ASTM E1679-13(2019)

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice can be applied to the requirements for facility serviceability of many functional occupant groups, provided that an appropriate set of requirement classifications for each type has been established.  
4.2 This practice can be applied to rating the facility serviceability of a building or building-related facility.  
4.3 This practice can be used to ascertain the requirements of a group or organization at the time when the group (1) needs to ascertain the serviceability of the facility it occupies; (2) is contemplating a move and needs to assess the relative capability of several existing facilities to perform as required, before deciding to rent, lease, or buy; (3) needs to compare its requirements to the serviceability of a facility that is being planned, or is designed but is not yet built; (4) is planning to remodel or rehabilitate the space it occupies and needs to establish the required level of serviceability that the remodeled or rehabilitated facility will have to meet.  
4.4 This practice is not affected by the complexity of the requirement for serviceability.  
4.5 This practice can be used by any individual with sufficient organizational, functional, and technical knowledge of buildings to act as an informed facilitator. The individual charged with the task of leading the process of establishing the functional requirements of an occupant group or organization needs basic facilitation and interviewing skills. The individual charged with rating the serviceability of a building needs sufficient knowledge of buildings to identify the features that are present.  
4.6 This practice provides a means of setting typical required serviceability levels for any serviceability topic, and of comparing the required levels of functionality for one occupant group or organization against levels set by others.  
4.7 This practice provides a means for organizations to set a profile of functional requirements for each type of occupant group within that...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a definitive procedure for setting the level of requirements of the users (functionality) for the functional capability of a building or building-related facility.  
1.2 This practice provides a definitive procedure for rating the level of functional capability (serviceability) provided by an existing building or building-related facility, or to be provided according to the design for one.  
1.3 This practice provides a definitive procedure for creating or adapting a set of classifications for establishing the levels of functionality required of or the level of capability provided by a building or building-related facility.  
1.4 This practice can be used for setting the profile of requirements of an occupant group in an existing building or building-related facility, or of a group planning to move and looking at new accommodations to rent, buy, or build, and it can be used to assess the suitability of their present facilities.  
1.5 This practice can be used for setting the profile of requirements of an owner, facility manager, lender, or other investor.  
1.6 This practice does not specify what would cause a building to be rated at a given level. That information is found in classifications for specific topics of serviceability that contain a set of rating scales.  
1.7 This practice is not intended to be used for regulatory purposes.  
1.8 This practice contains the following information, in the sections indicated:    
Section  
Introduction  
1    
Scope  
1    
Referenced Documents  
2    
Terminology  
3    
Significance and Use  
4    
Essence of the Approach  
5    
Procedure for Setting the Profile of Required Functionality  
6    
Procedure for Setting the Profile of Functional Capability for a Building or for Building-Related Facilities  
7    
Rating the Plans or Proposals for a New Building or for a Remodel or Rehabilitation Project  
8    
Ke...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2019
• ICS: 91.040.20 - Buildings for commerce and industry
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.25 - Whole Buildings and Facilities

Relations

• 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 E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1334-95(2005) - Standard Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1480-92(2004) - Standard Terminology of Facility Management (Building-Related)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 28-Jul-2000
• Refers: ASTM E1334-95(1999) - Standard Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Refers: ASTM E1480-92(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Facility Management (Building-Related)
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1998

Overview

ASTM E1679-13(2019): 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 is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM. This practice defines comprehensive procedures for establishing user requirements and evaluating the serviceability of buildings and building-related facilities. The standard is suitable for a broad range of functional occupant groups and provides essential frameworks for assessing, comparing, and documenting the capability of buildings to meet users’ functional needs.

Building owners, facility managers, real estate professionals, and design teams can use this standard to systematically assess and match the functional requirements of occupants with what facilities can provide. The practice supports strategic decisions related to leasing, purchasing, renovations, and new construction, focusing on achieving optimal serviceability and fitness for purpose.

Key Topics

• Requirement Classification: Customizable classifications are used for each occupant or functional group, ensuring relevant and precise evaluation criteria.
• Serviceability Rating: An objective rating system enables the comparison of different buildings, designs, or renovation proposals.
• User-Centric Approach: Emphasizes capturing specific user requirements through structured questionnaires and focus groups.
• Gap Analysis: Provides a systematic method to compare current or proposed facility capabilities against user needs, often visualized using bar charts for clarity.
• Flexible Procedure: Adaptable for use whether evaluating existing facilities, making purchase/lease decisions, or assessing plans for new developments.
• Independent of Facility Complexity: The method’s applicability does not depend on the size or complexity of the building.

