ICC Pulse Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we explore building science in the International Residential Code® and the need for collaboration between builders and code officials – emphasizing the importance of smarter building practices.  

Host Beau Hanson sits down with home builder Matt Risinger, host of the The Build Show and founding partner of Risinger Build, who discusses how evolving codes, construction and architectural trends impact the sustainability and resiliency of the industry.  

Guests on the show:   

• Matt Risinger, Founding Partner of Risinger Build 

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:   

• Learn more about the different career options within the building safety industry  

• View the International Code Council’s International Codes® 

• Catch up on The Build Show content 

• Learn more about The Build Show Network 

• Learn more about Glenn Mathewson’s BuildingCodeCollege.com  

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we build on our previous episode, How to Participate in the Code Development Process, by diving deeper into real-world experiences from those who’ve actively contributed to shaping the codes we use today.  

Featuring familiar voices from the Code Council’s code development process, our expert guests share personal stories from their time working in the code development cycles, offering valuable insights into how code updates and proposals come to life. They also discuss effective ways to get involved in the process, the power of collaboration and offer practical advice for anyone looking to take their first steps into the code development world. 

Get involved in the Code Council’s 2025 Committee Action Hearings, here. 

Guests on the show:  

• Michael O’Brian, Fire Chief for the Brighton Area Fire Authority in Michigan 

• Jeffrey M. Shapiro, P.E., FSFPE, President of International Code Consultants, Executive Director of the Texas Fire Protection Association and works with Lake Travis Fire Rescue. 

• John Terry, Retired, Assistant Director of Codes and Standards, State of New Jersey 

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:  

• Learn more and register for the 2025 Committee Action Hearings. 

• Learn more about Code Council’s code development process. 

• Read about the benefits of participating in the code development process.  

• Learn about the current code development cycle.  

• View the Code Council’s codes and standards.   

The ICC Pulse Podcast is back with a whole season of 5 episodes ready to listen! This is one of the five.

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we break down what off-site construction is, the history of off-site construction and how this type of construction is gaining popularity as a form of construction to help solve the affordable housing crisis. We’ll also hear perspectives from owners of modular construction companies on the benefits and pain points of off-site, highlighting how adopting standards and working together in the industry helps solve off-site's growing pains.

Guests on the Show:

• Ryan Colker, Vice President of Innovation, International Code Council
• Professor Ryan E. Smith, Professor of Architecture, University of Arizona
• Wanona Satcher, CEO and Founder of Mākhers Studio
• Justin Stewart CEO, Synergy Modular

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

The Code Council’s Off-site Construction Resource: https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/safety-toolkits/offsite-construction/

Off-site Construction standards

·       ICC/MBI Standard 1200: https://shop.iccsafe.org/icc-mbi-1200-2021-standard-for-off-site-construction-planning-design-fabrication-and-assembly.html

·       ICC/MBI Standard 1205: https://shop.iccsafe.org/icc-mbi-1205-2021-standard-for-off-site-construction-inspection-and-regulatory-compliance.html

·       Learn more about Code Council standards in off-site construction: https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/standards/is-osmc/

FAQs on Off-site construction: https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/20-19332_GR_Offsite_Construction_FAQs_FLR_FINAL1_HIRES.pdf

How off-site construction can contribute to a more diverse workforce: https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-technical/how-off-site-construction-can-contribute-to-a-more-diverse-workforce/

Reaping the benefits of offsite construction: https://www.bdcnetwork.com/video/reaping-benefits-offsite-construction-iccs-ryan-colker

Three trends in off-site construction to watch for in 2023: https://www.forconstructionpros.com/business/article/22684232/international-code-council-three-trends-in-offsite-construction-to-watch-for-in-2023

The ICC Pulse Podcast is back with a whole season of 5 episodes ready to listen! This is one of the five.

Using puns celebrating the 50th anniversary of the educational television show Schoolhouse Rock, this episode follows a summarized journey of how a building code is developed and advocated in the United States, as told by the International Code Council’s Technical Services engineers and Government Relations representatives. We also highlight a code official's perspective on his jurisdiction's code adoption process and his experience with participating in the code development process.

This episode is sponsored by the American Gas Association.

