ISO/DTS 12720
(Main)Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Guidelines on the application of the general principles in ISO 15392
Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Guidelines on the application of the general principles in ISO 15392
ISO/TS 12720:2014 provides guidance for the application of the general principles of sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works elaborated in ISO 15392. It shows the different actors involved with the construction works how to take these principles into account in their decision-making processes in order to increase the contribution of the construction works to sustainability and sustainable development. ISO/TS 12720:2014 provides a step-by-step approach for: encouraging the application of the general principles by all stakeholders at each stage of the project and its use, from the decision to build and the initial development of the project brief until the end-of-life of the construction works; helping interested parties to consider and/or incorporate sustainability thinking in all phases of the building's or civil engineering works' life cycle, for all relevant issues of concern, by raising key questions in relation to the general principles; understanding the outcome (effect) of the application of the general principles; and building on acquired experience to develop best practices and engendering a continuous improvement process.
Développement durable dans les bâtiments et les ouvrages de génie civil — Lignes directrices pour l'application des principes généraux de développement durable
L'ISO/TS 12720.2014 fournit des lignes directrices pour l'application des principes généraux de développement durable dans les bâtiments et les ouvrages de génie civil définis dans l'ISO 15392. Elle indique aux différents acteurs impliqués dans les ouvrages de construction comment prendre en compte ces principes dans leurs processus décisionnels afin d'accroître la contribution des ouvrages de construction au développement durable. La présente Spécification technique fournit une approche étape par étape pour ? encourager l'application des principes généraux par toutes les parties prenantes à chaque phase du projet et de son exploitation, depuis la décision de construire et l'établissement initial du programme relatif au projet jusqu'à la fin de vie des ouvrages de construction, ? aider les parties intéressées à prendre en compte et/ou intégrer le concept de développement durable dans toutes les phases du cycle de vie du bâtiment ou de l'ouvrage de génie civil, pour tous les sujets de préoccupation pertinents, en soulevant des questions clés en rapport avec les principes généraux, ? comprendre le résultat (effet) de l'application des principes généraux, et ? s'appuyer sur l'expérience acquise pour développer de meilleures pratiques et engendrer un processus d'amélioration continue. NOTE Voir l'Annexe A pour la liste des neuf principes généraux.
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FINAL DRAFT
Technical
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ISO/TC 59/SC 17
Sustainability in buildings and civil
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engineering works — Guidelines
Voting begins on:
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2024-08-22
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Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
Technical
Specification
ISO/TC 59/SC 17
Sustainability in buildings and civil
Secretariat: AFNOR
engineering works — Guidelines
Voting begins on:
on the application of the general
principles in ISO 15392
Voting terminates on:
Développement durable dans les bâtiments et les ouvrages de
génie civil — Lignes directrices pour l'application des principes
généraux de développement durable
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2024
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Elements of the framework . 2
5 Methodological approach . 5
5.1 General .5
5.2 Grouped sustainability objectives .7
5.2.1 General .7
5.2.2 Provision of base requirements .8
5.2.3 Application of life cycle thinking .8
5.2.4 Efficient and responsible management .9
5.2.5 Improvement of the construction sector and the built environment.10
6 Application guidance .11
Bibliography .38
iii
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 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 17, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/TS 12720:2014), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— reflection of the revised sustainability objectives as published in ISO 15392:2019;
— the increased number and realignment of sustainability objectives from ten in ISO 15392:2008 to 18
in ISO 15392:2019;
— inclusion of text in Clause 6 describing the categorising of the 18 sustainability objectives into 4 grouped
objectives as well as the descriptions, purposes and anticipated outcomes for each of those groupings;
— removal of Annex A.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
This document is intended for use by stakeholders involved during the life cycle of a construction works.
More and more decision makers involved in construction projects are establishing goals to improve the
sustainability performance of a construction works.
Decision-making typically relates to the planning, design, construction, use and operation, and end-of-life
processes. The planning and design phases usually include the project inception/initiation, conception
of need and feasibility, and initial and detailed design, all of which lead to the actual construction and
occupancy of the building.
This document aims to demonstrate to each actor at each phase of the construction project a way to
implement the nine general principles of sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works, as described
in ISO 15392.
Although the following topics are currently outside the scope of this document, the guidelines in this
document can also facilitate the different actors in
— identifying and setting performance targets,
— elaborating relevant practical tools (criteria, indicators, measurement methods) for assessing/measuring
the actual performance levels, and
— formalizing a management system based on the general principles of sustainability, which can be
monitored, assessed, and improved.