Applications

ASTM E1679-13(2019) is highly practical for a wide range of facility management and real estate scenarios:

• Occupancy Assessment: Determine how well existing premises meet an organization or occupant group’s needs.
• Facility Selection: Compare multiple buildings’ serviceability before renting, leasing, or purchasing.
• Project Planning: Establish required serviceability levels for new construction or remodeling/rehabilitation projects.
• Design and Value Engineering: Inform design decisions by setting clear functional requirements and assessing design options for cost-effectiveness.
• Portfolio Management: Facility managers and investors can use the standard to set and track profiles of requirements for various occupant groups or building types.
• Targeted Marketing: Building owners can assess serviceability for various use scenarios, helping identify suitable target markets for leasing or sale.
• Cost-Benefit and Feasibility Studies: Analyze the potential return on investment from facility upgrades or conversions by aligning user needs with possible building performance.

Related Standards

ASTM E1679-13(2019) draws from and complements several related standards:

• ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions - for consistent terms used in serviceability assessments.
• ASTM E1480: Terminology of Facility Management (Building-Related) - standard definitions related to facility operations and management.
• ISO 11863: An international standard closely aligned with E1679, focusing on functional and user requirements and performance assessment tools for buildings and related facilities.
• ASTM E1334 (Withdrawn 2013): Provided procedures for rating the serviceability of buildings, now integrated into the current practice.

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By implementing ASTM E1679-13(2019), organizations and facility professionals gain a robust, standardized approach to evaluating and specifying the serviceability of buildings, ensuring functional alignment and supporting informed, evidence-based decisions for building occupancy and investments. This standard enhances building performance assessment, benchmarking, and continuous improvement in facility management.