Guests on the show:

• Beth Tubbs, Chief Fire Protection Engineer, International Code Council
• Samhar Hoz, Associate Staff Engineer, International Code Council
• Truong Hyunh, General Superintendent of Development Services, Building and Safety Bureau, City of Long Beach, California
• Susan Dowty, Government Relations Regional Manager, International Code Council (Retired)
• Gabe Maser, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and National Strategy, International Code Council

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

·       The Code Development Process (includes infographics): https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/code-development/

·       Upcoming changes to the Code Development Process: https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/code-development-changes/

·       Exploring Ways to Get Involved in the Code Development Process: https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-dives/exploring-ways-to-get-involved-in-the-code-development-process/

·       2024-26 Code Development Schedule: https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/2024_2026_Code-Development-Schedule_3_17_23.pdf

·       ICC Government Relations Team webpage: https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy

·       Codes Save page: https://www.iccsafe.org/codessave/

·       Code and Standards page: https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/codes-standards/

·       Hearing Videos: https://www.cdpaccess.com/videos/

·       Council Policy on Code Development: https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/CP-28-05-Code-Development-Procedure-12072022-NEW-FORMAT.pdf

·       Council Policy on Standard Development: https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/CP12-03.pdf

The ICC Pulse Podcast is back with a whole season of 5 episodes ready to listen! This is one of the five.

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we dive in to discussing water reuse. I know – many of you might not be as open to using the same water you just, well, used, but in this episode, we challenge you to explore how water reuse can be a safe, innovative way to help save the world’s water supply. We speak with a few experts on breaking the stigma of water reuse and how reusing water is possible in our homes and businesses.

Guests on the show:

• Rich Anderson, Director of PMG, International Code Council
• Philip Parisi, P.E., LEED AP, Associate Principal, MG Engineering
• Pat Sinicropi, Executive Director, WateReuse Association

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

About the WateReuse Association: https://watereuse.org/about-watereuse/

About the Code Council’s Water Reuse Working Group: https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-hits/the-international-code-council-hosts-industry-experts-for-conference-celebrating-50th-anniversary-of-clean-water-act

Visit the Code Council’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas resources webpage: www.iccsafe.org/pmg

Water Reuse Building Projects mentioned in the episode:

·       Domino Sugar Refinery redevelopment: https://newyorkyimby.com/2022/08/construction-rises-on-domino-sugar-refinery-redevelopment-at-292-kent-avenue-in-williamsburg-brooklyn.html

·       Blue Hole Primary School, Texas’s first OneWater school – check out their student-led video tour here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMmIVsBN83g&t=116s

·       DC Water Headquarters: https://www.dcwater.com/whats-going-on/news/dc-water%E2%80%99s-iconic-green-glass-headquarters-awarded-leed-platinum-distinction

Water Reuse Resources from the Code Council:

·       About the Rainwater Harvesting Standard 2022 edition: https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/rainwater-harvesting-standard-2022-edition/

·       The International Code Council Joins Delegation to Israel to Discuss Water Conservation Policies and Research: https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-hits/the-international-code-council-joins-delegation-to-israel-to-discuss-water-conservation-policies-and-research/

·       Non-potable Water Reuse: https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/BSM_Non-Potable_Water_Reuse_FLR.pdf

To learn more about how the Code Council’s codes and standards enable reuse, click here.

The ICC Pulse Podcast is back with a whole season of 5 episodes ready to listen! This is one of the five.

Through a series of interviews with accessibility standards experts, we discuss accessibility standards in the United States and Canada and their impact when constructing buildings. We also highlight the history and impact of the ICC/ANSI A117.1 Standard: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

This episode is sponsored by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

Guests on the show:

• Kimberly Paarlberg, Senior Staff Architect, International Code Council
• Ken Schoonover, President, KMS Associates, Inc.
• Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions, International Code Council
• Dino Zuppa, COO, Accessibility Standards Canada

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

·       The Code Council’s resources on accessibility: https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/safety-toolkits/accessibility-info/

·       Accessibility Standard A117.1: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/icca117-12017P4

·       Link to Accessibility Standards Canada new online Centre of Expertise: Centre of Expertise for Standards and Research on Accessibility - Accessibility Standards Canada

·       Additional background information on the Canada Accessible Act:

• Towards an Accessible Canada - Canada.ca
• Summary of the Accessible Canada Regulations - Canada.ca

To celebrate the 43rd Annual Building Safety Month and the 50th episode of the podcast, what better way to talk about building safety than with kids! In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we highlight children of Code Council staff exploring building safety in their homes.  

