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APE
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duced For
Prod
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peration Seccretariat
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2013 APEC SSecretariat

EC#213CT01.8
APE

APEC Building Codes,

Regulations, and Standards
Minimum, Mandatory, and Green

DISCLAIMER
This document is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID). Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author or authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States government.

Acknowledgements
The author of this report is Dr. Oswald Chong with contributions by Sylvana Ricciarini. The
report was prepared for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organization as part of
the APEC Technical Assistance and Training Facility (TATF) program. APEC TATF is managed
by USAID, with funding and strategic direction provided by the U.S. State Department Bureau of
East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Office of Economic Policy. For further information, please
contact Ms. Victoria Waite, Chief of Party, [email protected].

TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE STUDY

The following experts helped to shape this study:

Alberto Herrera, International Code Council

Cary Bloyd, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Derek Greenauer, Underwriters Laboratories
Guiliana Orrezoli Alvarez, Direccion Nacional de Construccion, Peru
James Olshefsky, ASTM International
Jessica Roop, American National Standards Institute
Joanne Littlefair, U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration
Len Swatkowski, Plumbing Manufacturers International
Maggie Comstock, US Green Building Council
Maureen Guttman, Alliance to Save Energy
Nancy McNabb, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Pete DeMarco, IAPMO
Renee Hancher, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
Ryan Colker, National Institute of Building Sciences
Shelley Pursell, Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
Sylvana Ricciarini, Civil Engineer, MSCE, Codes and Conformity Assessment Expert

Contents
Executive Summary

Table 1A/B. APEC Economies Minimum and/or Mandatory Codes

Table 2. Status of Green Building Codes in APEC Economies
Table 3. Status of Mandatory Building Codes in APEC Economies
Table 4. Regulatory Frameworks in APEC Economies

8
16
19
27

APEC Economy Reports

33

Australia

35

Brunei Darussalam

43

Canada

49

Chile

57

Peoples Republic of China

65

Hong Kong China

75

Indonesia

85

Japan

95

Republic of Korea

101

Malaysia

109

Mexico

117

New Zealand

129

Peru

137

Philippines

147

Singapore

153

Chinese Taipei

165

Thailand

171

United States

179

Vietnam

179

Bibliography

203

Executive Summary
OBJECTIVES
This study was developed for the purpose of understanding how APEC member economies utilized
building codes to increase building performance, aligning with the green goals of resource conservation
and waste reduction. Building codes historically have been important policy tools for managing the
safety, security, health, environment, and economy of the building sector. They also are regulatory tools
for improving the performance of buildings and building professionals. Because buildings are
responsible for a high percentage of materials consumption; greenhouse gas; and other emissions,
regulation of the building sector offers a prime opportunity for economies to pursue resource conservation
and waste reduction objectives. Building codes also provide policymakers with an important tool to
encourage economic growth and conduct risk management.
This study is organized with a chapter devoted to each APEC member economy, which seeks to detail:

The approach to developing, adopting, administering and enforcing building codes.

This includes, for non-residential buildings, the existing minimum building codes, including the types
of buildings covered, adoption and evolution, key actors and processes, points of accountability,
enforcement mechanisms, and main expression of criteria.

How existing codes establish minimums for key elements.

Such elements include electrical, energy, water, sanitation, structural, mechanical, indoor air quality,
security, safety, siting, and others.

Any existing green building codes.

This includes elements of the minimum code that already are stringent and may be considered
green, as well as any stand-alone green building code.

Protocols and mechanisms in place for monitoring, review, and assessment.

RESEARCH BASIS
Terminology related to building regulation differs among the APEC member economies. For the
purposes of this study, building code refers a set of rules that specify a minimum level of requirements
for non-residential building construction and occupancy/operation and which meet the following criteria:
(i) requirements are adopted and/or enforced by, or on behalf of, a government entity; (ii) criteria are
written in mandatory language; (iii) the minimum criteria are mandatory, while requirements above the
minimum may be voluntary, mandatory for certain recognitions, or mandatory for a specific population of
buildings; and (iv) there is use of referenced standards.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

In completing this study, the author conducted independent research to develop information responsive to
the objectives. Each APEC member economy was then provided with a draft of the economy-specific
chapter and requested to provide comment or clarification. The final study reflects all feedback provided
to the author during that comment period. The study also reflects expertise provided by APEC member
economy representatives and building industry professionals who participated in the March 5-7, 2013
workshop, Sharing Experiences in the Design and Implementation of Green Building Codes, a joint
APEC-ASEAN workshop hosted by Peru in Lima, Peru.

KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This Executive Summary expands upon four key findings, which are further elaborated in the economyspecific chapters.

Multiple pathways support greener building code development in APEC economies.

Economies have successfully evolved greener codes to increase building performance utilizing
different approaches that fit the economys specific approach to regulation and engagement of
non-governmental entities.
There are strong commonalities in target areas for greening.
Common building elements targeted for performance improvement through building codes
include energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor air quality, light pollution, land use,
environmental protection, and storm water management.
Relevant international reference standards exist, supporting all code approaches.
Regardless of the pathway chosen, international reference standards already exist for many green
elements. Such standards can be important mechanisms for efficiently establishing greener code
requirements that reflect consensus technical and procedural solutions to common challenges.
Use of existing, relevant international standards can also reduce unnecessary obstacles to trade in
building products.
Embracing established best practices in building codes becomes increasingly important.
As economies move to make codes greener, new and rapidly changing technologies and processes
present new complexities and challenges. Specific best practices are detailed on pages 6-7.

APPROACHES TO BUILDING CODES

APEC member economies rely on three fundamental approaches to developing, adopting, administering
and enforcing building codes.
Approach

Details

Model Code Developed

Separate from Building
Regulations

This approach utilizes model codes developed and administered by

private organizations and quasi-governmental agencies. Jurisdictions
have independent responsibility for developing and adopting building
codes, and model codes offer an efficient way of doing so. The
jurisdictions also manage building code enforcement, including
inspection and permit issuance.
In such a system, code enforcement officials, building sector

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

professionals affected by the codes, academics and others participate

in code development. Model codes are updated every three to five
years. Reference standards are developed by separate organizations.
Australia, Canada, and the United States follow this system.
Model Code Developed
Alongside Building
Regulations by the
Government.

A national regulatory system is the most common among APEC

economies, with variations coming in the degree of freedom regional
(local) governments have in modifying, adopting, and enforcing
regulations.
In China and Indonesia, the central government develops regulations
and codes and local governments may freely adopt or reject the codes
and regulations.
In Chile, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Peru, and Vietnam, local
governments have little to no authority to modify codes and
regulations.

Regulations Specify Use of

Best Practices and Standards
But Allow Equivalents.

Under this approach, building regulations are developed and enforced

by the government.
This approach is utilized in Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, China,
and Singapore. The regulations allow the use of nonlocal codes,
standards, and best practices in place of local ones.
In Malaysia, local jurisdictions may develop and enforce their own
standards.

REFERENCE STANDARD DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION

All building codes rely on reference standards. In terms of developing standards for various building
elements, all APEC member economies rely on committees of industry experts, academics, government
officials, and other stakeholders to arrive at a standard. The difference among the economies relates to
whether the committees are managed by the government or are private sector-led.In terms of the types of
standards cited by reference by the APEC economies in their building codes, the following chart
summarizes the study findings.

9
Economies
Strong use of local standards
and reference international

8
Economies
Strong use of international
standards from multiple

4
Economies
Local standards and
international standards are

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

standards from selective

sources.

sources.

used at the same time.

MINIMUMS
To begin determining pathways utilized to develop greener building codes, or stand-alone green building
codes, the study first examined how economies approached minimum requirements for a set of core
building elements. The following chart summarizes the study findings with respect to the approach to
these elements in each economys code. Some elements of minimum code requirements also contribute
to energy or other resource savings, and may be considered natural potential pathways to greening.
Building Code Element

Status

APEC Economies

Fire, Structural, and Electrical

Energy & Energy Efficiency

Mandatory
Mandatory
Minimum
Planning
None
No reporting
Mandatory
Minimum
Other

All
13
4
1
1
2
Most reporting
3
Via environmental
laws
All reporting

Water Quality & Sewage

Location, Siting, Zoning & Environmental Protection

Indoor Air Quality

Lighting
Light Pollution

Mandatory and
enforced via
regulation
Mandatory
Minimum
Not addressed
Mandatory
Mandatory
Recommended
Not addressed

7
5
9
All but 3 reporting
1
3
17

PATHWAYS TO GREEN
APEC economies have relied on three fundamental approaches to make buildings greener and increase
building performance:
Approach
Integrate Green Elements into
Existing Building Codes

Details
Most APEC member economies integrate certain green elements into
mandatory building codes and building regulations.
Most APEC economies have incorporated energy efficiency
requirements into mandatory codes.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Building, plumbing and mechanical codes are common areas for

introduction of green elements.
Green elements that have been incorporated by some APEC
member economies also include indoor air quality, lighting, light
pollution, water efficiency, waste recycling and reuse,
environmental and land use, and hazardous materials. Please refer
to the chart on the following page.

Develop a Separate Green

Building Code

This approach involves developing a building code that combines all

green elements into one enforceable code.
Examples include the International Code Councils International
Green Construction Code (IgCC) and codes developed in China.
In some economies, building regulations mandate the utilization
of certain green building rating systems. The combination of the
building regulatory mandate and the building rating system
becomes, in effect, the green building code. Singapore and Korea
are examples of this approach.

Develop Separate Regulations

for Green Features

This approach utilizes regulation other than building codes to mandate

compliance in green areas throughout the economy.
For example, an economy may establish regulations for toxic or
hazardous materials use and disposal, land use, zoning, storm
water and water quality, or light pollution, among other green
features.
Such regulations are typically managed by government entities
with enforcement authority, removing the need to re-state the
requirements in the building code specifically.

GREEN ELEMENTS
As noted above, APEC economies have almost universally embraced energy efficiency requirements.
The following table summarizes the study findings with respect to economies adoption of other elements
that are specifically considered to be green elements.
19
Economies
Environmental
and zoning
requirements

17
Economies

16
Economies

12
Economies

Energy and
energy efficiency

Water quality and

sewage
requirements

Indoor air quality

requirements

2
Economies
Light pollution
requirements

STUDY FINDINGS: SUMMARY TABLES

Tables 1-4 following this executive summary summarize the findings of this study for each APEC
member economy, with respect to minimum codes for select building elements, mandatory code
requirements, status of green elements within the code or a stand-alone green building code, and the
economys regulatory framework.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Best practices in basic building code design, adoption, implementation and enforcement become all
the more important as economies pursue pathways to greener building.
With greening come new challenges in rapidly evolving technologies and processes, it is imperative
that APEC economies increase the likelihood of success with greener codes by embracing established
best practices, including:
Best Practice
Early planning

Details
Plan early and have a vision. With green codes, balance
energy, environment, and other societal concerns. Establish
indicators for measuring success at the outset.

Early and continuing engagement of

all affected stakeholders in
development, implementation, and
enforcement

Collaboration is important and includes involvement and

training of all relevant stakeholders.
Consider all affected stakeholders (consumers, labor groups,
contractors, building owners). All parties need to understand
what the green requirements mean and why they have been
incorporated.
Cultivate partnerships. Collaboration with standards
developers, architects/builders, and rating programs may also
be helpful.

Transparency

An open and transparent process for code development will

help assure support as the code is implemented.

Reference to international standards

reflecting best consensus solutions

To facilitate trade, standards used in codes should be

developed using the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) principles for what constitutes
an international standard (which include transparency,
openness, impartiality and consensus, relevance and
effectiveness, coherence, and developing country interests).

A focus on training and outreach

Given that green codes are a new area, a well-trained code

staff is essential for effective implementation.
Communication and education about green requirements
must occur for green codes to succeed. Use of technology,
like webinars and online courses, can be good ways to
educate relevant stakeholders. Academia can be a resource
for education and training.

Clarity and consistency facilitate all

stages

Processes should be kept simple. A streamlined permitting

process is key.
Plan and create tools, such as guides and checklists, so the
user knows what to do. Such tools can also help the inspector

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

perform his job successfully.

Enforcement of green codes depends upon inspection and
plan review. Inspection is essential or green codes will not be
effective.
Early engagement of policymakers
on a broader level to ensure support
2. Consensus reference standards exist and may provide efficient options for economies to develop
greener building codes.
International reference standards provide access to up-to-date professional consensus decisions about
appropriate technologies and procedures to meet challenges presented by building elements targeted
for greening.
3. Balance is required in an evolving environment.
The green code system is evolving. It is crucial to maintain building safety while moving forward
with greener materials and equipment.
4. Flexibility exists to meet economy-specific requirements.
Market tools can be adopted based on specific economies social, economic and geographic needs,
and establish a proving ground for potential changes in baseline codes.
5. It is important to recognize post-construction impacts on green performance.
With regard to assessing green performance, it is important to focus on commissioning, maintenance,
and operation of a building to ensure it achieves its potential, as well as the value of developing a
common understanding of how to measure and evaluate green building performance.
6. Additional work is needed on metrics for green measurement.
Data is needed to measure whether policies are working. There are indicators that can be used, but
currently there is no standard way to measure green performance. The effort must begin with
benchmarking. Each economy can also use baselines and pilot projects in order to determine their
starting point and goals.
7. Economies may benefit from referring to a wide range of APEC green code resources.
All speaker presentations provided at the March 5-7, 2013 workshop, Sharing Experiences in the
Design and Implementation of Green Building Codes, are available at the APEC website. This
compendium includes the results of the detailed survey conducted by Peru, in which each of the
twenty one APEC member economies was queried on specific actions and experiences to date with
regulation to advance green building. The web link for this material is:
http://mddb.apec.org/Pages/search.aspx?setting=ListMeeting&DateRange=2013/03/01%2C2013/03/e
nd&Name=Workshop%20on%20Sharing%20Experiences%20in%20the%20Design%20and%20Impl
ementation%20of%20Green%20Building%20Codes%202013

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Table 1A

APEC Economies Minimum and/or Mandatory Codes: Electric, Energy, Water/sanitation, Mechanical, Indoor air, Lighting
Economy

Electrical Code

Energy Code

Water & Sanitation

Mechanical System

Indoor Air Quality

Lighting

Australia

AEMA National Electricity

Rules, AS/NZS 3000 &
3017 (mandatory)

GEMS Act & MEPS

(mandatory)

Australian National Water

Guidelines, NEPC, & NEPM
(minimum)

AS/NZS 1668, AS 1691, AS

1731, AS 2665, AS/NZS 2918,
AS 3823, AS 4254, ARI 460, ARI
550/ 590, BS 7190 (minimum)

None

NCC, AS/NZS 4847,

MEPS, and Californian
Code (mandatory)

Brunei
Darussalam

Electrical Act 1973,

Electricity Act (2011)
(mandatory), and DES
Guidelines on Proper
Installation and Use of
Electrical Wirings
(minimum)

None

WHO Water Quality Guidelines

(minimum)

None

None

None

Canada

CSA C22 (mandatory)

NEC (mandatory)

Legislations from Environment

Canada (mandatory)

CAN/CSA-C260-M90,
CAN/CSA-B602-05, B52-05 and
other Canadian Standards
(mandatory)

ASHRAE 62.1
(minimum)

Canadian Federal
Energy Efficiency Act
1992, MOL Act on
Lighting for workplace
(mandatory)

Chile

INN .7.7 Electrical

installations of buildings

Program Pais de Eficiencia

Energetica (PPEE,
Program Energy Efficient
Country)

INN

HVAC

INN

F.7.1 Drinking water installations

INN F.7.5 Heating, artificial

ventilation, air conditioning

F.7.3 Electricity and

artificial lighting

GB 50303-2002 (code
acceptance of construction
quality of electrical
installation in building ).
GBJ 303-88 (building
electrical safety inspection
national standards), GB
50259-96 (code of
acceptance of electrical
installations of over 1kv and
below), and GB 50259-96
(code of acceptance of
electrical installations and
lighting during
construction), JGJ 16-2008
(commercial building
electrical code), JGJ2422011 (residential building
electrical code), GBC63-90
(electrical installations and

GB 50411-2007 (code for

acceptance of energy
efficient building
construction)

CECS 137:2002 (design for steel

potable water pipes), GBT195702004 (installation of waste water
storm water system), GCC-T98-2003
(design and installation of aluminum
and copper potable water pipes),
GBT 11836-89 (mandatory
guideline, design code and standards
for concrete and gas delivery pipes),
GB50032-2003 (design and
installation of external potable water
and gas delivery in earthquake zone),
DBJ 08-42-95 (design of rainwater
disposal systems), Code of
Installation and Design Mandatory
Guidebook, Code of Design and
Installation for Pressure Piping
Industrial Piping, GB3091-2001
(design of soldered pipes), and
CECS164-2004 (design and

GBJ 242-82 (design and

installation of heating and
hygiene engineering), GBJ 30288 (mandatory quality and
inspection control guidelines and
standards), GB 50231-88
(installation and inspection of
mechanical systems), GB 5024397 (design and installation of
HVAC), GB 50235-97
(mandatory standards for steel
piping used for mechanical
systems), GBJ 304-88 (mandatory
standards for HVAC ), GB
50274-98 (design and installation
of air quality handling systems for
refrigeration of air , GB 50275-98
(design and installation of fan,
compressors and boiler systems)

Peoples
Republic of
China

Ministry of Healths
Indoor Air Quality Code

Requirements for
lighting energy use and
lighting installation
methods are part of the
energy and building
system (including fire)
codes and mandatory
standards.
GB 50034-2004
(lighting fesign of
buildings) is a
mandatory standard as it
has been incorporated
into many codes. It is
administered by the
Ministry of
Construction.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Electrical Code

Energy Code

distribution), GB 50062
(electrical installation
protection and automated
system), and GB 50055
(electrical distribution
network design system)

Water & Sanitation

EMSDs Code of Practice

for the Electricity (Wiring)
Regulations (Mandatory)

EMSDs Building Energy

Code (BEC) 2012
(Mandatory)

Indonesia

SNI Design Procedures

(minimum)

National Energy Policy

and Voluntary Commercial
Energy Codes 1992
(minimum)

National Plumbing Code Handbook

(minimum)

JIS Q 50001:2011
(mandatory)

JIS B 2312 (mandatory)

JIS C 60364-5-55
(mandatory)

Mechanical System

Indoor Air Quality

Lighting

installation of underground piping).

Hong Kong,
China

Japan

Various codes from EMSD

(mandatory)

Indoor Air Quality

Certification Scheme
(voluntary)

EMSDs BEC 2012

(covering lighting
installations)
(Mandatory)

IAPMO (minimum)

None

SNI 03-2396-2001
Procedures for Natural
Lighting System Design
in Building (minimum)

JIS B 9908, JIS A 1431

(minimum)

Building Standard Laws

(2003) :

Mandatory: JIS C 0364

(electrical installations
of buildings), JIS C 8105
(luminaires in
buildings), JIS Z 9120 29( indoor workplace,
outdoor workplace,
sports, tennis court, sport
stadiums, swimming
pools etc.), ISO 8995
(work place: indoor,
security, and outdoor),
ISO 30061 (emergency)

WHO Guidelines on Drinking Water

(minimum)

JIS Z 9204:1991
(minimum)

Emission Control and

Installation of
Ventilation System
(2007)
Indoor Air Quality
Guidelines, Building
Sanitation Law (2002)
Housing Quality
Assurance Law (2002)
(mandatory)

Minimum: outdoor light

pollution guidelines
Republic of
Korea

Korean Standard on various

electrical engineering and
works (mandatory)

Mandatory: Building
Design Criteria for Energy
Saving (BDCES), Building
Certification System

Included in Korean Building Code

and Koreas Water Quality
Standards (both mandatory)

Korean Standards for Mechanical

Engineering (mandatory)

Minimum: Energy Audit

Malaysia

MS 1979, Electrical
Installations of Buildings
Code of Practice (minimum)

MS 1525, Code of Practice

on Energy Efficiency for
non-residential Buildings,
UNDP Malaysia Building
Sector Energy Efficiency
Project, National Energy

Water Services Industry Act 2006,

National Water Services
Commission Act for Peninsula
Malaysia (not affecting East
Malaysia), Sewerage Act 1994
(Affects both), and Water Forum,

MS 1460, MS 1918, MS IEC

60335 (minimum)

Ministry of
Environments IAQ
Control in Public
Facilities Act
(mandatory)

Mandatory: Ministry of
Environments Lighting
Pollution Prevention
Law Based on Artificial
Lighting

Various policies on IAQ

(minimum)

Minimum: Energy
Standard and Labeling

Code of Practice on IAQ,

Department of
Occupational Safety and
Health (minimum)

MS 1038, MS IEC
60364, MS 603, MS ISO
8995, MS 825, MS IEC
60335, MS 947
(minimum)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Electrical Code

Energy Code

Water & Sanitation

Policy (minimum)

Ministry of Energy, Green

Technology and Water (mandatory)

NOM-001-SEDE 2012 by
the Secretary of Energy
based on international
standardsstandards, such as
National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 70,
National Electrical Code
(NEC) 2011, and others
referenced in the
complementary technical
standards (CTN) of the
Mexico City Building Code
(MCBC)

NOM-018 Thermal
insulation for buildings Energy Agency

NOM-008-CAN 1998 SEMARNAT

(minimum and maximum flow in
shower heads)

National Agency for

Standardization and
Certification of Building
and Construction,

There are several NOM and NXM

on this subject.

New Zealand

NZ Energy Safety
Authority Electrical Codes
of Practice (minimum)

Building Code of NZ (in

National Code, mandatory)

Peru

National Electric Code

Supply (2001), National
Electric Code Use (2006),
Modifications to National
Electric Code Use (2008)

Mexico

10

Mechanical System

Indoor Air Quality

Lighting

MCBC-CTN and local

codes/standardsstandards
ordinances

MCBC-CTN and local

codes/standards
ordinances

MCBC-CTN and local

codes/standards
ordinances

Ministry of Health Water Quality

and Foul Water standards, Resource
Management Act, Water
Minimization Act, and NZS 9201
(mandatory)

AS/NZS 2537 & 4793

(mandatory)

BRANZ Designing
Quality Learning Spaces:
Ventilation and Indoor
Air Quality Guidelines,
Building Code of NZ,
NZS 4303 (Mostly
mandatory w/ guidelines)

Building Code of NZ
(mandatory)

47 voluntary energy
efficiency standards
(Normas Tcnicas
Peruanas NTP) up to
December 2012. Existence
of EE policies and
programs.

Title II.3 of the RNE Obras de

Saneamiento OS Standards /
Sanitation Works and Instalaciones
Sanitarias standards / sanitary
installations

Title III.4 Instalaciones Elctricas

y Mecnicas

None

None

NOM-003-ENER-2000
Energy Secretary. Thermal
Efficiency of Water
Heaters
There are several NOM
and NMX.

Title III.3 of the RNE

Philippines

Included in National
Building Code, National
Electrical Code (mandatory)

Some in National Building

Code, no separate code
(mandatory), Philippines
National Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Program
(minimum)

Clean Water Act, Plumbing Code of

the Philippines, National Sanitation
Code of the Philippines (mandatory)

Philippines Mechanical Code

National Ambient Air

Quality Standards
(minimum)

Included in Philippines
National Energy
Efficiency and
Conservation Program
(minimum)

Singapore

EMAs code of practice on

lighting for workplace and
installations (mandatory)

EMAs code of practice for

energy efficiency in
building (mandatory)

PUB Code of practice for water and

sewerage, and SS CP 48, PUB ABC
Water Design Guidelines
(mandatory)

SS 553, BCA Code on ETTV,

ASHRAE standards 90.1 and
guidelines (mandatory)

SS 554 (minimum)

SS 531 (minimum)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Electrical Code

11

Energy Code

Water & Sanitation

Mechanical System

Indoor Air Quality

Lighting

Chinese Taipei

Electrical Act (mandatory)

Energy Management Law,

National Energy
Conservation and Carbon
Reduction Masterplan
(mandatory)

Plumbing code in Building Act

(mandatory), Sewerage Law and
Enforcement Rule for Sewerage Act
(mandatory), Sewer Engineering
Design Guidelines (minimum)

Enforcement Rules for Common

Duct, Common Duct Act
(mandatory), Equipment Energy
Efficiency Management and
Promotion (minimum)

IAQ Act (mandatory)

Various lighting
standards (some
mandatory, others are
not)

Thailand

Included in Building
Control Act (mandatory)

Energy Conservation
Promotion Act, Building
Energy Code (mandatory)

Ministerial Regulation on
Mechanical and Sanitary Design,
Ministerial Regulation on Waste
Water (mandatory), Ministry of
Natural Resources and Environment
Guidelines (minimum)

Ministerial Regulation on
Mechanical and Sanitary Design
(mandatory)

Included in Building
Energy Code
(mandatory)

Included in Building
Energy Code
(mandatory)

United States

NFPA 70, NEIS (mandatory

if implemented)

ASHRAE 90.1, IECC

(mandatory if
implemented)

USEPA, NPDES, Clean Water Act

(mandatory: Federal Law),

IMCC (mandatory if
implemented),

Guidelines on Water Reuse, SDWA

(minimum)

ASHRAE Standard 15, various

ASTM standards (minimum)

OSHA IAQ Standards,

ASHRAE 62.1
(minimum)

Requirements included
in ASHRAE 90.1, 189.1,
IEC, IBC, IDA, and thus
mandatory if
implemented
IESNA Handbook
(minimum)
IDA-IES Model
Lighting Zone
Ordinance (mandatory if
implemented)

Vietnam

Code on Electric FacilityPart I: General Regulation,

Code on Electric FacilityPart IV: Protection &
Automatic
National technical codes for
operating and maintenance
power system facilities
National technical
regulations on electric
safety, on safe work for
electric welding & welding
jobs (mandatory)

Part of Vietnam Building

Code (mandatory)

Code of Internal Water Supply &

Drainage Systems, national technical
regulation on surface water quality
(mandatory)

National technical regulations on

safe work of steam boiler and
pressure vessel, and on safe work
for electric lift

National technical
regulations on ambient
air quality, and on
hazardous substances in
ambient air (mandatory)

None

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

12

Table 1B

APEC Economies Minimum and/or Mandatory Codes: Security, Fire, Structural, Location/Siting/Zoning, Environment, Safety
Economy

Security

Fire

Structural

Location, Siting, Zoning

Environment

Safety

Australia

None

NCC (mandatory)

NCC (mandatory)

Legislation from Department of

Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities
(mandatory)

Included in Zoning
(mandatory)

BCC (mandatory)

Brunei
Darussalam

None

Brunei Fire Code, and PBD

12 (mandatory)

Building Control Act (mandatory)

Laws of Bruneis Town and Country

Planning (Development Control), and
National Land Use Master Plan
(mandatory)

Various environmental
regulations and policies of the
Department of Environment
Parks and Recreations
(mandatory)

Brunei Standards:
Site Safety Audit (8),
Guidelines for Safety
Organization (12),
Site Safety
Assessment (11-2),
and Guidelines on
Safety on
Construction Site.
(minimum)

Canada

Various
government
agencies
(minimum)

NFC (mandatory)

NBC (mandatory)

Canadian Environmental Protection

Act and other government related acts
(mandatory)

Included in Zoning
(mandatory)

CSA standards and

Health Canadas
workplace regulation
(mandatory)

Chile

INN

INN
F.5.1 Fire prevention

F.2.3 Technical Drawing - Project

presentations - Technical Specifications

F.4.6 Sustainability

F.5.2 Safety in
execution of works
- Personal
Protection

F.5.2 Safety in
execution of works Personal Protection

No mandatory code
or standards.

There are several fire codes

and mandatory standards:
GB 50045-95 (design of
high rise buildings), GBJ
16-2001(design of
buildings), GB 50016-2006
(design of building fire
protection and prevention),
GB 50067 -97 (design of
garage and parking fire
protection), GB 50038-2005
(mandatory design
specification for civil air
defenseincluding fire
protection), GB 50098-2009
(engineering design for fire
safety norm for civil air

All environmental laws and

regulations are enforced and
developed by the Ministry of
Environment.

No separate safety
code or standard, all
are incorporate into
other elements.

Peoples
Republic of
China

42 mandatory structural codes

28 mandatory structural standards
Codes are divided into loading, concrete,
steel, brick and masonry, timber, rolled
steel, seismic, foundation, PRC, RC
structure for tall buildings, RC structure
for shell, mash concrete structure, FRC
structure, and RC solid.

Extensive laws are enforced by the

Ministry of Planning and Economic
Affairs, Department of Development
Planning of the Ministry of Science
and Technology, and the Ministry of
Housing, and Urban-Rural
Development.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Security

Fire

Structural

13

Location, Siting, Zoning

Environment

Safety

Town Planning Ordinance and

statutory plans and master layout
plans for comprehensive development
schemes (mandatory)

Environmental ordinances on
air, noise and water
pollutions, ozone layer, EIA,
chemical control, and
products. (Mandatory)

OSHC guidelines on
workers safety

defense basement), GB
5022295 (fire prevention
design of interior
decorations in buildings),
GB 50261 (installation of
automated fire extinguishing
system).
Building codes also have
fire protection requirements.
Codes of Practice for
Minimum Fire Service
Installations and Equipment
and Inspection, Testing and
Maintenance of Installations
and Equipment and Fire
Services Department
Circular Letters
(Mandatory). Buildings
Departments various
regulations and codes, not as
a specific document
(Mandatory)
SNI 03-1735-2000, SNI 031736-2000, SNI 03-17452000, SNI 03-1746-2000
(Mandatory)

Buildings Departments various

regulations and codes, not a specific
document (Mandatory)

Included in National Regulation Law 28

of 2002 and Regulation 36 of 2005
(Mandatory)

Zoning Law 26 of 2007 (mandatory)

Regulations published by
Environmental Agency
(mandatory)

Included in National
Regulation Law 28
of 2002 and
Regulation 36 of
2005 (mandatory)

None

Fire Service Law

(mandatory)

Building Standards Law (in mandatory

Building Code)

City Planning Law, Environmental

Laws and Standards (mandatory)

Environmental Laws and

Standards (mandatory)

Included in
mandatory Building
Code

Republic of
Korea

None

Included in Building Act

(mandatory)

Included in Building Act (mandatory),

various standards provided by KCI,
KSSC, KRISC, and KATS are also
mandatory (even though theyre
standards)

Most zoning laws are mandatory and

managed by the Ministry of
Environment (mandatory)

All environmental are laws

and mandatory. All laws
enforced by the Ministry of
Environment (mandatory)

Special Act on the

Safety Management
of Facility
(mandatory)

Malaysia

None (or unclear)

Circular and code in Malay

language (mandatory)

ICS D Section, MS 416, MS 977, MS

IEC 8124, MS 544, MS 1294, MS 1057,
MS 229, MS 1933, MS 1195, MS 1226,
MS 1553, MS 1314, MS 1490 etc.
(included in Building Code and
mandatory)

10th Malaysia Plan, Malaysia

Economic Planning Unit, Town and
Country Planning Act (mandatory but
the enforcement is depends on
situation)

Environmental Quality Act

1974-2011, Fisheries Act,
Land Conservation Act, Local
Government Act, National
Forestry Act, National Park
Act, Protection of Wildlife
Act, Radioactive Substances
Act, Water Enactment Act,
Sarawak Biodiversity Center

Department of
Occupational Safety
and Healths
guidelines for public
safety and health at
construction sites,
and code of practice
for safe working in a
confined space.

Hong Kong,
China

Security Bureaus
Manual for Security
Personnel Providing
Guarding Services
in Buildings
(minimum)

Indonesia

None

Japan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Security

Fire

Structural

14

Location, Siting, Zoning

Environment

Safety

Ordinance, Sabah
Biodiversity Enactment,
Sarawak Natural Resources
and Environment Ordinance,
Sabah Environmental
Protection Enactment, Sabah
Forest Enactment, Sarawak
Forest Ordinance (mandatory)

Occupational Safety
and Health Act 1994
(mandatory)

Mexico

MCBC-CTN and
local
codes/standards
ordinances

MCBC-CTN and local

codes/standards ordinances

MCBC-CTN and local codes/standards

ordinances

MCBC-CTN and local

codes/standards ordinances

MCBC-CTN and local

codes/standards ordinances

MCBC-CTN and
local codes/standards
ordinances

New
Zealand

None

Building Code of NZ
(mandatory)

Building Code of NZ (mandatory)

Urban Design Protocol, Resource

Management Act, & Quality Planning
Act (mandatory)

Included in Zoning
(mandatory)

Building Code of
NZ, AS/NZS 4804,
Health and Safety in
Employment Act
1992, Hazardous
Substances and New
Organisms Act 1996
(mandatory)

Peru

None

None

Title III.2 of RNE Estructuras (structures)

E.010 (wood), E.020 (loads), E.030
(seismic resistant design being revised),
E.040 (glass), E.050 (soil and foundation
being revised), E.060 (reinforced
concrete), E.070 (masonry), E.080
(adobe), E.090 (steel structures)

None

N/A

N/A

Philippines

None

National building code

(NBC) covers fire resistivity
design; National Fire Code
(mandatory)

Code in NBC (mandatory)

National Planning Act or similar

(mandatory)

Embedded in Pollution
Control Decree, and various
regulations (mandatory)

None

Singapore

Prescribed
guidelines by
Singapore Civil
Defense Force,
Internal Security
Dept., Police Force
and Building
Control Act (BCA)
(minimum)

SS CP 2, 10 & 19 (in BCA)

(mandatory)

BCA (mandatory)

URA Master Plan (mandatory)

NEA codes of practice:

environmental health,
pollution control, legionella
bacteria, & piped drinking
water sample (mandatory)

SS CP 20, 45, & 79,

98, 473, 506, 508,
510, 531, 536, &
537, MOM code of
practice on heights,
risk management
(minimum)

Chinese

None

Included in Building Act

Building Act, and Seismic Design

National Park Law, Urban Renewal

Act, Urban Road Act, New Town

Environmental laws are also

integrated into zoning, like

In Building Codes

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Security

Taipei

Fire

Structural

15

Location, Siting, Zoning

Environment

Safety

(mandatory)

Standards (mandatory)

Development Act, Regulation on

Land Use Control and Buildings in
New Towns, Regional Planning Act
(mandatory)

waste water, waste disposal,

carbon emissions, air
pollution etc. All are managed
by Environmental Department
(mandatory)

(mandatory)

Thailand

Unsure

Fire requirement included in

Building Control Act, and
Ministerial Regulation on
Structural Design
(mandatory)

Ministerial Regulation on Structural

Design, Building Control Act (1979),
Engineering Institute of Thailand
Standards, IBC, and ACI 318 Building
Code Requirements (All in Thai except
ACI 381) (mandatory)

Ministerial regulation on open space,

boundary and building interval
(mandatory)

Environment Quality
Promotion and Preservation
Act (mandatory)

None

United
States

Codes by GSA and

DOD (Only for
Federal)

IFC, NFPA 1 (mandatory if

implemented)

IBC, NFPA 5000 (mandatory if

implemented), ACI, ASI (minimum)

IZC, IWUIC, EPA Brownfield

Recovery Act, EPA Smart Growth,
NPDES, Dredge and Fill Activities,
SuperFund, and various EPA
regulations (mandatory); zoning is
generally the responsibility of
jurisdictions

Analyzed with zoning as EPA

environmental regulations
affect zoning (EPA
regulations mostly
mandatory)

Included in fire and

security (mandatory)

Vietnam

None

Part of Vietnam Building

Code (mandatory)

Part of Vietnam Building Code

(mandatory)

Vietnam Building Code. Regional

and Urban Planning and Rural
Residential Planning (mandatory)

National technical regulations

on effluents of natural rubber
processing industry, on
emission of health care solid
waste incinerators, on the
allowable limits of heavy
metals in the soils, on the
effluents of aquatic products
processing industry, on
pesticide residue in soils on
hazardous waste thresholds,
on industrial emissions of
inorganic substances and
dusts, on emission of thermal
power industry

Dwellings and Public

Buildings Occupational Health
and Safety, National
Technical Regulation
on Noise, National
Technical Regulation
on Vibration
(mandatory)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

16

Table 2

Status of Green Building Codes in APEC Economies

Economy

Green Code/Rating
System

Green Features in
Mandatory Code

Implementation
Status

Evolution

Code is Part of
National Building
Code System

Australia

No code. Green Star is the

rating system.

No

Voluntary

Green Building Council of Australia administers Green Star. Inputs

and suggestions from stakeholders and general public are
administered by Green Star Review Committee. Standards are
adopted from various Australian and Australia/New Zealand
Standards, and the environmental acts and regulations of the
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities.

No

Brunei
Darussalam

Green Building Initiative

Per website, may become

national code

Still at implementation stage

Just started; no details provided.

No

Canada

No code. BOMA BESt,

BREEAM, CSA, LEED,
EnerGuide, GreenGlobe
are rating systems.

No

Mostly voluntary, however,

NBC has included similar
standards in NBC

LEED and BOMA BESt managed by their respective non-profit

organizations.

Separate green building

code not on the radar
but code has many of
green features.

Chile

No code.

No

N/A

Development of different standards addressing sustainability issues

in the built environment is notes. Important efforts on EE.

No.

Peoples
Republic of
China

JGJ/T229-2010 (green
design for civil buildings)

Green features are in

hundreds of codes.

Mandatory.

Not sure.

Yes.

Hong Kong,
China

No code. CEPAS and

BEAM Plus are rating
systems.

No

Voluntary at this time. CEPAS

is maintained by the Buildings
Department and BEAM is
private and nonprofit

CEPAS is maintained and managed by the Buildings Department. It

does not set a timeline for updates and is generally not enforced.
BEAM Plus is maintained by the Green Building Council of Hong
Kong. BEAM follows the concept of BREEAM closely but is
implemented like LEED.

No

Indonesia

No code. GREENSHIP is
rating system.

No

Voluntary and run by private

sector

Developed by private sector entirely. administered by Green Building

Council of Indonesia.

No

Japan

No code. CASEBEE is
nationally accepted rating
system.

No

Voluntary and run by private

sector.

Developed and administered by Japan Green Building Council.

No

Republic of
Korea

No code.

Most green standards and

features are in the Building
Act. The GBCS rating
system somehow enforces
features in the Act. The
minimum rating is
considered mandatory.

Enforced. Standards are part

of the national building code.

Enforced by the Building Act, and thus the Building Planning

Division enforces the Act and GBCS. The Korean Agency for
Technology and Standards maintains and updates the GBCS
standards (they are also involved in NBC too).

Green standards are but

GBCS is not.

Green Building
Certification System
(GBCS) is mandatory and
enforced. It is a rating
system.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Green Code/Rating
System

Green Features in
Mandatory Code

Implementation
Status

17

Evolution

Code is Part of
National Building
Code System

Malaysia

No code, Currently exist

1rating systems, the Green
Building Index nongovernment);The
government under
Ministry of Works
(MOW) is in the midst of
developing another green
building assessment
system.

Incentives provided by
Green Technology
Initiatives

GBI: Initial document checks

and followed by on-site
verification; Green
Technology Initiatives:

GBI: Committee with members from industry, academia and

government. GBI is maintained by Malaysian Green Building
Confederation (MGBC)

Partially

Mexico

No code. Standards and

standards address
sustainability in the built
environment.

The complementary
technical standards of the
Mexico City Building
Code address aspects of
sustainability (water and
energy efficiency).

A national green code may be

developed.

N.A

Not at this time.

New Zealand

No code. Green Star of

New Zealand is the rating
system

No

Voluntary

Green Star is administered by Green Building Council of New

Zealand.

No

Peru

No code or rating system.

No

N/A

N/A

N/A

Philippines

No code, but government

has plans to develop one.
No rating system.

No

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

Singapore

The Green Mark rating

system is administered
like a code. Some aspects
of the system are
enforced.

Part of the rating system is

mandatory, even though
Green Mark is not a code.

Enforced at minimum level

with incentives.

Green Mark is administered by the Building and Construction

Authority of Singapore. It has a separate department that maintains
and updates the requirements in the rating system. The same
department also enforces the rating system on all buildings in the
economy (i.e. its enforced like a code, even though its a rating
system).

No

Chinese Taipei

No mandatory code. The

Green Building Promotion
program promotes Green
Building Labels.

No

Developed by the Ministry of

Interior, and Building
Research Institute

Building Promotion program provides the education and workshop on

how to implement green building standards (includes Green Building
Label), while the Ministry of Interiors Building Department
implements the Label. Building Research Institute updates and
maintains the standards.

No

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

Economy

Green Code/Rating
System

Green Features in
Mandatory Code

Implementation
Status

18

Evolution

Code is Part of
National Building
Code System

Thailand

No mandatory code.
Rating system is the Thai
Rating of Energy and
Environmental
Sustainability

No.

Launched in December 2012.

Maintained by private sector, the Thai Rating of Energy and

Environmental Sustainability

No.

United States

IgCC and ASHRAE 189.1

Some green features are

also in model codes
(energy and water
efficiency)

5 states have adopted the IgCC

statewide as a compliance
pathway for their green
requirements, 3 other states
have jurisdictions that have
adopted parts or all of the
IgCC as their green code or
compliance path

IgCC administered by International Code Council while ASHRAE

189.1 administered by the American Society for Heating,
Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers.

Some green building

features are in model
codes.

Privately developed by the Vietnam Green Building Council. Yet to

be launched.

No.

DoD uses parts of ASHRAE

189.1, but not all.
Vietnam

No code. Rating system is

LOTUS, administered
privately by Vietnam
Green Building Council.

No, even though energy

conservation and indoor air
quality might be in the
national code.

Not yet released but will be

this year.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

19

Table 3

Status of Mandatory Building Codes in APEC Economies

Green Features
Economy
Australia

Brunei
Darussalam

Reference
Standards

National
Construction
Code (NCC),
and comprising
the Building
Code of
Australia
(Volumes 1 and
2), and the
Plumbing Code
of Australia
(Volume 3)

Four levels:
Objectives and
Functional
Statements
providing
guidance; and
Performance
Requirements and
Buildings
Solutions
(deemed-to-satisfy
solutions and
alternative
solutions) for
compliance.

Mainly AS,
AS/NZS and ISO,
selective
European,
American and
British Standards

Town and
Country
Planning
(Development
Control)

All except lowrise

Brunei Standards,
ISO/IEC
Standards, and
PBD

None

Green Building Initiative is

launched by the government and
the BCD seems to be an
extremely important authority to
implement green features and
green codes.

None at this time.

The Construction Planning and

Research Unit of the Ministry of
Development is the main developer and
enforcer. The unit also conducts
inspections alongside a private sector
Qualified Person and issues permits.
No timeline to update codes.

Loading and
strength
requirements, plus
house, small
buildings, large
buildings,
complex
buildings, and
onsite sewerage
systems

Standards from
Canada and USA
mainly: Such as
CSA, UL,
Canadian Wood
Council etc.

Indoor air quality,

noise reduction,
hazardous materials
containment, view of
the outdoors, water
and sewerage
protection of
buildings,
conservation of
resources, water, and
energy, and
environmental
integrity

Codes involving the CCC and

Commission on Building and
Fire Codes must include the
features. For privately developed
codes, the codes and standards
organizations have to include
themselves. Provincial and
territorial governments may
include green features in their
codes.

Most green features have

been in most mandatory
codes since 2000. More will
be included in future
editions.

The Canadian Codes Center of the

National Research Council of Canada
publishes and maintains six national
model construction codes on behalf of
the Canadian Commission on Building
and Fire Codes. The four codes relevant
to this project include the National
Building Code, the National Fire Code,
the National Plumbing Code, and the
National Energy Code. The Canadian
Commission on Building and Fire
Codes is responsible for accepting,
reviewing, amending and rejecting
requests for code change.

Code

Coverage
Energy efficiency;
Health and Amenity
Water and energy
efficiency relating to
plumbing work and
new building work
are included in the
NCC.

National
Building Codes

Building Code of Australia is

involved for all national code.
Australian National Standards
develops standards for green
buildings. Green Building
Council develops green building
rating system.

Water and energy efficiency

are the only green features
included in the NCC.

(Details in Table 4)

NCC is developed as a model code by

the Australian Building Code Board
(ABCB), Standards are developed and
administered predominantly by
Standards Australia, Building
Regulatory and Enforcement Power is a
State and Territory responsibility,
technical committee.
Members are mainly from various trade
associations, professional
organizations, government, and
scientific/research agencies.

Green Building
Council of Australia
has taken on the task
to develop green
building rating
system in Australia

Building
Control Act
Canada

Actors

Development
Timeline

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement

Buildings
Covered

Canada has many privately

developed green building rating
systems (these are not codes).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

20

Green Features
Economy

Code

Buildings
Covered

Reference
Standards

Coverage

Actors

Development
Timeline

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement
(Details in Table 4)

Chile

National
building codeGeneral Law of
Urban Planning
and
Construction

Housing and
commercial

Mainly Normas
Chilenas INN

Standards addressing
aspects of
sustainability (energy
efficiency)

Energy efficiency and other

sustainable aspects in the built
environment are incorporated in
the technical standards.

N/A

Code adoption is local through regional

secretariat ministries. The Ministry of
Housing and Urban Development
supervises laws, regulations,
administrative and technical
requirements for construction and
urbanization and interprets provisions
of land zoning tools.

Peoples
Republic of
China

National
Construction
Law leading to
development of
many codes (45
for structures
and hundreds of
building codes)

Building uses,
height etc.

Standards are not

referenced but
incorporated
directly into the
documents

Energy efficiency,
water efficiency,
waste management,
lighting, light
pollution have been
integrated into
existing codes.

Centrally by the Ministry.

N.A.

See Table 4.

Hong Kong,
China

Building
Ordinance and
Buildings
Dept.s codes
of practice

Building use

BS, AS/NZS, JIS,

American
Standards, EU
standards, Chinese
standards

None

Mostly government, but private

sector and professional orgs
have been developing and
promoting rating systems. One
of the few economies where a
government green rating system
runs hand in hand with a
privately run rating system.

Government green building

rating has existed since
2004, and the private rating
system since 2008.

Enforced and administered by the

Buildings Department. There are only
four divisions in the department.

Indonesia

Law 28, Law

29, Regulation
36, Regulation
76, Land and
building control
are integrated
(mandatory)

Building use

National Standards
Institute

Environmental
protection and
requirements are
integrated into Law
29 (land planning)
and thus are part of
the building
regulatory control
system

At this time, no government

effort to develop green codes
and standards. Private sector
(Green Building Institute of
Indonesia) has a rating system
called GREENSHIP.

N.A.

Laws by the central government are

passed by the parliament, and enforced
in all central government jurisdictions.
The central government also passes
laws for regional governments, and
assists them in developing codes, even
though regional and local governments
tend to develop their own codes.
Regional and local codes mostly
contain punishment and payment
information, rarely technical
information. The authority handling the
law is the Building Department.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

21

Green Features
Economy

Code

Buildings
Covered

Reference
Standards

Coverage

Actors

Development
Timeline

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement
(Details in Table 4)

Japan

Building
Standard Law

All buildings
except low-rise
residential

AIJ standards,
guidelines, and
specifications, and
JCI guidelines,
specifications and
manuals

Indoor air quality

The government introduces

indoor air quality law and
energy efficiency into code.
Light pollution and
environmental impacts are
enforced by other ministries.
CASEBEE is maintained and
administered by the private
sector.

See CASEBEE history.

Building Standard Law Enforcement

Order by the Minister of Land,
Infrastructure, and transport, and
ordinances of municipal governments.
Both laws are applicable throughout
Japan. The Japan Housing Loan
Corporation and building officials
designated by the Building Standard
Law enforce the law. Building
engineers are also obligated to ensure
code compliance.

Republic of
Korea

Building Act

By building use

Korean Standards

Energy efficiency,
energy saving,
treatment of
rainwater, protection
of water quality,
waste reuse and
recycling, and indoor
air quality.

By the Ministry of Land,

Transport and Maritimes task
force or committee. The
Building Planning Division
(BPD) will develop regulations.
Most green features are in
building regulations. BPD also
runs a green rating system. Some
mandatory green features in
codes are also in the rating
system.

Green features have been

included in the codes since
2008 . They were introduced
by BPD through research
projects (mainly through
universities).

The Building Act and amendments

thereto are passed by the Congress and
Senate for approval by the President.
The Ministry of Land, Transport, and
Maritime Affairs Building Planning
Division makes the Act implementable
and establishes enforcement decrees.
The Division also manages, updates,
and enforces the Act throughout the
entire economy. Each local government
is required to enforce the code and to
ensure that local ordinances conform to
the Act.

