CSA Group has a public consultation open until July 20, 2026, for CSA S478:26, Durability in Buildings (New Edition), which includes: 

• fundamental durability requirements for the design of a new building and its elements; 
• criteria for the design for durability of a building and its elements, including requirements for design life, estimated service life, and predicated service life; 
• criteria for construction processes that affect durability; and 
• provisions for construction review. 

The standard is intended to be used by owners, designers, and constructors working from design conception to building completion and handover. 

Read the background on CSA S478 on the CSA website and participate in the consultation through the CSA Draft Review site. 

Note that CSA S478:19 Durability in Buildings, which is referenced in both Ontario’s Building Code and the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is available for free to licensed OAA members via the CSA Standards Access Program. 

Learn more about the CSA’s public review program by visiting the CSA Public Review homepage. 

This article originally appeared in an edition of Practice Advisory—a newsletter developed by the OAA’s Practice Advisory Services team, which offers numerous resources for both members and the public. 

The OAA does not provide legal, insurance, or accounting advice. Readers are advised to consult their own legal, accounting, or insurance representatives to obtain suitable professional advice in those regards.