ISO 19208-2016 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 19208-2016 — Framework for specifying performance in buildings. This International Standard establishes a structured framework to express building performance requirements and to translate user and societal needs into verifiable performance specifications for a building (whole or part thereof), its fixed components and in‑built elements.

Abstract

ISO 19208:2016 provides principles and a high‑level process for specifying performance of buildings and their fixed parts so that designers, owners, regulators and standards writers can define clear, measurable performance requirements. It excludes land use, broader environmental design of the surrounding context and moveable contents; guidance on application of some clauses is provided in Annex A.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (Withdrawal of International Standard, stage 95.99).
• Publication date: November 2016 (2016-11).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 91.040.01 (Buildings — general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 25.

Scope

ISO 19208:2016 covers the framework for specifying the performance of a building as a whole or any part of it (subsystems, spaces, elements, assemblies, components, products and materials) to meet specified user requirements and societal expectations. It applies to buildings as constructed and to in‑built fixed components. The standard explicitly does not cover: (a) the use of the land for buildings; (b) the design and operation of the broader environment within which buildings are located; and (c) moveable contents within buildings.

Key topics and requirements

• Framework and terminology for expressing building performance objectives (user requirements, performance criteria and acceptance levels).
• Structure for decomposing building performance from whole‑building level to subsystems, elements and products.
• Guidance on measurable performance indicators and evidence/verification methods to demonstrate conformity.
• Application notes and guidance provided in Annex A to assist specification writers.
• Intended use as a harmonizing reference for preparing performance standards and for aligning stakeholder expectations.

Typical use and users

Typical users include standards committees, building owners and clients, architects, engineers, specifiers, asset managers, regulators and certification bodies who need a common method to define and communicate measurable building performance requirements. The standard is also used by national bodies when adopting or adapting performance‑based building requirements.

Related standards

ISO 19208:2016 consolidated and replaced several earlier ISO documents on performance in buildings (for example ISO 6240:1980, ISO 6241:1984, ISO 7162:1992, ISO 9699:1994 and ISO/PAS 22539:2007). It was developed under ISO/TC 59/SC 15 (building construction — performance). Because ISO 19208 has been withdrawn, users should check national and international catalogues for any replacement or successor work from ISO/TC 59/SC 15 or related committees.

Keywords

building performance, performance specification, performance criteria, verification, user requirements, building components, performance framework.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 19208:2016 is an international standard titled "Framework for specifying performance in buildings" that defines a structured approach to writing measurable performance requirements for buildings and their fixed parts.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the framework, terminology and high‑level process for specifying building performance (whole building down to parts and assemblies) and provides guidance (Annex A) on applying clauses. It explicitly excludes land use, broader site or environmental design and moveable contents.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Standards committees, architects, engineers, building owners/clients, specifiers, asset managers and regulators use it as a reference for developing performance specifications and for aligning expectations among stakeholders.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 19208:2016 has been withdrawn (stage: Withdrawal of International Standard 95.99). Organizations should not rely on the withdrawn edition for current regulatory compliance and should consult their national standards body or ISO/TC 59/SC 15 for any successor documents or replacement guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It was developed within the work of ISO/TC 59/SC 15 on building performance and consolidates content from earlier ISO documents related to performance standards in buildings. While not a numbered "series," it functions as a framework reference for performance‑based building standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Building performance, performance specification, user requirements, verification, performance criteria — these summarize the core focus of ISO 19208:2016.