BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE For example, the energy performance of buildings can be calculated

using ISO 16346:2013, Energy performance of buildings Assessment

how standards can help calculate energy of overall energy performance. Complementing it are several other
ISO standards that can be used to calculate the thermal properties of
the building envelope (walls, roof and basement) and of the individual
construction materials. These provide the reference for expressing
The thermal properties and individual construction materials of a building envelope performance in trade documents and building regulations all over
(walls, roof and basement) can be calculated using International Standards. Heres the world.
how ISO standards can help keep energy costs down and build energy efficiency up. Holm asserts that while the construction sector has historically been
quite a national sector, it is gradually becoming more international.
Building suppliers are increasingly operating in different countries,
and suppliers and constructors are also much more international
themselves now, he says.
With national governments coming under increasing pressure to main-
tain low carbon levels, it is encouraging to note that International
Standards are being developed, Holm says. We need this because,
overall, the world is becoming more international and this includes
ISO 12576, Thermal insulation the construction sector as well. Multiple standards are difficult to cope
Insulating materials and with; if you do a calculation with one standard or another, your result
products for buildings
may not be the same.
Furthermore, he adds, standards reduce cost, make our buildings
ISO 8144, Thermal insulation environmentally friendly and increase the comfort inside our build-
Mineral wool mats for ings. By cutting energy bills and retrofitting costs, they guarantee a
ventilated roof spaces Why energy efficiency? healthier, more energy-efficient environment and increase peoples
Energy efficiency has become a pillar of the well-being.
new United Nations Sustainable Develop-
ment Goals (SDGs). The SDGs recognize the Constructing sustainably
cross-cutting importance of buildings and
cities in achieving global objectives related The Institute of International Harmonization for Building and Hous-
ISO 10077 and ISO 12567 series, ing (IIBH) plays a critical role in efforts to support the development of
to sustainable energy and infrastructure.
Thermal performance of the building and housing sector in Japan, not only through interna-
windows, doors and shutters Better buildings can also make significant
contributions to addressing climate change, tional harmonization of engineering, system, standards, and codes,
one of the other SDGs, a point that is further but also through international exchange actions such as research
acknowledged in the more than 45 new and support.
ISO 18292, Energy Japan is already one of the worlds most energy-efficient countries
performance of national climate plans that include building
efficiency components. thanks to efforts by the government and private companies. These
fenestration systems
for residential buildings In recognition of the important role it must days, the country has cutting carbon in its sights. The big challenge,
play in ensuring that countries meet their says Nishino Kanako of the IIBH, is to outline the key actions required
emissions reduction obligations, last years to transform how buildings are constructed. While transparent and
UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP21) scientific knowledge will offer improved performance and greater
in Paris dedicated an entire day to the economic viability, Nishino recognizes that there has not yet been
building sector. This event concluded with such a situation in any part of the world.
the launch of the Global Alliance for Buildings She acknowledges that much more can be done to aggressively pursue
and Construction, an alliance of organiza- effective building codes and deep renovation programmes. For strict
tions collectively committed to ensuring policies, it is indispensable for society to obtain credible, reliable and
that the global building sector will follow effective tools for evaluating real building energy performance, which
ISO12631,Thermal are supported by standards.
performance of the below 2C path.
According to Nishino, harmonization between national and interna-
curtain walling
For more information about ISO tional standards is critical. The development of standards or any
ISO 13793, Thermal design of and energy, see our brochures: other tools should be reflected in International Standards. This is why
foundations to avoid frost heave
www.iso.org/iso/energy. IIBH is involved in International Standards development, she says.

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