ISO Focus - October 2008

Intelligent and sustainable buildings

ISO Focus, October 2008

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Building the future today

Buildings’ consume 40 % of the raw materials used globally each year plus 40 % of the energy and 60 % of the electricity. As the world’s population and the trend for urbanization escalates, the design and operation of so-called “green” buildings becomes crucial for ensuring a sustainable future.

In October, ISO Focus takes a look at the portfolio of International Standards which contribute to promoting intelligent and sustainable buildings, the theme of this year’s World Standards Day. The articles respond to an increasing global need to lessen the enormous impact that buildings have on the environment. The issue explores the latest developments on the wide range of state-of-the-art solution-oriented building standards promoting sustainability and efficiency.

This issue also features standards for ensuring the reliability and durability of structures. It looks at innovative projects like the simplified design standards for earthquake-resistant concrete structures, ideal for encouraging the implementation of safety standards in areas with low resources and lacking specialized skilled labour.

Today there is also a pressing need for interconnected intelligent buildings optimizing safety, security, accessibility and communication. The issue covers the latest developments on International Standards enabling interoperability, and thus increasing efficiency and driving innovation to connect homes and create smart buildings with state-of-the-art technology.

The present issue also features an exclusive interview with Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute, who tells us more about WRI’s collaboration with ISO and the Memorandum of Understanding on standards for greenhouse gases.

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Carole Le Gall and Yang Zeshi
Co-Chairs,
ISO Strategic Advisory Group on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources
Energy and the path to sustainability