Membership

Mission/Future Vision | Steering Committee | Membership Roster | Membership Application

The National Institute of Building Science (NIBS) was authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. In the legislation, Congress recognized the need for an organization that could serve as an interface between government and the private sector in addressing issues and problems related to the building process.  The Institute’s public interest mission is to improve the building regulatory environment, facilitate the introduction of new and existing products and technology into the building process, and disseminate nationally recognized technical and regulatory information through appropriate channels for use by those involved in the construction industry.

Mission

Early in its existence, NIBS recognized the need to enhance its mission by forming state councils, which could serve as a vehicle for developing broad outreach to the states and local communities.  The Ohio Council of the National Institute of Building Sciences (OC/NIBS) was formed in 1980 for that express purpose.  Its mission to SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST focuses on the following objectives:

  •  Promote a fair effective building regulatory process in Ohio

  •  Educate and increase awareness on the use of new building materials and technology

  •  Encourage and facilitate building science investigations and research

  •  Solve problems affecting the built environment through support of uniform codes and enforcement

  •  Communicate with key statewide organizations, state agencies, local governments, and the Ohio General Assembly

Since its inception, OC/NIBS has addressed key building issues in the State of Ohio.  While operating on a voluntary basis in its early years as an organization, the Ohio Council has made significant contributions to improve the regulatory framework impacting the building process in Ohio.  An early example of OC/NIBS’ involvement in this process was the development of a rehab code to better facilitate bringing older, existing buildings into active use in a safe, cost-effective way.  This effort was eventually packaged and accepted by BOCA and was incorporated into the BOCA National Building Codes as Chapter 34, Existing Structures.

Recently, OC/NIBS expanded its mission by forming a Board of Directors and establishing an Executive Director.  The Board of Directors represents twelve membership categories constituting a broad consensus operating base.  The existing Board will also form the nucleus of the Consultative Council, which will join with organizational members representing constituent organizations to serve as the visionary arm of OC/NIBS.  This Consultative Council will make recommendations to the Board of directors regarding the future direction of OC/NIBS.

One objective of OC/NIBS will be to seek standing form the Ohio Legislature to become recognized as a neutral source of findings, which can bring diverse interests together to hammer out fair and equitable solutions to issue dividing the construction community.  The ultimate goal will be to establish OC/NIBS as a highly visible link between the public and private sectors with the aim of catalyzing the instinct interests of the construction industry to work together to better serve all citizens of Ohio.

Future Vision . . . 

OC/NIBS is in a unique position to face future challenges by bringing a consensus driven process to bear in addressing the barriers which impact the building process at the state and local level:  building science, political influence, local autonomy, education and training, information transfer, and uniform enforcement of regulations are all fundamental components of the OC/NIBS mission. 

In partnership with the national NIBS organization, OC/NIBS can help foster a blend of state, local and national perspectives unique to Ohio. OC/NIBS does not seek domain over anyone else’s turf.  Rather, its purpose is to be a facilitator and consensus builder. Any person or group interested in the thrust of this mission is welcome to join the organization and help build solutions to the challenges facing the Ohio’ construction industry.  The horizon is filled with countless opportunities.  From basic building technology and code/regulatory issues, to the more exotic potential of electronic enhancements to the building process, and all things I between, OC/NIBS is dedicated to tapping the talent and resource in Ohio to make things happen.

 Join in.