Application of the nine general principles to the life cycle of construction works introduces a multidimensional
puzzle leading to a complex framework. Clause 4 presents the different primary elements of the framework
and the related facets to be considered regarding each element. Clause 5 introduces the methodological
approach for applying sustainability thinking to the development of the construction works and identifies
six phases of the decision-making process and 18 sustainability objectives. Clause 6 gives application
guidance developed on the basis of these objectives and related issues of concern (see Table 3) and detailed
recommendations attached to each issue (see Table 4).
v
FINAL DRAFT Technical Specification ISO/DTS 12720:2024(en)
Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works —
Guidelines on the application of the general principles in
ISO 15392
1 Scope
This document provides guidance for the application of the nine general principles of sustainability in
buildings and civil engineering works as specified in ISO 15392:2019, 5.3. It shows the different actors
involved with the construction works how to take these principles into account in their decision-making
processes in order to increase the contribution of the construction works to sustainability and sustainable
development.
This document provides a step-by-step approach for:
— encouraging the application of the general principles by all stakeholders at each stage of the project and
its use, from the decision to build and the initial development of the project brief until the end-of-life of
the construction works;
— helping interested parties to consider and/or incorporate sustainability thinking in all phases of the
building’s or civil engineering works’ life cycle, for all relevant issues of concern, by raising key questions
in relation to the general principles;
— understanding the outcome (effect) of the application of the general principles;
— building on acquired experience to develop best practices and engendering a continuous improvement
process.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 6707-1, Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO 14050, Environmental management — Vocabulary
ISO 15392:2019, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — General principles
ISO/TR 15686-11, Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 11: Terminology
ISO/TR 21932, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — A review of terminology
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6707-1, ISO 14050, ISO 15392,
ISO/TR 15686-11 and ISO/TR 21932 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Elements of the framework
Sustainability related to buildings and civil engineering works is a complex issue, and the application of
a holistic approach is one of its general principles. When incorporating sustainability thinking into the
different processes involved in the development of a construction works, it is relevant to keep in mind the
elements presented in Table 1, as pieces of a multidimensional puzzle to be assembled. It should be noted
that, often, different individual aspects will interrelate with one another.
Table 1 — Primary elements for consideration
Primary elements Facets to be considered
— environmental protection
Primary aspects of sustainability — economic efficiency
— social needs
— continual improvement
— equity
— global thinking an
...
ISO/DTS 12720:2024(en)
ISO/TC 59/SC 17
ISO/AWI TS 12720(en)
Secretariat: AFNOR
Date: 2024‐08‐08
Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Guidelines on the application of the
general principles in ISO 15392
Développement durable dans les bâtiments et les ouvrages de génie civil — Lignes directrices pour
l'application des principes généraux de développement durable
ISO/AWI TS 12720:2024(E)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, 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
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2024 – All rights reserved
ISO/AWI TSDTS 12720:2024(Een)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Elements of the framework . 2
5 Methodological approach . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Grouped sustainability objectives . 8
5.2.1 Provision of base requirements . 8
5.2.2 Application of life cycle thinking. 8
5.2.3 Efficient and responsible management . 9
5.2.4 Improvement of the construction sector and the built e nvi ron m ent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1
6 Application guidance . 11
Bibliography . 55
iii
ISO/AWI TS 12720:2024(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 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of
(a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 17, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO TS12720:2013/TS 12720:2014), which
has been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— reflection of the revised sustainability objectives as published in ISO 15392:2019;
— the increased number and realignment of sustainability objectives from ten in ISO 15392:2008
to 18 in ISO 15392:2019;
— inclusion of text in Clause 6 describing the categorising of the 18 sustainability objectives into 4
grouped objectives as well as the descriptions, purposes and anticipated outcomes for each of those
groupings; and
— removal of normative Annex A.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv © ISO 2024 – All rights reserved
ISO/AWI TSDTS 12720:2024(Een)
Introduction
This document is intended for use by stakeholders involved during the life cycle of a construction
works. More and more decision makers involved in construction projects are establishing goals to
improve the sustainability performance of a construction works.
Decision-making typically relates to the planning, design, construction, use and operation, and end-of-
life processes. The planning and design phases usually include the project inception/initiation,
conception of need and feasibility, and initial and detailed design, all of which lead to the actual
construction and occupancy of the building.
