What is ISO 15686-1:2018?

ISO 15686-1:2018 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the service life planning of buildings and constructed assets. The standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), outlines a systematic and structured approach to ensure that these assets are designed, operated, and maintained to meet their intended function and performance requirements throughout their lifespan.

Understanding Service Life Planning

Service life planning involves considering the full lifecycle of a building or constructed asset, from concept design to demolition or disposal. It includes activities such as design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. The goal is to optimize the performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of the asset while minimizing risks and ensuring safety.

The Benefits of ISO 15686-1:2018

ISO 15686-1:2018 offers several benefits to organizations involved in the construction and management of buildings and constructed assets:

Consistency: The standard provides a common framework for assessing and managing the service life of assets, enabling consistency in decision-making processes and facilitating communication between stakeholders.

Risk Reduction: By adopting a systematic approach to service life planning, organizations can identify and mitigate potential risks associated with the deterioration, obsolescence, or failure of assets. This reduces unexpected costs and ensures the long-term viability of the structure.

Sustainability: ISO 15686-1:2018 promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the consideration of environmental impacts, resource efficiency, and whole-life performance when designing and managing assets.

Cost Optimization: By integrating service life planning into asset management strategies, organizations can make informed decisions regarding maintenance, repair, and replacement activities. This helps optimize costs by balancing short-term expenses with long-term performance requirements.

Implementing ISO 15686-1:2018

To implement ISO 15686-1:2018, organizations should follow a step-by-step process:

Establish Objectives: Clearly define the goals and scope of service life planning, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder needs.

Gather Data: Collect relevant data such as historical performance, environmental conditions, asset characteristics, and user requirements.

Perform Assessments: Use appropriate assessment methods to evaluate the current condition and expected future performance of assets based on the collected data.

Develop Strategies: Develop strategies and action plans to optimize the service life of assets, considering factors such as durability, maintainability, and technological advancements.

Implement and Monitor: Implement the defined strategies, closely monitoring asset performance and periodically reassessing their condition.

Continuously Improve: Regularly review and improve service life planning processes and strategies based on feedback, lessons learned, and evolving industry practices.

By following these steps, organizations can effectively manage the service life of buildings and constructed assets, ensuring their longevity, functionality, and value throughout their intended lifespan.