Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute release new off-site construction standards

The International Code Council (ICC) and the Modular Building Institute (MBI) have published two new off-site construction standards.

ICC/MBI 1200-2021 Standard for Off-Site Construction: Planning, Design, Fabrication and Assembly and ICC/MBI 1205-2021 Standard for Off-Site Construction: Inspection and Regulatory Compliance are intended to promote consistency around the globe of regulatory requirements for off-site construction processes, according to a news release from the two organizations. The standards are expected to accelerate the off-site construction industry, the release says.

“The Code Council family already offers multiple solutions to support the safe and efficient use of off-site construction. However, as we continue seeing a surge in global demand for off-site construction, we knew more guidance would be necessary, to add consistency to a global market,” said Dominic Sims, CBO, CEO, International Code Council. “The new standards align perfectly with the Code Council’s mission to ensure building safety. The standards are also part of our commitment to encourage affordability—in this case by lowering the regulatory barriers to trade—that off-site products often face by having to navigate a patchwork of regional regulations.”

The expanded use of off-site construction, often called modular or prefabrication, can address industry challenges including workforce availability, housing affordability, job site safety, building quality, and sustainability, the release says.

Faster delivery of buildings isn’t always associated with sustainability benefits or long-term value, but things are changing. An instructive case is in the development of steel structures that not only allow speedier erection times, but also can reduce embodied carbon and create durable, highly resilient building approaches.

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