The objective of providing the guidance included in thisThis document isaims to demonstrate to each
actor at each phase of the construction project a way to implement the nine general principles of
sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works, as described in ISO 15392.
Although the following topics are currently outside the scope of this document, thesethe guidelines in
this document can also facilitate the different actors in
— identifying and setting performance targets,
— elaborating relevant practical tools (criteria, indicators, measurement methods) for
assessing/measuring the actual performance levels, and
— formalizing a management system based on the general principles of sustainability, which can be
monitored, assessed, and improved.
Application of the nine general principles to the life cycle of construction works introduces a
multidimensional puzzle leading to a complex framework. Clause 4 presents the different primary
elements of the framework and the related facets to be considered regarding each element. Clause 5
introduces the methodological approach for applying sustainability thinking to the development of the
construction works and identifies six phases of the decision-making process and 18 sustainability
objectives. Clause 6 gives application guidance developed on the basis of these objectives and related
issues of concern (see )Table 3) and detailed recommendations attached to each issue (see ).Table 4).
v
FINAL DRAFT Technical Specification ISO/DTS 12720:2024(en)
Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works —
Guidelines on the application of the general principles in ISO
1 Scope
This document provides guidance for the application of the nine general principles of sustainability in
buildings and civil engineering works as specified in ISO 15392:2019, 5.3. It shows the different actors
involved with the construction works how to take these principles into account in their decision-
making processes in order to increase the contribution of the construction works to sustainability and
sustainable development.
This document provides a step-by-step approach for:
— encouraging the application of the general principles by all stakeholders at each stage of the project
and its use, from the decision to build and the initial development of the project brief until the end-
of-life of the construction works,;
— helping interested parties to consider and/or incorporate sustainability thinking in all phases of the
building’s or civil engineering works’ life cycle, for all relevant issues of concern, by raising key
questions in relation to the general principles,;
— understanding the outcome (effect) of the application of the general principles, and;
— building on acquired experience to develop best practices and engendering a continuous
improvement process.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 6707-1, Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO 14050, Environmental management — Vocabulary
ISO 15392:2019, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — General principles
ISO/TR 15686--11, Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 11: Terminology
ISO/TR 21932, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — A review of terminology
ISO 14050, Environmental management — Vocabulary
ISO 15392:2019, Sustainability in building construction — General principles
ISO 6707-1, Building and civil engineering — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO/AWI TS 12720:2024(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6707-1, ISO 14050,
ISO 15392, ISO/TR 21932, ISO 6707-1, ISO/TR 15686-11 and ISO 14050/TR 21932 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
Where conflicts arise, the terms and definitions within ISO 15392 and ISO/TR 21932 govern.
4 Elements of the framework
Sustainability related to buildings and civil engineering works is a complex issue, and the application of
a holistic approach is one of its general principles. When incorporating sustainability thinking into the
different processes involved in the development of a construction works, it is relevant to keep in mind
the elements presented in ,Table 1, as pieces of a multidimensional puzzle to be assembled. It should be
noted that, often, different individual aspects will interrelate with one another.
Table 1 — Primary elements for consideration
Primary elements Facets to be considered
— environmental protection
— economic efficiency
Primary aspects of sustainability
— social needs
— continual improvement
— equity
— global thinking and local action
— holistic approach
General principles of sustainability — continual improvement
related to construction works
— equity
(ISO 15392:2019, 5.3)
— global thinking and local action
— holistic approach
— involvement of interested parties
— long-term consideration and resilience
— risk management
— responsibility
— transparency
— provision of functionality, health, comfort, safety and
accessibility;
— performance management during operation;
2 © ISO 2024 – All rights reserved
ISO/DTS 12720:2024(en)
Primary elements Facets to be considered
— application of life cycle thinking;
— provision of economic value over time;
— provision of social and cultural value over time and for all;
— minimization of adverse end-of-life impacts;
— limitation of adverse environmental impacts and where
possible, maintenance or provision of environmental value over
time;
— adaptability;
— efficient and responsible management throughout the process;
— integration into the relevant planning schemes and policies
(including sustainability planning) related to local building /
town-planning and infrastructure;
— involvement of interested parties and consideration of their
Sustainability objectives
needs;
(ISO 15392:2019, 5.2)
— reconciliation of contradictory interests or requirements
arising from short-term and long-term planning or decision-
making;
— stimulation of innovation;
— stimulation of a pro-active approach;
— improvement of the construction sector and the built
environment;
— provision of functionality, health, comfort, safety and
accessibility;
— performance management during
...
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