Building Rules

  • 23 Jun 2015

What are they?

Building Rules are a set of requirements made by the owner with regards their activities in the building and most specifically in relation to and works they may undertake within their tenancy with respect to fit-outs and services modifications.

Why are they useful?

A well defined set of building rules can be used to deal with many of the major areas of tenant/owner interaction that can cause problems with building performance. By defining these Rules, the owner is ensuring that the ongoing performance of the building is not unreasonably compromised by tenant modifications.

Issues to be aware of

Most Building Rules don’t address issues that affect environmental performance particularly well.  However it is possible to cover off many significant issues in a set of building rules such as:

  • Owner-review of all fit out works
  • Rules for connections to supplementary condenser water or supplementary chilled water networks
  • Design capacity for air-conditioning systems
  • Management of after-hours air-conditioning
  • Basic efficiency requirements for new works
  • Waste management from refurbishments
  • Use of low VOC paints, carpets and adhesives
  • Use of low formaldehyde wood products

Applicable buildings

All building types.

Questions to ask

  • Is there a set of Building Rules?
  • What provisions are in the building Rules in relation to the environmental performance of fit-outs and their interactions with the owner’s services?

More information

Low energy High rise Project