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August 17, 2008

For information: Bob Miller 202 789 2800
202 631 7124 rmiller@nibs.org

International Code Council Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Support buildingSMART

WASHINGTON, DC — The International Code Council has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the buildingSMART alliance™ affirming support for the Alliance’s core principles, including the collaborative use of open-standards information technology throughout the facility and infrastructure lifecycle.  A spokesperson for the Code Council, which is an Alliance charter member and sponsor, praised the MOU as a way to encourage Alliance members and others—organizations and individuals—to advance the principles, concepts, and objectives set forth by the Alliance. 

 “We’re all part of the construction industry, and we’re all trying to achieve similar goals,” said Code Council Senior Advisor David Conover. “The International Code Council strongly supports the vision and mission of the buildingSMART alliance™.  By working together and embracing technology, we will improve collaboration among all who design, construct, commission, approve, operate and maintain buildings.  The result will be safer buildings and a better world.” 

Deke Smith, executive director of the buildingSMART alliance™, added: “In order to have a strong Alliance, we need to embrace the same core principles and work together in harmony.  The MOU provides a common bond and a basis for communication for the various organizations in the Alliance. The addition of the International Code Council as one of the first signatories in 2008 is a welcome vote of confidence and a milestone for our effort.”

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.

Created in 2007, the buildingSMART alliance™ promotes and coordinates public and private sector technical and financial support for advanced digital technology in the real property industry—from concept, design and construction through operations and management.  The Alliance is a program of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), which is authorized by Public law to foster the development and use of new building-related technologies and processes. NIBS is charged with helping to improve building construction and operation to benefit all Americans.  For information on the buildingSMART alliance™ see www.buildingsmartalliance.org.

(photo available upon request)