Which types of standards does the Building Code reference if Canadian standards are unavailable?

The correct answer identifies the reliance on international standards from established organizations when Canadian standards are not available. These international standards provide a comprehensive framework that encompasses various building practices and engineering principles recognized globally. Utilizing standards from reputable organizations, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ensures that the building code maintains high safety, sustainability, and operational performance levels, even in the absence of national standards.

In the context of building regulations, it is crucial to reference standards that are widely accepted and have undergone rigorous scrutiny. Standards created by local businesses may not have the same level of reliability or comprehensive review. Similarly, unreviewed standards lack the validation necessary to ensure safety and compliance. Furthermore, limiting references to only those developed within North America would unnecessarily restrict the scope of best practices and innovations available from the broader international landscape. Thus, the Building Code's reference to international standards helps to bridge gaps and maintain high construction quality and safety standards.