Enforcement
Decree of the
Framework Act
on the
Construction
Industry
Enforcement
Decree of the
Building Act

With Canada has the

most green features
in regulations and
codes. The only other
economy with a
government green
rating system that
includes all green
features in
regulations.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

22

Green Features
Economy
Malaysia

Code
Street,
Drainage and
Building Act
(1974);
Uniform
Building
Bylaws (1984);
Building
(Federal
Territory of
Kuala Lumpur)
Bylaws 1985
(mandatory),
Occupational
Safety and
Health Act
(1994), Solid
Waste and
Public
Cleansing
Management
Act 2007(Act
672)
Dept. of
Standards
Malaysia
through
Industry
Standards
Committee on
Building,
Construction
and Civil
Engineering,
ISC D has
develops 357
MS where 20
MS has been
made
mandatory and
referred in the
acts.

Buildings
Covered
Building use
(excludes low-rise
up to three stories)

Reference
Standards
Malaysian
Standards (MS),
and other
standards that
adopted from
USA, Australia,
Canada,
Singapore, and
Japan.

Coverage

Actors

Part of Malaysian
Standards (MS) but
excluded from ISC
D,, the Ministry of
Works, CIDB Green
Technology
Initiatives

Code is controlled by
governments and green features
have to be introduced by
government.
Rating system is privately run by
the Malaysian Green Building
Confederation.
Malaysia Standards (MS)
recently developed a lot of green
standards such as energy
efficiency.

Development
Timeline
Green Building tool first
developed in Malaysia in
2009 through engagement
with key stakeholders in the
industry.

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement
(Details in Table 4)

Malaysian Standard (MS) are

developed by Dept. of Standards
Malaysia but enforced by relevant
departments under respective ministries
e.g. Department of Local Government
under Ministry of Local Government
and Housing, Department of
Environment under MOSTI, Energy
Commission under KeTTHA and
Construction Industry Development
Board (CIDB) of the Ministry of
Works. Standards are updated by
Industry Standards Committees (ISCs)
and relevant ministries.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

23

Green Features
Economy

Code

Buildings
Covered

Reference
Standards

Coverage

Actors

Development
Timeline

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement
(Details in Table 4)

Mexico

Most code
development is
for Mexico
City, the capital
and largest city.
Cities and
municipalities
of different
sizes and in
regions with
distinct hazards
have codes but
usually just
adapt or simply
copy the
Mexico City
building code
(2004).

All building types

Mandatory normas
oficiales
Mexicanas (NOM)
and normas
Meicanas (NXM)
which are
available for
voluntary
adoption.

Green aspects are

addressed through
the standards and
standards available in
the MCBCs
complementary
technical standards.

A green code may be developed.

Various standards and standards
address aspects of sustainability,
especially energy efficiency.

N.A

Jurisdictional authorities enforce

building code provisions. There are
local systems for the enforcement of
general building codes in place, with
some third party involvement through
auxiliary, nongovernmental entities that
confirm compliance with building
codes.

New
Zealand

Building Code
of NZ

Building use
(excludes low-rise
residential)

Mostly AS and
AS/NZS, with
some European,
American and
British Standards

Energy efficiency,
hazardous wastes,
waste treatment,
indoor air quality,
and noise pollution

The building code has provisions

for energy efficiency, hazardous
wastes, waste treatment, indoor
air quality, and noise pollution.
These are inserted into the codes
by the Building and Housing
Department.

Green features have been in

the codes since 2005
through various acts by the
central government. These
features are continuously
updated by the Building and
Housing Department.

Department of Building and Housing

develops and enforces the code that is
translated from Building Control Act
passed by the parliament. The BCA
scheme requires that any territorial
authority or regional authority/council
that carries out building consent,
inspection and approval work be
accredited (International Accreditation
New Zealand) against the standards and
criteria in the Building (Accreditation
of Building Consent Authorities)
Regulations 2006. The council must
then be registered by the Department of
Building and Housing against the
standards and criteria in the Building
(Registration of Building Consent
Authorities) Regulations 2007.

Green Star New Zealand, a

building rating system, is
maintained by the private Green
Building Council.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

24

Green Features
Economy

Code

Buildings
Covered

Reference
Standards

Coverage

Actors

Development
Timeline

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement
(Details in Table 4)

Peru

National
Construction
Code
(Reglamento
Nacional de
Edificaciones)
(RNE)

Residential and
commercial

Technical
standards in the
RNE are
developed and/or
updated by the
vice ministries of
housing and
urbanization and
of construction
and sanitation.
Voluntary
standards are
developed by
Peru's national
institute for the
defense of
competition and
the protection of
intellectual
property
(INDECOPI)

Standards addressing
aspects of
sustainability, such as
energy efficiency.

N/A

Energy efficiency is an
important element of green
features in the Building
Code. There are plans to
include more sustainable
features in National Code.

The Ministry of Housing, Construction

and Sanitation approves and issues the
RNE. As the national governing body,
the Ministry is in charge of designing,
regulating and implementing policy for
national housing, urban planning,
construction and sanitation.
Municipalities are responsible for
enforcement and use municipal
technical inspectors.

Philippines

National
Building Code
of Philippines

All building types

but low-rise.

ASTM
International for
Concrete, ACI
Standards for
Concrete,
Philippines
National Standards
(PNS)

APEC document
states that energy
efficiency is included
but it is not found in
actual code

Government is planning to
introduce green building code.
Some local governments have
ordinances requiring green
features in homes. Codes are not
yet green.

Bills still in Senate for

debate.

The code is converted from act (passed

by the Senate and House) and enforced
by the Department of Public Works,
Transportation and Communication.
All municipalities with an income of
more than Peso 2.99 million must
comply with the code. Enforcement is
conducted by local municipalities, with
low income municipalities assisted by
the government.

Singapore

Building
Control Act

Building use
(residential lowrise, private
residential highrise, public
residential (all
high-rise),
commercial,
industrial, and
others

BS, AS/NZS, JIS,

American
Standards, EU
standards, Chinese
standards

Most green building

features if you
consider the use of
green building rating
system is now
mandatory.

Ministry of National
Development will be responsible
for green plans, and the BCA
for regulations and standards.
BCA may also opt to use
Singapore Standards.

Green Mark has been around

since 2004, and has been
updated five times. It is a
quasi-regulation, since it is
mandated at the minimum
rating, but higher rating is
not required.,

Building Control Act passed by

parliament is passed to Ministry of
National Development and made
implementable by the Building and
Construction Authority (BCA). Only
the BCA drafts and enforces the law.

BCA administers Green Mark,

the rating system.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

25

Green Features
Economy
Chinese
Taipei

Thailand

Code
Building Act

Buildings
Covered

Reference
Standards

By building use

Chinese National
Standards

Construction
Industry Act

Building
Control Act

Building use and

size

Building
Inspection
Regulation
Energy
Promotion Act

United
States

IBCC or any
local codes

Building use

Coverage

Development
Timeline

Actors

Building energy
efficiency, green
outdoor space,
pollution reduction,
and use of
environmentally
friendly products

The Ministry of the Interior and

CPA decide to include green
features in code. Only energy
efficiency has been included in
the regulations.

Thailand
Standards Institute
and relevant
standards of
ASTM
International,
Uniform Building
Code, American
Concrete Institute,
and standard
institutions around
the world.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is mandatory

and part there is a mandatory
energy efficiency code.
Regulations are the sole
responsibility of the Department
of Public Works, the City
Planning Building Control
Bureau. Thus any green features
must be introduced by the
government.

Over 200 codes

and standards
developing
organizations

Energy efficiency

(Details in Table 4)

N.A.

Acts are passed by Congress and

Senate for approval by the President. to
The Construction and Planning Agency
of the Ministry of Interior then makes it
implementable. The agency also
manages, updates, and enforces the
Act. Municipalities enforce the Central
Administration Act.

Not much information

available at this time.

Acts of the Federal government are

passed to ministries, which make them
implementable. The Building Control
Act (1979) and the Building Inspection
Regulation are administered by the
Ministry of Interiors Department of
Public Works and by the Town and
City Plannings Building Control
Bureau. The Act is only enforced in the
Bangkok Metropolitan Area and
districts under the Thailand Provisional
Authority. Other provinces implement
and enforce their own codes.

Depends on the codes and

standards developing
organization.

There is no national building code.

Responsibility for development,
management, and enforcement of
building codes resides with authorities
in individual jurisdictions, including
states, counties, and cities. In each
jurisdiction, a building code becomes
mandatory only when formally enacted
by authorities, via laws, ordinances,
regulations, or administrative orders.
Building code adoption and enactment
processes vary widely among
jurisdictions.

The green rating system is

owned and operated by the
Ministry of the Interior through
the Building Research Institute.

Thai Green Building Institute

(private), launched Thai Rating
of Energy and Environmental
Sustainability (TREE) in 2012.
Codes and standards developing
organization, and jurisdictions
that enforce codes.

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

26

Green Features
Economy
Vietnam

Code
Vietnam
Building Code

Buildings
Covered
Building use

Reference
Standards
Vietnam
Standards, and
national/local
technical standards
are issued by the
Vietnam Standards
and Quality
Institute
(Directorate for
Standards,
Metrology and
Quality
(STAMEQ).
International
Standards and
codes are also
referenced.

Coverage
Energy efficiency

Actors
Government as the only green
building rating system will be
introduced by the government.
Most decisions are by the MOC
and other ministries.

Development
Timeline
Green building rating system
is relatively new and has not
gone online.

Adoption, Evolution,
Enforcement
(Details in Table 4)

The Central Government develops

regulations through the Ministry of
Construction using construction control
decrees. The Ministry works with other
ministries as permits also require
compliance with the regulations of
those ministries. Provincial Peoples
Committees enforce regulations. The
committees engage building officials,
issue building permits, and develop
regional technical regulations.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

27

Table 4

Regulatory Frameworks in APEC Economies

National Code
Development

Enforcement of
National Codes

Status of Criteria

Roles of Public/Private
Sector

Actors in
Development

Australia
NCC Series (NCC), comprising
the Building Code of Australia
and the Plumbing Code of
Australia, is developed and
maintained by Australian
Building Codes Board (ABCB)
on behalf of Australian
Government and State and
Territorial Governmentsthe
Building Ministers Forum
(BMF). The NCC is updated
every year.

Performance based code, which

references standards as deemed-tosatisfy building solutions.

All 3 levels of government and

industry are represented on the
Board of the ABCB. The private
sector also contributes to the
development by participating in
technical committees and through
public consultation processes.
Standards Australia (SA), a
private entity, develops and
maintains standards; however, the
NCC makes provision for
referencing non-SA referenced
standards.

Commonwealth, State and

Territory Governments, industry
and special interest stakeholder
groups.

BCD, through a Qualified Person

(an architect or engineer). Centrally
managed by BCD, with one section
updating Act and the other enforcing
it.

Mostly prescriptive, but some cited

standards (structural and fire) are
performance. Outcome base are also
included in the Act for fire and
structural.

BCD develops and coordinates

most development works. Private
sector participates in development
of act and standards. Brunei
Standards is a government
agency, and the private sector is
involved in developing standards.

BCD and private sector.

Provincial governments enforce

code, and though not required to
adopt the national codes, most do.

Mostly prescriptive, but some cited

standards make the codes performance
and outcome-based (especially
structural).

Mandatory codes are maintained

by CCC and Commission on
Building and Fire Codes; the
private sector is involved in
updating. These codes reference
standards from 200+ codes and
standards agencies in Canada,
United States, Europe and Japan.
These standards are mostly
developed by private

Commission on Building and Fire

codes, and CCC. Federal
government passes bills and these
agencies convert bills into codes.

States and Territory Governments

have constitutional authority to
regulate for buildings and have the
capacity to introduce variations to the
NCC. The NCC, as model code, is
referenced in State/Territory building
law.
NCC compliance is a State and
Territory Government responsibility
and is outside the remit of the ABCB
and NCC. Ministerial oversight of
the ABCB and NCC is by the BMF
via a non- binding Intergovernmental
Agreement (IGA). The IGA provides
the strategic and operational
framework under which the ABCB
manages development of the NCC.

Brunei Darussalam
Parliament passed Building
Control Act, while Building
Control Division (BCD) converts
it into implementable document,
and enforces it. The code is solely
the responsibility of the Building
Control Division.

A very small economy so

everything is centrally planned.
Constitutional monarchy means the
role of government is significant.

Canada
Canadas constitution states that
fire safety and plumbing
regulations are the responsibility
of provincial and territorial
governments. Canadian Codes
Center (CCC) (government)
maintains six national
construction codes. Canadian
Commission on Building and Fire
codes is also responsible for

Comments

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

National Code
Development

Enforcement of
National Codes

Status of Criteria

updating codes.

28

Roles of Public/Private
Sector

Actors in
Development

Comments

organizations.

Chile
Through the General Law of
Urban Planning and Construction

Administered and Enforced by the

Ministry of Housing and Urban
Development , and Local level.
Directions of Municipal Works.

Mostly prescriptive

The Ministry of Housing and

Urban Development approves
technical standard developed by
the National Institute of
Standardization, and the
regulation of potable water,
sewerage and paving installation.
It can also prepare technical
standards.

Private and public sectors

Enforced at the province and

municipal levels.

Prescriptive at the law level, and

standards define things very clearly,
and specifications detailing what
designers etc need to do. In short,
everything is included and all are
mandatory.

See first column.

All ministries, administrations, and

agencies. Academics and private
sector are heavily involved,
especially nationally owned
companies.

N.A.

Buildings Department is responsible

for enforcing the code on building
safety throughout Hong Kong.
Housing Department conducts their
own site inspection but follows the
same protocol of the Buildings
Department. Electrical and
Mechanical Services Department is
responsible for enforcing codes on
electrical & mechanical safety and
energy efficiency. Fire Services
Department is responsible for
enforcing codes on fire service
requirements.

N.A.

All the codes are administered

and developed by the Buildings
Department, however, other
government agencies may also
develop their own codes and
standards. Hong Kong
government is responsible to
develop Hong Kong standards,
however, most of the standards
used in building are adopted from
various responsible government
departments with reference to s
standards from other sources and
in consultation with the relevant
stakeholders (including the
relevant private sectors).

All relevant government

departments/bureaus, special
interest groups, professional
organizations, trade associations,
academia and private sector, etc..

N.A.

Public Works Department develops

and enforces codes in the jurisdiction

N.A. (Berhasan Indonesian)

Government administers codes

and standards. Indonesian

The Ministry of Industry, Ministry

of Public Works, and

N.A.

Peoples Republic of China

Laws are developed by the
National Peoples Congress, and
codes, design guidelines, and
some standards are developed by
the ministries, and standards by
one of the five agencies under the
Standardization Administration
Hong Kong, China
Various codes relating to building
safety, fire safety, electrical &
mechanical safety and energy
efficiency are developed,
promulgated, updated and
enforced by various responsible
government departments. The
codes contain technical standards
and requirements.

Indonesia
Central government develops
most building codes, but 70% of

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

National Code
Development

Enforcement of
National Codes

municipalities develop their own

as well. Most municipal codes
focus on financial information
(fees). The Ministry of Industry,
Ministry of Public Works, and
Transportation develop codes for
buildings and infrastructure.

of the central government.

Municipalities enforce their own
codes. Acts are enforced by Ministry
of Industry, Ministry of Public
Works, and Transportation through
the Public Works Departments, and
municipalities enforce their own
codes.

Status of Criteria

29

Roles of Public/Private
Sector

Actors in
Development

Standards (SNI) are maintained

by a government agency, the
National Standards Institute. Very
little information on whether
standards development involves
the private sector.

Transportation, Public Works

Department, and municipalities.

Comments

Japan
Minister of Land, Infrastructure,
and Transport develops and
enforce laws. Ordinances of
municipal governments are
required to conform with the
central government laws.

Laws are enforced by municipal

governments.

Cannot comment as many are in

Japanese.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure

and Transport (through building
and infrastructure control
department) develops and
administers codes, Quasigovernment standards agencies
AIJ and JCI rely on the private
sector to develop standards.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure

and Transport, the government, and
private sectors.

BPD requires municipal

governments to align local
regulations with national ones.
Municipal and local governments
enforce codes. All codes are similar.

Mostly prescriptive; structural,

energy, and fire are performance and
outcome based.

BPD is the only authority to

develop national regulations.

BPD and the private sector.

Universities are also heavily
involved, perhaps the most
involved of all the APEC
economies.

Federal government enforces

regulations in its own territory. States
and territories enforce their own
regulations. Local municipals may
also develop and enforce their own
regulations.

Mostly prescriptive, while structural

and other standards are performance
and outcome based.

.Each state, territory, or

municipality enforces its own
regulations. Malaysian Standards
is administered by a quasigovernment agency., Malaysia
relies on relevant standards
developed outside of Malaysia.

Federal government; state

government and local Authority.

Enforcement is local. States and

jurisdictions enforce own regulations.
They may also develop their own

Language is evolving to be
performance based.

Government, academia, private

sector and other stakeholders
work together to develop

Process coordinated by academics

and practitioners aimed directly at

N.A.

Republic of Korea
The Building Planning Division
(BPD) develops and administers
regulations.

Korean Standards are developed

by the Korean Agency for
Technology and Standards, a
government agency. All
applicable foreign standards are
converted into Korean Standards.

Malaysia
The Department of Local
Government under Ministry of
Housing and Local Government
develop and administer building
laws and/or regulations but are
enforced by the respective local
councils or municipals at the state
levels, except Sabah and Sarawak.
Mexico
Most code in Mexico was made
for Mexico City. Cities and
municipalities simply adapt or

Ministry of
Social
Development

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

National Code
Development
just copy the Mexico City
Building Code (MCBC).

Enforcement of
National Codes

Status of Criteria

regulations. A private sector/third

party helps ensure compliance.

30

Roles of Public/Private
Sector

Actors in
Development

Comments

standards and standards.

updating the code.

has tried to
coordinate
model codes.
Progress has
been limited.

Central government is to develop

the Act, and the Building and
Housing Department converts it
into code.

Building and Housing Department.

Very close
relationship
between New
Zealand and
Australia, but
NZ is ahead
of Australia in
integrating
green features
into codes.

New Zealand
Building and Housing
Department maintains and
administers NZ national building
code. Code closely follows the
Building Act.

Building Control Authority (BCA)

accredits and registers enforcers of
building codes. Enforcers can either
be a building control department of a
municipal government or a private
company appointed by the same.
Code is enforced by local
government. The building control
department and personnel enforcing
the code has to be accredited by
BCA.

Mostly prescriptive, while structural

and other standards are performance
and outcome based.

The Ministry of Housing and

Sanitation is responsible for code
administration, which is enforced
through municipalities.
Municipalities enforce code.

Mainly prescriptive.

Government is involved
throughout code development and
enforcement. Private sector
contributes to development
through standards development
committees (voluntary or
mandatory).

Public sector (ministries, regulatory

organizations, municipalities, etc).
Private sector (construction
companies, manufacturers, etc) as
well as the academia, and the
Professional schools (e.g., School
of Engineers and School of
Architects).

Municipalities enforce codes. The

Department of Public Works,
Transportation and Communication
assists low income municipalities
with enforcement. Wealthier
municipalities must adopt the codes,
while poor ones may not.

Mainly prescriptive; standards are

performance based, and guidelines
outcome based.

Government, through the

Department of Public Works,
maintains codes. Philippines
National Standards (PNS) is
maintained by the government.
The private sector is involved in
PNS development and revision.

Department of Public Works,

municipalities building control
departments, and private sectors.

BCA enforces the Act.

Mostly prescriptive with structural,

energy, and fire are performance and

BCA develops regulations and

BCA, with assistance from the two

local universities and external

New Zealand Standards are

administered by a quasigovernment org. Also relies
heavily on standards from
Australia and Britain. Private
sector is heavily involved in the
standards development and
updating.

Peru
The Ministry of Housing,
Construction and Sanitation
approves and issues the
Reglamento Nacional de
Edificaciones (RNE). It designs,
regulates and implements policy
for national housing, urban
planning, construction and
sanitation.
Philippines
Department of Public Works,
Transportation and
Communication develops,
maintains, reviews, and updates
codes.

Singapore
The Building and Construction
Authority (BCA) maintains the

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

National Code
Development

Enforcement of
National Codes

Building Control Act.

Status of Criteria
outcome based.

31

Roles of Public/Private
Sector
acts.

Actors in
Development
consultants.

Spring Singapore, maintains

Singapore Standards. Private
sector is heavily involved in
developing standards.
BCA also develops standards and
guidelines while Singapore relies
on relevants standards from other
sources.
Chinese Taipei
The Construction and Planning
Agency (CPA) of the Ministry of
the Interior develops and
administers the Building Act.

Municipal and local governments are

required to enforce the Act. CPA is
not an enforcement agency for the
Act but for municipal and local
governments.

Mostly prescriptive with structural,

energy, and fire are performance and
outcome based.

CPA develops all acts. Private

sector is very involved as are the
universities.

Mandatory regulations are only

enforced in Metropolitan
Municipality, and the districts under
the Thailand Provisional Authority.
Municipal governments may develop
regulations and acts, but most adopt
the mandatory regulations of the
Department of Public Works.

Mostly prescriptive with structural,

energy, and fire being performance
and outcome based.

See first column.

Local jurisdictions enforce local

codes. GSA and DoD enforce their
codes.

Prescriptive mainly, with performance

and outcome basis for standards.

The US bottom up approach

provides local jurisdictions
mechanisms to develop codes for
enactment. This approach requires
engaging stakeholders in
developing model codes and
voluntary standards for standards
referenced in model codes.

Private and public sector codes and

standards developing organizations,
local building control/dept.
officials, and private sector
professionals.

MOC ensures that codes are applied

Mainly prescriptive, and cite

Central government enacts laws;

MOC and other ministries and the

National standards are

administered by the Bureau of
Standards, Metrology, and
Inspection. Private sector
involvement is prominent.

CPA and the Bureau of Standards,

Metrology, and Inspection. Private
sector and universities are heavily
involved.

Thailand
The Ministry of Interiors
Department of Public Works, and
the City Planning Building
Control Bureau develop and
administer the Building Control
Act. Several ministries are also
involved in drafting and
development.

See first column.

Thailand Standards Institute is a

government agency that develops
and maintains Thai Standards.
Private sector is involved.

United States
Private sector codes and standards
developing orgs develop code.
Enforceable codes by local
jurisdictions, GSA, and DoD.

Vietnam
Ministry of Construction (MOC)

Comments

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |

National Code
Development
administers development of
building codes.

Enforcement of
National Codes
uniformly. Provincial Peoples
Committees enforce code and
develop local national technical
regulations. Local jurisdictions
enforce code

Status of Criteria
international codes and standards.

32

Roles of Public/Private
Sector

Actors in
Development

MOC develops Acts, regulations

and codes, and make sure they are
uniformly enforced. Provincial
Peoples Committees develop
local codes, conduct inspections,
and issue permits.

Provincial Peoples Committee (for

local codes).

Comments

APEC Economy Reports

Australia

1. Synopsis
CODE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Australia takes a centralized approach to building code administration. The Australian Building Codes
Board (ABCB) develops, maintains, and administers the National Construction Code (NCC) on behalf of
the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. While state and territorial governments have
some control over certain codes and regulations, under the Inter-Governmental Agreement the NCC is
mandatory for all of Australia and will prevail over any conflicting codes and regulations that do not
pertain to resource management.
The state and territorial governments are responsible for enforcing the mandatory codes. They maintain
authority to issue building permits and commissioning certificates, but the governments and local
councils often have private sector investigators conduct building inspections and commissioning on
behalf of the government. The Commonwealth and state governments are responsible for incorporating
the private sectors into the inspection process to enhance the productivity of building inspection. The
issuance of permits and certificates is often the responsibility of the states and territorial governments
while city councils engage inspectors and certify projects. Even though NCC can be treated like model
codes (like Canada and the United States), the Australian Commonwealth Governments approach to the
administration and enforcement is more similar to the style of economies in the Pacific Rim. While states
and territorial governments are responsible for introducing codes and regulations that the NCC does not
cover, they are required to use the NCC.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The NCC references mostly the Australian and Australian/New Zealand standards and selective U.S.,
Canadian, and European standards. The ABCB is responsible for identifying and incorporating these
standards into the NCC.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN THROUGH NCC

The Commonwealth and state governments are mainly responsible for introducing green features into the
NCC. These features make their way into the NCC through legislations introduced by the Commonwealth
and state governments. The Commonwealths Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act,
Environment Australias Water Act 2007, Water Amendment Act 2008, Water Amendment Regulations
2010, and Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards Act 2005 are some of the green legislation
incorporated into the NCC. State and territorial governments have also introduced green legislations and

AUSTRALIA

36

programs for their states and territories, such as Victorias Energy Save Initiative Program, and the South
Australias energy efficiency target for government buildings.

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Key Actors and Administration Agency. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) develops and
maintains the National Construction Code (NCC) on behalf of the Commonwealth, state and territory
governments. NCC consists of three volumes. Volumes 1 and 2 are the Building Code of Australia
(BCA), and Volume 3 focuses on plumbing and drainage codes. These are also known as the Plumbing
Code of Australia, or PCA. Volume 1 is applicable to all buildings except housing; Volume 2 is
applicable only to housing.
Application of Codes. The NCC is applicable to all Australian states and territories. It ensures the
consistency and uniformity of codes and sets minimum standards pertaining to the health, safety, amenity,
and sustainability of buildings throughout Australia. The BCA is a uniform set of technical provisions for
the design and construction of buildings and other structures that allows for variations in climate and
geological or geographic conditions in Australia.
Process of Code Adoption. The NCC is given legal effect by the Australian government, and is
enforceable in all states and territories. An Australian governments legislation also prescribes the NCC
as the mandatory and minimum requirements throughout Australia. The legislation consists of an Act of
Parliament and subordinate legislation that empowers the regulation of certain aspects of buildings and
structures, and contains the administrative provisions necessary to give effect to the legislation.
Regional versus Commonwealth Codes. NCC requirements will overwrite other standards stated in the
state or territorial codes. Proposals to change the BCA are subject, as applicable, to a regulatory impact
assessment . The BCA contains the technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and
other structures, covering such matters as structure, fire resistance, access and egress, services and
equipment, and energy efficiency as well as certain aspects of health and amenity.
Regional Requirements in NCC. NCC has provisions specific to the states and territories. These
provisions can be found in the appendices. State governments have also developed regulations and codes
to supplement additional requirements for other building control elements and energy efficiency in their
states.

AUSTRALIA

37

Zoning and Environmental Codes. Zoning and environmental regulations are enforced and administered
by Environment Australia. They are separated from the NCC and other regulations. These regulations are
administered by separate committees.
Time Period for Code Revision. There is no required time period to revise or renew the codes, although
new versions are published about five to six years from the previous versions.
Approval of and Public Comments on Codes. The codes are approved by majority consensus of the
committee members, and the code documents are open to the public for comments regularly.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
There are two types of national standards in Australia, the Australian Standards (AS) and the
Australia/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS). Both are developed by Standards Australia, an agency
affiliated to the Australian government. AS/NZS is jointly developed by Standards Australia and
Standards New Zealand. AS/NZS are common standards adopted by both economies. NCC also
references standards from the United States and Europe, such as the standards from the American Institute
of Steel Construction (AISC), ASTM International, American Refrigerant Institute (ARI), International
Organization for Standardization (ISO,) and the British Standards Institute (BSI).

GREEN FEATURES OF THE MANDATORY LAWS

BCA has requirements pertaining to building energy efficiency design and construction. The requirements
cover energy efficiency of mechanical systems and equipment, faade design, energy modeling,
ventilation, air-conditioning, and energy systems. The PCA also has water efficiency requirements.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
NCC divides buildings into four types, by level of importance:
1. Buildings or structures presenting a low degree of hazard to life and other properties in case of failure
2. Buildings or structures not covered by the descriptions for 1, 3, and 4.
3. Buildings or structures designed to contain a large number of people.
4. Buildings or structures essential to post-disaster recovery or associated with hazardous facilities.

ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION OF NCC

A Council of the Australian Government (COAG), the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is
standards writing body that administers the NCC. As mentioned, the NCC comprises the BCA and the
PCA, which also covers requirements for sanitation. The Board reports to the Australian Government
Minister and state and territory ministers responsible for building regulatory matters (known as the
Building Ministers Forum). It provides a vital link for industry between building and plumbing practice,
and government building and plumbing regulatory policy. Under the Inter-Government Agreement (IGA),
the objectives of the Board are to develop and establish codes and standards; align needs for codes and
standards of each region in Australia; ensure that NCC is performance-based, verifiable, based on
appropriate international standards, and expressed in plain English; and to increase awareness of the
codes and standards.

AUSTRALIA

38

ABCB is a joint initiative between all three levels of the government (Commonwealth, state and
territorial). NCC was established by an IGA signed by the Commonwealth, states and territories in 1994.
The latest IGA was signed by several ministers in 2012. The work of the Board is supported by a
professional, technical, and administrative unit, and the ABCB office. The ABCB has two primary
technical advisory committees, the Building Codes Committee (BCC) and the Plumbing Code Committee
(PCC). These provide a national forum for regulatory authorities and industry to consider technical
matters relevant to building and plumbing regulation reform and are active in assisting the Board in
meeting its obligations.
The BCC is the ABCB's highest level technical advisory body. The BCC is a national forum for
regulatory authorities and industry to consider technical matters relevant to building regulation reform
and assists the Board in meeting its obligations under the COAG Guidelines and the IGA. BCC members
are designated representatives of the following organizations:

ABCB Office (Chair)

A representative of the Australian Government
A representative of each of the state and territory governments
A representative of local government
Australasian Fire Authorities Council
Australian Institute of Architects
Australian Institute of Building
Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
Building Designers Association
Building Products Innovation Council
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Consult Australia (formerly ACEA)
Engineers Australia
Housing Industry Association
Master Builders Australia
Property Council of Australia
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Standards Australia
New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (Formerly Department of
Building and Housing) - (Observer)
Building Research New Zealand Inc - (Observer)

The PCC is the ABCBs peak plumbing technical advisory body. It provides a national forum for
regulatory authorities and industry to consider technical matters relevant to plumbing regulation reform
and assists the Board in meeting its obligations under COAG Guidelines and the IGA. PCC members are
designated representatives of the following organizations:

A senior representative of the ABCB (Chair)

A representative of the Australian Government
A representative of each of the state and territory governments
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association
Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia

AUSTRALIA

39

Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council

Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air-conditioning and Heating
Engineers Australia
Housing Industry Association
Master Builders Australia
Master Plumbers Australia
Plumbing Products Industry Group
Property Council of Australia
Standards Australia

Approval of and Public Comments on Codes. The codes are approved by majority consensus of the
committee members, and the code documents are open to the public for comments regularly.

ENFORCEMENT
The states and territories are expected to adopt NCC, even though some make minor additions to NCC to
suit local conditions. No changes can be made to the NCC. States and territories enforce the building
codes in their own jurisdictions. Building permits and commissioning of buildings are carried out by
departments appointed by the state or territorial government. For example, permitting and commissioning
in Western Australia is administered by the Building Commissioner of Western Australia, while
permitting and commissioning in South Australia is administered by several departments (the Fire
Department, the Housing Department and the Attorney-General Office).
Building inspection and certification is carried by private companies instead of public sector employees.
The privatization of building inspection and certification began in the early 1990s in the states of Victoria
and South Australia. The Commonwealth Government played a critical role in pushing the privatization
of inspection and certification. The push for privatization was a reaction towards local councils nonproactive and monopolistic approach to inspection and certification. The level of authority given to the
private sector inspector differs in the states and Territories (van der Heijden 2009). Public employees of
the designated building control departments are still required to issue certificates and to commission
buildings.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. BCA contains requirements pertinent to electrical installations in buildings. In addition, the
Australian Energy Market Commission administers some of the electrical requirements relevant to
building design and construction. Energy supply to buildings is governed by the National Electricity
Rules (NER) (Australian Energy Market Commission, 2011). The NER governs the installation of
electricity distribution inside a building.

AUSTRALIA

40

Both BCA and NER mandate AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical Installations/Australian Wiring Rules, and
AS/NZS3017:2007 Electrical installations - Verification guidelines. AS/NZS 3000:2007 is the
minimum for electrical installation and works, and AS/NZS3017:2007 sets out the inspection and testing
for a low voltage, multiple earthed neutral electrical installations. These standards also comply with the
safety requirements for the prevention of fire, or a person or livestock from sustaining an electric shock
that can be found in the building fire codes and requirements (also part of the BCA).
Local jurisdictions also enact their own regulations and enforce their own codes of practice. The
Queensland Governments other mandatory requirements include the Electrical Safety Act of 2002 and
the Electrical Code of Safety (Government of Queensland 2012, Electrical Safety Office of Queensland
2010), while the South Australia Government enforces the Energy Product (Safety and Efficiency) Act
2000 (Attorney's General Office of South Australia 2002).
Energy. Building energy efficiency code and requirements are in the NCC/BCA. The BCA contains
requirements for energy efficiency building design, and standards for heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) equipment. In addition, the Commonwealth and state governments have established
minimum energy efficiency standards that affect equipment used in buildings (including HVAC
equipment).
The Commonwealth Governments Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012
regulates the energy efficiency of equipment and appliances used in buildings, such as lighting products,
refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions, compact fluorescent lamps, industrial motors, and airconditioning equipment. Suppliers of these products must register products with one of the E3 Regulators
(Energy Rating of Australia 2012) before products may lawfully be sold in either Australia or New
Zealand. This registration constitutes the formal declaration by the supplier that the product complies with
Energy Rating of Australias Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and the Energy Rating
Labels (ERL) requirements (Australian Government 2012)
The MEPS and ERL programs are mandatory in Australia and New Zealand, enforced as a regulation by
the Commonwealth and all state governments in Australia, and are included in several national
regulations in New Zealand. The technical requirements for MEPS are set out in the respective appliance
standards and referenced in the state governments and New Zealand governments regulations. In
Australia, state government legislation is necessary to enforce the Commonwealth Governments
regulations because the constitution gives the states and territorial governments the responsibility of
managing resources, including energy.
Water and Sanitation. Building codes and requirements pertaining to plumbing and sanitation can be
found in NCC Volume 3, or Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). In addition to the above codes, the
Commonwealth Government establishes regulations and guidelines pertaining to drinking water and
sanitation water treatment.
Environment Australias Water Act 2007, Water Amendment Act 2008, Water Amendment Regulations
2010, Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards Act 2005 establish the water efficiency and use, and
quality standards in buildings, including energy efficiency of faucets and water-consuming fixtures used
in buildings (Environment Australia, 2012).

AUSTRALIA

41

Mechanical Systems. The BCA, GEMS Act 2012, MEPS, and ERL regulate the design and energy
efficiency of mechanical systems. The BCA has incorporated the following mechanical system design
standards:

AS/NZS 1668 (use of ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings)

AS 1668 (use of mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings)
AS 1691 (domestic oil-fired appliances installation)
AS 1735 (lifts, escalators and moving walks)
AS 2665 (smoke/heat venting systems)
AS/NZS 2918 (domestic solid fuel burning appliances)
AS/NZS 3500 (national plumbing and drainage)
AS 3823 (performance of electrical appliances air-conditioners and heat pumps)
AS 4254 (ductwork for air-handling systems in buildings)
ARI 460 (remote mechanical-draft air-cooled refrigerant condensers)
ARI 550/590 (water chilling packages using the vapor compression cycle)
BS 7190 (assessing thermal performance of low-temperature hot water boilers using test rig).

Indoor Air Quality. There is currently no established minimum standard in Australia, but indoor air
quality has been studied extensively in Australia and Environment Australia published Air Toxics and
Indoor Air Quality in Australia State of Knowledge Report in 2001 to set the tone in Australia.
Lighting. The BCA specifies minimum lighting standards. BCA incorporates lighting standards from AS,
AS/NZS and the British Building Regulation 2006. These standards include the AS/NZS 1680 (interior
lighting), AS 2293 (emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings), AS/NZS 4847.2 (selfballasted lamps for general lighting services Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
Requirements), the California Energy Code, and the British Building Regulation 2006 Edition on the
Conservation of fuel and power. In addition, MEPS and ERL are both mandatory for all lighting fixtures
in Australia.
Security. There is no code or requirements for building security in Australia.
Fire. The BCA has fire codes and requirements for buildings. The requirements include the testing of fire
resistance of materials (AS/NZS 1530), fire protection methods against fire hazards (AS 1670 and 1905),
fire protection systems (AS 2118, 2419, 2441, 2665, 2444, and 2665, and AS/NZS 2918 and 3837), fire
prevention methods (AS 3837, 3959, 4072, 4428, and 9705), and fire prevention inspection methods
(AISC 1987).
Structural. Code and requirements pertaining to structural components are in the BCA. These codes
cover design loads, use of materials, design methods, material testing methods, structural design software,
and loading resistance.
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Codes and regulations pertaining to zoning, siting, and the
environment are administered and enforced by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities of the Commonwealth Government of Australia (also known as
Environment Australia). The department is responsible for environment protection, conservation of
biodiversity, monitoring air quality, national fuel quality standards, enforcement of land contamination

AUSTRALIA

42

laws, meteorology, administration of the Australian Antarctic Territory, and the Territory of Heard Island
and McDonald Islands, natural, built and cultural heritage, environmental research, water policy and
resources, ionospheric prediction, coordination of sustainable communities policy, develop population
policy, and planning of the urban environment. The Department also establishes rules for land use in
Australia and various territories, and states develop their land use planning following these rules. More
information can be found on the Department website (Environment Australia 2011).
Samples of such regulations that pertain to green buildings include the Wetland Regulations, the National
Environment Protection Measure administered by the National Environment Protection Council.
Environment Australia also administers resources efficiency and use throughout Australia. As mentioned,
the constitution assigns responsibility for resource administration to individual states and territories and
thus the Commonwealth Government can only encourage states and territories to adopt regulations and
codes. All states have adopted these regulations.
Safety. There is no minimum or mandatory code or requirement on safety in Australia.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Regulations Pertaining to Green Buildings
There is no mandatory green building code in Australia. However, regulations pertaining to energy
efficiency and water efficiency are incorporated in the NCC and thus are already enforced. In addition, all
states have adopted environmental protection regulations and many state have developed additional ones
to supplement those of the Commonwealth Government. Lighting requirements have also been
incorporated into the BCA and are part of the MEPS and ERL regulations. The Commonwealth
Government has also developed plans to regulate carbon emission and future NCC will include carbon
emission. Thus, Australia does not require a separate set of green building codes. Being part of NCC,
these green features are also enforced.

Green Building Rating System

Green Star is Australias voluntary green building rating system neither required by nor endorsed by the
government. It was launched in 2003 by the Green Building Council of Australia (Green Star of Australia
2012). The rating system covers a range of practices for reducing the environmental impact of buildings
and showcases innovation in sustainable building, while considering occupant health and productivity and
cost savings. It scores buildings in nine categories: management, indoor environment quality, energy,
transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, emissions, innovation. The scores translate into "Green
Stars" as follows:

45-59 is a four-star score signifying best practice in environmentally sustainable design and/or
construction

60-74 is five-star score signifying Australian Excellence

75-100 is a six-star score signifying World Leadership.

The rating system covers building in the following categories: education, healthcare, industrial, multi unit
residential, office, office interior, retail center, office design, office as built, interiors, communities, public
building, convention center design, and performance.

Brunei Darussalam

1. Synopsis
Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) is one of several APEC economies that uses building regulations instead of
building codes. Because of the size of its population, Brunei has one central government. Like other
economies of similar size, it enforces only one set of regulations. The regulations pertaining to building
control contain language on penalties and enforcement authorities and cite standards from different
sources. Even though the standards adopted by the regulations are mandatory, they can be replaced by
equivalent standards. For example, if a company is more familiar with the U.S. standards, it can replace
the referenced standards with equivalent U.S. standards.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
The Building Control Act and the Town and Country Planning Development Control Act adopt Brunei
Standards, and various international standards. As mentioned, standards referenced by the regulations can
be replaced by equivalents not referenced by the regulations.

CODE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The respective ministries, through the appointed departments and sections, administer and enforce the
regulations. The Ministry of Developments Construction Planning and Research Unit adopts or develops
standards pertaining to building design and construction. The Unit evaluates different standards and
studies various aspects of standards application and enforcement. It recommends the adoption or develops
standards for various building regulations in Brunei. There is no fixed time period to review or revise the
regulations, and development and revision are often carried out by special committees appointed by the
government. Actual inspection, checking, and enforcement of regulations is carried out by a private sector
inspector called the Qualified Person (QP) and permits and certificates are issued by the Building Control
Division.
In addition to local regulations, Brunei also follows international codes such as the ICCs International
Fire Code, and the World Health Organizations water quality and plumbing guidelines and standards.
The codes adopted from outside are enforced by the ministries handling the scope. The ICC fire code, for
example, is enforced by the Department of Fire and Emergency, and the Ministry of the Environment
enforces WHOs water quality and plumbing guidelines and standards. Adoption of these codes is
determined by the respective ministries.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |

44

PATHWAYS TO GREEN: GOVERNMENT DRIVEN EFFORT

There is no green building code in Brunei and no green features are included in the regulations. However,
the Government of Brunei developed the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Guideline and a
green building rating system. These efforts could lead to the greening of Brunei building regulations in
the future.

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
MINIMUM AND MANDATORY CODES
Bruneis Town and Country Planning Act, Town and Country Planning Development Control Act, the
Master Plan Act, and the Building Control Act are mandatory regulations governing building design and
construction. All are published in Malay.
The Town and Country Planning Act, Town and Country Planning Development Control Act, and the
Master Plan Act are accompanied by planning guidelines and standards for commercial development,
guidelines for planning permission application of land and buildings, and planning guidelines and
standards for earthwork development. The documents provide extensive guidelines and standards on
building design, development planning and construction standards in Brunei.

ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING CONTROL ACT

The Building Control Act regulates construction activities and detail design of buildings. The Act requires
a Qualified Person (QP) to inspect building drawings and documents, and to enforce standards pertaining
to construction. A QP is a qualified architect or engineer who has experience in building design and
construction, who is registered with the Building Control Division of the Ministry of Development, and
who is not affiliated with the Division or the Ministry. The Division enforces the act, and issues building
permits. Permits are issued pending QP approvals of various drawings, documents and plans, and
construction. The QP is fully responsible for any building failures. The Ministrys Construction Planning
and Research Unit adopts or develops standards pertaining to building design and construction. It
evaluates standards, studies aspects of standards application and enforcement, and recommends the
adoption of or develops standards for various building regulations in Brunei.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Brunei has a flexible approach which allows the use of relevant, regardless of source. These standards
include the following:
Brunei Standards
Materials standards fortesting, installation and guidelines of building, materials (steel,
concrete, timber, piles, waters, weld, bricks) and building elements

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |

45

Safety standards forroadway, traffic, timber scaffold, development, quality, safety audit,
safety organization, design guidelines, traffic signboards, joints and connections, formwork
and falsework, drainage work, and earthwork.

ISO/IEC/PBD Standards: 820, 1098, 1324, 2036, 2426, 2457, 3397, 5320, 5334, 6891, 8969,
8970, 9000, 9001, 9002, 9003, 9004, 17025, 9087, 17025, 17046, 60081, 60335, 60884, 60901,
60921, 60929, 61347. These focus on fluorescent lamps, household electrical appliances, wood
flooring, plywood, wood panels, particle boards, timber structures, quality management system,
quality requirements, quality of inspection, and quality assurance.

In addition , the Act also provides guidelines for slope protection, site safety assessment, quality of
workmanship, safety on construction sites, audits methods for laboratory, testing methods for materials,
and building requirements.

GREEN FEATURES OF THE MANDATORY LAWS

There is currently no green feature.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The acts are applicable to all buildings except for low-rise residential.

CODE ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION

The administration of the Building Control Act is the responsibility of the Building Control Division. The
administration of the Town and Country Planning Act, Town and Country Planning Development Control
Act, and the Master Plan Act are the responsibility of the Ministry of Development.
Special committees are established to develop and modify the regulations, with committee members
selected by the ministries. The drafts are then handed over to the ministries to be rewritten into Acts and
the Acts have to be passed by majority in the Parliament. Once the parliament approves the Acts, they are
endorsed by the Sultan of Brunei and handed over the relevant division or department (via the Ministry)
to be converted into regulations.
Time Period for Revisions. There is no fixed time period for the updating of the regulations. It takes time
to draft regulations and for Parliament to pass them. The Building Control Act was last revised in 2002.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |

46

Electrical. Mandatory regulations include the Electrical Act 1973, Electrical Act (Amendment Order)
2002, and Electricity Act (2011) (Department of Electrical Services 1973; Law of Brunei 2011). These
focus on the punishment and enforcement authority rather than the standards to be adopted by the
economy. The required standard in Brunei is the Department of Electrical Services (DES) Guidelines on
Proper Installation and Use of Electrical Wirings (Hab 2011). The guidelines are based on IEE Wiring
Regulations (BS 7671:2001) and incorporate amendments No. 1 & 2 for BS 7671.
Energy. According to a recent APEC study, there is no energy efficiency standard and mandatory energy
efficiency labeling in Brunei. According to a previous APEC report (Compendium of Energy Efficiency
Policies of APEC Economies), Brunei has started to work on an energy efficiency and conservation
guideline (APEC 2010). The goals of the guidelines are as follows:

Promote public awareness and encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and best
practices;

Establish and develop energy efficiency and conservation regulations and guidelines to encourage
energy efficiency and conservation practices;

Improve energy efficiency in the supply, transportation and utilization of energy; and

Develop energy efficiency labeling and standards to encourage procurement of energy-efficient

appliances.

In addition, the Prime Ministers Office also published the nonmandatory Energy Management Guide,
Basic Guide of Energy Audit for Building, and developed the Energy Labeling for Air Conditioners (The
Energy Conservation Center of Japan 2010).
Water and Sanitation. There is no mandatory plumbing standard/code in Brunei. Brunei follows WHO
guidelines, so WHOs Code of Practices for Plumbing is mandatory (World Health Organization 2012).
The Public Works Department (PWD) administers water quality and sanitation standards. Its Water
Services Section administers water quality in accordance with WHO Drinking Water Quality Guidelines
(1993) (Water Department of Brunei 2012). Drainage and Sewerage Services (also part of PWD)
manages the drainage and sewerage including sanitation standards in Brunei. Water facilities and
drainage/sewerage are government operated and no private company is involved.
Mechanical Systems. There is no mandatory code for mechanical systems in Brunei.
Indoor Air Quality. There is no mandatory code for this in Brunei.
Lighting. There is no mandatory code on lighting in Brunei. EE&C (see Energy) contains provisions for
energy efficient lighting but it is not mandatory.
Security. There is no mandatory security code in Brunei.
Fire. According to ABCi (Building Control Department), Brunei follows the Brunei Internal Fire Code
(administered by the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department), and the ICCs International Fire Code. In
addition, the PBD 12 of 1994 contains design standards for fire safety and the DES Electrical Installation
Guidelines (see Electricity) also contain fire design standards for buildings. PBD 12 and DES are not
mandatory.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |

47

Structural. Structural codes and standards are in the Building Control Act. Structural design and
construction codes pertaining to excavation and soil are in the Town and Country Planning Development
Control Act.
Location, Siting, and Zoning and the Environment. Location, siting, and zoning are governed by the
Town and Country Planning Act (Development Control) and the National Land Use Master Plan (Tahan
Government 2010). These have incorporated various environmental protection and economic policies.
The Master Plan provides the overall development plan; detailed plans include district, local, and regional
plans. The plans dictate land use. The Development Control Act contains structural codes and
requirements for buildings (as mentioned before).
Environmental regulations are administered by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation.
The Environmental Order is an act and regulation that aims to minimize the environmental impact of
human activities. It has provisions for (1) operational control of the activities listed in the scheduled
premises (scheduled premises); (2) air pollution control; (3) water pollution control; (4) control of soil
pollution; (5) control of noise; (6) control of hazardous substances and hazardous waste as listed
(schedule waste); (7) Management and conservation of resources (renewable resources); (8) Control of
environmental pollution such as provisions to prepare a report assessing the impact on the environment,
implementing its own pollution monitoring (self-monitoring) for selected industries and other; (9)
Establishment of the Council on Environmental Quality; (10) preliminary environmental impact
assessment. It also lists prescribed activities that are expected to have an impact on the environment and
for which environment impact assessments are required. Framework legislation has been circulated for
final review by concerned ministries before presentation for approval by the enforcing authorities.
Safety. There is no safety code in Brunei.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

There is currently no green building code in Brunei. There is also no attempt to include green features in
the minimum and mandatory codes.

Green Building Rating System

The Ministry of Development launched the Green Building Initiatives (GBI) in March 2012. At the time
of this writing, there is neither an active website on this initiative nor any information available from any
other sources. On the basis of the government website, one can infer that GBI will likely be administered
by the Ministry of Development and will likely adopt standards from Green Mark of Singapore and the
USGBC LEED.

