BCO to update landmark guide on construction materials selection

The BCO (British Council for Offices) today announces the commissioning of a major update to its Good Practice in the Selection of Construction Materials guide, with Arup appointed as technical author.

Arup will co-fund the report with the BCO.

Last published in 2011, the guide replaced ineffective materials exclusion lists with practical, risk-based guidance for materials selection. Widely referenced by legal professionals, regulatory authorities, and industry practitioners, it has become a trusted guide for good practice in the selection of construction materials.

The 2026 update will reflect significant developments in regulation, sustainability expectations, and technical standards. The revised guidance will strengthen the focus on sustainable design and responsible specification.

Key areas of enhancement include:

• Sustainability and environmental impact: materials health and toxicity, responsible procurement, embodied carbon, circular economy approaches, and nature impacts of materials supply chains.
• Expanded materials coverage: concrete systems, composites, membranes & textiles, alongside updated insights for brick, timber, stone, and other conventional construction materials.
• Alignment with evolving regulation and standards: including fire safety, testing and certification, and whole-life carbon assessment.

Samantha McClary, chief executive of the BCO, said: “The original guide encouraged the industry to move from blunt materials exclusion lists to a more thoughtful, risk-based approach to materials selection. With regulatory requirements and sustainability expectations evolving rapidly since 2011, this update ensures the guidance remains relevant, practical, and aligned with today’s best practice.”

Neil Pennell, chair of the BCO Technical Affairs Committee and Landsec’s head of design innovation and property solutions, added: “Materials selection is increasingly complex and risk sensitive. Our priority with this update is to keep the guidance practical, clear, and grounded in real project decision-making. The refreshed guide will be an essential resource for industry professionals providing teams with comprehensive advice on how to make informed choices on their projects. ”

Graham Dodd, Arup fellow and director, said: “Materials specification sits at the heart of the industry’s response to climate, health, and resource challenges. We are pleased to support the BCO in updating this guide. This update will reflect the latest standards, respond to emerging risks and encourage more sustainable decisions on materials, sourcing and wider environmental impacts, where they matter most.”

The guide is scheduled for release in October 2026. It will maintain the clarity, consistency, and practical focus that has made it a trusted reference across the legal, regulatory, and construction communities.