ISO 21931-1-2022 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 21931-1-2022 — Sustainability in building construction — Framework for methods of assessment of the environmental performance of construction works — Part 1: Framework and reference concepts

Abstract

This standard establishes a framework and reference concepts for assessing the environmental performance of buildings and civil engineering works across their life cycle. It defines core principles, system boundaries, life-cycle stages, and common terms to support consistent, reliable, and comparable environmental assessment methods. The document is intended to harmonize approaches used in standards and assessment tools for built assets, facilitating integration with life cycle assessment (LCA) and related environmental evaluation methods.

General information

• Status: Published standard
• Publication date: 2022
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) / National adoption indicated by "St" prefix
• ICS / categories: 91.080.01 (Sustainable construction), 13.020 (Environmental management)
• Edition / version: 1st edition 2022 (Part 1 of ISO 21931 series)
• Number of pages: Typically around 40–60 pages (official document length may vary)

Scope

Specifies the framework and reference concepts for the assessment of environmental performance of buildings and civil engineering works throughout their life cycle. It covers definitions of life cycle stages and building system boundaries, principles for environmental assessment, and references for integration with life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches. The scope is limited to framework and conceptual elements rather than prescriptive performance metrics or detailed calculation rules.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of terms and reference concepts for environmental performance assessment of construction works.
• Establishment of life cycle stages and system boundaries applicable to buildings and civil engineering works (from product stage through end-of-life and beyond).
• Principles for transparent, consistent, and comparative assessment methods.
• Guidance on integration with LCA methodology and environmental indicators.
• Requirements for documentation, reporting and interpretation of environmental performance results to support decision making.

Typical use and users

Used by standards developers, building designers, engineers, sustainability consultants, LCA practitioners, assessors, public authorities, and organizations seeking standardized approaches to evaluate and report the environmental performance of buildings and infrastructure. It serves as a reference framework for certification schemes, design teams, product manufacturers, and policy makers involved in sustainable construction.

Related standards

Related documents include other parts of the ISO 21931 series, ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 (life cycle assessment principles and requirements), standards for sustainability assessment of buildings, and sector-specific guidelines and product category rules used in LCA and environmental product declarations.

Keywords

environmental performance, sustainability, building construction, life cycle assessment, LCA, framework, system boundary, life-cycle stages, ISO 21931, built environment

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is Part 1 of ISO 21931 (2022), providing a framework and reference concepts for assessing the environmental performance of buildings and civil engineering works across their life cycle.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers conceptual elements: definitions, life-cycle stages, system boundaries, assessment principles and guidance for integrating environmental assessment with LCA. It does not prescribe specific performance thresholds or detailed calculation procedures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Standards writers, LCA practitioners, sustainability consultants, building designers, certification bodies, product manufacturers, and public authorities involved in sustainable building and infrastructure assessment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It was published in 2022 and is current as the Part 1 framework document of the ISO 21931 series; users should verify national adoptions or any later amendments before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 21931 is a multi-part series addressing sustainability in construction; Part 1 provides the framework and reference concepts, with additional parts covering specific assessment methods and guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Environmental performance, sustainability, building, life cycle, LCA, framework, system boundary, ISO 21931.