Building element categories

'Buildings' includes new build, refurbishment, masterplans and external works

Key
mandatory
not applicable

Notes:
Scope, element breakdowns and descriptions are based on NRM 3 and arranged as far as possible based on discipline usually repsonsible for the design. Scope remains
consistent throughout the project but the reporting detail increases as asset is designed and delivered.

Any non-permanent site samples/panels/mock-ups 1m x 1m or above recorded in A5 against the specific building element within which they fall.

RICS WLCA Standard RICS WLCA Standard 2023

RICS WLCA Standard 2023 - post
2023 - concept design - planning/pre-tender RICS WLCA Standard 2023 - Scope notes
completion/most detailed
stage estimating
0.1 Treatment and 0.1.1 Toxic/contaminated 0.1.1.1 Toxic/contaminated material Removal and disposal of any hazardous materials (eg asbestos), including any
demolition works material treatment treatment material from existing services installations or tanks or removal of toxic
Facilitating works Demolition works chemicals. Environmental treatment or removal of contaminated ground.
Eradication of plant growth.
0.1.1.2 Demolition works Demolition in this context is anything that covers a more extensive scope of
works than alterations. Removal/deconstruction/demolition of existing
structure, envelope, fabric, fittings and services of an existing building such as
required to create clear site conditions for new asset. Removing and disposing
of complete building or structure including services, fittings and finishes.

0.1.2 Facilitating works 0.1.2.1 Temporary supports Temporary fencing, provision of support to unstable structures but not forming
part of the permanent works. Does not include supports for facade retention,
which is included below. Any removal or disposal also included.
0.1.2.2 Facade retention Works related to facade retention. Includes addition and removal of any
dedicated, facade supports required. May include permanent additions such as
dead, raking, flying or box shores, wall plates, needles, brackets, blockings,
wedges, dog-irons or other similar metal work. Foundations to any shores.
0.1.2.3 Specialist groundworks Site de-watering and pumping. Soil stabilisation, site formation and slope
treatment including erosion control, specialist site surface clearance not
included in 8.1 Site Preparation below (clearing, grubbing, topsoil stripping, tree
felling, minor earthwork removals). Gas venting.
0.1.2.4 Temporary diversion works Temporary surface drainage, temporary protection, diversion and relocation of
public utilities. Include works required to divert and re-instate for new
asset/clear ground condition.

0.1.2.5 Extraordinary site investigations Archaeological investigations, wildlife mitigation measures (relocation to new
habitat/protection/barriers).

0.1.2.6 Site preparation works Covers getting the whole site to formation level, including the building footprint.
Earthworks required to create new paths and roadways (including any disposal
required). Disposal or management of surface/groundwater. General (non-
specialist) vegetation removal, tree felling, tree protection, extraction and
disposal of old piles. Breaking out and disposal of existing sub-structures, hard
surfacing, drainage systems, utilities networks. Filling of dis-used manholes,
shafts and pits. Removal of underground storage tanks.
1 Sub-structure 1.1 Foundations and piling 1.1 Foundations and piling Strips, rafts, piling, pile caps and underpinning. Foundations up to top of lowest
floor slabs (inc insulation and waterproofing). Include breaking out of hard
surfaces, excavations required, disposal and earthwork support. (Any vertical
supports for basements included below.) Includes drainage and services within
the building footprint to the point of the first junction or manhole outside of this
area.
1.2 Basement retaining 1.2.1 Lowest slab Entire lowest floor assembly below the underside of screed or lowest floor slab.
walls and lowest slab Can be ground bearing or suspended. To include any structural screed and
underslab waterproofing and insulation. Formation of sumps, pits, chambers,
tanks, swimming pool base integral to the lowest floor construction. Non-
structural items including screed, insulation/DPM above slab, covered in 3.2.2.

