ABSTRACT
This chapter considers what a compliant building should be like. It describes the principal concerns that society has for developments and analyses the concept of sustainability for buildings. The chapter explains the importance of each body of official powers affecting development. Since the 19th century professional practice has grown under a mass of accumulated legislation to ensure that buildings are acceptable. The principles of sustainability are, of course, embedded by the designer and executed by the builder. The management of energy is frequently perceived in terms of providing and maintaining cost-effective energy usage in buildings. The Disability Rights Commission was created by and charged under the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999 with overseeing good practice under the 1995 Act, including the arrangements for access to premisess. For new build, compliance with the building regulations fulfil many of the physical requirements of workplace fire precautions, such as fire alarms, fire detectors and fire fighting equipment.
