White Paper: COVID-19 Life Safety and Economic Stability Support Services

March 15, 2020

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A computer generated image of a COVID virus.

Purpose

This white paper describes the need for life safety evaluation plan reviews and building inspections during rapid repurposing of structures during the COVID-19 pandemic and presents an approach to providing these services immediately and remotely.

 

Introduction

The COVID-19 crisis has created an immediate need for existing public and private facilities such as schools, convention centers, stadiums as well as membrane and other temporary structures to support healthcare capacity and quarantine needs. However, in the rush to implement these needs, they may be repurposed or constructed without meeting necessary building code requirements that ensure life safety of workers, patients, and other occupants.


The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is strongly encouraging agencies and professionals involved in these processes to find solutions that do not create additional life safety risks. We have included our recommendations in this white paper to assist with this effort.


 

About IBTS

IBTS, a national, nonprofit organization, is one of the nation’s most experienced third-party plan review and inspection providers. Especially relevant to the current crisis response is our unique and extensive experience with specialized healthcare requirements in the built environment, ICC-certified personnel, software and data management capabilities, unique partnerships, and turnkey resources available at scale across the U.S.


IBTS has worked for FEMA as a disaster recovery technical and grant management support contractor for years across the country and in Puerto Rico, provides building code compliance for public-, private- and military-construction projects, and has a unique 30+ year track record of hiring and working with state personnel to conduct affordable housing quality audits and inspections for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).


 

Summary of the Issue

As the COVID-19 epidemic sweeps across the U.S., communities are responding to the overwhelming, urgent need for additional healthcare facilities to properly care for and quarantine affected patients by erecting temporary structures or repurposing existing buildings.


These efforts allow for rapid ramp up of healthcare operations that would otherwise take months or years to complete. However, it is imperative that these structures meet critical building code and life safety requirements before being put into use.


As noted in an article in Engineering News Record [ENR] dated April 1, 2020:

“Practitioners also are warning officials that haste in providing temporary facilities can create unintended negative consequences. Traci A. Hanegan, chair of [the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers] ASHRAE’s health care facilities technical committee (TC 9.6) and a principal mechanical engineer with Coffman Engineers Inc., cautions that some methods to segregate COVID-19 patients may be beneficial to the patients, but not to health care providers.”


Without conducting proper plan review and inspections, these structures could inadvertently put the lives of healthcare workers, patients, and other occupants at risk, undermining their intended purpose to save lives and placing building owners and communities at risk of litigation.


Examples of high-risk factors include:


  • Improper ventilation and mechanical systems can lead to increased circulation of contaminants
  • Inadequate emergency lighting during a power outage can result in reduced evacuation capabilities and interrupted health care service delivery
  • Restricted or eliminated egress paths can lead to reduced access by emergency personnel
  • Inadequate fire and smoke handling measures can result in increased fire safety risk


As imperative as these safety measures are, it is likewise of utmost importance that they do not contribute to delays nor create additional exposure risk among the involved construction professionals. Local building departments on their own may struggle to do this; a recent survey conducted by the International Code Council (ICC) found that 60% of jurisdictions do not have the capabilities to conduct critical aspects of their work remotely, and an additional 26% have received requests for COVID-19 temporary or repurposed structures[1], a number that is likely to increase.


IBTS is presenting the following approach as a solution that ensures facility safety without compromising expediency or contractor safety.


 

Expedited Remote Plan Review and Inspection

Technology and software solutions over the past several years have made it possible for building code professionals to conduct plan reviews and inspections remotely using electronic plans, drones, and mobile devices. In the current crisis, using these remote technologies allows professionals to conduct thorough safety evaluations without increasing exposure risk of those on the jobsite.


IBTS has conducted thousands of plan reviews and inspections using these technologies on behalf of communities across the country. Whether addressing a short-term surge in demand for building department services, a shortage of building code inspectors, or critical damage assessments following a natural disaster, the economic stability and resilience of the impacted community requires speed without a reduction in quality – in this regard, the same approach is applicable to the current crisis.


