Awareness of Building Safety Act rises among building services professionals

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsResearchSafety

Awareness of Building Safety Act increases across building services sector

Research commissioned by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) highlights increasing awareness of the Building Safety Act and its implications across the building services sector.

According to the survey, conducted by AMA Research for BESA, 88% of respondents demonstrated some awareness of the Act, with nearly one-third reporting they were “fully aware.”

BESA members showed higher awareness levels compared to the broader industry, although understanding of roles and responsibilities under the legislation varied depending on building and project type.

The Building Safety Act, introduced in 2022, aims to enhance compliance and accountability across the construction sector.

However, the survey found only 9% of respondents reported making significant changes to align with the legislation.

Mixed impact of legislation on businesses

The research revealed a diverse range of perspectives on the Act’s impact.

While 65% of respondents stated the legislation had been “neither a positive nor a negative factor,” 27% described its effect as positive, and 9% reported negative consequences.

Contractors highlighted compliance challenges and the need for further collaboration with the Building Safety Regulator to meet legislative requirements.

Many organisations also identified a lack of training as a key obstacle to embedding the changes necessary for improving safety standards.

Awareness higher in large firms and high-rise projects

The survey noted higher awareness levels among professionals working on high-rise buildings, new construction projects, and major refurbishments.

Larger firms, in terms of turnover and workforce size, were more likely to demonstrate understanding of the Act compared to smaller organisations.

Rachel Davidson, director of specialist knowledge at BESA, commented: “There is a general perception that the legislation is having a positive impact by driving culture change.

“However, the pace of change is too slow, and there is much work to be done to shift the industry’s focus from speed and cost to quality.”

Training gaps and cultural shifts remain key challenges

BESA emphasised the importance of industry-wide cultural shifts and access to appropriate training.

Davidson highlighted efforts by some firms to use the Act as a framework for improving employee competencies but noted these practices were not widespread.

BESA’s chief executive officer, David Frise, underscored the importance of quality and competence within the sector.

He said: “Changing the mindset of a whole industry to focus on quality rather than price, and ensuring everyone understands their role and responsibilities under the Act, is the only way forward.”

Awareness of Building Safety Act rises among building services professionals: Summary

A BESA-commissioned survey conducted by AMA Research revealed that 88% of respondents in the building services sector are aware of the Building Safety Act, with higher awareness reported among BESA members.

However, understanding of the Act’s requirements varies significantly by project type and company size.

While 65% of contractors reported the Act had a neutral impact, 27% saw positive outcomes, and 9% noted negative effects.

Challenges include compliance, training gaps, and the slow pace of cultural change within the sector.

The findings also highlighted disparities in awareness, with professionals in large organisations and those working on high-rise projects being more informed about the Act.

Industry leaders emphasised the need for quality-focused practices and increased training to meet legislative requirements effectively.

How Warringtonfire is ensuring safety through certification in maintaining secure information boxes

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementSafety

Mark West, Principal Product Assessor for Warringtonfire’s Certisecure scheme, explores the critical role of third-party certification in maintaining secure information boxes and ensuring safety for high-rise buildings under new regulations

Following The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, from 23 January 2023 having a secure information box (SIB) on the premises is now a legal requirement for existing high-rise residential buildings in England.

What makes SIBs so important?

Secure information boxes (SIBs), though not new to the market, are now legally required in England.

These boxes are essential for the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) during building fires.

The regulations stipulate that ‘responsible persons’ in high-rise residential buildings must install a secure information box in a readily accessible location.

This box should contain critical fire safety information, including an Emergency Response Pack (ERP).

The ERP should include, among other items, a log book, an orientation plan showing the building’s location relative to surrounding buildings and water supplies, a building layout plan, up-to-date floor plans, information on residents with mobility, cognitive, or sensory impairments, and an evacuation strategy for the building.

For more details on secure information boxes and the ERP, fire safety professionals and ‘responsible persons’ should consult the Code of Practice from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Access to SIBs should be restricted to the FRS and/or the facility manager due to the highly sensitive information they contain.

This has created a need for high-quality, secure boxes that are well-maintained in accordance with the regulations and the Fire Safety Order.

SIBs are categorised based on public access levels.

Category A SIBs are mounted externally on a building or in the common areas of a block of flats accessible to the public.

Category B SIBs are installed internally in a secure area where the FRS has established a rapid access protocol or an alternative arrangement.

