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
| Feb 8, 2012
Project aimed at economical seismic retrofits on historic Memphis structures
The group will develop a low-cost seismic retrofit model that would benefit aging brick-and-mortar structures. It involves bolting steel brackets to existing wooden floor and ceiling joists.
| Feb 8, 2012
Houston signs on to Better Buildings Challenge
The challenge has about $4 billion in federal and private-sector funds, which it will use for building energy upgrades nationwide in the next two years.
| Feb 8, 2012
OSHA offers free health and safety consulting for small businesses
The consultants offer confidential, non-punitive advice.
| Feb 8, 2012
Controversy over pay for prisoners on roofing job in Michigan
The disagreement was over whether the prisoners should have been paid prevailing wage for their brief time on the job because the project was paid for with a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
| Jan 30, 2012
ZigBee and ISO 50001: Two new standards to make buildings greener
These developments demonstrate the dynamic nature of the market and the continued need for development of program standards of many different types that help builders and owners translate high performance and sustainable buildings goals into practical measures on the ground.
| Jan 30, 2012
New firm-fixed-price rules on federal contracts impact construction industry
Contractors will need to be on the lookout for policies such as the Contractor Accountability for Quality clause.
| Jan 30, 2012
Roofer’s fatal plunge demonstrates need for fall-prevention regulations
“The biggest problem is getting our workers to use the equipment,” says Michael J. Florio, executive director of the organization.
| Jan 26, 2012
Tampa moves to streamlined online permitting system
The system will replace an inefficient patchwork of old software and is designed to provide businesses, homeowners, and contractors with online access to permitting and licensing information.