Canada

1. Synopsis
GOVERNMENT-LED DEVELOPMENT OF MODEL BUILDING CODES
Canadas national building code is based on six national model construction codes developed by the
Canadian Codes Center. The Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) administers these codes,
accepting, reviewing, amending, and rejecting requests for changes from the public (Government of
Canada 2012). Hearings on change requests take place on a regular basis. The committee consists of
volunteers from academia, industry, and government.
While the model codes are widely adopted by provincial and territorial governments and by local
governments and municipalities, they are not required to enforce them. Local governments and
municipalities are also not required to enforce codes adopted by provincial and territorial governments.
Provincial and territorial governments draft and implement enforceable codes and may also enforce them.
They, along with local governments and municipalities, also issue building permits and certificates. The
building inspection program and building inspectors certification are administered by the provincial and
territorial governments; local governments and municipalities engage qualified inspectors to carry out the
inspections. The inspectors can be public or private employees.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Standards referenceds in codes are developed by the Canadian Standards Agency and various standards
organizations in the United States, such as the American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, and Airconditioning Engineers ( ASHRAE,) and ASTM International.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN
The model codes have a number of green features (e.g., indoor air quality, noise reduction, containment
of hazardous materials, day lighting and outdoor view, water and sewerage protection of buildings,
resource conservation, water conservation, energy conservation, and environmental integrity). The
standing committees administered by the CCBFC incorporate these features into the model codes. Some
green features were previously regulations of the Federal Government of Canada. Some provincial and
territorial governments (e.g. British Columbia and Ontario) have more stringent green codes and
standards.

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50

2. Code Development, Adoption,

Administration and Enforcement
MANDATORY BUILDING CODES
Canadas model building codes consist of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), the National
Fire Code of Canada, the National Plumbing Code of Canada, and the National Energy Code of Canada.
These codes are adopted, modified, and enforced by provincial and territorial governments. Two
organizations of the Federal Governmentthe Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes and the
Canadian Code Centeradminister the model codes.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
References for the national codes are adopted from 30 organizations.1

GREEN FEATURES OF THE MANDATORY LAWS

The four model codes have extensive green features (e.g., indoor air quality, noise reduction, containment
of hazardous materials, daylighting and outdoor view, water and sewerage protection of buildings,
resource conservation, water conservation, energy conservation, and environmental integrity). Some
provincial governments, such as those of British Columbia and Ontario, mandate the use of energyefficient design, high-efficiency toilets, solar hot water-ready homes, and renewable energy.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Building are categorized as follows: house, small buildings, large buildings, complex buildings, and
onsite sewerage systems. Each state, however, categorizes buildings quite differently from the national
model codes. The government of Ontario categorizes them by size (below and above 600 m2), height (3 or
lower), and use.

CODE ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION

Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. The CCBFC was established by the National
Research Council of Canada. It develops and maintains the model building, construction, and fire codes;
oversees the work of standing committees, special purpose committees, and task groups; approves code
documents; and conducts technical revisions. The commissions ten standing committees focus on

1American

Conference of Industrial Hygienists, ANSI, ASHRAE, ASME, American Water Works Association,
Canadian Standards Association, American Society of Safety Engineers, ASTM International, American Wood
Protection Association, Bureau de normalization du Quebec, Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes,
Canadian General Standards Board, Canadian Wood Council, DBR, Fdration Internationale de Natation, Hydronic
Institute, Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Institute of Canada, U.S. Department of Housing and
Development, Home Ventilation Institute, ISO, Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Education, NFPA,
Natural Resources Canada, NSF International, SMACNA, Twin Cities Aviation, UL and UL Canada.

CANADA

51

building and plumbing services, earthquake design, energy efficiency in buildings, environmental
separation, fire protection, hazardous materials and activities, housing and small buildings, structural
design, use and egress, and technical translation and verification. Each is responsible for a code or
sections of a code and related documents, such as user's guides, and advises the CCBFC on technical
issues and recommended changes. The committees meet regularly. The membership of each standing
committee conforms to a matrix that provides for regulatory, industry, and general interest categories as
well as equitable geographical representation. The Technical Translation Verification Committee verifies
the technical accuracy of translations of codes into French.
Canadian Code Center. The CCC provides technical and administrative support to the CCBFC and its
committees.
Provincial and Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes. CCBFC receives advices from the
PTPACC, which consists of representatives from the provincial and territorial ministries that enforce local
building, plumbing, and fire safety regulations.
Model Codes Development and Approval. Model codes are developed by consensus among the
committee members and are subject to regularly conducted public hearings.
Constitutional Requirements. Canadas constitution specifies that provincial and territorial governments
are responsible for fire safety and plumbing regulations. Each government has and enforces its own codes
based on the national models. The CCBFC and the CCC update the codes.
Other Nonnational Codes and Standards. Other national standards and guidelines that are not mandatory
or national models are maintained and updated by private sector codes and standards organizations.
Organizations from Canada referenced in the codes include the Canadian Standards Association (CSA),
Bureau de normalization du Quebec, CCBFC, Canadian General Standards Board, Canadian Wood
Council, Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Institute of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and
UL Canada. In developing standards these organizations follow a process that includes analysis, a
feasibility study, draft documentation, formation of standards committee (usually industry participants
mixed with academia), committee review, correction and revision, public enquiry, vote, second level
review, publication, systematic review, and post systematic review.
The Canadian Standards Association develops model standards to support various industries and covers
standards like basic engineering, building systems, building products, concrete, masonry, structures,
wood, welding and structural metals, and plumbing products and materials. CSA also develops standards
for electrical work, energy, environment and carbon management, healthcare, information technology and
telecommunication, infrastructure and public work, mechanical and industrial equipment, and
occupational health and safety.
Bureau de normalization du Quebec operates an extensive certification program for building products,
and develops and maintains standards related to the building and construction industry (like CSA).
The Canadian General Standards Board is a federal organization that offers client-centered,
comprehensive standards development and conformity assessment services in support of the economic,

CANADA

52

regulatory, procurement, health, safety and environmental interests of government, industry, and
consumers. CGSB also develops standards for the building and construction industry.
The Canadian Wood Council represents manufacturers of wood products used in construction and
develops standards for Canadian wood products.
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Institute of Canada represents more than 1,300
manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors, and provides tools and information necessary to ensure
indoor comfort. It sets the standards for heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning in Canada.
The Department of Natural Resources, operating under the FIP applied title Natural Resources
Canada (NRCan), is responsible for natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, earth
sciences, mapping and remote sensing. It sets standards for resource and energy use and conservation. It
runs programs related to energy use (e.g., Energy Star, Fuel Consumption Guide, renewable energy,
energy policy), mineral mining and production, forest service, groundwater management, climate change,
and natural hazards.

CODE ENFORCEMENT
Provincial and territorial governments adopt the model codes, modify them to suit local requirements, and
supplement them as needed. The government of British Columbia administers and enforces the building
code, plumbing code, fire code, and energy efficient code through its Ministry of Energy, Mines, and
Natural Gass Office of Housing and Construction Standards. The government of Ontario enforces its
codes through its Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. It enforces additional codes on energy
efficiency and glass in guards. The public may comment on these codes online, using a code change form,
and during annual public forums.
Each provincial or territorial government runs its own Building Advisory Council to develop, administer,
and modify codes. The council develops and administers codes and reports to the code administration and
enforcement agencies of the governments. Those agencies review plans, issue certificates, inspect
construction, etc. Building officials in each agency establish policies, enforce the Building Control Act
and coordinate and oversee code enforcement and modification. The agencies also appoint inspectors.
Building codes apply province- or territory-wide, but enforcement is discretionary. The government may
establish a code, and local government may regulate buildings. Local governments may decide if they
want to enforce the code and how to enforce the code. Local governments may use their own building
inspectors or subcontract inspection to private companies.

REVIEW CYCLE
The CCBFC has not established a required review or revision period.

CANADA

53

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. The Canadian Electrical Code, CE code, or CSA C22.1 is a standard published by
the Canadian Standards Association. It pertains to the installation and maintenance of electrical
equipment. Standards for the code are referenced from CSA, American Petroleum Institute, ASME, IEEE,
National Electrical Manufacturers Association, American National Standards Institute, Canadian
Electricity Association, International Electrotechnical Commission, Institute of Petroleum, Instrument
Society of America, ISO, NFPA, National Research Council Canada, UL, UL Canada, and Natural
Resources Canada.
Energy. The National Energy Code for Building sets minimum requirements for building design and
construction. The code is very similar to ASHRAE 90.1 and includes building envelop, lighting, heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning systems, service water heating, electrical power systems and motors, and
building energy performance compliance path. Provincial governments have also developed energy
codes. For example, British Columbia has energy efficiency codes for large residential, industrial,
commercial and institutional buildings, housing and small buildings, and ventilation.
Water and Sanitation. The National Plumbing Code is the model plumbing code. Each provincial and
territorial government modifies the model code, develops additional codes, and develops supplementary
standards on plumbing. For example, the government of British Columbia administers high-efficiency
toilet design standards, solar hot water-ready home standards, water efficiency code, and code pertaining
to the protection of buildings or facilities from water and sewer damage. The government of Ontario has
additional water efficiency standards in its plumbing code.
Water Quality. The Federal Government develops guidelines for drinking water quality managed and
administered by Health Canada, and Federal Environment Canada manages water rights, quality,
pollution, use, sources, and legislation. Environment Canada develops and manages programs, legislation,
regulations, and practices pertaining to groundwater contamination, erosion and sedimentation,
wastewater treatment, acid rain, and wise water use. These set the minimum requirements for water and
sanitation. Each provincial and territorial government also manages and administers its own water quality
program and standards.
Mechanical Systems. The national building code has requirements and standards for mechanical systems.
It includes various Canadian standards and codes, such as CAN/CSA-C260-M90 (rating for the
performance of residential mechanical ventilating equipment), CAN/CSA-B602-05 (mechanical
couplings for drain, waste, and vent pipe and sewer pipe), and B52-05 (mechanical refrigeration code).
The Energy Efficiency Code also has some mechanical system standards.
Indoor Air Quality. The National Building Code references the ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007
(ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality) and CSA International Standard Z204-94 (guideline for
managing indoor air quality in office buildings), or other acceptable standards.

CANADA

54

As mentioned, provincial and territorial governments may not force local governments to enforce the
codes, thus, several have developed specific legislation that deals with local governments reluctance to
enforce indoor air quality requirements. In the absence of such legislation, the "general duty clause"
applies. This clause, common to all Canadian occupational health and safety legislation, states that an
employer must provide a safe and healthy workplace. Thus, making sure the air is of good quality is the
employer's duty.
Lighting. Standards and codes for lighting are embedded in different codes and regulations. All lighting
in Canada must comply with the Federal Energy Efficiency Act 1992. Canada also recognizes the Energy
Policy Act (1992). The Department of Justice enforces the occupational health and safety regulations that
address internal lighting in buildings (Department of Justice Canada 2012). The Ministry of Labour
administers and enforces Part VI - 928-1-IPG-039 (measurement of lighting levels in the work place) of
those regulations.
Security. There is no security code for buildings in Canada, but there are guidelines and standards. These
include those of the Secretariat of the Treasury Board of Canada (operational security standard on
physical security, personnel security standard, operational security standard on readiness levels for federal
government facilities) and of the Public Works and Government Services of Canada (Government
Security Policy). (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 2009)
Fire. The National Fire Code is the model fire code. It addresses safety, health, and fire and structural
protection of buildings. References used in the code are from ANSI, API, ASME, ASTM International,
Standards Council of Canada, Compressed Gas Association, Canadian General Standards Board,
Canadian Standards Association, National Fire Protection Association, National Research Council of
Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada, and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.
Structural. The Standing Committee on Structural Design (SC-SD) recommends requirements for the
national model construction code relating to structural loads and procedures, excavations and foundation
design, design requirements for structural materials (wood, masonry, concrete, steel, aluminum, glass),
and design requirements for special structures (air-supported structures, parking structures). These
provisions are in Part 4 of Division B of the national building code (NBC) and in the codes Structural
Commentaries User's Guide. The committee also

Prepares recommendations for the CCBFC on the technical content of documents in its terms of
reference;

Develops objective versions of the requirements in its terms of reference; and

Advises the CCBFC on

Changes to the scope and application of the NBC and the NFBC and to the SC-SD matrix;
The need for documents ancillary to the NBC and the NFBC and for progeny documents for
subjects not in the scope of the NBC or the NFBC; and
The need for standards to be referenced by the NBC or the NFBC and identifies needed
changes to those standards.

Examples of minimum design standards include CSA A23.3-04 (design of concrete structures),
CAN/CSA-S16-01 (consolidation limit states design of steel structures), CSA S37-01 (antennas, towers
and antenna supporting structures), CSA S304-104 (design of masonry structures), CAN3-S367-M81 (air

CANADA

55

supported structures), CSA S413-07 (parking structures), and CSA S478-95 (guideline on durability in
buildings).
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Zoning bylaws are not a federal matter in Canada. Such laws
are decided at the municipal level and vary from town to town. The Environmental Protection Act 1999
sets the rules for location and siting. The regulations focus on existing and new substances on site,
hazardous wastes, pollution and wastes, government operations on aboriginal lands, and species
protection. Environment Canadas recommendations and regulations on water pollution, erosion and
sedimentation, wastewater, groundwater, water management also affect zoning bylaws in Canada.
The Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, and the Canadian Environmental
Sustainability Indicators also set direction for environmental codes and standards used in national
building codes. Environment Canada also set the regulations and guidelines for wildlife protection,
control of air and land pollutions, pollution prevention, managing and reducing waste, etc. are cited by the
codes and bylaws in different cities. (Environment Canada (b) 2012; Environment Canada (c)

2012).
Safety. There is no code related to safety in Canada.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Green Features and Requirements in Mandatory Codes
The model building codes have the following green features: indoor air quality (ASHRAE 62.1), noise
reduction, containment of hazardous materials, daylighting and outdoor view, water and sewerage
protection of buildings, resource conservation, water conservation, energy conservation, and
environmental integrity. The national energy code (NECBNational Energy Code for Building 2011, and
CSA SB10Supplementary Standard SB10 Energy Efficiency Supplement) establishes the minimum
energy efficiency design and construction of building. The model plumbing code has water efficiency
requirements. Some provincial governments, such as those of British Columbia and Ontario, are
mandating the use of energy efficient design, high efficiency toilets, solar hot water ready home, and the
use of renewable energy.

Green Building Rating System

The voluntary green building rating systems in Canada include

BOMA BEST
Canadian Standards Association BREEAM Canada
Canadian Standards Association Climate Change Buildings and Infrastructure
Green Globes
LEED Canada for New Construction and Major Renovations
Natural Resources Canada ENERGY STAR
EnerGuide
GreenGlobes
R-2000.

Chile

1. Synopsis
NATIONAL APPROACH
Chiles national building code is the General Law of Urban Planning and Construction. It has three levels:

General Law, which contains the principles, functions, powers, faculties, responsibilities,
duties, penalties, and other regulations governing bodies, officials, professionals, and individuals
involved in urban planning, urbanization, and construction.

General Ordinance, which contains the provisions of the law and regulations governing
administrative procedures, urban planning processes, development and construction, and
technical standards of design and construction.

Technical standards, which contain and define the technical characteristics of projects,
materials, and construction and development systems for compliance with standards
required by the General Ordinance.

By decree, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development approves the standard developed by the
National Institute of Standardization (Instituto Nacional de Normalizacin INN), and the regulation for
potable water, sewerage, and paving installations. Standards can also be prepared by the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Development and its departments. Therefore building standards in Chile are mainly
developed by the INN, which is a member of the International Standards Organization (ISO). INN
publishes design criteria in the form of individual standards.

CODE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Code adoption takes place at a local level through regional secretariat ministries. The Ministry of Housing
and Urban Development supervises the laws, regulations, and administrative and technical requirements
for construction and urbanization and interprets the provisions of land zoning tools.
Municipalities implement the code. In each municipality, the departments of municipal works implements
the General Law of Urban Planning and Construction, its general ordinance and technical standards, and
other regulations. These departments have administrative and technical competencies. Compliance with
structural code is verified by reviewers in the Structural Calculation Project. These reviewers are qualified
professionals and certified by governmental offices through private schools and organizations.

CODE INSPECTION
The Department of Municipal Works supervises building and urbanization works executed in the
jurisdiction to verify building occupancy. According to the General Law of Urban Planning and

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58

Construction, builders are responsible for failures, mistakes, or defects in constructionincluding works
by subcontractors and the use of defective materials. Technical inspectors, who are competent
professionals independent of the builder, supervise conformance with construction standards according to
the building permits. Technical inspectors are secondarily liable with the builder.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
Like other economies in the Latin America, Chile has mandatory and voluntary standardssStandards
become mandatory when they are cited or incorporated in a regulation (resolution, decree, or law).
Standards for different sectors, including construction, can be found at the INNs catalogue:

http://www.inn.cl/pdfs/catalogonormas/Catalogo_2012%2012_Diciembre.pdf

GREEN BUILDINGS
Chile has its own building certification system but does not to have a national green construction code. It
has developed energy efficiency standards for the building sector and enjoys broad-based support for
energy efficiency, giving it a unique opportunity to develop a green building code with public and private
sector stakeholders. Identifying gaps in energy efficiency as well as other green aspects (e.g., water
conservation, renewable energy), would help direct attention to the development of a green code.
However, the strengthening of code implementation and enforcement must be considered fundamental to
green building efforts that support Chiles Energy Efficiency Strategy 2020.

2. Building Regulatory System

NATIONAL APPROACH
Chiles national building code is known as the General Law of Urban Planning and Construction.2 It has
three levels as follows:

General Law, which contains the principles, functions, powers, faculties, responsibilities,
duties, penalties, and other regulations governing bodies, officials, professionals, and individuals
involved in urban planning, urbanization, and construction.

General Ordinance, which contains the provisions of the law and regulations governing
administrative procedures, urban planning processes, development and construction, and
technical standards of design and construction.

Technical standards, which contain and define the technical characteristics of projects,
materials, and construction and development systems for compliance with standards
required by the General Ordinance.

D.F.L 458 de 1975 Ley General de Urbanismo y Construcciones- updated by Law 20599, published in the
official paper of June 11 2012. http://www.minvu.cl/opensite_20070404173759.aspx

CHILE

59

A number of engineering professors in Chile are graduates of engineering programs in the United States
and Europe. Chiles Law of Urban Planning and Construction has an influence from international
standards including those of the United States and Europe, as well as local experience.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development proposes to the President modifications of General
Law required to adapt it to the challenges and opportunities of national development. The Ministry also
studies the General Ordinance to keep it in accordance with technological advancement and economic
development. It also works with professional schools and technical experts.
By supreme decree, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development approves the technical standard
developed by the National Institute of Standardization (Instituto Nacional de Normalizacin INN), and
the regulation for potable water, sewerage and paving installations. Standards can also be prepared by the
Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and its departments. Therefore building standards in Chile
are mainly developed by the INN, which is a member of the International Standards Organization (ISO).
INN publishes design criteria in the form of individual standards.

CODE ADOPTION
Code adoption takes place at a local level through regional secretariat ministries. The Ministry of Housing
and Urban Development supervises laws, regulations, administrative and technical requirements for
construction and urbanization and interprets the provisions of land zoning tools.

Commercial BuildingsConstruction Practices

Urban centers include many tall residential and commercial structures made of reinforced concrete
bearing wall systems. Commercial construction is typically cast-in-place concrete or confined masonry
construction. The southern portion of Chile, which has extensive forestation, includes some wood frame
construction. Structural steel construction is typically limited to industrial facilities and long-span
applications such as airport terminals and stadiums. The economy experienced major growth during the
19902010 period and building development during the period was extensive.3

CODE ADMINISTRATION
Municipalities implement the code. In each municipality, the Department of Municipal Works
implements the General Law of Urban Planning and Construction, its general ordinance and its technical
standards, and other regulations. These departments have administrative and technical competencies.4
Some of their main roles in code compliance are as follows:

Approve subdivision of urban and rural premises

Approve development and construction projects
Grant building permits

3 NIST

GCR 12-917-18. Comparison of US and Chilean Building Code Requirements and Seismic Design
Practice 1985-2010. NEHRP Consultants Joint Venture. A partnership of the Applied Technology Council and the
Consortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering. October 2012.
4http://www.nacimiento.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=201

CHILE

60

Supervise construction
Authorize building occupancy
Inspect buildings according to the law and technical standards
Apply environmental regulations related to construction and urbanization.

In general, the departments apply the regulations for construction and development in their jurisdiction.
By law, all municipalities will have a Director of Works, function that must be performed by a
professional with a university degree. In jurisdictions with more than 40,000 inhabitants, this position
must be filled by an architect or civil engineer; in other jurisdictions it may be filled by a general
constructor. The professional filling this position should be a member of the respective professional
school (architecture or engineering). Compliance with structural code is verified by reviewers in the
Structural Calculation Project. These reviewers are qualified professionals and certified by governmental
offices through private schools and organizations.5
The construction, reconstruction, repair, alteration, extension, and demolition of buildings and
development works of any kind, whether urban or rural, requires that the owner request a building permit
from the Department of Municipal Works. The General Ordinance provides for some exceptions. The
building permit requires that an independent structural and seismic reviewer must approve the plans. In
addition, the set of drawings must also be submitted to the building department of the municipality where
the site is located. The documents become public record.

CODE INSPECTION
The Department of Municipal Works supervises buildings and urbanization works in its jurisdiction and
verifies building occupancy. According to the General Law of Urban Planning and Construction, builders
are responsible for failures, mistakes, or defects in construction, including works by subcontractors and
the use of defective materials. Technical inspectors, who are competent professionals independent of the
builder, supervise conformance with construction standards according to building permits. Technical

inspectors are secondarily liable with the builder.

Construction quality is regulated by jurisdictional ordinance, with construction specifications set by the
structural design team in charge of the project following the parameters of the General Law and the
internal standards of the construction companies and external construction inspectors. According to
Overview of Building Codes and Standards in Chile at the Time of the 27 February 2010 Offshore
Maule, Chile Earthquake:
for public projects, the law and the specifications require that public projects have external
independent construction inspection. For a private project, construction inspection is optional
and is dependent on the desires of the owner of the project. However, construction inspection
is becoming a standard for medium to large projects or when the owner of the project is
different from the construction companies in charge of the project. The purpose of external
inspection is to assure the quality of the construction and that the specifications set by the
township, structural engineers and the law are being followed. Structural engineers provide

http://www.geofisica.unam.mx/sismologia/app/webroot/files/ssn/1-SI-48-20110524172257Informe_Final_Completo_130510.pdf

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the drawings and technical specifications of the projects; the drawings and specifications
define and specify the construction materials to be used, the physical properties of the
materials and the geometry of placement. These documents also specify the control that needs
to be applied to ensure compliance. Also, the structural engineers are legally responsible to
visit the construction site on a regular basis to approve the construction by confirming that the
plans and specifications given by them are being followed. Townships regulate the quality of
the construction through specifications of construction set by them; these must be followed by
the construction companies to be able to obtain the township approval of the building. In
addition, each township has officials and inspectors that are in charge of visiting the
construction site typically every 15 days to assure that the specifications of the township and
the law are being followed.6

REFERENCED STANDARDS
All Chilean standards are voluntary. These standards become mandatory when they are cited or
incorporated in a regulation (resolution, decree, or law). Standards for different sectors including
construction can be found at the INNs catalogue:

http://www.inn.cl/pdfs/catalogonormas/Catalogo_2012%2012_Diciembre.pdf

GREEN BUILDINGS
Chile has a certification system supported by (1) a mandatory regulation that increases the base conditionThe Chilean mandatory standards is the building code Ordenanza General de Urbanismo y
Construccion); (2) official energy calculation systems, (3) system regulations (sanitary hot water systems,
refrigeration, etc); and (4) objective information (labeling of equipment, appliances, buildings).7 It does
not yet have a national green construction code but has developed energy efficiency standards for the
building sector. According to the World Bank
in Latin America, in addition to Mexico, Chile seems to be the most proactive country with
regard to building energy efficiency. One of the drivers for developing a BEEC has been that
the use of dirty fuels for heating has had negative impacts on occupants health. In 2000, a
thermal regulation for roofs was enacted, establishing maximum heat transmission values for
each of the seven climatic zones. In 2007,it was extended to the rest of the building envelope
(walls, windows, doors).The regulation is part of the General Ordinance of Urban Planning
and Construction and is mandatory for all new residential buildings and retrofits. It was
developed by the nongovernmental Construction Institute in a collaborative process with
industry, consumer, and expert participation. The standard is considered to be relatively
lenient in comparison to international state of art. Insulation is not even necessary, since brick
masonry construction can satisfy the requirements. Work has started in the development of a
performance standard as an alternative to the prescriptive standard. It will take into account
all factors that influence indoor climate and energy balance of a building. The necessary
software was developed and tested. The Ministry of Energy with its Program Pais de

The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings Struct. Design Tall Spec. Build. 19, 853865
(2010) Published at wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/tal.676
Implementation of Latin Americas First Certification System. APEC Presentation by Chile. Green Buildings
and Green Growth: The Enabling Role of Standards and Trade. Housing and Urban Ministry. Government of Chile.
Washington, D.C., United States 3-4 March 2011.
7

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62

Eficiencia Energetica (PPEE, Program Energy Efficient Country) and in collaboration with
the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism, is supporting the development of a BEE Certification
system for new buildings. Other initiatives under the PPEE include pilot projects subsidizing
the construction of new social housing units that go beyond the BEEC and the energy
efficient housing for which guides have been developed. 8

Chile enjoys broad-based support for energy efficiency, giving it a unique opportunity to develop a green
building code with public and private sector stakeholders. Identifying gaps in energy efficiency as well as
other green aspects (e.g., water conservation, renewable energy), would help direct attention to the
development of a green code. However, the strengthening of code implementation and enforcement must
be considered fundamental to green building efforts that support Chiles Energy Efficiency Strategy 2020.

3. Code Details
The area F in the INNs catalogue relates to basic construction standards and there are several standards
under each category as follows (when the standard uses an international standard as its basis the reference
is highlighted, see examples F.2.1 and NCh 430)
F.1.1 Basic Standards for Construction
F.2.1 General Architectural design
Example: NCh2077:2000
ISO/TR 9527:1994
Building construction-Needs of disabled people in buildings-Design guidelines.
F.2.2 Modular coordination-dimensional requirements
F.2.3 Technical Drawing-Project presentations-Technical Specifications
Examples:

NCh433Earthquake Resistant Design of Building encompasses requirements for calculating

seismic loads for design of structures, comparable to Chapters 11 through 22 of ASCE/SEI 7,
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, in the United States.

NCh430 Reinforced Concrete Design and Analysis Requirements sets the criteria for design and
detailing of reinforced concrete structures, comparable to ACI 318, Building Code Requirements
for Structural Concrete, in the United States.

NCh431 Snow Loading 1977

NCh432 Wind Loading 1971
NCh1537 Dead/Live Loads 1986
NCh427 Design of Steel 1977

World Bank Paper No. 204, Mainstreaming Building Energy Efficiency Codes in Developing Countries. 2010.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

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63

NCh1198 Design of Wood 2006

NCh1928 Design of Reinforced Masonry 2003
NCh2123 Design of Confined Masonry 2003
NCh2369 Earthquake Resistant Design of Industrial Structures and Facilities 2003
NCh2745 Earthquake Resistant Design of Base Isolated Buildings 2003

F.3.2 Soil Mechanics and Foundations

F.3.3 Steel Structures
F.3.4 Masonry structures
F.3.5 Reinforced Concrete Structures
F.3.6 Timber structures
F.3.7 Autoclaved aerated concrete masonry
F.4.1 Acoustic insulation
F.4.2 Thermal Insulation
F.4.3 Humidity
F.4.4 Natural ventilation
F.4.6 Sustainability
F.5.1 Fire prevention
F.5.2 Safety in execution of works - Personal
Protection
F.6.1 Steel and Alloys
F.6.10 Cast iron
F.6.11 Concrete and mortar
F.6.12 Wood
F 6.13 Albuminoidal substances, glues, adhesives
F.6.15 Prefabricated panels
F.6.16 Wood-Plastic
F.6.17 Paints, varnishes and similar
F.6.18 Plastics
F.6.20 Doors, windows and ironmongery
F.6.21 Soil and soil cement
F.6.22 Textiles (for construction)
F.6.23 Glasses
F.6.24 Plaster

F.6.26 Floor Coating

F.6.27 Partitions
F.6.28 Joints
F.6.29 Roofing
F.6.3Asbestos-cement
F.6.30 Masonry walls
F.6.31 Facades
F.6.32 Fiber cement
F.6.33 Asphalt membranes
F.6.4 Asphalt and tar
F.6.6 Rubber
F.6.7 Cement
F.6.8 Pottery (clay)
F.6.9 Copper and copper alloys
F.7 Facilities
F.7.1 Drinking water installations
F.7.2 Sewerage facilities
F.7.3 Electricity and artificial lighting
F.7.4 Gas
F.7.5 Heating, artificial ventilation, air conditioning
F.7.6 Transport (elevators, escalators)
F.7.7 Electrical installations of buildings
F.8.1 Tools
F.8.2Machinery and equipment
F.9 Furniture
F.9.1 Appliances
F.9.2 School furniture
F.9.3 Storage Units

Peoples Republic of China

1. Synopsis
CODE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Construction laws are administered by the Ministry of Construction, while building codes and mandatory
standards are drafted and maintained by multiple parties: the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of
Housing and Urban and Rural Development, the Chinese Academy of Building Research, Ministry of
Health, and Ministry of Environment. The Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of
China (SAC) is authorized by the State Council of China to exercise administrative responsibilities by
undertaking unified management, supervision, and overall coordination of standardization work. Local
governments frequently develop regional codes and mandatory standards, and the SAC also administers
these. Thus, the SAC administers all codes and standards. Codes and mandatory standards are enforced by
local governments and private companies contracted by the governments conduct inspection and testing.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The SAC is authorized by the State Council of China to exercise administrative responsibilities by
undertaking unified management, supervision, and coordination of standardization work in China. The
SAC represents China in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and other standardization organizations. The SAC is responsible for
organizing the activities of the Chinese National Committee for ISO and IEC. It approves and organizes
the implementation of international cooperation and the exchange of projects on standardization.
The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ)a ministerial
department under the State Council and the SACis in charge of national quality, metrology, entry-exit
commodity inspection, entry-exit health quarantine, entry-exit animal and plant quarantine, importexport food safety, certification and accreditation, standardization, as well as administrative law
enforcement.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN
The Code of Green Design for Civil Buildings (JGJ/T229-2010) is the green building code of PRC
(Chinese Academy of Building Research 2010). The code will become mandatory by 2014 on all publicly
owned buildings. Mandatory renovation code will also be required in the future. In addition, China has
implemented mandatory energy efficiency code, and integrated mandatory energy efficiency and
environmental standards in some building codes (SAC 2005; ENR 2013) Green building codes are being
implemented in several municipalities, such as Beijing and Guangzhou. Chongqing municipal
government has also made plans to mandate green building code (KNAUF 2012).

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2. Code Development, Adoption,

and Enforcement
BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEM
The Construction Law of China was established as the Order of the President of the Peoples Republic of
China (Ministry of Commerce, 1998). The Standing Committee approved the act, and the President
passed the order and thus enacted the law. The law outlines the building and construction regulatory
system, including supervisory and inspection procedures, permits issuance procedures, qualifications of
operators, contractual documents and agreements, contracting issues, project supervisory and control,
project safety management, project quality control, legal liability, and supplementary provisions. The
Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development administer the
regulatory system.

Enforcement of Building Laws, Regulations, Codes and Standards

The administration of various laws, regulations, codes, and standards lies with the central government,
and various state and provincial governments. County government at the city or jurisdiction level
conducts inspections and issues permits. The permit to start a project must be obtained from a state
council, and that permit is tied to other permits granted by other authorities (e.g., city planning, land use,
demolition). The individual state or province engages a building control department to administer and
enforce the regulatory system. Laws, regulations, codes, and standards are uniform throughout China. In
addition to states, provinces and councils, other ministries and agency also issue permits and enforce their
laws. Project safety management is enforced and administered by the Ministry of Labor; state councils
enforce rules governing supervisory and control systems and project quality control.

Construction Regulations and Codes Differences between Central

Government and States
The Construction Law requires uniformity in the building control regulatory system; however, the state
councils are tasked to include, administer, and enforce additional regulations and codes pertaining
construction quality, safety, and supervision. Permit and inspection methods are similar even though there
are some differences in regulations and codes.

MANDATORY CODES AND STANDARDS

There are many mandatory codes, standards, and design guidelines covering structural design, fire safety
and protection, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, civil defense basement, energy efficiency,
residential building, public buildings, thermal design, mechanical system, plumbing and sanitation,
drainage system, industrial equipment, noise control, environmental pollution, occupational exposure,
emissions, indoor air quality, and acoustics.
Written like specifications, codes are mandatory and are divided into design, construction, installation,
operation, and test and evaluation. Design codes are mainly prescriptive; codes for construction,

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installation, and operations are mostly performance-oriented, contain specific requirements, and are often
accompanied by compliance guidebooks to assist engineers and designers with compliance. These
guidebooks are also mandatory. Trade-off options are also very regularly used in the codes, especially
those pertaining to green features. Standards consist of mandatory national standards, voluntary national
standards, and national guiding technical documents. Design guidelines are usually developed along with
codes and mandatory standards to help engineers and designers comply with them. The codes are
developed, administered, and regularly reviewed by the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Housing
and Urban-Rural Development, Ministry of Environment, and others. The ministries develop, review,
update, and replace codes. Even though there is no mandatory review period, they are updated regularly.
The ministries also develop standards but these are administered by the SAC.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Mandatory codes in China incorporate standards from China and various economies (e.g., Australia,
Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States). Most codes copied directly from standards do not refer
to or cite the standards, but note that the standards are from international standards. The wording in the
codes is modified to suit regional conditions.
Chinese standards may be mandatory or voluntary. Mandatory standards have the force of law as do other
technical regulations. They are enforced by laws and administrative regulations and concern the
protection of human health, personal property, and safety. Standards that fall outside of these
characteristics are considered voluntary. Many technical regulations developed under the Chinese
standards system are referred to as mandatory standards. In addition to these mandatory standards,
individual agencies also develop regulatory requirements outside of the Chinese standards system.
There are four levels of standards. The most widely implemented are national standards, followed by
professional standards, then local standards, and finally enterprise standards. These levels are hierarchical,
so that local standards supersede enterprise standards, professional standards supersede local standards,
etc. For any given product or service, only one type of standard will apply (Standards Portal 2012).
National standards are often referred to as GB standards. They are consistent across all of China and are
developed for technical requirements. As of 2006, there were 21,410 Chinese national GB standards,
among which approximately 15 percent were mandatory and 85 percent voluntary. Chinese national GB
standards can be identified as mandatory or voluntary by their prefix code. GB/T indicates voluntary
national standards, and GB/Z indicates national guiding technical documents (SAC (a) 2010; SAC 2012).
Many Chinese national GB standards are adoptions from ISO, IEC, or other international standards
developers. (As of 2006, nearly half of Chinese national GB standards were adoptions of international
standards and advanced foreign standards.) China has also expressed a goal of significantly increasing
the number of standards that are adoptions of international or advanced foreign standards. The database of
Chinese national GB standards provides information on which standards have been adopted.
Professional standards are often referred to as industry standards. They are developed and applied when
no national GB standard exists, but where a unified technical requirement is needed for a specific industry
sector. Professional standards are coded by industry sector. The codes of mandatory standards are shown

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in the following table, and the codes of voluntary standards have "/T" added after the mandatory codes.
For example, the code for agricultural voluntary standards is "NY/T."
Local standards are often referred to as provincial standards. They are developed when neither national
nor professional standards are available, but unified requirements for safety and hygiene of industrial
products are needed in a local area. Local standards are delineated with either DB + * (mandatory) or
DB + */T (voluntary). The codes for local standards are shown below. The * represents the province
code as defined by the ISO 3166-2:CN and GB 2260/T, so a local voluntary standard in Sichuan Province
would be DB + 51/T.
Enterprise standards may be developed and/or used by an individual company when national,
professional, and local standards aren't available. However, companies doing business in China are
encouraged to use/adopt national, professional and local standards if they are available. The formula for
determining an enterprise standards code is below, where the * represents the enterprise code (EU-SME
2011).
Codes and mandatory standards in China are divided up finely into technical requirements, systems,
approaches, materials etc. For example, there are 48 national codes and 25 mandatory standards on
structures alone, and nearly 60 national codes and mandatory standards pertaining to building energy and
heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) systems. In turn, the HVAC codes and mandatory
standards are divided into types of systems, design methods, building types, regional weathers, and
equipment etc. The structural codes are divided into building types, materials, design methods, and
regional constraints.
The national codes and mandatory standards also include more than 800 national codes and mandatory
standards pertaining to building design. These pertain to plumbing, sanitation, foundation, piling,
stormsewer, water quality, oxygen stations, lighting etc. Codes can be further categorized into
prescriptive code, technical codes, and design codes for design. Many regions have developed regional
codes and mandatory standards, and these categorize buildings differently. While national codes and
mandatory standards are mandatory to the region, the regional codes and mandatory standards can
sometimes overwrite the national codes and mandatory standards if they are more stringent, or if the
regional can better address regional issues.

GREEN FEATURES IN MANDATORY LAWS

Green features are included in most building regulations, codes, and mandatory standards in China. China
has also developed extensive regulations, codes, and standards pertaining to green buildings. As reported
by the Xinhua News Agency, Chinas top economic planner has said that the government will require
new urban buildings to reach mandatory energy-saving standards and require the renovation of existing
buildings to make them more environmentally friendly by 2015,. A green building code will be adopted
for all government- invested buildings built from 2014 onward, even though many cities have already
adopted green building codes. Beijing has adopted mandatory green building codes, and Chongqing is
planning to adopt mandatory green building standards in 2013 (KNAUF 2012).

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TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The Construction Law is applied to all types of buildings in China. It loosely categorizes buildings into
commercial, residential, industrial and others. Codes and mandatory standards, on the other hand, are
developed for specific types of buildings (e.g., high-rise residential, low-rise residential, commercial,
special commercial, military, industrial, heavy industrial, cold-region residential). More national and
regional codes and mandatory standards are found for residential and commercial buildings than any other
categories, and there are also more codes and mandatory standards that address the cold regions.

ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION PROCESS OF CODES AND

MANDATORY STANDARDS
As noted above, the Construction Law is administered by the Ministry of Construction, while
construction codes are administered by the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Building, and Rural
and Urban Development, and other ministries (e.g., Ministry of Environment). The SAC administers
many building codes. The ministries and SAC nominate and elect committee members and chairs on the
basis of expertise. Committees draft codes and standards, while SAC and ministry leadership implements
these codes and mandatory standards.

CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code enforcement, including city planning code, is the responsibility of the eleven municipal
governments (that can delegate the enforcement to their district government), the city governments (for
prefecture level cities), and the county-level cities. The adopted documents for the municipal
governments and city governments at the prefecture level can include codes and mandatory standards of
the central, provincial, and city governments. The county-level cities adopt codes and mandatory
standards of the central, provincial and county governments. Enforcements is carried out by a designated
building regulatory body (e.g., building control department), and permits are issued by the municipal and
prefecture-level city governments. Permits for county-level cities are issued by the county.
Building Energy Code. A Department of Energy study of building energy code (Department of Energy
(China) 2009) states that the Ministry of Housing and Urban and Rural Development (MOHURD) is
responsible for adopting and overseeing code implementation nationally. The Chinese Academy of
Building Research (CABR) takes the leading role in the drafting of codes, and provision of training and
support for implementation. At the local level, government institutions and private third parties enforce
building energy code. The construction administration department of the local jurisdiction oversees the
enforcement of building energy code. The jurisdiction is also responsible for the issuance of permits.
Some quality supervision and testing station processes are carried out by nongovernment related
companies, though these companies are funded and authorized by the local governments. The Department
of Energy report said that compliance with building energy code is still an issue.

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3. Code Details
MANDATORY AND/OR MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. The main national electrical code is the GB 50303-2002 (code of acceptance of construction
quality of electrical installation in building). Other national codes and mandatory standards include GBJ
303-88 (building electrical safety inspection national standards), GB 50259-96 (code of acceptance of
electrical installations of over 1kv and below), and GB 50259-96 (code of acceptance of electrical
installations and lighting during construction). Electrical codes and mandatory standards are also
developed for and divided into different categories, such as buildings type, equipment, systems,
processes, procedures, and professionals, etc. Examples include JGJ 16-2008 (commercial building
electrical code), JGJ242-2011 (residential building electrical code), GBC63-90 (electrical installations
and distribution code), GB 50062 (electrical installation protection and automated system code), and GB
50055 (electrical distribution network design system code) (Wenku Baidu 2012; Zhulong 2012). There
are at least 200 national building electrical codes and mandatory standards.
Energy. There are several energy related codes and mandatory standards. MOHURDs GB 50411-2007
(code for acceptance of energy efficient building construction) is a critical to regulatory efforts to
implement building energy codes in China (Ministry of Construction and General Administration of
Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the Peoples Republic of China 2009) (Department of
Energy (China) 2009). It covers construction quality, testing and documentation for the building envelope
(wall, window, door, roof and floor), heating, HVAC systems, lighting, monitoring and controls. It
applies to new construction, and additions and retrofits. Other codes and mandatory standards include the
GB 19577-2004 (chiller energy efficiency limited value and energy efficiency rating), GB 50019-2003
(HVAC design specifications), and GB 50189-2005 (public building energy efficiency design standards).
Water and Sanitation. Plumbing and sanitation codes and mandatory standards are developed for and
divided into types of systems, material types, locations of installation, use of systems, procedures, and
processes etc. There are many codes and mandatory standards, for example:

Code of Design for Steel Potable Water Pipes (CECS 137:2002)

Code of Installation for Waste Water Storm Water System (GBT19570-2004)

Code of Design and Installation for Aluminum and Copper Potable Water Pipes (GCC-T98-2003)

Mandatory Guideline, Design Code and Standards for Concrete and Gas Delivery Pipes (GBT
11836-89)

Code of Design and Installation of External Potable Water and Gas Delivery in Earthquake Zone
(GB50032-2003)

Design Code for Rainwater Disposal Systems (DBJ 08-42-95)

Code of Installation and Design Mandatory Guidebook, Code of Design and Installation for
Pressure PipingIndustrial Piping, Code of Design for Soldered Pipes (GB3091-2001)

Code of Design and Installation of Underground Piping (CECS164-2004).

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There are at least 60 national codes and mandatory standards pertaining to plumbing, sanitation, and
storm water systems (360doc 2012; docin 2012). Some of the plumbing and sanitation codes are grouped
together with other mechanical systems codes under building systems. Building systems include
plumbing, sanitation, mechanical, and fire protection (China Construction Publisher 2002).
Several codes and mandatory standards pertain to water quality: Drinking Water Quality Inspection Code
(2001), and GB17051-1997 (grey water quality code). China also adopts the WHO Guidelines for
Drinking Water Quality (1993) (Government of China 2012).
Mechanical Systems. Some of the codes and mandatory standards pertaining to mechanical systems (not
exhaustive) include, the Code of Design and Installation for Heating and Hygiene Engineering (GBJ 24282), Mandatory Quality and Inspection Control Guidelines and Standards (GBJ 302-88), Code of
Installation and Inspection of Mechanical Systems (GB 50231-88), Code of Design and Installation of
HVAC (GB 50243-97), Mandatory Standards for Steel Piping Used for Mechanical Systems (GB 5023597), Mandatory Standards for HVAC (GBJ 304-88), Code of Design and Installation of Air Quality
Handling Systems for Refrigeration of Air (GB 50274-98), Code of Design and Installation of Fan,
Compressors and Boiler Systems (GB 50275-98), various Codes of Design and Installation for various
mechanical systems (GBs for pressurized system, elevators, escalators, appliances etc.) (China
Construction Publisher 2002). There are at least 50 codes and mandatory standards pertaining to building
mechanical systems.
Indoor Air Quality. There is at least one IAQ code in China. The code is jointly administered by the
Ministry of Health, SAC, and the Ministry of Environment. These codes incorporate different IAQ
standards, technical specification, and design guidelines, and thus the purpose for having different codes
is likely to serve different regions in China (, 2011; RnRI, 2005). Standards include the
following:

GB 11737-89 Standards for benzene, toluene, and xylene health inspection and test methods of
residential properties
GB/12372-90 Allowable standard for residential areas atmospheric nitrogen dioxide
GB/T14582-93 Ambient air radon measurement method
GB/T15438-1995 Standards for UV spectrophotometry for ambient air ozone level
GB/T15439-1995 Standards of measurement of environmental air benzo and pyrene,
GB/T16128-1995 Allowable residential areas atmospheric sulfur dioxide health inspection
standard
GB/T16129-1995 Method for determining atmospheric formaldehyde in public places
GB/T16147-1995 Air radon concentration measurement methods with scintillation vials
GB 16356-1996 Underground construction radon and progeny control standards
GB/T17095-1997 Indoor air health standards for workers
GB 6566-2000 - Construction materials radiological protection standards
GB/T18204.18-2000 Indoor air quality determination method in public places
GB/T18204.23-2000 Method for measuring atmospheric carbon monoxide in public places
GB/T18204.24-2000 Method for measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide in public places
GB/T18204.25-2000 Method for measuring atmospheric ammonia in public places
GB/T18204.26-2000 Residential sanitation areas atmospheric formaldehyde inspection standard
GB/T18204.27-2000 Method for measuring atmospheric ozone in public places.

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Lighting. Requirements for lighting energy use and lighting installation methods are part of the energy
and building system (including fire) codes and mandatory standards. GB 50034-2004 (standard for
lighting design of buildings) is mandatory and incorporated into many codes. This standard is
administered by the Ministry of Construction.
Security. There are security codes for airports, air defense shelters, hospitals, and other military facilities,
but there are none for commercial buildings.
Fire. There are several fire codes and mandatory standards; examples include

GB 50045-95 Code of Design for High Rise Buildings

GBJ 16-2001 Code of Design for Buildings (Guobiao, 2005)
GB 50016-2006 Code of Design on Building Fire Protection and Prevention
GB 50067 -97 Code of Design for Garage and Parking Fire Protection
GB 50038-2005 Mandatory Design Specification for Civil Air Defense (include Fire Protection)
GB 50098-2009, Code of Engineering Design for Fire Safety Norm for Civil Air Defense
Basement
GB 5022295 Code of Fire Prevention Design of Interior Decorations in Buildings
GB 50261 Code of Installation for Automated Fire Extinguishing System.

The building codes also contain extensive fire protection requirements. For example, GB 50368-2005
(residential building code) has design requirements for smoke detection systems in stairwells and fire
alarm systems in residential buildings.
Structural. There are 42 mandatory structural codes and 28 mandatory structural standards in China.
Codes are divided into loading, concrete, steel, brick and masonry, timber, rolled steel, seismic,
foundation, PRC, RC structure for tall buildings, RC structure for shell, mash concrete structure, FRC
structure, and RC solid (Jin & Zhao 2011).
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. City planning, location planning, and zoning are carried out
by city government. These are implemented as laws. The rules set by the city governments have to
comply with the City Planning Law of the Peoples Republic of China (China.com.cn, 2003).
Safety. There is no safety code that focuses on building. The safety codes focus mostly on construction
site safety.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

The Code of Green Design for Civil Buildings (JGJ/T229-2010) is the green building code of PRC. The
code includes requirements for location/zoning, land use, building exterior and interior environment (IAQ
and environmental pollution), construction materials, mechanical systems, storm water management,
water efficiency and conservancy, HVAC, building mechanical systems (including appliances), and light
pollution (Chinese Academy of Building Research, 2010). Added to the code are various standards
pertaining to the code, such as the GB/T 50378-2006 (evaluation standard for green building) published
by the Ministry of Construction (SAC , 2005).

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As mentioned, energy efficiency code is enforced by a third party engaged by the local government.
Similarly, green building code is supposed to be enforced at the local level and by third parties (mostly
private sector). According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Code of Green Design for Civil Buildings
will become mandatory for all publicly built buildings from 2014. It will be applied to affordable housing
projects in China's provincial-level cities, provincial capitals, and vice-provincial-level cities, as well as to
public construction projects with an area of more than 20,000 square meters per building from 2014. New
green renovation code will also be developed and will become mandatory for government-owned
buildings. The cost of meeting the minimum requirements will be 50 Yuan (US$8 dollars) per square
meter, according to the official (ENR 2013). Green building codes are already implemented in several
municipalities, such as Beijing and Guangzhou. Chongqing municipal government has also made plans to
mandate green building code (KNAUF 2012).

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1. Synopsis
Hong Kong, China, like Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, does not have a code system. Building
regulations do not cite code, but all standards and codes of practice are strongly recommended. Failure to
comply with standards and codes of practice may not get a professional into trouble; however, once
failure to comply results in a disaster, the professional will be subject to criminal penalty.

