The International Code Council's board of directors approved a controversial change to the development process for its model International Energy Conservation Code, basing it instead on the system used by the American National Standards Institute. For the first time, private-sector interests, not just government code officials, will have final voting privileges on changes to the model code.
The ICC's switch to the more streamlined standards process proved contentious. The proposed changeover drew 207 written comments to the ICC from government officials, industry representatives and trade and professional organizations, with 75% weighing in against change. The comments came from dozens of cities and states, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and many of its chapters, the National Association of State Energy Officials, ASHRAE and DuPont Safety & Construction.