Most building industry professional know the important role plumbers play in protecting public health and safety. But, to dramatically raise awareness of the efforts of these industry professionals—at the government, corporate and consumer levels—the World Plumbing Council conducted its first annual World Plumbing Day on March 11.

Construction professionals, the general public and even school children around the globe banded together to learn about how the plumbing industry is helping to continually improve the products and services the industry offers for both commercial and residential projects. A huge part of their efforts and education program includes conserving resources and reducing our environmental footprint, along with other important work conducted by the plumbing industry, as well as the entire building industry.

The International Code Council (ICC) works with organizations like the World Plumbing Council, building upon each other’s expertise and strengths advance these goals faster and more effectively.

In fact, the Code Council is highly engaged in helping communities large and small to implement ever-better plumbing applications that are more effective, while always being mindful of the environment. As a matter of fact, the March 15 release of the Public Version of the International Green Construction Code is perfectly timed to coincide with World Plumbing Day. click to continue

Dennis Thomas (pictured left), Building Inspector for Park City Municipal Corporation, has earned Master Code Professional Certification from the International Code Council. Jeff Whitney (pictured right), International Code Council Board member and Grand County Building Official, presented Thomas with the certification in a ceremony February 4 at City Hall.

"Thomas is one of eight building inspectors in the state of Utah to earn this coveted status," Whitney said. In addition to the 26 other certifications required for master code certification, he is the only inspector of the eight to have earned his Fire Marshal Certification as well.

Attending the presentation were Thomas' family; co-workers; local contractors; Code Council Executive Director of Plumbing and Mechanical Activities Jay Peters and Director of Plumbing Programs Lee Clifton; and city officials, including Mayor Dana Williams, Assistant City Manager Michael Kovacs, Councilperson Simpson, and Chief Building Official Ron Ivie.

Shawn Martin, PMG Director of Industry Relations, was selected to speak at the National HVAC Educators and Trainers Conference to be held March 13-17 in Las Vegas Nevada. Martin will provide developments on the highly anticipated International Green Construction Code (IGCC), with a focus on topics of interest to the mechanical, plumbing and fuel-gas disciplines.

He will describe the IGCC's open development process, its ease of use as a prescriptive path for performance, and will provide a sneak peek into many of the provisions in the current draft. The new code will also describe ways that HVAC professionals can participate in the development of the first minimum code for sustainably built commercial buildings.

Attendees will learn how the IGCC will coordinate with other codes already adopted in 50 states; ways to get involved in its development; its general organization; and topics, technologies and techniques built into the current draft of this exciting new code.

For more information on the IGCC or ICC-PMG, contact the PMGResourceCenter@iccsafe.org.