10 new European standards for design of construction works will provide a common approach for the design of buildings and other civil engineering works as of 2010.

On 18-20 February, the European Commission held a conference to transfer background knowledge and expertise on the ten new Eurocodes published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in 2007 on the design of buildings to 300 delegates and national trainers from Member States.  

The aim of the Eurocodes is to boost business in the construction sector by removing technical barriers to trade with construction products and services within the 27 Members States.

According to the European Commission, the Eurocodes, which cover particular technical aspects such as fire resistance, bridge design, safety, durability, etc. will improve the quality of the products and services and create new jobs opportunities in the construction sector which currently covers 28% of industrial employment in Europe.

Eurocodes are built on best European practice, expertise and research achievements. They are the recommended means of giving a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the Construction Products Directive for construction works and products that bear the CE marking, as well as the preferred reference for technical specifications in public contracts.

For more information, contact Raluca Iagher at riagher@rics.org.