November 2002
Building technology developers are discovering that developing a new product does not necessarily mean that consumers will beat a path to their door. A new or innovative product or technology can only achieve market success if it meets the building codes, standards, and regulations adopted at the Federal, State, and local levels (and abroad). Products that have difficulty securing code approval are less likely to be specified for use. The result is a lack of sales.
This report is intended to facilitate the acceptance of new building technologies by helping developers and proponents of innovative building products more effectively plan for and address technology acceptance and approval. It defines and describes the benefits of technology acceptance planning; provides a general overview of how building regulations, standards, and model codes are developed, adopted, implemented, and enforced; and describes who is involved in those processes. The report then integrates that information into a discussion of the activities associated with developing and implementing a successful technology acceptance plan to help technology innovators concurrently address product development and building construction regulations, resulting in more cost-effective and timely introductions of new building technology with increased confidence in technology acceptance and approval.
Taking a new building technology from idea through development and deployment to market acceptance is complex, requiring many activities. Because the building industry tends to be highly regulated with respect to building construction regulations, technology acceptance must be considered during technology research, development, and deployment (RD&D). If this issue is ignored, costs and resource needs will escalate, and the producer’s ability to market the technology will be curtailed significantly.
Prepared for:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Prepared by:
National Evaluation Service, Inc.
36 pages