January 2013 Full Edition Magazine - Smart Cities how ISO contributes

1. Volume 4, No. 1, January 2013, ISSN 2226-1095
Smart cities
• Users’ verdict on ISO 20121
• ISO 26000 forum

2. a
Contents Comment
Simpler, faster, better and smarter
ISO Focus+ is published 10 times a year
(single issues : July-August,
Comment
ISO’s challenge
November-December).
Providing city dwellers with quality of life, while at the same time
Simpler, faster, better and smarter – ISO’s challenge
It is available in English and French.
Rob Steele, ISO Secretary-General............................................................................. 1 be defended vigorously. Our standards are
www.iso.org/isofocus+ the basis of our reputation, a reputation that
ISO Update : www.iso.org/isoupdate
managing the pressures exerted by demographic growth, urbanization
must be maintained against all comers. In
World Scene and climate change, is a major challenge. Today, half of the world’s 2013, ISO will be innovative in our efforts
The electronic edition (PDF file) of
ISO Focus+ is accessible free of charge on International events and international standardization ............................................. 2 seven billion inhabitants live in cities and urban areas and it is esti- to ensure quality is maintained and our
the ISO Website www.iso.org/isofocus+ mated that in little more than a generation this will increase to two lines of distribution protected. The benefits
An annual subscription to the paper edition of using International Standards will be
Guest Interview thirds of the world’s population. “ Smart cities ” are needed to safe-
costs 38 Swiss francs. promoted as the experts who developed
John F. Malloy – Chairman, President & CEO Victaulic .......................................... 3 guard their inhabitants’ right to a liveable, sustainable environment. the standards intended.
Publisher When people live in close proximity, everyone and everything must When new technologies or business
ISO Central Secretariat Special Report work together. That’s where ISO comes in. sectors emerge, so does the need for cor-
(International Organization for responding, internationally agreed ISO
Standardization) Building smart cities – How ISO standards contribute ............................................. 8
ISO standards have a key role to play in customer expectation. We need to add the standards. Focusing on basic features,
1, chemin de la Voie-Creuse
Sustainable communities – Together for a better world ............................................ 10 label “ innovative ” to our trusted brand such as terminology, compatibility and
CH – 1211 Genève 20 the construction and development of cities.
name if we are to meet the challenges of interoperability, as well as health, safety
Switzerland The January 2013 issue of ISO Focus+
Tel. : +41 22 749 01 11
Green buildings – Laying tomorrow’s foundations today ......................................... 13 and environmental aspects, ISO helps to
includes an overview of the major issues the future.
Fax : +41 22 733 34 30 disseminate newly acquired knowledge and
Re-energizing energy saving – Boosting global efforts to save energy and the facing cities today and tomorrow, and of
E-mail : isofocus+@iso.org expertise. ISO standards increase the market
environment ................................................................................................................ 16 the standards addressing these issues. The
share for the cutting-edge products and
cities of tomorrow must be smart cities, “Sustainable” and
Manager : Roger Frost Towards the ultra-efficient home – ISO standard supports the development services derived from innovation. Explor-
utilizing scant resources to best effect. “smart” are inextricably
Editor in Chief : Elizabeth Gasiorowski-Denis ing new fields of endeavour, proactively
of energy efficient homes ........................................................................................... 19 As the world goes into 2013, it is clear
Assistant Editor : Maria Lazarte linked. promoting ISO’s involvement in new areas
Communication Officer : Sandrine Tranchard that the last decade has shown the need to
Service life planning – Responding to the needs of an evolving industry ............... 23 of technical expertise must be our priority.
Artwork : Xela Damond, Pierre Granier ensure global resources are not being frit-
ISO has contributions to make to add
and Alexane Rosa Crisis-proofing cities – ISO standards are making cities more resilient .................. 28 tered away, and that money spent is money value and ensure “ sustainable ” and “ smart ”
And we must ensure that everybody has
Copy editor/Proofreader : Vivienne Rojas well spent. New ideas and new solutions are inextricably linked, supporting a world
Translation : Translation Services, Saving lives – ISO 39001 will make roads safer ....................................................... 32 a stake in standardization. Technological
need to be found if the need to efficiently where everyone and everything must work
ISO Central Secretariat advances happen every day, in every corner
and sustainably manage natural resources together. That’s ISO’s challenge.
