Rules of Thumb (UK 4th Edition) Guidelines For Building Services

A BSRIA Guide www.bsria.co.
uk
Rules of Thumb (UK 4th edition)
Guidelines for building services

Edited by Kevin Pennycook
BG 14/2003
Contents
ContentsContents
Contents
Space and weight allowances
TABLE 1: Floor space allowance for services 2
TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms 3
TABLE 3: Miscellaneous services 6
TABLE 4: Space allowances for services 7
TABLE 5: Space allowances for service ducts and shafts 8
TABLE 6: Space allowances for catering facilities 9
TABLE 7: Floor space allowance per occupant 9
TABLE 8: Plant weight allowances 10
Equipment and solar loads

TABLE 1: Cooling loads 12
TABLE 2: Cooling plant 12
TABLE 3: Solar gains 13
TABLE 4: Heat loads 13
Comfort factors
TABLE 1: External conditions 14
TABLE 2: Ventilation and air conditioning 14
TABLE 3: Room air movement 15
TABLE 4: Noise levels 16
TABLE 5: Comfort data sheet 17
System features
TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant 18
Energy and carbon issues

TABLE 1: Energy conversions 24
TABLE 2: Energy benchmarks for offices 24
TABLE 3: Energy benchmarks for local authority buildings 25
TABLE 4: Energy benchmarks for hospitals 28
TABLE 5: Energy benchmarks for industrial buildings – volume 29
TABLE 6: Energy benchmarks for industrial buildings – area 29
TABLE 7: Energy benchmarks for sports and recreational use 30
TABLE 8: Energy benchmarks for hotels 32
TABLE 9: Energy benchmarks for banks and agencies 33
TABLE 10: Energy benchmarks for schools 35
TABLE 11: Energy benchmarks for further and higher education 35
TABLE 12: Energy benchmarks for MOD establishments 36
TABLE 13: Lighting systems benchmarks 38
Water consumption
TABLE 1: Hot water demand – daily 40
TABLE 2: Water demand – daily 41
Electrical systems
TABLE 1: Electrical supplies and loads 44
Cost data
TABLE 1: Mechanical and electrical services costs 45
TABLE 2: Cost data as a percentage of total services costs 46
TABLE 3: Services costs as a percentage of total construction cost 50
TABLE 4: Capital costs 50
TABLE 5: Office fit-out costs 53
TABLE 6: Annual service charges 55
TABLE 7: Annual mechanical and electrical costs 55
TABLE 8: Annual utility costs 57
TABLE 9: Whole life costs (air conditioning) 58
References for all sections 60

The story behind this guide
The The story
story behindthis
behind this guide
guide
Acknowledgements
This publication is the fourth update of the Technical Note TN 17/95:
Rules of Thumb first issued in 1995. The rules have been collected from
various contemporary sources in the building services industry and can
reasonably be held to reflect current design practices. The sources include
major design offices, individual engineers and public domain information
published by BSRIA and others.
The third edition of Rules of Thumb, issued in 2001, was vetted by an

industry review team, comprising: John Louis Auguste (Bovis Lend-
Lease), Dennis Bastow (NHS Estates), Brian Charlesworth (Troup
Bywaters & Anders), Laurie Clark (Cundall Johnston & Partners),
Michelle Field (Buro Happold), Manus Freeman (SVM Partnership),
Nigel Hawkes (Fulcrum Consulting), Glen Irwin (Roberts & Partners),
Bob Keenan and Dr Ian Selby (Sheppard Robson, on behalf of the
British Council for Offices), Nick Mead (ACDP), Nigel Pavey
(Foremans), Richard Tudor (WSP Group), and Gay Lawrence Race and
John Sands (BSRIA). We would also like to thank AMEC Capital
Projects, BAA plc, N G Bailey, Building Design Partnership, Foggo
Associates, Foremans Ltd, Hoare Lea & Partners, Max Fordham &
Partners, Stanhope, and Whitby Bird & Partners for their help.
This fourth edition, compiled and edited by Kevin Pennycook, contains

all the data compiled for the third edition, plus updated cost information,
new energy data compiled from the latest energy consumption guides,
and a new section on water consumption. One or two inaccuracies and
ambiguities have also been corrected since the publication of the third
edition.
Readers are advised to use this new edition in place of the previous one,
and to transfer over any personal rules of thumb they have compiled in
the light of experience.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including
photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher.
BSRIA Guide 14/2003 August 2003 ISBN 0 86022 626 3 Printed by The Chameleon Press Ltd
How
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guide
How
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What this guide will do
Rules of Thumb has been written to help engineers in the initial stages of
designing a building and its services. By gathering many of the most
common rules of thumb into one document, BSRIA has provided a
powerful source of initial design data that every engineer should find
indispensible.
Thumb rules (or heuristics as they are more properly known) are
extremely useful values to inform the early process of design, such as
project inception and outline briefing, feasibility planning, the
assessment of global loads and space requirements. They are also useful
for getting a initial grasp of services costs.
Rules of Thumb will help engineers carry out “what if” calculations, and
assist senior engineers in checking the work of more junior engineers.
The data in this book have been derived from a wide variety of
authoritative sources, all of which are clearly referenced. Users will find
rules of thumb for many different building types and building services
systems arranged as tables, and in alphabetical order.
The essential services data were originally assessed for usefulness and
relevance by a panel of experienced, practising services engineers. Any
data which were remotely questionable, or which might mislead users of
the information, were carefully vetted.
What this guide will not do

While every effort has been made to establish current practice, the
guide’s authors are keen to point out that the thumb rules are merely
aids to the design process. They must not be used in place of detailed
design data. The responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of this
data therefore rests with the engineer.
This guide has been designed to be your own personal reference

document. Use it, transfer your own data to it, and guard it jealously.
And please let us know how it works and where it can be improved.
Roderic Bunn
Publisher
BSRIA 2003
2
When to use: During the early stages of design prior to system analysis or plant selection
Where to use: Plant room sizes, riser cupboard locations and plant capacities
Watch out for: Poor information that fails to allow for installation, commissioning or maintenance
TABLE 1: Floor space allowance for services (as a percentage of floor area)
Design area Application Other information Rule of thumb Ref Your notes and comments
All services Simple factory 4% 26
Offices and commercial 6 – 10% 26
Hi-tech building 15 – 30% 26
Air conditioning (excluding Fan coil system 15 – 2 5% 26

boilers and refrigeration)
VAV system 3 – 4 5% 26
Cooling towers and air-cooled

condensers 03 – 1 5% 26
Electrical services (excluding 05 – 1 5% 26

sub-stations and standby
generation sets)
Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003

Lift motor rooms 02 – 0 5% 26
Refrigeration (excluding
cooling towers) Central plant 1 – 2% 26
Ventilation Toilet extract 03 – 1% 26
Supply and extract system 3 – 5% 26
All air low velocity system 4 – 6% 26
For references see page 60

TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms (floor area)
Air cooled condenser and Space for

controls installation and
maintenance 25 + kW/200 m2 29
Air handling units With extract/

recirculation 8 m2 per m3/s 29
Without extract/
recirculation 5 m2 per m3/s 29
Boilers Boiler plant 0 8 – 1 8% 26

(percentage floor area) and calorifiers Oil tank room 1 – 2% 26
Boilers Boilers, pumps, Output: 100 kW 15 m2 x 3 m 29

(floor area and height) piping and space for Output: 200 kW 25 m2 x 3 m 29
installation and Output: 1000 kW 80 m2 x 4 m 29
maintenance Output: 4000 kW 140 m2 x 5 m 29

Calorifiers Calorifiers, pumps, Vertical (1 m3) 10 m2 x 3 m 29
(floor area and height) pipework, controls Vertical (5 m3) 20 m2 x 4 m 29
and space for Vertical (10 m3) 25 m2 x 5 m 29
installation and Vertical (15 m3) 60 m2 x 3 m 29
maintenance
Horizontal (1 m3) 25 m2 x 3 m 29
Table 2 continued
3
4
TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms (floor area) continued
Chillers (water cooled) With pumps, Output: 1000 kW 50 m2 x 3 m 29

