Fixed building services
According to the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide published by HM Government in 2013, the term ‘fixed building services’ refers any part of, or any controls associated with:
- Fixed internal or external lighting systems, but does not include emergency escape lighting or specialist process lighting.
- Fixed systems for heating, domestic hot water, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation.
- Any combination of those systems.
Approved Document L, Conservation of fuel and power, Volume 1: Dwellings, 2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments, suggests that fixed building services are defined in regulation 2(1) as:
…any part of, or any controls associated with:
- a. fixed internal or external lighting systems (but not including emergency escape lighting or specialist process lighting);
- b. fixed systems for heating, hot water, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation; or
- c. any combination of systems of the kinds referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air conditioning.
- Building Automation and Control System BACS.
- Building management systems.
- Building services.
- Building services engineer.
- Domestic building services compliance guide.
- Fixed external lighting.
- HVAC.
- Mechanical ventilation.
- Non-domestic building services compliance guide.
- Principal works.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.

















