Performance codes and standards primarily focus on what?

Performance codes and standards primarily emphasize specific performance objectives, which are measurable criteria that buildings and structures must meet to ensure safety, sustainability, functionality, and overall effectiveness. These performance objectives are related to various aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. By focusing on these specific outcomes, performance codes provide flexibility in how those objectives can be achieved, allowing for innovation and the use of different materials and technologies.

This approach contrasts with other factors such as cost effectiveness, historical preservation, or design aesthetics, which, while important, do not represent the core goal of performance codes. Cost effectiveness is often considered in project planning and budgeting but is not the main focus of performance standards. Historical preservation involves maintaining the character of existing structures, which may not align with new performance standards. Design aesthetics refers to the visual and stylistic aspects of a building, which, although important, is secondary to ensuring that structures function safely and effectively according to predefined performance criteria.