ASTM E1700-16

Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Structure and Building Envelope<rangeref></rangeref >

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Each Facility Rating Scale in this classification (see Figs. 1-24) provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability, and to compare that level against the level of any other building or facility.  
4.2 This classification can be used for comparing how well different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building shape.  
4.3 This classification can be used to estimate the amount of variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities.  
4.4 This classification can be used to estimate the following:  
4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other than its present use.  
4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been planned but not yet built.  
4.4.3 Serviceability (potential) of a facility for which a remodeling has been planned.  
4.5 Use of this classification does not result in building evaluation or diagnosis. Building evaluation or diagnosis generally requires a special expertise in building engineering or technology, and the use of instruments, tools, or measurements.  
4.6 This classification applies only to facilities that are building constructions, or parts thereof. (While this classification may be useful in rating the serviceability of facilities that are not building constructions, such facilities are outside the scope of this classification.)
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers matched sets of scales (see Figs. 1-24) for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements for structure and building envelope.  
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each matched set of scales (see Figs. 1-24) is for classifying one topic of serviceability. Each topic is typically broken down into two more demand functions and supply features. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale summarizes one level of serviceability on that function, which occupants might require. The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability.  
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-24) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning, to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type of occupant group, over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing.  
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings and outline specifications have been prepared.  
1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility to be rated at a certain level of serviceability, but does not state how to conduct a serviceability rating nor how to assign a serviceability score. That information is found in Practice E1679. The scales in Figs. 1-24 are complimentary to and compatible with Practice E1679. Each requires the other.  
1.6 The scales are intended to identify the levels of various requirements unique to a particular user, and the serviceability (capability) of a building to meet those requirements. The scales thus supplement rather than include code requirements. It remains the responsibility of designers, builders, and building managers to meet applicable code requirements relative to their respective roles in facility design, construction, and...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2016
• ICS: 35.260 - Office machines
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.25 - Whole Buildings and Facilities

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1700-13 - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Structure and Building Envelope
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1669-95a(2018) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Location, Access and Wayfinding<rangeref></rangeref >
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1667-95a(2018) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Image to the Public and Occupants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1660-95a(2018) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Support for Office Work
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1665-95a(2018) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Facility Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1679-13 - Standard Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility, and for Determining What Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1667-95a(2012) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Image to the Public and Occupants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1669-95a(2012) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Location, Access and Wayfinding
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1679-95(2012) - Standard Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1660-95a(2012) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Support for Office Work
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1665-95a(2012) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Facility Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1669-95a(2005) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Location, Access and Wayfinding
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005

Overview

ASTM E1700-16: Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Structure and Building Envelope is a globally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. It provides a systematic approach to classify and estimate the serviceability of office facilities based on the structure and building envelope. The standard enables facility managers, designers, and stakeholders to compare the serviceability of different office buildings or assess a single building's capability to meet specific requirements, regardless of location, age, or design.

This classification utilizes matched sets of scales to guide rapid estimation of how well a facility meets occupant needs, supporting planning, benchmarking, and strategic decision-making in facility management. It complements, but does not replace, building code compliance or detailed engineering assessments.

Keywords: serviceability, office facility, building envelope, structure, facility management, ASTM E1700, facility rating, performance classification

Key Topics

ASTM E1700-16 addresses several core aspects of office facility serviceability as related to structure and the building envelope:

• Matched Rating Scales: The standard uses paired demand and supply scales to assess different aspects of facility performance. Demand scales reflect occupant requirements; supply scales translate those requirements into indicative facility features.
• Comprehensive Applicability: The classification is designed to work for both existing and planned facilities, as well as those slated for remodeling.
• Objective Comparison: Facilities can be compared regardless of age, size, location, or mechanical systems, allowing for consistent benchmarking.
• Supplement to Codes: The standard supplements regulatory code requirements, focusing on serviceability unique to specific occupants or users.
• Quick Assessment: The indicative entries in the rating scales allow for economical and rapid assessment rather than comprehensive evaluation or measurement.

