The Key Criteria in the 2019 British Council for Offices (BCO) Guide to Specification were informed by research and market trends before the wave of concern about climate change and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. With some degree of normality returning to the workplace, now is the time to revisit the Key Criteria to better reflect the net zero carbon (NZC) agenda and the changing patterns of use. The single most important criterion is occupancy – it drives all the others. Post-pandemic, working patterns have changed but have yet to settle down, however the emerging trend is for hybrid working. Early observations show that the peak occupancy is lower in most offices than recorded during the most recent occupier density research carried out in 2018. The 2019 criteria were pitched to cater for high-intensity use, whereas the aim now is to specify for the needs of the majority rather than those of extreme cases and move progressively towards NZC.

Also proposed are changes to specified ventilation rates, cooling allowances for IT equipment, lighting standards and façade summertime performance standards.

To help us understand and debate the risks versus benefits of these proposals, join us for a breakfast seminar and round table event.