The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the  International Code Council  (ICC) have announced an expanded alliance to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations on codes and standards, education, and issues affecting the HVACR industry.

ACCA and ICC have been working together since 2009; the expanded alliance provides an updated framework for ACCA and ICC to work together where interests are aligned.

“ACCA contractors work with building codes every day, so it is critical that the codes and standards governing HVACR systems are practical, technically sound, and enforceable in the field,” said Martin Hoover, interim president and CEO of ACCA. “This agreement strengthens our longstanding relationship with ICC and creates new opportunities to bring the experience of contractors and code officials together.”

ACCA and ICC intend to collaborate in three primary areas:

  1. Codes and standards advocacy: The organizations will work together to support appropriate inclusion of ACCA design standards, including Manual J®, Manual D®, and Manual S®, within the International Codes (I-Codes), including the International Mechanical Code®, International Residential Code®, and International Energy Conservation Code®. ACCA and ICC will also participate in each other’s standards and code development processes to encourage practical, enforceable, and technically sound requirements.
  2. Education and professional development: ACCA and ICC will explore joint and cross-promoted educational programs, webinars, and seminars aimed at helping contractors understand code compliance while giving code officials greater insight into HVACR design and installation realities. The organizations will also explore opportunities to align ICC certification programs with ACCA training curricula.
  3. Industry advancement and outreach: The organizations plan to explore joint awareness efforts emphasizing permitted work, professional HVACR design, and the risks associated with unlicensed installations. ACCA and ICC will also exchange research, data, and technical insights concerning emerging technologies, including low GWP refrigerants and heat pump adoption.