The Governmental Voting Members (code officials) of the International Code Council (ICC) are gather in Atlantic City, N.J., through Oct. 10 to make their final decisions on proposed code changes to the ICC family of model building codes. 

These code officials will decide the outcome on thousands of proposed new or modified code requirements to be included in the 2015 editions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Residential Code (IRC) and other model I-Codes that govern residential construction.

Proprietary interests are having more and more influence on proposed model code changes, resulting in published codes and standards that are considered unnecessary and/or excessive by many code officials charged with adoption and enforcement. In fact, the inflexible 2012 IECC has the lowest adoption rate ever recorded: Although it has been available for more than two years, only one state has adopted the 2012 edition without reducing its stringency.

 

The officials will vote on changes to the IECC Oct. 5-7. 

 

Green building, where new homes are built using materials that conserve energy and environmental resources, is one of the fastest-growing segments of the home building industry today.  But for the owners of the millions of existing homes in the United States, remodeling is the only way to incorporate green.

 

NAHB Remodelers offers the following suggestions to home owners who want to increase their home's efficiency, decrease costs, and take advantage of the other benefits that green offers:

 

1. Install maximum insulation.

 

2. Install high-efficiency windows.

 

3. Seal exterior penetrations.

 

4. Purchase ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

 

5. Install low-flow water plumbing fixtures.

 

 6. Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-rated or tankless water heater.

 

7. Purchase the highest efficiency HVAC system you can afford.

Group says La. weakened high-wind building codes 

 

Cassidy says policy trumps polls in his U.S. Senate race 

 

Ground Broken on long awaited Lower Ninth Ward High School 

The Louisiana Home Builders Association is comprised of Builders & Associate members which:

• Represents the homebuilding industry before state & regulatory bodies

• Serves as the chief advocate of private property rights




• Educates the general public as to the advantages of utilizing licensed builders




• Promotes professionalism in the homebuilding industry




• Promotes economic development & quality of life in Louisiana

Home Builders SIF Workman's Compensation is offering free membership to your local HBA (up to a $500.00 value).  If you are not a member with us or you have subcontractors that maybe interested, contact Home Builders SIF for more details. 1.877.LHBASIF (1.877.542.2743)