Best practice
The term ‘best practice’ (sometimes used interchangeably with ‘good practice’) refers to the method or technique by which an activity is carried out and relates to certain standards that have been established in terms of quality, ethics, regulations, benchmarking, and so on.
Best practice is a desired result that is often developed through experience and research and is accepted as being a better option other alternatives. As such it becomes a standard way of carrying out tasks or complying with requirements. By committing to follow best practice, an individual or organisation is agreeing to use the widely-accepted and approved knowledge and technology available to ensure a good outcome.
Best practices can be based on the adoption of policy, self-assessment and/or benchmarking. Accredited management standards such as ISO 9000 are intended to facilitate best practice by helping organisations develop their approach to directing, controlling and coordinating quality.
In the construction industry, best practice is commonly defined by standards, which are published documents that are intended to define the common specifications, methods and procedures that are to be used. By establishing common standards, greater reliability and consistency is ensured in terms of the quality, compatibility and compliance of the particular product, service, material, and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural practice.
- BEIS Reforming Regulation Initiative.
- Benchmark
- Benchmarking.
- Chartered institute.
- CIAT agrees to collaboration arrangement with CIB.
- Code of conduct.
- Constructing and renovating UEFA training facilities.
- Construction products regulations.
- Design-Build Institute of America DBIA.
- Design quality.
- Ethics in construction.
- Independent review of construction frameworks.
- Legislation.
- London Build 2020: Best Practice in Design and Build panel discussion.
- Professional.
- Professional conduct.
- Professional practice.
- Standards.
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.