Designing to reduce the chemical, biological and radiological vulnerability of new buildings (IP 7/15)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 7 September 2015, BRE published Designing to reduce the chemical, biological and radiological vulnerability of new buildings (IP 7/15) by Vina Kukadia and Alan Abela.
If there were a chemical, biological or radiological (CBR) release, it could have a major impact on buildings, their occupants and business operations and services. However, buildings are generally not designed to offer protection against CBR events.
Once built, retrofitting to mitigate against CBR impacts is time-consuming, disruptive and expensive. It is important therefore to consider and incorporate means of reducing the impact of CBR releases as an part of the initial design, planning and construction process.
This 12-page Information Paper considers ventilation and infiltration as the main potential routes for the ingress of contaminants into buildings and provides an overview of existing design standards, methods and practices that may be implemented at the design stage without adding significantly to costs.
Designing for CBR can:
- Improve the security and protection for occupants.
- Enhance indoor environments as a result of less environmental pollution ingress.
- Offer commercial advantages to developers from providing a high-quality building with an advanced level of security and protection.
- Shorten recovery phase following a CBR release, which may otherwise be extensive.
- Offer savings in costs for remediation.
The contents of the paper include:
- Introduction.
- Ingress of contaminants into buildings.
- Building air permeability (airtightness).
- Ventilation.
- Physical security of plant and equipment.
- Fire safety and CBR incidents.
- Building zoning.
- Shelter-in-place and incident response strategies.
- Building information modelling.
- Summary.
- References and further reading.
- Appendix: Summary of strategies to reduce the impact of CBR releases on buildings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building Research Establishment.
- COSHH.
- Deleterious materials.
- Environmental health.
- Hazardous substances.
- Indoor air quality.
- Methane and other gasses from the ground.
- Pollution.
- Radon.
- Solid and liquid contaminants risk assessments.
Featured articles and news
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.
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.