The International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding this week that will seek ways to optimize development of codes and standards to improve public safety. The organizations have announced they will work together on industry advocacy and public policy and explore joint business opportunities.
“The integration of leading edge technology via ASHRAE standards and guidelines into the building codes ensures the general public that the built environment will be efficient, healthy, comfortable and safe,” said ASHRAE president Terry Townsend. “This MOU will enhance both ASHRAE’s and ICC’s capabilities to have a positive impact on new construction and renovation activities in not only North American but also the international markets.”
The ICC model code system impacts the lives of millions of people every day. The centerpiece of this system is an objective, scientifically based code development process, designed to achieve consensus on important health and safety issues.
A key element of this process is the use of consensus-based referenced standards like those produced by ASHRAE, developed through a fair and balanced process. Whether addressing structural performance or energy conservation, referenced standards serve to complement code text by providing the details and test methods necessary for effective code enforcement.
“This MOU with ASHRAE will help ICC members address some of the most important and contemporary issues facing building safety professionals today,” said ICC chief operating officer Rick Weiland.
