BSI Flex 390 v2.0:2023-03

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BSI Flex 390 is sponsored by the Construction Innovation Hub and draws on one of its primary projects, the Value Toolkit. The Construction Innovation Hub brings together expertise from BRE, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) to transform the UK construction industry. In close collaboration with government, academia, industry and partners across the Transforming Construction Challenge, CIH is guiding a collaborative programme to create a market with the capability and capacity needed to deliver the UK’s construction and infrastructure needs. Developed in partnership with more than 200 experts from across government and industry, the Value Toolkit is a government backed initiative designed to change the way the construction industry thinks about and measures value.

What is BSI Flex 390 v.2.0, Built environment – Value-based decision making about?

The UK built environment sector traditionally sees value in financial terms, or in terms of cost and quality. BSI Flex 390 v2.0:2023-03 is the second version of a new Flex standard designed to help users implement a consistent approach to value-based decision, with value seen in terms of four pillars: natural, human, social and produced. Complementary to existing processes and systems, this BSI Flex can help users make value-based decisions that drive better social, environmental and economic outcomes.

Who is BSI Flex 390 v2.0, Built environment – Value-based decision making for?

Anyone in the built environment with responsibility for making or implementing interventions in built environment assets; or those wishing to adopt a process for systematically introducing value-based decision making when procuring or acquiring an asset, including:

• Client organizations and their advisers
• Asset managers
• Project managers
• Investment managers and analysts
• Commercial managers, such as cost managers or quantity surveyors
• Public sector clients/procurers
• Private sector clients

What does BSI Flex 390 v2.0, Built environment – Value-based decision making cover?

It specifies requirements for implementing a consistent approach to value-based decision making throughout the lifecycle of an asset and within the inter-related processes undertaken in the management of a built environment project.

It utilizes a Value Definition Framework to help users consider value in terms of four overarching pillars: natural, human, social and produced.

BSI Flex 390 v.2.0 is intended to:

• Be applied to and implemented in project investment, procurement planning, optioneering and design decisions relating to all types of assets, regardless of size, complexity or chosen procurement strategy.
• Enable objectives to be developed and validated to establish a clear sustainability-based performance related brief for any programme or project.
• Enable policy objectives to be delivered more effectively, as well as the delivery of sustainable outcomes.
• Operate in the context of wider management processes, including project management, value and change management, and whole lifecycle intervention decisions.
• Supplement competencies in many existing roles within organizations, their supply chain and teams.

NOTE: This BSI Flex is complementary to existing processes that assist with the wider management process of a programme or project, such as outlined in BS EN 12973.

Why should you use BSI Flex 390 v2.0,  Built environment – Value-based decision making?

• It provides a clear, modern approach to how value in the built environment can be defined, created, delivered and measured to drive better social, environmental and economic outcomes.
• It is a value-based add-on to existing project management processes, rather than another system to learn and invest in.
• It provides a framework within which clients can explore their required outcomes.
• It creates an ongoing up-to-date reference point so that organizations are able to benchmark and develop their operations.
• It gives confidence of a rigorous process as well as the ability to verify conformity.
• It creates greater resilience and efficiency, with adaptable good practice.
• It supports innovation within organizations and industries.
• It aligns with the principle of value-based decision making already in use in government and the private sector.
• It strengthens risk management and increases confidence.
• It is UK-developed but has global application.

BSI Flex 390 v2.0:2023-03 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities and Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production.