Last site update 25/06/02

Introduction

This web-site will:

• describe the benefits of service life assessments.
• set out the principles to conduct such assessments.
• explain the relationship to whole life costing and value engineering.
• illustrate the flexibility to current procurement initiatives and quality procedures
• emphasise the link between service life and life-care.

The BRE Service Life Assessment Method (BRE-SLAM) is essentially a check that a proposed building (e.g. residential accommodation, offices) or structure (e.g. bridges, roads) will be fit for its intended use and lifecycle. It is intended as a practical tool for owners, facility managers, designers, contractors and any other party with an interest in achieving service life. It is of growing importance to major construction clients.

For example, HM Treasury's procurement guidance¹ that applies to around £7.5 billion of Government property procurement² says decision-makers should ensure that "risks have been properly identified, evaluated, allocated and managed effectively" before investment is made.

Download a BRE-SLAM leaflet (492 Kb)
Download a presentation on Service Life Assessment - (289 Kb)

¹ Modernising construction, HC 87, Report by the comptroller and auditor general, The Stationery Office, London 2001.

² Procurement Guidance No 2: Value for Money in Construction Procurement, HM Treasury, London, 1997.