By Bob Zabcik, P.E. LEED AP BD+C, NCI Group, Inc.

Most people understand the purpose of a building code: To ensure the safety of the occupants and to establish the minimum accepted performance level of the building and its systems. Fewer people understand that because building codes are adopted into law by a governing body, technically referred to as an Authority Having Jurisdiction or AHJ, they are an in fact an extension of the law or ordinance that brings them into effect.

Editor's note: In this 1st part of a 3-part series, Bob goes on to discuss the roles of the International Code Council (ICC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in developing codes. He also explores the impact of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, developed and maintained by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).