BUILDING REGULATION ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The Building Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) administers and enforces
building regulations in Hong Kong China. The regulations are mandatory while guidelines are
recommended. Regulations are enforced by the Building Department or Housing Department and are the
minimum standard required by the industry. Failure to comply with some of these regulations is
considered a criminal act and punishable by jail and/or fine. The Building Department may impose a fine
for failure to comply with the less critical mandatory regulations (such as those for water efficiency).
Other punishment for noncompliance includes withdrawal of license or delay in the issuance of permit.
Mandatory regulations and standards are legal requirements and enforced by the designated government
agencies for specific purposes.
Companies are encouraged to comply with recommended or voluntary standards and compliance is often
rewarded with certification. Financial incentives include tax rebates. Recommended codes are not
mandatory and an engineer or architect may choose to use similar codes from other sources. The chosen
code becomes mandatory once the engineer or architect chooses it. For example, engineers and architects
may choose to use codes and standards developed and used elsewhere since these are not mandatory.
Inspections are conducted by employees of the Buildings Department and/or the Housing Department.
The Buildings Department and Housing Department establishes committees to conduct regulatory review
and revision. Committee members are selected for their experience and affiliation (professional
organizations, academic institutions, government agencies). Regulations are not regularly updated in
Hong Kong but standards are.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The Buildings Department will cite relevant references and develop the codes; however, in the absence of
references and codes, engineers and architects are required to use recognized codes and standards from
reliable sources. These sources normally include British Standards (BSI), the Australian/New Zealand
Standards (AS/NZ), and the Japanese Standards (JIS). Hong Kong, like Singapore and Brunei, allows
engineers, designers, and contractors to use international standards.

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GREENING OF CODES
Hong Kong has attempted to implement energy efficiency in building through various incentives. The
energy efficiency standard is still not mandatory. There are two voluntary green building rating tools in
Hong Kong, one administered by the government and the other by the private sector. These tools are not
widely used.

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Hong Kong building regulations are based on the Buildings Ordinance, passed by the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (SAR) legislature. The ordinance is similar to an act or law passed by the
government. It does not cite codes or standards from any organization but is the legal document for
enforcement of building codes and standards in Hong Kong. It covers the following (Hong Kong SAR
2012):
Engineering licensing for structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, architects, inspectors, and
surveyors
Disciplinary and Action committee
Person authorized to design and construct buildings
Registration of contractors
Submission of plans and application to begin construction
Regular inspection
Appeals
Mandatory elements in codes: structures, soil and geotechnical engineering, pipes, building systems,
drainage, paved areas, urban planning, plumbing and sanitation, temporary works.
In addition to the ordinance, Hong Kong has building regulations for administration; planning; private
streets and access roads; standards of sanitary fitments, plumbing, drainage works and latrines; and oil
storage installations.

DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The SAR Buildings Department develops, modifies, and enforces codes of practice and standards. (A
code of practice is not a code per se, but is equivalent to a guideline.) The departments New Building
Division takes care of new construction and site monitoring. Its Existing Building Division takes care of
existing building maintenance and operation, and slope safety. Its Mandatory Building Inspection
Division takes care of fire safety and other structural and mandatory inspections only, while its Corporate
Services Division take care of other minor technical service, minor works, and R&D. The Buildings
Department handles licensing, alteration and addition works, the building information center, building
safety, and social services. It also develops, maintains, and enforces the following:

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Codes of Practice
Building Works for Lifts and Escalators 2011
Dead and Imposed Loads 2011
Fire Safety in Buildings 2011
Foundations
Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme
Precast Concrete Construction 2003
Provision of Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue 1995
Provision of Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue 2004
Site Supervision 2009
Structural Use of Concrete 1987
Structural Use of Concrete 2004 (second edition)
Structural Use of Steel 1987
Structural Use of Steel 2005
Structural Use of Steel 2011
Guidelines, etc.
Barrier Free Access Design Manual 2008
Design and Construction of Bamboo Scaffolds
Design and Construction of Buildings and Building Works for Installation and Safe Use of Lifts and
Escalators 1993
Demolition of Buildings
Explanatory Materials for Code of Practice for Structural Use of Steel 2005
Fire Resisting Construction 1996
Fire Safety Design for Caverns 1994
Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme
Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme
Minor Works Control System, General Guidelines
Oil Storage Installations
Overall Thermal Transfer Value in Buildings 1995
Practice Guidebook for Adaptive Re-use of and Alteration and Addition Works to Heritage Buildings
2012
Provision of Means of Escape in Case of Fire 1996
Technical Guidelines on Minor Works Control System
Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004

CODE ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION

As mentioned, the Buildings Department manages and controls most mandatory regulations. These are
developed with the Hong Kong Housing Society and the Urban Renewal Authority. Most codes and
standards are developed by the Authority with the help of various professional groups and academics.
These professional groups include the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, Hong Kong Institute of
Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, Chartered Institute of Buildings, Hong Kong
Institute of Engineers, and the Hong Kong Contractors Association. Codes and standards are modified by
the Buildings Department with the help of professional groups and academics.

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Many standards and guidelines are not mandatory even though the Buildings Department strongly
encourages the industry to adopt them. These standards are initially developed by the department with the
help of academics from local universities. A committee of industry professionals and representatives of
government agencies oversees standards development. Over the years, some standards and guidelines
have become mandatory. The following are not mandatory:
Operation Building Bright Standard. This standard aims to strengthen facility management in Hong
Kong. It details maintenance and operational standards for older buildings and provides for grants
for maintenance and repair of such buildings. The standard is developed with the Hong Kong
Housing Society and the Urban Renewal Authority (Buildings Department D 2012).
Minor Work Control System/Household Minor Work Validation Scheme. This scheme is designed
to assist small contractors in improving their work practices while reducing the workload on the
Buildings Department (Buildings Department E 2012).
Bamboo Scaffolding Resistance Against Wind Standard. While bamboo scaffolding is regulated on
its design to carry loads (human plus any loads he/she carries), the design of bamboo scaffold
against wind load is not mandatory (Buildings Department F 2012).
Guidelines for Preventing Water Seepage in Buildings.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
Most of the structural standards are referenced to the Australia and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ),
ASTM International Standards, ACI Standards, AISC Standards, Chinese Standards (GB and YB),
Japanese Standards (JIS), British Standards (BS), ISO, and Steel Construction Institute (SCI) of UK
Standards. References are also made to the National Standards of Canada (Buildings Department A
2005). The Buildings Department provides a list of pre-approved programs for use in structural,
geotechnical and miscellaneous elements (Buildings Department A 2012; Buildings Department B 2012;
Buildings Department C 2012).

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

There is no green feature in Hong Kong building regulations.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Building codes are divided into landed residential, high-rise residential, commercial, institutional,
industrial, civil engineering, and overseas.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES

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Electrical. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of Hong Kong manages codes of
practice for electrical works. The code of practice for electricity (wiring) regulations is the electrical
code used in Hong Kong (EMSD 2009). References in the code are from the International
Electrotechnical Commissions (French), British Standards, NFPA, AS/NZ Standards, and ASTM
International. (A code of practice is equivalent to guidelines and best practices; Hong Kong does not have
a code system).
Energy. EMSD operates the Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Building in Hong Kong. That
scheme is based on the performance-based Building Energy Code (BEC), Building Energy Efficiency
Ordinance, Guidelines for Energy Audit, and the Energy Consumption Indicators and Benchmarking
Tools (EMSD 2012; EMSD A 2012; EMSD B 2012; Hong Kong Legislation 2011). The performancebased BEC does not reference any other standards.
Developers or owners of newly constructed buildings are to ensure that the four key types of building
services (air-conditioning, lighting, electrical, lift and escalator installation) comply with the design
standards of the BEC. When major retrofitting works are carried out, owners, tenants, occupiers etc.,
are responsible for ensuring these services meet the BEC design standards. Owners of commercial
buildings (including commercial portions of composite buildings, such as shopping malls under
residential storeys) should carry out energy audits for those services in accordance with the Energy Audit
Code every 10 years. Part of this scheme is voluntary and part of it is mandatory.
Water/Sanitation. EMSD administers the code of practice for mechanical systems that can be used in
water pumps. The Buildings Department administers the code of practice and design manuals for
plumbing and sanitation. The Water Supplies Department administers the Handbook for Plumbing
Installations in Buildings (Water Supplies Department of Hong Kong 2012). Water and sanitation
regulations are managed by the Environmental Protection Department, the Water Supplies Department,
and the Buildings Department. The Water Pollution Control Ordinance, enacted in 1980, is the main
legislation to control water pollution in Hong Kong. Relevant regulations include the following:
Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.358) 1980. Provides for the designation of control zones
within which discharges of effluent other than domestic sewage into a foul sewer must be
licensed.
Water Pollution Control (Appeal Board) Regulations 1985. Sets out procedures to be followed in
appeals against orders made or directions given under the ordinance.
Water Pollution Control (Sewerage) Regulation 1994. Imposes requirements on private lot owners to
collect and convey wastewater to public sewers and provides for control over the operation and
maintenance of private wastewater treatment facilities.
Buildings Ordinance (Cap.123) 1956. Allows the Building Authority to require adequate waste
treatment facilities in any new building. Provides for control over the design of refuse chutes
within buildings, private drainage works and oil storage facilities.
Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap.132) 1960. Provides for control over the
discharge of hazardous materials to sewers, and for the control of littering. Also provides for the
designation of bathing beaches and the control of pollution at such beaches, together with
swimming pools and wells.

HONG KONG, CHINA

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Waterworks Ordinance (Cap.102) 1975. Prohibits polluting discharges in water gathering grounds.
Radiation Ordinance (Cap.303) 1957. Controls the use and disposal of radioactive substances.
Mechanical Systems. Mechanical system standards are administered by the Buildings Department and
EMSD. Building systems related to ventilation and plumbing are covered in the building codes of
practice, design guides, and best practices administered by the Buildings Department and Water Supplies
Department, while EMSD manages the manufacturing and design aspects of the systems. EMSD also
administers and regulates the energy efficiency of the systems, air conditioning cooling systems, energy
efficiency labeling, and engineering services for mechanical system installation (EMSD 2012). The Hong
Kong Building Commissioning Center also develops standards for the cleaning of air-conditioning ducts
(2012). There is no mandatory standard for mechanical systems; the British Standards for mechanical
engineering is the dominant standard in Hong Kong. The Buildings Department manages the codes of
practice for lifts and escalator, fire protection systems, and ventilation systems (Buildings Department G
2012).
Indoor Air Quality. To improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) and promote public awareness of the
importance of IAQ, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of Hong Kong has launched a
voluntary IAQ Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places. The IAQ certification scheme is
administered by the Indoor Air Quality Information Center. Minimum codes are documented in Guidance
Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Public Places (Indoor Air Quality A
2003), and Guide on Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places (Indoor Air
Quality B 2003). These guidelines are not mandatory. The code is based on standards and references
published in ASHRAE 55, ASHRAE 62.1, Health Canada, World Health Organization, Standards
Australia, U.S. EPA, U.S. NIOSH, British Research Establishment, AHRI, Carpet and Rug Institute, Air
Filtration and Ventilation Center, Air-conditioning Contractors of America, Center for Building Science
etc.
Lighting. ESMD develops and manages the code of practice for energy efficiency of lighting
installations. The code aims to set out minimum design requirements and is part of a set of comprehensive
building energy standards that address energy efficiency in building service installations. Designers are
encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to exceed the minimum requirements of this code (EMSD H
2005). The performance-based BEC contains provision for energy efficiency, control, power, and
intensity (EMSD B 2012). Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations is the
new voluntary guideline developed by the Environment Bureau. The guidelines recommend lighting
intensity, type of lights and lighting operating hours (Environmental Bureau 2012). The codes of practice
and guidelines do not reference any standards.
Security. The Security Bureau of Hong Kong maintains and manages security standards for buildings.
Codes and standards (nonmandatory) include Manual for Security Personnel Providing Guarding
Services in Buildings (Security Bureau A 2010), and Aide-Mmoire - Suspicious Objects and Bombs
(Security Bureau B 2012).
Fire. The Buildings Department develops, manages, and enforces fire safety codes of practice for
buildings. These include (Buildings Department G 2012):
Code of Practice for Building Works for Lifts and Escalators 2011

HONG KONG, CHINA

81

Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings 2011

Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue 2004
Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of Access for Firefighting and Rescue 1995
Fire Resisting Construction 1996
Oil Storage Installations
The Provision of Means of Escape in Case of Fire 1996
The Fire Services Department formulates fire services requirements for buildings with reference to the
following codes of practice:
Codes of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment and Inspection, Testing and
Maintenance of Installations and Equipment
Safety. Building safety in Hong Kong mainly addresses fire hazards. Construction safety is managed by
the Occupation Safety and Health Council. OSHC develops and maintains construction safety standards
and the Buildings Department enforces them. OSHC publications on construction activities include the
Care Campaign for New Workers in Construction Sites Experience Sharing, and the Safety and Health
Guidelines for Construction Workers (OSHC 2012). Contractors frequently use the Construction Site
Safety Handbook published by the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong
Contractors Association (REDAS and HKCA 2005).
Location/Siting/Zoning. All land and building uses are governed by outline zoning plans prepared under
the Town Planning Ordinance (the Ordinance). The Town Planning Board, a statutory body appointed
under the Ordinance, is charged with the duties to promote the health, safety, convenience and general
welfare of the community through the systematic preparation of statutory plans (namely, outline zoning
plans and development permission area plans with land use zonings and/or specific development
parameters) for the layout of areas in Hong Kong as well as for the types of building suitable for erection
therein.
Environment. Environmental regulations are administered by the Environmental Protection Department
(EPD). They include the following:
Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.311)
Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap.354)
Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.358)
Noise Control Ordinance (Cap.400)
Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (Cap.403)
Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap.466)
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499)
Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (Cap.595)
Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance (Cap. 603)
Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance (Cap. 611).
Most of these are universally enforced, while some (e.g. product eco-responsibility) are enforced only for
large projects. These ordinances cited references from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, British
Standards, Australian/New Zealand Standards, Japanese Standards, and China Standards (Environmental
Protection Department 2011). EPD also manages statutory and nonstatutory standards and guidelines

HONG KONG, CHINA

82

pertaining to air, noise, waste, water and environmental assessment and planning (EPD 2012; EPD A
2012).
Structure and Design. The Buildings Department also develops, maintains, and enforces the following:
Codes of Practice
Dead and Imposed Loads 2011
Foundations
Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme
Precast Concrete Construction 2003
Structural Use of Concrete 1987
Structural Use of Concrete 2004 (Second Edition)
Structural Use of Steel 1987
Structural Use of Steel 2005
Structural Use of Steel 2011
Guidelines, etc.
Demolition of Buildings
Design Manual - Barrier Free Access 2008
Explanatory Materials to Code of Practice for the Structural Use of Steel 2005
Guide to Fire Safety Design for Caverns 1994
Guidelines on the Design and Construction of Bamboo Scaffolds
Oil Storage Installations
Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004
Most structural codes rely on references from the Australia and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ), ASTM
International, ACI, AISC, Chinese Standards (GB and YB), Japanese Standards (JIS), British Standards
(BS), ISO, and Steel Construction Institute (SCI) of UK. References are also made to the National
Standards of Canada (Buildings Department A 2005).

GREEN BUILDING CODES

There is no green building code in Hong Kong and regulations and codes of practices do not have green
features. The ESMD, however, manages the performance-based Building Energy Code (BEC), Building
Energy Efficiency Ordinance, Guidelines for Energy Audit, and the Energy Consumption Indicators and
Benchmarking Tools (EMSD 2012; EMSD A 2012; EMSD B 2012; Hong Kong Legislation 2011). None
of these is mandatory. (The BEC is not mandatory as it is not similar to codes defined in the United
States, Canada, and Australia.)

Green Building Rating Tools

The Comprehensive Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme for Buildings (CEPAS), managed
by the Buildings Authority, is a rating system operated by the Hong Kong SAR government. CEPAS was
developed by industry professionals, government officials and employees, academics, and representatives
of professional organizations. Like Hong Kongs other codes, standards, and guidelines it has no set
timeframe for updates or revision.

HONG KONG, CHINA

83

CEPAS was introduced in 2006 and revised in 2008. It provides a means for evaluating the environmental
performance of all types of buildings in Hong Kong. It is recommended that in using this assessment
scheme, reference should also be made to guidelines of local and international academics, professional
organizations, and the government.
The ultimate goal of CEPAS is to improve the environmental performance of buildings in Hong Kong
and keep pace with the global trend in building sustainability. CEPAS provides four assessments (predesign, design, construction, and operation) and manuals for each (Buildings Authority I 2011). CEPAS
assesses documentation and verifies sites. Compliance and verification pertain to the design, construction,
and operation stages but not pre-design. Assessment criteria include indoor environmental quality,
building amenities, resources use, loadings, site amenities, neighborhood amenities, site impacts, and
neighborhood impacts. These criteria include reference to the following:
All Building Department codes and standards
All EPD ordinances
ASHRAE 55
ASHRAE Standard 62.1
ASHRAE Fundamental Handbook 2001, Chapter 7
BD PNAP 278 Lighting and Ventilation Requirements
British Standard BS 882
CIBSE Daylighting and Window Design, CIBSE Code for Lighting (2002) and CIE unified glare
rating
CIBSE TM21:1999 Minimizing Pollution at Air Intakes
EMSD code of practice for lighting installations
EPD indoor air quality certification scheme
EPD Guidance Notes for IAQ and Ventilation Equipment, Section A5: Indoor Air Quality of the
General Specification for Air-conditioning, Refrigeration, Ventilation and Central Monitoring &
Control System Installations in Government Buildings, 2001, issued by the ArchSD
EPD ProPECC PN 2/96: Control of Air Pollution in Car Parks
Green Guide to Specification
Hong Kong Green Label Scheme
HVCA DW/TM2 Guide to Good Practice, Table 11: Design Guidelines for HVAC-Related
Background Sound in Rooms
ISO 14000
ISO 2631-2
ISO 7730
Occupational Health and Safety Management System 18001
Practice Note for Authorized Personnel (PNAP 270)
PNAP 277
Repeated standards from the BS, AS/NZ, and JIP
Safety statutes of Hong Kong.
Projects are certified by CEPAS on the basis of certain criteria and scores, and receive a CEPAS label.

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84

The Hong Kong SAR legislature may make CEPAS a required standard in the near future.

BEAM Plus
Hong Kongs other voluntary green building rating system is BEAM Plus, endorsed by the Hong Kong
Green Building Council since April 2010. The industry was introduced to BEAM Plus Version 1.1 and
professional training in April 2010. In November 2012, Version 1.2 for new buildings and existing
buildings was available for formal registration. BEAM is very similar to USGBC LEED; projects have to
score a number of points for different levels of certification. Platinum certification means a project earned
75 percent of the possible score and bronze certification means it earned 40 percent. The project must also
achieve a minimum number of credits in different categories; for example, to achieve a gold certification,
a project must achieve at least 65 percent of the credits, and 60 percent must be in the sustainable
category. The only difference between BEAM and LEED is that BEAM has a two-phase inspection. In
the first phase project documents are inspected; in the second phase the building site is inspected and
verified. Appeals follow the same process.

Indonesia

1. Synopsis
TOP-DOWN APPROACH AND JURISDICTION
The central government develops regulations for the issuance of environmental permits, disturbance
permits, and industry permits. How those are applied depends on the situation. Municipalities may choose
to reject or to adopt and enforce regulations of the central government.
Law 28 is Indonesias mandatory building regulation. It pertains to building functions, building
requirements, building processes, the role of the community, the role of government, and sanctions for
noncompliance. The regulations reference standards from Standards Indonesia (SNI). Most local
governments and municipalities have their own regulations but these focus on fee collection. Even though
the central government will provide assistance in implementing the regulations, and some municipal
governments have adopted them, many have not done so. Thus, the regulations are implemented only in
some parts of Indonesia. Building permits are not required for all buildings in Indonesia and not all
buildings with permits comply with the codes and regulations.
Building regulations are developed entirely by the central government, with some assistance from the
private sector, academics, and government officials. Many of those involved in developing regulations are
also involved in developing standards adopted by the regulations.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
All mandatory standards are developed by SNI. These are listed at the end of section 3, below.

GREEN FEATURES
Currently, there is no green feature in any Indonesian building regulation. None of the referenced
standards are related to green design. There is, however, a rating system in Indonesia that applies
Indonesian green standards.

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86

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Indonesia has three basic regulatory systems that address land use and building control. These are (1)
location permit (Izin Lokasi); (2) advice planning permit (IPPT); and (3) building permit (IMB). In
practice, at least three other groups of regulations come into play for investors considering construction or
expansion of facilities: (1) environmental permits and reviews (AMDAL and UKL/UPL); (2) disturbance
permit (HO permit, or Hinderordonnantie); and (3) industry permits. The latter three are mandatory if the
situation necessitates. The Indonesian Building Code was legislated after 2005 to introduce mandatory
standards into the building and construction industry. The code should be used alongside Law 28 and Law
29 (implementation of Law 28).
IMB National Regulation Law 28 of 2002 and Regulation 36 of 2005 are the two regulations applicable to
Indonesia. Law 28 regulates building functions, building requirements, building processes, the role of the
community, the role of government, and sanctions for noncompliance. Local jurisdictions carry out
building control functions and/or develop their own regulations.9 As of 2011, 70 percent of municipalities
had developed their own codes and enforcement departments. The Indonesian government also provides
planning advisories (IPPT), to municipalities that adopt the IMB National Regulation.10
Although Law 28 addresses a range of issues related to regulation of building permits, almost all local
regulations address only the calculation and payment of fees for the issuance of IMBs. More specifically,
the national law on building permits addresses (1) the function of buildings; (2) requirements for
buildings (e.g., layout, use, intensity, architecture, environmental impact, reliability, safety, health,
convenience, access); (3) construction (including conservation, demolition, and rights and obligations of
owners); (4) public role; (5) Nurture (i.e., technical assistance, training, and education); (6) sanctions; and
(7) transitional provisions.
In contrast, the local regulations of Bojonegoro Regency and the municipalities of Pekalongan,
Sukoharjo, Bandung, and Bekasi address only fee payment (retribusi). The regulations of Tangerang
Regency and Sleman Regency are somewhat broader in also addressing permit administration
(application requirements, sequence, preliminary/temporary permit, and relation to some other permits).
But none address building construction, safety size, or siting. Several define technical terms required for
building regulationsuch as building coverage ratio (KDB), floor area ratio (KLB), and building height
ratio (KKB)but do not include substantive regulations related to those definitions.11 This regulatory

Examples include the IMB Local Regulations of Bojonegoro Regency (Regulation 09 of 2005), Cimahi
Municipality (Regulation 76 of 2003), Pekalongan Municipality (Regulation 19 of 2000), Tangerang Regency
(Regulation 10 of 2006), and Sukoharjo Regency (Regulation 17 of 2003).
10

Examples include the Bandung Municipality (Regulation 04 of 2002), the Bekasi Municipality (Regulation 74
of 1999), and the Sleman Regency (Regulation 11 of 2001).
11 The exception is the IMB regulation for Cimahi Municipality, which goes beyond provisions on fee calculation
and collection to address environment and building architecture, base coefficients, fencing, environment/open space,

INDONESIA

87

focus on fees raises two concerns. First, no standards for construction, safety, and design are established
or referred to. Second, the costs determined do not reflect the environmental and social impact but rather
the operation of local administrative units.
SNI is a standard agency owned by the central government. Standards are formulated by technical
committees based on consensus of industry experts and academia and with the participation of
government officials. Acts and regulations are developed by ministries and they become laws after they
are approved by the Parliament. Local codes and acts are approved by municipal governments with the
technical and financial support of the central government. Participation by the general public is extremely
limited, even though the central government and municipal governments plan to integrate public opinions
into their future acts and standards.
Indonesias Building Code addresses the need to integrate extensive regulations, building standards, and
guidelines into the regulations. Relevant building regulations are as follows:

Construction Maintenance Guidelines Water Supply System Expansion

Guidelines for Government Performance Accountability Report and Determination of

Environmental Performance in the Ministry of Public Works

Spatial Planning Guidelines for National Strategic Areas

Irrigation Asset Management Guidelines

Organizational Structure and Work Mechanism Governing Council Secretariat Corps Personnel
Ministry of Public Works of the Republic of Indonesia Republic of Indonesia

Amendment to the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works No. 01/PRT/M/2010 on the
Organization and Public Service Employment in the Environmental Sector Fund Secretariat Toll
Road Regulatory Agency

Evaluation Guidelines Performance Accountability Reports Government (LAKIP) The

Environment Ministry of Public Works

Technical Instructions Establishment Licensing and Certification Unit

Most reference standards are adopted from SNI. These are mostly modified from British Standards,
ASTM International, Singapore Standards, and Australian Standards. The building regulations are
developed internally by ministries and municipal governments. Some experts are involved but
information on their involvement is not clear. Sources suggest that there are participants from various
professional groups, academic institutions and government officials. It is also interesting that building
permits are not required for all buildings and not all buildings with permits comply with codes and
regulations.

public areas, relation to AMDAL, building above and below ground, water absorption, height, airport safety zones,
reconstruction after fire, boundary lines, and how to address areas for which there is no detailed city plan in place. In
other words, the Cimahi regulation addresses many more of the technical areas where regulation is authorized by
Law 28 of 2002.

INDONESIA

88

REFERENCE STANDARDS
All mandatory standards are developed by SNI. All 50 are listed at the end of the next section.

GREEN FEATURES OF THE MANDATORY LAWS

Indonesias building codes do not have green features.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Categories of buildings specified by the building code are as follows: homes, reinforced concrete
buildings, steel buildings, public schools, urban residential, modular building, hospitals, public buildings,
and other civil infrastructures (roads, dams, and bridges).

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. There is no mandatory electrical code, even though some guidelines are provided in SNI
design procedures for different types of buildings.
Energy. There is no mandatory energy code. Indonesia has adopted the voluntary commercial energy
codes in 1992 per APEC. The code applies to building faades, lighting, and HVAC but is not enforced.
The government passed the Energy Law in 2007 to shift focus from oil to alternative sources, such as
natural gas and renewables. A National Energy Council led by the President was set up to develop a
national energy policy that will provide incentives for building owners and developers to use renewables.
This policy has yet to be enacted into law (APEC 2009, President of Indonesia 2006).
Water and Sanitation. There is no plumbing and sanitation code in Indonesia, but the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is planning to introduce a uniform plumbing
code into Indonesia.
USAID, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNEP are providing considerable aid to Indonesia
to improve water and sanitation access. WHOs guidelines on drinking water quality and its other policies
for water, sanitation and health, the USAIDs guidance on drinking water and sanitation programs in
developing economies, and UNEPs water quality and sanitation development programs are considered
mandatory standards in Indonesia for projects funded by these agencies.
The Ministry of Environment Strategic Plan provides guidelines on water and sanitation development and
it has integrated environmental laws enacted by the government (e.g., national laws, government
regulations, presidential decrees, presidential regulations, decrees of the Minister of Environment,
regulations of the Minister of Environment, legislation, decrees of the heads of various municipalities,

INDONESIA

89

technical guidelines, guidance, memoranda of understanding). While most regulations and laws are
mandatory, local municipalities do not have to follow them. Nearly all of these publications are in Malay.
The planning procedures also contain provisions for plumbing design and construction guidelines and
standards. These guidelines and standards are adapted from the National Plumbing Code Handbook
(1997).
Mechanical Systems. There is no specific mandatory standard; however, some planning procedures have
guidelines and standards for mechanical system design (published in Malay). Guidelines and standards
(see table at end of this section) are adapted from the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials Uniform Mechanical Code.
Indoor Air Quality. There is no mandatory code.
Lighting. SNI 03-2396-2001 Procedures for Natural Lighting System Design in Building is mandatory.
Security. There is no mandatory code.
Fire. There is no mandatory fire code in Indonesia but the building regulation mandates the use of the
following standards:

SNI 03-1735-2000 - Planning procedures for building access and access to environmental hazards
prevention fire at building houses and buildings

SNI 03-1736-2000 - Planning procedures for building structure hazard prevention Kebaka-ran on
building houses and buildings

SNI 03-1745-2000 - Hydrant system installation procedures for fire hazard prevention in building
houses and buildings

SNI 03-1746-2000 - Procedure for the planning and installation of roads out to rescue against fire
in buildings

Structural. Structural design standards are mandatory standards in the Indonesian building regulations.
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Zoning Law 26 of 2007 is a mandatory law (even though
local governments and municipalities should develop their own laws). Indonesia passed this law in 2007
to initiate a land use zoning system (also known as Laying-Out). While this marks a big step forward for
local governments and investors, it may take several years before the national and local regulations and
local maps are developed to implement zoning. Zoning is very difficult to enforce in Indonesia, and
building permit legislation is often used to enforce zoning instead of Zoning Law 26. This is because Law
26 does not address technical standards for building construction safety. On the basis of the experience of
other economies, environmental and industry permits may also need to stay in place for certain types of
industries and developments that create significant risk or impact. There is hope, however, that a
successful zoning system can replace several other regulatory tools listed above, and that the resulting
system will be streamlined and transparent.
Before Law 26 becomes nationally accepted, six regulations will be used to enforce local zoning: the
location permit (Izin Lokasi), advice planning permit (IPPT), building permit (IMB), environmental

INDONESIA

90

permits and reviews (AMDAL and UKL/UPL), disturbance permit (HO permit, or Hinderordonnantie),
and industry permits.The Ministry of Environment also provides guidelines on zoning affected by
environmental regulations.
Safety. Provisions for mandatory safety standards are included in Law 28 and Regulation 36. SNI 0323971991 (Planning Procedures for Simple Household Wind) is also a mandatory safety standard for
homes.

GREEN BUILDING CODES IN INDONESIA

There is no mandatory green building standard in Indonesia. There are no green features in Indonesias
building regulations.

Green Building Rating System

The Green Building Council of Indonesia (GBCI), a nonprofit and private organization, provides the only
voluntary green building standards in Indonesia. Its rating system is called GREENSHIP and covers new
buildings, existing buildings, and interior space. Its credit point system covers site development, energy
efficiency, refrigerant, water conservation, material sources and cycle, air quality, and environmental
management. It offers four levels of certification: platinum (more than74 points), gold (5873), silver (4757), and bronze (35-46). GREENSHIP has adopted a number of standards:

SNI 03-6386-2000 on noise and reverberation time in building and housing

SNI 03-6197-2000 on energy conservation in lighting systems,

VOC emission standards from California

Indonesian government forestry regulations

Forest Stewardship Council certified wood

CSR certification

SNI 03-7065-2005 on water conservation

SNI 03-6390-2000 on energy modeling and design for building,

SNI 03-6389-2000 OTTV calculation methods

Minister of Public Works' Decree No. 5/PRT/M/2008 on green open space (RTH),

Minister of Public Works Regulation No 30/PRT/M/2006 on technical facility and accessibility

guidelines for building and environment, Appendix 2B

Minister of Public Works' Decree No. 5/PRT/M/2008 on green open space (RTH) , Article 2.3.1
on vegetation criteria in the yard

Ministry of Internal Affairs' Decree No 1/2007, Article 13 (2a.): 50% area covered with small,
medium, and large size-trees, half-shrub trees, shrubs, bushes in mature sizes.

INDONESIA

91

50 Standards and References Used by the Indonesian Building

Regulations
Code

Title

Purpose

SNI 3418-2011

Test method for air content in fresh

concrete by methods press

This method aims to obtain the value of air content in fresh concrete as a
percentage (%) over volume.

SNI 0004-2008

The procedure for commissioning

of water treatment plant

The procedure includes the terms and definitions, the requirements that
apply to all capacity Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and how to work.
Commissioning IPA is a test of the performance of each unit and the
whole process of the IPA from the raw water to be drinking water
conducted by a team set.

SNI 02-2406-1991

General Planning Procedures for

Urban Drainage

The procedure is used to obtain the results of the urban drainage planning
can be carried out in accordance with the provisions of planning
techniques

SNI 03-0090-1999

Specifications BRONJONG Wire

This standard specifies the dimensions of gabion wire and raw material
requirements, quality requirements, sampling, the requirement of passing
the test, packaging and labeling requirements gabion wire.

SNI 03-0675-1989

Specifications Frame Size Wood

Door, Wooden Window Frame,
Leaves Door For Building Wooden
Houses and Buildings

This specification aims to realize the manufacture, installation, and

monitoring the implementation of the optimal

SNI 03-1724-1989

Procedures Perencanaann
Hydrology and Hydraulics for
Buildings on the River. Title
revised to: The procedure for
calculation of river discharge
mainstay with curved frequency
analysis

The procedure is used in designing the river Building (building

utilization, conservation and cross) in order to meet the requirements of
hydrological and hydraulic requirements, and aims to preserve and
enhance the reliability of the buildings on the river and the river itself.

SNI 03-1726-2002

Earthquake Resilience Planning

Procedures For Home and
Building.

The procedure is used to direct the planning and execution of the job
creation that meets the minimum requirement of steel and get the job
structure is safe, convenient and economic.

SNI 03-1727-1989

Procedure for Imposition Plan For

Home and Building

The procedure is used to provide an allowable expense for homes and

buildings, including living expenses for a sloped roof, building multistorey car park and a helipad on the roof of a tall building where the
helicopter parameters contained practically covers all common types of
aircraft operated . Including live load reduction for carriers and portal
beam planning and review of the quake, which use optional, not a
requirement, especially if the harm reduction of construction or
construction elements were reviewed

SNI 03-1728-1989

Implementation Procedures for

Establishing Building

The procedure is used to provide a foundation in making building

regulations in each region, with the goal of uniform shape and contents of
the building regulations that will be used in all major cities in Indonesia

10

SNI 03-1729-2002

Planning Procedures for Building

Steel Buildings

The procedure is used to direct the planning and execution of the job
creation that meets the minimum requirement of steel and get the job
structure is safe, convenient and economic

11

SNI 03-1730-2002

Planning Procedures for Public

School Buildings

The procedure includes: "architectural planning, structural / building

construction and utilities;" public school education system; "Changes in
public high school system;" Standardization of public high schools.

12

SNI 03-1731-1989

Dam Safety Procedures.

The procedure was used in conducting the design, construction, operation

and maintenance, and removal of the dam in order to ensure the safety of
the dam and its environment.

13

SNI 03-1732-1989

Planning Procedures for Pavement

Thickness Bending Motorway with
Component Analysis Method

Procedure is fundamental in determining flexible pavement thickness

required for a highway.

INDONESIA

Code

Title

92

Purpose

14

SNI 03-1733-2004

Procedures for environmental

planning in urban residential

The procedure is intended to produce a functional residential

neighborhood sekurangkurangnya for the occupants. (Procedures for
Town Planning Housing Areas).

15

SNI 03-1734-1989

Planning Procedures and Structure

Reinforced Concrete Walls
Reinforced For Home and Building

The procedure is used to shorten the time of planning the various forms of
a general structure and ensure the planning requirements for earthquakeresistant homes and buildings policies

16

SNI 03-1735-2000

Planning Procedures for Building

Access and Access to
Environmental Hazards Prevention
Fire At Building Houses and
Buildings.

The procedure is used in the planning of the building and its environment
especially in the prevention of fire and rescue cover safeguards the life,
property and the continuity of the function of the building

17

SNI 03-1736-2000

Planning Procedures for Building

Structure Hazard Prevention
Kebaka-ran on Building Houses
and Buildings

The procedure is used for the structural design of buildings to the

prevention of fire hazards in the home building and building

18

SNI 03-1738-1989

Field CBR Test Method Title

revised to: CBR Test Method
(California Bearing Ratio) field

This method is used to determine the value of CBR (California Bearing

Ratio) on the spot (in place) or when required to do by taking the example
of the original soil with CBR mold (undisturb).

19

SNI 03-1744-1989

CBR Test Method Laboratory

This method is used to determine the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of

soil and soil aggregate mixture compacted in the laboratory on a specific
moisture content.

20

SNI 03-1745-2000

Hydrant System Installation

Procedures for Fire Hazard
Prevention in Building Houses and
Buildings.

The procedure is used as a guide in the installation of fire hydrant system

to provide minimum requirements for the installation of a fire hydrant
system in the prevention of fire hazards in the home building and building

21

SNI 03-1746-2000

The procedure for the planning and

installation of roads out to rescue
against fire in buildings

Used for the installation of the tools in the effort to save the human
evacuation and increase security against fire

22

SNI 03-1747-1989

Bridge Construction Specifications

Type Beams T Landscape s / d 25
yards for the BM 70.

This specification contains general description, technical and image detail

The plan Bridge Beams "T" class expenses BM 70 (70% load BM)

23

SNI 03-1748-1989

Jem Construction Specifications TBeam bridge type Landmarks s / d

25 yards for BM 100

This specification contains general description, technical explanations and

detailed drawings Beam Bridge Plan "T" class expenses BM 100 (100%
deliverance banan BM).

24

SNI 03-1758-1990

How to test the eternal nature of

aggregate for concrete mix and the
effect of a saturated solution of
sodium and magnesium sulfate

Define how to test the eternal nature of aggregate that includes

equipment, testing solutions, test samples and test sample preparation, test
execution, and report test results. Sample calculation for fine and coarse
aggregate are given

25

SNI 03-1962-1990

Avalanche Disaster Planning

Procedures

The procedure is used to handling local avalanches in particular and

covering a vast area in general.

26

SNI 03-1963-1990

Basic Procedures for Coordination

Modular Building Design Houses
and Buildings

The procedure is used as the basis for planning a handle home and
building using modular coordination. The goal is to create a technical plan
of the house and building the optimal

27

SNI 03-1965.1-2000

Soil Moisture Testing Method by

Speedy Tool

This method is used to determine soil moisture content using a speedy

28

SNI 03-1968-1990

Sieve Analysis Testing Method

About Fine and Coarse Aggregates

This method is used to determine the distribution point (gradient) of fine

aggregate and coarse aggregate sieve.

29

SNI 03-1971-1990

Moisture Testing Methods

Aggregate Title revised to: Test
method for total moisture content
of aggregate by drying

This method is used to determine the moisture content of aggregate.

INDONESIA

Code

Title

93

Purpose

30

SNI 03-1974-1990

Concrete Compressive Strength

Testing Method Title revised to:
Test method for compressive
strength of concrete

his method is used to determine the compressive strength (compressive

strength) concrete cylindrical specimens were made and matured (curring)
in the laboratory and in the field.

31

SNI 03-1975-1990

Sample Preparation Methods of

Soil and Soil Aggregate containing

This method is used to prepare soil samples and soil containing dried
aggregate to obtain a specimen preparation further testing.

32

SNI 03-1977-1990

Coordination specification Houses

and Buildings Modular Buildings

This specification is used as a handle for the technical planners,

implementers, manufacturers of building materials, building components
and building elements, in order to choose the dimensions of the module
horizontal and vertical directions for building houses and buildings. The
goal is to save on materials, components and elements of the building as
well as installation time and labor.

33

SNI 03-1978-1990

Selected Size Specifications For

Building Houses and Buildings

This specification is used as a handle for the technical planners,

implementers, manufacturers of building materials, building components
and building elements, to choose the size of the horizontal and vertical
directions, and building houses. The goal is to save on materials,
components and elements of the building as well as installation time and
labor utilization

34

SNI 03-1979-1990

Specifications Matra Space for

Home and Building

This specification is used as a handle on a reference dimension minimum

space in the technical planning of the residence according to the size of
the modular. The goal is efficient use of space and building materials.

35

SNI 03-2393-1991

Cement Injection Procedure of the

Rock

The procedure is used in the implementation of the injection of cement in

the rock that aims to minimize the passing water and increase the strength
of the rock in an attempt to repair the foundation stone of a building.

36

SNI 03-2394-1991

Procedures for Planning and

Building Design of Nuclear
Medicine at the Hospital

The procedure is used to plan and design a building particularly radiation

to building nuclear medicine

37

SNI 03-2395-1991

Procedures for Planning and

Building Design Radiology at the
Hospital

The procedure is used in planning and designing for construction of

hospital radiology

38

SNI 03-2396-2001

Procedures for Natural Lighting

System Design in Building

The standard procedure for the design of daylighting systems in buildings

is intended as a guide for paraperancang and development practitioners in
designing the building in the daytime natural lighting systems, and aims
to obtain natural daylight lighting systems in accordance with the terms of
health, comfort and in accordance with the provisions of other applicable
provisions. "This standard covers the minimum requirements of natural
daylight lighting systems in buildings.

39

SNI 03-2397-1991

Planning Procedures Simple House

Hold Wind.

The procedure is used as basis for the design of a simple house is not airpractical level to guarantee the safety of the occupants of modest homes
in areas prone to wind

40

SNI 03-2398-2002

Planning Procedures With Septic

Tank Absorption Systems

This ordinance contains terms and definitions, requirements septic tank

and leach systems that apply to the disposal of domestic wastewater for
groundwater areas is low and the number of users up to 10 head of family
(1 Patriarch equal to 5 people)

41

SNI 03-2399-2002

Planning Procedures for Public

MCK Building

The procedure includes the terms and definisih, requirements applicable

to indoor toilet facilities are located in dense residential location, with a
maximum user weight 200. Public toilets can be a single entity or a bang
Unan separately for bathing, washing and toilet facilities.

42

SNI 03-2400-1991

General Planning Procedures Krib

in the river. (currently in revision)

The procedure is used to overcome the damage caused by the flow of the
river and can preserve the buildings on the river.

43

SNI 03-2401-1991

General Planning Procedures Weir.

The procedure is used to obtain the weir design that meets the
requirements of hydraulic and structure and implementation requirements
correctly and safely according to the pattern of environmentally sound
development.

INDONESIA

Code

Title

94

Purpose

44

SNI 03-2402-1991

General Planning Procedures

Irrigation Pond Shrimp.

The procedure is used for the implementation of irrigation farms in

supplying raw water shrimp work well in accordance with the
requirements of shrimp culture.

45

SNI 03-2403-1991

Installation Procedures for

Concrete Blocks Locked Road
Surface

The procedure aims to get the concrete block pavement layers locked
qualifies as pavement layers.

46

SNI 03-2404-1991

Termite Prevention Procedure for

Making Buildings At Home and
Building

The procedure is intended to protect the houses and buildings to be

erected to termite attack, so that uniformity and effectiveness of efforts to
achieve

47

SNI 03-2405-1991

Termite Control Procedure In

Building Houses and Building with
Termiticide

The procedure is used as a reference in termite control treatment, to

protect the houses and buildings

48

SNI 03-2408-1991

Metal Painting Procedures

The procedure is a technical manual way of painting the metal is good

and right and how to overcome them in the event of a failure in painting

49

SNI 03-2410-1994

Procedures for Wall Painting Wall

With Paint Emulsion

The procedure is intended to provide technical guidance in the work of

painting the walls with paint emulsion order to obtain good results, and
the load on the requirements of materials and tools, implementation of the
painting, and how to control when there is a failure in the paint.

50

SNI 03-2414-1991

Measurement Methods Debit River

and Open Channels. Title revised
to: The procedure for measuring
river flow and open channel flow
using gauges and buoys

Same

Japan

1. Synopsis
Different System in Japan
Codes are equivalent to mandatory standards while code is equivalent to law in Japan. The Central
Government of Japan develops and administers the law and municipal governments enforce codes. The
authority to approve building inspectors is retained by the central government. Laws are applied
uniformly throughout Japan with very few regional modifications. Municipal governments control the
building control approach (i.e., whether to employ their own building officials or engage private
companies to conduct the inspection. In both instances, the building officials still have to obtain
certification from the central government.

Laws Versus Codes

There are two laws in Japan pertaining to building, the Building Standard Law (BSL) and the Fire
Standard Law (FSL). These are administered by the central government. The laws adopt codes that are
developed or accepted by the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ). AIJ is a quasi-government agency that
develops or imports relevant codes, standards, and guidelines internationally. The majority of AIJ
members are private and public sector professionals. Code enforcers are also active members.

Updating of Codes and Laws

AIJ codes, standards, and guidelines are revised every three to five years, but there is no mandatory time
period for updating the BSL and FSL. The codes in the BSL and FSL are, however, regularly updated
(monthly to yearly) while the enforcement languages are updated irregularly. BSL and FSL contain all
minimum building codes, and architects and engineers do not need to use other codes.

Enforcement of Laws
Municipal governments are required to enforce the BSL and FSL using a qualified building official. The
official has to be appointed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Each municipality has
to pass its own ordinance and thus issues its own building and construction permits.

Green Features and Codes

Codes pertaining to sick building syndrome (indoor air quality) and energy efficiency are incorporated
into the BSL. In an interview, an expert from Japan said that codes on water efficiency are also in the
BSL. This statement cannot be confirmed at this time. Laws and codes on light pollution and
environmental impact are not in the BSL but are already enforced as laws in Japan. Thus, green features
do not have to be included in actual building regulations, as they can be enforced by the other relevant
authorities.

JAPAN

96

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Codes can be better described as laws in Japan. Japans building code system is not like those in the
United States, Canada, or Australia. The codes are documented in the laws, and thus there are multiple
codes. Some of the standards have been converted into codes as codes are mandatory and standards may
not be. Thus, codes are mandatory standards while standards are not mandatory.

BUILDING STANDARD LAW AND FIRE SERVICE LAW

There are two mandatory building laws in Japan, the Building Standard Law (BSL) and the Fire Service
Law (FSL) (The Building Center of Japan, 2012). The BSL contains codes and standards pertaining to
site development, structural components, equipment use, and building use that safeguards the life, health,
and property by incorporating. The FSL includes a series of codes and standards pertaining to
extinguishment facilities, alarm systems, and fire protection systems that protect people, lives, and
property from damages caused by fire and disasters.
The BSL covers structural requirements and construction methods for fire safety requirements, equipment
and sanitary requirements, window, smoke exhaust, escape stairs, openings, exterior wall, finishing and
cladding, structural calculations, loading requirements, ground and soil, fire safety and access, concrete,
steel, wood, fire resistivity, fire protection zone, elevators and escalators, fire retardant materials,
evacuation, safety of materials and electrical works, wind force, roof, soil bearing pressure, toxic emitting
materials, and combustible materials.
The BSL consists of three sections: general provisions, building codes, and planning codes. General
provisions list penalties and enforcement procedures. The building codes section contains all codes
pertaining to structural design, fire protection, and building equipment (HVAC, plumbing and sanitation
included). The planning codes section contains codes on land use, building height, districting, fire
protection categorization, external works, external infrastructures, and the use of external roads and
facilities with the building.
FSL includes fire protection (preventive measures and outbreak prevention), and fire evacuation (access
and fire retardant). The code includes types of finishes, building components, room separation, evacuation
facilities, exhaust system, emergency entrance and elevators.
The unique feature of BSL is that it contains both specification and performance codes. Specification
codes are used in areas where the quality of material used is essential (such as steel joints) while
performance codes are used in areas where multiple solutions may be available.

ENFORCEMENT
Both the BSL and the FSL are enforceable through the Enforcement Order of the Minister of Land,
Infrastructure, and Transport, and ordinances of municipal governments. Both are applicable throughout

JAPAN

97

Japan. Enforcement is carried out by the Japan Housing Loan Corporation, the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, and Transport, and municipal governments by building officials designated by the BSL and
FSL. Building engineers are also obligated to ensure code compliance. Engineers from consulting firms
are obligated to comply with codes and standards specified in the BSL and FSL. In Japan, the terms
architect and engineer are interchangeable. The Architect Law defines the qualifications of both
engineers and architects.

BUILDING OFFICIALS
In addition to the Enforcement Order, municipal governments are required to pass ordinances in order to
enforce the BSL and FSL. Building officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport,
and/or from the municipal governments are responsible for the inspection of the buildings throughout the
design and construction phases. Central and municipal governments may subcontract the inspection
works to private companies, and thus may designate these employees as building officials, but the
designation of building official can only be given by the Ministry. The owner of a building applies for the
building to be inspected, and a building official is required to inspect the plan, drawings, and site. A
certificate is granted upon the completion of the construction work.

QUALIFICATIONS
Architects and engineers are categorized according to their qualifications (1st class to 3rd class). They are
required to pass examinations. In addition, building officials designated by the Ministry are required to
pass examinations on the BSL and FSL.

ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
In addition to the BSL and FSL, Japan also has the Law concerning Promotion of Improvement of
Earthquake-Resistance Construction Act (1995), and the Housing Quality Assurance Act (1999). These
were introduced to resolve conflicts due to disasters and conflicts. Some codes may be exempt if these
codes are too stringent.

