In the context of order of cost estimates and cost plans, the cost breakdown structure (CBS) is the breakdown of a building project into cost targets for elements or work packages.
The CBS, used together with the work breakdown structure (WBS), provides a codification framework for order of cost estimates and cost plans. This makes it easy to transfer items into work packages or contract works, for example for the purposes of procurement.
Note: the International Cost Management Standard (ICMS) uses the terms “cost group” and “cost sub-group” instead of group element, element and sub-element.