Centre-fold of the world. ISO’s 164 members include
and requirements are to be met. We also My very best wishes to all for a happy,
Subscription enquiries : Sonia Rosas Friot
industrialized, developing and transitional
have a responsibility to future generations healthy, prosperous and smart 2013 !
ISO Central Secretariat How ISO makes our cities smarter ...................................................................... 26-27 economies from every region on earth. ISO 
to ensure the 21st century will allow the
Tel. : +41 22 749 03 36 standards support the international com-
22nd century to thrive… or at least to exist.
Fax : +41 22 749 09 47 Planet ISO munity by providing practical tools to meet
In an increasingly interconnected world clear opportunities and problems. Standards
E-mail : sales@iso.org
News of the ISO system ............................................................................................. 34 which, at the same time is experiencing are produced that show the know-how of
increasingly sharp differences, ISO can- experts from every part of the world, but
© ISO, 2013. All rights reserved.
Management Solutions
not be content to merely go along with the increasing the input from emerging econo-
The contents of ISO Focus+ are copyrighted “ same old, same old ”. We cannot only react mies has to take place.
and may not, whether in whole or in part, Event sustainability management – ISO 20121 passes 2012 Olympic Games test ... 36 to events and respond to stimuli ; we have
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
We need to encourage greater participa-
to take the lead : to be proactive as well tion by every potential standards maker,
transmitted in any form or by any means, elec-
Standards in Action as reactive ; forestalling problems where providing the facilities to make this possible,
tronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise,
without written permission of the Editor. possible, not just coping when they occur. ensuring that stakeholders from developed,
Partnerships with a purpose – The Irish energy management story will do ............ 44 ISO is changing because it must. developing and transitional economies alike
The articles in ISO Focus+ express the views We must manage what we do in a way can develop standards that help them to
of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect 360° that is not only simpler, faster and better work and compete on a level playing field.
the views of ISO or of any of its members.
− but smarter too. Our mission is not just And this can be accomplished by making
ISO 26000 – International forum revisits the road travelled...................................... 48
to passively respond to market needs once sure that “ standards takers ” get the support
ISSN 2226-1095
these have been identified, but to help try to become “ standards makers ” in areas of
Printed in Switzerland New Releases and anticipate them. Our job is to ensure interest to them.
ISO standards – State of the art for the construction industry .................................. 52 we keep pace with – or be a step ahead ISO’s image as “ the authority ” on
Cover photo : ISO, 2012
of – the increasingly rapid evolution of developing International Standards must Rob Steele, ISO Secretary-General.
Coming Up 53
ISO Focus + January 2013 1

3. a
World Scene Guest Interview
John F. Malloy
International year will be held on 6-7 March 2013, in association
of water cooperation with Geneva’s International Motor Show.
Last year’s event attracted more than 100
The United Nations declared 2013 the experts from around the world, and covered
International Year of Water Cooperation. a series of interactive discussions on the need
Led by the UN Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the
objective is to raise awareness, both on the
for standardization for electric vehicles, driver
distraction and vehicle safety, intelligent Chairman, President & CEO Victaulic
transport systems (ITS) communications,
potential for increased cooperation, and on the and standards for cooperative ITS systems.
challenges facing water management in light Participants also gained insight into the chal-
of the increase in demand for water access, lenges and opportunities that are present in
allocation and services. under-developed markets.
The 2013 FNC will cover further develop-
ments in these areas, and any new solutions
or challenges that have arisen since 2012. In
addition, we hope that participants will be
treated to informal tours of several exhibits David J. Wineland was awarded the 2012
Nobel Prize in physics.
on the show floor.