1.2.2 Suspended slabs Slabs within the basement box. Can include a slab that forms the entrance to the
building where the ground is sloping. For the purposes of this measurement the
ground slab is the highest one you can enter the building from. Entrance slab
and those suspended below are included in this category, while those above are
included in the upper floor slabs.
1.2.3 Basement retaining walls Basement retaining walls (inc. vertical retaining structure, insulation and
waterproofing external to the wall). To include lift pit lateral supports and any
permanent, vertical retaining structures within building envelope.
2.1 Frame 2.1.1 Frame (vertical) - columns/ Structural vertical framed elements including columns, structural walls or braces
structural walls & braces that are supporting a floor or roof (inc. connections, formwork, permanent
structural casing and any fire proofing). Core and shear walls are included here.

2.1.2 Frame (Horizontal) - beams, joists Horizontal structural framed elements including beams, joists or braces (inc.
& braces connections and any fire proofing). Will include any structural framing for roof
(e.g. where pitched) and external or internal wall assembly (e.g. secondary
framing, lintels or wind posts without which architectural wall elements would
fail).
Note: monolithic beam structures cast with the structural slab are included in
2.2.1.
2.2 Upper floors 2.2.1 Upper floor and roof - structural Horizontal structural slabs above the lowest and suspended slabs. Including
2.3 Roof slabs monolithic horizontal beams or joists (inc. connections, formwork, permanent
structural casing and any fire proofing). Includes roof structural slab that forms
primary support to roof or thermal enclosure/weather protection to an internal
space below. This would include terraces, inset balconies, bolt on balcony
structures or podium landscaping (inc. formwork, structural screed, permanent
structural casing and any fire proofing).
Insulation, weather protection, rainwater goods/drainage and final finish to roof
included in 2.5 below.
2.2.2 Upper floor and roof - non- Horizontal, non-structural slabs above the lowest and suspended slabs (inc. any
structural slabs slab to slab connections, fire proofing and permanent formwork or lining that is
integral to the system).
Structural support or enclosures for tanks or pools (above lowest slab level).
Includes:
Mezzanine structures
Structural slabs to corridors or bridges (internal or external)
Maintenance routes or interstitial plant floor.
Structure to support tiered seating, internal galleries.

2.4 Stairs, ramps and safety 2.4.1 Stairs Stairs flights excluding any final finishes but inc any fire proofing. Include
guarding connections, but ensure not to double count horizontal slab or structure. Include
the structural element of any balustrade. Architectural balustrade linings
included in internal assemblies and finishes. Where stairs are external but
connected to it and required for the escape strategy of the asset, include them
within the building calculation. If part of the external works, including them in
category 8.
2.4.2 Ramps Ramps lengths excluding any final finishes but inc any fire proofing. Include
connections, but ensure not to double count horizontal slab or structure. Include
the structural element of any balustrade. Architectural balustrade linings
included in internal assemblies and finishes. Where ramps are external but
connected to it and required for the escape strategy of the asset, include them
within this category. If part of the external works, including them in category 8.

2.4.3 Safety and access ladders, chutes, Internal and external vertical access ladders for fire escape, access or
slides and guarding maintenance. Chute or slide linings within structural and boarded enclosures.
Including finishes and fixings. Internal/external balcony and/or roof guarding
including structure and finishes where this is not part of the thermal line of the
building. Includes juliette balcony guarding.
Super structure 2.5 External envelope 2.5.1 External - opaque envelope External wall build up outside to inside, including final internal boarding,
2.5 External envelope including roof finishes excluding specialist internal linings and final finishes. Including:
including roof finishes - all fixings and bracketry to connect back to primary and SFS package; ties,
2.6 Windows and ext DPMs, cavity trays, closers, fire barriers and reveals
doors - external shading, canopies, shutters, not part of the window/glazing/door
system (inc. finishes and connections)
- architectural boarding and finishes to balcony guarding (structural elements
included above)
- any louvred or grille assemblies as part of the external wall build up
- roller shutters and associated boxing and equipment. Power distribution in
MEP below.
- external rainwater goods and rainwater drainage equipment/guttering that
runs vertically outside or within the external wall build up (internal, vertical
rainwater drainage is included in MEP)
- insulated underside of returns/ soffits that form part of the thermal and
weather protection line
- parapets and railings that are the extension of the external wall to provide
safety protection and gable walls
- chimneys and/or green walls, planters and planting (inc substrate and drainage
layers) that form part of the external wall
2.5.2 External - full height glazing Floor to ceiling curtain walling or unitised/framed construction or structural
systems glazing. Including glazed units, gaskets, framing, bracketry and connections back
to structure. Where same system includes solid or insulated spandrel panels
include these here. Include films, blinds, insect protection that are integral to
glazing system. Include any photovoltaic material integral to the thermal and
weather protection of the building. If energy-generation is building mounted but
not part of the thermal envelope include in MEP below.
Include glazed shop fronts where these are full height (punched, framed
windows within category 2.6).
Where external doors are integrated into glazed screens and cannot be
separated, please see note in external doors below.

