ISO/TS 21929-2:2015

Sustainability in building construction — Sustainability indicators — Part 2: Framework for the development of indicators for civil engineering works

ISO/TS 21929-2:2015 establishes a list of aspects and impacts which should be taken as the basis for the development of sustainability indicators for assessing the sustainability performance of new or existing civil engineering works, related to their design, construction, operation, maintenance, refurbishment and end-of-life. Together, the indicators developed from this list of aspects and impacts provide measures to express the contribution of a civil engineering works to sustainability and sustainable development. The developed indicators should represent aspects of civil engineering works that impact on issues of concern related to sustainability and sustainable development. The object of consideration in ISO/TS 21929-2:2015 is a civil engineering works, a part of the civil engineering works or a combination of several civil engineering works.

Développement durable dans la construction — Indicateurs de développement durable — Partie 2: Cadre pour le développement d'indicateurs pour les ouvrages de génie civil

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 02-Mar-2015
• ICS: 91.040.01 - Buildings in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 59/SC 17 - Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 59/SC 17/WG 5 - Civil engineering works
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Completion Date: 12-Apr-2023

Relations

• Revised: ISO 21928-2:2023 - Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Sustainability indicators — Part 2: Framework for the development of indicators for civil engineering works
• Effective Date: 23-Apr-2020

Standards Content (Sample)

TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 21929-2
First edition
2015-03-01
Sustainability in building
construction — Sustainability
indicators —
Part 2:
Framework for the development of
indicators for civil engineering works
Développement durable dans la construction — Indicateurs de
développement durable —
Partie 2: Cadre pour le développement d’indicateurs pour les ouvrages
de génie civil
Reference number
ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)
©
ISO 2015

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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2015
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General rules for sustainability indicators development and its framework .8
4.1 General . 8
4.2 Life cycle approach . 9
4.3 Area of influence .10
4.4 Civil engineering works typologies .10
4.5 Relationship to ISO 15392 and other general principles .10
4.5.1 Relation to ISO 15392 .10
4.5.2 Relation to ISO 14000- series .11
4.5.3 Relation to ISO 26000 .12
4.6 Requirements for the development of indicators .12
4.7 Framework of sustainability indicators .13
4.7.1 General.13
4.7.2 Aspects for the development of environmental indicators .14
4.7.3 Aspects for the development of economic indicators .15
4.7.4 Aspects for the development of social indicators .16
5 Sustainability issues of concern .17
5.1 General .17
5.1.1 Use of energy resources .19
5.1.2 Use of material resources .19
5.1.3 Management of waste .19
5.1.4 Use of water.20
5.1.5 Land use changes.20
5.1.6 Emissions to local environment (air, soil and water) .20
5.1.7 Noise and vibrations .22
5.1.8 Ecosystem processes and services .23
5.1.9 Landscape changes .23
5.1.10 Global warming potential, GWP (emissions to air) .23
5.1.11 Ozone depletion potential, ODP (emissions to air) .24
5.1.12 Eutrophication potential, EP (emissions to water) .24
5.1.13 Acidification potential, AP (emissions to soil or water) .25
5.1.14 Photochemical ozone creation potential, POCP (emissions to air) .25
5.1.15 External costs .25
5.1.16 Life cycle costs .26
5.1.17 Access to nature .26
5.1.18 Population system .27
5.1.19 Job creation .27
5.1.20 Cultural heritage elements .27
5.1.21 Social inclusion and acceptability .28
5.1.22 Risks and resilience .28
5.1.23 Health and comfort .28
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

6 Development of a system of sustainability indicators.28
6.1 General .28
6.2 Requirements for developing a system of indicators .29
6.3 Usability of sustainability indicators .30
6.4 Users of indicators .30
6.4.1 General.30
6.4.2 Public bodies and policy makers .31
6.4.3 Investors, owners, promoters and facility managers .31
6.4.4 Non-governmental organizations (considering interest groups both at national
and at local level) .31
6.4.5 Planners, developers and designers .31
6.4.6 Manufacturers of products .31
6.4.7 Contractors .31
6.4.8 Operators and maintainers .31
6.4.9 Users and people who are given service by the infrastructure .31
6.4.10 Nearby local residents.32
Bibliography .33
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. www.iso.org/directives
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any
patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on
the ISO list of patent declarations received. www.iso.org/patents
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers
to Trade (TBT), see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works, SC 17,
Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works.
ISO 21929 consists of the following parts, under the general title Sustainability in buildings and civil
engineering works — Sustainability indicators:
— Part 1: Framework for the development of indicators and a core set of indicators for buildings
— Part 2: Framework for the development of indicators for civil engineering works [Technical Specification]
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

