As part of our ongoing objective to provide a specification tool that also serves as an integrated information management system, NBS has released early-stage content for Uniclass and CAWS in Chorus. This article briefly explores the benefits of early-stage specification, element clauses, and other new concepts and features. At the end, we summarize what’s included in this release.

Written for the Construction Information Service, this excerpt from the NBS Sustainable Specification Guides explores sustainable design and specification as viewed through the lens of UN Sustainability Goals 03, 08 and 11.

This article explores the meaning of net zero and the human impact on greenhouse gas emissions. We also explore how England’s Approved Documents L, F and O can be used together to achieve maximum results when specifying a building’s energy efficiency, ventilation and thermal comfort. The information here may also be helpful when working with related documents from other jurisdictions (Ireland, North Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

specification. noun

A detailed description of how something is, or should be, designed or made.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary

In architectural terms, ‘daylighting’ refers to using natural light to provide occupants of a building with the level of lighting they need for essential activities. In this article, Jess Sharman explains how to effectively use lighting, and the things you need to consider on your projects.

Concrete is the most widely used manufactured material in construction, found in everything from kerbs to dams, roads to pipes, buildings to bridges and even in ornamental building fixtures. While manufacturing processes remain problematic due to the significant CO2 contribution levels, concrete’s longevity, durability, thermal mass and compression strength make it an attractive building material.

NBS has released a collaborative five-part guide, with input from members of the NBS technical and information teams and other sustainability champions. Customers will be able to reference the guides and find what they need to aid in their sustainable specification efforts.

As populations grow and urban areas sprawl, light pollution increases. This article explores several types of light pollution, the problems created and a few things to consider when specifying.

Our Common Future is the 1987 publication by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) credited for introducing the concept of sustainable development, with Gro Harlem Brundtland chairing the UN-sponsored Commission. In the report, the WCED – informally known as the Brundtland Commission – outlined what sustainable development should look like and how to achieve it.

As we embrace construction’s digital age, project data requirements are becoming more complex. Having a central unified basis of information is tantamount to project success.

We explore inclusive design in construction and how NBS Chorus works in conjunction with the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 to create successful project specifications.