Building User Guides
‘The Building User Guide (BUG) provides the end-users / occupants of the building with a simple, quick and easy guide to the everyday functions of the building in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment while complimenting the efficient operation of the building to the full potential provided by the design.’ Building Services Research and Information Association (BISRA)
This key piece of handover documentation ensures that critical design and construction information is passed from the project Architect / Engineer and Builder / Service Contractor to the building user / occupier.
Ensuring that the design concept and intended building operation is passed on assisting with the reduction of energy use and maintenance costs.
BUG’s are non-technical guides, and typically include the following sections:
- Building Overview;
- Visitor Information;
- Transport details including car parking provisions, location of cyclist facilities and public transport information;
- Emergency Contact Information;
- Local Amenities;
- Shared Facility information such as End of Trip;
- Training details and space for future training to be recorded;
- Building Services: heating / ventilation / air-conditioning / lighting / security / power;
- Targets for the reduction of energy, water and waste and initiatives to reduce use;
- Monitoring provisions for energy, water and indoor environment quality;
- Waste management strategy and provisions in place for use by tenants and building occupants.
Building User Guides are often provided for buildings which are seeking sustainable certification such as BREEAM, Green Star, WELL or LEED as part of the Management Credit. Although, a BUG would be a beneficial addition to any set of handover documentation even if not being officially assessed.
Author: Louise Gardner, General Manager of Dewick & Associates