CODE ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION

Changes in the BSL and FSL are solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and
Transport. The BSL and FSL are modified internally by the Ministry, while additions and exclusions to
codes are determined by a committee that works closely with the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ).
AIJ will establish new codes if needed and those will likely be included as codes in the BSL and FSL.
The committee will recommend the inclusion and exclusion of the codes, and then the Minister of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport will amend the BSL and FSL accordingly. Code changes in the BSL and FSL
can take place as regularly as needed, while modification of the BSL and FSL will depend on the
Ministrys directions.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The AIJ develops all reference standards. AIJ codes, standards, guidelines, and specifications, and JCI
guidelines, specifications and manuals (in Japanese) are non-legal by itself. They become legal if they are
incorporated into the BSL and FSL. AIJ is a quasi-government agency, and most of its members are
private sector and public sector working professionals and the rest are academics. Committee members

JAPAN

98

are mostly self-nominees and invitees, and consensus is a critical component of the approval process. The
public may these documents and share their comments.

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

Codes pertaining to sick building syndrome (indoor air quality) and energy efficiency are incorporated
into the BSL. In an interview an expert from Japan said that codes on water efficiency are also in the
BSL. This statement cannot be confirmed at this time. Laws and codes pertaining to light pollution and
environmental impact are not included in the BSL but are already enforced as laws in Japan.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The BSL is applicable to all types of buildings.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. Code JIS C 60364-5-55 (electrical installations of buildingsparts 1 to 9) is in the BSL.
Energy. Codes JIS Q 50001:2011 (energy management systemsrequirements with guidance for use)
and JIS Z 9204:1991 (general rules for energy evaluation method by available energy) are in the BSL.
Water and Sanitation. JIS B 2312 (pipe fittings and JIS sanitation rule) is in the BSL. The Ministry of
Land, Infrastructure and Transport has mandated the Building Sanitation Law (2002) but has not
integrated it into the BSL. A law cannot be integrated into other laws.
Mechanical Systems. Codes JIS A 1431 (method of measurement of air quantity for ventilation and air
conditioning system), JIS B 9908 (test method of air filter units for ventilation and electric air cleaners for
ventilation), and JIS F 0408:1999 (standard of air-conditioning and ventilation of machinery controlrooms on board ships Design conditions and basis of calculations) are in the BSL.
Indoor Air Quality. Mandatory Indoor Air Quality Standards (VOCs, indoor air chemicals, and airchange rate) have been incorporated into the Building Standard Law (2003). An example is JIS A 1431
(method of measurement of air quantity for ventilation and air conditioning system). In addition to the
AIJ code, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has mandated and administers Emission
Control and Installation of Ventilation System (2007), Indoor Air Quality Guidelines, and Housing
Quality Assurance Law (2002).
Lighting. Codes pertaining to lighting are in the BSL. These include JIS C 0364 (electrical installations of
buildings), JIS C 8105 (luminaires in buildings), JIS Z 9120 to 29 (lighting for indoor workplace, outdoor
workplace, sports lighting, tennis court, sport stadiums, swimming pools etc.), ISO 8995 (lighting for

JAPAN

99

work place: indoor, security, and outdoor), ISO 30061 (emergency lighting), and the Ministry of Energys
Design Code for Outdoor Light Pollution.
Security. No security code can be found in the BSL.
Fire. Both the BSL and FSL contain extensive codes pertaining to fire. FSL codes pertain to fire
protection (preventive measures and outbreak prevention) and fire evacuation (access and fire retardant).
The code covers types of finishes, building components, room separation, evacuation facilities, exhaust
system, emergency entrance and elevators.
Structural. Structural codes are included in the BSL.
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Codes pertaining to location, siting, zoning, and the
environment are in the City Planning Law. The law divides the planning areas into urban control areas,
urbanization promotion area, quasi-city planning area, exceptional FAR applied area. City planning is
mostly decentralized, with planning activities carried out by prefecture councils and local councils. The
prefecture councils administer the planning of road, and land use within their prefectures, while local
councils administer the planning of local services and residential amenities. The planning includes land
use zones, special land use zones, height districts (with tall buildings), fire protection districts, special
districts for urban renaissance, and landscape zones. The plan is also divided into low-rise residential,
high-rise residential, quasi-residential, medium-rise residential, neighborhood commercial, commercial,
quasi-industrial, industrial, and exclusively industrial zones.
The Ministry of Environment also enforces laws on water, waste, air, soil, ground, health, chemical,
nature, and parks (Ministry of Environment (a) 2012). It has developed standards to ensure the quality of
water, air, soil and noise (Ministry of Environment of Japan (b) 2012). The environmental standards are
mandated.
Safety. Safety codes are included in structural codes. Earthquakes are the main reason why safety from
earthquake surpasses any other disaster in Japan.

GREEN BUILDING CODES AND FEATURES

There are no green building codes in Japan. Energy efficiency codes, indoor air quality codes, and
possibly water efficiency codes (in plumbing) have been included in the BSL.

Green Building Rating System

The Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) is a tool for
assessing and rating the environmental performance of buildings and built environment. The Japan Green
Building Council maintains CASEBEE. Criteria for this voluntary system include, indoor environment
(sonic, thermal, illumination, air quality), quality of service (service ability, functionality, maintenance),
durability and reliability, flexibility and adaptability, outdoor environment on-site (biotope, characteristic,
comfort, energy (thermal load, natural energy, building system efficiency, efficient operation), water
efficiency, reducing use of non-renewable resources, off-site environment (pollution, noise, heat island),
and surrounding environment (noise, wind, light pollution).

Republic of Korea

1. Synopsis
BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEM
The building regulatory system of the Republic of Korea is extremely centralized and structured. The
system begins with a decree issued by the Senate and House. The decree is then converted into the
Building Act, which is administered by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM).
Presidential decrees define the specific requirements in the Act, such as the use of the Act, and building
categories. Ordinances issued by the MLTM are supplementary to the Act. The ordinances specify
construction and building standards to support the Act. They also specify the acts and regulations of other
ministries that have to be applied with the Building Act.
Acts, ordinances, and decrees are developed the Building Committee. Members of the committee are
selected by MLTM from various ministries, academic institutions, and professional organizations. Korean
Standards are developed by similar groups of professionals, whose members are selected by the Korean
Standards Agency. There is no mandatory review and revision period for the Act, ordinances, or decrees.
The Act, ordinances and decrees are mandatory throughout Korea, and enforced by local governments.
Local governments also issue permits and certificates, engage building inspectors, and pass ordinances to
enforce the Act.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
Korean Standards (KS) are referenced by the ordinance of the MLTM. The ministry also allows
equivalent international standards in place of KS. ASTM International, International Code Council,
ASHRAE, and American Concrete Institute are some of the codes and standards developing organizations
that the regulations cited.

GREEN FEATURES
Green features are introduced into the regulatory system through the Building Act. The Act mandates
energy efficiency, construction waste recycling and reuse, and water efficiency standards for buildings.
These are translated into implementable documents by the Ministry of Knowledge, and Ministry of
Environment. In addition, the Ministry of Environment also mandated standards for indoor air quality,
storm water management, and the environment.

REPUBLIC

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KOREA

102

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement

12

The Republic of Koreas building regulatory system has a very formal structure highly dependent on the
Central Government. The Building Act (2009) establishes the building and construction regulatory
system. The Act is administered by the Building Planning Division of the Ministry of Land, Transport
and Maritime Affairs (MLTM). The Act establishes the standards that the industry has to adopt.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE REGULATORY SYSTEM

MLTM, mayors, governors, and heads of cities nominate representatives to a building committee that
enforces regulations, ordinances, and Presidential decrees. Inspection and permitting are the responsibility
of the building control department of the city mayors office (for metropolitan city), governor of specialself governing office, and the head of a city. All local enforcement regulations must be aligned with those
implemented by the MLTM. The ministry reviews, revises, and develops regulations; incorporates
standards pertaining to the Act; and establishes relationships with ministries and agencies involved in the
approval and issuance of building permits. These include the Ministry of Environment (environmental
regulations such as the River Act, Farm Act, and Management of Mountainous Act), and in the Ministry
(National Planning and Utilization Act). Building permits and certificates are tied to permits from other
ministries and agencies. Building inspectors are appointed by local government.

BUILDING STANDARDS
Presidential Decrees are assigned to address the standards used for different building elements. MLTM
specifies the technical standards to be used in regulating buildings through a commissioned team of
experts. The experts include National Research Laboratory, academic, and professionals from specialized
organizations or associations.

GREEN BUILDINGS
The Building Act has included the certification of environmentally friendly buildings. It also has
requirements for energy efficiency and construction waste management (including a certification for
energy efficiency in building).

STRUCTURE OF BUILDING REGULATORY DOCUMENTS

The Building Act lays down the regulatory processes as it involves enforcement decrees, Presidential
decrees, and MLTM ordinances. Enforcement decrees specify rules and requirements not stated in acts,
decrees and ordinances. Presidential decrees specify enforceable items that are in acts, decrees and
ordinances. The ordinances contain the mandatory standards. Other mandatory standards are specified by
MLTM (MLTM (c) 2012). Other regulatory documents include the following:

12

MLTM 2012; MLTM (b) 2012

REPUBLIC

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103

Construction Machinery Management Act

Construction Ordinance of the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs
Construction Technology Management Act
Enforcement Decree of the Building Act
Enforcement Decree of the Construction Technology Management Act
Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on the Construction Industry
Presidential Decree for the Construction Machinery Management Act
Presidential Decree of Building Act (Seumteo 2012; Law Society of Korea 2012).

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Korean Standards (KS) are referenced in the ordinance of the MLTM. The ministry also allows equivalent
codes and international standards to replace referenced KS. ASTM International, International Code
Council, American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and
American Concrete Institute are some of the codes and standards developing organizations that the
regulations cited. For example, the regulations used by the Keangnam Millennium Park Development
include the following:
Korean Acts, Regulations, and Standards
Building Act Enforcement Rule
Enforcement Rule of Fire Equipment Installation and Safety Maintenance Regulation
Enforcement Rule of Parking Act
Equipment Installation Standards
Korean Building Act
Korean Fire Act
Korean Handicap Regulation
National Fire Safety Act
Parking Installation Rule
Regulation of the Standards of Egress and Fire Protection Construction in Buildings
International codes and standards
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), 2004
International Building Code (IBC), 2003 edition
International Electrical Code (IEC), 2003 edition
International Fire Code (IFC), 2003 edition
International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2003 edition
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 2005 edition

GREEN FEATURES
The Republic of Korea has included most green features in its mandatory laws (see Section 3, below, for
details). The Building Act requires the MLTM to develop a mandatory green building rating system for
the construction industry.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The Building Act classifies buildings as follows:

REPUBLIC

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104

Amusement facilities
Apartment houses
Business facilities
Cemeteries and related facilities
Class I neighborhood living facilities
Class II neighborhood living facilities
Commercial facilities
Correctional facilities and military installations
Detached houses
Education and research facilities
Facilities for
Animals and plants,
Broadcasting and telecommunications
Cultural activities and assembly
Motor vehicles
Power generation
Storage and treatment of dangerous substances
Elderly and infants
Tourism and relaxation
Treatment and excretes and wastes
Factories
Lodging facilities
Medical facilities
Religious facilities
Sport facilities
Warehouses
Other facilities prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. All mandatory electrical standards are in the Building Act, decrees, ordinances, and
regulations issued by the MLTM.
Energy. The section on energy efficiency and utilization of construction waste in the Building Act states
mandatory requirements for buildings. The Act also mandates the use of building design criteria for
energy saving and a building certification system. Energy audits are recommended.

REPUBLIC

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Water and Sanitation. Mandatory plumbing and sanitation standards are in the Building Act, decrees,
ordinance and regulations issued by the MLTM. The ministry also enforces the Protection of
Groundwater Act (MLTM (b) 2012). An ordinance of the Ministry of Environment requires that rainwater
and water be treated before discharge. The Ministry of Environment also requires the protection of storm
water quality, through the Protection of Water Quality Act.
Mechanical Systems. Mandatory mechanical systems standards are in the Building Act, decrees,
ordinance and regulations issued by the MLTM.
Indoor Air Quality. Protection of indoor air quality is mandatory. The laws are enforced by the Ministry
of Environments Indoor Air Quality Control in Public Use Facilities, the Ministry of Land, Transport and
Maritime Affairs Organic Act of Construction Facility, and the Ministry of Environments Underground
Air Quality Management Act.
Lighting. Mandatory lighting design standards are in the Building Act, decrees, ordinances, and
regulations issued by the MLTM. Ministry of Environments Lighting Pollution Prevention Law Based
on Artificial Lightingwhich is administered by local governmentsis mandatory (Energy Korea,
2012). Koreas Energy Standards and Labeling has a section on energy efficiency of lighting and lighting
design.
Security. No mandatory standard
Fire. Mandatory fire standards are in the Building Act, decrees, ordinances and regulations issued by the
MLTM.
Structural. Mandatory structural design standards are in an ordinance of the MLTM (Rules Regarding the
Structure of the Building Standards). The ordinance is part of the extensive documentation of the building
regulatory system mentioned above. Guidelines and standards of the Korean Concrete Institute and the
Korean Society of Steel Construction are also mandatory. Most standards from the Korean Research
Institute of Standards and Science, and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards are also
mandatory (Korea Concrete Institute 2012; Korean Society of Steel Construction 2012; KRISS 2012;
KATS 2012).
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Mandatory standards for location, siting, and zoning are the
responsibility of the MLTM (MLTM (b) 2012). Site planning and management are in the National
Planning and Utilization Act. MLTM also enforces the following laws:

Act on Urban Parks, Greenbelts, etc

Balanced Regional Development and Fosterage of Local Small and Medium Enterprises Act
Enforcement Decrees
Act on Special Cases for Simplification of Procedures for Authorization and Permission for
Industrial Complex
Act on Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation Therefore
National Land Planning and Utilization Section, Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for
Public Works and the Compensation
Parking Lot Act

REPUBLIC

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106

Framework Act on Restrictions on Land Utilization (and enforcement decree)

Framework Act on The National Land (and enforcement decree)
Groundwater Act (and enforcement decree)
Industrial Sites and Development Act
River Act (and enforcement decree)
Seoul Metropolitan Area Readjustment Planning Act (and enforcement decree)
Special Act on Simplification of Procedures for Authorization and Permission for an Industrial
Complex
Special Act on the Construction and Support of Innovative City Acceptance of Public Institutes
Relocating to Local Cities (and enforcement decree)
Special Act on Development of East, West and South Coast Areas (and enforcement decree)
Urban Development Act
Wetland Conservation Act (and enforcement decree)

Mandatory standards enforced by the Ministry of Environment

Act on Special Measures for the Control of Environmental Offenses

Act on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources (and enforcement decree)
Clean Air Conservation Act (and enforcement decree)
Development of and Support for Environmental Technology Act (and enforcement decree)
Environment Improvement Expenses Liability Act
Environmental Dispute Adjustment Act
Environmental Impact Assessment Act (and enforcement decree)
Framework Act on Environmental Policy (and enforcement decree)
Framework Act on Low Carbon, Green Growth
Management of Drinking Water Act (and enforcement decree)
Natural Environment Conservation Act (and enforcement decree)
Noise & Vibration Control Act
Promotion of Installation of Waste Disposal Facilities and Assistance, etc. to Adjacent Areas Act
Sewerage Act
Soil Environment Conservation Act (and enforcement decree)
Toxic Chemicals Control Act (and enforcement decree)
Wastes Control Act (and enforcement decree)
Water Quality and Ecosystem Conservation Act (and enforcement decree)
Water Supply & Waterworks Installation Act (and enforcement decree)

Safety. The Special Act on the Safety Management of Facility is a mandatory standard administered by
the MLTM (MLTM 2012).

GREEN BUILDING CODES IN REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Standards in Laws and Regulations
The green features that are mandatory in Korea include:

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OF

KOREA

107

Energy efficiency and construction waste recycling (under the Building Acts Energy Efficiency
and Utilization of Construction Waste section).

Energy saving building design criteria and a building certification system, under the Building Act
Building audits are recommended (Korea Energy Management Corporation 2012; Korea Energy
Management Corporation (a) 2012; Korea Energy Management Corporation (b) 2012).

Treatment of rainwater and water before discharge, under an ordinance of the Ministry of
Environment.

Protection of storm water quality under the Protection of Water Quality Act of the Ministry of
Environment.

Protection of indoor air quality, under the Ministry of Environments Indoor Air Quality Control
in Public Use Facilities; the MLTMs Organic Act of Construction Facility, and the Ministry of
Environments Underground Air Quality Management Act (Jee 2005; Ministry of Environment
2012)

Mandatory Green Building Certification

MLTM and the Ministry of Environment have developed a mandatory green building certification system
for residential dwellings, mixed-use dwellings, office buildings, and schools using four rating tools.
Rating criteria cover

Land development and commuting transportation (land development and change in land quality,
impact on adjacent properties, commuting transportation, provision of pleasant residential
environment)

Energy and resources consumption and environmental loads (energy consumption, resources
conservation, environmental pollution loads, water resources, and management)

Ecological environment (use of natural resources, creation of green space in complex, and
creation of biological habitat)

Indoor environmental quality (indoor air quality, thermal environment, noise and acoustics,
indoor services)

Supplementary items (noise and acoustics, energy consumption, alternative energy, installation of
grey water system, preservation of natural resources, noise attenuation performance through the
floor, and ratio of direct sunlight into primary living areas of dwelling units).

Daejeon district has its own green building rating (Korea Green Building Council, 2012).
The total possible score is 120 and there are two ratings, best (85+ points) and excellent (65-84). The
standards used by the system are developed by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards,
Ministry of Environment, and MLTM (KATS 2012).

Malaysia

1. Synopsis
BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEM
Malaysias building regulatory system is similar to Singapores, Bruneis, and Hong Kong Chinas. The
federal government develops and implements regulations and there is no building code. The regulations
refer to codes of practices (equivalent to guidelines or best practices), standards, and design guidelines
developed, published and administered by the Department of Standards Malaysia, a government
department under Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation These are mandatory if the regulations
so specify, otherwise practitioners may use equivalents developed from other sources.
The federal government administers all building regulations and state and territorial governments enforce
them in their building control departments. Review and revision of the regulations are the responsibility
of the Ministry of Works. There is no mandatory time period for regulation review or revision. Reviews
of codes of practices, standards, guidelines, and best practices depend on the agencies that administer
them. For example, Malaysia Standards (MS) are usually revised every three to five years, while codes of
practices, guidelines and best practices administered by the Public Works Department do not have a
mandatory time period for review and revision.
State and territorial governments conduct building inspection works and issue permits for their states, and
municipal or city governments may also take responsibility for inspection works and permits for their
areas. This depends on the arrangements between the state and territorial governments and the local
governments.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
While reference standards are mainly from Malaysian Standards (MS), Malaysia draws from ASTM
International, ASHRAE, the British Standards Institute, Australian and New Zealand Standards, Chinese
Standards, and the American Institute of Steel Construction..

PATHWAYS TO GREEN: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The government takes a voluntary approach to green features in buildings and no regulations require such
features. Codes of practice and standards for indoor air quality, water efficiency, and resource efficiency
are not mandatory; and policies on energy, water, and the environment have not affected building design
and construction. Still, ASHRAE 90.1 (on energy efficiency) is widely applied in high-rise commercial
buildings in Malaysia.

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2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Like Singapore, Brunei, and Hong Kong, Malaysia does not have a building code system. The system
relies on laws implemented by the government, and the laws require relevant standards and codes of
practices pertaining to buildings. Engineers and architects determine standards and codes of practices
relevant to their projects. Even if laws refer to a standard, an equivalent can replace the reference. While
codes of practices, standards, and guidelines are generally not mandatory, they can be required if the laws
make them mandatory.

BUILDING REGULATIONS
Malaysias building regulations are based on the Street, Drainage and Building Act (1974), the Uniform
Building By-Laws (1984), and Building (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws 1985. These legal
instruments stipulate guidelines for the approval of building plans and prescribe the control of
construction. In conjunction with these laws, the Fire Services Department prescribes requirements for
fire safety in buildings through the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1988, and through its own
guidelines. These guidelines and provisions specify the "passive" aspects of the laws, (i.e., structural
requirements for fire containment and life safety precautions). The laws do not dictate the types of
standards mandated by the regulations as long as there are equivalent standards.

ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
Local authorities develop and enforce their own building codes, and are not required to follow the
Uniform Building By-Laws (1984). Penalties for offenses committed by developers, contractors, owners,
and occupiers are imposed by local building control officers. The federal building control department can
apply to the court for a "Mandatory Order" requiring an offending owner or occupier to demolish an
unauthorized building or to abate any nuisance or danger related to construction. The main functions of a
local authority are planning and control of development and building control, while laws, bylaws, and
standards development are the responsibility of the federal government. Local building control
departments do not have jurisdiction over buildings owned by the federal government; their codes apply
only to buildings in their state or territory.

COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
The Uniform Building By-Laws (1984) prescribes plan submission procedures, space provisions and
design methods, provisions of temporary works, structural requirements, construction requirements, fire
requirements, alarm, detection, extinguishment, and access, and other miscellaneous items. Building ByLaws 1985 specifies the enforcement and regulation for the Territory of Kuala Lumpur only. The federal
government is the local authority for the Territory. The Street, Drainage and Building Act (1974) has
provisions on street design and maintenance, plants management, drainage design and maintenance, backlanes provision, design and maintenance, and other administration procedures.

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LAW ADMINISTRATION AND REVISION

Local Authority under each states and territorial governments enforce the laws if they adopt them. They
may choose to develop their own regulations. The local authority has control over the ordinances or
regulations they wish to impose in their states, while the federal laws apply to federal projects built on
non-federal lands. Most states and territories have adopted federal building regulations.
No time period for review or revision of law is specified, so laws are updated as and when needed by the
Ministry of Works. Standards referred by the laws are updated by the Department of Standards Malaysia
based on request from the Ministry of Works. All Malaysian Standards (MS) will be reviewed every 5
years.

CODE ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION

Malaysias federal government develops the Uniform Building By-Laws (1984), Building (Federal
Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws, and the Street, Drainage and Building Act (1974) Act. Local
authorities adopt these or develop their own enforceable codes. The bylaws and acts were originated by
and are updated as needed by a panel of industry experts, academics, government officials, and
representatives of various states and territories. Updates are reflected in later versions of legislation
passed by Parliament. Local authorities enact their codes by making them laws for their own state or
territorial government. The federal building control department enforces laws on behalf of the federal
government (including federally owned buildings outside of Kuala Lumpur) and for buildings inside the
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Local building control departments enforce local building codes. No
information is available on the development and evolution processes of the local codes.

MALAYSIAN STANDARDS (MS)

The Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA) under the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is the National Standards and Accreditation Body. In performing
its duties and functions, STANDARDS MALAYSIA is governed by Standards of Malaysia Act 1996
(Act 549). As the National Standards Body, STANDARDS MALAYSIA through the Industry Standards
Committee (ISC) develop Malaysian Standard (MS) in 24 sectors including for building, construction
and civil engineering. The ISC consists of local industry experts, academics, government officials, and
international experts. STANDARDS MALAYSIA recommends reviewing the MS every 5 years or earlier
as necessary.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Most reference standards are Malaysian Standards . Besides MS, the laws also referred to other standards
such as British Standards , ASHRAE, AS/NZS, and ASTM .ISC D may refer to other source of standards
(e.g., ASTM, ASHRAE, AS/NZS, BS) in developing MS. Local authorities are free to adopt their own
standards.

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GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

Although Malaysia has developed MS related to green such as on energy efficiency but the Uniform
Building By-Laws (1984), Building (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws, and the Street,
Drainage and Building Act (1974) do not have green features. The bylaws only require compliance with
MS developed by ISC D, and does not include other ISCs.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The Uniform Building By-Laws (1984), Building (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws, and the
Street, Drainage and Building Act (1974) apply only to commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.
They do not govern housing and low-cost development. These are mandatory laws for federally owned
buildings, and it is up to the state or territory to determine if the laws apply to them.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. MS 1979 (Electrical Installations of Buildings Code of Practice) ) has been developed by
ISC E - Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Energy based on the source material as contained in
the guide to MS IEC 60364 on electrical installations of buildings. The federal government and all states
and territorial governments have made this standard as mandatory.
Energy. Currently there is no mandatory standard for building energy efficiency. However, ASHRAE
90.1 is widely applied and buildings that pursue LEED and Green Mark certifications must comply with
ASHRAE 90.1. Although it is not mandatory standard, MS 1525 (Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency
and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Buildings) is widely used in Malaysia.
The National Energy Policy of Malaysia was developed by the federal government and is addresses
energy production, distribution, and consumption. It provides energy use guidelines and lays out
renewable energy use and development guidelines for buildings. The policy is based on the 1974
Petroleum Development Act, 1975 National Petroleum Policy, 1980 National Depletion Policy, 1990
Electricity Supply Act, 1993 Gas Supply Acts, 1994 Electricity Regulations, 1997 Gas Supply
Regulation, and the 2001 Energy Commission Act. The Government agencies such as the Ministry of
Energy, Green Technology and Water, the Energy Commission, and the Malaysia Energy Center also
Government-linked companies, like Petronas and Tenaga Nasional Berhad are contributed to the
development of the National Energy Policy of Malaysia. .
The Energy Commission is the regulator of the energy sector and service companies. The Malaysian
Guidelines for Energy Efficiency in Buildings is a voluntary, set of building energy standards for non-

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residential buildings. They cover envelope, lighting, and HVAC systems. The guidelines are developed
by industry experts, academics, and government officials. Currently, none of these guidelines had been
made mandatory.
Water and Sanitation. Malaysia does not have a mandatory standard on plumbing but various piping
standards are widely adopted. These include the MS 525 (Specification for Concrete Porous Pipes for
Under Drainage), MS 881 (specification for precast concrete pipes and fittings for drainage and
sewerage), and MS 1193 (Specification for Devices without Moving Parts for the Prevention of
Contamination of Water by Backflow). MS 2015 (public toilets), is a voluntary standard that has been
widely adopted.
Standards on water and sewerage quality has been made mandatory in Water Services Industry Act and
the National Water Services Commission Act for Peninsula Malaysia. These acts are not applicable in
East Malaysia. The Sewerage Act 1994 (affects both), and the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and
Water Malaysia are implemented and enforceable in Malaysia. These regulations are enforced by the
Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia and required local governments to maintain
certain levels of water and sewerage quality.
The National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (second version, January 2004) is issued by the
Engineering Services Division of the Ministry of Health. The standards are adopted from the World
Health Organizations guidelines for drinking water quality. The Concession Agreement of December 31,
2004, specifies that treated water supplied by SYABAS must comply with the standard stipulated in
National Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The standard has 131 parameters. These standards has
been made mandatory in Malaysia as the government obtains funding from the World Health
Organization.
The National Water Services Commission Act and the Water Services Industrial Act 2006 (both by the
Ministry of Energy, Green Technology, and Water) contain provisions for commissioning water treatment
facilities. Both are mandatory only in Peninsula Malaysia.. The Water Forum and the Ministry of Energy,
Green Technology and Water Malaysia has developed guidelines on water savings and efficiency. The
most common voluntary standards on plumbing in Malaysia include MS 1058 (Polyethylene piping
systems for water supply), SPAN Approval, Australia/NZ Joint Standard AS/NZS 2642, Australia/NZ
Joint Standard AS/NZS 4129/4130, WaterMark AS/NZS 2642, WaterMark AS/NZS 4129, and United
Kingdom BS 7291.
Mechanical Systems. There is no mandatory standard for mechanical systems in Malaysia as a whole, but
guidelines for mechanical system design and installation has been made mandatory for all Federal
Government according to the Public Works Department (Public Works Department, 2011)
Indoor Air Quality. Malaysia does not have a mandatory standard for indoor air quality. The standard on
indoor air quality was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources, Department of Occupational Safety
and Health, sets minimum standards but is only a guide. It sets standards for indoor air quality (oxygen,
carbon dioxide etc.), zoning of indoor pollutant sources, and elimination of pollutants from indoor sources
(DOSH 2005). All federal government buildings comply with this standard and thus this is somewhat
mandatory for most federal buildings.

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Lighting. The code of practice on occupational safety and health issued by the Ministry of Human
Resources, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, is the minimum standard for lighting, but it is
not mandatory. It sets minimum and maximum luminaries, and recommends types of luminaries, and
color use for office spaces. Malaysian Standards (MS) developed under ISC F also has voluntary
standards on lighting design.
Security. Malaysia does not have a Malaysian Standard (MS) for building security.
Fire. Malaysian Standards (MS) for fire safety in building are referred in the Uniform Building By-Laws
(1984), Building (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws (1984), and Fire Services Act (1988)
These laws and act also include provisions for fire safety access, room plans, provision of fire
extinguishing methods and systems, fire resistance of materials, and design methods etc.
Structural. The Uniform Building By-Laws (1984) and Building (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur)
By-Laws (1984), have Malaysian Standard (MS) on structure. The standards cover loading requirements,
material use, spatial loading standards, weight of partitions, stacking, roof design, dynamic loads etc. ISC
D are focuses on design and construction methods of timber, concrete, steel and plastic materials (ICS D
Section, MS 416, MS 977, MS IEC 8124, MS 544, MS 1294, MS 1057, MS 229, MS 1933, MS 1195,
MS 1226, MS 1553, MS 1314, MS 1490 etc.).
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Building zoning and siting is governed by the 10th Malaysia
Plan, which is managed by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Ministers Office and the Malaysia
Economic Planning Unit in the office of the Attorney General of Malaysia, and the Town and Country
Planning Act (1976, amended in 2006). The 10th Malaysia Plan focuses on types of development, land
use, and other land issues. The Town and Country Planning Act sets out the rule on planning authority,
authorizations, and format.
Developed by the Ministry of National Resouces and Environment in 2002, the National Policy on the
Environment dictates environmental standards. The policy covers environmental stewardship,
conservation of natures vitality and diversity, continuous improvement in environmental quality,
sustainable use of natural resources (including land), integrated decision-making, the role of the private
sector, commitment and accountability, and participation in the international community. Other related
regulations include the:

Environmental Quality Act 1974-2011,

Fisheries Act, Land Conservation Act,
Local Government Act,
National Forestry Act,
National Park Act,
Protection of Wildlife Act,
Radioactive Substances Act,
Water Enactment Act,
Sarawak Biodiversity Center Ordinance,
Sabah Biodiversity Enactment,
Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance,
Sabah Environmental Protection Enactment, and

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115

Sabah Forest Enactment, Sarawak Forest Ordinance.

Safety. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 under purview of The Department of Occupational
Safety and Health specifies minimum safety standards in Malaysia. It specifies the responsibilities and
duties of employers and employees with regard to workplace safety and safety requirements for products
and materials. The Uniform Building By-Laws, and the Building By-Laws (1984) also have provisions
for safety during construction, fire exits, smoke detectors, obstructions, etc.
Other voluntary standards are including the Department of Occupational Safety and Healths guidelines
for public safety and health at construction site, and code of practice for safe working in a confined space.
The guidelines cover the duties of different parties, hazard identification, risk assessment and control,
emergency response methods, hoarding, movement of traffic, utilities disconnection, demolition,
explosive use, site clearance, safety measures for types of construction works, the use of hoisting
equipment, and crane storage. The code of practice specifies approaches to working in confined spaces,
permitting requirements, duties of various parties, ventilation standards, and safety protection methods.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Malaysia does not have a mandatory standard or code for green building standard but two green building
rating systems are frequently used. The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysias rating tool for
buildings and towns. It is very similar to USGBC LEED. Buildings and townships can apply for
certifications in nonresidential, residential, industrial, and township categories. Certifications are at four
levels (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) and take three steps: (1) application and registration, (2)
design assessment, and (3) completion and verification assessment. A verifier visits the site to certify
compliance with GBI standards for energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable site
planning and management, materials and resources, water efficiency, and innovation. The township
assessment has one additional step for approval of final plans before verification.

Mexico

1. Synopsis
Like the United States, Mexico does not have a national building code. Responsibility for the
development and enforcement of building codes resides with authorities in individual jurisdictions,
including states and cities. Municipalities are entitled to establish appropriate regulations for urban
development and housing, such as land use and building permits. Detailed regulations are in the Federal
Law on Urban Development. These rules have been interpreted for long time so that every municipality
has the power to issue its own building code, although municipalities may together issue a regional or
state building code. Because Mexico has a federal district (Mexico City) and 31 states with more than
2,400 municipalities, the number of possible building codes is quite large.

MEXICOS BUILDING CODE

Most code development in Mexico focuses on Mexico City, the capital and largest city in the economy.
Although cities and municipalities of different sizes are in regions with different hazards most have
simply adapted or outright copied Mexico City Building Code (MCBC) (the latest version is from 2004).
The MCBC is basically a model code. It is the product of a process dating from 1920 in which design
requirements, professional liabilities, and overall performance requirements have evolved.

BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEMBOTTOM UP APPROACH

State and municipal governments are responsible for developing the regulatory system and involving
industry professionals in that development. Local authorities not always have a technical infrastructure to
rely on in developing regulations or codes, nor can they always count on the legal infrastructure needed to
ensure application and compliance once regulations are developed. Some localities adopt building
regulations from elsewhere, generally those of the federal district, as mentioned above. The jurisdiction
appoints a committee or designates parties who write or research the regulations, the local legislature
approves them, and the local government enforces them. But each jurisdiction has different levels of
enforcement and in some enforcement is limited
The MCBC, which has evolved from a prescriptive to a performance-based code, is the result of
collaboration among parts of the federal district authorities with jurisdiction in building safety. These
include the Secretary of Urban Development & Housing and the Secretary of Public Works and Services.
In addition, academic and professional institutions and the Federal District Advisors Committee on
Structural Safety participate in code development. The MCBC can be obtained at the Secretary of Public
Works and Services website: http://cgservicios.df.gob.mx/prontuario/vigente/385.htm.

MEXICO

118

REFERENCED STANDARDS
The MCBC refers to the complementary technical standards/standards (CTN), which are Mexican
standards developed by national private and public sector organizations. Some of these standards are
based on international standards, such as those from the United States and other economies. Based on the
Federal Law on Metrology and Standards, the National Standardization Program requires all federal
ministries to develop mandatory technical standards (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, or NOM) for the areas
they regulate. For example, the Energy Ministry transferred the mandate to develop appliance standards
and building energy efficiency codes to the Mexican Energy Efficiency Commission (CONAE).
Mexican standards (NMX) are voluntary regulations that can be enacted by accredited private
standardization organizations. Further down in the hierarchy of standards, technical suitability reports
(Dictamen de Idoneidad Tecnica or DIT) can be developed to assure the quality of certain appliances and
equipment.

CODE COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT-GOVERNMENT

OVERSIGHT OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Jurisdictional authorities are responsible for enforcing building code provisions. There are local systems
for enforcement of general building codes, with some third party involvement through auxiliary,
nongovernmental entities that are responsible for confirming compliance with codes. Enforcement varies
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some states have well-established and automated systems for permits,
inspections, and certificates of occupancy while others have only limited systems.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN
Mexico does not have green code for commercial buildings. Efforts to develop and regulate green
provisions in the built environment are ongoing. Like other emerging economies, Mexico is moving
towards green or friendlier environmental activities in the built environment. The construction industry
has embraced green building and is learning from the experiences of Europe, Canada, and United States.
Mexicos architectural tradition favors environmentally sensitive, small-footprint buildings, but
promotion of green buildings specifically is new and focused on housing. Stakeholders, such as the
National Housing Commission (CONAVI) and the Mexican Chamber for the Construction Industry
(CMIC), are documenting green practices and defining criteria for green buildings and homes. Such
documentation will be fundamental should Mexico choose to develop a green code. And developing a
code and standards would require extensive coordination. Mexico has many national technical standards
and other documents that can serve as a foundation for a green code; energy efficiency standards are
highlighted here. Development of a green code or standard for commercial buildings is just the beginning
of a process that above all needs a strong system for compliance. Compliance and enforcement, in fact,
need to be strengthened for the economys building code system overall.

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2. Code Development, Adoption,

and Administration
13

How building codes are developed, adopted, administered, and enforced in Mexico is rooted in the type of
government, which is a federal republic consisting of one federal district and 31 administrative divisions
or states.14 Mexico does not have a national code itself. According to Article 27 of the Mexican
Constitution, municipalities are entitled to establish appropriate regulations for urban development and
housing, such as land use and building permits. Detailed regulations are in the Federal Law on Urban
Development. They have been interpreted for a very long time so that every municipality has the power
to issue its own building code, although municipalities may together issue a regional or state building
code. Since Mexico has a federal district (Mexico City) and 31 states with more than 2,400
municipalities, the number of possible building codes is very large.15 The National Housing Authority
(CONAVI) had identified more than 100 before 2003. The existence of multiple codes creates a big
challenge for coordination.16

CODE DEVELOPMENT
For years, the Ministry of Social Development, which is part of the executive branch of the federal
government, has tried to coordinate the development of model building codes in the economy. So far,
results have been limited. CONAVIs model for the residential sector, the Residential Building Code
(CEV), has been slow to be adopted.17
Most code development in Mexico focuses on Mexico City, the capital and largest city in the economy.
Cities and municipalities of different sizes and in regions with different hazards (i.e., earthquakes, winds,
oods) have building codes that are simply adaptations or outright copies of the Mexico City Building
Code (MCBC), the latest version being from 2004. Federal agencies have issued standards and manuals
applicable to structures other than buildings. The most signicant example is from the Federal
Commission of Electricity (CFE 1994) for the design and construction of power supply facilities. The

13 The

report has benefited from papers and information by experts such as Dr. Sergio M. Alcocer, Dr. Victor M.
Castao, local building codes and standards experts, and ASTM International. Important content related to the
Mexico City Building Code is excerpted from the Evolution of codes for structural design in Mexico, a paper by
Sergio M. Alcocer, and Vctor M. Castao published in 2008.
14 Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza,
Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo,
Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa,
Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave (Veracruz), Yucatan, Zacatecas. CIA
Website. January 30, 2013.
15Sergio

M. Alcocer, Vctor M. Castao. 2008. Evolution of codes for structural design in Mexico.

16 Alberto

Herrera, codes and standards expert, January 29, 2013.

17 Herrera,

January 29, 2013.

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120

MCBC is regarded as a model code for the economy.18 Other agenciessuch as PEMEX, the national oil
agency, and the Mexican Institute for Social Services (IMSS)have their own construction regulations.
(Research on the development process is needed.19)
The MCBC incorporates important innovations and numerous scientific and technological advances in the
following fields: seismic, seismology and wave propagation, subsoil and foundation studies, and the
analysis of structures response under seismic forces.
The MCBC is the product of an important process dating from 1920 in which design requirements,
professional liabilities, and overall performance requirements have evolved. See Evolution of codes for
structural design in Mexico by Sergio Alcocer and Victor M. Castao (2008).

CODE ADOPTION
Local governments (state and municipal) are responsible for developing the regulatory system, with the
participation of industry professionals and government. Such instruments are of a local character. Local
authorities do not always have the technical infrastructure needed for developing regulations or codes, nor
do they always have the legal infrastructure needed to ensure application and compliance once regulations
are developed. Some adopt regulations from elsewhere, generally those of the federal district, as indicated
above. The jurisdiction appoints a committee or designates parties who write or research the regulations,
the local legislature approves and the local government enforces regulations.20 However, there are
different levels of enforcement in each jurisdiction and in some cases, the enforcement is limited.

ESTABLISHMENT AND ENFORCEMENT

The MCBC is the result of collaboration among parts of the federal district authorities with jurisdiction in
building safety. These include the Secretary of Urban Development & Housing and the Secretary of
Public Works and Services. In addition, academic and professional institutions and the Federal District
Advisors Committee on Structural Safety participate in code development. The MCBC can be obtained
at the Secretary of Public Works and Services website:
http://cgservicios.df.gob.mx/prontuario/vigente/385.htm.

BUILDINGS COVERED
There are no separate codes for building types. The MCBC 2004, a major revision of the 1987 code,
consists of 257 articles under 11 titles (GDF, 2004a):

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

18
19

General requirements
Public streets and facilities for public use
Directors Responsible for Works and Co-Responsibles
Permits and authorizations
Architectural projects

Alcocer, et al.
Herrera, January 29, 2013.

20 Herrera,

January 29, 2013.

MEXICO

VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.

121

Structural safety
Construction
Use, operation and maintenance
Building extensions
Demolitions
Inspections, sanctions and appeals.

Title VI on structural safety itself has 12 chapters. It requires that structures be classied into Groups A,
B1, or B2. Group A are essential buildings. Group B are structures used for housing, ofces, and
commercial business, hotels, and others not included in Group A. Group B1 buildings are taller than 30m
or larger than 6 000m2 of total oor area for soil zones I and II (rm and transition), or taller than 15m or
larger than 3 000m2 for zone III (soft soil). Group B2 are other types of structures.21

CODE EVOLUTION
General concepts for structural design are incorporated in the MCBC while technical details are
concentrated in complementary technical standards (CTN), which allows for updating in keeping with
technical advances and research. Code updates are coordinated by a technical committee of academics
and practitioners. Key actors involved in code development include the government, the private sector,
and research and academic institutions.

CODE ADMINISTRATION
Building departments or their local equivalents, usually as appointed by the jurisdiction, administer the
code. The private sector or a third party is usually involved in code compliance: the building permits
system in Mexico appears to be simple, efficient and well established (if very diverse) at the local level.
Discretion is, however, commonly practiced in building inspection, raising doubts on the effectiveness of
compliance.22

ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS
Enforcement mechanisms vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some states have well established and
automated systems for permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy and states limit their scope to
an administrative processes only.

BUILDING INSPECTION
Building inspection systems vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. According to MCBC Title I, Article 3,
and in accordance with legal provisions, the application and enforcement of code provisions is the
responsibility of the Federal Districts Administration, which has the following responsibilities, among
others (http://cgservicios.df.gob.mx/prontuario/vigente/385.htm):

21
22

Alcocer et al.

Liu, Feng et al. Mainstreaming Building Energy Efficiency Codes in Developing Countries, World Bank Paper
No. 204, 2010.

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Set up technical requirements for construction and installation in zones to satisfy conditions for
habitability, safety, health, comfort, accessibility, and good aesthetics.

According to applicable law, establish the purposes for which it may authorize the use of the
premises and determine the type of buildings that can be built on them.

Register the Construction Notice, the Manifestaciones de Construccion, and grant or deny
building permits and special permits for the execution of works and use of buildings and
premises.

Keep a group of Directors Responsible for Works (Directores Responsables de Obra) and CoResponsible.

Conduct administrative verification visits during implementation to make sure that the use made
of a property, structure, facility, building or construction, fits features previously registered.

Approve or deny, in accordance with the MCBC, the occupation or use of a facility, property, or
building

Impose appropriate penalties for violations of these rules.

Issue and change, when deemed necessary, the provisions of these rules, agreements, instructions,
circulars and other administrative provisions that apply for the proper enforcement of the code.

The following, also from the code, describes the code development process, participants, etc.
To study and propose amendments to this Regulation (MCBC), a commission will be created,
whose members are appointed by the Head of Government of the Federal District.
The Commission may extend to representatives of professional associations and other
organizations and institutions that management deems appropriate to invite. In this case, the
Administration will have equal representation. From this point of view, the process for the
MCBC updates seems pretty open to the society. However, more research is needed regarding
the code update practices at the local level. (Article 4 of Title I)
Those responsible in the Delegations (Delegaciones, territorial divisions of the Federal
District23) for registering construction notices and issuing special construction licenses,
permits and/or authorizations, must have a current licensed qualified Director Construction
Manager, in order to issue the technical advice specialized that is required. (Article 5)

REFERENCED STANDARDS
Mexico Electrical Installation Code NOM-001-SEDE 2012 maintained by the Secretary of Energy is
based on international standards, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National
Electrical Code (NEC) 2011. NOM-018 on thermal insulation for buildings is maintained by the Energy
Agency and National Agency for Standardization and Certification of Building and Construction.24

23

The delegations, in some cases with the support of the Secretariats of Urban and Housing Development
(Seduvi), through the Verification Institute of the Federal District (Invea) are responsible for supervising compliance
with the MCBC. http://eleconomista.com.mx/entretenimiento/2012/09/17/quien-responsabilidad
24

Sustainability in Building Construction (Commercial Buildings)Efficiency and Conservation Survey

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Mexico was one of the first economies in Latin America to adopt a building energy efficiency code
(BEEC) for nonresidential industrial buildings.25 NOM-008-ENER-2001, Energy Efficiency in Buildings,
was developed by the Mexican Energy Efficiency Agency (CONAE) in 2001 with support from the
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The code sets minimum requirements for the design
and construction of the envelope of new buildings and extensions of buildings. The objective is to
optimize thermal behavior of buildings by limiting heat gains through their envelope and the use of
energy for space cooling. The code is performance based. But,
the BEEC has not been applied anywhere since it would have to be integrated into local
construction regulations to become effective. No state or municipality has included references
to the BEEC in its construction regulations to become effective. This is a matter of the lack of
information of the importance of building energy use by local authorities and it can also be
attributed to the resistance of developers due to the cost of compliance.26

In compliance with the provisions of the MCBC, the Federal District Governmentwith the participation
of interdisciplinary groups, experts from education and research centers, as well as governmental entities
and technical and scientific associationshas developed and issued ten complementary technical
standards (CTN) (normas tcnicas complementarias.)

1. Design and construction of masonry structures (NMX-C-404-ONNCCE; NMX-C-036

Compression resistance. NMX-C-021- Masonry Cement)
2. Design and Construction of Wood Structures. (NMX- C-224-ONNCCE (ref. 3) Dimensiones de
la madera aserrada para su uso en la construccin)
3. Design and Construction of Concrete Construction
4. Design and Construction of Steel Structures
5. Criteria and Actions for the Structural Design of Buildings
6. Design and Construction of Foundations
7. Wind Design
8. Seismic Design
9. Design and execution of works and hydraulic installations
10. Architectural projects

Overview of CTN and Their Referenced Standards and Standards

As indicated earlier, the MCBC refers to the CTN, which refers to Mexican standards developed by
national private and public sector organizations. Some standards are based on international standards,
such as those from the United States and other economies. The following describes the development of
codes, standards, and standards in Mexico:

25

Feng, et al.

26

Feng, et al.

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Based on the Federal Law on Metrology and Standards, the National Standardization Program
was established, requiring all federal government ministries to develop mandatory official
technical standards27 (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas NOM), for the areas they regulate. For
example, in the case of energy efficiency codes and standards, the Energy Ministry
transferred the mandate to develop appliance standards and BEEC to the Mexican Energy
Efficiency CONAE (Comision Nacional para el Ahorro de Energia).
The Mexican Standards (NMX) are voluntary regulations that can be enacted by accredited
private standardization organizations. Further down in the hierarchy of standards, Technical
Suitability Reports known as (DIT) Dictamen de Idoneidad Tecnica, can be developed to
assure the quality of certain appliances and equipment.28

The following table presents the three types of standards and the building-relevant standards of each.
Targeted
Elements

Type of Norm
NOM Official Mexican Standards

Compact fluorescent, lamps,

water closets, shower heads,
water quality, water heaters

Thermal envelop for

residential buildings

Products and services

Thermal insulation R values,

valves for domestic water use,
residential supervision and
inspection services, construction
materials such as: cement,
blocks, steel bars, aggregates.

Thermal insulation test

methods, foam block.

Products

Solar-gas water heater

Photovoltaic panel systems,

LED (light emitting diode),
motion sensors for lighting.

Voluntary; contain technical specifications;

established by consensus; based on experience
and technical development.

DIT Technical Suitability Report

In Process

Products and services

Mandatory; established by federal agencies;

contain regulations, specifications, attributes and
provisions. Have a real objective such as public
welfare, protect the environment, etc.
NMX- Mexican Standard

In Force

In the absence of a NOM or a NMX standard, this

is a criteria developed under a specific protocol
for quality assurance purpose.

SOURCE: Liu, Feng et al. 2010. Mainstreaming building energy efficiency codes in developing countries; global experiences and lessons from
early adopters. World Bank Paper No. 204, page 151.

See the next section for examples of type of standards, sources, use, and application.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Before discussing work on a green building code in Mexico, note that there are voluntary rating systems
in the market, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Environmental
Assessment Method (BREEAM). Mexico doesnt have a single green code for commercial buildings. But
there are efforts to develop and regulate green provisions in the built environment.
In 2001, Mexico developed a mandatory commercial building code but has largely failed to implement it
because local governments are not interested in incorporating its requirements into their local building
regulations. More recently, CONAVI developed a national model regulation for residential construction
that has sustainability requirements. Developers wanting to participate in CONAVIs subsidized low-

27

Norms are mandatory documents. Standards are voluntary.

28

Feng, et al.

