An "Overview of Water Efficiency in Codes" was the theme of a training event held recently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event was organized in partnership with International Code Council, ASTM International and the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization. The Code Council's Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development Mark Johnson, Executive Director of Sustainability Programs Dave Walls and Los Angeles City's Executive Officer of the LA Department of Building and Safety Osama Younan were presenters.
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Pictured (left-right): International Code Council Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development Mark Johnson, Executive Director of Sustainability Programs Dave Walls, and Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Executive Officer Osama Younan. |
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The event was coordinated with ASTM International, the International Code Council and the International Trade Administration. The partnership is a component of the Standards and Codes for Sustainable Construction project and is funded in part through the Market Development Cooperator Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. The goal is to enhance the Gulf region's efforts in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials management, building safety and overall economic growth.
The session provided an overview of the ICC 2015 Water Efficiency Provision, which is currently in the International Plumbing Code and International Green Construction Code. The program reviewed the various water conservation and efficiency measures in codes and standards for buildings and building sites. The presentation included a review of Los Angeles City's water ordinance and the implementation and enforcement procedures of the Los Angeles City Codes. The discussion also included the successes and challenges faced. It also covered the code development process and resources available for implementation, including standards, accreditation and guidelines.
The Code Council recently signed a historic agreement supporting The Standardization Organization for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf efforts to develop a unified Gulf Building Code for the region. The Gulf Building Code will be based on the Saudi Building Code, which will incorporate the latest provisions from the 2015 International Codes. This new Gulf Building Code will support the harmonization of building practices, enhance safety and facilitate commerce in the region.
The International Code Council continuously advocates the built environment's critical role in providing safer and smarter water use in neighborhoods and communities nationally and globally. Codes and standards are the technical foundations of quality, safety, resiliency and sustainability in the construction field. They also provide a common scientific language used in trade and commerce within this industry.
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