ISO 19208:2016

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19208
First edition
2016-11-01
Framework for specifying
performance in buildings
Cadre de travail pour la spécification de la performance dans les
bâtiments
Reference number
ISO 19208:2016(E)
©
ISO 2016

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ISO 19208:2016(E)

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ISO 19208:2016(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Framework . 4
4.1 General considerations . 4
4.2 Model for specifying performance . 5
4.2.1 Four level model . 5
4.2.2 Structure of the multiple layer model . 5
Annex A (informative) Commentary .13
Annex B (informative) Guidelines for the preparation of performance specifications .20
Bibliography .24
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ISO 19208:2016(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).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on 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 the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 3, Functional/user requirements and performance in building construction.
This first edition of ISO 19208 cancels and replaces ISO 6240:1980, ISO 6241:1984, ISO 7162:1992,
ISO 9699:1994 and ISO/PAS 22539:2007, which have been technically revised.
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ISO 19208:2016(E)

Introduction
The performance concept has historically been used to address fitness for intended use of attributes
of a building as a whole or a part thereof. Each characteristic is assessed in terms of whether or not it
meets assumed performance.
Over the last decade, this concept has been expanded to be used to address the beneficial or adverse
impact of choices made regarding building materials, construction methods and resources, operating
energy, water services and sanitary systems on economic conditions, the environment, a society or the
quality of life, i.e. the contribution which a building makes to sustainable development. This document
provides the necessary framework and principles to describe the performance of a building or a part
thereof either in terms of fitness of purpose or beneficial and adverse impacts and to provide the means
of evaluation for solutions for all these applications.
This document is intended to assist anyone concerned with specifying performance of attributes and
aspects of a building or a part thereof. Those include regulators, specifiers and suppliers, as well as
international and national standards committee members.
Specifying performance of a building ranges from fundamental to specific. This document is intended
primarily to assist those who are involved in specifying performance in buildings by stating general
principles. It includes tables aimed at identifying the main factors to be considered in their elaboration.
a) User requirements and societal expectations,
b) possible uses of the buildings and their spaces,
c) building subsystems of which the product is a part, and
d) agents, of any nature and origin, which are relevant to the performance of a building and related
entities in use, and affecting factors.
Documents that specify performance may take various forms or features, such as regulations,
specifications, or product standards. Annex B gives an example of application of the principles embodied
in this document.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 19208:2016(E)
Framework for specifying performance in buildings
1 Scope
This document provides the framework for specifying the performance of a building as a whole or a
part thereof in order to satisfy specified user requirements and societal expectations.
This document covers buildings as constructed and inbuilt fixed components. It does not cover
a) the use of the land for buildings,
b) the design and operation of the environment within which buildings are located, and
c) moveable contents within buildings.
NOTE 1 Guidance on the application of certain clauses is provided in Annex A.
NOTE 2 A part of a building includes subsystems, spaces, elements, assemblies, components, products and
materials.
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, Building and civil engineering — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO 6707-2, Building and civil engineering — Vocabulary — Part 2: Contract terms
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
agent
whatever acts on the building or parts of a building
3.2
assembly
set of related components (3.6) attached to each other
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 5.5.5]
3.3
attribute
characteristic (3.4) assessed in terms of whether it does or does not meet a given performance
EXAMPLE Go or no go.
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.5, modified]
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3.4
characteristic
property (3.15) that distinguishes the totality of specific items under consideration
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.4, modified]
3.5
competent person
person who has demonstrated his ability to apply knowledge and skills to make a determination
regarding the performance of building attributes in relation to the required performance
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.1.6, modified]
3.6
component
product (3.14) manufactured as a distinct unit to serve a specific function or functions
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 6.1.3]
3.7
impact
change that may be beneficial or adverse
3.8
indicator
quantitative or qualitative measure of impacts
3.9
performance
ability to fulfil required functions under intended use conditions, behaviour when in use or impact on
economic conditions, the environment, society or quality of life
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.1]
3.10
performance description
performance (3.9) demanded or expected to be fulfilled by an attribute
3.11
performance parameters
group of variables used to quantitatively describe performance of attributes or group of indicators used
to evaluate the performance of attributes
3.12
performance specification
document that establishes the required performance and the means for evaluating performance in
terms of such statement for one or more attributes or aspects
3.13
performance statement
performance (3.9) demanded or expected to be fulfilled in response to user requirements
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.16, modified]
3.14
product
item manufactured or processed for incorporation in buildings
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 6.1.2]
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ISO 19208:2016(E)

3.15
property
inherent or acquired feature of an item
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.3]
3.16
requirement
expression in the content of a document conveying criteria to be fulfilled if compliance with the
document is to be claimed and from which no deviation is permitted
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC directives — Part 2]
3.17
scale
extent of an impact
Note 1 to entry: Examples of scale include the user; neighbourhood, regional, national or global.