Floor area times height pressurisation, Output: 2000 kW 63 m2 x 3 m 29
pipework and Output: 3000 kW 83 m2 x 3 5 m 29
control panels Output: 4000 kW 108 m2 x 4 m 29
Chillers (air cooled) Located outside. Output: 200 kW 39 m2 29

Includes space for Output: 400 kW 53 m2 29
installation and Output: 600 kW 75 m2 29
maintenance Output: 800 kW 84 m2 29
Output: 1000 kW 98 m2 29
Output: 1200 kW 116 m2 29
Cold water storage Single cold water tank FA: Floor area
Includes space for V: gross storage m3
installation and 1 m high FA: 10 + V/0 75 m2 29
maintenance but add 2 m high FA: 10 + V/1 6 m2 29
space for 3 m high FA: 10 + V/2 4 m2 29
pressurisation plant
or circulation pumps

Cold water storage Minimum storage for Office – with canteen 45 litres/person 20
hot and cold outlets Office – no canteen 40 litres/person 20
Hotel 135 litres/bed space 20
Hostel 90 litres/bed space 20
Restaurant 7 litres/meal 20
Day school 15-20 litres/pupil 20
Boarding school 90 litres/pupil 20
Children’s home or
residential nursery 135 litres/bed space 20

Cold water storage Nurses’ home 120 litres/bed space 20
Nursing or
convalescent home 135 litres/bed space 20
Hot water storage Minimum

storage capacity Dwellings 115 litres/bedroom 21
Student and nurses’

homes 20 litres/bed space 21
Children’s home,
elderly sheltered and
elderly care home 25 litres/bed space
Hotels, budget 35 litres/bedroom 21
Hotels, 4/5 star 45 litres/bedroom 21
Offices, shops
and factories 5 litres/person 21
Schools: nursery,
primary, secondary 5 litres/person 21
Schools, boarding 25 litres/person 21
Hospitals: district
general, surgical ward

and medical ward 50 litres/bed 21
Hospitals, paediatric 70 litres/bed 21
Hospitals, geriatric 40 litres/bed 21
Sports changing:
sports hall and
swimming pool 20 litres/person 21
Sports changing:
field and all-weather pitch 35 litres/person 21
Places of assembly such

as libraries, museums 1 litre/person
and cinemas (excluding staff) 21
Table 2 continued
5
6
TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms (floor area) continued
Cooling towers FA: floor area

(kW: heat rejection) FA: 50 + kW/66 m2 29
Sub-station 2000 kVA

transformers 47 m2 29
Switchgear HV switchgear 14 m2 29
HV + LV switchgear 27 m2 29
Standby generation Standby sets and

accessories FA: floor area FA: 15 + kVA/30 m2 29
Uninterruptible power supply Single module

system (add space

TABLE 3: Miscellaneous services
Control panels and distribution Front panel controls, Fixing height range 1200 – 1800 mm 18
boards wall-mounted or (above finished floor
floor standing or operating platform
level)
LTHW boiler plant Oil storage tanks, If tank fails, walls and
component criteria for distillate and doors treated to
leakage containment residual fuel oils contain spillage Tank contents + 10% 19

TABLE 4: Space allowances for on-floor services (depth of clear space in ceiling/floor void)
Air conditioning VAV 350 – 750 mm 16
VRV 450 mm 16
Recessed chilled beams 350 – 450 mm 16
Surface chilled beams 250 mm 16
Chilled ceilings 250 mm 16
Fan coils 450 mm 27
Ducted air system 450 mm 27
Drainage 100 mm diameter 10 – 25 mm per m run 27
Soil and waste 150 mm diameter 7 – 16 mm per m run 27
Lighting Fluorescent 100 – 150 mm (

access) 16

Downlighter 150 – 300 mm 16
Power and communications Multi-core cables and

lighting cables 100 – 200 mm 16
Power and data

(heavy line) 200 – 250 mm 16
Computer rooms 300 mm 16
7
8
TABLE 5: Space allowances for service ducts and shafts
Air ducting Typical ducting size 0 2 m2/m3/s 30
Lift shafts Between 4 – 18 floors Internal shaft area

in office-type buildings A: floor area/
storey (250 m2 min),
N: floors 3+A(N-4)/250 m2 30
Mechanical service Simple pipework Depth needed to open

riser riser access door/panel when
width of door varies
with size/type of pipe
or depth of service/duct 690 mm 17
Pipework Pipe: 20 mm diameter 100 mm x 100 mm 30

Pipe: 25 mm diameter 120 mm x 120 mm 30
Pipe: 32 mm diameter 130 mm x 130 mm 30

Three-sided riser Minimum depth
from services to (open)
access door/panel 690 mm 17
Service ducts Vertical service duct Floor space served by

vertical service (radius) 15 – 23 m 30
Aspect ratio of vertical

service duct 2:1 to 4:1 30
Total duct area as a

percentage of gross
floor area 2% 30

TABLE 6: Space allowances for catering facilities
Kitchen and dining facilities Kitchens including Minimum needs:

preparation and Up to 100 meals 04 m2/meal 31
storage Up to 500 meals 0 25 m2/meal 31
For single sittings Ratio of kitchen

space to dining space 033:1 to 0 5:1 31
For multiple sittings Ratio of kitchen space

to dining space 1:1 31
TABLE 7: Floor space allowance per occupant (net internal area)


General offices 12 – 17 m2/person 4
Trading desks, call

centres, workstations 4 – 6 m2/person 4
Enclosed offices 15 m2 (or more)

per person 4
9
10
TABLE 8: Plant weight allowances
Single boiler 500 kW 1500 kg 59

1500 kW 4250 kg 59
2500 kW 6500 kg 59
Single storage steel calorifier 4 m3 1250 kg 59

8 m3 2500 kg 59
12 m3 3300 kg 59
Single non-storage mild-steel 500 kW 150 kg 59

heating calorifier 1000 kW 225 kg 59
1500 kW 275 kg 59
2000 kW 325 kg 59
Single water-cooled 1500 kW 10 000 kg 59

liquid chiller 3000 kW 20 000 kg 59
4500 kW 30 000 kg 59

Single air-cooled liquid chiller 500 kW 6 000 kg 59
1000 kW 11 000 kg 59
1500 kW 14 000 kg 59
Single generator 500 kVa 5000 kg 59

1000 kVa 8000 kg 59
1500 kVa 11 000 kg 59
Single UPS system 100 kVa 1250 kg 59

300 kVa 2750 kg 59
500 kVa 4250 kg 59

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Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003 11

12
When to use: For estimates of thermal loads used to assess plant and terminal equipment sizes
How to use: To determine total solar and internal gains, multiply the loads by total floor area Equipment and solar loads
Watch out for: Actual solar gains depend on glazing and shading, and contribution of thermal mass
TABLE 1: Cooling loads

Banks 160 W/m2 34
Computer suites 400 W/m2 approx 34
Hotels 150 – 300 W/m2 34
Offices (general) 125 W/m2 34

Interior zones more
than 7 m from windows 75 W/m2 34
Perimeter zones 60% glazing 120 W/m2 34

up to 6 m 65% glazing 180 W/m2 34
Restaurants 220 W/m2 34
Retail buildings 140 W/m2 34
Rules Of Thumb BSRIA 2003

TABLE 2: Cooling plant
Central cooling plant Load/m2 of floor area 125 W/m2 36

Load/m3 of floor vol. 40 W/m3 36
Distributed cooling plant Load/m2 of floor area 140 W/m2 36

Load/m3 of floor vol. 45 W/m3 36
Electrical power for kW/kW cooling Central plant 05 kW/kW 36

refrigeration plant capacity Distributed plant 0 78 kW/kW 36

TABLE 3: Solar gains (over floor area)
Windows with (June-Sept) South facing 250 W/m2 of glass 34

internal blinds (June-Sept) East-West facing 150 W/m2 of glass 34
Clear double-glazed with

internal blinds Out-of-town building All data for 6 m deep, 2650 W instant 39
1500 mm wide module. 2490 W lag (mass) 39
U-value 33 W/m2K.
As above with flat slab Plus brise soleil 1860 W instant 39
1710 W lag (mass) 39
As above with coffered slab Plus brise soleil 1860 W instant 39

