During Building Safety Month 2025, Joan O’Neil, executive vice president and chief knowledge officer at the International Code Council, sat down with CE to share her expert insights on how technologies like AI and building information modeling are streamlining code compliance, accelerating decision-making and equipping professionals with smarter tools. While Building Safety Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of modern building codes, the International Code Council takes moments throughout the year to spotlight the future of building safety. Poised for transformation, the industry is on the cutting edge of trends in artificial intelligence, digitization and global collaboration.
How has building safety (technology, AI, awareness, tactics, guidelines) evolved over time?
The building safety industry has long been driven by innovation, from early computer-aided design tools to today’s sophisticated building information modeling systems. BIM, in particular, revolutionized collaboration across disciplines by allowing architects, engineers and contractors to work from a shared digital model. Now, the rise of artificial intelligence is pushing us even further, and the whole ecosystem is evolving.
AI helps professionals access and interpret vast amounts of code information more quickly and accurately. For example, the Code Council’s AI Navigator tool, which is built on ChatGPT technology and trained specifically on our code content, enables users to ask complex questions and get trusted, highly accurate responses. While AI does not replace the human expert, it certainly empowers professionals to work more efficiently and make informed decisions faster.
What is driving this evolution in building safety, particularly in terms of modern technologies and external stressors like climate events or material changes?
Today’s professionals are navigating a fast-moving, complex world. Natural disasters, climate-related risks and new construction materials all demand information at a faster pace. That means access to reliable information in real time is no longer a luxury: It is essential.
Technology and AI are playing a vital role here, making information more accessible and enabling predictive insights. AI can spot risk patterns and analyze historical data to inform better decision-making, especially in high-stakes environments where safety is critical.
Have the requirements for building safety professionals changed with the adoption of new tools and technology?
While information is now more accessible thanks to tools such as ICC Digital Codes, compliance calculators and AI-powered platforms, the job still requires a deep understanding of the technical material. Technology accelerates learning and improves accessibility, but it does not eliminate the need for proper training, credentialing and ongoing education.
Our goal is to make complex information easier to understand and apply, so professionals can pass exams more efficiently, stay code-compliant and keep communities safer.
What do most people take for granted about building safety?
There is a vast, often invisible ecosystem that keeps people safe, from the initial code development process to on-the-ground enforcement. Many professionals and average citizens do not realize the enormous voluntary effort behind code development or the depth of technical expertise that goes into ensuring buildings are safe.
Building safety is not just about following rules; it’s about protecting lives. Whether you are in a school, hospital or office building, you’re benefiting from a complex, thoughtfully designed system that exists largely behind the scenes.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about where building safety is heading next?
We are on the cusp of an exciting transformation. Over the next decade, we will see a rapid acceleration in new tools, platforms and innovations, especially as AI becomes more integrated into daily workflows. That also means building safety professionals will face more choices and complexity when it comes to technology.
For more on how emerging technologies and global trends are shaping the future of building safety, explore resources and more insights at iccsafe.org.
SEE ALSO: SAFETY ON TOUR: LISTENING TO CONSTRUCTION LEADERS’ TOP CONCERNS