IBTS subject matter experts are immediately available to assist agencies with remote inspection and plan review expertise, guidance, and implementation.


 

Network of Building Department Professionals

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting communities across the country, the crisis calls for a readily available extensive network of professionals who are willing and able to join in this effort. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to building technology and safety, we have an extensive network of governance organizations, building inspectors, and plan reviewers across the country ready to participate.


Included in this are hundreds of building department officials who are currently working remotely or not working due to the current crises. When needed, we are able to quickly mobilize these professionals to implement rapid remote plan review and inspection services, thereby solving an immediate need and helping retain economic stability in communities where these professionals work.


Likewise, IBTS’ network of certified professionals is available to utilize our suite of remote inspection and data management tools either directly with the contractor erecting the structure or by providing boots-on-the-ground resources as needed.


 

IBTS Past Performance and Remote Work


Mercedes-Benz Superdome

IBTS is providing all plan review for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans including the stadium’s architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire safety infrastructures. The renovations will help modernize the facility and extend its lifespan, bringing economic benefits to the area.


Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System

IBTS is providing full plan review services to VCU Health System in several locations. The Adult Outpatient facility includes a 1 million sq. ft., 16-story hospital with a 1-level underground and 8-level above-ground parking garage. The VCU Community Memorial Hospital includes a 3-story hospital of approximately 165,000 sq. ft.


Winchester Medical Center (WMC) Campus

IBTS performed all third-party plan reviews for the $161 million Winchester Medical Center campus expansion. The 400,000 sq. ft. project included renovation and new construction of an existing clinical laboratory; a new Heart & Vascular Center; a five-story critical care unit, an expanded emergency department and a 20-bed observation unit.


Washington, D.C. School Building System

IBTS and the Department of General Services (DGS) have worked together for over a decade, resulting in the project coordination and inspection of dozens of school renovations, modernizations and new construction projects.


Baltimore School System

IBTS has completed construction inspection and plan review services for more than 20 new and existing Baltimore schools under the auspices of the Maryland Stadium Authority, including building/architectural, structural, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.


 



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[1] https://www.enr.com/articles/49099-code-group-seeks-funds-for-remote-plan-approval-of-covid-19-pop-up-hospitals

What does it take to deliver resilient housing at scale in the Caribbean? Hint: It's not just funds

