US TAG to ISO/TC 59
US TAG to ISO/TC 59 and SC 19
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 165 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
For the U.S., the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the national representative to ISO. ANSI relies on member standards development organizations to assure that U.S. interests are represented in the technical work of ISO. The International Code Council is accredited by ANSI to administer the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (US TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 59 (ISO/TC 59): Buildings and Civil Engineering Works and Subcommittee (SC) 19: Prefabricated Buildings.
About ISO/TC 59
ISO Technical Committee 59 develops international standards in the field of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works. ISO/TC 59 standards include but are not limited to those of:
- General terminology
- Organization of information in the processes of design, manufacture and construction
- General geometric requirements for buildings, building elements and components including modular coordination and its basic principles, general rules for joints, tolerance and fits, performance and test standards for sealants
- General rules for other performance requirements, including functional and user requirements related to service life, sustainability, accessibility and usability
- General rules and guidelines for addressing the economic, environmental and social impacts and aspects related to sustainable development;
- Geometric and performance requirements for components that are not in the scope of separate ISO technical committee
- Procurements processes, methods and procedures
ISO/TC 59 is organized into ten sub-committees:
- TC 59/SC 2 Terminology and harmonization of languages
- TC 59/SC 8 Sealants
- TC 59/SC 13 Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modeling (BIM)
- TC 59/SC 14 Design life
- TC 59/SC 15 Framework for the description of housing performance
- TC 59/SC 16 Accessibility and usability of the built environment
- TC 59/SC 17 Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works
- TC 59/SC 18 Construction procurement
- TC 59/SC 19 Prefabricated building
- TC 59/SC 20 Resilience of buildings and civil engineering works
The U.S. TAG to TC 59 will also serve as the U.S. voice to SC 19 on Prefabricated Buildings.
U.S. Participation in ISO/TC 59 and SC 19
What is a U.S. Technical Advisory Group?
U.S. technical experts to the ISO Technical Committees are organized into Technical Advisory Groups (TAG), which formulate the U.S. position on ISO TC matters. These positions are formally submitted by ANSI, as the U.S. voting member to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Any individual or organization based in the United States of America that has an interest in standards development is encouraged to participate through the ANSI accredited Technical Advisory Group (TAG). U.S. Representatives interested in participating in the TC 59 U.S. TAG should complete the Membership Application.
As TC 59 and SC 19 consider the development and approval of new standards and the establishment of new subcommittees and working groups, the U.S. TAG can weigh in to assure that U.S. interests are represented.
Participating in the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 59 and SC 19
The construction industry is constantly being challenged with demands of higher effectiveness and better profitability, and new demands emerge as globalization and international trade expand. The standards developed under ISO/TC 59 address these demands and benefit the entire industry. Additionally, SC 19 will cover the expanding field of off-site construction and pre-fabricated buildings. They also provide frameworks that other construction-related committees at ISO can build on in their work.
Participating in international standards development is one of the best ways to stay informed and build close mutually beneficial relationships with companies around the world. It also assures that international standards reflect the specific needs of U.S. industry and avoid unnecessary duplication or conflict. Participation in the U.S. TAG is open to all U.S. national interested parties who are directly and materially affected by the TAG’s activity.
There are many advantages to joining the U.S. TAG to TC 59 and SC 19. As a member, you will:
- Shape the future of your industry by lending expertise to the creation of building and civil engineering standards that will affect your business and international trade
- Benchmark your company’s position in the global marketplace
- Have access to documents at all stages of the process
- Network with peers from around the world
While the International Code Council is the ANSI accredited administrator of the U.S. TAG to TC 59 and to SC19, several other U.S. SDOs participate as ANSI accredited administrators to some of the TC 59 subcommittees. ASTM International is the ANSI accredited administrator to SC 8 and SC17, and ASHRAE is the ANSI accredited administrator to SC13. The U.S. does not currently participate in the other subcommittees.
For more information contact the TAG Administrator.