National Electrical Manufacturers Association—Strategic Initiative for the Preservation of the Three-Year Code Adoption Cycle
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Strategic Initiative for the Preservation of the Three-Year Code Adoption Cycle was formed in 2012 in response to a handful of states’ attempts to extend the adoption cycle for building codes. Through the NEMA Codes & Standards Committee, the Task Force on State Code Adoptions was created to be the driving vehicle of the Strategic Initiative. NEMA has partnered with the Coalition for Current Safety Codes, a joint effort of the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as well as the Electrical Code Coalition.
National model building codes provide the blueprint for constructing residential, commercial, and institutional buildings and other structures. They prescribe the minimum safety and performance Standards which allow occupants to live and operate in a safe and optimally-performing building. Model building codes also prescribe the latest advancements in energy efficiency, resiliency in building structure, and life safety through the use of hazardous elements detection. The codes are revised through an open stakeholder process every three years to incorporate advances in safety and technology in homes and buildings.
NEMA supports a three-year adoption cycle by states and local jurisdictions for national model building codes—including electrical, life safety, and energy—to coincide with the national revision cycles. We believe this is the best way to ensure an even Standard for safety and performance in the home and workplace, and in schools and healthcare facilities.
Why Three-Year Adoption Cycle is Best
Innovation is essential to growth and improving the quality of life. In a healthy society, there are constant innovations related to safety, efficiency, and performance. The national model building codes, produced through an open and transparent stakeholder process and led by the ICC and NFPA, are revised every three years to take into account these innovations and technological advances. Therefore, timely adoption in accordance with the national model revision schedule is vitally important.
Putting People First
Direct adoption and enforcement of the latest building codes every three years provides:
- enhanced safety to homeowners and building occupants through the use of the latest technology and knowledge in life safety and electrical hazard protection
- utilization of the latest advancements in technology enabling the use of electric vehicle charging equipment, on-site energy generation, and more energy-efficient devices
- cost savings to home-owners and business-owners through lower energy bills and more cost-effective building materials
- more capital available for investment leading to more jobs and economic competitiveness in your community
- adoption of current building and electrical codes will enhance the opportunity to attract new business to the state
Don’t Delay
Delaying adoption of the latest building codes places your community at risk of:
- reduced level of electrical and life safety for home and building occupants
- increased costs for homeowners and businesses through higher energy bills
- inability to utilize cutting-edge technologies including electric vehicle charging equipment, on-site energy generation, and more energy-efficient devices
- reduced capital investment and job creation opportunities as a result of less operationally efficient businesses
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