Introduction
This part of ISO 21929 describes and gives guidelines for the development of sustainability indicators
related to civil engineering works and defines the aspects and impacts of civil engineering works to
consider when developing systems of sustainability indicators.
These guidelines form a basis for the suite of ISO/TC 59/SC 17 standards intended to address specific
issues and aspects of sustainability relevant to construction works. The issue of sustainable development
is broad and of global concern, and, as such, involves all communities and interested parties. Both current
and future needs define the extent to which economic, environmental and social aspects are considered
in a sustainable development process.
The built environment (buildings and civil engineering works) is a key element in determining quality of
life, and contributes to cultural identity and heritage. As such, it is an important factor in the appreciation
of the quality of the environment in which society lives and works.
The building and construction sector is highly important for sustainable development because:
— it is a key sector in national economies.
— it has a significant interface with poverty reduction through the provision of improved basic
economic and social services within the built environment.
— it is one of the single largest industrial sectors and, while providing value and employment, it uses
considerable resources and contributes to the transformation of areas, with consequential impacts
on economic and social conditions and the environment.
— it creates the built environment, which represents a significant share of the economic assets of individuals,
organizations and nations, providing societies with their physical and functional environment.
— it has considerable opportunity to show improvement relative to its economic, environmental and
social impacts.
While the challenge of sustainable development is global, the strategies for addressing sustainability
in civil engineering works are essentially local and differ in context and content from region to region.
These strategies reflect the context, the preconditions and the priorities and needs, not only in the built
environment, but also in the social environment. This social environment includes social equity, cultural
issues, traditions, heritage issues, human health and comfort, social infrastructure and safe and healthy
environments.
It can, in addition, particularly in developing countries, include poverty reduction, job creation, access
to safe, affordable and healthy shelter, and loss of livelihoods.
This part of ISO 21929 defines a framework for the development of sustainability indicators for civil
engineering works based on the premise that civil engineering works contribute to sustainable
development about the required performance and functionality with minimum adverse environmental
impact, while encouraging improvements in economic and social (and cultural) aspects at local, regional
and global levels.
This part of ISO 21929 follows the general principles presented in ISO 15392.
Indicators are figures or other qualitative or descriptive measures that enable information on a
complex phenomenon, like environmental impact, to be simplified into a form that is relatively easy to
use and understand.
The three main functions of indicators are quantification, simplification and communication. Targets can
also be set with the help of indicators. Changes in a civil engineering works over time and the development
of changes in relation to stated objectives can be monitored with the help of indicators. One of the
important functions of an indicator with reference to decision-making is its potential to show a trend.
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

When developing and selecting indicators, the starting point is the identification of the main users and
user needs. Sustainability indicators for civil engineering works are needed in decision-making by a
number of interested parties, such as
a) public bodies and policy makers,
b) investors, owners and promoters,
c) planners, developers and designers,
d) governmental and non-governmental organizations (considering interest groups both at national
and at local level),
e) manufacturers of products,
f) contractors,
g) operators and maintainers,
h) users and other stakeholders who are given service by the infrastructure, and
i) nearby local residents.
The civil engineering and construction sector needs sustainability indicators both for its own decision-
making within design, production and management as well as for indicating to the public and to clients the
economic, environmental or social impact of civil engineering works, their products and related processes.
Indicators, as well as sets and systems of indicators, for the specification, assessment and representation
of the contribution of a civil engineering works to sustainable development can be used in many different
ways. For example, among others, their application can support the following:
— design and decision making process(es) during the planning, and design stage of a civil
engineering works (e.g. incorporation in the design of sustainable material, technologies,
processes and other components).
— development and application of assessment methods and certification systems.
— specification and verification of environmental and social requirements in the context
of procurement.
— indicating the civil engineering performance (e.g. marketing).
— measuring, monitoring or evaluating the performance and achievement of sustainability objectives
over the different life cycle stages of the civil engineering works.
— accepting responsibility for impacts on the environment and the society.
— representation of activities and results in the context of responsibility towards
— the economy, environment and society (e.g. sustainable development reporting).
NOTE The monitoring and evaluation of objectives can contribute to the continual improvement related to a
specific or group of civil engineering works.
This part of ISO 21929 is one in a suite of International Standards dealing with sustainability in buildings
and civil engineering works, which includes ISO 15392, ISO 21929-1, ISO 21930, ISO 21931-1, along with
the terminology of sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works (ISO/TR 21932).
The relationship among the International Standards is shown in Figure 1.
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