1680 W lag (mass) 39
TABLE 4: Heat loads

General buildings Floor area 90 W/m2 (30 W/m3) 34
Educational buildings 100 W/m2 34
Industrial buildings 80 W/m2 34

Offices 70 W/m2 34
Residential buildings 60 W/m2 34
Retail buildings 110 W/m2 34
Heat gains Offices Metabolic 10 W/m2 16

Lighting 12 W/m2 16
General offices Small power loads

(diversified over
minimum of 1000 m2) 15 W/m2 4
13
When to use: During the early stages of design
14
Where to use: When setting inernal environmental conditions based on known or assumed loads Comfort factors
Watch out for: Specific client requirements, and contexts that allow greater latitude in design settings
TABLE 1: External conditions

Winter design temperatures Without surplus -4C 37

for heating boiler capacity
With 20% surplus Single-storey building -3C 37

boiler capacity Other buildings -1C 37
Rate of lowering
outdoor design temp.
with altitude above
sea level -06 C/100 m 37
Summer design temperature Dry bulb temperature 28C 37

for air conditioning Wet bulb temperature 19 C 37
TABLE 2: Ventilation and air conditioning


Ventilation: recommended
maximum temperature Offices 95% operation/year 25C 4
Air conditioning: recommended

maximum temperature Offices 95% operation/year 24C (or lower) 4
IT rooms by classification Type A IT rooms Specifically designed

and built for
IT equipment
(ideally, isolated from
office areas) Dedicated IT room
required 38
Table 2 continued

TABLE 2: Ventilation and air conditioning continued
IT rooms by classification Type B IT rooms Designed for intensive

(continued) use of IT equipment at
workstations (where
air-conditioning must
be used) Air-conditioned office,
room or workspace 38
Type C IT rooms Room where IT

equipment is used at
workstations (may use
natural or mechanical
ventilation) Non air-conditioned
office, room or
workspace 38
TABLE 3: Room air movement


Maximum recommended In Winter 015 m/s 37
mean air velocities In Summer 0 25 m/s 37
At 21C 0 15 m/s 37
At 22C 0 2 m/s 37
At 23C 0 25 m/s 37
At 24C 0 3 m/s 37
On back of neck 0 2 m/s 37
Papers will lift at

velocities in excess of 08 m/s 37
Television and
broadcasting studios 02 – 0 3 m/s 2
15
16
Comfort factors
TABLE 4: Noise levels
Recommended maximum Very quiet rooms Concert halls, sound

background noise levels studios NR 20 37
Quiet rooms Bedrooms, theatres,

churches NR 25 37
Private rooms Small offices, libraries,

living rooms NR 30 37
Public rooms General offices,

classrooms, small shops NR 35 37
General areas Reception areas,

restaurants NR 40 37
Work areas Kitchens, computer

rooms, large shops NR 45 37
Industrial areas Factories NR 50 or above 37
Intelligibility of telephone Satisfactory Up to NR 50 37

conversation at background Slightly difficult Up to NR 60 37
noise levels Difficult Up to NR 75 37
Unsatisfactory Over NR 75 37
External noise level criteria for If more than 10 dBA Complaints expected 37
new noise (above background noise)
If less than 5 dBA Marginal 37
Limiting distances for speech Up to NR 40 7m 37

intelligibility (background noise Up to NR 45 4m 37
level) Up to NR 50 2 2 m 37
Up to NR 55 1 2 m 37
Over NR 70 Too noisy 37

TABLE 5: Comfort data sheet1
Building Type Internal design temperature Infiltration Ventilation Lighting level Noise level
Summer Winter (ac/h) fresh air (Lux) (NR)
Cinemas (sedentary role) 21-23C 19-21C 05 ac/h 8 l/s/person 300 lux NR25-NR30
Computer rooms (general) 21-23C 19-21C 1 ac/h 8 l/s/person 300 lux NR35-NR45
Education (teaching spaces) 21-23C 19-21C 2 ac/h 8 l/s/person 300 lux NR25-NR35
Exhibition hall/conference facilities 21-23C 19-21C 025-05 ac/h 8 l/s/person 300 lux NR40
Factory/warehouse 21-23C 11-21C 025-25 ac/h 8 l/s/person 750-1000 lux NR45-NR65
Fitness/health clubs (equipment rooms) 18C 12-18C 075 ac/h 10 – 12 ac/h 300 lux NR30-NR40
Hospitals (ward and patient areas) 23-25C 22-24C 2 ac/h 8 l/s/person 50-100 lux NR30-NR35
Hotels (bedrooms) 21-23C 19-21C 1 ac/h 8 l/s/person 50-100 lux NR20-NR30
Libraries (reading rooms) 24-25C 22-23C 025-075 ac/h 8 l/s/person 300 lux NR30-NR35
Museums and galleries (display, storage) 21-23C 19-21C 1 ac/h 8 l/s/person 200 lux NR30-NR35
1
Offices (general, BCO data) 24C 22C 025-05 ac/h 8-12 l/s/person 300-500 lux NR25-NR40
Retail (shops/stores) 21-23C 19-21C 05-1 ac/h 8 l/s/person 500-750 lux NR35-NR45
2
Swimming pools (pool halls) 23-26C 23-26C 05 ac/h 0-15 l/s/m (of wetted area) 300 lux NR40-NR50
1
Various sources including CIBSE Guide
2
British Council for Offices

17
When to use: During outline design before the architect has finalised space planning
18
Where to use: For determining the spatial and operational characteristics of main plant System features
Watch out for: The rules for boiler and cooling plant are based on unit floor area or unit volume
TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant

Air handling units

Air face velocity Heating coil 2 5 – 4 m/s 36
Cooling coil 10 – 2 5 m/s 16
Air supply Heating mode 30C (max) 16

temperatures Cooling mode 13C (min) 16
Coil water velocity Air discharge 06 – 2 m/s 36
Water pressure drop 10 – 40 kPa 16

Steam pressure drop 033 – 1 72 bar 36
Air distribution
From source Ceiling diffusers Limit of throw 8m 36
Surface projections Not to exceed
50 mm within 1m
of diffuser outlet 36
Non-zoning partitions Maximum height 66% of ceiling height 36
Sill diffusers Allowance for grille Allow 0 3 m

width 36
Boiler plant capacity Power per unit area 120 W/m2 floor area 36
40 W/m3 volume 36
Boiler plant efficiency Boiler efficiency Typical efficiency 75% 36

Efficiency losses Blowdown (steam) 2% 36
Casing 3% 36
Flue 15 – 20% 36
Boiler plant
Typical seasonal Condensing boilers Underfloor or warm
efficiencies water system 90% 22
Table 1 continued
Boiler plant
Typical seasonal Standard size radiators
efficiencies (continued) variable temperature
circuit Weather compensated 87% 22
Standard fixed-
temperature emitters 83/72C flow/return 85% 22
Non-condensing
boilers High efficiency boilers 80 – 82% 22
Good boiler design closely

matched to demand 75% 22
Typical good boiler 70% 22
Chiller plant capacity 1 kW/person 36
Fuel storage Class D oil Volume per kW 40 litres/kW 36
Ductwork
Typical duct velocities Low velocity systems 3 – 5 m/s 36
High velocity systems 7 5 – 15 m/s 36
Ductwork Inlet louvres Through free area 25 m/s 36
Maximum pressure drop Low velocity systems 1 Pa/m 36

rates (per metre run) High velocity systems 8 Pa/m 36
Typical system resistances Low velocity supply 900 Pa 36

(including air handling plant) Low velocity extract 400 Pa 36
High velocity supply 1 5 – 2 kPa 36
Air leakage system loss Low pressure systems Class A 6% 15

percentage Medium pressure systems Class B 3% 15
High pressure systems Class C 2% 15
Fans Electrical input (kW) 16 x total fan pressure

(kPa) times volume
flow rate (m3/s) 36
Air temperature rise Total fan pressure 1C per kPa 36
Table 1 continued
19
20
System features
TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant continued
Fans (continued)
Fan capacity of ventilated space Offices 1 4 litres/s per m3 23
Restaurants 35 litres/s per m3 23
Retail stores, halls, theatres 2 1 litres/s per m3 23
Heating systems
Total system volume Domestic systems Approximate value 6 x boiler size (kW)+10% 3
(system size, in litres) Commercial systems Approximate value 10 x boiler size (kW)+10% 3
Capacity per unit area of

radiator surface Conventional system 1 litre/m2 36
Capacity per unit of power Boilers 1 5 litres/kW 36

produced (boilers, radiators) Aluminium cast radiator 3 litres/kW 36
Extruded aluminium 1 2 litres/kW 36