3.18
space
area or volume bounded actually or theoretically
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 4.1.1]
3.19
specification
document that prescribes the performance requirements to be fulfilled
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 2]
3.20
societal expectations
what society deems as acceptable
Note 1 to entry: Societal expectations provide motives for actions taken.
3.21
standard
document, established by consensus and approved by an appropriate body, that provides for common
and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the
achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context
Note 1 to entry: Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience,
and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 2, 3.2]
3.22
subsystem
part of a building, including space, fulfilling one or several of the functions needed to meet the user
requirements and/or societal expectations
3.23
sustainable development
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs
[SOURCE: ISO 15392:2008, 3.21]
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3.24
suitable
capable of fulfilling or having fulfilled the intended function or fit for its intended purpose
3.25
user
organization, person, animal or object for which a building is designed
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 8.1]
3.26
user requirement
statement of need to be fulfilled
[SOURCE: ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.2]
Note 1 to entry: User requirements can be driven by societal expectations.
4 Framework
4.1 General considerations
The objectives of this document relate to behaviour in use and typically relate to health, safety,
convenience, comfort and protection of property. They may also relate to contributions to sustainable
development.
Performance may be categorized into the following four types:
a) reaction to agents;
b) influence on human activities;
c) impact on society;
d) change in performance over time.
The performance of a building as a whole may vary from its parts. The performance of a part of a
building, such as a subsystem, element or component may also influence the performance of a building
as a whole. The relationship between a part of a building and the whole of the building depends upon its
intended or designed role.
There are forward and backward linkages between the building as a whole and its parts, such as
subsystems, spaces, elements, assemblies, components, products and materials, as illustrated in
Figure 1. Accordingly, an objective and associated performance of a part of a building need not be
identical to the objective and performance specified for the building as a whole. For example, if the
object of the building as a whole is to minimize operational energy usage, the objectives for walls and
floors may relate to thermal performance.
On the other hand, a part of a building may have multi-faceted objectives derived from the multi-faceted
performance of the building as a whole. For example, a wall might be required to satisfy thermal,
tightness and structural performance requirements.
Performance specified for a component should be project specific and not generic as the context within
which the component is used needs to be considered.
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Objective
of thebuilding as a whole
Performance
of thebuildingas a whole
Con iguration
Role/objective
of a subsystem
Performance
of a subsystem
Con iguration
Role /objective
of an element or component
Performance
of an element or component
Figure 1 — Hierarchical structure of the performance of a whole building and its parts
4.2 Model for specifying performance
4.2.1 Four level model
The four level model shown in Figure 2 shall apply for specifying performance of a building as a whole
or as a part. However, the contents of its description and its nature will differ depending on which
attribute is under consideration.
4.2.2 Structure of the multiple layer model
4.2.2.1 Objective
Objectives of a building as a whole are directly related to user requirements or societal expectations.
Table 1 lists the commonly encountered subject matter of objectives. The common drivers for objectives
associated with contributions to sustainability are indicated in Table 2.
Objectives of parts of a building may be determined by the intended use or the way they are related to
other parts or the building as a whole.
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Level 1
Objectives
Level 2
Performance descriptions
Level 3 Performance parameters
Level 4
Evaluation of solution
By application of deemed-to satisfy rules, By means of a competent person’s objective By expert
compliance with referenced standardsor assessment using techniques, tools and methods, opinion and
achieving or exceeding a stated assumptions and levels of reliability which lead peer judgement
performanceindicator reviewers to arrive at substantially similar conclusions
Figure 2 — Four level model for the specification of performance
NOTE The four level model is based on the approach adopted in the ISO 15928 series and ISO/PAS 22539.
Table 1 — Examples of subject matter of objectives
Category Subject matter of objectives
1  Stability Mechanical resistance to static and dynamic actions, both individually and in combination.
Resistance to impacts, intentional and unintentional abuse, accidental actions.
Cyclic (fatigue) effects.
2  Fire safety Risks of outbreak of fire and of spread of fire.
Physiological effects of smoke and heat.
Alarm time (detection and alarm systems).
Evacuation time (escape routes).
Survival time (fire compartmentation).
3  Safety in use Safety in respect of aggressive agents (protection against explosions, burning, sharp
points and edges, moving mechanisms, electrocution, radioactivity, inhalation or contact
with poisonous substances, infection).
Safety during movements and circulation (limitation of floor slipperiness, unobstructed
passage, guard rails, etc.).
