Posted by Heidi Schwartz
The development of current codes and standards by International Code Council members supports the building industry in the construction of safe and resilient buildings. In addition to safety, up-to-date codes also have positive economic impacts. Building in compliance with the I-Codes can keep construction costs down, lower insurance rates, and reduce utility bills. In 32 states, at least one of the 2012 I-Codes has been adopted at the state or local level, according to voluntary reporting.
“When states and cities adopt the most recent codes available, it is a strong indication of a state or city’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards possible in the built environment,” said ICC Board President Stephen Jones, CBO. “Using current codes also can result in lower prices for home and commercial property insurance.”
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the International Building Code statewide or locally with the majority using the 2012 or 2009 edition. The International Energy Conservation Code is used in 47 states; the International Mechanical Code in 46 states; the International Fuel Gas Code in 43 states; the International Fire Code in 42 states; and the International Plumbing Code in 35 states.
“Advances in building science and new products along with lessons learned are key components in each new edition of codes and standards,” said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “Older code editions make it less effective to build to the highest level of safety and affordability.”
Use of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is on the rise in communities committed to protecting the environment. Dallas uses the IgCC as it works toward being carbon neutral by 2030. All residential and commercial projects must meet minimum certification requirements, including provisions in the IgCC, Green Built Texas, and LEED certification. In Virginia, the state’s energy conservation and environmental standards provides a method to assure state-owned buildings conserve energy and are environmentally friendly based on amendments to the IgCC to meet local needs and serve as an acceptable alternative to achieving LEED Silver.
For a list of I-Code adoptions visit: www.iccsafe.org/adoptions.