Steel panel radiators 5 litres/kW 36
Pipework
Capacity per unit length of 15 mm diameter pipe 0 25 litres/m 36
of steel pipe 20 mm diameter pipe 0 4 litres/m 36
25 mm diameter pipe 0 6 litres/m 36

Water velocity 15 – 50 mm
pipe diameter 075 – 1 5 m/s 36
Conventional pipe systems Over 50 mm diameter 125 – 3 m/s 36
Steam pressure drop Initial pressure

per 100 m pipe run 6% 36
Water pressure Conventional pipe systems Over 50 mm diameter 100 – 300 Pa/m 16
Water velocity (system) Small bore 1 m/s 36

Microbore 1 2 m/s 36
Corrosive water 2 m/s maximum 36
Table 1 continued
Steam velocity Superheated steam 40 – 60 m/s 36

Saturated steam 30 – 40 m/s 36
Exhaust 20 – 30 m/s 36
Capacity per unit of finned area Finned tube coils 49 litres/m2 36
Pumps
Head pressure (pump head) Pressure (in kPa),
length (m) 036 x index
circuit length 36
Water treatment
Additives required Copper pipework With steel pipework Add 10% to water 36
Frost protection Glycol concentration 30% of system volume 16
IT facilities
Sizing guidelines for Net sensible cooling 3-12 kW Width 700 mm
downflow units Depth 400-700 mm
Height 2000 mm 53
16-20 kW Width 1300 mm

Depth 400-700 mm
Height 2000 mm 53

Depth 800 mm
Height 2000 mm 53

Depth 800 mm
Height 2000 mm 53

Depth 800 mm
Height 2000 mm 53

Depth 800 mm
Height 2000 mm 53
100 kW Width 5000 mm

Depth 800 mm
Height 2000 mm 53
Table 1 continued
21
22
System features
TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant continued
IT facilities continued
Typical cooling and power Electrical load Per kW/m2 of 3 to 4 kW/m2 53

requirements for IT cabinets cabinet/rack
and racks floor area
Cooling with air Per m2 of cabinet/

rack floor area 300 to 400 l/sm2 53
Cooling with water Per m2 of cabinet/ 025 to 0 35 1/sm2 53

rack floor area
Operating conditions Equipment Range: 5 to 35oC 53

temperature Change: +/- 0 3oC/min 53
Equipment humidity Range: 20 to 80% rh 53

Change: +/- 10%/h 53

Room temperature Range: 22 +/- 1oC 53
Change: +/- 0 5 K/min 53
Room humidity Range: 40% to 60% 53

Change: +/- 10%/h 53
Airflow rates 1 m3/s of air for

12 kW of cooling 53


23
When to use: When determining total building energy consumption
24
Where to use: From briefing onwards through to design and operation (See also CIBSE TM22) Energy and carbon issues
Watch out for: Change to the carbon conversion ratios which are continually being updated
TABLE 1: Energy conversions

Carbon dioxide emission

(Kg CO2/kWh delivery) by fuel Natural Gas 019 kg CO2/kWh 1
Oil 025 kg CO2/kWh 1
Electricity Average 046 kg CO2/kWh 1
Coal 030 kg CO2/kWh 1
CO2 to carbon Divide by 3 67 1
TABLE 2: Energy benchmarks for offices – annual consumption

Naturally ventilated (cellular) Energy costs over Good practice £3.50 m2 tfa 1
Type 1, simple relatively treated floor area (tfa) Typical £6.00 m2 tfa 1
small building, sometimes
converted residential, Gas or oil Good practice 79 kWh/m2 1
100 – 3000 m2 (delivered) Typical 151 kWh/m2 1

Electricity Good practice 33 kWh/m2 1
(delivered) Typical 54 kWh/m2 1
Naturally ventilated (open plan) Energy costs over Good practice £4.50 m2 tfa 1
Type 2, purpose-built, sometimes treated floor area Typical £7.00 m2 tfa 1
converted industrial space,
500 – 4000 m2 Gas or oil Good practice 79 kWh/m2 1


Air conditioned (standard) Energy costs Good practice £8.00 m2 tfa 1
Type 3, purpose-built, speculative Typical £14.00 m2 tfa 1
often intensively used,
2000 – 8000 m2 Gas or oil Good practice 97 kWh/m2 1

Air conditioned (prestige) Energy costs Good practice £13.00 m2 tfa 1

Type 4, national or regional Typical £20.00 m2 tfa 1
head office, purpose-built to high
standards, intensively used and Gas or oil Good practice 114 kWh/m2 1
extensive storage, parking and (delivered) Typical 210 kWh/m2 1
leisure facilities, 4000 – 20 000 m2
TABLE 3: Energy benchmarks for local authority buildings (annual consumption for net lettable area)
Town hall Electricity Good practice 84 kWh/m2 40

consumption Typical 111 kWh/m2 40

Fossil fuel Good practice 112 kWh/m2 40
Typical 170 kWh/m2 40
Air conditioned Electricity Good practice 97 kWh/m2 40

civic offices consumption Typical 178 kWh/m2 40

Naturally ventilated Electricity Good practice 54 kWh/m2 40

civic offices consumption Typical 85 kWh/m2 40

Table 3 continued
25
26
TABLE 3: Energy benchmarks for local authority buildings (annual consumption for net lettable area) continued
Dry sports centre Electricity Good practice 64 kWh/m2 40


Small pool Electricity Good practice 152 kWh/m2 40


Leisure centre Electricity Good practice 164 kWh/m2 40

(with swimming pool) consumption Typical 258 kWh/m2 40


Libraries Electricity Good practice 32 kWh/m2 40

Museums Electricity Good practice 26 kWh/m2 40



Residential Electricity Good practice 59 kWh/m2 40

care homes consumption Typical 75 kWh/m2 40

Hostels Electricity Good practice 46 kWh/m2 40


Temporary Electricity Good practice 48 kWh/m2 40

homeless units Typical 71 kWh/m2 40

Community centres Electricity Good practice 22 kWh/m2 40



Day centre Electricity Good practice 51 kWh/m2 40

Depots Electricity Good practice 101 kWh/m2 40


Table 3 continued
27
28
TABLE 3: Energy benchmarks for Local Authority buildings (annual consumption for net lettable area) continued
Car parks, open Electricity Typical 1 kWh/m2 40
Car parks, closed Electricity Typical 25 kWh/m2 40
TABLE 4: Energy benchmarks for hospitals (annual consumption for heated volume)
Teaching hospital Electricity Good practice 107 GJ/100 m3 41

consumption Typical 151 GJ/100 m3 41
Fossil fuel Good practice 420 GJ/100 m3 41

Typical 510 GJ/100 m3 41
Acute hospital Electricity Good practice 9 2 GJ/100 m3 41

consumption Typical 134 GJ/100 m3 41
Fossil fuel Good practice 524 GJ/100 m3 41

Typical 633 GJ/100 m3 41
Cottage hospital Electricity Good practice 6 8 GJ/100 m3 41

consumption Typical 9 7 GJ/100 m3 41
Fossil fuel Good practice 55 0 GJ/100 m3 41

Typical 61 0 GJ/100 m3 41
Long-stay Electricity Good practice 6 0 GJ/100 m3 41

hospital consumption Typical 8 9 GJ/100 m3 41
Fossil fuel Good practice 49 7 GJ/100 m3 41

Typical 64 3 GJ/100 m3 41

TABLE 5: Energy benchmarks for industrial buildings (annual consumption for heated area)
Factory Space heating Lightweight construction

