The International Code Council’s (ICC’s) plan to alter how it develops the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has raised the ire of those pushing for more stringent efficiency measures.
The council has proposed rules changes that would make the code-making process less open, with development done by a committee without input from local government building officials, according to published reports. According to Mike Collignon, executive director and co-founder of the Green Builder Coalition, local officials were not informed of the possibility that their voice in future code development “might be stripped from them,” when the ICC recently proposed the changes.
The changes were proposed after ICC representatives from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) objected to some efficiency measures during deliberations over the latest version on the IECC. NAHB’s appeals led to stripping out provisions to require that new homes go all-electric and be EV-ready—provisions supported by the majority of IECC voters.
The ICC is seeking members’ and stakeholders’ feedback on the proposed code development reforms through Jan. 11. The IECC is in use or has been adopted by 47 states.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2021
Add a wobbly moon to flooding risk factors
Earth satellite’s orbit variations will lead to sunny-day flooding in the mid-2030s.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2021
Revamping of Florida building codes on the table after condo collapse
Tragedy could prompt upgrades like post-Hurricane Andrew effort.
Codes and Standards | Jul 21, 2021
Proposal to give Calif. hospitals more time for earthquake retrofits stirs controversy
State hospital association says 2030 deadline should be extended.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2021
New York, New Jersey legislatures may revamp bidding rules to promote low-carbon concrete
Contractors would have to certify that their concrete is in compliance.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Lack of information on carbon emissions challenges construction industry
Reports recommends whole-life carbon assessments on building projects.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Florida condo collapse spurs increased scrutiny on inspections, regulations
Insurers demand proof of current inspections.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2021
Three drywall code-referenced publications have been updated
Include guidance on fire resistance, sound control, application, and finishing.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2021
Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes massive investment in school buildings
‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’ to upgrade HVAC and other key systems.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2021
Reluctance to fund maintenance on older condos is a serious problem
Owner associations defer needed work, putting properties at risk.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2021
Regulations on hydrofluorocarbons reduce roof insulation options
Canada, some U.S. states ban HFC blowing agents used in closed-cell foam.