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: E1679 − 13 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building
or Building-Related Facility, and for Determining What
1,2
Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1679; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Most organizations and work groups have only a few generic types of functions, such as general
purpose office functions, or office functions requiring special security provisions because receiving
many visitors, or having a mix of office and “dry” laboratory functions, and so on. For each typical
or generic type of function, facilities are required to have a different mix of functional capabilities to
support the activities of those who use, own, or manage that function.
This document is a definitive procedure to (1) ascertain the profile of required levels of functionality
(functional support) for a specific occupant group, (2) ascertain the profile of levels of serviceability
(functional capability) that are provided in an existing facility, or called for in the design for a facility,
and (3) compare what is provided to what is required.
To ascertain the profile provided by a facility, or the profile of an organization’s requirements, this
practice uses scales that look like multiple choice questionnaires for discrete topics related to buildings
and their use. One set of scales is for user functional requirements (demand) and a matching set of
scales is for building serviceability (supply).
For each topic of required functionality (demand), the user of this practice employs a classification
scale called a “requirement scale” to set the level required. Each requirement scale contains several
descriptions of required functionality for that topic, classified in a range from low to high, for example,
from Level 0 to Level 9. For each topic of serviceability provided (supply), the user of this practice
employs a classification scale called a “rating scale” to ascertain the level of serviceability that is
found in the facility. Each rating scale contains several descriptions of serviceability provision for that
topic, classified in a range from low to high, for example, from Level 0 to Level 9.
Each such scale, demand or supply, is used like a multiple choice questionnaire to select the level
of functionality or of serviceability. Overall required functionality is displayed as a profile of levels
(that is, not as a single number) and may be presented as a bar chart. Similarly, overall serviceability
provided may be presented as a bar chart. When the two bar charts are compared (gap analysis) the
closeness of functional fit of a facility for an organization is displayed.
When comparing the requirement profile prepared by one organization with that prepared by
another organization, it is essential that both use the same set of requirement scales. Organizations
may use an ASTM standard set of scales; they may create their own; or they may adapt ASTM
standard classification scales for specialized, internal application. The organization forgoes the
possibility of external comparison in the latter two cases.
This standard practice is an updated version of Practice E1679, to which has been added the
provisions of the companion standard, Practice E1334. A whole family of scales which comply with
this version of Practice E1679, for use in North America, has been standardized by ASTM, under the
jurisdiction of ASTM Subcommittee E06.25 on Whole Buildings and Facilities. A version in French
was created by Public Works and Government Services Canada. A set of scales in French, adapted for
ways of building and managing facilities in France was created by the French public entity Centre
Scientific et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB). All the ASTM scales are included in ASTM Standards
for Whole Building Functionality and Serviceability, ASTM stock number WBDG2009 or later
edition. After Practice E1334 and Practice E1679 were standardized, a version of the practice as
modified for use in other countries was created as ISO 11863.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1679 − 13 (2019)
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This practice provides a definitive procedure for setting
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the level of requirements of the users (functionality) for the
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
functional capability of a building or building-related facility.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 This practice provides a definitive procedure for rating
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the level of functional capability (serviceability) provided by
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
an existing building or building-related facility, or to be
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
provided according to the design for one.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 This practice provides a definitive procedure for creat-
2. Referenced Documents
ing or adapting a set of classifications for establishing the
levels of functionality required of or the level of capability 2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
provided by a building or building-related facility.
E1334 Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or
1.4 This practice can be used for setting the profile of
Building-Related Facility (Withdrawn 2013)
requirements of an occupant group in an existing building or
E1480 Terminology of Facility Management (Building-
building-related facility, or of a group planning to move and
Related)
looking at new accommodations to rent, buy, or build, and it
2.2 International Standards:
can be used to assess the suitability of their present facilities.
ISO 11863 Buildings and Building-Related Facilities --
1.5 This practice can be used for setting the profile of
Functional and User Requirements and Performance --
requirements of an owner, facility manager, lender, or other
Tools for Assessment and Comparison
investor.
3. Terminology
1.6 This practice does not specify what would cause a
3.1 Definitions:
building to be rated at a given level. That information is found
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms related to building
in classifications for specific topics of serviceability that
construction used in this standard, refer to Terminology E631.
contain a set of rating scales.
3.1.2 For standard definitions of additional terms applicable
1.7 This practice is not intended to be used for regulatory
to this practice, see Terminology E1480.
purposes.
3.1.3 facility, n—a physical setting used to serve a specific
1.8 This practice contains the following information, in the
purpose.
sections indicated:
3.1.3.1 Discussion—A facility may be within a building, or
Section a whole building, or a building with its site and surrounding
environment; or it may be a construction that is not a building.
Introduction 1
The term encompasses both the physical object and its use.