(fossil fuel) up to 5000 m2
Good practice 96 kWh/m2 42
Lightweight construction
over 5000 m2
Good practice 92 kWh/m2 42
Medium-weight
construction up to
5000 m2 Good practice 130 kWh/m2 42
Medium-weight
construction over
5000 m2 Good practice 125 kWh/m2 42
TABLE 6: Energy benchmarks for industrial buildings (annual consumption for gross floor area)
General manufacturing Heating and

hot water (fossil fuel) Good practice 125 kWh/m2 43
Fans, pumps,

controls (electricity) Good practice 10 kWh/m2 43
Lighting (electricity) Good practice 20 kWh/m2 43
Other (electricity) Good practice 20 kWh/m2 43
Factory with office Heating and hot

water (fossil fuel) Good practice 100 kWh/m2 43
Fans, pumps,
controls(electricity) Good practice 10 kWh/m2 43
Table 6 continued
29
30
TABLE 6: Energy benchmarks for industrial buildings (annual consumption for gross floor area) continued
Light manufacturing Heating and hot

water (fossil fuel) Good practice 90 kWh/m2 43
Fans, pumps,
Storage and Heating and hot

distribution water (fossil fuel) Good practice 80 kWh/m2 43
Fans, pumps,

TABLE 7: Energy benchmarks for sports and recreational use (annual consumption for gross floor area)
Local dry Electricity Good practice 64 kWh/m2 44

sports centre consumption Typical 105 kWh/m2 44
Heating fuel Good practice 158 kWh/m2 44


Local 25 m swimming Electricity Good practice 152 kWh/m2 44

pool centre consumption Typical 237 kWh/m2 44

Leisure pool Electricity Good practice 164 kWh/m2 44

centre consumption Typical 258 kWh/m2 44

Combined centre Electricity Good practice 96 kWh/m2 44


Fitness centre Electricity Good practice 127 kWh/m2 44



Sportsground Electricity Good practice 93 kWh/m2 44
changing facility consumption Typical 164 kWh/m2 44

Ice rink Electricity Good practice 167 kWh/m2 44


31
32
TABLE 8: Energy benchmarks for hotels (annual consumption)
Luxury hotel Electricity Good practice 5220 kWh/bedroom 45

No pool or air conditioning consumption Typical 8700 kWh/bedroom 45
Fossil fuel Good practice 17 400 kWh/bedroom 45

Typical 26 680 kWh/bedroom 45
Luxury hotel Electricity Good practice 2320 kWh/bedroom 45

Extra for air conditioning consumption Typical 4060 kWh/bedroom 45
Fossil fuel Good practice 1740 kWh/bedroom 45

Typical 2320 kWh/bedroom 45
Business or holiday hotel Electricity Good practice 4640 kWh/bedroom 45


Business or holiday hotel Electricity Good practice 1740 kWh/bedroom 45


Smaller hotel Electricity Good practice 4640 kWh/bedroom 45


Smaller hotel Electricity Good practice 1160 kWh/bedroom 45


Smaller hotel continued Fossil fuel Good practice 1160 kWh/bedroom 45

Extra for air conditioning Typical 1740 kWh/bedroom 45
Extra for pool Electricity Good practice 580 kWh/bedroom 45

All hotel categories consumption Typical 1160 kWh/bedroom 45

Note: based on 58 m2 of hotel gross floor area per bedroom
TABLE 9: Energy benchmarks for banks and agencies (annual consumption for gross floor area)
Bank, gas heating, Electricity Good practice 70 kWh/m2 45

no cooling consumption Typical 100 kWh/m2 45

Bank, all electric, Electricity Good practice 100 kWh/m2 45


with cooling consumption Typical 150 kWh/m2 45



Table 9 continued
33
34
TABLE 9: Energy benchmarks for banks and agencies (annual consumption for gross floor area) continued




Agency, gas heating, Electricity Good practice 55 kWh/m2 45



Agency, all electric, Electricity Good practice 90 kWh/m2 45
Agency, gas heating, Electricity Good practice 85 kWh/m2 45


Agency, all electric, Electricity Good practice 120 kWh/m2 45


TABLE 10: Energy benchmarks for schools (annual consumption for gross floor area)
Primary schools Electricity Good practice 20 kWh/m2 49


Secondary schools Electricity Good practice 24 kWh/m2 49


TABLE 11: Energy benchmarks for further and higher education (annual consumption for gross floor area)
Further and higher Teaching Electrical consumption 22 kWh/m2 50

education (target energy Fossil fuel 151 kWh/m2 50
consumption)
Research Electrical consumption 105 kWh/m2 50
Fossil fuel 150 kWh/m2 50
Lecture hall Electrical consumption 108 kWh/m2 50

Office Electrical consumption 36 kWh/m2 50

Library Electrical consumption 50 kWh/m2 50

Catering Electrical consumption 650 kWh/m2 50

Recreation Electrical consumption 150 kWh/m2 50

35
36
TABLE 12: Energy benchmarks for MOD establishments (annual consumption for treated floor area)
Multi occupancy facility Electricity

consumption 29 kWh/m2 54
Workshops Electricity
Motor transport Electricity

facilities consumption 20 kWh/m2 54
Stores/warehouses Occupied Electricity


Unoccupied Electricity
Hangers Heated and Electricity

uninsulated consumption 21 kWh/m2 54
Low heating and Electricity

uninsulated consumption 12 kWh/m2 54

Hangers (continued) Heated, insulated Electricity

and refurbished consumption 23 kWh/m2 54
Very low heating Electricity

or store with low consumption 9 kWh/m2 54
activity
Unheated Electricity
Fossil fuel nil 54
Messes with integral Electricity

accommodation consumption 75 kWh/m2 54
Catering facilities Officers’ mess Electricity

consumption 25 kWh/meal 54
Fossil fuel 44 kWh/meal 54
Sergeants’ mess Electricity

consumption 22 kWh/meal 54

Officers’/sergeants’ Electricity
combined mess consumption 21 kWh/meal 54
Junior ranks’ Electricity

mess consumption 14 kWh/meal 54
37
38
TABLE 13: Lighting systems benchmarks (annual consumption)
Offices (Treated Type 1 office Good practice 12 kWh/m2 1

floor area) See page 24 Typical 15 kWh/m2 1
and 25 for type definition
Type 2 office Good practice 12 kWh/m2 1

Typical 18 kWh/m2 1

Typical 20 kWh/m2 1

Typical 20 kWh/m2 1
Hospitals All acute Good practice 20 kWh/m2 41

(Treated floor area) Typical 40 kWh/m2 41
Cottage Good practice 12 kWh/m2 41

Typical 23 5 kWh/m2 41

Long stay Good practice 11 kWh/m2 41
Sports and recreational Leisure and Good practice 26 kWh/m2 44

buildings (Gross floor area) conventional Typical 50 kWh/m2 44
pool hall
Sports halls Good practice 26 kWh/m2 44


Sports and recreational Ice rink Good practice 26 kWh/m2 44

buildings (Gross floor area) Typical 50 kWh/m2 44
Fitness/health Good practice 41 kWh/m2 44

suites Typical 61 kWh/m2 44
Spectator areas Good practice 30 kWh/m2 44

Common areas Good practice 41 kWh/m2 44

General factory 300 lux Good practice 5-6 W/m2 42

lighting (Treated floor area) 500 lux Good practice 8-10 W/m2 42

39
40
When to use: When determining user water needs and storage
Where to use: From briefing onwards through to design and operation
Water consumption
Watch out for: Extraneous loads that may increase required pumping capacity/hours of operation
TABLE 1: Hot water demand, daily

Dwellings Single bedroom 115 litres/bedroom 21
Two bedrooms 75 litres/bedroom 21
More than three

bedrooms 55 litres/bedroom 21
Student accommodation,
nurses , childrens and
sheltered home 70 litres/bedroom 21
Care home 90 litres/bedroom 21
Hotels Budget 115 litres/bedroom 21

Four/five star 135 litres/bedroom 21
Offices, shops, factories With canteen 15 litres/person 21

No canteen 10 litres/person 21
Schools Day school 15 litres/pupil 21

Boarding school 114 litres/pupil 21
Hospitals District general 200 litres/bed 21
Surgical and
medical wards 110 litres/bed 21
Paediatric wards 125 litres/bed 21
Geriatric wards 70 litres/bed 21

