National and International Standards

• Understanding the Structure of Building Standards
• National Standards: A Snapshot
• International Standards: A Global Perspective
• The Interplay of National and International Standards
• The Role of Standards in Building Science
• Keeping Up with Standards

As we dive deeper into building codes and standards, we may as well try to describe some of the landscape of national and international standards. These guidelines are the compass points for builders, architects, homeowners, and even policy-makers, indicating the route towards safe, efficient, and sustainable buildings. You certainly don’t need to grasp the nuances of these standards, but as you’re undertaking a building project, you may run into some terminology that is confusing.

Understanding the Structure of Building Standards¶

Before we break down specific standards, let's take a moment to grasp the hierarchy and structure of building standards. While building codes establish a baseline of minimum requirements for building safety and performance, standards provide detailed instructions on how to meet these requirements. They cover a broad range of issues, from material properties and testing methods to design principles and installation procedures.

National and international standards organizations, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), are responsible for developing and publishing these standards.

National Standards: A Snapshot¶

In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards. Many organizations develop standards under its purview, including ASTM International, which creates technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services, and NFPA, which develops codes and standards for fire safety.

Standards such as the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 (Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings) and ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 (Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Low-Rise Residential Buildings) play a pivotal role in promoting energy efficiency in residential construction.

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 is a comprehensive standard that covers a wide range of building types, including commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. The standard sets minimum requirements for energy efficiency in areas such as insulation, windows, lighting, and HVAC systems.

ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 is a specific standard for low-rise residential buildings. The standard sets minimum requirements for the energy performance of these buildings, and it also includes a rating system that allows homeowners to compare the energy efficiency of different homes.

Both of these standards are voluntary, but they are increasingly being adopted by states and municipalities as part of their building codes. As a result, these standards are playing a pivotal role in promoting energy efficiency in residential construction.

International Standards: A Global Perspective¶

At the global level, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops and publishes international standards. These standards cover a wide array of topics, including building construction. ISO standards, such as ISO 50001 (Energy management systems) and ISO 14000 (Environmental management), help set the stage for sustainable building practices worldwide.

The Interplay of National and International Standards¶

National and international standards often interact and influence one another. For instance, an ISO standard might be adopted as a national standard in various countries, possibly with some adaptations to suit local conditions. Conversely, a national standard could be proposed for adoption as an international standard.

This interplay of standards not only facilitates the global exchange of goods and services but also contributes to the harmonization of building practices, fostering improvements in building safety, performance, and sustainability across borders.

The Role of Standards in Building Science¶

Standards play a key role in the application of building science, serving as a bridge between theory and practice. They translate the principles of building science into actionable guidelines that can be followed in real-world construction projects.

By setting performance benchmarks for materials, components, and systems, standards help ensure that the aims of building science—such as enhancing comfort, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainability—are achieved in practice.

Keeping Up with Standards¶

Staying abreast of current standards is critical for anyone involved in the construction industry. Given the rapid advancements in building technology and the evolving societal needs, standards are regularly updated and new ones are developed.

Thankfully, the organizations that develop these standards often provide resources to assist with this. These may include online databases, print publications, training courses, and technical support services. In addition, professional organizations and trade associations can provide valuable guidance and updates on relevant standards.