Historic MOU Signed by ICC and ASPE

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), one of the largest and most respected plumbing engineering organizations in the world, has signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ever in its 46-year history. The MOU with the International Code Council calls for both organizations to use their knowledge and expertise to advance and promote the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. Both groups indicate that a combined expertise of plumbing codes and engineering leadership can accomplish more than either organization could achieve individually.

This collaboration will identify and promote new and existing sustainability opportunities and services, supporting cooperative standards and codes development that will benefit the entire plumbing industry. ICC and ASPE will also develop products and services for their members and the industry, support initiatives that advance global safe water and sanitation, and cross promote select plumbing-related products and services of each organization.

“This partnership speaks volumes about the direction the plumbing industry seeks to go and how each of our memberships holds the other’s expertise in high regard,” said Jay Peters, ICC PMG Group’s Executive Director. “We are very excited about this union and look forward to partnering with ASPE on initiatives that will benefit our respective members, bring nationwide uniformity to code enforcement and enhance the entire realm of plumbing, sanitation and sustainability globally.”

Co-op educational programs, conferences and trade shows will be conducted, along with cross-promotion of codes, standards and related publications. The agreement also calls for initiatives related to chapter resources, technical initiatives, committees and councils to increase and improve the level of education, communication and overall value for ASPE and ICC members.

“For years, ASPE members have played a critical role in developing the International Plumbing Code,” according to Stanley Wolfson, ASPE’s Executive Director. “A sound technical and enforceable code adopted nationwide can only result in greater public safety and consistency in enforcement and design…all of which result in positive benefits for our members.”

These broader, stronger, member-focused attributes will benefit the partners’ collective memberships tremendously, according to Peters and Wolfson. Each organization has unique memberships with various types of expertise that will benefit the plumbing industry.

More building departments across the country choose the International Code Council’s codes than any other plumbing code. For more information regarding this MOU or the Code Council’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) codes and related products and services, contact the PMG Group Resource Center at 1-888-ICC-SAFE, x4PMG or pmgresourcecenter@iccsafe.org.

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) was founded in 1964 as an organization dedicated to the advancement of the plumbing engineering profession. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry. Its 7,000 members on five continents represent an extensive network of experienced engineers, designers, contractors, code officials, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives interested in advanced their careers, their profession, and the industry. Contact ASPE for additional information at 847-296-0002, info@aspe.org or visit www.aspe.org.

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency codes that are used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the I-Codes based on their outstanding quality. The ICC’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Group is devoted exclusively to providing PMG products and support to jurisdictions and construction industry professionals across the country and around the globe, with one or more PMG code adopted in 49 states. The more than 200 superior products and related services were developed specifically by and for plumbing and mechanical professionals. Contact the PMG Group for additional information at 1-888-ICC-SAFE, x4PMG, pmgresourcecenter@iccsafe.org or visit www.iccsafe.org.