The contributions and expertise provided
by the panellists and the audience will help of individual atoms for the first time. His
foster a better understanding of the challenges research has led to the development of laser-
the auto industry faces over the coming years, cooled atomic clocks, which are even more
and how International Standards can help the accurate than traditional clocks, as well as to
industry to continue to meet customer needs. significant advances in quantum computing, an
experimental science that holds the potential
Nobel Prize in physics to vastly outpace the speed and effectiveness
of today’s computers.
Dr. David J. Wineland, a physicist and Under-Secretary of Commerce for Standards
The Year will highlight the history of suc- researcher at the US Department of Com- and Technology and NIST Director Patrick
cessful water cooperation initiatives, as well merce’s National Institute of Standards and Gallagher said, “ Dave’s work embodies NIST’s
as identify burning issues on water educa- Technology (NIST), was awarded the 2012 mission to pioneer new measurement science
tion, water diplomacy, transboundary water Nobel Prize in physics for his work pioneer- that will substantially advance technology
management, financing cooperation, national/ ing methods to allow the measurement and and innovation.”
international legal frameworks, and the link- manipulation of individual atoms. NIST experts widely participate in ISO’s
ages with the Millennium Development Goals. Dr. Wineland, who works at NIST’s labo- work through the ISO member for the USA,
ISO’s multi-stakeholder and consensus- ratory in Boulder, Colorado, and serves as ANSI.
based approach exemplifies international a lecturer in the physics department of the
cooperation. Its numerous water standards University of Colorado Boulder, shared the German Ministry takes up
constitute global solutions for a problem award with Dr. Serge Haroche, a professor ISO 50001
that cannot be treated in isolation, helping at the Collège de France and École Normale
us manage our shared resources equitably Supérieure. Dr. Wineland is the fourth sci- The German Federal Ministry for the
and durably. ISO water standards target areas entist at NIST to receive the Nobel Prize in Environment, Nature Conservation and
such as water quality, hydrometry, drinking physics since 1997. Nuclear Safety has published a guide to
and wastewater services, piping systems and Dr. Wineland has been working for NIST help organizations in the country implement
irrigation among others. for 37 years. He has long been internation- ISO 50001:2011, Energy management sys-
ally recognized for his innovative research tems – Requirements with guidance for use.
on electrically charged atoms known as By 2020, Germany aims to reduce its primary
Future of vehicles
trapped ions. In 1978, he carried out the first energy consumption by 20 % (from 2008), and
The 8th Fully Networked Car (FNC) work- demonstration of laser cooling, in which lasers by 50 % for 2050. Energy efficiency is crucial
shop, organized jointly by ISO, the Interna- are used to reduce the temperature of ions to meet these goals. The new document, Energy
tional Telecommunications Union, and the trapped in a vacuum to near absolute zero, Management Systems in Practice – ISO 50001 : Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
International Electrotechnical Commission, allowing researchers to study the properties A guide for companies and organizations, will
contribute to this initiative by introducing the
John F. Malloy is Chairman, President and Chief
content of the standard, as well as highlighting
differences and similarities with the European Hamilton College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
environmental management system (EMAS)
and ISO 14001 (environmental management), Executive Officer of Victaulic, a global leader in economics from Boston College and a doctorate in
which also forms part of EMAS. The Ministry the design and manufacture of mechanical pipe- economics from Syracuse University.
believes that organizations implementing the
latter may already comply with some of the joining system solutions.
requirements of ISO 50001.
In addition to his leadership role at Victaulic,
The guide is intended to be used by both Prior to joining Victaulic, Mr. Malloy spent Mr. Malloy shares his talents through active par-
large and small organizations. It highlights 19 years working for United Technologies Corpo- ticipation on the boards of several well-regarded
the benefits of ISO 50001 by stating that sys-
temic energy management is an appropriate ration, rising to the position of President for North companies and not-for-profit organizations, in-
instrument for continually improving energy America for UTC’s Carrier Division. cluding Hubbell Inc., Hollingsworth & Vose,
efficiency in companies and organizations.
