WOBO thanks Judy Zakreski for the update in respect of the work of IBQC.

The International Building Code (IBC) is viewed by many around the world as the gold-standard for a model of building regulation, and it is used in jurisdictions throughout the world, whether mandated or not. However, the IBC, and most of the other suite of International Codes, are mostly applicable in advanced economies with strongly regulated construction in all sectors of society, including both urban and rural settings. What options exist, then, for lower and middle income economies with a much wider and more complex mix of building types and highly limiting economic circumstances impacting both construction and its regulation that nonetheless have a need and desire to ensure building safety? The International Building Quality Centre (IBQC) explores this question in its new publication entitled Good Practice Guidelines and Principles for the Development of Building Regulations in Low Income Countries.

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The Guidelines have been lauded by development groups, governments, and building safety advocates working in lower and middle income countries, and several jurisdictions have indicated an intention to use them in rethinking their approach to building safety regulation. The ICC Pulse podcast that was released on July 1 features and interview with IBQC Chair Kim Lovegrove and Board Member Alfred Omenya, and provides a more in-depth look at the Guidelines and the work of the IBQC.