Building User Guide

What it entails

A building user guide (BUG) should help building users and facilities managers access, understand and operate the building efficiently and in accordance with the original design intent.

Typically a BUG should include the following:

  • Overview of the building and its environmental strategy
  • Building services overview and access to controls
  • Provision of, and access to, shared facilities
  • Safety and emergency information or instructions
  • Building-related operational procedures specific to building type or operation
  • Building-related incident reporting and feedback arrangements
  • Provision of, and access to, transportation facilities
  • Provision of and access to local amenities
  • Links, references and relevant contact details
  • Pre-arrival information for visitors
  • Refit, refurbishment and maintenance arrangements or considerations
  • Building related training information or links

    • BREEAM & Part L

    There is a 1 credit available in the Man 04 issue of BREEAM for producing a Building User Guide, and this credit is also required to achieve a minimum project rating of “Excellent” under BREEAM 2014 and “Very Good” under BREEAM 2018.

    Another difference between BREEAM 2014 and 2018 is that; for the former only 1 BUG has to be produced and for the latter 2 BUGs have to be produced, one for building occupiers and the other for facilities managers.

    Part L regulations also have a requirement that a Home User Guide should be produced and handed over to the occupants before they move in. This should contain non-technical advice on how to operate and maintain the home in a healthy and energy efficient manner.

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