BSRIA has launched its new model format for Building Services Specifications (BG56/2016).

Revised in 2016, the guide is a joint venture with CIBSE and BESA. It provides a model format for building services specifications that will aid efficiency and understanding for all parties involved in preparing and using specifications.

BSRIA says that in this age of BIM it is easy to forget that the specifications are a crucial part of the information used during construction projects. They should clearly describe the systems that are to be provided and how they are intended to be operated once installed.

The guide provides the general framework covering 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, while section 3 gives key points on preparing more effective specifications and section 4 details the model specification format, together with an example in the appendices.

In addition to the classification information included in the first edition of BG56, this second edition now has tables for Uniclass 2015.

 Catherine England, BSRIA marketing officer, said: “Specifications which are inaccurate can lead to confusion and exacerbate difficulties in the commercial and contractual process. This guide aims to ensure specifications are written in such a way as to be readily understandable by the user.”

The guide is available to purchase from the BSRIA bookshop and complements Design Framework for Building Services (BG6). It is available as part of a set with this guide for a 20% discount.