In a world where standards can be simply defined as agreed ways of doing things, they provide stakeholders with appropriate guidance to help them create structural frameworks to minimize risks, operate more efficiently and continuously improve. With many key players addressing and incorporating sustainability into their practices, ISO provides a guide to bring much-needed clarity to the conversation.

What kind of city do we want to live in? One that is smart, resilient and sustainable, of course. To achieve our vision, we need to start planning now, with a little help from ISO standards. Dr Bernard Gindroz, Chair of ISO/TC 268, explains.

We often think of planes and cars as the biggest polluters, but did you know the construction industry, which designs the buildings we live and work in, is one of the most polluting in the world? It therefore offers enormous potential to make our environment more sustainable. Progress is being made – but more can be done.