Building construction

ISO, as the principal developer of international standards, makes a major contribution to the building construction industry. Its standards for this sector incorporate the technical advice provided by the hundreds of experts participating in the related technical committees. In addition, they also respect the international agreements drafted on environmental protection, such as the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Building construction should also be associated with the term "sustainable construction". The construction industry has such a great impact on our planet’s natural resources, that the environmental issues touched by the increasing building activities as the world’s population continues to grow cannot be ignored.

From the planning phase, through the laying of foundations, to the end product, ISO has published standards for all these stages of development.

Not only are there technical benefits from implementing ISO standards, there are also social and economic benefits to be gained. The Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) estimates that for every dollar spent on construction, three dollars are generated in other sectors.

• ISO's engagement