BS ISO 21931-2:2019 - Sustainability in Buildings and Civil Engineering Works

In the modern world, sustainability is not just a trend; it is a necessity. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for sustainable construction practices becomes increasingly critical. The BS ISO 21931-2:2019 standard provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the environmental, social, and economic performance of construction works, specifically focusing on civil engineering projects. This standard is an essential tool for professionals in the construction industry who are committed to sustainable development.

Overview of BS ISO 21931-2:2019

The BS ISO 21931-2:2019 standard, released on July 19, 2019, is a pivotal document that outlines the framework for methods of assessment of the sustainability performance of civil engineering works. With a total of 36 pages, this standard provides detailed guidelines and methodologies to evaluate the sustainability aspects of construction projects. The standard is identified by the ISBN 978 0 580 91517 8 and is recognized as a crucial resource for ensuring that construction practices align with sustainability goals.

Key Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive Framework: The standard offers a structured approach to assessing the sustainability of construction works, covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
• Guidance for Best Practices: It provides guidance on best practices for sustainable construction, helping professionals to implement effective strategies that minimize environmental impact.
• Enhanced Decision-Making: By using this standard, decision-makers can make informed choices that balance the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Global Recognition: As an ISO standard, it is recognized internationally, making it a valuable tool for projects that aim to meet global sustainability benchmarks.

Why Choose BS ISO 21931-2:2019?

Choosing the BS ISO 21931-2:2019 standard means committing to a future where construction practices are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. This standard is designed to help organizations and professionals in the civil engineering sector to:

• Reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.
• Enhance resource efficiency and waste management.
• Promote social responsibility and community engagement.
• Achieve economic viability through sustainable practices.

Application in Civil Engineering Works

The application of this standard is particularly relevant in civil engineering works, where large-scale projects can have significant environmental and social impacts. By adhering to the guidelines set out in BS ISO 21931-2:2019, engineers and project managers can ensure that their projects contribute positively to the environment and society. This involves a holistic approach to project planning, execution, and evaluation, ensuring that sustainability is integrated at every stage.

Structure and Content

The standard is structured to provide clear and actionable guidance. It includes sections on:

• Environmental Performance: Methods for assessing the environmental impact of construction activities, including energy use, emissions, and resource consumption.
• Social Performance: Criteria for evaluating the social implications of construction projects, such as community impact, labor practices, and stakeholder engagement.
• Economic Performance: Guidelines for assessing the economic aspects of sustainability, including cost-effectiveness, lifecycle costs, and economic benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BS ISO 21931-2:2019 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the planning, design, and execution of civil engineering projects. By providing a robust framework for sustainability assessment, it empowers professionals to make decisions that are not only beneficial for their projects but also for the planet. Embrace the future of construction with this comprehensive standard and lead the way in sustainable development.

For those committed to making a positive impact through their work, the BS ISO 21931-2:2019 standard is more than just a guideline; it is a pathway to a sustainable future.

BS ISO 21931-2:2019

This standard BS ISO 21931-2:2019 Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works. Framework for methods of assessment of the environmental, social and economic performance of construction works as a basis for sustainability assessment is classified in these ICS categories:

• 93.010 Civil engineering in general
• 91.040.01 Buildings in general

1

This document provides a general framework for improving the quality and comparability of methods for assessing the contribution of civil engineering works and their related external works to sustainable development based on a life cycle approach.

This document aims to bridge the gap between regional and national methods for the assessment of the sustainability performance of civil engineering works by providing a common framework for their expression.

This document identifies and describes issues to be taken into account in the development and use of methods for the assessment of the sustainability performance for all types of civil engineering works, both new and existing, and it is relevant for the assessment of the environmental, social and economic performance of both new and existing civil engineering works over their entire life cycle.

The object of assessment in this document is the civil engineering works itself and its area of influence.

NOTE 1

For example, the assessment includes any local civil engineering works beyond the immediate area of the civil engineering works; the transportation of the users of the civil engineering works; and the use and exploitation of the civil engineering works itself.

Assessments can be undertaken either for the whole civil engineering works, for a part of the civil engineering works, or for a combination of several civil engineering works.

This document excludes environmental, social and economic risk assessment, but the results of a risk assessment can be taken into consideration.

This document is intended to be used in conjunction with, and following the principles set out in, ISO 15392 and the ISO 14000 family of International Standards.

The evaluation of technical and functional performance of the civil engineering works is outside the scope of this document, but the technical and functional characteristics are considered within this framework by reference to the functional equivalent. The functional equivalent takes into account the technical and functional requirements and forms the basis for comparisons of the results of the assessment.

Assessment methods that consider only one or two of the three dimensions of sustainability are outside the scope of this document.

This document does not set benchmarks or levels of performance relative to environmental, social and economic aspects and impacts.

NOTE 2

Valuation methods, levels, classes or benchmarks can be prescribed in the requirements for environmental, social and economic performance in the client’s brief, construction regulations, national standards, national codes of practice, civil engineering works assessment and certification schemes, etc.

The rules for methods of assessment to consider in the assessment of environmental, social and economic aspects of operation practices are included within this framework, and the consequences of decisions or actions that influence the environmental, social and economic performance of the object of assessment are identified so that they can be taken into account.