Model Format for Building Services Specifications BG56 2016
BSRIA (the Building Services Research and Information Association) is a non-profit distributing, member-based association with a mission ‘to make buildings better.’
BSRIA guide, Model Format for Building Services Specifications (BG56/2016) was written by John Sands and published in March 2016. It is a joint venture with CIBSE (the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) and BESA (the Building Engineering Services Association).
Inaccurate specifications can cause confusion, produce errors in pricing and exacerbate problems in the commercial and contractual process. BG56/2016, the second edition of the guide 'Model Format for Building Services Specifications', is intended to improve the efficiency and understanding of all parties involved in preparing and using building services specifications.
It helps ensure specifications are written so that they are understandable by users, clearly describing what systems are to be provided and how they should be operated once installed. It provides a framework for the arrangement of sections and clauses within which an author can use their content with the least amount of change.
Section 2 describes traditional specification practices and Section 3 provides guidance about preparing more effective specifications. Section 4 describes a model specification format, and examples are provided in the appendices.
The guide also provides classification information, including tables for Uniclass 2015, the classification structure prescribed by the UK Government for use in Level 2 building information modelling (BIM) to help clarify its use in building services applications.
--BSRIA 09:10, 02 Apr 2016 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BIM.
- BSRIA
- Building services
- CIBSE
- Specification.
- Uniclass 2015.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.