Design and Construction Guidelines

The Estates Guidelines establish the standards, requirements and principles for projects across the University estate, serving as a core reference for Consultants and University Staff in the development of design solutions and equipment selection.

No 1 - General Introduction to Design Guidelines , Assets & Standards Principles and Application - Jan 2019 - V1

Introduces the University of Edinburgh Estates Design Guidelines and the standards and principles that apply across the University estate. The guidelines support the design, completion, handover and operation for projects, providing an overview of the University’s requirements, constraints and considerations for project teams and those involved in design, construction and maintenance.


No 3 - Mechanical Engineering Services - August 2026 - V5.0

Sets out the University of Edinburgh’s requirements and standards for mechanical engineering services across projects. The guidance is intended for architects, designers, engineers, specifiers, installers and commissioning and maintenance engineers, covering the process from design through to building operation. It includes the University’s general client requirements, preferred solutions and relevant technical standards.


No 4 - Building Energy Management Services - Jan 2020 - V1

Defines the University of Edinburgh’s requirements and standards for Building Energy Management Systems for projects. The guidance is intended for designers, engineers, specifiers, installers and commissioning and maintenance engineers. It describes the University’s general BEMS client requirements, including preferred solutions and appropriate technical standards.

No 5 - Metering of Utilities & Energy - Jan 2020 - V1 

Establishes the minimum standards for energy and utility metering across new-build, refurbishment, minor works and tenanted properties within the University estate. The guidance supports accurate utility management, operational efficiency and carbon reporting, and is intended for design teams, architects, mechanical and electrical engineering consultants, project managers, external contractors and commissioning engineers.

No 6 - Electrical Engineering Services - June 2026 - V3.0

Sets out the University of Edinburgh’s requirements and standards for Electrical Engineering Services across projects. The guidance is intended for designers, engineers, specifiers, installers and commissioning and maintenance engineers. It describes the University’s general electrical engineering client requirements, including preferred solutions and appropriate technical standards.


No 7 - Lift Engineering Installation - June 2026 - V3.0

Provides guidance on the University of Edinburgh’s requirements and standards for lift engineering installations for projects. The guidance is intended for architects, designers, engineers, specifiers, installers and commissioning and maintenance engineers. It includes the University’s requirements, preferred solutions and appropriate technical standards for lift installations.


No 8 - Security Services - June 2026 - V1.0

Sets out the University of Edinburgh’s requirements and standards for security systems for projects. The guidance is intended for architects, designers, engineers, specifiers, installers and commissioning and maintenance engineers. It provides the University’s requirements for security systems, together with preferred solutions and appropriate technical standards.


No 9 - Fire Safety Management - June 2026 - V2.0

These guidelines provide guidance on the University of Edinburgh’s requirements and standards for fire safety and associated life safety systems for projects. The guidance is intended for architects, designers, engineers, specifiers, installers and commissioning and maintenance engineers. It reflects the requirements of the University’s Fire Safety Unit, including preferred solutions and appropriate technical standards.


No 10 - Building Fabric  - Feb 2020 - V1

Sets out the minimum design standards, briefing requirements and technical requirements for Building Fabric across the UoE Estate. It applies to new buildings, refurbishments, minor works and leased properties, supporting external consultants, architects, engineers, contractors and project teams from briefing and design through to handover and maintenance. It covers the University’s generic building fabric requirements, whole-life value, safe access, long-term durability, preferred solutions and mandatory technical standards.


No 11 - Environmental Sustainability for Construction Projects - Oct 2026 - V1


No 12 - Inclusive Design - Aug 2025 - V1

The purpose of this guideline is to guide and inform Consultants and University staff in the design and development of accessible and welcoming spaces. This document will apply to newly constructed buildings, existing buildings being refurbished. This document is for those commissioning projects and developing project briefs, in addition to designers, specifiers and contractors. This document describes the university’s requirement to go beyond statutory compliance to create more inclusive environments, and for accessibility to be considered at all project stages.


No 14 - Landscape Design -  Feb 2022 - V1

Sets out the minimum design standards, briefing requirements and guidelines for landscape design across the University estate, including new-build, major refurbishment, minor works and leased properties. The guidance is intended for external design consultants, landscape architects, civil engineers, contractors and project teams from briefing and design through to handover and maintenance. It covers campus identity, biodiversity, safe access, durability and landscape maintenance.


No 18 - Asset Management - Sept 2026 - V4

Provides guidance on the specification and installation of building fabric elements, components and systems across University-owned, operated and maintained buildings. It also sets out the processes for capturing asset information for the CAFM system. The guidance considers assets throughout their lifecycle, from planning and design through construction, operation, renewal, enhancement, decommissioning and disposal, with the aim of optimising cost, risk and performance.


Sets out the University of Edinburgh’s requirements for the successful completion and handover for projects. The guidance covers the information and procedures required from the design stage through to building operation, including building operating and maintenance manuals, log books and handover requirements. It is intended for the professional teams involved in the design, construction, commissioning and maintenance of University buildings.


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