# Classification - Public
 2.5.3 External - roof finishes/coverings Solid roof finishes above structure including non-structural screeds for falls,
waterproofing, insulation and final finish including green rooves. Where eaves
hang out over external walls those are included. Finishes to balconies and
terraces about structure where these form part of the thermal line are included
here. Include external rainwater goods and rainwater drainage equipment/
guttering that might runs horizontally to falls externally over roof assemblies.
Where it runs internally, included in MEP and vertical equipment included in
solid external walls. Access or AOV hatches that form part of the thermal
roofline.
2.5.4 External - safety systems Including fall protection/safety equipment for cleaning and maintenance
operatives (e.g. handrails, latchways, cradle systems). For powered equipment
include all parts of the system, but power distribution is included in MEP below.

2.6 Windows and ext doors 2.6.1 Windows - vertical Windows that are punched into a solid wall construction and are part of the
thermal building line. Including vertical dormer windows. Include films, blinds,
shutters insect protection that are integral to glazing system and not separately
building mounted. Including cills.
2.6.2 Windows - roof or horizontal Rooflights and structural glazed rooves that form the thermal and weather
protection as part of a roof construction. Including frame, trims, thresholds,
ironmongery, closers. Include films, blinds, shutters, insect protection that are
integral to system and not separately building mounted. For automatic opening
include all parts of the system, but power distribution is included in MEP below.

2.6.3 External doors External doors that form part of the thermal building line whether solid, glazed
or revolving. Fanlights or sidelights integral to the door system are included.
Including frame, trims, thresholds, ironmongery, closers. Include films, blinds,
shutters, insect protection that are integral to door system and not separately
building mounted. For automatic doors include all parts of the system, but
power distribution is included in MEP below. In the specific case that a door
assembly includes surrounding glazing (this could be the case for sliding doors
integrated into glazed screens), include the whole assembly in this category.
Where the two can be separated, report in both full height glazing systems and
external doors.
Super structure 2.7 Internal walls 2.7.1 Internal walls -solid Non-structural/ non-loadbearing internal wall assemblies including studs from
2.7 Internal walls and floor to ceiling and boarding. Includes:
partitions - unfinished boarded linings to structural walls
2.8 Internal doors - internal boarding to balcony walls and stair/ramp balustrades
- insulation required to meet performance criteria
- internal cubicle systems and vertical panelised access systems to bathrooms
- internal planters including protection, filter membranes and drainage
- internal green walls including substrate, membranes and drainage
requirements
- deflection heads
(Final finish included in 3 Finishes)
2.7.2 Internal walls - non-structural Non-structural/ non-loadbearing internal glazed wall assemblies. Includes:
glazed walls, windows and vision panels - framing and fixings, integral blinds, films
- punched windows in solid walls, including framing, connections and trims
(secondary framing including lintels included above)
Where internal doors are integrated into glazed screens and cannot be
separated, please see note in internal doors below.

2.8 Internal doors 2.8 Internal doors Internal doors inc. movable walls, sliding, folding doors, fire shutters and doors
in glazed screens. Fanlights or sidelights integral to the door system are
included. Including framing, trims, thresholds, fixings, vision panels,
ironmongery, hinges, closers, hooks, fire/acoustic seals, integral blinds and
films. When reporting electrically powered doors, the wiring up to the door is
excluded, the fitting is included. In the specific case that a door assembly
includes surrounding glazing (this could be the case for sliding doors integrated
into glazed screens), include the whole assembly in this category. Where the two
can be separated, report in both full height glazing systems and external doors.

