Standardization in sustainable construction. National and international scopes

Abstract

Sustainable development term and how conscience of its profits contribute to quality of life and development in a country is relatively new, and it is taken into account as an important fact, once stability has been reached in a country in the more essential aspects considered. When that happens, sustainable development becomes one of the main political targets. Referring to Construction, efforts must be pointed out that are being developed all around the world to improve all aspects that are related within this sector, to start with Standardization Organisms, responsible for tasks such as organization and homogenisation of different standards in order to create a common working environment. There are diverse organisms of standardization at international, European and national scopes and they are classified according to sectors in which their main activities are developed. "The construction of Europe aimed at the emergence of a single big marketplace as well as the continuous increase in international exchanges have led to the setting up of European and international standardisation bodies in order to offer a common language lo the different players of the economy and society" (www.afnor.fr). This common language is developed by means of standards. Standards must be understood as necessary tools wruch "contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, safer and cleaner" (www.iso,org), In a wider context, they improve and make easier national and international free trade and provide governments with a technical base for health, safety and environmental legislation. They aid in transferring technology to developing countries. Standards also serve to "safeguard consumers, and users in general, o/ products and services - as well as 10 make their lives simpler" (www.iso.org).