Sustainability in building construction - Can new standards deliver answers to old questions?

The structure of International Standards Organization (ISO TC 59/SC 17) on Sustainability in building construction is summarized. The subject matter of ISO TC 59 SC 17 standardization activities are buildings and construction works. Other standardization activities exist in the area of object performance for example ISO TC 59/SC 3 on Functional/user requirements and performance in building construction and ISO TC 59/SC 15 on Performance criteria for single family attached and detached dwellings are also discussed. Within the scope of ISO TC 59/SC 17, the description of characteristics and attributes as well as of additional information on building products concerning the environmental and occupants health are covered.