONTEC; Colombian Institute of Standards and Certification) and the Asociación de Profesionales de Conducción de Fluidos (APROCOF; Association of Professional Water Engineers), and academia such as Los Andes University.

Recently, the Code Council’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Group Executive Director, Jay Peters, PMG’s Director of Industry Relations, Shawn Martin, and Global Services Director, Sylvana Ricciarini conducted a three-day workshop in Bogota. The workshop was promoted by APROCOF as part of the “Third Congress of Hydraulic and Sanitary Facilities.”

Hundreds of engineers, architects, contractors, even the general public attended this intensive session that began with an overview of the comprehensive provisions in the IPC. Transition, implementation and verification aspects that are critical to ensure that the initial implementation process is seamless and smooth were also reviewed.

This was followed by an overview of the Code Council, including the code development process scope and highlights. Aspects of green plumbing covering both the recently published International Green Construction Code (IGCC) and what is happening around the world with regards to sustainable plumbing and related provisions in the IPC were reviewed in detail.

The global sanitation crisis, ICC Evaluation Services, including ICC-ES PMG Listing Service and SAVE (Sustainable Attributes Verification and Evaluation), along with certification services for plumbing products were also covered.

“This is a very important advancement for both the Code Council and the nation of Colombia,” said Mr. Peters. “APROCOF and ICONTEC are highly regarded organizations in Colombia, so when they performed a very thorough technical evaluation of the model codes available and initially chose the International Plumbing Code as a code of reference, we were extremely proud and grateful.”

“This is just the beginning of a lot of work that will lead us to great accomplishments,” added Germán Flechas, Vice President with APROCOF. “ICONTEC and the ICC can count on us to attain the goals proposed.”

While in Colombia for the workshop, the PMG Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the ICC and APROCOF which unites two leaders in the plumbing industry. These respected teams have joined forces to create initiatives that will be mutually beneficial for each organization as well as their respective members and residents. Co-op initiatives will develop and cross promote products, members will enjoy added-value through information sharing and other efforts, and each other’s education and training programs will be leveraged whenever possible.

Ms. Ricciarini, who has coordinated these efforts from the very beginning said, “We are proud to be able to offer our plumbing codes and related services to assist Colombia to improve the quality of plumbing and water conservation offerings.”

While the initial seminar was both comprehensive and information-rich, additional training consisting of custom-tailored curriculum will be developed based on Colombia’s technical, academic and industry-specific needs. The ICC will also continue to provide extensive assistance with the transition process along the way. And, a delegation from APROCOF plans to attend and participate in ICC’s Annual Conference in North Carolina in October.

EPA Launches New Web Tools to Inform the Public About Clean Water Enforcement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new set of web tools, data, and interactive maps to inform the public about serious Clean Water Act violations in their communities. Improving water quality is one of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's priorities and in 2009, Administrator Jackson directed the agency to develop concrete steps to improve water quality, to better enforce the Clean Water Act and to use 21st Century technology to transform the collection, use and availability of EPA data. The web tools announced today is part of EPA's Clean Water Act Action Plan to work with states in ensuring that facilities comply with standards that keep our water clean.

"EPA is taking another important step to increase transparency and keep Americans informed about the safety of their local waters," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Making this information more accessible and understandable empowers millions of people to press for better compliance and enforcement in their communities."

The new web page provides interactive information from EPA's 2008 Annual Noncompliance Report, which pertains to about 40,000 permitted Clean Water Act dischargers across the country. The report lists state-by-state summary data of violations and enforcement responses taken by the states for smaller facilities. The new web page also makes it easy to compare states by compliance rates and enforcement actions taken and provides access to updated State Review Framework (SRF) reports. more>>