August 21, 2006—The International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will seek ways to optimize development of codes and standards to improve public safety.
The organizations 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.
The ICC model code system impacts the lives of millions of people every day in a positive way. 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.
ASHRAE is an international organization that exists to advance through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.