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income housing development program will have to satisfy those requirements. This represents an
attractive approach to leverage market uptake of more energy efficient buildings.29
According to Green Building Sector 2011, Expert Views, http://www.globaltrade.net/f/marketresearch/text/Mexico/Building-Products-and-Construction-Green-Building-Sector-2011.html
Like other emerging economies, Mexico is moving towards green or friendlier
environmental activities. The construction industry has embraced the green building
movement and Mexico has joined the World Green Building Council (WGBC). Mexico is
learning from the European, Canadian and United States best practices and occasional
missteps to reap the cost and health benefits of green buildings. It also can show other
countries how to use simple, moderate-cost strategies from its own longstanding building
practices to achieve green building advantages. Mexicos tradition of architecture favors
environmentally sensitive, small-footprint building practices and designs. But promotion of
green buildings is fairly new and focused on housing. A number of groups are documenting
green practices and defining criteria for green buildings and homes: CONAVI; INFONAVIT,
the countrys largest housing fund for workers; the Mexican Chamber for the Construction
Industry; the National Chamber for Consulting Firms; the National College for Architects; the
Mexican Council for Sustainable Edification; and the Association of Firms for the Saving of
Energy on Construction and Buildings. INFONAVIT has also created a green mortgage
program, supported by mandatory employer and employee contributions.

CONCLUSIONS
Development of a green building code in Mexico seems to be a dispersed effort. Further development will
require coordination. Overall, code compliance seems to be an important challenge for building safety and
code enforcement and compliance in the federal district and municipalities should be prioritized. The lack
of local infrastructure and local technical capacity are impediments to compliance. Additional research on
green buildings in Mexico is recommended.

3. Code Details
EXAMPLES OF MEXICOS STANDARDS AND STANDARDS
Referenced standards and standards can be accessed through standards development organizations and
public and private sector agencies involved in standards development. For example, a database of normas
oficiales mexicanas (NOM) can be accessed through the website of the Secretary of Economy
(http://www.economia-noms.gob.mx/noms/inicio.do). Background information is provided for each
NOM (e.g., government agency in charge of compliance, stakeholders who participated in development, a
bibliography for development of the standard, and harmonization with other international standards).

29

Feng, et al.

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Organizations such as the Organismo Nacional de Normalizacion y Certificacion de la Construccion y

Edificacion (ONCCE), develops Mexican standards NMX following the NMX-Z-013-1977 (standards for
the development of Mexican standards). ONCCEs online catalogue lists standards related to specific
industry segments, such as construction (Normas Mexicanas de la Serie C), together with the standards
cost: http://www.onncce.org.mx/normas/catalogoDnormasV100210.pdf
Examples below are taken from the Government Secretary reports on updated/current standards.
(http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5282167&fecha=13/12/2012):
Clave o codigo
NMX-C-024-ONNCCE-2012

Titulo de la norma
INDUSTRIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION-MAMPOSTERIADETERMINACION DE LA CONTRACCION POR SECADO DE
BLOQUES, TABIQUES O LADRILLOS Y TABICONES-METODO DE
ENSAYO (CANCELA A LA NMX-C-024-1974).

Objetivo y campo de aplicacin

Esta norma mexicana establece el mtodo de ensayo para la determinacin de la contraccin por secado, es aplicable a los bloques,
tabiques o ladrillos y tabicones de concreto, bajo condiciones especficas de secado.
Este mtodo de ensayo no aplica para bloques, tabiques o ladrillos de arcilla cocida debido a que en este material no se presenta
contraccin por secado superior al lmite especificado en la norma mexicana NMX-C-404-ONNCCE-2005.
Concordancia con normas internacionales
Esta norma no coincide con ninguna norma internacional por no existir referencia alguna al momento de su elaboracin.
Bibliografa
ASTM C 426, 2010 Standard Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Masonry Units-ASTM Internacional, Estados
Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
UNE-EN 772-14, 2002 Methods of test for masonry units-Part 14: Determination of moisture movements of aggregate concrete
and manufactured stone masonry units (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
NMX-C-052-ONNCCE-2012

INDUSTRIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION-MATERIALES ASFALTICOSPENETRACION EN CEMENTOS Y RESIDUOS ASFALTICOS-METODO

DE ENSAYO (CANCELA A LA NMX-C-052-1974).

Objetivo y campo de aplicacin

Esta norma mexicana establece el mtodo de ensayo para determinar la consistencia mediante la penetracin vertical de una aguja
en una muestra bajo condiciones establecidas de masa, tiempo y temperatura.
Esta norma mexicana es aplicable a los cementos asflticos, residuos asflticos y cementos asflticos modificados.
Concordancia con normas internacionales
Esta norma no coincide con ninguna norma internacional por no existir referencia alguna al momento de su elaboracin.
Bibliografa
M MMP405006, 2000 Penetracin en Cementos y Residuos Asflticos, de la Normativa para la Infraestructura del Transporte,
de la SCT, Mxico.
ASTM D5, 2006 Standard test method for penetration of bituminous materials-ASTM Internacional Estados Unidos (Parcialmente
armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
NMX-C-087-ONNCCE-2012

INDUSTRIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION-MATERIALES ASFALTICOSDETERMINACION DE LA VISCOSIDAD SAYBOLT-FUROL-METODO

DE ENSAYO (CANCELA A LA NMX-C-087-1980).

Objetivo y campo de aplicacin

Esta norma mexicana describe el mtodo de ensayo para obtener la viscosidad Saybolt-Furol; es aplicable a los materiales
asflticos.
Concordancia con normas internacionales
Esta norma no coincide con ninguna norma internacional por no existir referencia alguna en el momento de su elaboracin.
Bibliografa
M MMP 4 05 004, 2000 Viscosidad Saybolt-Furol en Materiales Asflticos, de la Normativa para la Infraestructura del Transporte

MEXICO

Clave o codigo

127

Titulo de la norma

de la SCT, Mxico.
ASTM D88, 2007 Standard Test Method for Saybolt Viscosity. ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada
con esta norma extranjera).
ASTM E 102 / E102M-93, 2009 Standard Test Method for Saybolt Furol Viscosity of Bituminous Materials at High Temperatures.
ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
ASTM D 244, 2009 Standard Test Method and practices for emulsified asphalts. ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos
(Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
ASTM 7496-11, 2011 Standard Test Method for Viscosity of Emulsified Asphalt by Saybolt Furol Viscometer ASTM
Internacional-Estados Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
NMX-C-183-ONNCCE-2012

INDUSTRIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION-MATERIALES ASFALTICOSPUNTO DE REBLANDECIMIENTO EN CEMENTOS ASFALTICOS

(ANILLO Y ESFERA)-METODO DE ENSAYO (CANCELA A LA NMX-C183-1974).

Objetivo y campo de aplicacin

Esta norma mexicana describe el procedimiento para determinar el punto de reblandecimiento, mediante el anillo y la esfera; es
aplicable a los cementos asflticos.
Concordancia con normas internacionales
Esta norma no coincide con ninguna norma internacional por no existir referencia alguna en el momento de su elaboracin.
Bibliografa
MMMP405009, 2000 Punto de reblandecimiento en cementos asflticos, de la Normativa para la Infraestructura del Transporte
de la SCT, Mxico.
ASTM D36 / D36M, 2009 Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and- ball Apparatus) ASTM InternacionalEstados Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
NMX-C-203-ONNCCE-2012

INDUSTRIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION-MATERIALES ASFALTICOSMETODOS DE MUESTREO (CANCELA A LA NMX-C-203-1973).

Objetivo y campo de aplicacin

Esta norma mexicana describe el procedimiento a seguir para la toma de muestras; es aplicable a los asfaltos lquidos, semislidos;
slidos y emulsionados.
Concordancia con normas internacionales
Esta norma no coincide con ninguna norma internacional por no existir referencia alguna al momento de su elaboracin.
Bibliografa
M MMP 4 05 001, 2000 Muestreo de Materiales Asflticos, de la Normativa para la Infraestructura del Transporte de la SCT,
Mxico.
ASTM D 140, 2000 Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials. ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos (Parcialmente
armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
NMX-C-404-ONNCCE-2012

INDUSTRIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION-MAMPOSTERIA-BLOQUES,
TABIQUES O LADRILLOS Y TABICONES PARA USO ESTRUCTURALESPECIFICACIONES Y METODOS DE ENSAYO (CANCELA A LA NMXC-404-ONNCCE-2005).

Objetivo y campo de aplicacin

Esta norma mexicana establece las especificaciones y mtodos de ensayo a cumplir por los bloques, tabiques o ladrillos y
tabicones; es aplicable a los bloques, tabiques o ladrillos y tabicones para uso estructural en las edificaciones de fabricacin
nacional y de importacin, que se comercialicen en territorio nacional. No aplica a las piezas accesorias.
Concordancia con normas internacionales
Esta norma no coincide con ninguna norma internacional por no existir referencia alguna al momento de su elaboracin.
Bibliografa
NOM-008-SCFI-2002 Sistema General de Unidades de Medida
NMX-C-307/1-ONNCCE-2009 Industria de la construccin-Edificaciones-Resistencia al fuego de elementos y componentesEspecificaciones y mtodos de ensayo.
ASTM C-55, 2011 Standard-Specification for Concrete Building Brick-ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos (Parcialmente
armonizada con esta norma extranjera).

MEXICO

Clave o codigo

128

Titulo de la norma

ASTM-C-67, 2011 Standard Test Methods of Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay tile-ASTM Internacional - Estados
Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
ASTM-C-88, 2005 Standard Test Method Soundness of aggregates by use of sodium sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate-ASTM
Internacional-Estados Unidos (Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
ASTM-C-140, 2011 Standard Methods of Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units-ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos
(Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
ASTM-C-90, 2011 Standard Specification for Load bearing Concrete Masonry Units-ASTM Internacional-Estados Unidos
(Parcialmente armonizada con esta norma extranjera).
Le Bloc Bton-Systme Constructif-Bloc Bton Developpement (Parcialmente armonizada con esta regulacin extranjera).
Concrete Masonry-Shapes and Sizes Manual-National Concrete Masonry Association, 2002.- Estados Unidos (Parcialmente
armonizada con esta regulacin extranjera).
Blocs Spciaux et Accessoires de Maonnerie-Rapport Technique ER (A) 79/13 Aot 1979-CERIB (Centre d'Etudes et de
Recherches de l'Industrie du Bton Manufactur) (Parcialmente armonizada con esta regulacin extranjera).

As indicated in the previous section, Mexico does not have a green code but various entities issue
standards that address specific aspects of sustainability in the built environment.

New Zealand

1. Synopsis
BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEM
New Zealands regulations and codes are straight forward. The Building Act is the basis of the Building
Code, which contains most of the minimum codes, and of the Building Regulation. The regulation defines
the roles of various participants in design and construction processes, and penalties, and the code
documents design and construction standards and practices.
The Department of Building and Housing administers the act, regulation, and code. It engages members
of professional organizations, academic institutions, private companies, and other ministries in
development and review of the code and regulations. The act and regulation do not have to be updated on
a periodical basis, but the code is reviewed frequently and revised when necessary. Public review is
conducted regularly and the public may make suggestions about the code through the website for the
code.
Town and city councils enforce the code enforcement (check, inspection, and certificate issuance).
Councils are required to engage inspectors accredited by the Building Consent Authority (BCA) to carry
out inspections and certifications. The Department of Building and Housing administers the accreditation
program. Accredited inspectors can be employees of the councils or subcontractors. Punishment for code
infringement is the responsibility of the Department.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The code refers to standards mainly from the New Zealand and Australian standards agencies. Standards
in New Zealand are regularly updated by New Zealand Standards, which is run by the government. The
agency has procedures for standards addition, review, renewal, and removal, and these follow a three-year
cycle. The code also refers to international standards published by various code and standards
development organizations.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN: A CENTRAL GOVERNMENT APPROACH

The building code covers green features like energy efficiency, indoor air quality, prevention of the use of
hazardous materials, and noise pollution. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of
Environment enforce regulations that add green standards to existing codes (e.g., water efficiency, air
pollution, storm water management, green spaces). The green features are mostly driven by the ministries
that handle the building codes and green features.

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2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
BUILDING REGULATIONS
The Department of Building and Housing of New Zealand manages and enforces building regulations.
Building regulations are developed in accordance with the Building Act 2004. Sections 400-415 of the act
cover the type of regulations that can be made and the development process. Building Regulations 1992,
and amendments, were made under the Building Act 1991 but are now treated as if they were made under
the 2004 act. The majority, however, were revoked on March 31, 2005, by the Building (Forms)
Regulations 2004. The only part of the 1992 regulations still in force is Schedule 1 containing the
Building Code. The act sets out the law on building work. The Building Code sets out performance
standards that all new building work must meet. It covers structural stability, fire safety, access, moisture
control, durability, services, and facilities, among other things. All new building work must comply with
the Building Code.

BUILDING CODE
The Department of Building and Housing translates the Building Act into mandatory building code,
develops the code itself, and develops the code compliance document and handbook. The compliance
document provides detail on methodologies for meeting the standards specified in the code. This is the
only code in New Zealand and every jurisdiction must comply with it.

BCA ACCREDITATION SCHEME

The codes are passed to the BCAs for enforcement. BCAs are legislated personnel who work for a
jurisdiction or a private company to enforce the codes. They are distinct from licensed engineers,
architects, and contractors; BCAs check on their works for conformance and compliance. The committee
is responsible for regular updates and for getting feedback from the general public. The BCA
accreditation and registration scheme is among a suite of Building Act 2004 reforms designed to improve
the control of, and encourage better practice and performance in, building design, regulatory building
control, and building construction.

REGIONAL ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING CODE

The BCA scheme requires that any territorial authority or regional authority (council) carrying out
building consent, inspection, and approval work be accredited by a building consent accreditation body
(International Accreditation New Zealand [IANZ]) against the standards and criteria in the Building
(Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006. The council must then be registered
by the Department of Building and Housing against the standards and criteria in the Building
(Registration of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2007. The Chief Executive of the Department
of Building and Housing has appointed International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) the building
consent accreditation body. Councils may contract others to undertake some or all of their BCA functions,
but this does not relieve them of the requirement to be accredited and registered. Councils not wishing to

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be accredited and registered as a BCA can transfer their functions to another accredited and registered
council BCA, but their building control will still have to be administered by at least one BCA.

PRIVATIZATION OF BUILDING INSPECTION

The Building Act also enables private organizations to seek accreditation and registration as BCAs, but
places considerable emphasis on ensuring adequate consumer protection before a private organization
may be registered.

ACCREDITATION REASSESSMENTS
The Building Act requires accredited councils or private BCAs to undergo re-assessments at a frequency
set by the Chief Executive of the Department by notice in the New Zealand Gazette. In summary, the
jurisdictions have the additional responsibility of engaging an accredited BCA to inspect the building
works.

CODE DEVELOPMENT
The Parliament passes law pertaining to building control. These acts are then translated into codes by the
Building Industry Authority of New Zealand. The authority then sets up committees of industry
practitioners, academics, and government officials to develop the codes, which are then reviewed by
experts and the general public. The Department also holds workshops to get feedback on the code, and to
provide training on code implementation.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The Building Code refers to standards mainly from New Zealand and Australia. Relevant organizations
include Standards New Zealand, Standards New Zealand and Australia, Australian Standards, and
Building Research Agency of New Zealand (BRANZ). The code also refers to standards of ASTM
International, the British Standards Institute (BSI), the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and, ASHRAE. The code also refers to various journals and
conference proceedings.

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

The New Zealand building code contains provisions for energy efficiency, hazardous wastes, waste
treatment, indoor air quality, and noise pollution reduction.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The code classifies building types into housing, communal residential, communal non-residential,
commercial, industrial, outbuildings, and ancillary.

GREEN BUILDING FEATURES AND STANDARDS

The building codes cover energy efficiency, hazardous waste, indoor air quality, and noise pollution.
Water quality and efficiency, and storm water quality management are enforced by the Ministry of
Environment through several regulations.

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Under the auspices of the Green Building Council (GBC), New Zealand has applied Australias Green
Star environmental rating system for buildings since 2006. The system considers a range of practices for
reducing the environmental impact of buildings, showcases innovation in sustainable practices, and
considers occupant health and productivity and cost savings. Buildings are scored in nine categories:
management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology,
emissions, and innovation. A four-star score of 45-59 signifies best practice in environmentally
sustainable design and/or construction; a five-star score of 60-74 signifies 'Australian Excellence;' and a
six-star score of 75-100 signifies world leadership. The rating system is divided into office, interior,
industrial, and education categories as well.
Green Star is voluntary and operates very similar to LEED. The GBC has at least two third-party
assessorsseasoned industry expertsvalidate a project's submission and recommend a certified rating.
It facilitates assessments to ensure that projects are assessed fairly and equally.
Building project teams submit up to 10 credits at an early stage of a project to ensure they are on the right
track for certification. This review of sample documentation helps teams meet required standards and
minimizes the amount work beyond the first round of assessment. When teams deliver their full
submission, GBC conducts a pre-assessment check to ensure it is robust enough to send to assessors.
They spot check five credits; if three have inconsistencies, the submission is returned for amendment.
When the three credits are resubmitted, the submission is formally accepted and sent to assessors.
A project facilitator and two external assessors conduct further evaluation, and share their comments with
the Accredited Professional responsible for the submission. Once the project has gone through a second
assessment, the assessors recommend a rating to the Technical Subcommittee, which makes a final ruling.
GBC contacts the building owner confirming the certified rating. Green Star is updated regularly by GBC
volunteers.
Two other programs assist consumers in buying greener properties and homes. ConsumerBuild provides
independent and up-to-date information about building, buying, renovating and maintaining houses in
New Zealand. Smarter Homes is a one-stop information resource about making homes smarter and more
sustainable.

3. Code Details
Electrical. The Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity Regulation 1997 govern building-related electrical
work. The Building Code has extensive provisions and requirements for electrical works. Electrical
(Safety) Regulation 2010 is also mandatory for building design and construction. The regulation refers to
the several electrical codes of practice (ECPs) (Energy Safety of New Zealand 2012). These include ECPs
for the following:

Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001)

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Power Systems Earthing (NZECP 35:1993)

Harmonic Levels (NZECP 36:1993)

High Voltage Live Line Work (NZECP 46.2003)

Repair and Maintenance of Domestic Electrical Appliances by the Owner of the Appliance
(NZECP 50:2004)

Homeowner/Occupier's Electrical Wiring Work in Domestic Installations (NZECP 51:2004)

Installation of Recessed Luminaires and Auxiliary Equipment (NZECP 54:2001)

Inspection, Testing and Certification of Low Voltage A.C. Railway Signalling Control Circuits
(NZECP 60:1997).

Energy. Clause H1 of the Building Code establishes a verification method for energy efficiency
compliance. It enforces mandatory standards in areas such as thermal envelope, air flow, water heaters,
and passive daylighting design. Many of the codes refer to or enforce New Zealand standards, which are
otherwise voluntary measures.
Water and Sanitation. Requirements for plumbing and sanitation are in Sections G12 (water supplies),
G13 (foul water), and G14 (industrial liquid waste) of the Building Code. The Ministry of Health
administers drinking water quality standards and enforces legislation on wastewater and sewerage water
standards. These are translated into building standards and applied alongside the codes standards for
water quality and foul water. The objective of this legislation is to remove contaminates from the water
supply and from water discharged from buildings.
Water quality control in New Zealand has three aims: (1) control the water source (below and above
ground); (2) control the quality of water suppliers; (3) control the storage and distribution of water. The
first aim is governed by the Resource Management Act 1991, and the last by the Building Act 2004. This
Act takes over responsibility for water once it leaves a public networked supply and enters the buildingowners property (usually at the water toby), and also applies to water distributed in a building from its
own self-supply (e.g., a roof tank or bore).
The Ministry of the Environment manages and enforces wastewater and stormwater regulations. The
Waste Minimisation Act 2008 governs the treatment of wastewater and stormwater. Guidelines and
standards include the following:

NZS 9201: Part 23-Model Trade Waste Bylaw

Ministry of Works Guidelines for Oxidation Ponds 1974

Ministry of Environments Sustainable Wastewater Management: A handbook for smaller

communities, and its Wastewater Monitoring Guideline.

Mechanical Systems. The minimum code related to mechanical systems can be found in Sections G4
(ventilation) and G5 (interior environment) of the Building Code and scattered in some other sections of
the code.
Indoor Air Quality. Indoor air quality standards are mandatory and part of the Building Code. They can
be found in Sections G4 (ventilation) and G5 (interior environment). NZS 4303-1990 (ventilation and

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134

indoor air quality) is cited in the code. The Ministry of the Environment continues to study air quality but
does not regulate indoor air quality. It requires the reporting of outside air quality. BRANZ developed the
Designing Quality Learning Spaces: Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality guideline for the Ministry of
Education. This guideline is the more comprehensive than any other published by the government. In
addition, the guidelines also recommend methods to improve the quality of indoor air in education
buildings. The Ministry of Education publishes the Ambient Air Guideline that partially addresses indoor
air quality (NZ Ministry of the Environment, 2010; NZ Ministry of Education, 2002)
Lighting. Minimum requirements for lighting are Sections G6 (Natural Lighting) and G7 (Artificial
Lighting) of the code.
Security. There is no security code in New Zealand.
Fire. Minimum fire standards are Building Code sections C, D1, D2, F1, F6, F7, and F8.
Structural. All structural requirements are in the Building Code.
Location, Siting, Zoning, and Environment. The Ministry of the Environment established the Urban
Design Protocol to improve urban planning. It represents a voluntary commitment to specific design
initiatives by signatory organizations, which include central and local governments, the property sector,
design professionals, professional institutes, and others. The actions of signatories can make a significant
difference in the quality of urban design in towns and cities, helping them become

Competitive places that thrive economically and facilitate creativity and innovation;
Liveable places that provide housing, work and lifestyle options;
Healthy environments that sustain people and nature;
Inclusive places that offer opportunities for all citizens;
Distinctive places that have a strong identity and sense of place; and
Well-governed places that have a shared vision and sense of direction.

The protocol identifies seven design qualities:

1. Context: seeing that buildings, places and spaces are part of the whole town or city.
2. Character: reflecting and enhancing the distinctive character, heritage and identity of our urban
environment.
3. Choice: ensuring diversity and choice for people.
4. Connections: enhancing how different networks link together for people.
5. Creativity: encouraging innovative and imaginative solutions.
6. Custodianship: ensuring design is environmentally sustainable, safe and healthy.
7. Collaboration: communicating and sharing knowledge across sectors, professions and with
communities.
In addition, under the Resource Management Act the Quality Planning Act covers air quality, climate
change, coastal and marine areas, communities, consultation, culture and heritage, energy, enforcement,
environmental monitoring and reporting, hazards, infrastructure, legislation, Maori and treaty, natural

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environment, planning, regional information, resource consents, rural areas, sustainable development,
tourism, urban areas, alternative transport, cities, density, housing, peri-urban areas, public spaces,
residential areas, retail, subdivision, urban regeneration, urban amenity, urban community, urban design,
urban development, urban growth, waste and water.
Safety. The Building Code contains a number of safety provisions. In addition, AS/NZS 4804:2001
provides guidelines on principles, systems, and supporting techniques for occupational health and safety
management. Other relevant laws include the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act) and
the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act).

Peru

1. Synopsis

30

NATIONAL CODE
Peru is a constitutional republic with 25 regions and it has a national mandatory code, the National
Building Regulation (Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones, or RNE). The RNE is a prescriptive
regulation containing 69 technical and design standards and engineering details. It has technical
provisions for all types of buildings and establishes criteria for safety, functionality, health, and the
environment. The RNE covers administrative requirements, the regulation of the conversion of rustic or
rural areas to urban areas, and the regulation of all type of buildings, addressing standards and standards
for architecture, structures, sanitation, and mechanical and electrical installations.
The Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation approves and issues the RNE; local governments
implement it. The municipalities, which are equivalent to urban development departments or building
departments, supervise the application of standards and enforce code compliance, carrying out technical
inspections, administrative verifications (plan reviews), and overseeing project revisions as necessary.
Public servants and municipal technical commissions verify compliance with the RNEs technical
standards for urban habilitation and building projects. These commissions usually consist of delegates
from professional schools and institutions (e.g., School of Engineers and Architects). Municipalities may
form joint commissions when professional delegates are scarce. Input on code development and evolution
comes from multiple sources: ministries, regulatory organizations, municipalities, construction
companies, manufacturers, and professional schools.

REFERENCED STANDARDS31
The RNE is a compendium of regulations and mandatory standards issued by the National Directorate of
Construction (DNC) of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation. The technical standards in
the RNE are developed and updated by the Ministrys Vice Ministry of Housing and Urbanization and the
Vice Ministry of Construction and Sanitation. The DNC develops standards for building design and
construction. The National Directorate of Sanitation (DNS) is responsible for the standards for sanitation

30

This chapter benefitted from review by staff at the Direccin Nacional de Construccin, Ministerio de Vivienda,
Construccin y Saneamiento.
31 Peru uses the term norma voluntaria or voluntary standard and norma obligatoria or mandatory standard.
Voluntary standards are approved by the INDECOPI (Peruvian Technical Standards) and mandatory standards are
issued by ministries, Congress, etc., and are approved by ministerial resolution, supreme decree, or law. The
Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation sets mandatory standards for the design and construction of
buildings and urban premises.

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works and sanitary installations. Standards approved by the DNC and DNS are taken to RNEs Permanent
Commission of Updates. Voluntary standards are developed by Peru's National Institute for the Defense
of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI).
Under the Vice Ministry of Construction and Sanitation, the DNC formulates and proposes standards and
procedures related to the development and construction of infrastructure. The DNCs methodology for
developing standards calls for the wide involvement of topical specialists from the public and private
sectors. The Organization Supervisor of Energy and Mine Investments, the Ministry of Health, and the
Ministry of Education complement the RNEs technical standards with more specific design standards.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Peru does not have a green rating system or a green building code, but various standards address
sustainability in or green aspects of the built environment. The development of green/sustainable aspects
of standards presents an opportunity for a developing a green building code. Consolidating current
regulations and standards would be one step. A gap analysis identifying means and infrastructure for
compliance would be another. Peru can learn and benefit from the experience of other economies.

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Perus national mandatory code, the National Building Regulation (Reglamento Nacional de
Edificaciones, or RNE) is a prescriptive regulation containing 69 technical and design standards and
engineering details. This study refers to the RNE of 2006. It can be accessed through
http://www.vivienda.gob.pe/dnc/normas.aspx. The RNE has technical provisions for all types of
buildings. A.70 is the standard for commercial buildings. The RNE establishes criteria for safety,
functionality, health, and the environment.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
The RNE is a compendium of regulations and mandatory standards issued by the National Directorate of
Construction (DNC) of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation. The technical standards in
the RNE are developed and updated by the Ministrys Vice Ministry of Housing and Urbanization and the
Vice Ministry of Construction and Sanitation. The DNC develops standards for building design and
construction. The National Directorate of Sanitation (DNS) is responsible for the standards of Titles II.3
(sanitation works) and III.3 (sanitary installations). Standards approved by the DNC and DNS are taken to
RNEs Permanent Commission of Updates. Voluntary standards are developed by Peru's National
Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI). A list of
some of these standards is provided in Section 3, below.

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CODE DEVELOPMENT
The Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation approves and issues the RNE, which has three
main titles:

1. Generalities/General Aspects. This title presents administrative requirements of the regulation.

2. Urban Habilitation. This title covers urban habilitation, which is the conversion of rustic and
rural areas to urban premises.
3. Buildings. This title regulates all type of buildings, including commercial ones, addressing
standards for architecture, structures, sanitation, and mechanical and electrical installations.
Under the Vice Ministry of Construction and Sanitation, the DNC formulates and proposes standards and
procedures related to the development and construction of infrastructure.32 Each year, a ministerial
resolution (currently No. 020-2013-Vivienda) assigns the DNC to modify the composition of the
technical committees for standardization. Directorate Resolution No. 029-2008-Vivienda/VMCS-DNC,
establishes a 6-step method for developing standards that involves public and private sector specialists:

1. Identify aspects to standardize and gather data. In this step, the DNCs Director of Studies
and Standardization examines new standards projects, identifying thematic areas that need to be
standardized, and examines modifications or updates. Data are gathered at the same time.
Working sessions involve at least three specialized professionals in the field being analyzed;
these persons may not be part of the DNC or the Technical Committee on Standardization (TCS).
In the working sessions these professionals are encouraged to prepare proposals on specific
subjects, provide opinions, testify and articulate their positions, and facilitate the acquisition of
technical information. At the end of this step, the Director develops objective language stating the
need for a standard, or a standards modification or update, providing the specific information. It
also identifies and proposes to the DNC the structure of the TCS.
2. Establish a technical committee of standardization. DNC invites public and private experts in
the subject to be standardized to be a part of the TCS.
3. Evaluation by the committee. The TCS examines the information collected by the Director of
Studies and Standardization in accordance with certain rules.33 On the basis of TCS input and
discussions, the Director creates Standard Project Version 01, which the TCS then approves.
4.

Consultation with a Limited Group. The Standard Project Version 01 is sent to a small group of
people, who study and comment on the project over a period not to exceed 15 days. This group
should consist of (a) professionals who participated in step 1, (b) private and public sector entities
that did not participate in the TCS but who are involved in activities related to the subject, and (c)
consultants and specialists. The TCS considers their comments and decides on any changes; this
results in Standard Project version 02.

32

This function was assigned under Resolution 029-2008-Vivienda, of 2008, the Regulation of Organization and
Functions of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation. Decree 002-2012-Vivienda, approves the
regulation of organization and functions of the ministry.
33

The provisions for the Functionality of the TCS, approved by a Directorate Resolution No. 017-2008VIVIENDA/VMCS-DNC.

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5. Public Consultation. Standard Project 02 is then placed on the website of the Ministry of
Housing, Construction and Sanitation for about 15 days for public review and comment.
6. Final Revisions. TCS then produces Standard Project Version 03 and sends it to the Vice
Ministry of Construction and Sanitation for its paperwork ( new standard projects and
modifications of standards that are not part of the technical standards of the RNE) or to the
Permanent Commission of Actualization of the RNE.
The Organization Supervisor of Energy and Mine Investments (OSINERGMIN), the Ministry of Health,
and the Ministry of Education complement the RNEs technical standards with more specific design
standards. Local governments supervise compliance with the code. On matters related to gas, the
authority on code compliance is OSINERGMIN.

CODE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The RNE is a normative document of national application. Municipalities, which are equivalent to urban
development departments or building departments, supervise the application of the standards and enforce
code compliance, carrying out technical inspections, administrative verifications (plan reviews), and
overseeing project revisions as necessary. Chapter 4 of Title I of the RNE lists all the responsibilities of
municipalities.
Local governments develop municipal ordinances. At the design level, the Certificate of Urban
Parameters is the most important document because it defines all aspects of what is to be built including
number of parking lots per building, streets and avenues of the district.
The RNE aims to regulate criteria and minimum requirements for the design and construction of urban
habilitations and buildings (including commercial ones). The Ministry of Housing and Sanitation
administers the code, but implementation is by local government. Public servants and municipal technical
commissions verify compliance with the RNEs technical standards for urban habilitation and building
projects. These commissions usually consist of delegates from professional schools and institutions. In the
absence of such delegates for a municipality, neighboring municipalities can agree to form joint
commissions.
Municipalities should:

Have planning tools that allow them to define urban and building parameters.

Make available to the general public technical tools for planning and building and administrative
tools for urban habilitation and buildings.

Expedite and simplify administrative processes for building permits. To do this, they should have
professionals carry out technical and administrative functions. They can also delegate this to third
party.

Issue the certificate of urban and building parameters.

Suspend authorization for the execution of work.

Designate municipal technical inspectors to carry out urban control.

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141

Have qualified professionals inspect and verify the compliance of approved works in their
jurisdictions.

Confirm that projects have followed approved plans and specifications, and when they do,
provide certification of work finalization and certificates of occupancy.

Order and execute partial or total demolition of works not in accordance with approved project.

Maintain public space.

Supervise adequate use and maintenance of buildings.

Overall, municipalities are responsible for compliance with the RNE. By law (Ley Organica de
Municipalidades), they are responsible for approving projects, supervising construction, and verifying
maintenance.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Peru does not have a green rating system or a green building code, but various mandatory and voluntary
standards address sustainability in or green aspects of the built environment. These are detailed in the
section below. The development of green/sustainable aspects of standards presents an opportunity for a
developing a green building code. Consolidating current regulations and standards would be one step. A
gap analysis identifying means and infrastructure for compliance would be another. Peru can learn and
benefit from the experience of other economies.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CRITERIA
Minimum code criteria are established on the basis of the mandatory standards developed by the Ministry
of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation and the voluntary standards of INDECOPI.
Electrical.
National Electric Code Supply (2001)
National Electric Code Use (2006)
Modifications to the National Electric Code Use (2008)
HVAC or Mechanical Codes. There is no mandatory mechanical code.
Energy Efficiency. There are 47 voluntary standards for energy efficiency (normas tcnicas Peruanas
NTP) up to December 2012 (see the attached list).

Promotion of Energy Efficient Use Law (Law 27345)

Promotion of Energy Efficient Use Bylaw (Supreme Decree 053-2007-EM)
Energy saving measures in public sector (Supreme Decree 034-2008-EM)

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Energy consumption indicators and monitoring methodology (Ministerial Decree 038-2009EM/DM)

Energy Efficient Use Referential Plan 2009 2018 (Ministerial Decree 496-2009-EM/DM)
Renewable Energy
Standard Em.080 Energa Solar
Standards EM 090 Energa Elica
Investment Promotion of Energy Generation with Renewable Energy Law (Law 1002)
Energy Generation with Renewable Energy Bylaw (Supreme Decree 050-2008-EM)

Water.
Title II.3 of the RNE

Sanitation Works (Obras de SaneamientoOS) Standards

OS.010 Capture and conveyance of water for human consumption human
OS.020 Water treatment plants for human consumption
OS.030 Water Storage for Human Consumption
OS.040 Pumping stations for drinking water
OS.050 Distribution networks for drinking water
OS.060 Urban storm drainage
OS.070 Sewage Nets
OS.080 Pumping stations for wastewater
OS.090 wastewater treatment plants
OS.100 Basic design considerations of sanitary infrastructure

Sanitation (instalaciones sanitarias)

Title III.3 of the RNE
IS.010 Sanitary Installations for Buildings
IS.020 Septic Tanks
Structural and Construction Materials
Title III.2 of the RNE
E.010 Wood
E.020 Loads
E.030 Seismic Resistant Design currently under revision
E.040 Glass
E.050 Soil and Foundation currently under revision
E.060 Reinforced Concrete
E.070 Masonry
E.080 Adobe
E.090 Steel Structures
Mechanical and Installation Systems.

Title III.4 Instalaciones Elctricas y Mecnicas (EM)

EM.010 Interior Electric Installations
EM.020 Communication Installations

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EM.030 Ventilation Installations

EM.040 Gas Installations
EM.050 Air Conditioning Installation
EM.060 Fireplaces
EM.070 Mechanical Transportation
EM.080 Solar Energy Installations
EM.090 Wind Energy Installations
EM.100 High Risk Installations

Standards under Development.

Currently, the following standards are under development or are being revised:

Architectural
A.030 Lodging
E.050 Soils and Foundations
E.030 Seismic Resistant Design
EM 110 Energy Efficient Thermic and Light Fittings

Standards to be updated in 2013

General Considerations (G)

G.050 Safety during Construction
EM 020 Communication Installations

Voluntary Standards of INDECOPI: Normas Tcnicas Peruanas (NTP)

Aprobadas
01 NTP IEC 60034-2:2001 Mquinas Elctricas Rotativas. Mtodos de Ensayo
02 NTP IEC 60034-2/A2 Addenda 2 Mquinas Elctricas Rotativas. Mtodos de Ensayo (Parte 2)
03 NTP 399.450.2003 Eficiencia Energtica de motores tipo jaula de ardilla. Lmites y Etiquetado.
Motores Elctricos

04 NTP 399.450:2008 (Eficiencia energtica de motores de corriente alterna, trifsicos, de induccin, tipo jaula de ardilla, de
propsito general, potencia nominal de 0,746 kW a 149,2 kW. Lmites y Etiquetado.
05 NTP 350.300.2002 Calderas Industriales. Procedimiento determinacin de eficiencia energtica.
06 NTP 350.301.2004 Calderas Industriales. Niveles mnimos de eficiencia trmica.
07 NTP 350.300:2008

Calderas Industriales. Procedimiento para la determinacin de la eficiencia trmica de calderas

industriales.
08 NTP 350.301:2008 Calderas Industriales. Estndares de eficiencia trmica (combustible/vapor) y etiquetado.
Calderas Industriales

09 NTP 350.302:2009 Eficiencia Energtica. Calderas industriales. Proyecto de instalacin de calderas con reduccin de
emisiones. Requisitos bsicos.
10 NTP ISO 7371:2002 Refrigeradores con o sin compartimiento de alimentos de baja temperatura. Caracterstica y mtodos de
ensayo.

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11 NTP ISO 8561:2003 Artefactos de almacenamiento de alimentos congelados y congeladores de alimentos. Caractersticas y
mtodos de ensayo.
12 NTP 399.483 2007 Eficiencia energtica en artefactos refrigeradores, refrigeradores-congeladores y congeladores para uso
domstico
Refrigeracin

13 NTP ISO 5155:2007 Artefactos de Refrigeracin Domsticos. Artefactos para almacenamiento de alimentos congelados y
congeladores. Caractersticas y mtodos de ensayo.
14 NTP 399.400.2001 Colectores solares. Mtodos de ensayo para determinar la eficiencia.
15 NTP 399.403.2006 Sistemas Fotovoltaicos hasta 500 Wp. Especificaciones tcnicas y mtodo para calificacin energtica.
16 NTP 399.404.2006 Sistemas de Calentamiento de Agua con Energa Solar. Fundamentos para su dimensionamiento eficiente.
17 NTP 399.482.2007 Sistemas de Calentamiento de Agua con Energa Solar. Procedimiento para su instalacin eficiente.
18 NTP 399.405:2007 Sistemas de Calentamiento de Agua con Energa Solar. Definicin y pronstico anual de su rendimiento
mediante ensayos en exterior.
Sistemas Solares

19 NTP 399.484:2008 Sistemas de calentamiento de agua con energa solar (SCAES). Lmites y Etiquetado.
20 NTP 370.100.2000 Lmparas Fluorescentes compactas (LFCs). Definiciones, requisitos y rotulado.
21 NTP 370.101.2003 Etiquetado de eficiencia energtica para lmparas de uso domstico.
22 NTP IEC 60921.2005 Balastos para lmparas fluorescentes tubulares. Requerimiento de funcionamiento.
23 NTP IEC 61347-1.2006 Dispositivos de control de lmpara. Parte 1: Requisitos generales y requisitos de seguridad.
24 NTP IEC 61347-2-8.2006 Dispositivos de control de lmpara. Parte 2-8: Requisitos particulares para balastos para lmparas
fluorescentes.
25 NTP IEC 61347-2-9.2006 Dispositivos de control de lmpara. Parte 2-9: Requisitos particulares para balastos para lmparas
de descarga (excepto lmparas fluorescentes).
Iluminacin

26 NTP IEC 60923.2006 Auxiliares para lmparas. Balastos para lmparas de descarga (excluyendo las lmparas fluorescentes
tubulares). Requerimientos de funcionamiento.SUB-COMIT Item Id de Norma NOMBRE DE LA NORMA
27 NTP IEC 50294.2006 Mtodo de medida de la potencia total de entrada de los circuitos balastos-lmparas.
28 NTP IEC 61347-2-3.2007 Dispositivos de control de lmpara. Parte 2-3: Requisitos particulares para balastos electrnicos
alimentados en corriente alterna para lmparas fluorescentes.
29 NTP IEC 60598-2-22.2007 Luminarias. Parte 2-22: Requisitos particulares. Luminarias para alumbrado de emergencia.
30 NTP IEC 60929-2007

Balastos electrnicos alimentados en corriente alterna para lmparas fluorescentes tubulares.

Requisitos de funcionamiento. Primera Edicin

31 NTP IEC 60155 2008 Arrancadores de encendido para lmparas fluorescentes
32 NTP IEC 61347-2-1: 2008 Dispositivos de control de lmpara. Parte 2-1: Requisitos particulares para ignitores (excepto
arrancadores para lmparas fluorescentes)
33 NTP IEC 61048:2008 Auxiliares para lmparas. Condensadores para uso en los circuitos de lmparas fluorescentes tubulares
y otras lmparas de descarga. Requerimientos generales y seguridad
34 NTP IEC 61049:2008 Condensadores para usar en lmparas fluorescentes tubulares y otros circuitos de lmparas de
descarga. Requerimientos de desempeo
35 NTP 370.102:2008 Dispositivos de control de lmpara. Balastos para lmparas fluorescentes Sistema de Codificacin
Energtica

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36 NTP 370.100:2008 Uso Racional de Energa. Lmparas fluorescentes compactas integradas (LFCIs) Definiciones,
requisitos y rotulado.
37 NTP 370.101-1:2008 Etiquetado de eficiencia energtica para lmparas incandescentes y similares de uso domstico.
38 NTP 370.101-2:2008 Etiquetado de eficiencia energtica para lmparas fluorescentes compactas, circulares, lineales y
similares de uso domstico.
39 NTP IEC 60969:2008 Lmparas Fluorescentes Compactas Integradas para Servicios Generales de Iluminacin.
Requerimientos de Funcionamiento.
40 NTP IEC 60064:2009 Lmparas de filamento de volframio para uso domstico y alumbrado general similar. Requisitos de
funcionamiento
41 NTP IEC 60081 2009 Lmparas Fluorescentes de Doble Casquillo Requisitos de Funcionamiento.
42 NTP IEC 60379.2006 Mtodos para medir eficiencia de calentadores de agua elctricos de acumulacin para uso domstico.
43 NTP 370.500.2007 Artefactos de Gas. Gases normales de ensayo. Terminologa. Clasificacin y Especificaciones.
44 NTP 370.501.2008 Artefactos a Gas Metodologa para determinar la eficiencia de calentadores de agua por paso continuo
que utilizan combustibles gaseosos
45 NTP 370.502:2009 Eficiencia energtica en calentadores de agua elctricos tipo con tanque de almacenamiento para
propsitos domsticos. Rangos de eficiencia y etiquetado.
46 NTP 370.503:2009 Artefactos a Gas. Estndares de eficiencia y etiquetado de calentadores de agua por paso continuo que
utilizan combustibles gaseosos
Calentadores de Agua

47 NTP 370.504:2009 Eficiencia Energtica. Artefactos elctricos fijos de calentamiento instantneo de agua para uso
domstico. Clasificacin del consumo energtico y etiquetado

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Various standards address sustainability in or green aspects of the built environment. These include
EM.080 (on solar energy installations), EM.090 (on wind energy installations), and EM 110 (energy

efficient thermic and light fittings), which will unify codes for building envelope that are
currently dispersed in national standards or that are lacking in the overall building regulatory
framework. The following are INDECOPIs standards on environmental management and life
cycle management:

NTP ISO 14040:1998 (principles and framework)

NTP ISO 14041:1999 (goal and scope definition and inventory analysis)
NTP ISO 14042:2001 (life cycle impact assessment)

The Philippines

1. Synopsis
CODE DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
The Philippines takes a centralized approach to code development and administration. The Central
Government has full control over code development, administration, and enforcement, through the
Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communication, and other agencies. The Secretary
appoints consultants to review and revise the codes and determines the time period for revision.
Municipalities enforce the codes, providing inspection services and issuing permits and certificates.
Building officials appointed by the Secretary of Public Works conduct building inspections and issue
permits. Any laws are passed by the Senate and House, before the Secretary converts them into
enforceable codes.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The Building Code of Philippines references the Philippines National Standards (PNS) and other
international standards.. The Bureau of Product Standards administers the national standards, maintains
international standards that are used in and/or affect the economy of the Philippines, and establishes an
expert panel to review the standards every three to five years. Members of the expert panel are engaged
as consultants and work alongside Bureau employees.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN: BETTER BUILDING PERFORMANCE

There is no mandatory green building code in Philippines, and there is no green feature in the mandatory
codes. Efforts to go green lie mainly with the government. There are government efforts to develop
mandatory green building codes, and there are several bills in the Senate waiting to be passed. The
Central Government and local governments have developed programs and policies to encourage the use
of green features in buildings

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148

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
CODE DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
The National Building Code of the Philippines is the mandatory building code used in the Philippines. It
is administered and enforced by the Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communication. The
Secretary (1) formulates, issues, promulgates, and evaluates, policies, plans, standards, and guidelines
pertaining to building design and construction; (2) evaluates, take actions on, and approves codes or the
incorporation of standards, guidelines, and information into the codes; and (3), prescribe fee schedules for
building code enforcement. The development, review, and revision of the code are carried out by
professionals employed by the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications
laboratories and engineering/design sections. The Secretary also engages consultants from other
government agencies and private consultants to administer, develop, review, and revise codes and
standards. The consultants are selected for their expertise.

CODE ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT

Any municipal government with annual revenue of more than Peso 2.99 million (about US$74,000) is
required to comply with the code. While the Philippines is organized into provinces, cities, municipalities,
and barangays, enforcement of the code (plan checking, inspection, and issuance of permits and
certificates) is the responsibility of the municipality and its municipal government. Low-income
municipal governments that chose to enforce the code receive aid from the Philippines Government.

BUILDING OFFICIALS
The Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communication designates building officials, and
may designate district engineers, city engineers and municipal engineers to be building officials. Building
officials enforce the code. Most are mostly public employees but can also be private sector employees.
The Secretary has the authority to designate private sector officials.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The Building Code of Philippines references other national codes, such as the National Electrical Code,
National Structural Code, and National Mechanical Code. The codes reference standards from the
Philippines National Standards (PNS), ASTM InternationalASHRAE, and American Concrete Institute,
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, ISO, and the American Society for
Safety Engineers. Most of these codes reference North American and European codes and standards
development organizations.
The Bureau of Product Standards administers the national standards, maintains international standards
that are used in and/or affect the economy of the Philippines, and establishes an expert panel to review the
standards every three to five years. Members of the expert panel are engaged as consultants and work
alongside Bureau employees.

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GREEN FEATURES OF THE MANDATORY CODES

There is no green feature in the mandatory codes.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The code covers buildings by material type: wood, wood with some fire-resistant materials, masonry and
wood, and iron, steel, concrete and masonry construction. It also covers them by use: Group A
Residential dwellings; Group BResidential, Hotels, and Apartments; Group C Education and
Recreations; Group DInstitutional; Group EBusiness and Mercantile; Group FFinancial; Group
GStorage and Hazardous; Group HAssembly; Group ILarge Assembly; and Group JAccessory
(parking, garages, and tanks).

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. The Philippines Electrical Code is a mandatory code. Chapter 13, Rule IX, NBC
Memorandum Order 77-4 of the National Building Code states the enforcement of the electrical code. The
electrical code references mostly North American standards (e.g., NFPA 262, NFPA 70E, ANSI Z535.4,
IEEE 142-1991, IEEE 62.1, ASHRAE 15, ASHRAE Handbook on Fundamentals).
Energy. The Philippines National Building Code contains only voluntary standards on energy efficiency
for building shells, lighting, HVAC, and water heating. Such information cannot be found in the actual
code. The PNS do have standards for energy efficiency but they are not mandatory (IEEJ 2010).
The Philippines Government launched the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program
(NEECP) in 2004 to promote energy efficiency and conservation throughout the economy. The program
is administered by the Department of Energy. There are plans to incorporate energy efficiency and
conservation practices in all sectors of the economy by 2014. The program has had success in developing
and elaborating appliance and equipment energy standards and labeling implementation of building
energy usage standards, and has not yet started on the development of energy efficiency standards for
building.
Water and Sanitation. The Philippines has two mandatory sanitation codes, the Civil Code of the
Philippines on Property, Ownership and the National Sanitation Code of the Philippine (PD 856). The
Plumbing Code of the Philippines is the mandatory plumbing code. The Clean Water Act (covering water
quality, sanitation and sewerage treatment generated by buildings), and the Water Code are the two
mandatory codes pertaining to water in the Philippines.
Mechanical Systems. The Philippines Mechanical Code is mandatory. It references standards from the
Philippines and from North American and European codes and standards organizations.

