This part of ISO 15686 provides a generic basis for performance evaluation for feedback of service life data from existing buildings and constructed assets, including a definition of the terms to be used and the description of how the (technical) performance can be described and documented to ensure consistencies.

The purpose of this part of ISO 15686 is to describe the principles for service life performance surveys and evaluation with an emphasis on technical recommendations. It aims to describe a generic methodology, including the terms to be used, that provide guidance on the planning, documentation and inspection phases, as well as on analysis and interpretation of performance evaluations, both on the object (single building) and network (stock of buildings) level. While maintenance planning is outside the scope of this part of ISO 15686, this standard acknowledges that maintenance-driven inspections, and subsequent recommended actions, could have significant effects upon service life and performance.

ISO 15686‑7 is intended for all members of a building team, e.g. building owners and developers, professional advisors, constructors, assessors, manufacturers of building products, insurers, managers of both publicly and privately owned constructed assets.