CROSQ/CDB Project
PREPARATION OF THE REGIONAL BUILDING STANDARDS
(GA113/REG)
In November, 2004 a consultative meeting involving key stakeholders from throughout the Region was held at Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at which the methodology for developing new RBS was developed. The meeting confirmed that the RBS would utilize the ICC standards as the base code for the RBS with Caribbean Application Documents (CADs) being developed which would set out the requirements that are specifically applicable to the Caribbean Region. In addition, the need to develop guides specifically for small building construction was acknowledged.
By letter dated May 5, 2006 the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) submitted a revised technical assistance (TA) proposal and request for Grant funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to assist in financing the cost of developing new Regional Building Standards (RBS). The activities involved include a review of the base codes, preparation of Caribbean Application Documents (CAD), training of potential users, strengthening of building control agencies and consensus building activities among key stakeholders.
The project will be executed by CROSQ utilizing procedures and processes as outlined in the “Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards” published by the World Trade Organization. A RTC has been established by CROSQ to coordinate the development of the RBS. This committee will in turn appoint technical sub-committees (National Technical Sub-Committees) through the national standards bodies of CROSQ member states that will be responsible for standards review/development and will report to the RTC through the PEU. A dedicated PEU, supported by Standards Development Consultants (SDC) and Technical Consultants for Member States will be established within CROSQ charged with the management of the project.
The objective is the produce an updated and comprehensive set of RBS and the expansion of their use in the Caribbean, thereby facilitating the safer and more efficient design of buildings in the Region.
The ultimate benefits that will arise from the development and enforcement of a new regional code will mean greater uniformity in the standard of building design in the Region as well as safer and more appropriate design standards which will contribute to a reduction in the risk and attendant loss of life and property
The activities of the project include:
Awareness