The British Council for Offices (BCO) has published a series of recommendations to property agents, investors and developers on how to specify office space.
In an early update to the BCO’s Guide to Specification, the council has recommended: the adoption of 10 sq m space per person – the former high occupancy density allowance of 8 sq m per person has been redefined as a special use case for exceptional purposes; a minimum sustainability target of BREEAM Excellent and 5-star NABERS for new buildings; and aspirational targets for operational and embodied carbon use to meet net zero carbon goals.
The BCO has also recommended: increased levels of outdoor air supply; more efficient lighting installations; reduced power and cooling loads; the introduction of higher performance facades; and more flexibility in the range of structural spans for office space.
It said the new recommendations would help create ‘healthier offices that support changing working patterns, while reducing carbon emissions’.
Richard Kauntze, chief executive of the BCO, said: “The BCO Guide to Specification often described as the ‘design bible’ for the office sector is an essential resource for the decision makers who invest in, develop or design millions of square feet of office space every year. The 2023 update will drive the decarbonisation of the office sector, enacting change to help the industry deliver on the UK’s net zero by 2050 target. This new guidance for the highest-quality offices introduces more generous space standards and greater design flexibility to support wellbeing and sustainability as the office sector adapts to the world of hybrid work.”
Neil Pennell, chair of the BCO’s technical affairs committee and head of design innovation and property solutions at Landsec, added: “The BCO’s new guidance reflects changes in design thinking since 2019 driven by net zero carbon targets, increased hybrid working post Covid-19, changes in regulations and improvements in equipment performance. There is a clear imperative to adopt a whole-building approach to decarbonise the sector which needs to start with the design and specification of new and refurbished office space.
“Developed in collaboration with the UK’s leading experts, the BCO Guide to Specification gives clear advice on how operational and embodied carbon can be reduced without compromising the need to provide flexible office space that meets the needs of occupiers and helps them to conduct their business in safe, healthy, comfortable and productive workspaces.”