The cost reductions also help to strengthen Before joining UTC, Mr. Malloy worked for Air Lehigh Valley Hospital Network and DeSales
a company’s competitive edge in the market. Products & Chemicals and taught economics at University.
2 ISO Focus + January 2013 ISO Focus + January 2013 3

4. a
Guest Interview
ISO Focus+ : As one of the world’s lead-
ing providers of mechanical pipe-joining About Victaulic
systems, how do International Standards
contribute to success at Victaulic ?
Founded in 1925, Victaulic is a leading producer of mechanical pipe-joining systems. It
John F. Malloy : Victaulic is a global is the originator of the grooved pipe-joining system, which was conceived during World
organization. We have manufacturing War I to make laying temporary wartime overland steel pipelines quicker and easier.
and support centres located in countries
throughout the world, including Australia, The grooved piping method – which dramatically reduces the amount of installation time
Belgium, Canada, China, Dubai, India, and reduces total installed costs compared to welding, threading and flanging – is now the
Mexico, Poland and the United States. Our predominant global method for the assembly of heating, ventilation and air conditioning
products are used in countries all over the (HVAC), plumbing and fire protection piping systems. In addition to commercial buildings,
globe and in markets ranging from oil and Victaulic products are used in utility and process piping applications in some of the world’s
gas to mining, power generation, water most demanding markets, including oil, gas and chemical, mining, power generation,
treatment, marine and commercial building. water and wastewater treatment , and military and marine systems.
Headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA, Victaulic has manufacturing and distribution
International Standards facilities worldwide and employs approximately 4 000 people. For more information,
are part of the Victaulic visit www.victaulic.com.
Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
difference.
been granted oversight authority. Regula- single set of criteria that is acceptable to all market. Global relevance is key to ensuring
tions often reference relevant standards, technical committee members, and yet still that products can pass all applicable tests,
The nature of our business and the
where some type of performance or other meets the local code or laws of the country be sold and distributed around the world,
breadth of markets in which we operate
acceptance criteria may require validation or jurisdiction they represent. and function properly in all applications.
require a global perspective. International
by an independent third-party examiner or A manufacturer benefits greatly when
Standards are part of the Victaulic differ-
testing organization. they can economically produce a single
ence. As we design and develop solutions, When ISO standards are
The relevant standards provide guiding product or component that complies with
it is important that we adhere to, or even
exceed, these standards to support customers
principles for the qualification of a process, an International Standard adopted and used harmonized and widely
product or system, and incorporate input by a wide range of supporting countries. adopted, manufacturers
worldwide in any industry we serve. It is
from a wide range of stakeholders. When ISO The technical committee developing the
equally important that we be involved in
standards are harmonized and widely adopted, standard strives to reach consensus as to can shorten the time to
organizations such as ISO that are helping market.
a manufacturer like Victaulic can shorten the the specific tests that should be included,
to propel these industries forward in terms
time to market by eliminating redundancies in and what is most sensible for the global
of better quality, safety and protection.
testing and qualification. We also capitalize
Each country has its own standards
on the global consistency the standard affords
and regulations. The complexity of those
to our international operations.
regulations varies from one country to
another, and can also vary from region to
region within a country. The harmonization
of these individual performance criteria It’s important
into a single, globally relevant standard that we be involved
can significantly increase our company’s in organizations like ISO.
operating efficiency.
As such, it is very important that a
company like ours, which continues to
I foresee Victaulic becoming more
expand globally, have direct input into the
involved with the development of, and
development of International Standards. By
participation in, ISO standards because
participating in ISO technical committees,
they are looked upon in many countries
we have the opportunity to influence the
Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic as the building blocks upon which other
development or revision of these standards,
Victaulic designs and develops solutions that incorporate ISO standards to support customers standards are developed.
and introduce the type of technology that
worldwide.