Podcast host Elizabeth McDonald gave five Code Council families an assignment to go through their homes with a checklist to take inventory of what building safety initiatives are achieved within their homes. She chatted with the kids and parents afterward to see what they learned.  

Want to follow along? Click here to download the Building Safety at Home checklist used in the episode.

Guests on the show: 

• Whitney Doll, Code Council Executive Vice President of Communications and Strategy, and her 6-year-old son Colton. 
• Sunil Selvanayagam, Code Council Jr. Systems Administrator of Information Technology, and his 6-year-old son Gus. 
• Aaron Davis, Code Council Vice President of Federal Relations, and his daughters Margaret (10) and Caroline (6).  
• Denisha Witherspoon, Code Council Assessment Advocate for Certification and Testing Administration, and her 13-year-old daughter A’Derika. 
• Mohamed Amer, Code Council Regional Director of Operations for the MENA region, and his 7-year-old son Yousif. 

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode: 

Visit the Code Council’s Building Safety Month Website 

View Week 1 Building Safety Month resources to learn fire safety tips and home maintenance best practices 

View Week 2 Building Safety Month resources to learn the different roles and responsiblities of building safety professionals 

In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we explore ways we can solve water challenges in the United States. How does the size of the pipes behind my walls have anything to do with water conservation? How does climate change affect the septic tanks and other private sewage disposal systems in many backyards? And what can we learn from Israel about how we treat and value water? Take a listen to learn more about these topics from Code Council plumbing expert Matt Sigler and professor of water conservation and sustainability Dr. Esber Andiroglu.

This episode is sponsored by the American Gas Association, the Indiana-Kentucky Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, and LiUNA.

Guests on the show:

• Dr. Esber Andiroglu
• Matt Sigler

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

• Learn more about the Code Council's Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) resources
• View the Code Council's focus on water safety resources during the 2022 Building Safety Month event (happens every May)
• Dr. Andiroglu is the 2022 PMG Leadership Award recipient. Check out his Building Safety Journal feature profile.
• Apply for federal funding for building safety
• The Code Council's Digital Codes resource
• Communities can also continue to update to the most current versions of the codes. In the water space, that includes the:
• International Plumbing Code,
• the International Residential Code, which includes plumbing provisions,
• the International Green Construction Code,
• and the International Energy Conservation Code.

This episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast brings in experts from the International Code Council to discuss building safety internationally.  Listen as we take a deep dive of the Code Council's global strategy, explore custom solutions for countries outside of the U.S. and talk about the Code Council’s growing presence in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and Oceania regions.

This episode is sponsored by the American Concrete Institute, iPlanTables and Simpson Strong-Tie.

Guests on the show:

• Judy Zakreski
• Mark Johnson
• Mohamed Amer
• Neil Savery

Links to related and referenced topics in this episode:

• Global Resiliency Dialogue
• Global Building Codes Tool
• ICC Global Services
• ICC Performance Code
• Learn more about the MENA Building Science Advisory Council
• Learn more about the ICC Family of Solutions, including ICC NTA, ICC-ES and General Code

Visit www.iccsafe.org/icc-pulse-podcast for more episodes including show notes, guest bios and resources

The ICC Pulse Podcast is back with a new format and quarterly episodes! Through a series of interviews with Code Council experts and U.S. fire service professionals, this episode explores wildfires in the wildland-urban interface, or in short, the WUI. We’ll define the WUI, debunk common misconceptions about wildfires, address the challenges of getting communities who are at risk to become more fire-adapted and outline the steps we can do now to prevent major impact of wildfire damage and casualties, which includes planning and preparedness on a community level and building to modern codes and standards for prevention and mitigation. 

This episode is sponsored by Verisk and Clariti Software. 

Visit www.iccsafe.org/icc-pulse-podcast for the show notes, including guest bios and resources referenced in the episode.