Security against human or animal intrusion.
4  Tightness Water tightness (rain, ground water, drinking water, waste water, etc.).
Air and gas tightness.
Snow and dust tightness.
5  Hygrothermal Control of air temperature, thermal radiation, air velocity and relative humidity
(limitation of variation in time and in space, response of controls).
Control of condensation.
6  Air purity Ventilation.
Control of odours.
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Table 1 (continued)
Category Subject matter of objectives
7  Acoustical Control of external and internal noise (continuous and intermittent).
Intelligibility of sound.
Reverberation time.
8  Visual Natural and artificial lighting (required illuminance, freedom from glare, luminance
contrast and stability).
Sunlight (insolation).
Possibility of darkness.
Aspect of spaces and surfaces (colour, texture, regularity, flatness, verticality,
horizontality, perpendicularity, etc.).
Visual contact, internally and with the external world (links and barriers for privacy,
freedom from optical distortion).
9  Tactile Surface properties, roughness, dryness, warmth, suppleness.
Freedom from discharges of static electricity.
10  Dynamic Limitation of whole body accelerations and vibrations (transient and continuous).
Pedestrian comfort in windy areas.
Ease of movement (slope of ramps, pitch of staircases).
Manoeuvrability (operation of doors, windows, controls on equipment, etc.).
11  Hygiene Facilities for human body care and cleaning.
Water supply.
Cleanability.
Evacuation of waste water, waste materials and smoke.
Limitation of emission of contaminants.
12  Suitability of Number, size, configuration, subdivision, and interrelation of spaces.
spaces for specific
Service and equipment.
uses
Furnishability, flexibility.
13  Durability Retention of performance over required service life subject to regular maintenance.
Adaptability for changed usage.
14  Economic Capital, running and maintenance costs.
Maintainability
Demolition costs.
15  Accessibility Access for disabled persons, equity.
16  Contributions Usage of resources, such as energy and water.
to sustainable
Choice of building materials.
development
Choice of construction methods and resources.
Waste disposal.
Resilience.
NOTE  User requirements can be driven by societal expectations.
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Table 2 — Common drivers for objectives associated with contributions to sustainability
Subject matter of Areas of concern
objective
Usage of resources, such Greenhouse gas emissions
as energy and water
Use of renewable and non-renewable resources
Consumption of fresh water
Life cycle costs
Choice of building Use of renewable and non-renewable resources and release of emissions because of
materials materials and energy flows.
Economics
Potential to generate business and employment opportunities for targeted groups.
Formation of waste hazards
Choice of construction Health and safety during construction
methods and resources
Potential to generate business and employment opportunities for targeted groups.
Waste disposal Recycling
Hazardous waste
Resilience “Bounce back” from disaster
The capacity to restore not only buildings but also social systems following
exposure to hazards.
NOTE  An attribute is a characteristic assessed in terms of whether it does or does not meet a given performance.
4.2.2.2 Performance description
Performance descriptions establish qualitative requirements for an attribute. The different types of
performance need to be expressed as follows:
a) The reaction to agents should be described in terms of behaviour as the result of external agent or
the consequence of such behaviour to fulfil objectives (see Table 3).
b) The influence on human activities should be described in terms of the effects on human existence
or activities and their consequences (see Table 4).
c) The impact on society should be described in terms of the effects on society and their results which
may relate to one or more stages of the cycle of a building.
d) Changes in performance over time which typically relate to the durability, fatigue and creep of
materials, should be described in terms of the cause of change and the consequences of the change
(see Table 5), as well as design life and maintenance schedules, as relevant.
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Table 3 — Examples of agents, behaviours and consequences or states
Consequences or states
Agents Examples of origin
a
(ISO description )
1 Mechanical agents
1.1 Gravity Snow loads, dead loads Structural failure; loss of function and
appearance
(ISO 2103, ISO 2633, ISO 9194, ISO 4355)
1.2 Forces and imposed or Subsidence, land slide Structural failure; loss of function and
restrained deformations appearance
1.3 Kinetic energy External impacts, Structural failure; loss of function and
Earthquake appearance
(ISO 3010, ISO 4354, ISO 21650)
1.4 Vibrations and noises Traffic and machinery Structural failure; loss of function and
vibrations appearance
Disturbance to human activity
(ISO 9996)
2 Electro-magnetic agents
2.1 Radiation Solar radiation Heating of the building fabric
Degradation of materials
2.2 Electricity Lightning Stray currents; surges
2.3 Magnetism Magnetic fields
3 Thermal agents Heat, frost, thermal shock Structural failure; loss of function and
appearance
4 Chemical agents
4.1 Water and solvents Air humidity Degradation of materials
4.2 Oxidizing agents Oxygen, ozone Degradation of materials
4.3 Reducing agents Sulfides Degradation of materials
4.4 Acid Sulfuric acid Degradation of materials
4.5 Bases Degradation of materials
4.6 Salts Sulfates Degradation of materials
4.7 Chemically neutral Neutral dust Explosion
5 Biological agents
5.1 Vegetable and microbial Bacteria, seeds Contamination of the indoor environment
5.2 Animal Insects, termites Degradation of materials of biological origin
a
ISO has standardized the descriptions of some mechanical agents for structural design.
