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.