Code Council, Plumbing Society Sign Landmark MOU
The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) has signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 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 entire plumbing industry, the organizations said. ICC and ASPE said they also jointly will 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."
Per the MOU, 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," said ASPE Executive Director Stanley Wolfson. "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."
Peters and Wolfson said the broader, stronger, member-focused attributes outlined in the MOU will benefit the partners' collective memberships in a big way because the two organizations have unique memberships with various types of expertise that will benefit the plumbing industry.
ICC publishes building safety, fire prevention, and energy efficiency codes that are used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. ICC's Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Group is devoted exclusively to providing PMG products and support to jurisdictions and construction industry professionals across the country and around the globe, with one or more PMG code adopted in 49 states.