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Table 4 — Examples of factors affecting human behaviour and consequences/states
Human behaviour Factors affecting human behaviour Consequences/states
1.  Physical abilities
1.1  Walking Differences in level Tripping, Falling
1.2  Balance Slippery slope Falling
1.3  Handling
1.3.1  Gripping Failure to grip Falling
1.3.2  Grasping Failure to grasp Falling
1.3.3 Manipulation Improper operating Malfunctioning
1.4 Strength and
endurance
Self-closing device on manual door
1.4.1  Strength Difficulty in closing/opening
required to resist wind forces
1.4.2  Endurance Long sloping path without resting-places Difficulty in reaching the destination
1.5  Lifting Heavy vertically sliding sash window Hard to open
Window furniture positioned without
1.6  Reaching Hard to operate
easy reach
Where only one-way communication is
1.7  Speech Hard to communicate audible information
required
2.  Sensory abilities
No alarming tactile walking surface
Risk of injury
indicators
2.1  Sight
Mistaking glazed areas for openings Risk of injury
Noisy environment Difficulty in making communications
2.2  Hearing
Inability to hear alarm Risk of failure to evacuate
2.3  Touch Surface with some metal Allergic reaction
Poor air quality Irritation of nose
2.4  Smell
Inability to smell something burning Risk of failure to evacuate
3.  Mental abilities
3.1  Cognition sign Finding way
3.2  Intellect sign Misunderstanding
3.3  Interpretation ambiguity Misunderstanding
3.4  Learning ambiguity Misunderstanding
3.5 Memory too complex Finding way
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Table 5 — Examples of changes in critical characteristics with changes in performance over time
Category Consequences of
Critical characteristics Cause
performance area characteristics change
Stability Intensity Cyclic loading Fatigue
Failure
Relation between the Cyclic loading Deflection
actions and the limits
Deformation
on the responses of the
structure
Structural durability Exposure duration Degradation
(e.g. UV radiation)
Freeze–thaw cycles Degradation
Weather tightness Weather resistance Wet–dry cycles Corrosion
Change of surface Pollutant Damage of surface
Fungi and moulds Degradation Failure
4.2.2.3 Performance parameters
Performance parameters establish quantitative requirements for an attribute. They may vary
considerably depending upon the type and nature of the performance that is being specified. For
example, parameters for
a) reactions to agents can be framed around the quantum of the agent, such as the total of loads at the
limit state of the structural system for structural safety performance,
b) influence to human activities can be framed around the height difference level that is likely to
trigger tripping for 95 % of average users,
c) impact on society can be framed around the level of simulated emission of CO per year, and
2
d) changes in performance over time can be framed around the expected level of performance after
30 years in use, or years for the performance expected to deteriorate to 70 % level immediately
after construction.
Performance parameters which relate to the contribution to sustainable development are frequently
linked to indicators. Such indicators should be
a) objective, verifiable and reproducible, and
b) wherever possible, linked to predetermined benchmarks, reference levels or scales of value which
are within levels acceptable to the user and meet the expectations of the community and society.
An indicator should be accompanied by an explanation that describes how to assign the value of the
indicator.
NOTE Indicators can address economic, environmental and social impacts directly, or issues that have
consequences on impacts. Such consequential indicators can be useful for the assessment of the impacts of
buildings on sustainable development. In some cases, consequential indicators will address more than just a
single aspect of sustainable development (see ISO 21929-1).
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4.2.2.4 Evaluation of solution(s)
Evaluation of solutions sets up the framework for demonstration of compliance with performance
requirements. Demonstration of compliance with performance requirements for the building as a
whole or a part of a building is usually achieved by means of one or more of the following distinctly
different approaches:
a) by application of deemed-to satisfy rules, compliance with referenced standards or achieving or
exceeding a stated performance indicator which can be readily evaluated;
b) by appointing a competent person to demonstrate compliance through:
1) application of well-established engineering principles, relevant international or national
standards or suitable authoritative publications;
2) interpretation of test results or experimental models based on assumptions, levels of
reliability, data, practices, proced
...