a company like Victaulic is employing in
ISO Focus+ : As product testing requires
its products. development of International Standards, and services. How do standards play a role considerable time and money, how can
Until those International Standards are we gain a better understanding of local in regulations ? How do International International Standards contribute to
fully developed and adopted, we need practices, laws and regulations, as well as Standards for conformity assessment increasing efficiency ? Can you give us a
to be completely knowledgeable about a market and cultural considerations. benefit the global operations of Victaulic ? few examples ?
wide range of local codes and standards,
and whether or not our current materials ISO Focus+ : Regulation and conformity John F. Malloy : Regulations are typically John F. Malloy : International Standards Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
and technology can be incorporated within with standards are crucial to ensure the government-mandated legislation, and are contribute to efficiency by harmonizing By adopting ISO standards globally, Victaulic is able to consistently manufacture products that
the scope of these documents. Through the safety, quality and efficiency of products enforced by specific agencies that have test requirements. Their intent is to have a meet International Standards.
4 ISO Focus + January 2013 ISO Focus + January 2013 5

5. a
Guest Interview
At Victaulic, a key portion of our busi- of International Standards to innovation ? Because of the need to ensure harmo- Originally, certification to ISO 9001
ness is the design and development of fire Is there a right moment for the develop- nization, consensus building and global was viewed as an important part of our
protection systems components, including ment of standards for new technologies ? relevance, the introduction of new tech- European sales portfolio. However, in more
sprinklers, couplings, fittings, valves, alarm nologies must be timed appropriately. recent times, this certification has become
John F. Malloy : ISO, through its
devices, accessories and pipe preparation This can be critical to those manufacturers an invaluable asset in terms of how our
standards development process, seeks
tools. Our Director of Global Regulatory who may have patent concerns, or may operations are viewed by the many regula-
to promote innovation. As members
Compliance, Len Swantek, chairs ISO not have sufficient field history to support tory auditing bodies.
of ISO technical committees (TC), we
technical committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment the introduction of such technologies on a
are encouraged to introduce and share
for fire protection and fire fighting, subcom- global scale. However, many companies
technology or new materials. There is a
mittee SC 5, Fixed firefighting systems using with proven expertise and statistical data In more recent times,
certain level of “ cross-training ” during
water. The committee takes input from to back up their work often take the lead
committee sessions that provides a new ISO 9001 certification
global manufacturers, testing authorities, in introducing new materials, technology
understanding for those delegates who has become
installers, fire code enforcement officials or scientific breakthroughs.
may not have the same level of expertise
and others. These organizations bring their an invaluable asset.
or market experience in their home region.
unique perspective to the committee on how ISO Focus+ : What are the benefits of
they test products and view the advancement getting involved in international stand-
of the global fire safety industry. ardization ? Can you tell us about some of We have found that having a quality
You quickly realize
the areas in which Victaulic participates ? management system certified to ISO 9001
ISO Focus+ : Since its establishment in that you are all there for provides other external auditing bodies with
John F. Malloy : As I previously men-
1925, Victaulic has prided itself on innova- the common good. a well-organized structure to follow in their Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
tioned, Victaulic is active on ISO technical
tion. What in your view is the contribution own auditing process. This reduces auditing As building and construction codes evolve, Victaulic takes an active role in helping shape
committee ISO/TC 21/SC 5. Through our
time and enables a multitude of regulators the standards that impact performance, quality, safety and protection.
participation on SC 5 and, more directly,
to quickly check those key elements that
on the US Technical Advisory Group
have the greatest impact on product and
(USTAG), we play a role in shaping fire
process control.
safety standards that affect the most criti-
Additionally, the ISO 9001 certification is
cal components and qualification methods.
widely recognized by testing organizations
Ultimately, our contribution − like that of
and labs, and the process we went through
others − hopefully improves the quality and
to achieve this, gives them an added level
reliability of fire protection products and
of assurance. Achieving and maintaining
life safety systems in general.
certification to ISO 9001 is not an easy
task, but it certainly lends credibility to
an organization like Victaulic, which
Our TC and SC manufactures and distributes its products
members are focused worldwide.
