(building blocks)

Building block is a term in chemistry which is used to describe a virtual molecular fragment or a real chemical compound the molecules of which possess reactive functional groups. Building blocks are used for bottom-up modular assembly of molecular architectures: nano-particles, metal-organic frameworks, organic molecular constructs, supra-molecular complexes.

The building block model is a form of public utility regulation that is common in Australia. Variants of the building block model are currently used in Australia in the regulation of electricity transmissionAEMC Review of Transmission Revenue and Pricing Rules which confirmed the use of a building block approach for electricity transmission and distribution, gas transmission and distribution, railways,ACCC final decision on the ARTC undertaking concerning access to the national interstate rail track infrastructure postal services,ACCC 2010 decision on postal prices urban water and sewerage services,Essential Services Commission (Victoria) 2005 draft decision on water services irrigation infrastructure,Draft ACCC Pricing Principles governing charging for irrigation infrastructure and port access.