Category A SIBs should be designed to provide enhanced security and protection against vandalism due to their public accessibility.

The necessary security levels can be verified through testing and certification by Warringtonfire’s Security Technical Schedule STS 205, with a resistance level of at least BR2 for Category A SIBs and at least BR1 for Category B SIBs.

Fire safety professionals should understand the importance of industry standards when it comes to critical fire safety building products such as SIBs, especially with the more stringent security test requirements for those that fall into Category A.

As more facility managers of high-rise buildings in England look to install these boxes to move in line with legal requirements, it’s crucial that fire safety professionals that may be advising on product specification are clear on what sets them apart, and that comes in the form of additional testing and third-party certification.

SIBs – What to look for

To have peace of mind that SIBs are able to withstand being attacked, third-party testing to the STS 205 standard conducted by a UKAS-accredited test laboratory is crucial.

Passing this standard demonstrates that the SIB can resist tampering and vandalism in real-world conditions, ensuring the contents remain safe.

This testing ensures the boxes are compliant, secure, and fit for purpose, providing peace of mind to residents in high-rise buildings.

Following testing, certification specialists, such as Warringtonfire, can provide third-party certification for the SIB.

This is proof that the product has gone beyond just a physical test.

In particular, fire safety professionals should advocate for certification that aligns with the official police security initiative, Secured By Design.

This recognised standard for security products helps reduce vandalism and crime, ensuring the SIB adheres to best industry practices.

Importantly, certification typically only remains valid if manufacturers comply with the ongoing requirements of the certification scheme.

This usually involves the third-party certification provider conducting follow-up factory visits and annual repeat security testing to ensure the product maintains the performance levels defined in their certification scope.

This ongoing process keeps certification up to date, and gives peace of mind to those that are specifying the product.

Urban expansion means greater demand for SIBs testing and certification

As high-rise properties become increasingly common, especially in space-constrained cities, and with fire safety becoming a more pressing issue, the demand for third-party certification providers and test laboratories will rise.

To meet this need, Warringtonfire is investing in a new 101,000sqft laboratory at Birchwood Park, Warrington.

Scheduled to open in 2025, the new laboratory will feature state-of-the-art furnaces and equipment for a wide range of fire resistance tests.

The facility will support a team of 200 experts in testing, technical, and certification roles, making it one of the world’s largest teams of fire technical specialists.

Additionally, the certification department will expand to meet the growing demand for third-party certification.

Through additional certification and testing options available, fire safety professionals can make informed decisions when selecting these critical building safety products.

This article was originally published in the November 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

UK businesses slow to adopt AI as construction industry lags behind

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured News

AI adoption trends in UK construction businesses

According to recent data from the ONS Business Insights report, only 21% of UK businesses have adopted artificial intelligence technologies, marking a modest increase of 5% since September last year.

While overall AI uptake has improved, a majority of businesses, at 79%, still do not incorporate AI into their operations.

The report indicates that the construction industry has particularly low adoption rates, with only 12% of businesses using AI technologies.

The findings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by industries in leveraging AI, with many sectors slow to integrate the technology.

Reasons behind AI adoption in business

Among UK businesses utilising AI, the ONS data shows that 40% are doing so to streamline business operations.

Meanwhile, 24% have implemented AI to enhance customer experience by personalising products and services.

The business benefits of AI are increasingly noted across industries, though many sectors, especially construction, continue to lag in adoption.

Mike Talbot, CTO at SFG20, commented on the impact AI could have within the building maintenance sector: “Recent developments in AI create the opportunity to revolutionise how the industry approaches the process of building maintenance.

“The biggest challenge for facilities managers is identifying what tasks must be performed on each asset in a building to preserve life, reduce cost, and stay compliant with the law.”

Building maintenance and AI integration

The application of AI in building maintenance has grown, benefitting owners, managers, engineers, and construction workers.

AI has the potential to reduce the time required to schedule and perform maintenance tasks, helping ensure compliance and lower costs.

Talbot explained how AI simplifies this process by analysing assets and aligning them with SFG20 schedules, automating much of the compliance and risk management process.

Talbot stated that with AI, many tasks in building maintenance can be automated and completed faster: “AI can now shoulder the load of these tasks and reduce the time taken from months to hours by understanding both the asset and the SFG20 schedules that apply – automatically creating a link in many cases and providing the key questions to ask where not enough information exists.”