In addition to our QMS certification, we
on life safety and loss
have taken steps to ensure that we control
prevention. the quality of every component of our
products. At Victaulic, we are vertically
integrated in our manufacturing processes
There are also a number of intangible ben- to ensure maximum quality control from Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
efits. Interacting with delegates from countries the development phase through to the com- Qualification testing is a key function in determining individual component durability that makes
all over the world provides a well-rounded mercialization of our solutions.  up the overall performance of the end device or complete system.
and balanced perspective. You learn of their
challenges and the solutions they employ. We
share knowledge, cultural experiences, and
numerous unique perspectives and, in many
cases, it sparks great friendships. At the end
of the day, the technical committee members
are all trying to save lives, protect property,
and minimize risk. You quickly realize that
you are all there for the common good.
ISO Focus+ : What is the value of man-
agement system standards like ISO 9001 ?
John F. Malloy : Our quality manage-
ment system (QMS) certification, which Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic we achieved in the late 1980s, has become Photo : Courtesy of Victaulic
Fire safety standards incorporate a wide
Victaulic openly collaborates on system design and product applications to the benefit of other a key element in our overall regulatory Victaulic views qualification testing to exacting specifications as the most important output of range of laboratory data obtained by
ISO TC delegates who may have less technical expertise in their home region. operations. developing concise and globally relevant standards. replicating known field scenarios.
6 ISO Focus + January 2013 ISO Focus + January 2013 7

6. a
Special Report
Building
smart cities
How ISO standards contribute
by Sandrine Tranchard
Half of humanity today lives in cities. The world’s cities are grow-
ing as people move from rural areas in search of jobs and opportuni-
ties to improve their lives and create a better future for their children.
According to the United Nations, by ISO standards can be used to tackle
2030, six out of every 10 people will live many urban challenges by supporting
in a city, and by 2050, this will increase to sustainable development. They can also,
seven out of 10 people. Currently, around at a micro-level, provide requirements
half the world’s inhabitants live in cities of for monitoring technical and functional
between 100 000 and 500 000 people, and performance. They take into account good
nearly 10 % live in megacities [cities with business practice and optimal management
a population of over 10 million, as defined of resources, while helping to monitor
by Human Settlements Programme (UN and thus reduce environmental impact.
HABITAT)]. Governments, municipalities and the
Waste, sewage and air pollution are public at large can use International Stand-
among the major problems. Other risks ards to meet the needs of city dwellers in
include disease. Cities promote greater a rapidly urbanizing world. They can help
interaction between people than rural areas, tackle climate change, address security and
which also increases the risk of contagion. transport issues, and ensure the quality of
Security is another concern. Studies water services, even in disasters.
have shown that the crime rate in cities is The following Special Report on smart
higher and the chances of being arrested cities gives an overview of the major
and punished are lower. Finally, the high concerns of cities today and how ISO
concentration of people results in traffic standards provide the support for better,
congestion and longer commuting times, healthier and safer city living. It highlights
whether by vehicle or on foot. how International Standards contribute to
Cities, however, may also have a posi- building smart cities by improving energy
tive influence on the environment. UN efficiency, increasing safety, planning
HABITAT has suggested that city living sustainable urban development, develop-
may be the best solution for dealing with ing reliable road networks and effective
the rising population. This is because cities means of transportation, reducing pollution
concentrate human activity into one place, and dealing with water and wastewater
limiting the geographical spread of environ- management. 
mental impacts. This can only be achieved,
however, if urban planning is improved and Sandrine Tranchard is a Communications Officer,
city services are properly maintained. ISO Central Secretariat.
8 ISO Focus + January 2013 ISO Focus + January 2013 9

7. a
Special Report
Sustainable communities
Together for a better world
by Jacques Lair and Christian Bougeard
A tsunami can cause lasting disruption in the economic activity of a
country like Japan and affect its citizens’ daily lives in cities and local
communities for a long time. A hurricane can hamper recovery of an
island that has been devastated by an earthquake (Haiti) and leave one
of the most modern cities in the world (New York City, USA) and
its surroundings paralyzed. Extensive exploitation of forests or plant
species, such as soya or palm oil, can destroy ecosystems and threaten Increased participation
traditional ways of life. From these examples, the need to anticipate in ISO/TC 268
and assess project sustainability is self-evident.
