What does the objective-based format in the 2024 Building Code accomplish?

The objective-based format in the 2024 Building Code is designed to link technical requirements directly to the underlying objectives of building safety, health, accessibility, and sustainability. This approach enhances clarity by providing a framework for understanding how specific provisions contribute to overall goals. By articulating objectives, it makes it easier for designers, builders, and regulators to assess whether compliance is achieved through various means, thereby allowing for innovative design solutions while still meeting overarching safety and performance goals.

This format does not simply eliminate technical requirements nor does it focus exclusively on energy efficiency; rather, it encompasses a broader range of considerations to ensure comprehensive building performance. While it may simplify some aspects of compliance, simplification is not the primary aim; instead, the emphasis is on fostering understanding and alignment between code requirements and safety objectives.