by Brianna Crandall — May 8, 2013—The International Code Council (ICC), whose work was recently singled out for recognition with President Obama’s proclamation declaring May as Building Safety Month, has released resources relating to the International Energy Conservation Code and a Fact Sheet on modifications to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the upcoming Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), and has announced collaborative work on a new Rainwater Collection System Design and Installation standard.
International Energy Conservation Code Resource Page
The Code Council has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) to provide resources featuring the latest in building energy code products and services to assist code officials, which could also prove useful for facilities managers and owners desirous of ensuring their buildings are compliant with the codes. This page includes information on training, certification, resources and publications related to compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC addresses the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and installation of energy efficient mechanical, lighting and power systems through requirements emphasizing performance. It addresses energy efficiency on several fronts including cost savings, reduced energy usage, conservation of natural resources, and the impact of energy usage on the environment. The resources include:
- IECC Toolkit
- Top 10 Reasons for Building Energy Codes
- Building Energy Codes 101—An Introduction
Fire and building code officials are likely to see the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) (commonly referred to as The Purple Book), and new Safety Data Sheets with new chemical hazard pictograms very soon. This Fact Sheet provides these officials as well as interested building owners and managers information relative to the modified OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), and addresses the potential impacts to current fire code and standard requirements related to hazardous chemicals and materials in the built environment.
CSA/ICC 805 Rainwater Collection System Design and Installation standard
The Code Council and the CSA Group Canada-based safety association have announced the joint development of a new CSA/ICC 805 Rainwater Collection System Design and Installation standard to help ensure the basic safety and performance of rainwater collection systems. The standard will be developed in accordance with both ANSI and Standards Council of Canada accreditation requirements for use throughout North America, to help ensure that rainwater collection systems are designed, manufactured and installed properly. According to ICC, a groundbreaking revision to the 2015 International Plumbing Code added comprehensive, non-potable water provisions covering sources such as rainwater, gray water and reclaimed water. The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) includes a robust section on water efficiency and alternate water sources. ICC notes that this standard is especially important for regions experiencing water shortages, storm water management, and water quality issues.