Sports changing Sports hall and

rooms swimming pool 20 litres/person 21
Field and all

weather pitch 35 litres/person 21
Places of assembly Art gallery, bars 2 litres/person

and library (excluding staff) 21
Museum, theatre, 1 litre/person

cinema and night club (excluding staff) 21
TABLE 2: Water demand, daily

Dwellings Single bedroom 210 litres/bedroom 21
Two bedrooms 130 litres/bedroom 21
Over three bedrooms 100 litres/bedroom 21
Student accommodation 90 – 100 litres/bedroom 21

Nurses’ homes and
sheltered home 120 litres/bed space 21
Children’s home, and

elderly care home 135 litres/bed space 21
Prison 150 litres/inmate 21
Hotels Budget 135 – 150 litres/bedroom 21

Four/five star 200 litres/bedroom 21
Offices, shops, factories With canteen 45 litres/person 21

No canteen 40 litres/person 21
Table 2 continued
41
42
Water consumption
TABLE 2: Water demand, daily continued
Schools Nursery and primary 15 litres/pupil 21
Secondary 20 litres/pupil 21
Boarding 90 litres/pupil 21
Hospitals District general 600 litres/bed 21
Surgical wards 220 litres/bed 21
Medical wards 220 litres/bed 21
Paediatric wards 300 litres/bed 21
Geriatric wards 140 litres/bed 21
Sports changing Sports hall and

rooms swimming pool 20 litres/person 21
Field and all

weather pitch 35 litres/person 21
Places of assembly Art gallery, library 6 litres/person

and museum (excluding staff) 21
Theatre and cinema 3 litre/person

(excluding staff) 21
Bars and night club 4 litres/person

(excluding staff) 21


43
When to use: To determine electrical supply requirements in buildings
44
Where to use: When assessing the connected capacity in terms of unit floor area
Electrical systems
Watch out for: Allowances for expansion, particularly for on-floor communications rooms
TABLE 1: Electrical supplies and loads

Electrical supply Electrical motors Above 3 kW rating 3-phase supply 16

Electrical motors Up to and including Direct on-line
3 kW rating starting 16
Electrical motors Above 4 kW rating Assisted start 16
Electrical services load Lighting 10 – 12 W/m2 16

Per square metre of building
floor area for offices unless Small power diversified
otherwise stated over a minimum of
1000 m2 15 W/m2 4
Air conditioning 60 W/m2 35
Passenger lifts 10 W/m2 35

Small computer room Net area 200 – 400 W/m2 16
Bespoke call centre Net area 500 – 1000 W/m2 16
Total load (kVA) Total building load Total kW/0 8 35

Design allowance for future
expansion (percentage)
Percentage increase Add 25% to
in load existing capacity 35

Cost of m&e services by building type
When to use: As a general guide to the outline services costs of specific building types
Where to use: At the briefing stage onwards and during assessment of m&e tenders Cost data
Watch out for: Additions or amendments to the generic building type which might alter costs
TABLE 1: Mechanical and electrical services costs (£/m2 of total floor area)
Factories Owner occupied £66 – £166 25
Hospitals District general £405 – £573 25

Private £428 – £674 25
Offices For letting (category Non air-conditioned £175 – £196 25

A standard) Fully air-conditioned £271 – £423 25
Offices Owner occupied Non air-conditioned £217 – £289 25

Fully air-conditioned £320 – £516 25
Civic Fully air-conditioned £361 – £516 25
Residential housing Local authority Two-storey houses £73 – £100 25

Medium-rise flats £99– £130 25

Schools Secondary and
middle schools £168 – £252 25
Universities Arts buildings £230 – £285 25
Science buildings: Physics £220 – £346 25

Biology £308 – £364
Chemistry £346 – £407
Warehouses High bay £89 – £177 25
45
46
Cost data
TABLE 2: Cost data as a percentage of total services cost
Offices: city Sanitary fittings 2000 data 2% 6

Shell and core only Disposal installation 6% 6
Water installation 3% 6
Space heating and
air treatment 47% 6
Electrical installation 14% 6
Protective installation 7% 6
Communication
installation 8% 6
BMS and associated
equipment 10% 6
Builders work in
connection 3% 6
Offices: city Space heating and air 2000 data 46% 6

Category A fit-out treatment
Communication
installation 4% 6
BMS and associated
equipment 6% 6

Builders work in
connection 3% 6
Offices: urban commercial Public health 1999 data 13% 12

Shell and core only installation
Mechanical services 47% 12
Electrical services 32% 12
Fire protection 8% 12
Offices: urban commercial Mechanical services, 1999 data 66% 12

Category A fit-out public health services
and fire protection
Electrical services 34% 12

Offices: out of Public health 1991 data 13% 11

town commercial Mechanical services 57% 11
Shell and core Electrical services 30% 11
Offices: out of town Mechanical services 1999 data 78% 11

commercial Electrical services 22% 11
Category A fit-out
Data / computer services Space heating and 2001 data

air treatment 30% 14
Ventilation systems 6% 14
Electrical installations 51% 14
Protective installations 3% 14
Communications
installations 8% 14
BMS and associated
equipment 2% 14
Supermarkets Public health 2000 data

Services fit-out installation 3% 10
Mechanical installation 16% 10
Refrigeration installation 47% 10
Communication installation 4% 10
Specialist installation 3% 10
(BMS and point of
sale installation)

Builders work in connection 1% 10
School buildings Public health 2002 data

installation 12% 55
Lift installation 2% 55
Hospital Public health

Standalone installation 10% 56
specialist unit Mechanical installation 41% 56
Medical gases installation 6% 56
Table 2 continued
47
48
Cost data
TABLE 2: Cost data as a percentage of total services cost continued
Sports and Public health 2003 data

leisure centres installation 7% 57
Services associated
with swimming pool 9% 57
University buildings Public health 2002 data

installation 8% 58
TABLE 3: Services costs per square metre as a percentage of total construction cost
Arenas Sanitary fittings 1999 data 2% 7
(indoor) Disposal installation 1% 7

Space heating and
air treatment 8% 7
Communication
installation 3% 7
Ice floor refrigeration 3% 7
BMS 1% 7
Builders work in
connection 1% 7
Cinemas: multiplex Disposal installation 2000 data 0 6% 13
(shell construction) Water installation 0 2% 13
Electrical installation 4 0% 13
Lift installation 5 8% 13

TABLE 3: Services costs per square metre as a percentage of total construction cost continued

Communication
installation 34% 13
Builders work in
connection 04% 13
Cinemas: multiplex Water installation 2000 data 14% 13

(cinema fit-out) Space heating and
air treatment 18 4% 13
Communication
installation 40% 13
BMS 20% 13
Builders work in
connection 10% 13
Convention Sanitary fittings 2000 data 02% 5

centre Disposal installation 07% 5
Space heating and
air treatment 72% 5
Communication
installation 34% 5
BMS 10% 5

Builders work in
connection 14% 5
Health clubs Sanitary fittings 1998 data 10% 9

Disposal installation 06% 9
Space heating and
air treatment 125% 9
Communication
installation 36% 9
Builders work in
connection 16% 9
49
50
Cost data
TABLE 4: Capital costs (for gross area)
Air conditioning, Comfort cooling, Office up to 3000 m2 £113 – £134/m2 25

including ventilation two-pipe fan coil Office over 3000 m2 £108 – £124/m2 25
Comfort cooling,
two-pipe variable
refrigerant volume Office over 3000 m2 £93 – £113/m2 25
Comfort cooling,
two-pipe VRV Office up to 3000 m2 £93 – £113/m2 25
Full air conditioning Office up to 3000 m2 £155 – £175/m2 25

using fan coils Office over 3000 m2 £139 – £160/m2 25
Full air conditioning

using VAV Office over 3000 m2 £155 – £185/m2 25
Full air conditioning,

using fan-assisted VAV Office over 3000 m2 £155 – £185/m2 25

using three-pipe VAV Office up to 3000 m2 £118 – £139/m2 25

Full air conditioning, ventilated
(active) chilled beams Office over 3000 m2 £155 – £185/m2 25

chilled beam, exposed
multi-service raft Office over 3000 m2 £190 – £220/m2 25
Full air conditioning, concealed