September 28, 2026
MIAMI, FL— What does it take to deliver resilient housing at scale in the Caribbean? That question was at the center of a panel featuring James Turner, IBTS Director of Federal Programs, during the 10th Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) in Miami. The event brought together government officials, developers, investors, infrastructure leaders, utilities, development finance organizations, and public-sector decision makers from more than 30 Caribbean nations and territories to discuss the region's infrastructure priorities and investment needs. James was featured on stage for the "Delivering Affordable and Resilient Housing in the Caribbean" panel discussion, alongside Bermuda housing leader Jeane Nikolai and Caribbean business executive André C. Walcott. The discussion focused on a challenge shared across the region: how to provide safe, affordable housing while strengthening communities against hurricanes, flooding, and other natural hazards. Drawing on IBTS' 5-decade-long experience supporting the US Department of Housing (HUD), as well as our experience in FEMA-funded housing and recovery programs, James emphasized that resilient housing is about much more than construction. Successful programs depend on strong building codes, qualified workers, reliable materials, effective quality assurance, and the systems needed to move projects from funding to implementation. Fellow panelists also shared their interesting perspectives based on their experiences. Jeane Nikolai stressed that homes must be built to withstand the region's climate conditions and backed by dependable warranty terms, noting that a lack of such options can narrow the housing choices available. Resilient construction, she emphasized, is essential to protecting both the homes themselves and the people who live in them. André C. Walcott underscored the importance of consistent building standards to ensure quality construction, along with the need for qualified, well-trained personnel and approved building materials, all of which contribute to safer, better-performing homes. The discussion and audience questions made one point clear: housing shortages are a shared challenge across countries, but the obstacles to meeting housing goals vary from place to place. Funding is a significant concern, but it is not the only driving factor in every case. The conversation reinforced why organizations such as IBTS are needed. Across the Caribbean, governments are investing in housing, infrastructure, and resilience, but many face common implementation challenges, including regulatory requirements, workforce shortages, compliance oversight, and program delivery. IBTS helps bridge those gaps via program management, building code compliance, quality assurance, inspections, resilience planning, and related technical services. Beyond the panel discussion, CARIF provided an opportunity for IBTS to engage directly with government representatives, infrastructure agencies, development institutions, utilities, developers, and private-sector partners working throughout the Caribbean. These conversations highlighted a growing focus on turning funding and policy commitments into real-world projects that strengthen communities and improve long-term resilience. Reflecting on the experience, James noted: "I was honored to participate in discussions with a group of solution-oriented leaders and professionals addressing the critical needs of the Caribbean. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and turning the concepts into actionable implementations." For IBTS, the message from CARIF was clear: resilient housing requires collaboration, practical implementation, and a commitment to quality at every stage. As Caribbean nations continue investing in their future, IBTS remains committed to helping communities transform plans, funding, and policy goals into lasting results. About James Turner: Mr. Turner provides nearly 20 years of professional experience, which includes significant knowledge and experience with manufactured housing standards and regulations. His experience includes technical and regulatory projects, design evaluations, performance assessment, conformity assessment, and technical regulatory research and analysis. About IBTS: With a mission to strengthen communities, IBTS serves as a trusted advisor and partner to local, state, and federal governments in advancing economic development. Its services ensure the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of renewable energy projects and federally funded energy and sustainability programs—optimizing performance, reducing risk, and promoting the efficient use of public funds. Beyond its expertise in solar quality assurance, IBTS’s Puerto Rico office provides services in federal fund management; disaster planning, mitigation, and recovery; municipal planning; and resilience strategies. As a nonprofit organization, IBTS is guided by a Board of Directors with representatives from the Council of State Governments (CSG) , International City/County Management Association (ICMA) , National Association of Counties (NACo) , National Governors Association (NGA) , and the National League of Cities (NLC) . For more information, visit www.ibts.org .

Building the Future of Housing in the US Virgin Islands

September 18, 2026
IBTS supports regional collaboration on affordable resilient and code complaint housing

IBTS Exceeds Weatherization Goal, Upgrades 103 Puerto Rico Homes

July 21, 2026
The Institute for Building Technology and Safety has completed energy-efficiency, health and safety improvements in 103 Puerto Rico homes through a federally financed weatherization program, exceeding its goal of 100 households in about six weeks. The nonprofit organization, known as IBTS, managed operations and coordinated the latest phase of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce’s Energy Public Policy Program. Weatherization programs are intended to reduce household energy costs by making homes more efficient while addressing conditions that can affect residents’ health and safety. The Puerto Rico initiative prioritized low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities, according to IBTS. The organization did not specify the individual improvements made in each home but said the work was intended to increase comfort, improve living conditions and strengthen resilience. IBTS handled project management, inspections, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, document control and staff training, the organization said. The project also reported a 98% satisfaction rate among participants. “This program demonstrates what is possible when federal resources are translated into practical, measurable improvements for families and communities,” said Agnes Crespo-Quintana, IBTS’s Caribbean regional director. Alvin Miranda-Colón, manager of the Weatherization Assistance Program, said the initiative was intended to make energy more affordable while supporting sustainability and community resilience. IBTS said the project required coordination among government officials, contractors, auditors, inspectors, technology providers and participating communities. The organization said that work also developed procedures, trained personnel and expanded institutional capacity that could be used in future federally financed energy, housing and infrastructure programs. Judelly Hernández-Morales, the IBTS project manager, said cooperation between the public and private sectors helped translate federal funding into improvements for participating households.