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Indoor Air Quality. The National Building Code has a section on light and ventilation but nothing on
indoor air quality, just minimum air ventilation in buildings. The Clean Air Act of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (Environmental Management Bureau) includes national emission
standards for source specific air pollutants (NESSAP) and national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS).
Lighting. The Philippine National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program has developed labeling
for energy efficiency of lighting, and lighting equipment.
Security. There is no mandatory security code in Philippines.
Fire. The National Building Code has extensive fire design requirements and standards.
Structural. The Board of Civil Engineering of the Professional Regulation Commissions National
Structural Code is the mandatory structural code in the Philippines. The code references ASTM
International, American Concrete Institute Standards, and the PNS.
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Pollution Control Decree of 1978 (Presidential Decree 984) is
a national policy to prevent, abate, and control pollution of water, air, and land. It is administered by the
Environmental Management of the Bureau Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (RA 6969) is implemented by
DENR through Administrative Order No. 29 of 1992. That order provides guidelines for implementation
of Title II toxic chemical substances and Title III hazardous and nuclear wastes. The Ecological Solid
Wastes Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) provides for an ecological solid wastes management
program, creates the necessary institutional mechanism and incentives, prohibits certain acts, and
provides penalties and appropriate funds thereof and for other purposes.
Safety. The National Building Code addresses safety during construction; the safety of electrical and
mechanical systems and of dangerous buildings; fire safety; emergencies; the appointment of safety
officers; safety equipment; design for safety; explosives; and safety inspect.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Green Features and Codes. There is no mandatory green building code in Philippines, and there is no
green feature in the mandatory codes.
Plans to Establish Green Building Code. Efforts to develop mandatory green building codes in
Philippines include the following:

Senate Bill 2574: Act to create Green Building Code Commission to Draft the National Green
Building Code.

Senate Bill 1799: Act establishing a Green Energy for Homes and Buildings Program in the
Department of Energy.

Green Building Act (2009) requiring government buildings to follow green building practices and
use environmentally responsible materials in its construction.

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Local Green Regulations and Voluntary System. Quezon City has implemented the Green Roof
Ordinance to encourage the use of green roof in the city. The Building for Ecologically Responsive
Design Excellence (BERDE) system is a voluntary standard in the Philippine. It will, however, be
mandatory for government buildings. Criteria include management of environmental performance of the
building (throughout its life cycle), land use and ecology, water conservation and efficiency, energy
efficiency, transportation, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, waste management,
heritage protection, and innovation. The current rating system covers new construction, building
retrofitting, operations, and existing building; the future system will also cover education institutions,
communities, and residential development. BERDE is only applicable to commercial and government
buildings at this time. BERDE also trains and certifies professionals and assessors. Professionals are those
who carry out work to attain the relevant credit from the system; assessors are those who verify, inspect,
and certify projects.
BERDE standards are adapted from the following:

American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
PD 859Code of Sanitation of the Philippines
National Fire Protection Agency
National Structural Code of the Philippines
Philippine Electrical Code
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Code
Philippine Society of Ventilation
Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineers Code
National Building Code of the Philippines
Fire Code of the Philippines
International Standard Organization
DOLE of the OSHA
Philippine Environmental Code
Environmental Impact Statement System
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act
Special Economic Zone Act
Uniform Plumbing Code.

The BERDE website does not mention levels of certification as the rating system is still very new.

Singapore

1. Synopsis
Singapores building regulatory system is very similar to Hong Kongs, Malaysias, and Bruneis. Codes,
standards and supporting standards, codes of practice, design manuals, design guidelines, and handbooks
all support the enforcement of regulations and building acts.34 None are mandatory if designers and
engineers prove that they are using equivalent standards. Standards will become mandatory if a disaster
occurs. The entire system relies heavily on the private sector to design well and independent private
parties to check designs. Some codes are mandatory and enforced, such as the fire code, while others are
voluntary and not enforced, such as the code of accessibility in the built environment.
All acts and some standards are legal requirements and enforced by designated government agencies for
specific purposes (such as green building standards). The agency may impose a fine for failure to comply
with the less critical mandatory codes (such as the codes related to water efficiency). Other punishments
for noncompliance include withdrawal of licenses or delay in the issuance of permit. Compliance with
some voluntary standards may result in financial and/or non-financial reward(s). Such standards are
normally voluntary and are mandatory when companies choose to comply with them. Nonfinancial
incentives include certifications and awards, and financial incentives include tax breaks. Recommended
codes are not mandatory and an engineer or architect may choose to use similar codes from alternative
sources. The chosen code becomes mandatory once the engineer or architect chooses it. For example, if a
code requires the use of a particular Singapore Standard, an alternative equivalent may be used instead, at
which point it becomes mandatory.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Most of the building code of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is developed by the
authority itself. Some BCA codes reference the Singapore Standards, British Standards, Australian and
New Zealand Standards, Japanese Standards, American Standards, European Standards and Chinese
Standards. Singapore, like Hong Kong, Malaysia and Brunei, allows the use of equivalent standards in
place of the referenced standards in the regulations, codes of practices, etc.

GREEN FEATURES AND GREEN CODES

Green Mark is mandatory in Singapore even though it is a rating system. Its standards are therefore
considered partly mandatory, while required standards are mandatory. Mandatory standards include the
BCA code on envelope thermal performance on building, ASHRAE 90.1, AHRI 550/590, and various

34

Codes in these economies may also mean codes of practice, which are akin to guidelines or best practices.

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Green Mark standards for energy modeling, use, and ventilation. Green Mark also has standards not found
in other standard documents. Other than the Republic of Korea, Singapore is the only other economy with
a green building regulation or code.

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
ORGANIZATIONS
Building acts and regulations are part of Singapores statutes or legislation passed by the parliament and
are enforced by designated government agencies. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
adopts, develops, manages, updates, and enforces codes, acts, and regulations related to building
operation, maintenance, and construction. BCA works hand in hand with government agencies, SPRING
Singapore ,and the private sector to develop, manage and update codes. Regulations can also be enforced
by other government agencies; for example the Civil Defense force enforces the fire code and the
National Environment Agency enforces the code on environmental pollution. Amendments enforceable
by BCA must be approved or passed by the parliament. BCA submits recommendations to the Ministry of
National Development for drafting into amendments for acts; the Minister then presents the amendments
to parliament for debate and to secure votes needed order to make the amendments into laws. BCA then
converts the laws into codes for enforcement.
BCA administers and enforces most mandatory regulations while other agencies develop supporting
codes. These agencies include the Singapore Civil Defense Force, the Singapore Police Force, the Urban
Redevelopment Authority, Jurong Town Corporation, the Housing and Development Board, the Land
Transport Authority, etc. The Internal Security Department, for example, developed the guideline for
preventing terrorist attacks and BCA adopted it to help make buildings less vulnerable to attack.

STANDARDS ESTABLISHMENT
Singapore Standards (SS) are the de facto standards in Singapore. SPRING Singapore, a government
agency, manages SS. It invites experts from academia, industry, and other government agencies to form
committees for various standards. BCA selects and modifies SS for use in its building code, and often
involves academia, industry, and public agencies in developing and modifying those codes.
SS can be replaced by an equivalent foreign standard if a company prefers. If the SS code is mandatory,
then the foreign code becomes mandatory once it replaces the SS code. Committees are set up to develop,
maintain, and manage the SS. These include committees on building and construction standards, on
electrical and electronic standards, on energy standards, on environmental standards, and on general
engineering and safety.

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Companies are encouraged to adopt standards from other sources such as the ASTM International, BSI
British Standards, German Institute for Standardization, Japanese Standards Association, and
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The BCA has also adopted standards from other
economies such as China, Korea, and Australia.
BCAs Building Control Division handles development and enforcement of most minimum codes,
standards, codes of practice, design guidelines, and best practices through three groups (Building and
Construction Authority of Singapore 2012):

The Building Plan and Management Group develops and enforces policies related to the design
phase of a project, such as inspection and approval of architecture and engineering design,
continuous checks on changes in design, licensing, building management and control, and
building plan enforcement.

The Building Engineering Group develops and enforces policies related the construction phase
of a project and nonstructural elements, such as construction safety enforcement, steel and
concrete construction inspection, deep excavation and geotechnical engineering design, strategic
engineering projects (military or unique structures), and licensing.

The Special Function Group develops and enforces policies related to shelters or elements that
do not involve heavy civil and building engineering works, such as civil defense shelter, transit
shelter, structures for noncritical elements, and coastal projects.

MANDATORY BUILDING CODES

Building Control Act. The Act covers the process of plan submission, design, inspection, and control in
building design and construction, including the following:

Design and construction of structural elements, including elements that support mechanical and
plumbing services
Installation and design of window air-conditioning units
Temporary works during construction
Temporary shelters during construction
Underground and piling works
All fuel run equipment onsite
Site management plan
Sanitation and drainage plan (storm water) plan
Required testing of materials
Ground anchor.

The Act is enforced by the Building Control Division. The Act approves the use of codes and standards
recommended, issued, or adopted by the SPRING, the British Standards Institute, and any other standards
organization or body approved by the Commissioner of Building Control. As of today, approved codes
are often adopted from standards developed in Singapore, Britain, Australia, the United States, Canada,
and most developed economies. The Act requires engineers and architects to adopt codes with which they
are familiar and that are approved by the Commissioner of Building Control. Failure to comply with

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cited codes is a punishable offense in Singapore. The Act was developed and is maintained by the
Building Control Division and modifications must be approved by the parliament. (BCA A 2006)
Code of Accessibility in the Built Environment. BCA developed this code with the help of other
agencies, local academic institutions, and private companies.35 While the code is administered by the
Building Control Division, its development and modification can be by any appointed group in the
division and the Services Group. The code itself is a law and prescriptive in nature. It specifies the
standards and rules with which each design needs to comply; the Building Control Division enforces the
code by approving or disapproving designs. In some situations the code is not mandatory.(BCA D 2007)
Code of Practice on Buildable Design. This code of practice is administered by the Buildability
Development Group (under the Building Control Division) and implemented by the Building Plan and
Management Group, Building Engineering Group, and Special Functions Group. Projects have to achieve
a certain buildability score in order to be approved. The code was developed by the National University of
Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Modifications and updates are regularly done by a
committee of academics and representatives of BCA divisions/groups, other government agencies, and
the private sector. (BCA E 2004)
Design Guide on Use of Alternative Steel Materials (BS 5950) and Explanatory Notes for BC1: 2008.
This guide requires engineers and architects to meet strict requirements for the procurement, design,
construction, and maintenance of steel materials. Engineers and architects must understand the
manufacturing process, mechanical and chemical properties, and dimensional and mass tolerances of steel
materials they use on their projects. They must inspect the origins of steel materials to ensure that the
materials are tested according to their individual economys standards, and passed the required tests
and/or obtained the necessary certifications. The second part of the guide directs architects and engineers
in the use and design of different elements and in welding methods. Engineers and architects are also
required to report the carbon emissions of the steel and those resulting from their design. The standards in
this design guide include the following:

British Standards (BS) 5950 and other non-cited BS

ASTM standards for structural steel (A36, 242, 501, 572, 588, 709, 792, 852, 875, 913, 945, 992,
1008, and 1011)

American Plastic Institute (API) Standard API 5L

Japanese Institute of Steel (JIS) Standards SM 490A, B & C, 490YA & YB, 520 B and C, SM
570, SMA 490 BW and BP

Australia/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) for structural steel, series 3678, 3679, 1163, 1397
and 1595

35 Key participants in this codes development and maintenance are as follows: Housing and Development Board,
Land Transport Authority, National Parks Board, Urban Renewal Authority, Ministry of Community Development,
National Council of Social Services, Handicaps Welfare Association, Singapore Association for the Visually
Handicapped, the Society for the Physically Disabled, the Singapore Action Group for Elders, Asian Womens
Welfare Association, Singapore Institute of Architects, Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects, and the Real
Estate Developers Association of Singapore.

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Chinese Standards (CS) on bolting.

Design approaches are also drawn from BS, ASTM, API, JIS, AS/NZS and CS. (BCA Academy 2008)
BCA Code on Envelope Thermal Performance for Buildings. The code prescribes minimum thermal
transfer values for envelopes, roofs, and skylights. It is not an enforcement document but a tool to help
architects comply with standards for envelope thermal performance found in the Building Control
Regulations (Building Control Act). (BCA D 2001)
The code also prescribes measurement and modeling approaches, such as methods to calculate U-value,
surface air film resistance, air space resistance, shading coefficient of sun shading devices, and solar
correction methods. Architects and/or engineers must comply with the code and submit relevant
documents to BCA, but BCA does not require certain minimum standards to be met unless the project is
seeking Green Mark certification. This submission process is managed by the Building Control Division,
while code development and management is by the Green Building Policy Group of the Technology
Development Division. The code gets feedback from industry, and BCA often involves academia in
updating the code.
Guide to High Strength Concrete to Singapore Standard CP65 (BC2:2008). This guide draws its
standards from SS CP65. It is administered by the Building Control Division. (BCA Academy 2007).
Legislation on Air-conditioner Support. This legislation prescribes the method of designing air condition
supports, the need for a licensed installer to carry out the work, and post-installation reporting procedures.
It is enforced by BCA.
Legislation on Windows Safety. SS 212 is the standard required by this legislation, which also prescribes
the use of a licensed contractor to install windows.
Public and Private Shelters. Standards for shelters are similar to structural standards. Shelter standards
are managed by the Special Function Group of the Building Control Division.
Fire Code 2007 Master Version. The fire code is administered and enforced by the Singapore Civil
Defense (SCD). The code includes SCD best practices, SS CP 2 (installation, operation, and maintenance
of electrical passenger and goods life), SS CP 10 (fire alarm system), and SS CP 19 (evacuation lighting
system). This is the only code that is very similar to the definition of codes in the United States, Canada,
and Australia. (Singapore Civil Defense 2007).
Under the law, all designs and plans have to be approved by the Building Control Division. Designs and
plans must be carried out by a qualified person (QP). An accredited checker (AC) double checks the work
of the QP. Neither are employees of BCA. The BCA approves plans by relying on the signatures of AC
and QP. BCA is only responsible to check if all designs comply with the standards.

VOLUNTARY BUILDING CODES

Because of some differences in the approach to and the application of building regulations, some BCA
codes are not mandatory. BCA encourages industry to adopt all codes, mandatory or otherwise. Most
codes, codes of practice, best practices, design guidelines, and handbooks are developed by BCA with the

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help of academics from Singapores two major universities. A committee of industry professionals and
representatives of government agencies oversees the development of these codes. Over the years, some of
the codes become mandatory.
Construction Quality Assessment System. Introduced in Singapore in 1989, CONQUAS is Singapores
system for assessing construction. It was developed by the BCA in collaboration with the two local
universities, and others from the private and public sectors. It is periodically revised to keep pace with
changes in technology and the demands of a more sophisticated population. In 1998, BCA introduced
new features that made the scoring system more comprehensive and customer oriented. The code does
not reference any other codes and standards. Contractors who comply with CONQUAS standards are
rewarded with a certificate and the contractor with the highest score wins the CONQUAS award for the
year. (BCA 2010)
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. CPTED is a code developed to prevent crime through
better building design. The National Crime Prevention Council developed it with the BCA. The code is
regularly updated and not enforced by any agency. (National Crime Prevention Council 2003).
Enhancing Building Security. This code was developed by BCA, the Singapore Civil Defense Force,
Internal Security Department, and the Singapore Police Force to prevent terrorism in buildings. It does
not cite any code or standards and provides detailed recommendations on building security. (Deputy
Prime Minister of Singapore 2004).

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The majority of BCA building code is developed by the authority itself. Some codes reference the
Singapore Standards, British Standards, Australian and New Zealand Standards, Japanese Standards,
American Standards, European Standards and Chinese Standards. Singapore, like Hong Kong, Malaysia
and Brunei, allows the use of equivalent standards where they meet the desired objectives.

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

There are many green features in the building regulations. Carbon emission reporting is required by the
Design Guide on Use of Alternative Steel Materials (BS 5950) and Explanatory Notes for BC1: 2008
and BC2:2008 (guide to high strength concrete to SS CP65), and is part of the Building Control Act. The
BCA code on envelope thermal performance for buildings is in the Building Control Act. And the Act
now mandates GreenMark, a green building rating tool that covers all green features.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Building codes are divided based on the type of building:o landed residential, high-rise residential,
commercial, institutional, industrial, and public.s. BCA codes are applicable to all buildings constructed
in Singapore regardless of type.

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3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) (EMA 2012), in conjunction with the BCA, manages the
implementation of electrical codes of practice in Singapore. Codes adopted and developed by EMA
include SS CP 5: 1998 (electrical installations), SS 531-1: 2006 (lighting of work placesindoor). SS 5312: 2008 (lighting of work placesoutdoor), SS 531-3 : 2008 (lighting requirements for safety and security
of outdoor work places). The Energy Market Authority of Singapore Act and the Electricity Act mandate
the use of these codes of practice. Other pertinent regulations are those for electrical workers,
composition of offences, cable detection workers, contestable consumers (no. 2), and electrical
installations.
Energy. The BCA code on envelope thermal performance for buildings is in the Building Control Act.
The EMA manages the energy code of practice with BCA and the National Environment Agency (NEA)
(NEA 2012). SS 530: 2006 (energy efficiency standard for building services and equipment) is the only
energy code adopted by the BCA, NEA, and EMA. It is used for Green Mark certification.
Water/Sanitation. BCA and the Public Utility Board (PUB) enforce plumbing, water, and sanitation
standards through the Building Control Act and Public Utility Board Act of Singapore. The mandatory
codes of practices include PUB codes of practice on sewerage and sanitary works, and on surface water
drainage, SS CP 48 (water services), and PUB ABC water design guidelines.
Mechanical Systems. BCA manages and maintains mechanical systems standards, and most of the
mandatory standards have been included in the Building Control Act. The mandatory standards include
SS 553: 2009 (air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation in buildings), BCA envelope thermal
performance on building, ASHRAE guide on advanced energy design, AHRI 550/590 performance rating
of water-chilling and heat pump water-heating packages using the vapor compression cycle, and
ASHRAE 90.1.
Indoor Air Quality. SS 554 (indoor air quality for air-conditioned buildings) is a required standard for
Green Mark, the green rating system now mandatory in Singapore.
Lighting. The following lighting standards are required for Green Mark compliance: SS 531-1: 2006
(lighting of work placesindoor), SS 531-2: 2008 (lighting of work placesoutdoor), and SS 531-32008
(lighting requirements for safety and security of outdoor work places).
Security. Enhancing Building Security is a code developed by the BCA, Singapore Civil Defense Force,
Internal Security Department, and the Singapore Police Force to prevent terrorism in buildings. It does
not cite any standards and provides detailed recommendations on building security. This code is not
mandatory, codes are normally considered design guidelines.
Fire. The Singapore Civil Defense Force manages and enforces the fire code. The code integrates SCD
best practices and the fire safety codes of practice from SS, such as SS CP 2 (installation, operation, and

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maintenance of electrical passenger and goods life), SS CP 10 (fire alarm system), and SS CP 19
(evacuation lighting system). This is the only code that carries the same definitions of code as in the
United States, Canada, and Australia.
Safety. Safety standards are managed by different authorities. BCA manages construction and building
safety regulations and standards. Mandatory codes of practice include SS CP 20 (suspended scaffolding),
SS CP 45 (Halon 1301 fire protection systems), and SS CP 79 (safety management system for
construction work sites). These codes become mandatory as they are included in the Building Control
Act.
The Ministry of Manpower manages workplace safety standards. Codes of practices or standards are
either adopted from SS or developed by the Workplace and Safety Health Council, which is appointed by
the ministry. Mandatory codes of practices include MOM (working safely at height), MOM (WSH risk
management), SS 98 (industrial safety helmets), SS 473 (personal eye-protectors), SS 508 (safety colors
and safety signs), SS 510 (safety in welding and cutting), SS 513 (personal protective equipment), SS 531
(lighting of work placesindoor), SS 531 (lighting of work placesoutdoor), SS 531 (lighting
requirements for safety and security of outdoor work places), SS 536 (safe use of mobile cranes), SS 537
(safe use of machinery), SS 548 (selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective devices), SS
549 (selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors), SS 550 (installation, operation and
maintenance of electric passenger and goods lifts), SS 550 (installation, operation and maintenance of
electric passenger and goods lifts), and SS506 (occupational safety and health management system).
Location/Siting/Zoning. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA 2012) manages zoning in
Singapore. The master plan (2008) controls and manages land use in Singapore. The functions of URA
include land use planning, development control, zoning, conservation, car park development
authorization, and land sales (on behalf of the Singapore government). The master plan is not a code but a
regulation determining the types of development acceptable in different areas in Singapore.
Environment. The National Environment Agency develops, manages, and enforces environmental codes
hand in hand with the BCA. The agency develops these codes of practice and makes some reference to
the Singapore Standards. These mandatory codes of practice cover environmental health, pollution
control, control of legionella bacteria in cooling towers, and piped drinking water sampling and safety
plans (NEA 2012).

GREEN BUILDING CODES

Green Mark and the U.S. Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) are the two most popular rating systems in Singapore, though LEED has only a 2 percent market
share. Since Green Mark is a mandatory system designed for the tropical climate most of the green
buildings in Singapore are certified Green Mark. BCA launched Green Mark in January 2005 to promote
sustainability in the built environment of the tropics (Singapore Green Mark 2012). As a benchmarking
scheme it incorporates internationally recognized best practices in environmental design and performance.
It has been revised three times; the 2013 version will incorporate carbon emission calculations. Green
Mark certification can have a positive effect on corporate image and the leasing and resale value of
buildings. The Green Mark scheme can

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Facilitate reduction in water and energy bills,

Reduce potential environmental impact,
Improve indoor environmental quality for a healthy and productive workplace, and
Provide clear direction for continual improvement.

Rating Criteria
Green Mark is applied to the following building categories: new nonresidential, new residential, existing
nonresidential, existing residential, landed houses, existing schools, new and existing parks,
infrastructures, rapid transit systems, district, office interior, restaurant, data center, and retail projects.
The Building Control Act (2008) Code (BCA A 2006) requires all new building works greater than 2000
m2 to be Green Mark certified (achieve at least 50 points):
Score

Rating

90+
85-89
75-84
50-74

Platinum
Gold Plus
Gold
Certified

Projects that achieve higher ratings qualify for financial and other incentives. Standards adopted by Green
Mark are considered mandatory only for certain recognition. Green Mark integrates codes of practice
from SS, ASHRAE, and AHRI with codes that BCA develops with academia and industry. The codes
specify performance standards beyond BCAs base codes (i.e., the Building Control Act). The following
are Green Mark standards:
Required
Energy saving (ASHRAE 90.1 and Green Mark standard)

Heat transmittance through building envelope (BCA code on envelope thermal performance on
building)

Prescribed design system efficiency for building cooling system (AHRI 550/590 and Green Mark
standard)

For Credit
Air conditioning system (Green Mark standard, ASHRAE 90.1, SS 553, AHRI 550/590)

Environmental management system (Green Mark Manager and Professional, ISO 14000 and
CONQUAS)

Green transport (Green Mark standard)

Greenery (URA zoning and master plan, and National Park Board approvals)

Indoor air quality (SS 554 and Green Mark standard)

Irrigation system and landscaping (Green Mark standard, PUB code of practice on surface water
drainage, and PUB ABC water design guidelines)

Lighting (Green Mark standard, SS 531-1, SS 531-2, and SS 531-3)

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Mixed natural and ventilated (prescribed by Green Mark standard)

Natural ventilation (prescribed by Green Mark standard)

Noise control (SS 553)

Other mechanical systems (lift, and energy efficient practices) (EEI of the BCA, Green Mark
standard

Refrigerant (Montreal Protocol, SCDF Fire Code, and Building Control Act - Environmental
Sustainability)

Renewable energy (Handbook for Photovoltaic Systems in Buildings, and Handbook for Solar
Photovoltaic Systems)

Storm water management (SS CP 48; PUB ABC water design guidelines; PUB codes of practice
for sewerage and sanitary works and for surface water drainage; NEA codes of practice for
environmental health, for pollution control, for the control of legionella bacteria in cooling
towers, and for piped drinking water sampling and safety plans)

Sustainable materials and products (nonstructural--BCA sustainable architecture and material

guide and Green Mark standard; structural--Green Mark standard, and relevant structural steel
and concrete design standards)

Thermal comfort (ASHRAE 90.1, SS 554, Green Mark standard, SS 553, AHRI 550/590)

Water efficiency (Green Mark standard, PUB codes of practice for sewerage and sanitary work,
and for the control of legionella bacteria in cooling towers; SS CP 48; PUB ABC water design
guidelines)

Other green features prescribed by Green Mark.

Even though there are only three required criteria, most of the standards adopted by Green Mark are
mandatory as they are enforceable under the Building Control Act and other BCA codes. The voluntary
codes relate to energy modeling methods (i.e., ASHRAE 90.1 and AHRI 550/590), construction quality
(CONQUAS), quality management (ISO 14000), green materials, green transport, use of renewable
energy, sustainable materials and products, noise pollution and control (SS 553), and lighting (SS 531-1,
SS 531-2, and SS 531-3).

Monitoring, Reviewing, and Assessing

BCA is solely responsible for developing, monitoring, reviewing, and enforcing Green Mark. The scheme
is managed by BCAs Technology Development Group, which also awards projects that achieve high
scores. Green Mark is updated every two to four years, and more codes become mandatory at every
update.

Compliance and Verification

Developers, building owners, and government agencies submit an application to BCA to register their
interest in participating in the Green Mark scheme. BCAs assessment team meets with the project team
or building management team to brief it on criteria and to obtain reports and documents that substantiate
subsequent submissions. Actual assessment is conducted once the team is ready. The assessment entails

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design and documentary reviews and site verification. Documentary evidence is submitted at the end of
the assessment. A letter of award indicating certification level is then sent to the project team.
Some Green Mark standards require evidence of physical inspection and testing. For example, an
inspector will go onsite to check compliance with CONQUAS standards, and physical tests of concrete
and steel are required to check compliance with structural codes. Green Mark requires that documentation
of this compliance be submitted as well.

Chinese Taipei

1. Synopsis
CENTRALIZED APPROACH TO ADMINISTRATION, COMPLIANCE,
AND ENFORCEMENT
Chinese Taipei takes a centralized approach to the development, adoption, administration and
enforcement of mandatory building regulations. The Construction and Planning Agency administers and
enforces regulations through agencies under its control, and establishes committees to update codes.
Committee members are recommended by various professional institutions, academic institutions, and
government agencies.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Laws and regulations do not cite particular standards, but recommend the use of relevant standards. Most
standards in Chinese Taipei are provided by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection. All
BSMI standards are mandatory in the economy.

GREEN FEATURES
Even though there is no mandatory building code in Chinese Taipei, green features like green outdoor
space, pollution reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials have been added to the
Building Act (Taiwan Today 2012). New regulations include the Building Energy Efficiency Policy
(faade only), New Energy Policy of Chinese Taipei, and the Energy Management Law (Bureau of
Energy 2012; Bureau of Energy (b) 2012). In addition to the Building Act, CPAMI also enforces the
Waste Disposal Act, Resource Recycling Act, Air Pollution Control Act, and Noise Control Act. Though
indoor air quality is not covered in the Building Act, protecting it is mandatory in Chinese Taipei. These
regulations are also considered mandatory green features.

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2. Code Development,
Administration and Enforcement
The Construction and Planning Agency of the Ministry of the Interior (CPAMI) develops, administers,
and enforces construction regulations in Chinese Taipei. Various departments of the Ministry of
Construction also administer the regulations. The Housing Department administers and enforces the
Housing Act. The Building and Construction Department administers and enforces the enforcement rule
of the Architects Act, Construction Industry Act, Building Act, and Architects Act. The National Parks
Department administers and enforces the National Park Law. The Urban Regeneration Department
administers and enforces the Urban Renewal Act. The Public Works Department administers and enforces
the Notes to Design Standards of Urban Roads and Accessory Works, Urban Road Act, and the
enforcement rule for the Sewerage Law. Land development and building construction in new towns is
administered and enforced by the New Town Construction Department under the Regulation of Use
Control of Lands and Buildings in New Town, and New Town Development Act.
CPAMI has four offices (Secretariat, accounting, civil service ethics, and personnel), 14 divisions,36 five
temporary divisions for specific tasks,37and another four branches that handle planning, design and
construction.38 The Central Region office has four divisions (construction management, urban and rural
planning, plan reviewing, and administrative management). Subordinate agencies include the
headquarters for national parks (Kenting, Yushan, Yangmingshan, Taroko, Shei-Pa, Kinmen, Marine,
Taijiang) and the Urban and Rural Development Branch. CPAMI is also responsible for the
administrative tasks of various committees and commissions.39 Other tasks include the following:

Plan, review, and supervise national comprehensive development and regional plans.

Review and supervise urban planning, urban regeneration, and new town development.

Form, revise, and manage policies on housing, public housing, and subsidies.

Plan, form, supervise, and manage national parks and metropolitan parks.

36

The 14 divisions are as follows: Planning, urban planning, public housing, national parks, building
administration, public works, building engineering, road engineering, environmental engineering, construction,
planning administration, management administration, land administration, finance administration.
37

The five temporary divisions are as follows: new town construction, urban regeneration, office of senior
technician, information management, and public relations.
38 The branches are as follows: Northern Engineering Office, Central Engineering Office, Southern Engineering
Office, and the Sewerage System Office.
39

Regional Plan Committee, Urban Planning Commission, National Park Planning Committee, Disciplinary
Committee for Architects, Building Technology Review Committee, Negotiation and Direction Committee of Public
Facility Reservation Land, Construction Fund Management Committee, Deliberation Committee of Urban Design in
Danhai New Town and Kaohsiung New Town, Identifying Emblem to the Construction and Investment Industry
Review Committee, Monument for Political Victim during the Period of Martial Law Committee, Promotion and
Deliberation Committee of Broadband Channel Construction Project, Decreasing of Occupational Accidents Task
Force, and Executive Yuans Sinjhuang Office Building Committee.

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Supervise building administration, research and review building technologies and materials, and
register and supervise architects.

Supervise planning and construction of urban roads, parks, water supplies, and sewerage system
and promote public and duct construction.

As indicated, all enforcement and engineering inspections are done by CPAMI. In addition, per
regulations, all national standards relevant to design and construction must be met.

CODE ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION

CPAMI administers changes to regulations and adoption of standards and enforces codes through
committees that also regularly review regulations. There is no fixed period for revising regulations, but
reviews are conducted regularly to ensure regulations are updated. Committee members, who represent
professional institutions, academic institutions, and government agencies, are invited to be on the
committees. Membership changes every three to five years.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
Standards are administered by the governments Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI).
All international standards are converted into equivalent Chinese National Standards (CNS), and all
standards are mandatory. The standards are updated as necessary.

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

Green outdoor space, pollution reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials have been
added to the Building Act (Taiwan Today 2012). Building Energy Efficiency Policy (faade only), and
New Energy Policy of Chinese Taipei, and the Energy Management Law are new regulations that will
eventually affect the use of energy efficient faade, renewable energy use, and energy efficiency in
buildings (Bureau of Energy 2012; Bureau of Energy (b) 2012).
In addition to the Building Act, CPAMI also enforces the Waste Disposal Act, Resource Recycling Act,
Air Pollution Control Act, and Noise Control Act. Though indoor air quality is not covered in the
Building Act, its protection is mandatory in Chinese Taipei. These regulations are also considered
mandatory green features.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Building regulations divide building inspection and regulation enforcement into residential housing,
commercial buildings, institutional building, civil and heavy infrastructures, and new town construction.

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3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. The Electricity Act is a mandatory regulation in Chinese Taipei (Law Database 2011).
Energy. The Building Act requires that all buildings meet building energy standards for air-conditioned
nonresidential buildings, but the standards only cover faades. HVAC and lighting systems are proposed
for inclusion in future editions of the Act. The following are also in the pipeline and may affect building
energy use: Energy Management Law, New Energy Policy of Chinese Taipei, National Energy
Conservation and Carbon Reduction Master Plan of Chinese Taipei. The Equipment Energy Efficiency
Management and Promotion program encourages the use of energy efficient equipment in office buildings
(Green Prospects Asia 2011).
Water and Sanitation. Plumbing and sanitation requirements are in the Building Act and Building
Construction Act. Other pertinent regulations are the Sewerage Law, Enforcement Rule for Sewerage Act,
Design Criteria for Common Duct, Enforcement Rules on Common Duct, Common Duct Act, and Sewer
Engineering Guidelines (CPAMI 2012).
Mechanical Systems. There is no mandatory mechanical system regulation pertaining to buildings, even
though there are mandatory regulations for equipment and systems used in buildings.
Indoor Air Quality. The Indoor Air Quality Act is a mandatory regulation in Chinese Taipei (R.O.C.
Environmental Library 2011)
Lighting. There is no mandatory lighting regulation or code, but lighting standards may be mandatory per
Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection.
Security. There is no mandatory standard for security.
Fire. Fire standards are included in Building Act and all relevant fire standards are published by the
Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection.
Structural. The Seismic Design Code is also a required code in Chinese Taipei (Kenken Japan 2012).
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. All location, siting, and zoning laws and regulations are
administered and enforced by the one of the agencies of the CPAMI. These laws and regulations include
the National Park Law, Urban Renewal Act, Urban Road Act, New Town Development Act, Regulation
on Use Control of Lands and Buildings within New Town Special Areas before Implementation of
Overall Development, Enforcement of Regional Planning Act, Regional Planning Act, Enforcement Rules
for the New Town Development Act, Wetland Protection, Urban Regeneration Projects, Waste Disposal
Act, Resource Recycling Act, Air Pollution Control Act, Noise Control Act, Environmental Agents
Control Act, Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act, Environmental Testing and Analysis, Green House
Gas Reduction Act, and Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (CPAMI 2012).

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Safety. Mostly related to seismic design standards and fire codes.

GREEN BUILDING CODES AND GREEN FEATURES

Green Features and Regulations
Even though there is no mandatory building code in Chinese Taipei, green features like green outdoor
space, pollution reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials have been added to the
Building Act (Taiwan Today, 2012). Building Energy Efficiency Policy (faade only), and New Energy
Policy of Chinese Taipei, and the Energy Management Law are new regulations that will eventually affect
the use of energy efficient faade, renewable energy use, and energy efficiency in buildings. CPAMI also
enforces the Waste Disposal Act, Resource Recycling Act, Air Pollution Control Act, and Noise Control
Act. Though indoor air quality is not covered in the Building Act, its protection is mandatory. These
regulations are also considered mandatory green features.

Green Building Rating Programs

The Green Building Label program is a rating tool operated by the Ministry of Interiors Building
Research Institute. The criteria include

Biodiversity (soil ecosystem, habitat, plant diversity, ecological network),

Greenery (carbon absorption rate),

Water content on site (infiltration and retention, storm water runoff management),

Daily energy conservation (building envelope design ENVLOAD (20% higher than building
regulation), and other techniques, including HVAC system, lighting, management system),

CO emission reduction (CO emission of building materials (kg-CO/m2),

Construction waste reduction (waste of soil, construction, destruction, use of recycled materials),

Indoor environment (acoustics, illumination, and ventilation, interior finishing building

materials),

Water conservation (usage, hygienic instrument with water saving, grey water reuse), and

Sewage and waste disposal facility improvement (sewer plumbing, sanitary condition for garbage
gathering, compost).

The program offers multiple levels of certification (certified, bronze, silver, gold, diamond) in completed
building and planning and design documentation. Certification entails technical review and label
conferral. The label is valid for three years and can be renewed.
The Energy Smart Communities Initiative runs activities to help building professionals learn about green
building standards. The Initiative runs a building performance rating system, develops publications and
knowledge sharing platforms, and runs conferences and demonstration projects to educate professionals.
The initiative plans to develop

Green building and building material evaluation and labeling systems

Green remodeling and HVAC projects

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Indoor environmental quality assessments and recycling building materials research and
development promotion

Green building training, education, promotion, design competition, and international exchange
and cooperation

Green building regulation and the development of the ecological community and sustainable city

Living building challenge.

Thailand

1. Synopsis
BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEM
Thailand does not use the code system with which the United States, Canada, and Australia are familiar,
even though its latest regulationthe Building Energy Codeis named a code. Thailands building
regulatory system is entirely top-down. Laws are made by the Central Government as Ministerial
Regulations, and endorsed by the Royal Decree before being converted into enforcement and regulatory
documents by agencies. The Building Control Bureau administers and enforces all building regulations,
and the Ministry of the Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Energy handles
regulations on the environment, energy, and water.
The Bureau and responsible agencies administer regulatory review and revision. Ministries work closely
with each other on review and revision, and involve building officials from local government, academics,
and industry experts in the process. Procedures are established by the Bureau and responsible agencies.
Local governments are responsible for enforcing building regulations and issuing permits. The Building
Control Bureau enforces regulations and issues permits in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, even though it
also has a local government.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
While most of the reference standards in the regulations are those of the ThaIndustrial Standards Institute
(TISI), relevant standards are also adopted from ASTM International, Uniform Building Code, American
Concrete Institute, and various standard institutions around the world. Regulations contain technical
information and enforcement languages .
The National Standards Act 2551 specifies the standards development procedure in Thailand. TISI works
with standards institutions from around the world on standards. Standards are not mandatory until they
are incorporated into ministerial regulations. Most draw from international codes and standards
developing agencies, and the majority are published in Thai. The majority of Thailand standards are
developed in Thailand by its own industry and academic experts

PATHWAYS TO GREEN: GOVERNMENT PROVIDES ALL DIRECTION

Thailands building control regulations have some green features (e.g., energy efficiency standards),
while other green features are separate from the regulations and enforced by ministries (e.g., the Ministry
of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Energy). These features are the result of government
efforts to green the Thailands construction industry and buildings. Many green standards were already

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in use in the private sector before they appeared in regulations. The private sector also offers a more
stringent Thai Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (TREE).

2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Thailand does not use the code system with which the United States, Canada, and Australia are familiar.
Its building control laws and regulations originate as ministerial regulations, and are passed by the
parliament before a Royal Decree is issued to endorse the ministerial regulations. The completed
ministerial regulations are known as Acts. These are then converted into enforceable regulations by the
concerned government agency.

DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

Building Regulations of Thailand
Mandatory building codes in Thailand include the following:

The Building Control Act (1975, amended 2006)

Building Inspection Regulation
Fire Safety Regulation for High-rise Buildings and Special Large Buildings
Regulation on Fire Prevention for general buildings
Regulation on Building Drainage Equipment
Regulation on improvement of building in inappropriate safety condition
Regulation on fire-resistant construction
Regulation on seismic building design (administered by the Building Control Bureau of
Department of Public Works and Town and City Planning, under the Ministry of Interior),
Energy Conservation Promotion Act and Building Energy Code (administered by the Department
of Energy).

Mandatory codes are applicable only in the Bangkok Metropolitan Municipality, districts under the Town
Planning Act, and for any buildings larger than 1000 square meters or with more than 500 occupants
(whichever is smaller). Provinces are required to adopt the regulations, and may introduce additional
rules. Regional offices are set up to assist the provinces, municipalities, and cities. These codes are also
applicable to all high-rise and large size buildings, theatres, and assemblies built in the specified regions.

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Regulation Development, Review, and Revision

Ministerial regulations on building control are established under the Building Control Act. The Act and
other pertinent acts are established jointly by several ministries. There are more than 200 ministerial
regulations related to building control. The more important ones are as follows:

(MR 6) Structural Design and Construction

(MRs 48 and 56) Fire protection, Sanitary, Lighting and Ventilation
(MR 58) Water and Waste Treatment
(MR 49) Earthquake Resistance
(MR 58) Mechanical Design
(MR 55) Open Spaces, boundary, and Interval of Building Regulation
(MR 57) Real Estate Recovery.

Building Inspection Regulation is only applied to building integrity, electrical works, fire safety,
mechanical system, waste water, and structural works. The Building Control Act covers loading
regulations, material regulations, design requirements and approaches, and construction documents
(Technology Media of Thailand 2008; PWD Thailand 2012; PWD (b) 2012; PWD (c) Thailand 2012;
DPT (Thailand) 2012; Ministry of Law (Thailand) 2012).
The Building Control Act was developed in 1975 and has been updated as necessary, most recently in
2006. There is no required time period to update the regulations. The Building Energy Conservation Act
was developed in 1992 and was updated in 1995 to include the Building Energy Code and three other
ministerial regulations. The code and regulations have not been updated since then because the
government plans to adopt ASHRAE 90.1 as its energy code. Acts, regulations and codes are
administered by ministries, and updated by committees of industry experts, academics and government
officials.
Information in the Regulations. The regulations and acts are both technical and enforcement documents,
and there is no code used in Thailand. They include all relevant technical information and reference TISI
standards and other international standard and code development organizations.
Key Players. The Building Control Bureau of the Department of Public Works and Town and City
Planning, and other relevant agencies, develop, review, and revise the regulations. Members of the review
committees are usually officials from the department, bureau, and other agencies; building control
officials from government branches and local governments; and invited industry experts.
Importance of the Royal Decree. The ministers are required to obtain Royal Decrees (i.e., endorsements)
from the King of Thailand after the parliament passes the regulations into laws. Various ministry
departments enforce the laws. For example, the Building Control Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior
administers the Building Control Act and building inspection regulations, while the Energy Conservation
Unit of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment administers the Energy Conservation Act.

ENFORCEMENT
As discussed, local governments enforce the regulations in areas that do not fall under the control of the
central government. Royal decrees must be declared (given) to the local authorities before they are
allowed to enforce the regulations. Local governments normally enforce regulations through their own

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building officials. The Building Control Bureau, along with the Governor of Bangkok, inspects buildings
and issue permits for buildings in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, while local governments inspect
buildings and issue permits for the other areas.
Thailands local governments include the Bangkok Governor, Mayor for the municipality, President of
the Provincial Administration for the area in the Provincial Administration, Mayor of Pattaya City, and
the President of a government organization (non-populated areas but controlled by government, such as
nature reserve).

REFERENCE STANDARDS
While most of the reference standards in the regulations are those of the TISI, relevant standards are also
adopted from ASTM International, Uniform Building Code, American Concrete Institute, and various
standard institutions around the world. Regulations contain technical information and enforcement
languages .

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

The Energy Conservation Promotion Act (1992) is a mandatory energy efficiency code. It includes three
ministerial regulations. The first one prescribes the standards, criteria, and procedures for designated
buildings. The second one prescribes forms and schedules for submitting data on energy consumption,
energy conservation, criteria and procedures for recording energy consumption data, and installation or
retrofitting of machinery or equipment that affect energy consumption and conservation. The third one
prescribes criteria, procedures, and schedules for owners of designated buildings to establish energy
conservation targets and plans in designated buildings as well as to assess and monitor the
implementation of the plan.
Part of the Act includes the Building Energy Code. The code only applies to commercial and government
buildings in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and districts under the Thailand Provisional Authority. It was
last updated in 1995. It covers building shell, HVAC, and lighting requirements. It is mandatory for all
new construction; existing buildings were given three years to update and comply with the code by using
55 watts per square meter of floor area or less.
In 2002, Thailand began working on a new code based in part on ASHRAE 90.1, but nothing has been
finalized. These regulations are considered part of the Building Control Act (1979, amended 2006) and
are enforceable in the Bangkok Metropolitan Municipality and districts under the Thailand Provisional
Authority. The Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment administer the acts, regulations and
codes (UNESCAP 2007).

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The codes cover only buildings taller than 23 meters and more than 10,000 square meters, buildings in the
Bangkok Metropolitan Municipality, and districts under the Thailand Planning Act. Local governments
are responsible for developing and enforcing their own codes. Buildings are divided into two types. Type
1 includes warehouses, hotels, condominiums, and hospitals. Type 2 includes (1) buildings that are used
for commercial or business areas ranging from 80 square meters and above; (2) buildings with mill
machinery from five horsepower and above; (3) study areas from 80 square meters and above; (4) older

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buildings with more than 300 square meters of meeting space; and (5) office space with more than 300
square meters.

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
.
Electrical. Mandatory standards covered by TISI (only Thai version available) are incorporated into the
Building Control Act (1975, amended 2006).
Energy. The Building Energy Code of Thailand (under the Energy Conservation Promotion Act 1992) is
the mandatory code in Thailand. In 2002, Thailand began working on a new code based in part on
ASHRAE 90.1, but nothing has been finalized (S., P., Hien, Rugkwamsuk, & Kubaha 2007).
Water and Sanitation. Requirements for plumbing can be found in the Building Control Regulations.
Other mandatory regulations include ministerial regulations on mechanical and sanitary design and on
wastewater, and the guidelines of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Mechanical Systems. The ministerial regulation on mechanical and sanitary design is mandatory in
Thailand.
Indoor Air Quality. Indoor air quality is covered in the Building Energy Code. The standards cover offgassing of particulates from chemicals and carpets in buildings, and the minimum standard for indoor air
(carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide level).
Lighting. A mandatory lighting standard is included in the Building Energy Code (Royal Decree on
Designated Building). The standard includes minimum and maximum lighting for different spaces,
daylighting, and energy efficiency of light bulbs.
Security. There is no security regulation in Thailand.
Fire. Regulations can be found in the ministerial regulations on fire safety, the Building Control Act
(2006), and the ministerial regulation on structural design.
Structural. The regulations and mandatory standards include the ministerial regulation on structural
design, Building Control Act (1979), Engineering Institute of Thailand Standards, IBC, and ACI 318
Building Code Requirements (all in Thai except ACI 381).
Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. The regulation governing location and siting is the ministerial
regulation on open space, boundary and building interval.

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Environment Quality. The minimum environmental and standard in Thailand is the Promotion and
Preservation Act B.E., 2535 (A.D. 1992). It is administered by the Minister of Science, Technology and
Environment, and was published with the consent of the National Environment Committee and by
approval of the Cabinet in September 1997. The Act designates a national environment board to oversee
environmental protection in the whole of Thailand, and particularly in the province of Changwat. The
board has the authority to develop plans and policy (for approval by the cabinet), prescribe environmental
quality standards, set an approach for the Environmental Quality Management Plan and the Changwat
Action Plan, make recommendations to the cabinets in respect to the financial, fiscal, taxation and
investment measures of the policy and standards, and propose amendments or improvements to the laws.
The board also acts as coordinator between various government agencies; supervises and oversees the
enforcement, enactment, and approval of various bylaws; and submits reports on national environmental
quality to the cabinets.
The Act covers standards such as water quality standards for catchment areas, rivers, and groundwater;
atmospheric ambient air standards, ambient standards for noise and vibration; and various environmental
quality standards. Some of the action plans include plans for control of pollution from point sources,
wastewaters, waster matters, discharge, and various enforcement measures. The Act also prescribes land
use limitations and measures for developments, and species protection. Together with the National
Environment Board, the Pollution Control Department also regulates and publishes environmental codes
and standards for water quality and management, air quality and noise, soil quality standards, waste
utilization, hazardous materials, pollution management, and use and development of environmental
technology (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 2012).
Safety. Mandatory safety standards are included in the Building Control Regulation.

GREEN BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN THAILAND

Green Features and Laws
The Energy Conservation Promotion Act (1992) is a mandatory energy efficiency code. It includes three
ministerial regulations. The first prescribes standards, criteria, and procedures for designated buildings.
The second prescribes forms and schedules for submitting data on energy consumption, energy
conservation, criteria and procedures for recording energy consumption data, and installation or
retrofitting of machinery or equipment that affect energy consumption and conservation. The third
prescribes criteria, procedures, and schedules for owners of designated buildings to establish energy
conservation targets and plans in designated buildings as well as to assess and monitor the
implementation of the plan.
Part of the Act includes the Building Energy Code. That code (Royal Decree on Designated Building
1995) is mandatory in the Bangkok Metropolitan area. It covers new and retrofitted buildings, system
performance (envelop, lighting and air-conditioning), and whole building energy compliance. It specifies
a minimum overall thermal transfer value (OTTV) for the following: building envelope, energy
performance of lighting and air-conditioning, building design methods that enhance energy efficiency of
building, energy conservation, energy modeling method, uses of day lighting, use of renewable energy,
energy utilization of floor space, energy conservation potential, minimum performance of absorption

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chillers, boilers and heat pump. In 2002, Thailand began working on a new code based in part on
ASHRAE 90.1, but nothing has been finalized (S., P., Hien, Rugkwamsuk, & Kubaha 2007).
Water efficiency requirements are also green features introduced through the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment. These requirements are not included in the Building Control Act.
Indoor air quality is included in the Building Code and thus is mandatory.
Various environmental protection and storm water management regulations are enforced by the Ministry
of Natural Resources and Environment.

Voluntary Green Building Rating System

The Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI) launched the Thai Rating of Energy and Environmental
Sustainability (TREE) system in 2012. Ratings are applied to new construction and existing buildings.
Criteria include energy efficiency and atmosphere, water efficiency, site management and planning,
indoor air quality, materials and resources, and innovation. Certification has four levels: platinum (61+
points), gold (46-60), silver (38-45), and certified (30-37). The documents are published in Thai (Thai
Green Building Council 2012).

United States

1. Synopsis
The United States does not have a national building code. Individual jurisdictions, including states,
counties, and cities, are responsible for developing, managing, and enforcing their own building codes. A
building code becomes mandatory only when formally enacted by authorities, via laws, ordinances,
regulations, or administrative orders. Processes for code development, adoption, and enactment vary
widely among jurisdictions.

