For engineers, contractors and planners, understanding applicable building codes is one of the biggest keys to keeping the general public safe as they go about their daily lives. Codes are constantly changing and being refined as technology and understanding improves. Once a year, the International Code Council brings the industry together for Building Safety Month, which focuses on informing participants of code changes and developing a cohesive understanding of how to properly apply codes and maximize their usefulness to building safety.
The annual event has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual format. The overall theme of this year’s event is “Prevent, Prepare, Protect. Building Codes Save.” Each week of the event has a different theme, starting with a focus on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The first week’s lessons will tackle energy codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code and other energy efficiency moves.
Subsequent weeks will discuss different topics, including:
- Week 2 (May 10-16): Training the Next Generation
- Week 3 (May 17-23): Water Safety
- Week 4 (May 24-31): Disaster Preparedness
The annual building safety symposium is an outstanding opportunity for experienced professionals to learn about changes to the codes they work with on a daily basis and ensure that safety is always at the forefront of their work.
“The forty-one years of momentous Building Safety Month celebrations are a direct result of the dedication and passion of Code Council members and building safety professionals,” said Code Council Board President Greg Wheeler. “We are proud to see industry professionals going above and beyond to spread awareness about building safety through hosting virtual events, engaging in social media, and sharing resources with their communities. This voluntary effort speaks to the heroic roles our building safety professionals continue to hold, keeping their communities safe during the pandemic and ensuring a resilient future.”
Throughout the month of May, there are additional learning opportunities for building professionals. Free virtual conferences highlight the offerings:
- International Energy Conservation Code: 2021 Changes, Getting Involved in the 2024 Process: This webinar, cohosted by the Code Council, Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) and Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), – provides information on the significant changes in the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and background on the 2024 IECC development process
- A free webinar to “Meet the ICC Membership Councils”
- Codes and Standards, How Are They Different and How are Codes Developed?: a webinar that provides an overview of the codes and standards development process hosted by Women in Standards and featuring the Code Council’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations Sara Yerkes
- Building Safety Month Speed Networking: a Code Council mentor virtual networking event sponsored by the American Concrete Institute
- Hot Water Safety: a panel discussion about 2021 plumbing code changes and hot water safety topics
Every year, National Building Safety Month offers great learning opportunities for the engineering and building operations industry. If you work in the field, don’t miss this chance to learn from some of the best minds in the business and find new ideas to better serve your clients. For more information on Building Safety Month and to register for events, head over to www.buildingsafetymonth.org.