3 Finishes 3.1 Wall finishes 3.1 Wall finishes Internal wall finishes and specialist architectural linings applied/sprayed/painted
over general boarding (external wall builds or internal assemblies) or structural
elements. Include:
- taping, skim coats and plastering
- final wall finish, skirtings and trims including shadow gap trims, dado and
picture rails
- adhesive/framing to hold the lining/finish in place
- fire protection
- tiled finishes
- vertical acoustic panelling fixed to partitioning
- wall protection including bumper rails, corner guards, protection strips,
coatings
3.2 Floor finishes 3.2.1 Raised access floor or specialist Raised access/floating floors, specialist sprung floors. Including internal and any
sprung floors external areas under cover and cavity barriers in any floor voids. Include the
concrete dust sealer in this category.

3.2.2 Non-structural screed Non-structural screed or insulation to make up floor to final finish. Including
internal and any external areas under cover.
3.2.3 Floor finishes Internal floor finishes above structure. Including internal and any external areas
under cover, internal stairs (risers and treads) and/or ramps within the
designated footprint. Final architectural finish including tiles, sheet flooring,
painting, sealing, adhesive fixings, boarding, mats and matwells. Tiled linings to
swimming pools included here. Line markings in internal car parks/sports halls,
etc. Floor boxes to be included in MEP categories.
3.3 Ceiling finishes 3.3 Ceiling finishes Internal ceiling finishes and specialist architectural linings applied/sprayed/
mounted/hung/painted from horizontal structural elements (slabs and beams).
Include:
- boarding, insulation, taping, skim coats and plastering
- final finish and any trims including shadow gap trims, cornices, ceiling roses
and coving
- adhesive/framing/fixing to hold the lining/finish in place
- access hatches, trims and accessories
- fire protection and cavity barriers in ceiling voids
- acoustic panelling/systems hung from or fixed to ceiling.
4 FF&E 4 FF&E 4.1 General FF&E Fittings that are part of the building fabric (do not fall out when building turned
upside down) and required for the building to function, but excluding specialist
functions where FF&E should be included in 4.3.

Built in counters, desks, drawers, cupboards, fixed kitchen cabinets and drawers,
storage, lockers, built-in seating/ mirrors, fireplace/hearth, statutory safety
signage. Blinds/curtains, boxes and tracks that are integral to a comfortable
internal environment. Bird, insect and animal control or deterrent systems. In
regards split between fixed FF&E/sanitaryware, category 4.1 includes fixed items
that do not involve plumbing like shower screens, hand dryers, hooks for
clothes.

Excluding plug-in kitchen equipment, specialist FF&E and client procured loose
4.2 Kitchen equipment Loose (usually client supply) equipment (that would fall out of the building if
turned upside down), including plug-in and fixed appliances and white goods,
cookers, fridge, freezer, dishwasher.
4.3 Specialist FF&E Equipment that is fixed but would be required only related to a specialist use
including sports, leisure, entertainment, theatrical, medical, research or
laboratory functions. Eg fixed theatre seating, fixed accessibility equipment like
hoists, specialist gas terminals/taps.
4.4 Loose FF&E Loose (usually client supply) fittings, furniture and equipment (that would fall out
of the building if turned upside down). Bins, chairs, tables, desks, mobile units,
storage, rugs, lamps, towel/ storage rails, hung mirrors, wayfinding signage.
whiteboards/ pinboards, loose fire fighting equipment like
blankets/extinguishers/hand operated appliances. Any decorative or art work
that is not built into the building fabric. Planting that is not part of the building
fabric. Vending machines.

