The American Institute of Architects (AIA) issued the following statement today following the International Code Council’s (ICC) decision to eliminate robust public input, transparency and governmental consensus voting by its membership for the energy code development process. ICC issued the decision to move to a standard development process despite strong opposition from AIA, ICC’s membership, industry organizations and members of Congress.

“We are deeply disappointed to see the ICC move forward with this change, which we believe will present a step backwards for climate action,” said AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer Robert Ivy, FAIA. “This heavily opposed decision stands to only serve select special interest groups and will no doubt erode progress towards the modern codes that are desperately needed to heal our planet. We hope the ICC Board of Directors will ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of this new standard committee and take its oversight responsibility seriously.”

In its decision issued today, the ICC Board of Directors voted to create a new committee—to be selected by the ICC Board—that would make decisions on residential and commercial energy efficiency codes. As part of this move, the ICC effectively eliminates a final governmental vote by its members. The move appears to be in the interest of granting select special interest groups—such as the National Association of Home Builders and the American Gas Association—with greater decision-making authority.

AIA has been fighting the ICC’s proposal since it was proposed in December. On Jan. 6, AIA provided public input to the ICC Board of Directors and leadership expressing staunch opposition to the plan. On Jan. 21, AIA representative to the ICC Long Term Code Development Process Committee, Chris Chwedyk, AIA, testified at the ICC’s Board of Directors public comment hearing echoing AIA’s opposition.

Visit AIA’s website to learn more about its efforts to advance codes and legislation for climate action.