Figure 1 — Suite of related International Standards for sustainability in buildings and civil
engineering works
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)
Sustainability in building construction — Sustainability
indicators —
Part 2:
Framework for the development of indicators for civil
engineering works
1 Scope
This part of ISO 21929 establishes a list of aspects and impacts which should be taken as the basis for the
development of sustainability indicators for assessing the sustainability performance of new or existing
civil engineering works, related to their design, construction, operation, maintenance, refurbishment
and end-of-life. Together, the indicators developed from this list of aspects and impacts provide measures
to express the contribution of a civil engineering works to sustainability and sustainable development.
The developed indicators should represent aspects of civil engineering works that impact on issues of
concern related to sustainability and sustainable development.
The object of consideration in this part of ISO 21929 is a civil engineering works, a part of the civil
engineering works or a combination of several civil engineering works.
NOTE The aspects and impacts described in this part of ISO 21929 are intended to be used for all types of
civil engineering works. Development of specific sets of indicators for different typologies of civil engineering
works (industrial processes infrastructures; linear infrastructures; dams and other fluvial works; maritime
works; public spaces; other civil engineering works-not contained in the previous typologies) will be the subject
of future standardization work.
This part of ISO 21929
— adapts general sustainability principles for civil engineering works,
— includes a framework for developing sustainability indicators for use in the assessment of economic,
environmental and social impacts of civil engineering works,
— establishes a core set of aspects and impacts, which should be taken into account, when developing
systems of indicators for civil engineering works,
— describes how to use sustainability indicators with regard to civil engineering works, and
— gives rules for establishing a system of indicators.
This part of ISO 21929 follows the principles set out in ISO 15392 and, where appropriate, is intended to
be used in conjunction with, and following the principles set out in, ISO 26000, ISO 14040 and the family
of International Standards that includes ISO 14020, ISO 14021, ISO 14024 and ISO 14025. Where deviation
occurs or where more specific requirements are stated, this part of ISO 21929 takes precedence.
This part of ISO 21929 does not give guidelines for the weighting of indicators or the aggregation of
assessment results.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

ISO 6707-1, Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO 14020, Environmental labels and declarations — General principles
ISO 14040, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
ISO 14050, Environmental management — Vocabulary
ISO 15392, Sustainability in building construction — General principles
ISO 21929-1, Sustainability in building construction — Sustainability indicators — Part 1: Framework for
the development of indicators and a core set of indicators for buildings
ISO 21931-1, Sustainability in building construction — Framework for methods of assessment of the
environmental performance of construction works — Part 1: Buildings
ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6707-1, ISO 14040, ISO 14050,
ISO 15392 and the following apply. Where differences or conflicts occur, the definitions in 3.1 to 3.44
take precedence.
NOTE 1 Several terms and definitions from these other sources have been repeated below for ease of reference.
NOTE 2 ISO/TR 21932 is another source of terminological data on concepts related to sustainability in civil
engineering works and sustainable development that is applicable to the different aspects of both the construction
(process) and use of a civil engineering works and the effect of the civil engineering works on sustainable development.
3.1
airport
area containing an airfield and facilities for handling passengers and cargo
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.3.12]
3.2
area of influence
area or combination of areas surrounding a civil engineering works (3.5) that can be affected with changes
to their economical, environmental or social conditions by the civil engineering works’ operations
throughout its life cycle (3.24)
Note 1 to entry: the area of influence is variable and dependent on the construction works (3.9) project, its location
and its life cycle stage. As an overall approach, the area of influence will be usually limited to the civil engineering
works itself and its immediate surroundings.
3.3
avoided emissions
emissions that are not produced (are avoided) as a result of the implementation of voluntary initiatives
or good practices
3.4
built environment
collection of man-made or induced physical objects located in a particular area or region
Note 1 to entry: When treated as a whole, the built environment typically is taken to include buildings, external
works (landscaped areas), infrastructure (3.20) and other construction works (3.9) within the area under
consideration.
[SOURCE: ISO 21929-1:2011, 3.7]
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