Including specialist non-fixed equipment not covered by 4.1, 4.5 or 4.6

4.5 IT Loose (usually client supply) IT items including computers CRAH units.
Telephones and WiFi. Cabling contained below in MEP electrical.
4.6 Audio and visual Audio/visual equipment (usually client supply) including screens, mics, speakers,
projection systems. Cabling contained below in MEP electrical.
5.1 Public Health 5.1.1 Sanitaryware 5.1.1 Sanitaryware Sanitaryware - any appliance that is permanently plumbed into the washing or
toilet areas. Including toilet, cistern, shower tray, bath, taps, controls, shower
heads, basin units, sink, instant hot water heater, washing machine, dishwasher,
autoclave.
5.1.2 Cold water systems 5.1.2.1 Cold water systems Thermostat, thermal meters, cold water meters, pumps/booster set, other
meters, pipework, pipe insulation, support/hanger, frost protection and trace
heating equipment.
5.1.2.2 Cold water storage Storage tank, CAT 5 system, Treatment and filtration system for wholesome
water.
5.1.3 Drainage and 5.1.3.1 Surface water/rainwater/foul Piping, insulation, support, rainwater storage tank, attenuation, outlets, pumps,
rainwater water drainage downpipes), sewage piping, condensate piping, insulation, support, cistern,
traps, pump, drain.
5.1.3.2 Water reuse systems Grey water/rain water harvesting storage tank, pipework and treatment
equipment inside the building line.
5.2 Heating, Ventilation 5.2.1 Space heating and hot 5.2.1.1 Heat & Hot water generation Gas/electric boiler, air/water/ground heat pumps, chiller, local water heater,
and Cooling (HVAC) water equipment wood burning stove, biomass boiler, solar thermal. Communal heating systems
where housed within the building footprint are included here until it gets to the
meter (after which it is included in distribution). Pit and manifold should be
included here even if outside of the building footprint. Plate heat exchanger that
connects to a district heating network. Hot water generation equipment (e.g.
calorifier) should be included as well.

5.2.1.2 Heat & hot water distribution, Electric radiator, wet radiator, underfloor heating, etc. heat interface unit, plate
control, ancillaries, emitters, heat exchanger, pumps, mechanical switchboard, pressurisation unit, dosing
exchangers/ terminal units pot, BC box, dehumidifier, vibration mounts, thermostat, thermal meters, hot
water meter, pipework, pipe insulation, support/hanger, frost protection and
trace heating equipment.
5.2.1.3 Heat storage equipment Hot water store, buffer vessel, expansion vessel.
5.2.2 Dedicated cooling 5.2.2.1 Cooling generation equipment Cooling tower, fan coil units.
installations

(If the system does both

heating and cooling, include
it in heating)

# Classification - Public
 5.2.2 Dedicated cooling
installations 5.2.2.2 Cooling emitter, exchangers/ Cold water store, buffer vessel, expansion vessel for cooling, pumps, mechanical
terminal units, ancillaries and control, switchboard, pressurisation unit, dosing pot, BC box, dehumidifier, vibration
(If the system does both distribution, storage mounts, thermostat, thermal meters, cold water meter, pipework, pipe
heating and cooling, include insulation, support/hanger, frost protection and trace heating equipment.
it in heating)

