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RESNET and ICC Help Home Builders Transition to the 2015 IECC Communities Have 72 Hours to Assess Damage from a Disaster
Popular Guides Highlight Significant Changes in the 2015 I-Codes Keep Your Inspection Knowledge Current
ICC Releases Updated CalDAG Upcoming CALGreen Training Opportunities
New ICC Publication Adds a Personal Touch to Building Inspection  
 
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RESNET Collaborates with ICC to Help Home Builders Transition to the 2015 IECC

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) announced its collaboration with the International Code Council in an effort to help home builders transition to the new 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). In the upcoming version of the residential building code, RESNET's HERS Index will be an optional compliance path—some people are saying that this compliance path represents the most significant change coming to 2015 IECC.

Building codes often offer two paths to compliance: prescriptive and performance. The prescriptive pathrequires the builder to follow the code 100% by the book. The performance path allows the builder more flexibility as long as he/she can prove the "projected annual energy usage" of the home is equal to or less than a home built to code. Many builders are already using HERS ratings as a way to meet current codes. RESNET has 17 national home builder partners and close to 300 regional/state partners.
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Popular Guides Highlight Significant Changes in the 2015 I-Codes

First published in 2006, the Significant Changes to the International Codes series has proven to be one of the most useful tools available for code adoption and application based on newest International Codes (I-Codes). Consisting of four volumes, these color publications contain revised code text, a summary of each change listed, change analysis and a photo or graphic to clarify real-world application. Authored by ICC technical experts, these new editions discuss critical changes and offer invaluable insight for all construction professionals preparing to use the 2015 I-Codes.
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ICC Releases Updated CalDAG

Newly updated, CalDAG 2013: An Interpretative Manual and Checklist, will help California code users understand new accessibility provisions for public accommodations, commercial facilities and public housing. CalDAG is the only book available combining and cross-referencing the 2013 California Building Code (CBC) regulations with federal 2010 ADA/ADAAG requirements. It features more than 250 illustrations and valuable flowcharts breaking down compliance procedures, and uses an easy-to-follow checklist format perfect for survey, inspection or design. This is a valuable reference for anyone working with the CBC and ADA/ADAAG.
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New ICC Publication Adds a Personal Touch to Building Inspection

Inspector Skills, a new publication from the International Code Council, is the first book ever to address the non-technical soft skills necessary for the people-related aspects of inspection for code compliance. When coupled with a solid technical knowledge of codes and construction practices, effective soft skills enhance an inspector's ability to interact with the public and contractors to successfully carry out job duties. The new guide is ideal for both veteran and new inspectors in any construction discipline.

It addresses essential soft skills such as decision making, problem solving, professionalism, integrity, honesty and time management. These strengths support an inspector's ability to ensure buildings are resilient, safe and code-compliant.
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Affected Communities Have 72 Hours to Assess the Damage from a Disaster

After a natural disaster, everyone needs to be prepared to help a community recover. Building departments can't do it alone; engineers, architects, emergency management and community emergency response teams should all be ready to help their community in the event of a disaster. Are you ready if called upon to help?

Every community needs to be prepared in advance of a disaster. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in 2013 there were: 61 federal major disaster declarations, including flooding, severe storms, tornados, landslides, wildfires, severe freezes, hurricanes and more (major disaster declarations were issued in 28 states); 5 federal emergency declarations; and 27 federal fire management assistance declarations.

Disaster response is critical. From the time a disaster is declared, an affected community has 72 hours to assess the damage and report to the federal government to receive direct federal assistance, according to FEMA. Communities that are unable to mobilize immediately may not receive the needed aid on time.

ICC has created the Disaster Response Network to help affected communities.

If you're looking for training in disaster preparedness, register for the only class that will teach you how to deal with a disaster environment, the When Disaster Strikes Institute. All members of the building safety industry need this course to be prepared to help their community.

Instructor William C. Bracken is a national disaster response and damage assessment expert who provides support and consultation to state and federal agencies. He teaches building and code officials and licensed professionals to assess the damage of disasters without endangering themselves or others. Register for the next When Disaster Strikes Institute, November 3-4, in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Keep Your Inspection Knowledge Current

Residential Inspection Institute | Chicago, Ill. | September 15-19

Review the latest inspection tools and learn to complete residential building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical inspections step by step. Register today to get answers to your toughest code questions from highly respected code compliance experts. Based on the 2012 International Codes, this institute is an opportunity to earn 3.0 CEUs and receive practical information from those who know the codes best.

After completing the Institute, you will be better able to: perform effective and efficient residential building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical inspections in compliance with the 2012 International Residential Code; use industry best practices and practical information to improve residential inspection techniques; and use resource manuals to acquire knowledge to employ on the job.
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Upcoming CALGreen Training Opportunities

Sign up for two free CALGreen webinars on July 21 and July 24, which will provide brief overviews of non-residential provisions and commissioning (CALGreen and California Energy Code), respectively. For more in-depth information on the fundamentals of the 2013 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and the commissioning requirements in CALGreen and the 2013 California Building Code, register for the Overview of 2013 Cal Green & Commissioning Requirements seminar on August 4 in Mission Viejo.
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