Publications

The BCO's research publications play a vital part in the built environment by providing best practice guidance and evidence based research on the principal themes that will drive the industry in the years to come.

Under construction Publications

The BCO's research publications play a vital part in the built environment by providing best practice guidance and evidence based research on the principal themes that will drive the industry in the years to come.

Best Practice Guides

Since its inception in 1990 the BCO has been at the forefront of developments in the office sector, identifying and predicting the themes that shape and drive the sector. The BCO looks at how the office has changed over the years since its creation, its role in driving, facilitating and supporting those changes as well as looking ahead to how market dynamics might shift going forward.

Linking design, people and technology to enhance health and productivity will be fundamental for high-performing workplaces.

Visit this section for our Best Practice Guides.

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Research REports

Key influences such as agile working, technology, densification, sustainability, productivity and health & wellbeing are not only impacting on the office industry in general, but also the design, specification, delivery and occupation of buildings and will continue to do so, creating new challenges for designers, developers, occupiers and asset managers.

We see an accelerating rate of change in the workplace as factors such as globalisation, technology, demographics and culture combine to change existing business models.

Visit this section to review our extensive library of reports.

More about research reports

Our Best Practice Guides

Guide to specification

Guide To Fit Out

Guide To Lighting

More Guides

our publications

Are you a non-member or a student?

BCO Research Reports are available to BCO members for the first 3 months of publishing.

After 3 months, non-members and students can also download the reports.

If you’d like to speak to our team about any publication, get in touch.

Publication title

RESEARCH ROUNDTABLE | BCO DIALOGUE 2: OCCUPIER-DRIVEN INNOVATION IN TERMS OF PEOPLE, AMENITIES AND THE PLANET

Publication date

Category

Research Reports

Member download

Publication title

Research Roundtable | BCO Dialogue 1: Building Value

Publication date

14.11.24

Category

Research Reports

This Research Committee briefing note is based on a recent roundtable, which examined the dynamics between designing for human needs, future adaptability, and building efficiency. It explored the value of creating spaces that prioritise occupants’ needs and the environment, questioning what leasing and sales value benefits are offered by human‑centric design.

To foster open and honest discussion during the proceedings, individual quotes have not been attributed to specific individuals, thus promoting a more candid dialogue.

Publication title

Towards Experience Utopia: Customer experience best practice for the UK office sector

Publication date

15.10.24

Category

Research Publication

Towards Experience Utopia provides the ultimate guide to creating a strong Customer Experience that blends the best aspects of remote and in-office work. Commissioned by the BCO Occupiers Group, which comprises representatives of leading employers such as NatWest, PwC, Deloitte, Hines, Goldman Sachs, Gilead, BT and Citi Group, the ‘state of the nation’ report sets out practical guidance for occupiers, investors, developers, agents, architects and designers, engineers, technology experts and property managers through strategies and checklists, as well as best practice case studies.

Publication title

PIA Property Data Report

Publication date

22.01.24

Category

BCO Research & Policy

This latest report produced by PIA sets out key facts about commercial property and the wider property industry, looking at its performance by sector as well as against other asset classes and highlights its place and importance within the UK economy.
Some of the indicators provided in this document include capital value performance by sector, renting vs ownership, leases, property and business costs, investor ownership and exposure, lending trends and energy consumption.
PIA (Property Industry Alliance) comprises seven organisations, including AREF, BPF, BCO, IPF, Crefc Europe, ULI.

Member download

Publication title

BCO Pillar Research

Publication date

25.01.24

Category

BCO Research & Policy

The BCO’s latest research programme, ‘The Pillar Papers’, is designed to guide the office sector through evolving challenges. Key recommendations include the development of the BCO’s ‘2030 vision for the office’, concentrating on four pillars: economy, business, technology, and ESG. This programme, shaped by industry experts, explores new trends and opportunities for redefining offices, embracing advanced technology, and implementing sustainable practices. It also considers the office’s role in both urban and rural settings in the UK.

Member download

Publication title

BCO Guide to Specification Key Criteria Update – February 2023

Publication date

16.02.23

Category

BCO Research & Policy

The British Council for Offices (BCO) has released an early update to its Guide to Specification, its most recognised publication, providing expert advice on how to specify office space.

The update responds to new challenges emerging from the impact of the pandemic and accelerating need for the built environment sector to respond to the climate crisis. The move shows how designers can create workplaces that support changing working patterns, while making office workers healthier and more productive, as well as meeting the need to decarbonise buildings.

The BCO has produced this briefing note to explain which criteria have changed and why, so that members can use the guidance for their current projects.

Member download

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LATEST Best practice guides (will be linked to CRM)

Design

Making The Future Workplace: Materials and methods towards a circular economy

03.12.19

Productivity

The Business Case for Productive, Higher Performing and Healthier Workplaces – BCO and LCMB Workshop

06.11.19

Workplace Strategy

The Rise of Flexible Workspace in the Corporate Sector

16.10.19

Workplace Strategy

The Rise of Flexible Workspace in the Corporate Sector

16.10.19

Occupier

The Space-Time Office – New demands, new possibilities

05.06.19

Health & Wellbeing

Wellness Matters: A summary roadmap to health and wellbeing

05.06.19

Working Practices

Evaluation of Government Hubs Programme – Year 2

08.05.19

Policy

Evaluation of Government Hubs Programme – Year 2

08.05.19

Publications

Under construction Publications

The BCO's research publications play a vital part in the built environment by providing best practice guidance and evidence based research on the principal themes that will drive the industry in the years to come.

Our Best Practice Guides facilitate and support the office sector

Best Practice Guides