According to an American Institute of Architects (AIA) press release, “[T]he ICC Board of Directors is considering removing residential and commercial energy efficiency code development from the public review process currently in place for all codes.”
The model codes developed by the ICC are the de facto building codes for much of the U.S. and beyond. Because the development of these codes has a tremendous impact on construction, the process should be accessible and transparent. Special interests—the AIA names the National Association of Home Builders and American Gas Association specifically—cannot be allowed to control the process behind closed doors.
The stakes are high, as changes to the building code can support or gut basic energy efficiency standards.