Building Codes/Standards Council provides collaborative forum.
Press Release Summary:
National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards provides state, local, and regional code agencies with opportunity to work together on issues - building permits, inspections, energy codes, accessibility requirements - that cross state lines. Among other things, Institute president Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA, said this provides forum for addressing long-term policy issues, developing common programs, and establishing point of engagement to communicate with federal agencies.
Original Press Release:
Institute Establishes National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards
More than 36 years ago, the United States Congress mandated, as part of the National Institute of Building Sciences enabling legislation, that the Institute work with states and local governments. Since then, state and local government representatives have served on the Institute Board of Directors, sat on Institute councils and committees, and been involved in numerous Institute projects, publications and reports. However, up until now, these public sector representatives have not had their own program at the Institute. With the establishment of the National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards, that void is filled.
State, local and regional governments are primary participants in the building process. These authorities having jurisdiction oversee building permits, inspections, energy codes, accessibility requirements and other codes and standards in their communities. The Institute's new National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards provides an opportunity for state, local and regional code agencies to work together on these important issues that cross state lines.
"With state and local government budgets being tightened around the country, building departments don't necessarily have the resources to achieve long-term goals relating to building codes and standards," said Institute President Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA. "The National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards provides a forum for addressing long-term policy issues, developing common education and training programs, researching codes and standards provisions, and establishing a single point of engagement to communicate with federal agencies."
The Institute has been in discussions with the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (NCSBCS) to bring their membership and expertise into a council of the Institute. The establishment of the National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards is intended to serve as the reincarnation of NCSBCS to a wider, more inclusive audience.
State, regional and local government officials interested in participating on the National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards may contact Ryan Colker, Director, Consultative Council/Presidential Advisor, at rcolker@nibs.org.
About the National Institute of the Building Sciences
The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. The Institute serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology. For more information, please visit www.nibs.org.