3.5
civil engineering work
work of constructing civil engineering works (3.6)
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 7.1.3]
3.6
civil engineering works
construction works (3.9) comprising a structure (3.35), such as a dam (3.9), bridge, road (3.35), railway
(3.31), runway, utilities, pipeline (3.30), or sewerage system (3.37), or the result of operations such as
dredging, earthwork (3.12), geotechnical processes, but excluding a building and its associated site works
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.1.2]
3.7
civil engineering work system boundary
set of criteria specifying which unit processes are part of the specific analysis of a civil engineering works
(3.6)
[SOURCE: ISO 14050:2009, 6.6; modified and adapted to civil engineering works]
3.8
construction work
activities of forming a construction works (3.9)
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 7.1.1]
3.9
construction works
everything that is constructed or results from construction operations
Note 1 to entry: It includes both buildings and civil engineering works (3.6).
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.1.1; modified and adapted to civil engineering works]
3.10
dam
barrier constructed to retain water in order to raise its level, form a reservoir, or reduce or prevent flooding
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.2.24]
3.11
dock
partially enclosed or sheltered area of water where vessels may be moored or docked, used for shipping
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.3.69: modified and adapted to civil engineering works by elaborating text
to explicitly describe concept of basin (used) for shipping]
3.12
earthwork
work of excavating, or the raising or sloping of ground
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 7.1.6]
3.13
economic aspect
part of civil engineering works, processes or services related to their life cycle (3.24), that can cause a
change to economic conditions
[SOURCE: ISO 15392, 3.13; modified and adapted to civil engineering works]
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015(E)

3.14
environmental aspect
part of civil engineering works, processes or services related to their life cycle (3.24), that can cause a
change to the environment
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from ISO 14001:2004.
[SOURCE: ISO 15392, 3.14; modified and adapted to civil engineering works]
3.15
external costs
costs associated with an asset that are not necessarily reflected in the transaction costs between
provider and consumer and that, collectively, are referred to as externalities
Note 1 to entry: These costs may include business staffing, productivity and user costs; these can be taken into
account in a LCC analysis but should be explicitly identified.
[SOURCE: ISO 15686-5:2008, 3.1.6]
3
...

ISO/TS 21929 -2
TC 59/SC 17
Sustainability in building
construction
Sustainability indicators
Part 2 : Framework for the
development of indicators
for civil engineering works
First edition
--