BOTTOM-UP APPROACH: FROM DEVELOPMENT TO ENFORCEMENT

The U.S. building control and regulatory system has four components: regulations, codes, model codes,
and standards. Design criteria, design guidelines, rating systems, and specifications are used to guide
industry practitioners to comply with codes and standards. Developing, maintaining, and updating
complex building codes requires technical expertise and financial resources. The bottom-up approach
adopted in the United States supports local jurisdictions by providing them with the mechanisms to
develop building codes for enactment. The approach relies heavily on engaging stakeholders in the
development of model building codes and voluntary consensus standards referenced in the model codes.
Regulation is the mechanism that is associated with the implementation of a legislative act passed by a
legislative body (in this case, the state assembly or a city or county council, town and village boards, etc.).
Some jurisdictions may have the provisions for a building code adopted by the legislative body, but
administrative content is developed by an agency charged with such development.
A code consists of requirements and standards that a jurisdiction enforces through legislation, statutes,
contracts etc. A jurisdiction can adopt a model code without changing it, modify part of the code, or
develop its own code. A jurisdiction that develops its own codes sets up its own committee and relies on
its own expertise to write, modify, and implement the codes. Code compliance and enforcement are
facilitated by the consensus development process.
A model code is developed and maintained by private standards development organizations independent
of the jurisdiction responsible for enacting the code. Examples of such codes include the International
Building Code of the International Code Council and the NFPA 1 of the National Fire Protection
Association. A model code is not enforceable until a jurisdiction enacts the code through legislation or
statute or is included in a contract. Model codes often include enforcement language to facilitate the
adoption and enforcement once required to be crafted by a jurisdiction or contract.
Model codes are developed via a consensus process that operates on the principles of openness,
transparency, inclusiveness, and balance of interests to safeguard against special interest domination.

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Many organizations develop codes in accordance with these principles, including design professionals,
construction industry representatives, trade associations, manufacturers, local officials, government
agency representatives, property owners, insurance companies, academics, and other stakeholders in the
consensus process. As living documents, model codes are reviewed and updated every three to five
years by technical committees of professionals attuned to technological developments and research
findings.
A standard is promulgated by a standard developing organization, an industry, or a technical society and
is intended to be voluntary and to represent a consensus and best thinking on how to approach a certain
issue. Standards become mandatory if they are cited in a code. Model codes rely on reference standards
for specific materials, products, and systems. The majority of published standards are developed through
a consensus process, with procedural accreditation available to those groups to use the American National
Standard designation.40
Design guidelines and rating systems have become increasingly important to the U.S. building
construction and regulatory system. Design guidelines and rating systems are not standards and are not
intended to be mandatory even though some jurisdictions have made them so. They are used for
establishing criteria beyond minimum codes and for addressing specific goals that might not be addressed
in codes. They are assembled by experts to help industry professionals achieve the intent of the
requirements found in the codes, and standards. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) of the U.S. Green Building Council is an example of a rating system.

PATHWAYS TO GREEN
When seeking to increase mandatory building performance through building codes, authorities may rely
on the same mechanism described above. There are three paths for this in the United States.
Integrate green elements into code. In refining standards, development organizations have focused on
improving building performance in energy, water, and materials usage, indoor air quality, and reduction
of impact on the environment, etc. Jurisdictions may elect to integrate new or updated green standards
into their codes and enact them into law.
Develop green codes for elements for building control. Codes are developed for building elements (e.g.,
energy conservation, solar energy system, water and plumbing, mechanical, location, lighting). These
codes are separate from green building codes and could be implemented and enforced with other codes.
Standards for recycled materials may be introduced into structural codes in the future.

40

ANSI coordinates the U.S. system of voluntary standards bodies and offers procedural accreditation.
Accreditation signifies that the procedures used to develop American National Standards meet requirements for
openness, balance, consensus, and due process. ANSI also accredits programs that assess conformance to standards
around the world, and organizations that carry out product or personnel certification in accordance with
requirements defined in international standards. The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA), which became law in the United States in March 1996, directs the U.S. Federal Government to (1) use
standards developed by private sector standards organizations whenever practical, (2) participate in the development
of standards, and (3) notify an appropriate government office when it does not or cannot comply with the first
provision (NIST 2010).

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Develop green building codes. Comprehensive green construction codes reflect stakeholder consensus
and guidance on design, specifications, methods, and technologies. They offer jurisdictions what they
need to shape, require, and enforce greener construction practices. In the United States, the first such code
was published in 2012.

2. Code Development, Adoption,

and Enforcement
Model building codes are developed primarily by private sector codes and standards organizations,
through a comment-driven process open to interested parties and the general public. Members of these
organizations include a wide variety of stakeholders from the construction community. Codes and
standards so developed are adopted by state or local governments, as well as tribes, and are often
modified to meet local needs. The codes are enforced by local building departments. Enforceable codes
and standards become laws in the jurisdictions.

CODES
Codes are divided into different elements of building control (e.g., electrical, energy, water, sanitation and
plumbing). Multiple minimum codes may exist for each element. For example, NFPA 1 of the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC) of the International Code
Council (ICC) are both used in the United States. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) of the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC)
of the ICC are the two most widely accepted minimum plumbing codes in the United States. The National
Electrical Code (NEC) is the most widely adopted model electrical code in all states for building
construction but some states have adopted the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Standard C2 of the
IEEE as their minimum for site work and environmental electrical safety outside structures.

CODE DEVELOPMENT
Most U.S. jurisdictions adopt model codes developed by private organizations and enact the codes
through legislation, statute, contract, etc. Model codes are popular in the United States because there is no
national code and the cost of developing codes from scratch is extremely high. Certain jurisdictions, such
as New York City and the state of California, have developed their own codes. These jurisdictions usually
develop codes in much the same manner as private sector code and standards developers and rely heavily
on building control officials and private sector practitioners for input. Enforcement is mainly the
responsibility state or local jurisdictions.
Even though most codes and standards are privately developed, government officials are involved. Codes
are usually developed on a three-year cycle. Standards are usually updated or reaffirmed on a three to
five-year cycle, but can be revised sooner if necessary.

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The ICC, IAPMO, NFPA, and ASHRAE are four widely recognized code development organizations in
the United States. ICC publishes 15 model codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA
363 codes and standards, and IAPMO 85 codes and standards. These codes cite references from the 600+
codes and standards developing organizations throughout the United States and Canada. IBC is also
administered in parts of all 50 states. Most state and local governments pass laws to adopt the IBC as their
base or minimum code, and building departments administer and enforce IBC and related codes.
Professional licenses, like those for engineers and architects, are often tied to code compliance even
though compliance is only one of the many responsibilities of a licensed professional engineer or
architect.

ADOPTION AND EVOLUTION OF MINIMUM AND MANDATORY CODES

Private Organizations
Guided by an organizations by- laws and rules on consensus development, volunteers representing a
variety of viewpoints and interests form committees to achieve consensus on particular practices.
Committee members are typically a balance of representatives from the construction community as well
as researchers and academics from universities and research laboratories. Committees consisting of 5-40
volunteers draft code provisions based on the consensus of the members.
The ICC maintains code committees with differing construction expertise. Hearings are conducted to
confirm new code language or modify existing code provisions. Hearings provide a venue for public
comment and suggestions for code language. Government officials have the final vote on acceptance of
code language. NFPA technical committees and code making panels develop and regularly update codes
and standards using an ANSI approved consensus process. Committees and panels are appointed by the
Standards Council and usually consist of no more than 30 voting members representing a balance of
interests. Technical committees are comprised of volunteers selected for their technical expertise,
professional standing, commitment to public safety, and ability to represent a point of view. Each
technical committee is constituted to contain a balance of interests, with no more than one-third from the
same interest category. The committee must reach a consensus to take action on an item.

Federal Agencies
The US General Services Administration (GSA) manages and acquires buildings and real estate for many
other federal agencies. GSA is required by law to adopt nationally accepted building codes and therefore
does not develop its own building code. The IBC and many codes published by the ICC are mandatory for
most federal buildings. The GSA also adopts standards developed by private, voluntary standards
developing organizations, and may develop standards for federal buildings. GSA is also required to use
regional codes and the standards contained in such regional codes. The U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD) develops the most codes and standards of all federal agencies. It takes the same approach to
development as ICC and NFPA, except that all committee members are DOD personnel, and its codes
may be updated every three years. The DOD chooses the IBC as a primary reference in its Unified
Facilities Criteria (DOD 2011).

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While federal agencies do not develop national building codes, they do implement laws through
regulation that impact the design and construction of buildings. Many of them cover green related
considerations.
If a federal law mandates a standard, the standard is enforced as a code. For example, federal law
mandates ASHRAE Standard 90.1 as the basis for state energy codes. The standard ASHRAE 90.1 may
be considered a code in this case (ASHRAE Report 2013).
Federal and state governments often regulate activities that affect human safety and health and develop
regulations to limit human impact on the environment and vice versa. Some of these include U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on asbestos, national emissions on hazardous air
pollutants, ozone layer protection, federal environmental requirements for construction, lead in paint, dust
and soil, construction and demolition wastes, storm water discharges from construction activities, and
effluent limitation guidelines (EPA 2012.)

Other Jurisdictions
Adoption procedures vary by state and jurisdiction, and most jurisdictions have great degree of freedom
to adopt or modify model codes. In some states, local jurisdictions are required to adopt the states
minimum. A large majority of jurisdictions adopt IBC and other ICC codes, as well as the National
Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as their base or minimum code, and
building departments administer and enforce IBC and related codes.
The IBC references ASHRAE 90.1, so jurisdictions that adopt IBC may enforce the standard by
reference. By federal law, jurisdictions that do not adopt IBC or any model code that requires ASHRAE
90.1 are required to adopt ASHRAE 90.1 directly.

CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code enforcement is the responsibility of federal, state, and local authorities. The federal government
enforces its building codes for federal facilities through the GSA and federal agency powers. Codes for
state buildings and facilities are enforced by state agencies. States have fire departments, marshals, and
building departments and inspectors who enforce mandatory and minimum codes. State codes are
typically mandatory for cities though many states allow cities to adopt alternative codes or modify codes
for local conditions. City governments regulate construction that complies with the local codes,
regulations, and ordinances. Some cities enforce green building codes, some enforce them only loosely,
and still others provide incentives for their use.
Building inspectors, fire marshals, or officials appointed by the jurisdiction evaluate compliance.
Inspections are divided by project phase. In the design phase, construction documents are checked before
building permits are issued. In the construction phase, inspections ensure compliance and assurance that
construction matches plans. A final inspection is required before a certificate of occupancy is issued. The
local government authority implements codes and standards for the buildings and structures within their
jurisdiction.

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GREEN BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS, RATING SYSTEMS,

AND FEATURES
Current green codes and standards set forth provisions for energy use and conservation, climate change,
water use and conservation, renewable energy, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and
external environmental and social impact. Some green building regulations (e.g., EPA regulations
referenced by a green rating system) and standards (e.g., ASHRAE 90.1) were developed long before
rating systems were, while some standardsusually performance-basedare specified in the rating
systems themselves.

Development and Adoption

Like mandatory building codes and standards, green standards were developed in response to social and
environmental needs. ASHRAE 90 was developed in response to the oil crisis and ASHRAE 62 targeted
the sick building syndrome that became prominent in the 1970s. The United States has no nationally
mandated green building code or standards but some are widely accepted. ASHRAE 90.1 is the minimum
energy standard in all but a handful of states because of a federal law mandating ASHRAE 90.1 or similar
standard (NAIMA 2012). Many federal agencies, state governments and their agencies, city governments
and their agencies, and public school districts have adopted minimum and/or mandatory green building
design standards and/or guidelines (USGBC 2012). California has its own green building code
(CALgreen.) Five U.S. states have adopted the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) as a
compliance pathway for their green requirements on a statewide basis. Local jurisdictions in three other
states have adopted part or all of the IgCC as their green code or compliance path. The U.S. Army Corp
of Engineers requires compliance with parts of ASHRAE 189.1. Mandating a green code and standard is
different than mandating a rating system (i.e., LEED).

Evolution
Green codes and standards evolved through various means. Laws and regulations are often a reaction to
societal demand to counter various conditions, and standards are often developed to provide measurement
science to meet the intent of those laws and regulations. ASHRAE 90 was first published in 1975, and
then evolved into ASHRAE 90.1, the nationally accepted minimum requirements for energy efficient
design, largely due to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992). That act addresses renewable energy
development, utilities, and the efficiency of equipment, appliances, and water-consuming fixtures.
Subsequent legislation has mandated the development of performance standards for green buildings.
Many environmental laws and regulations have also evolved into nationally accepted minimum standards
and have driven the development of guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) part of the Department of Labor has developed many nationally accepted industry health and
safety standards and guidelines pertinent to the health and safety of building occupants. Examples include
OSHA Technical Manual on Indoor Air Quality (OSHA IAQ 1999) and the EPA IAQ Information
Database (EPA 2012). These guidelines are also developed to support the use of ASHRAE 62.1
(ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality). The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 drives the
development of construction waste management procedures that minimize pollution due to such wastes.
OSHAs mission for workplace safety has also driven the development of many guidelines for waste
reduction, construction and demolition debris by contractors, trade associations (AGC 2012), and
governments (Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2008).

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Rating Systems and Green Features

Some local governments have integrated green rating systems into building codes. For example, some
now require government buildings to meet high performance standards (e.g., LEED). The government of
Colorado requires new or renovated government buildings to be designed and built to a high performance
green standard. Some city governments now require their new buildings and renovations to achieve green
building certifications. Many jurisdictions develop legislation, executive orders, resolutions, ordinances,
policies and incentives that address green building standards.
Green features like energy and water conservation, and gray water plumbing and renewable energy
systems have become integral parts of model building, mechanical and plumbing codes. Integrating these
features into codes is easier as they are either less complicated or there are already established standards
or codes in these areas. ASHRAE 90.1 is referenced extensively in UMC while IECC is referenced in
IMC and IBC. Other green features that are more complicated or do not have established standards
require the development of separate and dedicated codes and standards. See DSIRE (www.dsireusa.org)
for some incentive programs.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
The IBC categorizes building into ten types: assembly, business, educational, factory and industrial, high
hazard, institutional, mercantile, residential, storage, and utility and miscellaneous. Other ICC codes are
applicable to nonresidential buildings higher than three stories (except for the IRC, residential code).
ASHRAE 90.1 (cited in IBC, IgCC, and IEC) is to be used for high-rise nonresidential buildings, while
ASHRAE 90.2 is to be used for low-rise residential buildings. The scope of ASHRAE 189.1 excludes
single family houses, multifamily structures of three stories or fewer, manufactured mobile and modular
houses, and buildings that do not use electricity, fossil fuel, or water.
NFPA 1 categorizes building types into airport terminal, apartment, attached, existing, high-rise, ministorage, satellite, special amusement, and storage tank buildings. In general, buildings are grouped by
their occupancy or use. For uses, they are normally grouped into residential, commercial, institutional,
agriculture, and other special uses (aviation and military). Both the IBC and NFPA establish building
construction types, i.e. non-combustible (Type I and II) and combustible (III, IV, V) elements (Technical
Services Information Bureau 2008).

3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
This section highlights some minimum and/or mandatory codes common to many jurisdictions. Some
elements of minimum code requirements may also contribute to energy or other resource savings and can
be considered green elements and will be noted in the discussion below. Unique, additional green
elements will also be addressed in this section.

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Electrical
Electrical codes can be a green feature if the code stipulates energy conservation requirements such as
requirements for PV and battery storage installations and renewable energy safety requirements;. Most
building departments have adopted NFPA 70, also known as the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer
(IEEE). 70
Some aspects of electrical safety are covered in other mandatory codes, such as the ICCs International
Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 1. The IFC, IBC, IPC, also contain some language on electrical works.
References in NFPA 70 include the International Society of Automation, Underwriter Laboratories (UL),
IEEE, and Canadian Standards Association (CSA). These references are mainly associated with materials.

Energy (Green Component)

The energy code is widely accepted as a required component of green building. ICCs International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is in use or adopted in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (administered statewide in 35 states and the District of Columbia). Ten
states and territories do not have statewide energy codes. As mentioned, even though the federal law
mandates ASHRAE 90.1 as the basis for state energy codes for larger buildings (ASHRAE Report 2013),
state and local governments may adopt equivalents. ASHRAE 90.1 is considered a standard and not a
code, per the Department of Energy (DOE).
In a recent study, the DOE identified differences and similarities in the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 (Eric,
Williamson, & Makela 2011). Some similarities are as follows:

ASHRAE 90.1 is equivalent to IECC in the scope of code and the type of projects it is applied to.
Both contain similar language dealing with safety, health, and environmental requirements.
Both require that additions, alterations, and repairs comply with current code.

Some differences include the following:

In addition to covering building envelope, lighting system, service water heating and mechanical
systems, ASHRAE 90.1 also covers power and other equipment.

ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is flexible in allowing modifications to buildings to offset portions of the

addition that do not comply with the code, while IECC does not.

Section C101.4 of the 2012 IECC would dictate that an exemption for compliance with an
alteration found in the Standard 90.1-10 that was not found in the 2012 IECC would be
superseded if both the 2012 IECC and Standard 90.1-10 were in effect.

ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC both aim to establish energy efficiency requirements for buildings. ASHRAE
90.1 targets commercial buildings and 90.2 targets low-rise residential buildings; IECC targets both
commercial and low-rise residential. Both codes address thermal transmittance and insulation of exterior
elements (faade, window, skylight etc.), energy-consuming fixtures (lighting, water heating, HVAC
etc.), energy modeling methods, solar reflectance measurement, air leakage, temperature measurement,
etc. Both can be used to measure energy use and to determine approaches to reduce energy consumptions.

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Water and Sanitation (Green Component)

The plumbing code is considered a green component of green buildings. As noted earlier, IAPMOs UPC
and the ICCs IPC are the two most widely used plumbing codes in the United States.
The IPC regulates the design and installation of plumbing systems, including plumbing fixtures in all
types of buildingsexcept detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not more
than three stories above grade. The regulations for plumbing systems for low-rise residential homes are
covered by chapters 25 through 33 of the International Residential Code (IRC). The IPC addresses
general plumbing regulations, fixture requirements, water heater installations and systems for water
distribution, sanitary drainage, special wastes, venting, storm drainage and medical gases. Unlike the
UPC, the IPC does not address fuel gas piping systems. (gas systems are covered by the International Fuel
Gas Code ,IFGC). Nor does the IPC regulate swimming pool piping systems, process piping systems, or
utility-owned piping and systems.
The purpose of the IPC is to the establish the minimum acceptable level of safety to protect life, health
and property from dangers associated with supplying potable water to plumbing fixtures and outlets and
the conveyance of bacteria-laden waste water from plumbing fixtures. The IPC is primarily a
specification-oriented (prescriptive) plumbing code with some performance-oriented text.. UPC has
minimized specific references to where product standards should apply in the code body, preferring to
simply list the standards. IPC covers fixtures, faucets and fixture fittings, water heating, supply and
distribution, sanitary drainage, indirect/special waste, vents, traps, interceptors, separators, storm
drainage, special piping and storage systems, and gray water recycling system. UPC does have a
additional chapter on fire stop systems.

Mechanical Systems (Green Features)

The mechanical code can contain green features that require energy and water efficiency of equipment.
Both IMC and UMC contain energy and water efficiency requirements.

Mechanical System Codes

The ICCs International Mechanical Code (IMC) is in use or adopted in 46 states, the District of
Columbia, New York City, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. IAPMOs Uniform
Mechanical Code (UMC) is also another widely adopted code in the United States. IMC covers

Appliance ventilation
Boiler systems
Chimneys
Combustion air provisions
Cooling systems
Duct systems
Exhaust systems
Fireplaces
Fuel burning appliances
Fuel oil piping
Heating systems
Hydronic systems

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Location and protection of appliances etc.

Refrigeration
Solar systems.

IMC does not include fuel gas piping as it is included in the International Fuel Gas Code. UMC covers

Chimneys and vents

Combustion air
Commercial hoods and kitchen ventilation
Cooling towers
Duct systems
Exhaust systems
Fuel gas piping
Hydronics
Process piping
Refrigeration
Solar systems
Specific appliances
Steam and hot water boilers
Ventilation air supply.

There are differences between the codes, for example, the IMC cites references from 21 code and
standards developing organizations; UMC also cites references from 21 organizations, however many of
the referenced standards are from different sources.

Frequently Referenced and Adopted Mechanical System Standards

The American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has also
established standards on mechanical systems used in buildings that are frequently used in many
jurisdictions. Examples of such standards include the following:

15 (safety standards for refrigeration systems)

16-1983 (RA 2009) (testing for rating room air conditioners and packaged terminal air
conditioners)
17-2008 (testing capacity of thermostatic refrigerant expansion valves)
18-2008 (testing for rating drinking-water coolers with self-contained mechanical refrigeration)
22-2007 (testing for rating water-cooled refrigerant condensers)
23.1-2010 (testing for rating the performance of positive displacement refrigerant compressors
and condensing units that operate at subcritical temperatures)
24-2009 (testing for rating liquid coolers)
25-2001 (RA 2006) (testing forced convection and natural convection air coolers for
refrigeration)
28-1996 (RA 2010) (testing flow capacity of refrigerant capillary tubes)
29-2009 (testing automatic ice makers)
30-1995 (testing liquid-chilling packages)
33-2000 (testing forced circulation air cooling and air heating coils)
35-2010 (testing desiccants for refrigerant drying)
37-2009 (testing for rating electrically driven unitary air-conditioning and heat pump equipment)

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40-2002 (RA 2006) (testing for rating heat-operated unitary air-conditioning and heat-pump
equipment
41.1-1986 (RA 2006) (standard method for temperature measurement).

.
ASTM International develops standards that support plumbing and mechanical equipment and systems
use in buildings. These standards cover testing methods for building mechanical systems, construction
risk and management, guidelines to prevent moisture penetration, air pressure and permeability testing,
economics, technology selection, installation methods, specifications, density control, testing, leaks, flow,
and terminology. ASME develops and manages safety codes and standards related to mechanical and
plumbing products and systems used in buildings.

Indoor Air Quality (Green Component)

Even though there is no specific national model code for indoor air quality (IAQ), there are some state
IAQ regulations and codes. The Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code regulates the
maximum amount of indoor chemical emissions, mechanical ventilation criteria, duct sizing, air supply,
and other mechanical systems that affect indoor air quality (Washington State Department of Health
2012). The focus on the code is to ensure sufficient supply of outdoor air to reduce or thin down bad
quality air. Massachusetts has integrated its IAQ standards into its building code. The state building code
mandates the minimum ventilation rates for different room types, unless a room has operable windows.
The building code also covers indoor air pollutants, and referenced guidelines and standards from other
states (Massachussetts Government 2013). California and New Jersey are the only states that have official
indoor air regulations or codes (OSHA IAQ 2006).
IAQ requirements are set forth or referenced in various energy codes and standards (i.e., IECC and
ASHRAE 90.1). ASHRAE 62.1 (ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality), and 62.2 (ventilation for
acceptable indoor air quality for low-rise residential building) address IAQ extensively, and are
incorporated into other codes. They cover outdoor air quality, whole-building ventilation, local exhaust,
air-moving equipment, air-flow rate, and climate data. ASHRAE 62.1 references standards and
publications from various sources including the SMACNA, UL, ASTM, NFPA, AMCA, ANSI, and
ASHRAE itself. Examples include the ULs 1995 heating and cool equipment textbook, ASHRAE 52.2
(method of testing general ventilation air cleaning devices for removal efficiency by particle size), and
AMCA 511 (certified rating program of air control devices).
The OSHA IAQ Technical Manual (1999), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA IAQ 2012), and
ASHRAE 62.1 (TRANE 2002) are widely referenced in the IAQ guides, codes, or regulations of various
states and jurisdictions.

Lighting (Green Component and Feature)

Lighting codes can have green components and green features. Lighting pollution (exterior) is a green
component while energy efficient lighting is a green feature. Lighting codes and standards can be
separated into outdoor and interior lighting. The main purpose of outdoor lighting code requirements is to
limit obtrusive aspects of lighting. Outdoor lighting provisions are often set forth in a chapter of the
zoning or land use code, or incorporated into other codes. The IDSA-IES model lighting zone ordinance

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(IDSA-IESNA 2011) is the only model outdoor lighting code in the United States. There are two
guidelines on outdoor lighting code, both by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA): lighting
zones for codes and ordinance (IDSA 2, 2012) and the Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook, which suggests
ordinances for small communities, urban neighborhoods, and subdivisions (IDSA 2012). Several cities in
Arizona have outdoor lighting codes. Tucson regulates illumination levels, shielding requirements, and
sign lighting and lighting for recreational facilities, special use areas, and rights-of-way (City of Tucson
2012).
Indoor lighting code requirements aim to enhance comfort and safety. Indoor lighting requirements have
been incorporated into various building, fire, and energy codes and standards. Such requirements can be
found in

ASHRAE 90.1 Addenda I (documented lighting zone) (ASHRAE 2012)

ASHRAE 189.1 (in chapters 5, 7, and 8)
ICC IECC (in chapter 4)
NFPA 1 (throughout)
NFPA 70 (in chapter 4 section 410)
IBC (chapter 12).

NFPA 1 and IBC both require 1 foot candle minimum along the path of egress; ASME requires 10 foot
candle at the sill of elevators; NFPA 1 requires 10 foot candle minimum on existing stair treads.
Various jurisdictions have also incorporated lighting design guidelines for building types. Hospitals often
use the AIA Guidelines for Design and Construction of Healthcare Facilities 2006 (AIA 2006). The
IESNA Lighting Handbook (2012), and the IESNA RP-33 on lighting zones are frequently incorporated
into building codes. AIA, ASME, ASHRAE, ICC, IESNA, USGBC, and NFPA are also involved in
establishing minimum lighting standards, and have integrated IESNA standards into their codes. In
addition, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 contain
regulations that target lighting. Zoning codes also contain some guidelines for outdoor and indoor
lighting. Part of the zoning code of Richmond, California, addresses lighting and glare (City of Richmond
2011).

Security
Security code deals with safety of building occupants and thus do not contain any green features.

Private and Noncritical Government Buildings

The last version of the Uniform Security Code was published in 1997 and has been widely adopted in the
United States. The IBC, NFPA 1, NFPA 70, and IFC contain some building security requirements.
Section 408 of the IBC covers locking mechanisms, security measures of egress, and security glazing; and
section 1008 covers security features of entrance. IFC and NFPA 1 cover entrance security, security gates,
and security enhanced lighting.

Fire
A fire code is primarily a safety requirement, although there can be some green impacts with regard to
materials, suppression systems and resilience. The ICC International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 1 Fire

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Code (NFPA 1 2012) are both the minimum and most frequently used fire codes in the United States.
Both the IFC and NFPA 1 fire codes are adopted by many state and local jurisdictions. Both model
documents contain provisions on topics such as

Combustible dust production

Construction requirements
Design for fire accesses
Design of facilities with flammable finishes
Design of means of escape
Designs of aviation
Dry cleaning facilities
Emergency planning and preparation
Enhanced fire-rated construction
Fire prevention design of building services and systems
Fire protection systems
Fire rating of interior finishes
Means and designs of egress
Measures to contain combustible materials and liquid
Methods of fire protection and prevention
Organic coating manufacturing
Reduction of combustion probability
Semiconductor, lumberyard and wood-treatment.

Structural
The structural code is primarily considered a safety requirement.
The IBC contains structural design requirements and references extensive standards for major materials
(steel, concrete, cement, wood, aluminum, masonry, glass and glazing), design loads, building height and
areas, types of construction, fire and smoke protection, egress, structural design, soils and foundation,
tests and inspections, existing structures, safety during construction, and temporary structures.
NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code references and integrates structural provisions from
the 2010 ASCE/SEI 7 (minimum design loads of buildings and other structures), which also covers
design in seismic wind and snow loads.
Like the model building codes, many material and structural design standards are developed and written
in a form that allows them to be adopted by reference in a general building code. Some widely used
material codes include ACI 318 (structural concrete), ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 (masonry structures),
AISC (manual of steel construction), AWS D1.1 (structural welding code-steel), AASHTO/AWS D1.5
(bridge welding code), National Design Specification for Wood Construction, PS 20 American
Softwood Lumber Standard, SEI/ASCE 7 (minimum design loads for buildings and other structures), and
SEI/ASCE 37 (design loads on structures during construction).

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Efforts to Include Green Features in Structural Code

Reference standards used in structural codes for buildings may soon introduce design and construction
standards for recycled materials. These standards have been applied in highway design and construction.
The following institutions and associations are beginning to look into green features for their standards:

American Concrete Institute (ACI) provides extensive codes, standards, and references for the
design and construction of concrete and masonry elements. Its design handbooks are considered
minimum standards for concrete design in the economy. A committee has been set up to review
green features in ACI standards.

American Institute of Steel Construction provides extensive codes, standards, and references for
construction of structural steel elements in buildings. Standards for recycled steel are being
investigated.

American Iron and Steel Institute develops standards and references for the manufacturing,
design, installation and construction of steel elements. Standards for recycled steel are being
investigated.

The American Wood Protection Association, APA - Engineered Wood Association, and
American Institute of Timber Construction provide standards and reference for the manufacture,
design, installation, and construction of wood elements. Standards for recycled and certified
wood are being investigated.

The American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the ASCE Structural Engineers Institute
(SEI) provide minimum design loads, specifications, calculation methods, etc. for structural
engineering calculations. Sustainability standards have been developed for infrastructure and
structural sustainability standards are being investigated.

ASTM International provides extensive testing, specification, and practices references and
standards to determine the quality of structural materials.

The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry provides testing and inspection methods for
wall and ceiling materials.

The American Welding Society provides welding standards for structural steel.

Location/Siting/Zoning
Zoning is a component of green building applicable to the building site. Zoning also addresses density,
neighborhood development and transit-oriented development.

Private Sector Codes

The ICCs International Zoning Code (IZC), and the International Wild-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
are not widely used. IZC covers zoning for different development types (commercial, industrial,
residential, agriculture), while IWUIC covers the impact of development on wild life (such as water use,
fire protection etc.). IZC does not reference any standards outside of ICC, while IWUIC references
standards from the ASTM International, UL, and NFPA on the testing of combustion of various materials
(wood, asphalt, etc.). IgCC contains provisions on storm water management and land use that affect
zoning and land use planning.

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Government Zoning Regulations

The U.S. EPA provides comprehensive regulations and model ordinances pertaining to zoning, land use
and siting. These regulations include

Brownfields and Land Revitalization program (EPA Brownfield 2012) via the Brownfield
Recovery Act (EPA provides extensive technical services and information on brownfield
redevelopment).

EPA Wetland Program (EPA Wetland 2012).

Fish and Wildlife Services and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administrations Endangered Species Act (Federal Wildlife Services 2012).

EPA Smart Growth Zoning for Urban and Rural Areas (EPA Smart Growth 1 2009; EPA Smart
Growth 2 2012).

EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (EPA Storm water 2012).

EPA Land Use Guidelines (EPA Land Use 2011).

EPA Superfund (EPA Superfund 2012).

EPA Dredge and Fill Activities (via Clean Water Act).

Other EPA programs (air quality, heat islands, land use, greenhouse gas strategy, local government
climate and energy strategy series, waste management, waste water, energy efficiency etc.) directly and
indirectly affect code development in various jurisdictions. These guidelines, regulations, and laws
directly and indirectly affect development and projects, and influence land use, zoning, and siting codes in
various jurisdictions (EPA Community Planning 2012). EPA also provides model ordinances to help
communities develop zoning codes. For example, model ordinances to prevent and control nonpoint
source pollution target aquatic buffers, erosion and sediment control, open space development, storm
water control operation and maintenance, illicit discharges, and post-construction control (EPA
Ordinances 2012).

Safety
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code is widely used in the United States. The code focuses on construction,
protection, and occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, including smoke,
fumes, or panic. The code does not address fire prevention as this is already covered by NFPA 1 and the
IFC; however the Life Safety Code is applicable to existing and new buildings. The code also deals with
hazards in building, public conveyances and occupations. vulnerability as well as egress, features of fire
protection, building services and fire protection equipment, special structures, and identifies features for
different types of occupancies (new assembly, education, daycare etc.)

GREEN FEATURES IN MODEL CODES

Many code provisions address features considered green. These include energy and water conservation,
and gray water and renewable energy systems. The use and disposal of hazardous materials and energy
efficiency are the two green features in IBC. In addition, the IBC has a chapter on energy conservation.
ICCs International Plumbing Code and IAPMOs Uniform Plumbing Code include design standards for
gray water recycling systems. Both have a chapter on the design of such systems, and UPC has integrated

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such systems into its water supply and distribution chapter. ICCs International Mechanical Code includes
design and installation requirements for solar systems, energy efficiency requirements for hydronic
piping, and the International Energy Conservation Code . The ICCs IECC contains extensive energy
design requirements for building envelope, mechanical systems, service water heating, electrical power
and lighting, renewable energy, commissioning etc. that are similar to the scope of ASHRAE 90.1
although there are many dissimilarities while UMC references ASHRAE 90.1 and 90.2 extensively.
Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) has green features like integrated energy efficiency ratio (ieer),
seasonal energy efficiency ratio (seer), a/c filters requirements (minimum efficiency reporting value
(MERV), and water conservation and efficiency.

GREEN BUILDING CODES

IgCC and ASHRAE 189.1 are the two green building codes in the United States. IgCC is in use or
adopted in 10 states while the Army Corp of Engineers adopts ASHRAE 189.1 as its green building code.
Both codes focus on the five categories of sustainability (site sustainability, water use efficiency, energy
efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources). Both also have sections on
operation and maintenance. With the publication of IgCC 2012, a building designer may now choose to
comply with its requirements or those of 189.1 (earlier editions limited this decision to jurisdictions).
The IgCC uses EPA and FEMA regulations and guidelines on plant and animal species protection and
land use restrictions, and sets its rules on these restrictions (such as spaces between the protection zones
and development, and restriction of development in protected zones). IgCC storm water requirements are
also based on EPA guidelines. IgCC establishes requirements for soil and erosion control, and
incorporates standards from the ASTM (D 2974 on organic matters of soil), and ASAE and ASTM
standards on its soil restoration requirements. IgCC construction waste management requirements are
based on EPA guidelines for industrial wastes management and its recycling requirements are based on
ASTM D 6866 (bio-based content), FSC standards (wood-based products), and USDA 7CFR Part 2902.
Its solar reflectance value and measurement are based on ASTM E 1918/1980. Its light pollution
requirement (glare, backlight and lighting zone) is based on IESNA TM-15-07.
IgCC allows the calculation of carbon emissions generated by building energy use or eliminated through
renewable energy use. It provides a carbon emissions calculation method, and the equivalent carbon
emissions from electricity generation in different states. The IgCC also sets forth requirements for

Acoustics (various ASTM and ASA standards)

Commissioning, energy modeling (ASHRAE 90.1)
Composite product emissions (ASTM E 1333 or ASTM D 6007)
Day lighting (NOAA)
Duct tightness, sealing and testing (IECC and SMACNA HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test manual),
Indoor air quality during construction (ASHRAE 52.2)
Indoor emissions testing method (CDPH/EHLB/standard method V.1.1: standard method for
testing VOC emissions from indoor sources)
Metering methods, air tightness requirement (ASTM E 779)
Post- and pre-construction IAQ plans (ASTM D 6196, ASTM D 5466, ASTM D 5197, ASTM D,
6345, and ISO 7708)

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195

Prohibited materials (California code of regulation airborne toxic, control measure to reduce
formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products)
Rainwater disinfection (ASTM D 1253)
Rainwater plumbing (IPC)
Reclaimed water systems (ASTM E 2635)
Renewable energy system (NREL SERI TR- 642-761)
Various energy consuming equipment (Energy Star)
Water consuming fixtures (ASSE 1016, ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1)
Water treatment devices and equipment (NSF 44, NSF 58, NSF 350, and IPC)

There are several differences between ASHRAE 189.1 and IgCC, especially in their energy efficiency
sections. With all energy units converted to Btus, IgCC is based on source energy use, while 189.1 is
based on site energy cost. As a result, a model executed according to the calculations of one code cannot
easily be compared to the other. A section of the IgCC also requires that the person performing the energy
simulation be a professional engineer or architect in the state where the project is being constructed. 189.1
has no such requirement. The IgCC has detailed requirements for building energy metering and demand
response, while 189.1 has detailed sections on fan power and demand controlled ventilation. If a project
requires compliance with IgCC, there is always the option of using either IgCC or 189.1 Overall, using
ASHRAE 189.1 as a compliance path may minimize modeling time and increase cost-based savings.
In addition, IgCC offers IMC or ASHRAE 62.1 as two options for indoor air ventilation, while ASHRAE
189.1 requires ASHRAE 62.1. In fact, the entire section on the indoor air ventilation in ASHRAE 189.1 is
based on ASHRAE 62.1. ASHRAE 189.1 references used on its indoor air quality section are more
diverse, citing references from ASTM, SCAQMD, and Green Seal. There are also other requirements and
design methods differences between both codes.

Green Feature of Codes and Standards

Energy Conservation. ICC IECC has extensive energy design requirements (for building envelope,
mechanical systems, service water heating, electrical power and lighting, renewable energy,
commissioning etc.) and its approach is very similar to that of ASHRAE 90.1.
Plumbing. IAPMO developed the 2012 Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement to
supplement the green features of UPC and UMC. The supplement has requirements for water efficiency
and conservation for most plumbing fixtures and systems, HVAC systems, landscaping fixture and
systems, irrigation fixtures and systems, heating systems, renewable energy systems, and indoor
environmental quality. The supplement enhances the greenness of UPC and UMC.
Solar Energy Systems. IAPMOs Uniform Solar Energy Code establishes requirements for the design,
installation, and operation of solar energy systems.
Sustainability. Code and standard developing organizations also create other sustainability standards
(e.g., ASTMs international standards for green roofs, life cycle assessment, cleaning, maintenance,
earthen wall, water reclamation, wastewater, and rainwater quality, among others.

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Environmental Protection Regulations. As a federally designated environmental administrator, the EPA

has extensive acts and statutes on green or sustainability matters.41 These govern land use, material
use and conservation, toxic and hazardous chemical use, energy use and conservation, species protection,
health and safety of occupants and children, air and water pollutions, formaldehyde, and polychlorinated
biphenyls (EPA Regulations 2012). In addition, federal law mandates the use of ASHRAE 90.1. As a
result, many of these codes do not need to include these green features as they are mandatory by federal
regulations.

41 These include the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Energy Independence and Security
Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund), Energy Policy Act,
Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks, Actions Concerning Regulations that
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use, National Environmental Policy Act, Noise Control Act,
Occupational Safety and Health Act, Pollution Prevention Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Safe
Drinking Water Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act, Environmental Response.

Viet Nam

1. Synopsis
CENTRALIZED BUILDING REGULATORY SYSTEM
Vietnam takes a centralized approach to its building and construction regulatory system. The central
government issues building and construction decrees and the Ministry of Construction converts them into
building codes. The Ministry administers decrees, codes, and construction standards through its
employees and through consultants. Other ministries whose functions affect building controls provide
input as well. For example, some building permits are issued only after the codes of the Ministry of
Health and the Ministry of Environment are complied with. Building code enforcers are involved in the
revision of codes, standards, and decrees. The building code is enforced by the Provincial Peoples
Committees. Enforcement includes employing and/or contracting building officials, issuing permits, and
issuing approvals, etc. The Peoples Committees may not modify the code but propose local
modifications to the Ministry of Construction and develop approved modifications into Local National
Technical Regulations for local enforcement.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
There are four levels of reference standards in Vietnam: (1) national standards, national technical
standards, and local technical standards administered by the Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute
(Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality); (2) construction standards administered by the
Ministry of Construction; (3) ministerial standards administered by the central government; and (4)
international codes and standards. These standards can replace any Vietnam Standards or be used where
there is no applicable Vietnam Standard.

GREENING OF BUILDING CODES IN VIETNAM

Energy efficiency is already part of Vietnams building code, and is introduced into the code by a decree
of the central government. The central government has made extensive plans to introduce green standards
into future building codes in the form of national laws and regulations that affect all industries. Vietnam
also has a voluntary green building rating system driven by the private sector and government.

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2. Code Development,
Administration, and Enforcement
Building regulations in Vietnam are called building decrees. A decree is issued by the Prime Minister. A
construction control decree is converted into building construction codes by the Ministry of Construction.
The Ministry is responsible for building and construction control functions. It develops, reviews, revises,
and issues construction and design codes and guidelines; issues licenses and permits pertaining to
building and construction; enforces building decrees; applies technology to ensure uniform
implementation across the economy; organizes training, testing, and inspection to validate code
conformance; enforces building code compliance, conducting violation inspections and imposing
penalties; and reviews building permits for the entire economy.
Other ministries work hand in hand with the Ministry to draft, review, and modify the decree and codes.
They provide opinions in their particular fields that would affect building permits and codes, and check
and recommend to the local government (Peoples Committee) potential suspension of licenses and
revocation of building permits. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment approves or rejects
land use for development, and the Ministry of Construction approves or rejects building permits
accordingly.

PROVINCIAL PEOPLES COMMITTEES

Local governments, the provincial Peoples Committees, have the authority to (1) enforce building codes
and issue permits and licenses through their own licensing authorities; (2) coordinate implementation and
enforcement of building codes, assigning responsibility to local agencies and/or individuals to issue
construction and building permits; (3) manage the content and order of permits; (4) stipulate size, areas,
duration, and other specific requirements of work permits; (5) develop organizational structures for
agencies; (6) conduct training on regulations and codes with the assistance of the Ministry of
Construction; (7) manage violations, inspections, organizations, and permit issuance; and (8) report
permit issuance to the Ministry of Construction. Local government engineers carry out inspections and
certify works through a division of construction inspectorate. While the central government is
responsible for delivering regulations, the construction inspectorate is responsible for carrying out
inspections and rectifying problems.

REGULATIONS AND MANDATORY CODES

The central government issues a construction decree, essentially a construction and building regulation.
This regulation designates the coding authority and enforcement structures of Vietnam. The Ministry is
charged with developing the mandatory construction codes for Vietnam. It also works closely with other
ministries to assist them in developing codes that are applicable to building construction works. Some of
the codes that the other ministries handle involve the environment and water (Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment) and workplace injury prevention (Ministry of Health). The Decree is not
updated on a regular basis, and the code is updated as needed (no time frame specified).

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STRUCTURE OF BUILDING REGULATIONS

The Building Control Decree states that the Building Code of Vietnam (BCV) is the mandatory code. The
code is divided into the following:

BCV part 1, 2, and 3 (structural, mechanical, plumbing and excavation)

Construction accessibility for people with disabilities
Natural physical and climatic data for construction
Urban underground structures
Classifications and grading of civil and industrial buildings and urban infrastructures.

REFERENCE STANDARDS
The building codes reference both Vietnam and international codes and standards. The types of standards
in Vietnam are national, construction, and ministerial.
National standards, also known as Vietnam Standards (TCVN), and national/local technical standards are
issued by the Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute (Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality,
or STAMEQ). All national standards are ISO conforming. These standards are voluntary but become
mandatory when incorporated into codes. While national technical standards are mandatory throughout
Vietnam, local technical standards are mandatory only in specific regions/provinces. Construction
standards (TCXDVN) are administered and developed by the Ministry of Construction. Construction
standards are best practices on technical standards, work execution, technical indicators, and indicators of
construction activities. They do not cover best practices on materials as those are part of the national
standards. Construction standards include criteria for mandatory and voluntary standards. Ministerial
standards are administered and developed by the Minister for administrative purposes. National standards
are updated every three to five years, while construction and ministerial standards are updated as needed
(STAMEQ 2012).
The building codes accept equivalent national and international standards. Thus, Vietnamese national and
construction standards candraw uponinternational standards andno national equivalent exists. The codes
also specify the use of equivalent international standards for fire safety design and structural design for
earthquake zones when where there are no equivalent Vietnamese national or construction standards.

GREEN FEATURES OF MANDATORY LAWS

Energy efficiency is incorporated into the Building Code through Decree No. 102/2003/ND-CP on thrifty
and efficient use of energy.

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Building are divided by type of use: hotels, high-grade office, foreign affairs office, retail, high-grade
condominium, dwelling houses, public buildings (education buildings, cultural buildings, medical
buildings, sports buildings, commercial buildings, and office buildings), and industrial buildings.

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3. Code Details
MINIMUM CODES
Electrical. The mandatory electrical codes in Vietnam are as follows:

Code on Electric Facility- Part I: General Regulation

Code on Electric Facility- Part II: Electric Network
Code on Electric Facility- Part III: Distribution Facility & Transformer Station
Code on Electric Facility- Part IV: Protection & Automatic.

The mandatory technical codes include national codes for operation and maintenance of power system
facilities, and for low-voltage electric network (technical codes specify installation methods and working
procedures). Mandatory national technical regulations cover electric safety and safe work for electric
welding and welding jobs.
Energy. Energy efficiency is incorporated into the Building Code of Vietnam through Decree No.
102/2003/ND-CP on thrifty and efficient use of energy.
Water and Sanitation. Plumbing requirements and standards are incorporated into the building codes.
Other codes pertaining to water cover the internal water supply and drainage systems. Relevant technical
regulations include national technical regulations on surface water quality, on underground water quality,
on domestic wastewater, on drinking water quality, on domestic water quality, on wastewater of solid
waste landfill sites, on health care wastewater, and on industrial wastewater.
Mechanical Systems. Requirements and standards pertaining to mechanical systems are included in the
building codes. Other requirements include national technical regulations on safe work of steam boiler
and pressure vessel, and on safe work for electric lift.
Indoor Air Quality. IAQ regulations include national technical regulations on ambient air quality, on
hazardous substances in ambient air, and on industrial emission of organic substances.
Lighting. There is no mandatory lighting code or standards, but there are several voluntary national
standards for lighting.
Security. There is no mandatory security code or standard; the Vietnam Building Code has some building
security requirements.
Fire. Fire safety requirements and standards can be found in the Building Code, and the building code on
fire safety of buildings. Many fire safety requirements are also in other electrical and mechanical codes,
and national technical standards.
Structural. The Building Code contains extensive structural standards and requirements. Other codes
with structural requirements are building codes for urban underground structures, for classifications and
grading of civil and industrial buildings and urban infrastructures, and for urban engineering
infrastructures.

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Location/Siting/Zoning and Environment. Vietnams building code has requirements and standards for
regional and urban planning and rural residential planning. It also has extensive standards for city
planning and zoning. The Government of Vietnam has also developed extensive national technical
regulations on the following: effluents of the natural rubber processing industry, emissions of health care
solid waste incinerators, allowable limits of heavy metals in the soils, effluents of the aquatic products
processing industry, pesticide residue in the soil, hazardous waste thresholds, industrial emissions of
inorganic substances and dusts, and emissions of the thermal power industry.
Safety. The Ministry of Health administers the Dwellings and Public Buildings - Occupational Health and
Safety Regulation. Even if the Building Code does not mention this regulation, building permits are only
issued if the regulation is complied with.

GREEN BUILDING CODES IN VIETNAM

Green Features in Mandatory Code
Energy efficiency requirements have been incorporated into the Building Code through Decree No.
102/2003/ND-CP on thrifty and efficient use of energy.

Other Green Features Affecting Buildings

In 2004, Viet Nam agenda 21 was approved and the National Sustainable Development Council was
established. In 2008, Vietnam began its climate change response, which initially focused on NTP-RCC
and development of provincial and sector action plans. In 2011, the government initiated development of
a climate change strategy, the Vietnam Green Growth Strategy. The strategy is driven by the national
policy agenda and Vietnams desire to support international efforts to combat climate change. It is
administered by the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The building and construction industry is one
focus of the strategy. Its agenda includes biodiversity conservation, innovation in the efficient use of
natural resources, and energy security. It is a means to accelerate economic restructuring for the efficient
use of natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through research and application of modern
technologies, develop infrastructure to improve economic efficiency, cope with climate change, reduce
poverty, and support sustainable economic growth. This strategy may lead to development of mandatory
green building standards in Vietnam.

Green Building Rating Tool

The Green Building Councils LOTUS is a voluntary rating tool applicable in two versions, one for
residential buildings and the other for nonresidential buildings. (A third tool for building in operation will
be released in 2013.) Both versions cover nine categories: energy, water, materials, ecology, waste and
pollution, health and comfort, adaptation and mitigation, community and management. An "innovation"
category rewards exceptional performance or initiatives not specifically addressed by LOTUS. Each
category carries a number of credits and each credit has criteria that carry individual scoring points. Many
credits have mandatory prerequisites for achieving any rating. The three levels of certification (certified,
silver and gold) are based on the number of points a project receives (Vietnam Green Building Council
2012).

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