(passive) chilled beams Office over 3000 m2 £135 – £165/m2 25

chilled ceiling Office over 3000 m2 £165 – £195/m2 25

displacement ventilation Office over 3000 m2 £108 – £144/m2 25

Air conditioning, Comfort cooling, Office up to 3000 m2 £113 – £134/m2 25
including ventilation two-pipe fan coil Office over 3000 m2 £108 – £124/m2 25
continued
Comfort cooling,
two-pipe variable
refrigerant volume Office over 3000 m2 £93 – £113/m2 25
Comfort cooling,
two-pipe VRV Office up to 3000 m2 £93 – £113/m2 25
Full air conditioning Office up to 3000 m2 £155 – £175/m2 25

with fan coils Office over 3000 m2 £139 – £160/m2 25

with VAV Office over 3000 m2 £155 – £185/m2 25

with fan-assisted VAV Office over 3000 m2 £155 – £185/m2 25

three-pipe VAV Office up to 3000 m2 £118 – £139/m2 25
Full air conditioning, ventilated

(active) chilled beams Office over 3000 m2 £155 – £185/m2 25

chilled beam exposed
multi-service raft Office over 3000 m2 £190 – £220/m2 25

Full air conditioning, concealed
(passive) chilled beams Office over 3000 m2 £135 – £165/m2 25

chilled ceiling Office over 3000 m2 £165 – £195/m2 25

displacement ventilation Office over 3000 m2 £108 – £144/m2 25

chilled ceiling/perimeter
chilled beam Office over 3000 m2 £175 – £205/m2 25
Table 4 continued
51
52
Cost data
TABLE 4: Capital costs (for gross area) continued
Air conditioning VAV 3000 m2 office £246/m2 25

Cost for all plant and 10 000 m2 office £195/m2 25
equipment, distribution
ductwork and pipework, Fan coil system 3000 m2 office £224/m2 25
BMS and all associated 10 000 m2 office £179/m2 25
electrical work
Chilled ceiling with 3000 m2 office £235/m2 25
perimeter chilled beams 10 000 m2 office £202/m2 25
Passive chilled beam 3000 m2 office £220/m2 25

system 10 000 m2 office £191/m2 25
Heating installation LPHW Office up to 3000 m2 £57 – 67/m2 25

including gas installations Office over 3000 m2 £45 – 62/m2 25
Sanitaryware and above Normal services Office up to 3000 m2 £4 – 12/m2 25

ground disposal installation
Low rise office
over 3000 m2 £10 – 15/m2 25

Water installation Normal services Office up to 3000 m2 £5 – 15/m2 25
Office over 3000 m2 £9 – 17/m2 25
Fire protection Dry risers £1 – 2/m2 25
Sprinkler installation £15 – 20/m2 25
BMS including motor Full air conditioning,

control panels and fan coil/chilled ceiling £22 – 35/m2 25
control cabling
variable air volume £20 – 25/m2 25

with chilled beams £20 – 25/m2 25

TABLE 5: Office fit-out costs
Mechanical installations VAV £95 – 135/m2 52

Extension of hvac
into general office areas Four-pipe fan
coil units £100 – 140/m2 52
Underfloor
displacement
ventilation No heating £20 – 30/m2 52
Underfloor
a/c system £125 – 150/m2 52
Chilled ceiling Extra over

suspended ceiling £115 – 160/m2 52
Floor diffusers Extra over raised

floors; one per 5 m2 £10 – 20/m2 52
LPHW Radiators and

perimeter heating pipework £20 – 30/m2 52
Extension of control/
BMS into general
office areas £10 – 20/m2 52
Electrical installations Busbar and

Extension of small power cables only No floor boxes £10 – 15/m2 52

distribution into general
office areas Floor outlet Including lead and
boxes plug; one per10 m2 £5 – 6/m2 52
Extension of lighting into Generally Including luminaires,

general office areas, wiring and emergency
Lighting Guide 3 packs £33 – 40/m2 52
luminaires to 350 – 400 lux
Wiring Conventional or
modular £8 – 10/m2 52
Luminaires to
ceiling and wall
washers to cores £25 – 30/m2 52
Table 5 continued
53
54
Cost data
TABLE 5: Office fit-out costs continued
Lighting continued Passive infrared

lighting controls for
general office areas £9 – 12/m2 52
Protective installations Extension of

sprinkler network
into general office
areas £3 – 4/m2 52
Communications Fire alarms Fully addressable £4 – 8/m2 52
Public address
system £3 – 8/m2 52
IT/data cabling One box per 10 m2

(category 6 including with four outlets each
cabinets and
patch panels) £18 – 30/m2 52

Access control
to door including
recessed lock,
card readers £3000 – 3500 each 52
Internal closed circuit

television (fixed) £2000 – 2500 each 52

TABLE 6: Annual service charges (lettable area)
Design area Application Other information Rule of thumb* Ref Your notes and comments
Offices (let) Air conditioned Average service

charge for heating
and air conditioning
maintenance £0.91/ft2 46
Non air Average service charge

conditioned for heating maintenance £0.49/ft2 46
Lifts Average service

charge for lift
maintenance £0.22/ft2 46
Shopping centres Average service Enclosed £0.52/ft2 47

charge for m&e Air conditioned £3-8/m2 47
services maintenance
Enclosed, non-air conditioned £0.36/ft2 47

Part enclosed £0.32/ft2 47
Open £0.13/ft2 47
*Note all values are in Imperial values as per the original source
TABLE 7: Annual M&E maintenance costs (gross floor area)

Mechanical and electrical Factories £550/100 m2 48

maintenance costs
Factory/office £700/100 m2 48
Warehouses £550/100 m2 48
Offices,
air conditioned £1800/100 m2 48
Offices,
non air conditioned £1050/100 m2 48
Call centres £1950/100 m2 48
Banks/building societies £1700/100 m2 48
Table 7 continued
55
56
Cost data
TABLE 7: Annual M&E maintenance costs (gross floor area) continued
Mechanical and electrical Shopping centres,

maintenance costs continued air-conditioned £750 / 100 m2 48
Shopping centres,
non air-conditioned £550 / 100 m2 48
Supermarkets £1250 / 100 m2 48
Shops (non-food) £900 / 100 m2 48
Hospitals £1400 / 100 m2 48
Nursing homes and

hospices £850 / 100 m2 48
Swimming pools £1850 / 100 m2 48
Sports centres £1150 / 100 m2 48
Sports centres with

swimming pools £1550 / 100 m2 48

Primary schools £1000 / 100 m2 48
Secondary schools £800 / 100 m2 48
Universities £1300 / 100 m2 48
Museums £1200 / 100 m2 48
Libraries £1250 / 100 m2 48

TABLE 8: Annual utility costs (gross floor area)
Utility costs Factories £700/100 m2 51
Factory/office £500/100 m2 51
Warehouses £550/100 m2 51
Offices, air-conditioned £2050/100 m2 51
Offices, non air-conditioned £900/100 m2 51
Call centres £3000/100 m2 51
Banks/building societies £1300/100 m2 51
Shopping centres, air-conditioned £550/100 m2 51
Shopping centres, non air-conditioned £450/100 m2 51
Supermarkets £3100/100 m2 51
Shops (non-food) £1350/100 m2 51
Hospitals, general and acute £1250/100 m2 51
Nursing homes and hospices £1050/100 m2 51
Swimming pools £2200/100 m2 51

Sports centres £1200/100 m2 51
Sports centres with

swimming pools £1650/100 m2 51
Primary schools £550/100 m2 51
Secondary schools £600/100 m2 51
Universities £1050/100 m2 51
Museums £1450/100 m2 51
Libraries £1050/100 m2 51
57
58
Cost data
TABLE 9: Whole life costs for air conditioning systems (gross floor area)
Air conditioning systems Fan-assisted variable All 2000 price levels

for City of London office air volume whole-life (net
present) costs £820/m2 6
Variable air volume £780/m2 6
Two-pipe fan coil unit £680/m2 6
Four-pipe fan coil unit £640/m2 6
Chilled ceiling £430/m2 6
Displacement ventilation £340/m2 6


