A new ISO standard has the goal of optimizing building use to realize a structure’s full potential throughout its life cycle.
ISO 20887, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works, pertains to design for disassembly and adaptability. It includes principles, requirements, and guidance to help owners, architects, engineers, and any other party involved in the life cycle of a building to improve its sustainability, according to an ISO news release.
The standard assists users by extending the building’s life through effective adaptability that makes it suitable for another use; and by optimizing its resources at the end of life through effective disassembly, reuse, recycling, and disposal of its materials. “The result is reduced carbon emissions through optimal use of the building, lower costs through longer lifespan and better use of resources, and less waste going into landfills,” the release states.
“Users get the most benefit from disassembly and adaptability guidance if they consider its integration into the very early stages of the building works project,” said Philippe Osset, chair of the ISO subcommittee that developed the standard.
Related Stories
| Dec 27, 2012
New Jersey considers green roof mandate for state buildings
The New Jersey legislature is considering a bill that would require installation of green or blue roofs on state buildings that are at least 15,000 sf.
| Dec 20, 2012
AIA’s Healthier Communities Through Design showcases local policy initiatives
The American Institute of Architects released Local Leaders: Healthier Communities Through Design, a report that demonstrates the power of architecture to improve public health with policies that promote active living, accessibility, transit options, and better indoor air quality.
| Dec 20, 2012
China to build sustainable city for 180,000 from scratch
A 120-million sf urban development in China will be designed according to high green standards for about 180,000 residents.
| Dec 20, 2012
Air duct trade group urges maintenance, restoration professionals to avoid chemical cleaners
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) urges professionals to avoid using chemicals as a method for cleaning and maintaining air duct systems.
| Dec 20, 2012
Valencia College shifts from LEED to Green Globes on new project for more flexibility
The Lake Nona campus of Valencia College in Florida shifted its sustainability standard to Green Globes largely to be able to use a bipolar-ionization system to treat its indoor air -- something LEED didn't allow.
| Dec 20, 2012
LEED-certified schools don’t have to cost more to build, save average of 33% on energy
On average, green schools use 33% less energy and 32% less water than their conventional counterparts, and save $100,000 per year on direct operating costs, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
| Dec 13, 2012
New OSHA initiatives on tap at AGC safety and health conference
More than 150 industry professionals will discuss the development of regulatory and legislative activity on national and local levels at the Associated General Contractors of America’s health and safety conference.
| Dec 13, 2012
So-called fiscal cliff is already affecting construction jobs, AGC finds
In November, the construction industry shed 20,000 jobs and its unemployment rate reached 12.2%, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.