Overview
This publication aims to help those responsible for creating the building log book and the building user guides.
The complexity of modern buildings demands that we all have a greater understanding of how to operate buildings to achieve the optimum benefits and cost savings. Under Building Regulations, new buildings require some form of log book. BSRIA recommends the delivery team compile a Building Manual and Building User Guide. These will also satisfy the Building user information BREEAM credit. Although not compulsory, the completion of these documents is also recommended for existing buildings.
The Building Manual is intended to be an operator's guide to the building and will capture the building's design and operation needs. It is a single document that can be used to capture all future building changes and annual summaries of energy use and maintenance work. The Building User Guide provides the occupants with a simple, quick and easy guide to the everyday functions of the building.
BSRIA's new guide provides worked examples and links to editable templates. These provide building information compilers and building operators with a standard method of capturing information about their buildings. Editable Word versions of the templates are attached to the pdf of this guide, and are available as a free download to anyone purchasing a hard copy of the guide.
The Building Manual and Building User Guide will be invaluable as an easy-to-use reference tool for:
- bridging the knowledge gap between building occupants, users and operators and the design concepts
- staff training and induction to ensure familiarity with the building
- in-house and contracted staff needing to quickly access technical information
- the consideration of refurbishments or rearrangements to work spaces