Reference to ‘an equivalent standard’ in the criteria ensures there is flexibility for different or newer standards to be used to demonstrate compliance. The ‘equivalent standard’ needs to address the requirements of the referenced standard and be demonstrably equivalent or more robust. It is the role of the assessor or design team to verify this.
Different, new or other standards may be used if these achieve the aim of the referenced standards within the criteria. They could potentially be those published or only available after the launch of a scheme.