Since BS 6399-2:1997 was published, some users have felt that guidance was needed to apply the Standard correctly. Queries raised by engineers also suggested that some background information might prove useful. This is the first of a three-Part Digest, using a question-and-answer format with the guidance arranged, as far as possible, in the same order as the Standard. The guidance in this Part will help the user to select the choices in BS 6399-2 that are equivalent to previous practice. It will also assist the user to eliminate conservatism in the standard method by considering wind direction, even when the orientation of a building is unknown, as shown in Table A. This Digest is aimed at architects, engineers and professionals who need to know the effect of wind on buildings, and design options that minimise it.