ISO 20887

ISO 20887:2020 is an international standard titled “Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Design for disassembly and adaptability — Principles, requirements and guidance.” It provides a framework for integrating Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfD/A) into construction projects to enhance sustainability, circularity, and long-term value.

🧩 Key Principles of ISO 20887

• Design for Disassembly (DfD):
  
  

  • Enables safe, efficient removal of components at end-of-life or for reuse

  • Encourages use of materials and joints that allow easy separation

  • Supports selective demolition and material recovery

• Design for Adaptability (DfA):
  
  

  • Facilitates future modifications, expansions, or repurposing

  • Reduces need for demolition and new construction

  • Enhances building resilience and lifecycle performance

📐 Applications and Scope

ISO 20887 applies to:

• All building types (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional)

• Civil engineering works (bridges, roads, pipelines, etc.)

• New construction, renovation, and refurbishment

It’s used by:

• Architects, engineers, and designers

• Developers and building owners

• Regulators and sustainability certifiers

🏗️ Integration with CAM and CRCF

In Italy, ISO 20887 is referenced in the Criteri Ambientali Minimi (CAM) for public procurement. Projects must demonstrate disassemblability and selective demolition aligned with ISO 20887 to qualify for green building incentives and circular economy goals.

Under the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), product-based carbon storage (e.g., in buildings) must show long-term durability—ISO 20887 helps validate that through its DfD/A principles.