5.2.3 Air movement 5.2.3 Air movement Fans, MVHR, AHU, ceiling fans, Kitchen ventilation, air curtains.
5.2.4 Ventilation air 5.2.4.1 Air terminals Diffusers, grilles, VAV, Louvre, CAV, etc.
terminals, ductwork and
ancillaries, control dampers, 5.2.4.2 Ductwork & ancillaries Ductwork, insulation, support, fire rated ductwork, support.
attenuation, fire safety 5.2.4.3 Control dampers, attenuation VAV damper, volume control damper, fire damper, fume and smoke extraction.
related to ventilation and fIre safety related to ventilation Motorised fire smoke damper, stair case pressurisation, fire rated fans, pressure
equipment equipment relief dampers, controls, louvres, gas extract. Also including acoustic
attenuation.
5.3 Electrical installations 5.3.1 Lighting 5.3.1.1 Internal lighting Internal light fixtures, outlet, junction box, socket, light control, cable, switch.
5.3.1.2 External lighting (building Lamps/ poles/ supports etc that are building mounted. External light fixtures,
mounted) outlet, junction box, socket, light control, cable, switch.
5.3.1.3 Emergency lighting Emergency lights, controls, cable, switch.
5.3.1.4 Other lighting Task lighting, stage/entertainment lighting, retail display lighting, architectural
lighting including associated light fixture, outlet, junction box, socket, light
control, cable, switch.
5.3.2 Electrical services for 5.3.2.1 Electrical power Includes internal and building mounted installations. Power cable, cable trays
power, communications, containment, panel board/ distribution, back up equipment, busbar,
security, IT and fire transformer, sockets/ switches, floor boxes, sensors. It includes high voltage, low
detection voltage, small power, containment.
5.3.2.2 ELV/ Communications/Security ELV: Low, medium and high voltage systems
Security: CCTV equipment, security sensors and alarm
Communications and audio visual equipment
5.3.2.3 IT & Data IT equipment: anything related to data, e.g. wifi equipment, server, backbone
and structured cabling (cat6, etc.), computers, printers, data cabinets, patch
panels, etc.
5.3.2.4 BMS BMS/controllers on fan coils, outstation, main controller system with computer
(headend), cabling required, control valves, sensors for temperature statistics,
etc.

5.3.2.5 Electricity back up generation UPS back up generation, battery supply, stand by generators within the building
line.
5.3.2.6 Fire detection & alarm Fire alarm systems including detection, cabling, fire fighting panel and final call
unit.
5.4 On site renewable 5.4.1 On site renewable 5.4.1.1 Renewable energy - electrical Solar PV panel, inverter, wind turbine, water turbine building mounted or within
energy generation energy generation generation onsite and building mounted building footprint.
5.4.1.2 Renewable energy - storage battery within building footprint.
onsite
5.5 Systems including Life 5.5.1 Life safety 5.5.1.1 Sprinkler system Pipes, heads, valves, tank, hose, pumps.
safety, Fuel installations, 5.5.1.2 Fire fighting systems Dry and wet riser, hydrant, within designated building footprint, AOV controls/
Lift and conveyor sensors, fire suppression system.
installations, Services 5.5.1.3 Lightning protection/earth Lightning conductor, earth rods.
equipment bonding
Disposal installations, 5.5.2 Fuel installations 5.5.2 Fuel installations All fuel supplies other than electric, anything pumped or pressurised.
Specialist installations, Gas equipment: connection, Gas meter, pressure regulator, pipes, valves
Builders work in Fuel storage tank on site, dry stores
connection with services Augers
5.5.3 Lift and conveyor 5.5.3.2 Lift, stair lift, lifting platform To include the systems, but power to the system included in Electrical
installations Installations.
5.5.3.3 Escalators and moving walkways To include the systems, but power to the system included in Electrical
Installations.
5.5.4 Specialised and 5.5.4 Specialised and communal waste Refuse, incinerators and any systems for specialist/ communal waste streams
communal waste disposal disposal and disposal installation.
5.5.5 Specialist installations 5.5.5 Specialist installations & Equipment that is specialist but not fixed should be included here, e.g. related to
& maintenance maintenance labs/research, cold room, commercial kitchen, hospitals, medical facilities/
specialist care, animal welfare, agricultural buildings, manufacturing,
warehouses, emergency services, entertainment buildings, sports/ swimming
pools/ stadia, museums, archives, religious buildings, restaurants, shops,
Maintenance equipment, Powered building signage, laboratory gases, carbon
capture technology, internal pools and fountains
Acoustic equipment not included in FF&E
Cleaning system: central vacuum system, etc
Other services equipment not included elsewhere.
5.5.6 Builders work in 5.5.6 Builders work in connection with Sleeves, fire stopping to protect penetrations (not within ducts/systems), access
connection with services services platform, step overs, plinths (to raise equipment to protect from spills, leaks,
etc.).
6 Pre-fabricated buildings 6 Pre-fabricated buildings 6 Pre-fabricated buildings and building Only include Category 1 MMC (volumetric off-site) in this category and only
and units and building units units report total emissions at concept stage. Following this, the pre-fabricated
volumetric elements must be broken downs into their constituent building
elements and reported within the relevant lines. All other MMC categories to be
reported within the defined building element categories, including at concept
stage.
7 Works to existing 7 Works to existing 7.1 Alterations Minor removal/alteration/cutting back of minor portion of existing structure,
buildings buildings envelope, fabric, fittings and services of an existing building. Deemed minor
enough not to report under demolitions above. Alterations such as required to
create clear site conditions for new works within this WLCA.
7.2 Repairs to existing Materials and processes required for repairs to retained items within an existing
Cleaning existing surfaces building from any of the building element categories above. If items are being
General Renovation works fully replaced as new rather than repaired, include in relevant categories above.
Examples:
- masonry/repairs including cutting out small areas and repairing, replacing
brick ties, re-dressing, re-grouting, re-pointing
- concrete repairs including removal and replacement of defective, cleaning and
rust-protecting reinforcement, re-surfacing, mesh reinforcement, impregnation
- metal repairs including replacement and renewal of small areas, cleaning and
restoring, straightening, rust-proofing, framing repairs, staircase/balustrade
repairs
- timber repairs including replacement and renewal, resin repairs, small splicing
to existing structural members, framing repairs, stairs or balustrade small item
replacements,
- plastic repairs
- removal of stains, soots, growths, vegetation, bird droppings and similar.

