1. ASTM in the Gulf Region September 2017
I’d like to speak with you briefly today specifically about ASTM International's activities in the Middle East.

2. Market Development Co-operator Program (MDCP)
MDCP is a collaborative partnership between ITA and non-profit industry groups to advance innovative foreign market development initiatives
ASTM International’s Program reflects the importance of consensus international standards and codes in facilitating international trade in the dynamic arena of sustainable construction products and services (Nov 2014 – Oct 2017)
ICC is working with ASTM in support of the Program with in-kind support such as identification of technical experts, site visits, training, etc.
Our efforts in the Middle East have been supported over the last three years by a U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration grant, which together with ASTM International’s investment, and additional sponsorship from the International Code Council (ICC), will total almost a half million U.S. dollars.
The grant helps to underwrite additional technical seminars in target markets; exhibits and engagement of delegates at trade shows; training foreign officials on sustainable codes and standards; and accompanying industry officials to standards development and green construction code meetings.
The objective of this work is to improve the use and application of U.S. based Sustainable Construction Codes and Standards in the region and expand the market for domestic construction products and services. My main reason for being on your agenda today is that we wanted to make sure that this group was informed about this program and had the opportunity to participate in some of the related activities.
This project has now been extended through 2019.
Project has been extended to 2019

3. ASTM International Standards for Sustainable Construction
ASTM Technical Committees
C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C16 on Thermal Insulation
C24 on Building Seals and Sealants
D07 on Wood
D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing
D18 on Soil and Rock
D20 on Plastics
D22 on Air Quality
E06 on Performance of Buildings
E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics
E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
E50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action
E60 on Sustainability
Industry-driven standards and codes are the foundation for quality, safety and sustainability in construction projects worldwide. ASTM International is helping buildings rise in an environmentally friendly way.
The 2015 version of the IgCC cites over 40 ASTM standards covering a wide range of areas, from air quality to thermal insulation. Among these are important standards in areas such as solar reflectance (C1549) and
building water conservation (E2635). Standards from ASTM and other leading organizations play an important part in establishing performance criteria for green building certification systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Architects, contractors, material suppliers, realtors and facility managers increasingly rely on such systems, which recognize best-in-class building strategies and provide third-party verification in design, construction
and operation.

4. MDCP Activities Training in the Gulf Region
May 2015 – Qatar – Introductory Workshop
May 2016 – Saudi Arabia – Concrete Training Workshop
October U.A.E. – Workshop on Sustainable Construction
December Saudi Arabia – Training on Water Efficiency
May 2017 – Qatar –Project Qatar Conf.
May 2017 – Kuwait– Concrete Training Workshop
Future Event
October 2017 Dubai Workshop on Enforcing and Implementing the Code
Through the MDCP project, ASTM has worked with the ICC and ITA to organize workshops, conferences, and training programs both in the Gulf Region and in the U.S.
Here is a list of the activities conducted on the ground in the Gulf Region…
I would also like to direct your attention to the upcoming Workshop in October 2017 to be held in Dubai on October.
Opening Workshop on Sustainable Codes and Standards – Doha, Qatar – May 2015

5. MDCP Activities Training in the U.S.
August 2015 training webinar on International Green Construction Code
September 2015 training webinar on International Solar Energy Provisions
November 2015 – Washington D.C. in conjunction with GreenBuild 2015
April 2016 – Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, and San Antonio – Intensive Training Program
March 2017 – ASTM hosts two Attachments from Saudi Arabia
Future Events
April/September 2018 GCC technical experts and code officials will participate in code hearings for ICC
Here is a list of the activities conducted which have been conducted in the U.S….
You will note that we’ll be working with a group of delegates who will come to the code hearings in April and September next year.
If your organization is currently active in the region or has an interest in being involved in these and other activities, let us know.
Delegation visit to ICC Offices in Chicago – April 2016

6. MDCP Results – Historic Agreement
ICC Reaches Agreement with GSO
December The International Code Council (ICC) signed a historic agreement supporting The Standardization Organization for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GSO) efforts to develop a unified Gulf Building Code (GBC) for the region.
The ICC has signed a historic agreement supporting The Standardization Organization for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GSO) efforts to develop a unified Gulf Building Code (GBC) for the region.
The ICC and ASTM will continue to support the GSO efforts with training and other resources to facilitate the development and implementation of the new Gulf Building Code.
The Gulf Code will be based on the Saudi Building Code which will incorporate the latest provisions from the 2015 International Codes®. This new Gulf Building Code will support the harmonization of building practices, enhance safety and facilitate commerce in the region. Once implemented, the Gulf Code will reflect the latest advances in building safety, affordability and sustainability and be a driving force for innovation and safety advances in building design and construction.
Code Council and GSO delegation at agreement signing ceremony.

7. MDCP Results – Growing Citations of ASTM Standards
Nation
MoU Date
Standards
Bahrain
2008
258
Jordan
2005
136
Kuwait
2012
157
Oman
2010
124
Qatar
2007
279
Saudi Arabia
1959
UAE
389
Yemen 56
GSO
2006
512
ASTM has also seen positive results from the MDCP project and this slide shows the number of standards that have been cited in GSO countries and demonstrates that our relationships are deepening every day.
Notably, the fact that we have relationships both at the GCC level, through GSO, as well as with each member state, makes it easier for regional adoptions to take place.

8. Thank you Steve Mawn smawn@astm.org
The MDCP project has enabled an integrated program for building levels of knowledge and productive, collaborative relationships. This foundation is critical for future success of ASTM International and the International Code Council and will ultimately lead to more sustainable construction in the Gulf Region.
Please visit the ASTM website to learn more about the MDCP project