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 and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.