The International Code Council (ICC) stripped the rights of local governments to vote on provisions of new versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
The move could make it harder for cities to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within building sectors. The ICC’s new code development system gives the construction and gas industries more control by replacing localities’ voting power with a new process that still factors in local-level input, but gives industry groups more say in the end result of code development.
States typically adopt the ICC’s most recent standards for their building codes. If new code versions are less ambitious in promoting energy efficiency and cutting GHG emissions, cities are likely to adopt less stringent state codes.
More than 200 organizations and individuals submitted comments to the ICC surrounding its decision to end government voting, with 75% of those comments opposed to the action.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2021
Design competition launched to show role of mass timber in decarbonization
Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board will award $2 million in grants to winning teams.
Codes and Standards | Oct 27, 2021
Texas reforms series of contractor laws
Measures seen as making it easier to do business in the state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Drownings during Hurricane Ida point out FEMA flood map flaws
Eleven people drowned in New York City in areas marked as low risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Dept. of Energy’s REScheck tool updated for the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Previous version incorporated 2018 code.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
New York City passes overhaul of construction codes
Over 600 major changes along with thousands of smaller updates slated for 2022.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
One-quarter of U.S. critical infrastructure at risk of failure due to flooding
Police and fire stations, hospitals, airports, and wastewater treatment facilities face threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