Although recently established in March
2012, technical committee ISO/TC 268,
Governmental authorities, international – General principles and requirements, by
Sustainable development in communities,
organizations and non-profit associations building on ISO 26000:2010, Guidance on
attracts considerable interest as
have identified the scale of the challenge and social responsibility.
Another standard under development in evidenced by the number and diversity
have developed programmes individually to
the technical committee’s work programme of its members :
meet their own objectives and needs. The
consequent proliferation of benchmarks is ISO 37120, Sustainable development • 14 participating countries : Austria
on sustainable development and planning and resilience of communities – Global city (ASI), Belgium (NBN), Canada (SCC),
– whether developed within the framework indicators for city services and quality of China (SAC), Denmark (DS), France urban infrastructures around the world, The future ISO 37101 management system
of the United Nations system, by the World life, which will help harmonize performance which will serve as a basis for the devel- standard – will then serve as a basis for the
(AFNOR), Germany (DIN), Japan (JISC),
Bank or by the Organisation for Economic indicators in these fields. opment of the future ISO 37151 standard development of specific implementation
Netherlands (NEN), Senegal (ASN),
Co-operation and Development, or private South Africa (SABS), Spain (AENOR), on harmonized metrics for benchmarking standards tailored to communities. These
certification systems such as BREEAM Sweden (SIS) and United Kingdom (BSI) smartness of infrastructures. may be as diverse as a business centre in
Communities, Casbee City, HQE Amé- Sustainable development an industrialized country, a rural area in
nagement or LEED Neighborhood – has projects are flourishing • 16 observer countries : Argentina A family of standards a developing country, a mountain area,
led to the creation of technical committee (IRAM), Australia (SA), Brazil (ABNT), a seaside resort or even an indigenous or
all around the world. A number of mirror committees bringing
ISO/TC 268, Sustainable development in Colombia (ICONTEC), Czech Republic nomadic community.
communities. (UNMZ), Egypt (EOS), Finland (SFS), together the best experts from all member ISO 37101 is being developed by ISO/TC
India (BIS), the Republic of Korea bodies are being set up. They will provide 268/WG 1, Management Systems Standards
Finally, ISO/TC 268 also has a subcom- ISO/TC 268 with information on the state
A common language mittee dedicated to smart urban infrastruc- (KATS), Malaysia (DSM), Norway (SN),
of the art in sustainable development and
tures, subcommittee SC 1, Smart community Singapore (SPRING SG), Switzerland
Sustainable development projects in rural planning, and on the needs and expectations
infrastructures, with two preliminary items (SNV), Thailand (TISI), United Arab of the various communities throughout
or urban areas are flourishing all around the
already included in its work programme : Emirates (ESMA) and USA (ANSI). the world.
world. Stakeholders are confused because
there is no international consensus on the ISO/TR 37150, a technical report on smart
evaluation of community projects from cra-
dle to grave, hence the need for International A priority will be
Standards on sustainable development and to develop a common
resilience in communities.
A priority will be to develop a common
language for all
language for all stakeholders and thereby stakeholders.
contribute to greater clarity and harmoni-
zation in this field. This is why a manage-
ment system standard is vital. ISO/TC 268 Drawing on the example of the ISO 14000
will thus focus on the development of a environmental management series,
management system standard, ISO 37101, ISO/TC 268 will develop a large family
Sustainable development and resilience of standards and other deliverables on
of communities – Management systems sustainable development in communities.
10 ISO Focus + January 2013 ISO Focus + January 2013 11

8. a
Special Report
Green buildings
The draft technical report on metrics for
benchmarking smart urban infrastructures
developed within the scope of ISO/TC 268/
SC 1/WG 1, which is convened by Yoshiaki
Ichikawa (Hitachi Electronics), inventories
the various metrics used around the world.
