ICC, ASHRAE outline roles to consolidate IgCC and 189.1.

In a deal nearly two years in the making, the International Code Council and ASHRAE have signed the final agreement that outlines each organization's role in the development and maintenance of the new version of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), ASHRAE, ICC, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The code, scheduled to be released in 2018, will be powered by ANSI/ASHRAE/ICC/IES/USGBC Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings developed using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved ASHRAE consensus process. The joint Standing Standards Project Committee 189.1 will serve as the consensus body that will work to ensure the standard is consistent and coordinated with the ICC Family of Codes.

ICC and ADA celebrate 25 years of accessibility.

This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA has expanded opportunities for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers in places of employment, state and local government services, transportation, and the built environment. The law allows equal access to buildings and facilities where people live, work, worship, play and go to school.

L.A. recognizes ICC-SRCC as solar heating and cooling listing agency.

The city of Los Angeles Department of Buildings and Safety's Mechanical Testing Laboratory has approved the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC) as a recognized listing agency for solar water heating products. As a result, ICC-SRCC certifications demonstrate the product complies with the city's 2014 plumbing code for solar water heaters. ICC-SRCC's Standard 100 is referenced for solar collectors and its Standard 300 is referenced for solar water heating systems.

Sustainable, resilient construction is primary global concern.

ICC Board of Directors President Guy Tomberlin participated in the Inter-Jurisdictional Regulatory Collaboration Committee (IRCC) meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. ICC's involvement in IRCC dates back 20 years when the committee was co-founded by longtime ICC Member and legacy CEO Jon Traw, along with his peers from leading building regulatory development entities in Australia, Canada, England, Japan and New Zealand. Now including participants from 13 countries, IRCC committee members largely represent the lead governmental code-writing authorities of their countries with participation by academia and research institutions. Read more.

Journeying to the next generation of code officials.

With the predicted retirement of up to 80 percent of code officials within the next 15 years — including 30 percent within the next five years — ICC is leading industry efforts to develop the next generation of code officials. This year's Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif., will include the "ICC Journey to Leadership" three-hour education session that will be led by ICC Board Members and Past Presiding Officers. It is a follow-up to last year's town hall meeting that examined the serious impacts the substantial retirement exodus will have on jurisdictions and public safety. The education session will focus on preparing mid-career building safety professionals for leadership positions and ways to welcome the next generation of code officials into the profession.

Significant changes to the 2015 IBC.

Equivalent size dimensions for structural composite lumber in relationship to solid-sawn Type IV heavy-timber members have been introduced into Table 602.4 of the 2015 International Building Code (IBC).

(This information is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2015 International Building Code.)

2015 IECC adoption, compliance make new U.S. homes more energy efficient.

Adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code will make compliance easier for new homes that are inspected for an Energy Ratings Index (ERI) under the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). As a result, code officials will have clear guidance on a home's energy efficiency rating, homebuilders will undergo fewer inspections and homeowners will get an easy-to-understand HERS Index label that shows the efficiency of their new home.

Easton is first in Maryland to achieve IAS accreditation.

The town of Easton Building Inspection Division and Code Enforcement Office is the first jurisdiction in Maryland to achieve Building Department Accreditation through the International Accreditation Service (IAS). Located near the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Easton is a small, but growing community of about 16,500 people, making it the smallest U.S. jurisdiction to earn the IAS accreditation. The Building Inspection Division and Code Enforcement Office, which includes six highly skilled code and inspection professionals, provides building safety services to commercial and residential customers.

11 earn coveted ICC Master Code Professional status.

The achievement of the Master Code Professional (MCP) designation from the International Code Council is the highest level of ICC Certification and has become the gold standard for demonstrating proficiency in the building and fire safety profession. Currently, there are more than 800 MCP professionals worldwide, and their achievements are a benefit to the code enforcement profession, as well as their communities.

Spencer named WABO Code Official of the Year.

North Bend, Wash., Building Official David Spencer is the recipient of the 2015 Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) Code Official of the Year award. A 30-year industry veteran, Spencer has served with the city of North Bend since January 2014 and previously worked with the city of Westport, Wash., and the Grant County Building Department in Ephrata, Wash. "WABO is an important and vital organization that promotes code officials, code development, legislative issues and supports many important causes within our industry," Spencer said. Pictured presenting the award is WABO President John Siu.

ICC Global Membership Council profile: Lynn Balfour.

With more than 25 years of experience in the building code profession, Lynn Balfour is an active advocate for the certification, education and training of building officials as well as the consistent administration and enforcement of building codes in communities, her country, and around the world. Read more.

Longtime CTC member Schulte passes away.

Fire code consultant Richard C. Schulte, a longtime and active participant with ICC's Code Technology Committee (CTC), passed away May 11 at the age of 60. Schulte attended meetings and participated in study groups with ICC's CTC following its inception in 2005. "You could always count on Rich to be at the CTC meetings and be an active participant," said ICC Deputy Senior Vice President of Technical Services Mike Pfeiffer. "He will be missed." Read more.

Government Relations profile: It's keeping the focus on the Members.

The best piece of advice Rick Hauffe says he has received since starting his job with the International Code Council came from another Regional Manager in ICC's Government Relations department. "It's keeping the focus on the Members," the 6'5" guitar player recalls. That is a lesson he learned long ago in building grassroots strengths for political campaigns and for nonprofits in previous jobs. Read more.

Low-cost, high-value I-Code study tools now available.

The 2015 I-Code FlashCards are helpful study aids that provide students and exam candidates with an effective, time-tested method for improving information retention. Each set is easy to use anywhere, anytime to assist code users at any level.

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