7.3 Damp-proof courses/fungus and Injecting or installation of chemical/mortar/mechanical damp-proof courses.

beetle eradication Opening up works and cutting out or chemical treatment of infested existing
building material.

8.1 8.1.1 Roads, paths, pavings, surfaces Preparation of sub-base works including treatment, laying, levelling, grading and
Roads, paths, pavings, compacting. Blinding, in-situ concrete including formwork, reinforcement,
surfaces connections, drainage/weed membranes, kerbs, edgings, accessories, surface
Fencing, railings, walls applied pavement/road/pitch markings, worked finishes. e.g.:
External fixtures - coated macadam or asphalt finishing
- masonry, bricks, paving, tiles, cobbles, setts
- gravel, stone chippings, wood-chipping
- grass perforated matting
- surfaces designed for playgrounds, sports or other specialist uses
- all systems required to manage surface water drainage and/or attenuation.
Accessories might include cat's eyes, tree grilles, traffic calming, smoke outlets,
pavement lights, roundabouts, crossings (pelican/zebra), signage, connections to
power etc
- Steps, staircases and ramps (including sub-structure, formation and final finish)
outside of the designated building line.
8.1.2 Fencing, railings, walls Timber, metal, concrete, masonry fencing, railing, gates, walls, dwarf walls that
are external and not part of the building thermal envelope and are new (Repairs
covered in 8.8). Vehicle and pedestrian barriers that are required to take a
specific loading for protection purposes, with associated gates. Including all sub-
structure requirements, components, posts, fixings, ironmongery, accessories
like copings, powered equipment, controls and final finishes.
This category includes retaining walls that are not part of the building. Usually
formed from concrete, timber or masonry, including all sub-structure/piling
requirements, reinforced earth, drainage requirements, membranes,
components, fixings, accessories like copings, joints, preservatives, final finish,
gabions.

8.1.3 External fixtures Site street furniture including gates (where not part of fencing or barriers),
turnstiles, fixed/collapsible/removable bollards, seats, benches, tables, litter/grit/
dust bins, poster displays/notice boards, cycle stands/sheds, directional signage,
flag poles, external sports/playground equipment, minor footbridges, bus stops,
shelters, telephone boxes, post boxes, sculptures/external works of art,
Ornamental water features including any sub-structure, tanks, components,
pipework, controls and equipment required.

