Code Council Creates Sustainable Building Technology Committee for its Growing Portfolio of Green Initiatives

The International Code Council Board at its July 19 meeting approved the creation of a Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC) to support its many ongoing efforts in green, sustainable and safe construction.

“I am proud that the Board continues to be proactive on green building matters and supported creating this new committee,” said Council Board President Steve Shapiro. “From the creation of the International Energy Conservation Code, the most widely used energy efficiency code, to the continual advancement of the International Plumbing Code, which requires the efficient use of water, the Code Council has embraced and committed itself to helping communities build safe and build green. Other examples include the ICC-700 National Green Building Standard for residential construction, a program to verify sustainable attributes of building products, a green clearinghouse for jurisdictions to share sustainable information, and green building certification and training programs.”

“The Board’s action is an important next step toward providing a valuable forum for the advancement of building science, as communities and industry look to the Council for guidance, technical standards and consensus in the increasingly important arena of green building,” said Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. “It reflects the Code Council’s commitment to confront both the challenge and opportunity to create energy-efficient and sustainable communities.”

The SBTC will provide an open forum for discussion of sustainability and ensure that Code Council members and stakeholders have a key voice in the critical debate. The SBTC will be charged with:

• Developing proposed code changes and analysis/response of related changes proposed for the Code Council family of codes and standards,
• Participating in the development of Council guidelines to assist members and jurisdictional authorities in implementing sustainable construction practices in their communities,
• Providing input on related Council programs such as green training and a green certification program for First Preventers, code officials who ensure buildings are safe and energy efficient,
• Serving in an advisory role to the Council’s Board of Directors regarding the development of new International Codes or Standards in support of sustainable construction practices.

To learn more about the Council’s proactive green initiatives, go to www.iccsafe.org/green.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.