The standard ISO14006: a helpful tool to improve the competitiveness of the architecture firms

Abstract

In this article, the process of adopting the eco-design standard ISO14006 and its influence on the results in the architecture firms sector have been analyzed. With these aims, following an introduction and a description of the eco-design standard ISO14006, its dissemination has been presented. About this aspect, it should be remarked the strong impact that this standards has among the architecture firms. Subsequently, the research methodology based on the study of nine cases is shown. The results have been crossed with the data obtained from interviews with consultants, auditors, organizations that act as driving forces and a member of the technical committee ISO/TC207 at different times in the course of the investigation. Motivations, challenges and results of the process of adoption and certification of ISO14006 by architecture firms are then analyzed. Among the major findings, it was found that the adoption of the standard ISO14006 can be a helpful tool in order to improve the competitiveness of the architecture firms. Finally, in the last chapter of the article, some interesting conclusions both for architecture firms and institutions, in general, are shown.