Historic MOU signed by ICC and ASPE

WASHINGTON and DES PLAINES, ILL. — The American Society of Plumbing Engineers has signed its first Memorandum of Understanding ever in its 46-year history. The MOU with the International Code Council calls for both organizations to use their knowledge and expertise to advance and promote the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. Both groups indicate that a combined expertise of plumbing codes and engineering leadership can accomplish more than either organization could achieve individually.

This collaboration will identify and promote new and existing sustainability opportunities and services, supporting cooperative standards and codes development that will benefit the plumbing industry. ICC and ASPE will also develop products and services for their members and the industry, support initiatives that advance global safe water and sanitation, and cross promote select plumbing-related products and services of each organization.

“This partnership speaks volumes about the direction the plumbing industry seeks to go and how each of our memberships holds the other’s expertise in high regard,” said Jay Peters, ICC PMG Group’s executive director. “We are very excited about this union and look forward to partnering with ASPE on initiatives that will benefit our respective members, bring nationwide uniformity to code enforcement and enhance the entire realm of plumbing, sanitation and sustainability globally.”

Co-op educational programs, conferences and trade shows will be conducted, along with cross-promotion of codes, standards and related publications. The agreement also calls for initiatives related to chapter resources, technical initiatives, committees and councils to increase and improve the level of education, communication and overall value for ASPE and ICC members.

“For years, ASPE members have played a critical role in developing the International Plumbing Code,” according to Stanley Wolfson, ASPE’s executive director. “A sound technical and enforceable code adopted nationwide can only result in greater public safety and consistency in enforcement and design…all of which result in positive benefits for our members.”

These broader, stronger, member-focused attributes will benefit the partners’ collective memberships tremendously, according to Peters and Wolfson.

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers was founded in 1964 as an organization dedicated to the advancement of the plumbing engineering profession. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry. Its 7,000 members on five continents represent an extensive network of experienced engineers, designers, contractors, code officials, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives interested in advanced their careers, their profession, and the industry Additional information is available at 847/296-0002, [email protected] or at www.aspe.org.

The International Code Council publishes building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency codes that are used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Additional information is available at 888/ICC-SAFE, ext. 4PMG, [email protected] or at www.iccsafe.org.