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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
Executive summary
Although the ISO portfolio already comprises of a number of standards dealing with
sustainability for buildings, this is the first publication dealing with sustainability for
civil engineering works (e.g. road construction, dams, maritime works). It will contribute
to improving the related design and decision process and help in the monitoring,
measurement and evaluation of the sustainability of civil engineering works throughout
their life-cycles.
It will also contribute to demonstrating that the civil engineering works sector feel
socially responsible and to gathering supporting data for communication and marketing
strategies.
It is intended to be used in the
• design and decision making process during the planning and design stage of civil
engineering works,
• development and application of assessment methods and certification systems,
• specification and verification of environmental and social requirements in the
context of procurement,
• indicating of civil engineering performance (e.g. marketing),
• measuring, monitoring or evaluating of the performance and achievement of
sustainability objectives over the different life cycle stages of the civil engineering
works, and
• representing of activities and results in the context of responsibility towards
economy, environment and society (e.g. sustainable development reporting).
© ISO 2015 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
Contents Page
Foreword . vi
Introduction .vii
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .2
4 General rules for sustainability indicators development and its framework .9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Life cycle approach .10
4.3 Area of influence .11
4.4 Civil engineering works typologies .12
4.5 Relationship to ISO 15392 and other general principles .12
4.5.1 Relation to ISO 15392 .12
4.5.2 Relation to ISO 14000- series .13
4.5.3 Relation to ISO 26000 .14
4.6 Requirements for the development of indicators .14
4.7 Framework of sustainability indicators .16
4.7.1 General.16
4.7.2 Aspects for the development of environmental indicators .17
4.7.3 Aspects for the development of economic indicators .18
4.7.4 Aspects for the development of social indicators .19
5 Sustainability issues of concern . 20
5.1 General .20
5.1.1 Use of energy resources .23
5.1.2 Use of material resources .23
5.1.3 Management of waste .24
5.1.4 Use of water.24
5.1.5 Land use changes.24
5.1.6 Emissions to local environment (air, soil and water) .25
5.1.7 Noise and vibrations .28
5.1.8 Ecosystem processes and services .28
5.1.9 Landscape changes .29
5.1.10 Global warming potential, GWP (emissions to air) .29
5.1.11 Ozone depletion potential, ODP (emissions to air) .29
5.1.12 Eutrophication potential, EP (emissions to water) .30
5.1.13 Acidification potential, AP (emissions to soil or water) .31
5.1.14 Photochemical ozone creation potential, POCP (emissions to air) .31
5.1.15 External costs .32
5.1.16 Life cycle costs .32
5.1.17 Access to nature .33
5.1.18 Population system .33
5.1.19 Job creation .34
5.1.20 Cultural heritage elements .34
5.1.21 Social inclusion and acceptability .35
5.1.22 Risks and resilience .35
5.1.23 Health and comfort .35
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
6 Development of a system of sustainability indicators. 36
6.1 General .36
6.2 Requirements for developing a system of indicators .37
6.3 Usability of sustainability indicators .38
6.4 Users of indicators .38
6.4.1 General.38
6.4.2 Public bodies and policy makers .39
6.4.3 Investors, owners, promoters and facility managers .39
6.4.4 Non-governmental organizations (considering interest groups
both at national and at local level) .39
6.4.5 Planners, developers and designers .39
6.4.6 Manufacturers of products .39
6.4.7 Contractors .39
6.4.8 Operators and maintainers .40
6.4.9 Users and people who are given service by the infrastructure .40
6.4.10 Nearby local residents.40
Bibliography . 41
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of
national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International
Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body
interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the
right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates
closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further
maintenance are described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different
approval criteria needed for the different types of ISO documents should be noted. This
document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives,
Part 2. www.iso.org/directives
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may
be the subject of patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or
all such patent rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of
the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations
received. www.iso.org/patents
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users
and does not constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related
to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO
principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see the following URL: Foreword -
Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering
works, SC 17, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works.
ISO 21929 consists of the following parts, under the general title Sustainability in
buildings and civil engineering works — Sustainability indicators:
— Part 1: Framework for the development of indicators and a core set of indicators for
buildings
— Part 2: Framework for the development of indicators for civil engineering works
[Technical Specification]
vi © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
Introduction
This part of ISO 21929 describes and gives guidelines for the development of sustainability
indicators related to civil engineering works and defines the aspects and impacts of civil
engineering works to consider when developing systems of sustainability indicators.
These guidelines form a basis for the suite of ISO/TC 59/SC 17 standards intended to
address specific issues and aspects of sustainability relevant to construction works. The
issue of sustainable development is broad and of global concern, and, as such, involves
all communities and interested parties. Both current and future needs define the extent
to which economic, environmental and social aspects are considered in a sustainable