8.2 Soft landscape, planting, 8.2 Soft landscape, planting, irrigation Seeding and turfing, preparing soil to form lawns, parklands, external planted
irrigation areas, hedges, shrubs, blubs, reed beds, trees, woodlands. Including soil
preparation, herbicides, topsoil, any reinforcement, e.g. for root zones, drainage
systems, supports systems for planting like wires/trellises and the plants/trees
themselves if not installed from seed. Marking out for grassed sports pitches.
Irrigation systems including pipelines, storage tanks, chemical systems, outlets,
controls, protection to systems.
Where trees/planting is installed in a generally hard landscaped area, sub-
structure related to tree pit, etc. is included here. Works associated with the
hard landscaping to incorporate the tree included in 8.2 above.
8.3 External drainage 8.3.1 External drainage Foul water/surface water/land drainage below and above ground, from first
External services manhole beyond the enclosing wall of the building, the sewer connection or
Minor building works other outfall (e.g. on-site sewage treatment facility). Including trenches,
pipelines, fittings, beds, backfill, cradles, supports, connections, gullies and
gratings (e.g. on roads). Packaged pumping stations, outfalls/outlet heads, final
coatings, pre-fabricated channels, chambers, manholes, channels, soakaways,
cesspools, petrol interceptor units. Also includes any alterations, repair works,
filling or cleaning of existing drainage systems, manholes and gratings.
Installations related to Sustainable urban drawing systems (SUDS) (not planted).
Also includes drainage of hazardous liquids like chemicals and industrial liquid
waste.

# Classification - Public
 8.3.2 External services General note: this category contains all services not building mounted or
accommodated outside of the building footprint.
- Piped water supply systems bringing water from the statutory undertakers
mains to the point of entry into building including distribution to external user
points (eg external plant and equipment and fire hydrants). Fire hydrants/
rainwater recycling/grey water recycling outside designated building line.
Includes tanks, pipework, trace heating, insulation, connections.
- Distribution of high voltage electricity from the statutory undertakers supply to
an on-site transformer station, distribution of low voltage electricity from the on-
site transformer to the main switchgear panel within the building and external
installations for providing electricity including emergency or standby generators.
Including cables, wiring, boards, trunking, access covers, connections,
distribution, trenches, pits, packaged/transformer sub-stations, UPS
installations, on-site renewable/non-renewable energy generation external to
the building, including wind turbines, solar panels/PVs or other.

- Piped natural gas supply systems taking gas from the statutory undertaker’s
mains to the gas meter; and taking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from external
storage vessels to distribution point, including mains gas supply and distribution
of gas supply to external user points (e.g. to external plant and equipment).
Including distribution, access covers, connections, trenches, pits, storage tanks/
bottles.
- Connection of telecommunications systems, cable television, internet and other
communication systems from statutory undertaker’s or other service provider’s
supply to the main distribution point within the building. Including cables,
wiring, boards, trunking, access covers, connections, distribution, trenches, pits.
- External fuel storage and piped distribution systems. Storage tanks and vessels
external to building, and piped supply systems distributing oil, petrol or diesel
from storage tanks or vessels to the entry point within building or to external
plant and equipment. Including distribution, pumps, valves, insulation, access
covers, connections, monitoring equipment, trenches, pits, storage tanks/bottles.
- External site/street lighting systems including for pedestrian areas, paths,
roads, illuminated traffic signs, external lighting. Including cables, wiring, boards,
trunking, access covers, connections, distribution, trenches, pits, controls and
the luminaires/lamps themselves. Lighting to sports pitches.
- Security systems including CCTV, camera poles, general external power
supplies for security equipment and specific security lighting.
- Sundry builder’s work associated with the installation of water, gas, electricity,
heating, ventilation, above-ground drainage, telecommunications and other
services. Including ducts, protective coatings, holes, chases, sleeves, covers, fire
stopping, labelling, bases, etc. not included elsewhere.

8.3.3 Minor building works, ancillary Refurbishment of and alteration to existing separate external small ancillary
buildings, including overhauling existing mechanical and electrical plant and
equipment. Small repairs to fencing/walls/barriers covered here. Examples
might be repairs to boiler houses, sub-station buildings, fuel storage, bicycle
stores, sheds, storage units, guard huts, external/floor standing canopies. Also
included is under-pinning to existing external walls for repair purposes.

# Classification - Public