The International Code Council (ICC) and Building Code Assistance Project (BCAP) have teamed up to create a program that will benefit code officials who want to take a leading role in energy-efficient buildings and help drive the national movement towards more energy-efficient buildings and homes. Initially, the program will be launched in four pilot states: New York, Kentucky, Illinois and Idaho. These states were selected in response to interest from state and local officials, expected program support, and a desire for geographic diversity.

The Code Council is looking for one qualified code official from each ICC chapter in the four pilot states to volunteer to participate. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in energy codes along with some background in on-the-ground enforcement activities. The Council and BCAP will provide additional training to Ambassador program participants and will assist participants in achieving certification in one or more of the three available ICC energy code certification programs: Commercial Energy Inspector, Commercial Energy Plans Inspector, and/or Residential Energy Inspector Plans Examiner. Training and certification testing will be provided to the participant as a program benefit.

Code Council Chapters should nominate one individual from their ranks who is interested, capable and willing to assist others in upgrading their skills and expertise in this emerging code enforcement area. In return, ICC will provide training, support and recognition to these officials. Chapters will be contacted and asked for nominations; accepted now through February 2010. Selected "Energy Ambassadors" will be named and begin participation in March.

For more information about the program, email ICC's Vice President for Federal and External Affairs, Dave Karmol, at ECAP@iccsafe.org.