Scope 1
Referenced Documents 2 E631
Terminology 3
3.1.4 facility performance, n—the behavior in service of a
Significance and Use 4
Essence of the Approach 5
facility for a specified use.
Procedure for Setting the Profile of Required Functionality 6
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The scope of this performance is of the
Procedure for Setting the Profile of Functional Capability for a 7
facility as a system, including its subsystems, components, and
Building or for Building-Related Facilities
Rating the Plans or Proposals for a New Building or for a 8
materials and their interactions, such as acoustical,
Remodel or Rehabilitation Project
hydrothermal, air purity, and economic; and of the relative
Keywords 9
importance of each performance requirement. E631, E1480
Rules for Setting Levels in a Scale Annex A1
Examples of Scales Appendix X1
3.1.5 functionality, adj—of a building, being suitable for a
Steps for Setting the Functional Requirement Profile Appendix X2
particular use or function. E1480
Steps for Setting the Facility Rating Profile Appendix X3
Examples of Bar-Chart Profiles Appendix X4
3.1.6 rating process, n—the process of determining the
Example of Titles of Aspects, Topics and Features Appendix X5
serviceability of a facility for a specified purpose. E1480
List of Common Types of Function Appendix X6
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 aspect, n—of functionality, a broad component of
serviceability, comprising several related topics of functional-
ity.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.25 on
Whole Buildings and Facilities. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E1679–13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1679–13R19. the ASTM website.
Portions of this document are based on material originally prepared by the The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
International Centre for Facilities (ICF) and copyright 1993 by ICF and Minister of www.astm.org.
Public Works and Government Services Canada. Their cooperation in the develop- Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
ment of this standard is acknowledged. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
E1679 − 13 (2019)
3.2.2 aspect, n—of serviceability, a broad component of tional capability for an aspect of functionality, or a functional
serviceability, comprising several related topics of serviceabil- component thereof, in which each description has been se-
ity. lected to indicate a specific level of functionality, with consis-
tent scalar differences from the lowest to the highest level
3.2.3 combination of features, n—of a facility, two or more
likely to be encountered.
features that, when present together in a facility, affect a level
of serviceability of that facility. 3.2.14 scale—see rating scale and requirement scale.
3.2.15 serviceability, n—the capability of a facility, or of a
3.2.4 demand, n—of a facility, requirement for functional
feature or component thereof, to perform the function(s) for
capability.
which it is designed, used, or required to be used.
3.2.5 facility serviceability profile, n—a graphic
3.2.16 topic, n—of functionality, a part of the functionality
representation, usually as a bar chart, of the level of service-
of a facility for which a requirement scale can be prepared.
ability for each topic of serviceability.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—At any level of functionality, a topic
3.2.6 feature, n—of a facility, a physical element of a
can be expressed in a statement of a requirement in the normal
building, building component, building subsystem, unit of
language of occupants or owners. Taken together, several
furnishing or equipment, or of a location, or of an aspect of
related topics typically comprise one aspect of functionality.
design, arrangement, form, or color, which helps or hinders the
3.2.17 topic, n—of serviceability, a part of the serviceability
satisfaction of a requirement for functionality.
of a facility for which a rating scale can be prepared.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—A feature may be a physical feature or
3.2.17.1 Discussion—At any level of serviceability, a topic
design feature, or both. For example, particular sound absor-
can be expressed as a statement in technical performance
bency in a ceiling may be adequate in a carpeted space but may
language describing the combination of features that meet that
be inadequate in a space with a hard floor covering.
requirement. Taken together, several related topics typically
3.2.7 function, n—of a facility, a purpose of a facility or
comprise one aspect of serviceability.
some portion or component thereof for which it is used or
required to be used. 4. Significance and Use
3.2.8 knowledgeable person, n—an individual who has tech- 4.1 This practice can be applied to the requirements for
nical knowledge concerning the building or facility, for
facility serviceability of many functional occupant groups,
example, about occupant requirements, building design, me- provided that an appropriate set of requirement classifications
chanical systems, operation, and maintenance.
for each type has been established.
3.2.8.1 Discussion—In larger facilities, the senior person
4.2 This practice can be applied to rating the facility
who is at a facility full time to manage its operation is unlikely
serviceability of a building or building-related facility.
to be an appropriate person to facilitate the setting of required
4.3 This practice can be used to ascertain the requirements
levels of serviceability by the occupant because of that role, but
of a group or organization at the time when the group (1) needs
he may be well qualified and appropriate to participate as a
to ascertain the serviceability of the facility it occupies; (2) is
knowledgeable person in the process of rating that facility.
contemplating a move and needs to assess the relative capa-
3.2.9 level, n—of functionality or of serviceability, a number
bility of several existing facilities to perform as required,
indicating the relative serviceability for one topic, feature or
before deciding to rent, lease, or buy; (3) needs to compare its
function on a predetermined range, for example, a range from
requirements to the serviceability of a facility that is being
0 to 9.
planned, or is designed but is not yet built; (4) is planning to
3.2.10 occupant, n—of a facility, a group, department, remodel or rehabilitate the space it occupies and needs to
agency or corporation, or other organization, or a part thereof,
establish the required level of serviceability that the remodeled
or an individual or individuals thereof, that is or will be or rehabilitated facility will have to meet.
occupying space in a particular facility.
4.4 This practice is not affected by the complexity of the
3.2.10.1 Discussion—Individuals who are authorized to be
requirement for serviceability.
present only temporarily, or in special circumstances such as
