strategy
Developing building codes
Synonyms:
Implementing construction standardsHarmonizing building regulations
Standardizing construction practices
Providing building specifications
Raising standards of construction work
Context:
Building acts, regulations and codes are the means by which authorities control construction activities to ensure safety and health in the built environment. Similarly, standards and specifications for building materials production and use ensure the stipulated quality. To a large extent, the regulatory procedures can determine the types of building materials, skills and construction techniques to be used in a given construction process. Implementation:
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends adoption of standards and other regulatory measures which promote the increased use of energy-efficient designs and technologies and sustainable utilization of natural resources in an economically and environmentally appropriate way. Narrower:
Developing housing codesSetting safety standardsApplying environmental construction codesRevising building codes to provide low-income housing Constrains:
Using cheap construction Facilitates:
Constructing sustainablyEstablishing working standardsRaising standard of housing and accommodation Problems:
Absence of accountability in construction planningDangerous building construction
Delayed completion of essential infrastructure
Environmental hazards from the construction industry
Hazardous construction materials
Improvisational housing
Individualistic construction methods
Ineffective self-regulation in the housing construction industry
Low-quality construction work
Restrictive building codes in urban areas
Unethical construction practices
References:
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: Study of Regulations, Codes and Standards Related to Energy Use in BuildingsUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe: International Harmonization of Approval and Control Rules for Buildings and Building ProductsUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe: Building Regulations in UN / ECE CountriesUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe: International Harmonization of Building Regulations in the UN / ECE RegionUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe: UN / ECE Compendium of Model Provisions for Building Regulations: residential buildings Subjects:
Social Activity → WorkInformation → Data, codes
Industry → Construction
Research, Standards → Quality unification
Research, Standards → Standards
Law → Regulation
Development → Development
Type Classification:
D: Detailed strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