Applications

ASTM E1700-16 offers practical value for a wide range of stakeholders in the building and facilities sector:

• Facility Management: Estimate the current serviceability of office spaces to inform maintenance, upgrades, and tenant satisfaction.
• Design and Planning: Evaluate the potential serviceability of new office building designs or facilities planned for renovation, even when limited to conceptual or outline specifications.
• Benchmarking and Reporting: Compare multiple office facilities within a portfolio for property management or investment decision-making.
• Change of Use Assessment: Assess how well an existing facility might support uses other than its current occupancy.
• User-Centric Requirements: Identify specific occupant demands and match those with building features, aiding communication between owners, tenants, and facility managers.

Note: This classification is not intended for detailed technical evaluation or compliance purposes. It provides guidance on what may affect serviceability but does not replace expert analysis or diagnostic measurements.

Related Standards

ASTM E1700-16 works in conjunction with several other ASTM and international standards:

• ASTM E1679: Practice for setting serviceability requirements and matching with facility performance - essential for assigning serviceability scores based on E1700 classifications.
• ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions, providing consistent definitions.
• ASTM E1665, E1667, E1669: Related classifications covering specific aspects such as facility protection, public image, and wayfinding.
• ISO 6240: Performance standards in building - content and presentation.
• ISO/DIS 7162, ISO/DIS 7164: Draft International Standards for performance evaluation frameworks in buildings.