4.5 This practice can be used by any individual with
those permitted to pass through during an emergency, are
sufficient organizational, functional, and technical knowledge
visitors rather than occupants for the purposes of this practice.
of buildings to act as an informed facilitator. The individual
3.2.11 offıce, n—a place, such as an open workspace, room,
charged with the task of leading the process of establishing the
suite, or building, in which business, clerical, or professional
functional requirements of an occupant group or organization
activities are conducted.
needs basic facilitation and interviewing skills. The individual
3.2.12 rating scale, n—for facility serviceability, a set of charged with rating the serviceability of a building needs
descriptions of features or combinations of features, in which sufficient knowledge of buildings to identify the features that
each description indicates a specific level of serviceability, are present.
with consistent scalar differences from the lowest to the highest
4.6 This practice provides a means of setting typical re-
level likely to be encountered.
quired serviceability levels for any serviceability topic, and of
3.2.13 requirement scale, n—for a topic of facility comparing the required levels of functionality for one occupant
serviceability, a set of descriptions of requirements for func- group or organization against levels set by others.
E1679 − 13 (2019)
4.7 This practice provides a means for organizations to set a 4.13 This practice is not intended for, and is not suitable for,
profile of functional requirements for each type of occupant use for regulatory purposes, nor for fire hazard assessment, nor
group within that organization. for fire risk assessment.
4.7.1 This practice provides a means for organizations to
5. Essence of the Approach
identify and validate exceptional needs of their occupants
5.1 The essence of this functionality (demand) and service-
rapidly.
ability (supply) gap analysis approach is to ascertain what level
4.7.2 This practice provides a means of comparing the
of functional capability is required of each facility on each of
requirement levels of various occupant groups within an
a broad range of topics, and separately to use physical features
organization.
of a facility as indicators of its level of capability, that is, how
4.8 This practice provides a method for comparing how well
serviceable it is to meet each requirement. For each topic, the
an occupant’s functional requirements match the capabilities of
approach uses a pair of calibrated scales, one for demand, and
different buildings or facilities, despite differences such as
one for supply, to measure overall capability and suitability for
location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building
use. (See Fig. 1 and Appendix X1.)
shape.
5.2 Demand scales (functionality requirement scales) de-
4.9 This practice provides a framework that allows design
scribe user needs in non-technical, everyday language that
professionals and facility managers to select the most cost-
occupants and asset managers can understand. Each demand
effective means of providing a facility that will best provide the
scale is a multiple-choice questionnaire, that is, a set of
required levels of serviceability.
possible answers to the question, “what functionality do you
4.10 This practice helps the occupants to understand how need from this facility, or this form of logistics support, to do
various functional requirements interact and impact on the what you need or want to do, for example, to get the job done?”
overall serviceability of a building or building-related facility The multiple choice questionnaires allow people to select
and on its level of serviceability for each topic. which statements best describe the functionality needed to
support their mission and enhance their effectiveness. The set
4.11 By providing a direct link between the features of a
of functionality requirement levels for a particular organization
facility and its level of serviceability on any topic, the
should be the core of front-end planning and budgeting for its
descriptions of each level clarify how various subsystems and
physical setting, because it is mission-driven, and independent
materials used in a facility interact to provide that level of
of the facilities the organization now occupies, or other
serviceability.
facilities they might possibly occupy in the future.
4.12 Examples of Potential Applications:
5.3 Each supply scale (serviceability rating scale) is a
4.12.1 Project Feasibility—When the owner of an older
similar multiple choice questionnaire, a set of descriptions of a
building considers remodeling it into apartments, or needs to
physical feature or level of support, as indicators of its level of
rehabilitate it to bring it up to current market demand.
capability to respond, that is, how serviceable it is to meet each
4.12.2 Select Option Before Leasing—A corporate real es-
requirement. Respondents to the supply scales are asked,
tate and facility manager compares ratings of several office
“Which of these statements best describes what is physically
facilities before selecting which to lease.
present in the facility, or best describes the level of support
4.12.3 Compare Serviceability of Design Options—An ar-
provided?”
chitect rates various designs to select the most effective way of
5.4 The supply scales can also be used to rate the expected
achieving design objectives within a fixed construction budget.
capability of a facility not yet built or altered, by asking,
4.12.4 Marketing—An owner rates a building for several
“Which of these statements best describes what will be present
potential uses to identify target markets that would find the
in the facility, after construction.
building most serviceable in its present condition, or when
5.5 Demand scales are calibrated according to the left hand
remodeled for another use.
column in Annex A1, and supply scales are calibrated accord-
4.12.5 Suitability of Existing or Proposed Use—A potential
ing to the right hand column in Annex A1.
buyer assesses the suitability of a facility for multi-tenant office
use.
6. Procedure for Setting the Profile of Required
4.12.6 Cost Reduction—The owner rates various design
Functionality
options to select the most cost-effective means for achieving a
6.1 This procedure describes the steps an organization will
target serviceability profile.
take to set organization-wide requirements for a type of
4.12.7 Financial Analysis—The owner or potential buyer
function using the set of requirements its users select as
assesses likely benefits of a proposed remodel and conversion
needed. The steps are summarized in Appendix X2.
from a warehouse to a highly technical manufacturing build-
ing.
6.2 Once an organization has set the typical organizational
4.12.8 Energy and Water Conservation—The owner or po- levels required for its function and established its profile, an
tential buyer compares the likely relative levels of energy or occupant group
...