Modular Industry Comes Together to Advance Off-Site Construction

The International Code Council family of solutions joined 1,500 industry professionals at the Modular Building Institute’s (MBI) 40th Annual World of Modular conference and tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 29 – April 1, 2023.  

The World of Modular event is the largest global forum for the modular construction industry. It provides individuals in the commercial modular construction industry with the opportunity to network, learn from high-profile experts, display new products and attend educational presentations about the latest trends in off-site construction.  

The event also enables discussions about how off-site construction can address current challenges such as housing affordability and building quality and sustainability. 

Engaging with Off-Site Construction Industry Professionals  

At this year’s World of Modular, Code Council CEO, Dominic Sims, participated in an open session highlighting the Code Council’s commitment to delivering solutions that facilitate the safe, efficient and resilient deployment of off-site construction and the collaboration with MBI. He also announced the launch of a campaign to support the adoption of ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 to help provide regulatory consistency.  

The Code Council’s Center of Focus on Energy, Resilience and Innovation provided government representatives with insights on ICC/MBI Standards for Off-Site Construction, while ICC-ES and NTA staff engaged manufacturers on the Code Council’s conformity assessment services.  

Code Council staff also engaged in various networking and educational sessions to discuss further opportunities for growth and innovative solutions in off-site construction. 

Ryan Colker, Code Council Vice President of Innovation, presented an educational session on the existing standards and regulatory landscape for the varying methods and types of off-site construction projects to engage relevant stakeholders on the Code Council’s off-site construction solutions. 

“This year’s World of Modular conference highlighted the rise in modular, off-site construction as a core solution to deliver affordable, innovative and timely construction projects,” said Colker. “The Code Council is strategically positioned to deliver regulatory and conformity assessment solutions to support the industry’s uniformity and growth.” 

Dominic Sims, Code Council Board of Directors President Michael Wich, and Section C Director Thomas Peterson, also presented at the MBI Board of Directors meeting. 

International Code Council’s Collaboration with MBI 

During the event, Dominic Sims and MBI CEO, Tom Hardiman, signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), updating a prior MOU signed in 2017 that led to the development of: 

• ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 
• ICC G5-2019 Guideline for the Safe Use of ISO Intermodal Shipping Containers Repurposed as Buildings and Building Components 
• ICC/MBI Standard 1210: Standard for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Systems, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation in Off-Site Construction (in development) 
• Numerous educational offerings 

The renewed agreement strengthens the Code Council’s existing partnership with MBI and continues the collaboration to get more jurisdictions to adopt the standards.  

“The enthusiasm around the growth in off-site construction was incredible,” said Dominic Sims, CEO. “The Code Council is committed to supporting off-site construction as an innovative solution. Together with MBI, we look forward to streamlining the regulatory process to support continued market share growth.”  

For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org/offsite.