BS 8536:2022 design, manufacture and construction for operability
"This British Standard promotes the smooth delivery and operation of built assets throughout their lifecycle by maximizing the value that can be derived from information and data. BS 8536:2022 is also a consolidation and update of its predecessors, BS 8536-1:2015 and BS 8536-2:2016 into one single document."
BS 8536:2022 is directed toward individuals and organisations preparing or contributing to design, construction and operations, in both the public and private sectors, including organisations procuring a new asset/facility and owners upgrading, re-purposing or refurbishing an existing asset/facility.
A coherent set of recommendations and supporting guidance for all functions is given with an integrated delivery team, including supply chain, on how to design, manufacture and construct built assets and facilities to optimise their operability over the asset’s entire planned operational life.
It covers three specific areas :
- Needs in design, manufacture and construction.
- Requirements for safety, security, efficiency and net zero carbon delivery, operation and use.
- Awareness of end-of-life strategies for decommissioning, repurposing or demolition.
An emphasis on the adoption of a whole-life view of an asset/facility and the need to realise value from it; not solely its design, manufacture and construction, upgrading, repurposing or refurbishment. The importance of recognising the vast amount of information and data about an asset/facility that is generated and exchanged during its lifetime and the need to adopt a security-minded approach to the handling of such information and data.
The BSO group explains:
"This standard began life in two parts: BS 8536-1:2015 on facilities management and BS 8536-2:2016 on asset management. These have now been consolidated into one document to help achieve two ends: to better reflect developments in the UK BIM Framework and, it is hoped, to play a part in helping accelerate the adoption of sustainable building and infrastructure practices."
"At the same time, the revision has given the standard’s authors - who include RIBA and RICS as well as BIFM (the British Institute of Facilities Managers), CIBSE (the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) and IAM (The Institute of Asset Management) - an opportunity to enrich the content further."
"To that end it now more closely aligns with the requirements of the BS EN ISO 19650 series of standards on information management using building information modelling, and with PAS 1192-6on health and safety using building information modelling. It also applies the principles for sponsoring, directing, managing and transitioning projects (see BS 6079) individually or as part of a programme or portfolio (see BS ISO 21500 family) and gives greater consideration to risk management across the project lifecycle in line with BS EN ISO 31000."
It is seen by BSI as helping maximise the value that owners and operators derive from a built asset, helping increase efficiency during delivery and operation, and helping operate buidlings more safely, securely and effectively, in line with environmental, social and economic targets. It can also help strengthen risk management approaches, accelerate the use of practices that promote sustainable buildings and infrastructure, and increase stakeholder confidence about the built asset.
It supports Government Soft Landings (GSL) by promoting the early involvement of the operator, operations team or facility manager, extending the commitment on the part of the design and construction team to post-handover aftercare and correct, safe, secure and efficient operation in line with environmental, social, security and economic performance targets. In turn, this approach is fundamental to maintaining the “golden thread” of a facility’s purpose by aligning the interests of those who commission, design and construct with those who use and maintain the asset.
BS 8536:2022 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being; Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth; Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure and Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
This article is based on articles and blog posts publsihed by the BSI group, as well as direct quotes from the organisation, for further information from the original articles please use external links below.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BIM.
- BIM glossary of terms.
- BIM standards.
- BS 1192-4:2014. Collaborative production of information Part 4: Fulfilling employer's information exchange requirements using COBie – Code of practice.
- BS 8536-1:2015 Briefing for design and construction. Code of practice for facilities management (Buildings infrastructure)
- BS 8536-2:2016 Design and construction: Code of practice for asset management (Linear and geographical infrastructure).
- PAS 1192-2.
- PAS 1192-3.
- PAS 1192-5:2015 Specification for security-minded building information modelling, digital built environments and smart asset management.
- Post occupancy evaluation.
- Soft landings.
[edit] External Links
- https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/blog/Built-Environment-Blog/bs-85362022/?utm_source=GaggleAmp&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SM-STAN-LAU-BUILD-BS+8536-2108
- https://shop.bsigroup.com/products/design-manufacture-and-construction-for-operability-code-of-practice/standard?_ga=2.253177481.1644581801.1650364894-1731909012.1650364894
- https://shop.bsigroup.com
Featured articles and news
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
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.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
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.