development process.
The built environment (buildings and civil engineering works) is a key element in
determining quality of life, and contributes to cultural identity and heritage. As such,
it is an important factor in the appreciation of the quality of the environment in which
society lives and works.
The building and construction sector is highly important for sustainable development
because:
— it is a key sector in national economies.
— it has a significant interface with poverty reduction through the provision of
improved basic economic and social services within the built environment.
— it is one of the single largest industrial sectors and, while providing value and
employment, it uses considerable resources and contributes to the transformation
of areas, with consequential impacts on economic and social conditions and the
environment.
— it creates the built environment, which represents a significant share of the
economic assets of individuals, organizations and nations, providing societies with
their physical and functional environment.
— it has considerable opportunity to show improvement relative to its economic,
environmental and social impacts.
While the challenge of sustainable development is global, the strategies for addressing
sustainability in civil engineering works are essentially local and differ in context and
content from region to region. These strategies reflect the context, the preconditions
and the priorities and needs, not only in the built environment, but also in the social
environment. This social environment includes social equity, cultural issues, traditions,
heritage issues, human health and comfort, social infrastructure and safe and healthy
environments.
It can, in addition, particularly in developing countries, include poverty reduction, job
creation, access to safe, affordable and healthy shelter, and loss of livelihoods.
This part of ISO 21929 defines a framework for the development of sustainability
indicators for civil engineering works based on the premise that civil engineering works
contribute to sustainable development about the required performance and functionality
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with minimum adverse environmental impact, while encouraging improvements in
economic and social (and cultural) aspects at local, regional and global levels.
This part of ISO 21929 follows the general principles presented in ISO 15392.
Indicators are figures or other qualitative or descriptive measures that enable
information on a complex phenomenon, like environmental impact, to be simplified into
a form that is relatively easy to use and understand.
The three main functions of indicators are quantification, simplification and
communication. Targets can also be set with the help of indicators. Changes in a civil
engineering works over time and the development of changes in relation to stated
objectives can be monitored with the help of indicators. One of the important functions
of an indicator with reference to decision-making is its potential to show a trend.
When developing and selecting indicators, the starting point is the identification of the
main users and user needs. Sustainability indicators for civil engineering works are
needed in decision-making by a number of interested parties, such as
a) public bodies and policy makers,
b) investors, owners and promoters,
c) planners, developers and designers,
d) governmental and non-governmental organizations (considering interest groups
both at national and at local level),
e) manufacturers of products,
f) contractors,
g) operators and maintainers,
h) users and other stakeholders who are given service by the infrastructure, and
i) nearby local residents.
The civil engineering and construction sector needs sustainability indicators both for
its own decision-making within design, production and management as well as for
indicating to the public and to clients the economic, environmental or social impact of
civil engineering works, their products and related processes.
Indicators, as well as sets and systems of indicators, for the specification, assessment
and representation of the contribution of a civil engineering works to sustainable
development can be used in many different ways. For example, among others, their
application can support the following:
— design and decision making process(es) during the planning, and design stage of
a civil engineering works (e.g. incorporation in the design of sustainable material,
technologies, processes and other components).
— development and application of assessment methods and certification systems.
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— specification and verification of environmental and social requirements in the context
of procurement.
— indicating the civil engineering performance (e.g. marketing).
— measuring, monitoring or evaluating the performance and achievement of
sustainability objectives over the different life cycle stages of the civil engineering
works.
— accepting responsibility for impacts on the environment and the society.
— representation of activities and results in the context of responsibility towards
— the economy, environment and society (e.g. sustainable development reporting).
NOTE The monitoring and evaluation of objectives can contribute to the continual
improvement related to a specific or group of civil engineering works.
This part of ISO 21929 is one in a suite of International Standards dealing with
sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works, which includes ISO 15392,
ISO 21929-1, ISO 21930, ISO 21931-1, along with the terminology of sustainability in
buildings and civil engineering works (ISO/TR 21932).
The relationship among the International Standards is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 — Suite of related International Standards for sustainability in
buildings and civil engineering works
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1 Scope
This part of ISO 21929 establishes a list of aspects and impacts which should be
taken as the basis for the development of sustainability indicators for assessing the
sustainability performance of new or existing civil engineering works, related to their
design, construction, operation, maintenance, refurbishment and end-of-life. Together,
the indicators developed from this list of aspects and impacts provide measures to
express the contribution of a civil engineering works to sustainability and sustainable