It identifies commonalities, contradictions
and gaps and sets a roadmap which will
be particularly useful when drafting the
future standard.
Cities will be better able
to share their experience
and knowledge.
To foster consensus among interested
of their permanence or their capacity parties at all stages in the development of
to face unexpected events and to return a project – conception, operation and end-
to normal within a reasonable time. of-life – it is essential for communities and
This is what we would like to address will notably contribute to the evolution of
in the standard. cross-sector, multidisciplinary, life cycle
and global costing policies.
Improved knowledge sharing Consensus building Laying tomorrow’s foundations today
The draft standard on urban indicators ISO/TC 268 will thus lay the foundation
developed within the scope of ISO/TC 268 for an international consensus on principles
working group WG 2, Urban indicators, and approaches that each “ community ” by Dick van Dijk, Essam E. Khalil, Egil Öfverholm, Jonas Santesson and Stephen Turner
convened by Patricia McCarney (Univer- will be able to replicate and adapt to its
sity of Toronto), aims for a harmonization own needs and specificities.
of terminology, indicators and methods.
Cities adopting this standard will then be
This will never prevent the above-
mentioned disasters from occurring, but let Expectations about what buildings should be like have dramatically The SCs take into account the different
specifications, challenges and innovations
better able to share their experience and us hope that it will help better anticipate changed over time. Now the industry must strive to meet demands
knowledge. Besides, comparative analy- them, limit their financial, environmental in the building industry. For example, a
for functionality, comfort and design together with environmental newcomer for building standardization is
ses will help them assess their respective and human costs and, most importantly,
performance levels, which will encourage speed up restoration of normal living
sustainability and energy efficiency. ISO has developed a toolbox sheep wool insulation – a renewable mate-
a healthy competitive spirit. conditions.  of practical state-of-the-art International Standards to meet today’s rial offering good thermal and acoustic
building challenges. insulation performance as well as protec-
tion against fire. In contrast to some other
insulation types, wool’s uniquely high
More than 100 building standards have moisture absorption is not compromised
About the authors been developed by ISO technical commit- by its isolating performance.
for sustainable development in communities.
tees ISO/TC 163, Thermal performance and
It will address two aspects which are today
Jacques Lair Christian energy use in the built environment, and
somewhat neglected in existing deliverables :
is the Chair of Bougeard is ISO/TC 205, Building environment design. ISO/TC 205
• The specific notion of “ community ” : ISO/TC 59/SC 17, Convenor of the These standards help define, calculate and
we believe that beyond the pure prop- and ISO/TC 163
Sustainability in ISO/TC 268/WG 1, test building elements, while addressing
erty or infrastructure aspect often cov- buildings and civil Management sys- environmental concerns. Design and build- collaborate closely.
ered by urban development standards, engineering works. tems standards for ing operation issues are also addressed by
the community notion should not refer He is an engineer sustainable devel- the committees.
to the territories to which human groups and a former opment in commu- At the other extreme of the spectrum
relate, but to the actual human groups senior executive of nities. Since 2000, are high-tech insulation materials such as
themselves and their interactions with
Innovative insulation
construction, building and civil engineer- he is President and CEO of Architectes vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), which
their environment. ing companies. He has been a member Ingénieurs Associés (AIA Group). He Three ISO/TC 163 subcommittees (SCs) have very low thermal conductivity. Thin,
• The notion of resilience : the snap- of the bureau and executive committee has an Engineering PhD from the École are responsible for the standards that define, VIC-based walls can help to maximize
shot at a particular point in time of the of the Fédération Française du Bâtiment Centrale, Paris, France, and a Master’s calculate and test building elements, which usable interior space and offset high land
actions taken to address sustainable (French Building Federation). degree in Architecture from the École des are essential for ensuring the energy effi- prices, and can be useful in the thoughtful
development does not give a clear idea Beaux Art UPA, Versailles, France. ciency of buildings. renovation of culturally historic buildings.
12 ISO Focus + January 2013 ISO Focus + January 2013 13