Integrating ASTM E1700-16 with these standards enables comprehensive serviceability assessment and supports strategic facility management in a variety of office building contexts.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E1700 −16
Standard Classification for
Serviceability of an Office Facility for Structure and Building
1,2
Envelope
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1700; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope serviceability score. That information is found in Practice
E1679. The scales in Figs. 1-24 are complimentary to and
1.1 This classification covers matched sets of scales (see
compatible with Practice E1679. Each requires the other.
Figs. 1-24) for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an
office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet 1.6 The scales are intended to identify the levels of various
certain possible requirements for structure and building enve- requirements unique to a particular user, and the serviceability
lope. (capability) of a building to meet those requirements. The
scales thus supplement rather than include code requirements.
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each matched set of
It remains the responsibility of designers, builders, and build-
scales (see Figs. 1-24) is for classifying one topic of service-
ing managers to meet applicable code requirements relative to
ability. Each topic is typically broken down into two more
their respective roles in facility design, construction, and
demand functions and supply features. Each paragraph in an
ongoing management.
Occupant Requirement Scale summarizes one level of service-
ability on that function, which occupants might require. The 1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale is a translation of as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
the requirement into a description of certain features of a conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
facilitywhich,takenincombination,indicatethatthefacilityis and are not considered standard.
likely to meet that level of required serviceability.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-24)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
scanning, to estimate approximately, quickly, and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
needs of one or another type of occupant group, over time.The
entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an
2. Referenced Documents
office facility is performing.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to
E1660 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility
estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned
for Support for Office Work
but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings
E1665 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility
and outline specifications have been prepared.
for Facility Protection
1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility
E1667 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility
to be rated at a certain level of serviceability, but does not state
for Image to the Public and Occupants
how to conduct a serviceability rating nor how to assign a
E1669 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility
for Location, Access and Wayfinding
E1679 Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Service-
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
ability of a Building or Building-Related Facility, and for
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.25
Determining What Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
on Whole Buildings and Facilities.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published November 2016. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E1700-13. DOI:
10.1520/E1700-16.
2 3
Portions of this document are based on material originally prepared by the For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
International Centre for Facilities (ICF) and © 1993 by ICF and Minister of Public contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Works and Government Services Canada. Their cooperation in the development of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
this standard is acknowledged. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1700−16
2.2 ISO Documents: ability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability,
ISO 6240 International Standard, Performance Standards in andtocomparethatlevelagainstthelevelofanyotherbuilding
Building—Contents and Presentation or facility.
ISO/DIS 7162 Draft International Standard, Performance
4.2 This classification can be used for comparing how well
Standards in Building—Contents and Format of Standards
different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement
for Evaluation of Performance
for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as
ISO/DIS 7164 Draft International Standard, Performance
location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building
Standards in Building—Definitions and Means of Expres-
shape.
sion for the Performance of a Whole Building
4.3 This classification can be used to estimate the amount of
variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for
3. Terminology
a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities.
3.1 Definitions:
4.4 Thisclassificationcanbeusedtoestimatethefollowing:
3.1.1 facility, n—a physical setting used to serve a specific
4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other
purpose.
than its present use.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—A facility may be within a building, or
4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been
a whole building, or a building with its site and surrounding
planned but not yet built.
environment; or it may be a construction that is no
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1700 − 13 E1700 − 16 An American National Standard
Standard Classification for
Serviceability of an Office Facility for Structure and Building
1,2
Envelope
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1700; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This classification covers pairs matched sets of scales (see Figs. 1-624) for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an
office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements for structure and building envelope.
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair matched set of scales (see Figs. 1-624) areis for classifying one topic of
serviceability. Each topic is typically broken down into two more demand functions and supply features. Each paragraph in an
Occupant Requirement Scale summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic,function, which occupants might require. The
matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility
which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability.
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Figs. 1-624) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning,
to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type
of occupant group, over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing.
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate
the serviceability of a facility that has been planned but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings and outline
specifications have been prepared.
1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility to be rated at a certain level of serviceability, but does not state how
to conduct a serviceability rating nor how to assign a serviceability score. That information is found in Practice E1334E1679. The
scales in Figs. 1-624 are complimentary to and compatible with Practice E1334E1679. Each requires the other.
1.6 The scales are intended to identify the levels of various requirements unique to a particular user, and the serviceability
(capability) of a building to meet those requirements. The scales thus supplement rather than include code requirements. It remains
the responsibility of designers, builders, and building managers to meet applicable code requirements relative to their respective
roles in facility design, construction, and ongoing management.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E1334E1660 PracticeClassification for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related FacilityServiceability of an
Office Facility for Support for Office Work (Withdrawn 2013)
E1665 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Facility Protection
E1667 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Image to the Public and Occupants
E1669 Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Location, Access and Wayfinding
E1679 Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility, and for
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.25 on Whole
Buildings and Facilities.
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 2013Oct. 1, 2016. Published September 2013November 2016. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20052013
as E1700 – 95 (2005).E1700-13. DOI: 10.1520/E1700-13.10.1520/E1700-16.
Portions of this document are based on material originally prepared by the International Centre for Facilities (ICF) and © 1993 by ICF and Minister of Public Works
and Government Services Canada. Their cooperation in the development of this standard is acknowledged.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1700 − 16
Determining What Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
2.2 ISO Documents:
ISO 6240 International Standard, Performance Standards in Building—Contents and Presentation
ISO/DIS 7162 Draft International Standard, Performance Standards in Building—Contents and Format of Standards for
Evaluation of Performance
ISO/DIS 7164 Draft International Standard, Performance Standards in Building—Definitions and Means of Expression for the
Performance of a Whole Building
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 facility, n—a physical setting used to serve a specific purpose.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
A facility may be within a building, or a whole building, or a building with its site and surrounding environment; or it may be a
construction that is not a building. The term encompasses both the physical object and its use.
3.1.2 facility serviceability—the capability of a facility to perform the function(s) for which it is designed, used, or required to
be used.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
The scope of this performance is of the facility as a system, including its subsystems, components, and materials and their
interactions, such as acoustical, hydrothermal, air purity, and economic; and of the relative importance of each performance
requirement.
3.1.3 offıce—a place, such as a room, suite, or building, in which business, clerical, or professional activities are conducted.
3.1.4 For standard definitions of additional terms applicable to this classification, as well as those in 3.1.1 – 3.1.3, see
Terminology E631.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Each Facility Rating Scale in this classification (see Figs. 1-624) provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability
of a building or facility for
...