development. The developed indicators should represent aspects of civil engineering
works that impact on issues of concern related to sustainability and sustainable
development.
The object of consideration in this part of ISO 21929 is a civil engineering works, a part
of the civil engineering works or a combination of several civil engineering works.
NOTE The aspects and impacts described in this part of ISO 21929 are intended to be
used for all types of civil engineering works. Development of specific sets of indicators for
different typologies of civil engineering works (industrial processes infrastructures; linear
infrastructures; dams and other fluvial works; maritime works; public spaces; other civil
engineering works-not contained in the previous typologies) will be the subject of future
standardization work.
This part of ISO 21929
— adapts general sustainability principles for civil engineering works,
— includes a framework for developing sustainability indicators for use in the
assessment of economic, environmental and social impacts of civil engineering
works,
— establishes a core set of aspects and impacts, which should be taken into account,
when developing systems of indicators for civil engineering works,
— describes how to use sustainability indicators with regard to civil engineering
works, and
— gives rules for establishing a system of indicators.
This part of ISO 21929 follows the principles set out in ISO 15392 and, where appropriate,
is intended to be used in conjunction with, and following the principles set out in,
ISO 26000, ISO 14040 and the family of International Standards that includes ISO 14020,
ISO 14021, ISO 14024 and ISO 14025. Where deviation occurs or where more specific
requirements are stated, this part of ISO 21929 takes precedence.
This part of ISO 21929 does not give guidelines for the weighting of indicators or the
aggregation of assessment results.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document
and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
ISO 6707-1, Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO 14020, Environmental labels and declarations — General principles
ISO 14040, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and
framework
ISO 14050, Environmental management — Vocabulary
ISO 15392, Sustainability in building construction — General principles
ISO 21929-1, Sustainability in building construction — Sustainability indicators — Part 1:
Framework for the development of indicators and a core set of indicators for buildings
ISO 21931-1, Sustainability in building construction — Framework for methods of
assessment of the environmental performance of construction works — Part 1: Buildings
ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6707-1,
ISO 14040, ISO 14050, ISO 15392 and the following apply. Where differences or conflicts
occur, the definitions in 3.1 to 3.44 take precedence.
NOTE 1 Several terms and definitions from these other sources have been repeated below for
ease of reference.
NOTE 2 ISO/TR 21932 is another source of terminological data on concepts related to
sustainability in civil engineering works and sustainable development that is applicable to the
different aspects of both the construction (process) and use of a civil engineering works and
the effect of the civil engineering works on sustainable development.
3.1
airport
area containing an airfield and facilities for handling passengers and cargo
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.3.12]
3.2
area of influence
area or combination of areas surrounding a civil engineering works (3.5) that can be
affected with changes to their economical, environmental or social conditions by the
civil engineering works’ operations throughout its life cycle (3.24)
Note 1 to entry: the area of influence is variable and dependent on the construction works (3.9)
project, its location and its life cycle stage. As an overall approach, the area of influence will be
usually limited to the civil engineering works itself and its immediate surroundings.
3.3
avoided emissions
emissions that are not produced (are avoided) as a result of the implementation of
voluntary initiatives or good practices
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ISO/TS 21929-2:2015
3.4
built environment
collection of man-made or induced physical objects located in a particular area or region
Note 1 to entry: When treated as a whole, the built environment typically is taken to include
buildings, external works (landscaped areas), infrastructure (3.20) and other construction
works (3.9) within the area under consideration.
[SOURCE: ISO 21929-1:2011, 3.7]
3.5
civil engineering work
work of constructing civil engineering works (3.6)
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 7.1.3]
3.6
civil engineering works
construction works (3.9) comprising a structure (3.35), such as a dam (3.9), bridge, road
(3.35), railway (3.31), runway, utilities, pipeline (3.30), or sewerage system (3.37), or the
result of operations such as dredging, earthwork (3.12), geotechnical processes, but
excluding a building and its associated site works
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.1.2]
3.7
civil engineering work system boundary
set of criteria specifying which unit processes are part of the specific analysis of a civil
engineering works (3.6)
[SOURCE: ISO 14050:2009, 6.6; modified and adapted to civil engineering works]
3.8
construction work
activities of forming a construction works (3.9)
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 7.1.1]
3.9
construction works
everything that is constructed or results from construction operations
Note 1 to entry: It includes both buildings and civil engineering works (3.6).
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.1.1; modified and adapted to civil engineering works]
3.10
dam
barrier constructed to retain water in order to raise its level, form a reservoir, or reduce
or prevent flooding
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.2.24]
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3.11
dock
partially enclosed or sheltered area of water where vessels may be moored or docked,
used for shipping
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 3.3.69: modified and adapted to civil engineering works by
elaborating text to explicitly describe concept of basin (used) for shipping]
3.12
earthwork
work of excavating, or the raising or sloping of ground
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 7.1.6]
3.13
economic aspect
part of civil engineering works, proces
...