Federal agencies conclude and agree that code adoption and compliance, training for code officials and updating codes based on lessons learned from natural disasters are major factors in creating more resilient structures and safer communities. "When homes and buildings are built to the most current codes, structures on the edge of the direct path of a tornado or hurricane should be able to survive," says ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. "That was the conclusion by the University of Alabama after studying tornado damage in Tuscaloosa. It mirrors findings from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is about reducing damage."

The development of current codes and standards by ICC Members supports the building industry in the construction of safe and resilient homes and buildings. In addition to safety, up-to-date codes also have positive economic impacts by keeping construction costs down, lowering insurance rates and reducing utility bills. In 32 states at least one of the 2012 International Codes has been adopted at the state or local level, according to voluntary reporting.

The Code Council encourages jurisdictions that have adopted the 2009 and 2012 International Plumbing Code and/or International Residential Code to amend the codes to meet the new requirements of the Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act that went into effect on Jan. 4, 2014. The measure amends the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and revises the definition of the term "lead-free." "While the 2015 International Codes have been updated to meet federal requirements, we thought in light of public health concerns that it was important for jurisdictions using previous editions of the codes to be in compliance today instead of waiting until the new codes come out this summer," explains ICC Board of Directors President Stephen D. Jones, CBO.

The Group C Code Committee Action Hearings begin in Memphis, Tenn., and offer Code Council Members, stakeholders and other interested individuals an opportunity to voice opinions and offer expertise to develop the 2015 International Green Construction Code. Online assembly motion voting follows the Committee Action Hearings through cdpACCESS, ICC's new cloud-based system for code development. Successful assembly motions are treated the same as they have been in previous cycles, resulting in an automatic public comments that are considered at the Group C Public Comment Hearings in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The 34th Annual Building Safety Month is celebrated with the theme, "Building Safety: Maximizing Resilience, Minimizing Risks." An assortment of community events, safety demonstrations and educational outreach activities are held throughout the month. President Obama signs a proclamation declaring May a "time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who keep our buildings secure, and we recommit to maintaining resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure." Says Sims, "Addressing resiliency in the built environment and urging all Americans to learn more about how they can contribute to building safety at home and in their communities is what Building Safety Month is all about."

To further align the goals of its Education and Certification programs, ICC introduces the new Professional Development Council (PDC). The newly formed Council is comprised of two committees, the Certification Committee and the Education Committee, whose members are responsible for advising the ICC Board and staff on strategic matters related to education and certification. In addition to PDC activities, ICC's Education program continues to focus on the development of a Preferred Provider Program, premium core training, enhanced online training, and a commitment to staffing the team for the future.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal signs legislation that replaces the state's plumbing code effective Jan. 1, 2016, with the International Plumbing Code. The Louisiana legislature approved changing the state's plumbing standards to a new code based on the IPC instead of the Louisiana Plumbing Code. "Louisiana's adoption validates the public health benefits of the International Plumbing Code, which is already adopted in 35 states and the District of Columbia at the state or local level," Sims says. "The code is plumber and industry smart, providing guidelines for plumbing facilities and the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials and systems."

The Code Council, ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the U.S. Green Building Council announce the signing of a memorandum to collaborate on the development of Standard 189.1, the International Green Construction Code and the LEED green building program. The unprecedented cooperation aims to create a comprehensive framework for jurisdictions looking to implement and adopt green building regulations and codes and/or provide incentives for voluntary leadership programs such as LEED.

The Code Council reaches out to all Chapter leaders about Preferred Provider Program goals, proposed provider categories and program benefits to ICC Chapters. Chapters contributed thoughtful, constructive, and valuable comments and questions that will strengthen and improve the program. The comments are tabulated and discussed by the Preferred Provider Stakeholder Group (SG) in several meetings. The Preferred Provider SG consists of representatives of 30 chapters, associations, jurisdictions, private education providers and industry groups.

Code Council Members elect Board Officers and Directors during the association's Annual Business Meeting at the 2014 Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Guy Tomberlin, Chief of the Residential/Light Commercial Inspections Branch of the Fairfax County, Va., Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is elected President. Alex "Cash" Olszowy III, Building Inspection Supervisor for the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government in Lexington, Ky., is elected Vice President. Georgia State Fire Marshal M. Dwayne Garriss is elected Secretary/Treasurer. Jay Elbettar and Richard C. Truitt Sr. are re-elected to three-year terms as Sectional Directors. William J. Bechtold, James E. Morganson and M. Donny Phipps are elected to three-year terms as Directors at Large. Alan Boswell is elected to a two-year term.

The Code Council rolls out its new Preferred Provider Program, which offers a variety of educational resources for the more than 20,000 individuals who attend ICC training each year and the 43,000 professionals who hold ICC certifications. A major program benefit is guaranteed compliance of training for ICC CEUs through the Preferred Provider Program that can be used toward renewal of ICC certifications.

The Code Council and the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation complete a period of due diligence and formalize the consolidation of the two organizations. "SRCC is an industry leading association with big ideas and limited resources," says SRCC Executive Director Eileen Prado, who will serve as Executive Director of ICC's SRCC program. "Partnering with ICC provides needed resources to control costs for certification, lab inspections and dues. SRCC Members' certifications remain valid. SRCC staff experts, including Technical Director Jim Huggins, will be there for support as will the ICC technical staff."