Because standards establish performance criteria, consistent methods and acceptable practices, they are the most recognized way of implementing measures to address a need or problem. For example, the advent of curtain-wall construction required the use of high-performance elastomeric sealants. In 1967, Federal Specification TT-S-230a was adopted. This standard established minimum performance requirements and test methods for sealants used in commercial construction.
Standards have come mainly from government agencies and industry associations. The federal government was once very active in developing standards through the General Services Administration, and a number of federal specifications are still referenced today. However, the government turned such development activity over to the private sector represented by industry associations.