60
References
Ref Title Publication Year Publisher ISBN
1 Energy use in offices Energy Consumption Guide 19 2000 BRECSU

2 Television studios, Section B2, page B2-14 CIBSE Guide B 1986 CIBSE
3 Fry Technology (Fernox Manufacturers) Fry Technology UK Ltd 2000 Fry Technology
4 Best Practice in the Specification for Offices BCO Guide 2000 2000 British Council of Offices 0-9524131-2-4
5 Cost model: Convention centres Building 3 November 2000 2000 The Builder Group 0007-3318
6 Cost model: City offices Building 24th March 2000 2000 The Builder Group 0007-3318
7 Cost model: Indoor arenas Building 10th September 1999 1999 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
8 Cost model: Call centres Building 16th July 1999 1999 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
9 Cost model: Private health clubs Building 31st December 1998 1998 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
10 Cost model: Supermarkets Building Services Journal April 2000 2000 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
11 Cost model: Out-of-town commercial offices Building Services Journal April 1999 1999 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
12 Cost model: Urban commercial offices Building Services Journal February 1999 1999 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
13 Cost data: Multiplex cinemas Building 5th May 2000 2000 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
14 Cost model: Data/computer centres Building Services Journal January 2001 2001 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
15 DW/144 Specification for Sheet Metal Ductwork, Part 8, Appendix A
Air leakage from ductwork, system leakage loss Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association 1998 HVCA 0-903783-27-4
16 Industry review – Rules of Thumb publication, May 2001 Rules of Thumb Industry Review Committee 2001 BSRIA Not published
17 Space requirements for plant access, operation and maintenance:
Defence Works Functional Standard, Design and Maintenance Guide 08 Defence Estate Organisation (Works), MoD 1996 HMSO 0-11-772785-7

– Section 4, Figure D4 mechanical surface risers
– Section 4, Figure D10 control panels and distribution boards
– Section 5, Section 5.1 central station plant, 5.1.1 LTHW boilers
20 Public health engineering, extract from Table 2.3 CIBSE Guide G 1999 CIBSE 0-900953-87-X
Recommended minimum storage of cold water for domestic purposes
for hot and cold outlets CIBSE Guide G 1999 CIBSE 0-900953-87-X
21 Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide 2002 Institute of plumbing 1-871956-40-4
22 Energy efficiency in buildings, Table 9.1 seasonal (boiler) efficiencies CIBSE Guide F 1998 CIBSE 0-900953-861
23 Energy efficiency in buildings, Table 6.2 basic fan capacity benchmarks CIBSE Guide F 1998 CIBSE 0-900953-861
24 Energy efficiency in buildings, Table 7.1 chiller plant capacity CIBSE Guide F 1998 CIBSE 0-900953-861
25 Spon’s Mechanical and Electrical Services Price Book 2003 2003 Spon Press 0-415-30122-X
26 Space allocation for services, Table 2: floor space Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
27 Space allocation for services, Table 3: depth of ceiling space Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
28 Space allocation for services, Table 4: depth of floor space Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
29 Space allocation for plant rooms, Table 6: floor area Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
30 Space allocation for service ducts and shafts, Table 7 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
31 Space allocation for catering facilities, Table 9 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
32 Cost of m&e services by type of building and service, Table 10 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
33 System capital and maintenance costs, Table 11 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
34 Thermal loads, Table 12 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
35 Electrical loads by type of load, Table 14 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
36 Sizing and operating characteristics of air system plant, Table 16 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
37 Design requirements or rules of thumb for air systems, Table 17 Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition 1995 BSRIA 0-86022-419-8
38 Guide to the Accommodation and Operating Environment
for Information Technology (IT) Equipment BS 7083, 1996 1996 BSI 0-580-26705-9
39 Facade Engineering: Fun with Facades Building Services Journal, August 1997 1997 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
40 Preliminary guidance on Best Value Performance Indicator 180 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (To be published as an energy consumption guide by Action Energy)
41 Energy consumption in hospitals Energy Consumption Guide 72 1999 Energy Efficiency
Best Practice Programme
42 Benchmarking tool for industrial buildings:
heating and internal lighting Energy Consumption Guide 81 2002 Energy Efficiency

43 Energy efficiency in industrial buildings and sites Energy Consumption Guide 18 2002 Energy Efficiency
44 Energy use in sports and recreational buildings Energy Consumption Guide 78 2001 Energy Efficiency
45 Energy Assessment and Reporting Methodology:
Office Assessment Method (latest appendix) CIBSE Technical Memorandum TM22 1999 CIBSE 0-900953-93-4
46 Service charge analysis for offices Office OSCAR 2002 Jones Lang LaSalle
47 Service charge analysis for shopping centres Retail OSCAR 2002 Jones Lang LaSalle
48 Review of maintenance costs BMI Special Report 2003 RICS 1-90085-8924
49 Saving Energy in Schools: A Guide for Headteachers, Governors,
Premises Managers and School Energy Managers Energy Consumption Guide 73 1998 Energy Efficiency
61
62
References
50 Energy efficiency in further and higher education: Energy Consumption Guide 54 1999 Energy Efficiency
cost effective low energy buildings Best Practice Programme
51 Review of Occupancy Costs 2003 BMI Special Report 2003 RICS 1-90085- 8932
52 Cost models Building 17 April 2003 2003 The Builder Group ISSN 0007-3318
53 Cooling Solutions for IT:
A Guide to Planning, Design and Operation BG 5/2003 2003 BSRIA 0-86022-616-6
54 Energy use in Ministry of Defence Establishments Energy Consumption Guide 75 1999 Energy Efficiency
55 School Buildings Building Services Journal January 2002 2002 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
56 Hospitals Building Services Journal March 2002 2002 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
57 Sports and Leisure Centres Building Services Journal June 2002 2002 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
58 University Buildings Building Services Journal September 2002 2002 The Builder Group ISSN 1365-5671
59 Space and weight allowances for building services plant,
inception stage design TN 9/92 1992 BSRIA 0-86022-345-0

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A BSRIA Guide www.bsria.co.

Rules of Thumb (UK 4th edition)

Guidelines for building services

Equipment and solar loads

Energy and carbon issues

References for all sections 60

The third edition of Rules of Thumb, issued in 2001, was vetted by an

This fourth edition, compiled and edited by Kevin Pennycook, contains

What this guide will not do

This guide has been designed to be your own personal reference

All services Simple factory 4% 26

Offices and commercial 6 – 10% 26

Hi-tech building 15 – 30% 26

Air conditioning (excluding Fan coil system 15 – 2 5% 26

Cooling towers and air-cooled

Electrical services (excluding 05 – 1 5% 26

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003

Ventilation Toilet extract 03 – 1% 26

Supply and extract system 3 – 5% 26

All air low velocity system 4 – 6% 26

For references see page 60

Air cooled condenser and Space for

Air handling units With extract/

Boilers Boiler plant 0 8 – 1 8% 26

Boilers Boilers, pumps, Output: 100 kW 15 m2 x 3 m 29

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003

Chillers (water cooled) With pumps, Output: 1000 kW 50 m2 x 3 m 29

Chillers (air cooled) Located outside. Output: 200 kW 39 m2 29

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003

Hotel 135 litres/bed space 20

Hostel 90 litres/bed space 20

Day school 15-20 litres/pupil 20

Boarding school 90 litres/pupil 20

For references see page 60

Cold water storage Nurses’ home 120 litres/bed space 20

Hot water storage Minimum

Student and nurses’

Hotels, budget 35 litres/bedroom 21

Hotels, 4/5 star 45 litres/bedroom 21

Schools, boarding 25 litres/person 21

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003

Hospitals, paediatric 70 litres/bed 21

Hospitals, geriatric 40 litres/bed 21

Places of assembly such

Cooling towers FA: floor area

Sub-station 2000 kVA

Standby generation Standby sets and

Uninterruptible power supply Single module

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2003

For references see page 60

Air conditioning VAV 350 – 750 mm 16

Recessed chilled beams 350 – 450 mm 16

Surface chilled beams 250 mm 16

Chilled ceilings 250 mm 16

Fan coils 450 mm 27

Ducted air system 450 mm 27

Drainage 100 mm diameter 10 – 25 mm per m run 27

Soil and waste 150 mm diameter 7 – 16 mm per m run 27

Winter design temperatures Without surplus -4C 37

With 20% surplus Single-storey building -3C 37

Summer design temperature Dry bulb temperature 28C 37