Shelf-life
Shelf-life is similar to lifespan, more commonly used for products, particularly consumables that deteriorate over time, such as food stuffs in general or adhesives for example in construction. It refers to a recommended time during which products remain effective, deterioration free, or acceptable, in certain conditions when used or the period of time that products can be stored, unused or shelved before their performance when used will be reduced.
For example the length of time a pot of paint can be stored or how long a battery can retain its charge or ability to be recharged.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accounting.
- Additionality.
- Cost.
- Cost consultant.
- Design economics.
- Design life.
- Discount rate.
- Discounting.
- Hard costs v soft costs.
- Key performance indicators.
- Life cycle.
- Life cycle assessment.
- Life Cycle Costing BG67 2016.
- Lifespan.
- Lifetime cost.
- Net Present Value.
- New Rules of Measurement.
- Sustainability quantity surveyor.
- Utilising life cycle costing and life cycle assessment.
- Value management.
- Whole-life value.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.





