Upcoming insights at SFG20 Virtual Summit

Mike Talbot is set to discuss AI’s role in building maintenance at the SFG20 Virtual Summit 2024, scheduled for Wednesday, 20th November.

Talbot will join a virtual panel of experts to discuss practical AI use cases, best practices, and the impact of AI from an engineer’s perspective on-site.

Tickets for the virtual event are available through the SFG20 summit portal.

AI adoption among UK businesses remains low despite recent growth: Summary

Data from the ONS Business Insights report shows that AI adoption among UK businesses has increased by 5% since last year, with only 21% of companies now utilising the technology.

The construction industry, in particular, shows a low adoption rate, with just 12% incorporating AI.

According to ONS, most businesses implementing AI aim to improve operations or customise services.

Mike Talbot, CTO at SFG20, highlighted the benefits of AI in building maintenance, noting it could streamline compliance and scheduling tasks.

Talbot will speak on these topics at the upcoming SFG20 Virtual Summit 2024.

The Golden Thread: Bridging the information gap in building safety

by Breaking NewsBuilding Management

Nicola John, Managing Director of Fire Door Maintenance, discusses digitisation and the golden thread’s role in maintaining comprehensive safety across building lifecycles

The 2018 “Building a Safer Future” report, commissioned by Dame Judith Hackitt, noted that existing building and fire safety regulations and processes for constructing high-rise buildings were “not fit for purpose”.

The report’s primary recommendation was a move towards digitisation of product information, dubbed the golden thread.

It encourages effective and accurate storage and management of information concerning buildings’ designs, construction and uses.

The golden thread is more than just a record-keeping tool.

It is a framework for linking different parties within the construction industry.

By connecting architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers and building owners, the golden thread fosters transparency and collaboration.

It ensures that all work not only meets regulatory standards but also enables the identification and management of any safety risks throughout the building’s lifecycle.

This approach is a fundamental shift in how the construction industry approaches safety.

It provides a safeguard against siloed practices, where vital information could be lost or overlooked, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences.

By maintaining a comprehensive and integrated digital record, the golden thread helps ensure that safety remains at the forefront of every stage of a building’s life, protecting both the structure and its occupants.

Challenges for the industry persist

The report highlighted the shortcomings of the industry, with Hackitt’s foreword calling out cultural issues across the sector, including ignorance, indifference to implementation, lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities and inadequate regulatory oversight and enforcement tools.

Six years on and the problem remains.

Recent research by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has shown a widespread lack of understanding within the manufacturing industry over the nature of keeping a digital record and how it could be achieved.

In fact, 92% of product manufacturers do not see digitisation as a major concern and more than half “see no need to digitise”.

85% of companies still provided product information largely via pdf or hard copy only and only 8% have ever made or commissioned a Building Information Modelling (BIM) object.

Just over half of respondents felt they were digitised to some extent, but even when provided with the definition of digitisation, few of the respondents fully grasped and understood what it meant in practice.

Even among those who consider themselves partially digitised, there is often a fundamental misunderstanding of what true digitisation is.

Many equated digitisation with using computers or having online systems, rather than understanding it as a comprehensive approach to maintaining and integrating critical safety information throughout a building’s lifecycle.

It’s clear the industry is still not meeting post-Grenfell regulatory requirements to digitise product information and widespread training to understand the golden thread is needed before we can put it into practice.

Digitisation is also set to form part of the requirements under the Building Safety Act 2023.

Those working in the construction industry urgently need to implement the golden thread approach to ensure they are complying with the new laws.

The risks of siloed practices

Manufacturers, installers, inspectors and landlords often work in isolation, focusing solely on their tasks without considering the broader impact on other stages of the building lifecycle.

This disconnection causes a lack of communication and oversight, with no “golden thread” to link all product information throughout construction.

Without accessible product data, critical safety issues can remain hidden.

The consequences of siloed practices have been fatal. The Grenfell disaster was a stark reminder of this danger.

Dr. Barbara Lane’s supplemental report on the Grenfell disaster revealed that none of the 106 fire doors replaced in 2011 complied with ADB 2013 Building Regulations.

Alarmingly, fire door closers had been disconnected, potentially exacerbating the fire’s spread and obstructing residents’ escape routes – a tragic mistake that cost lives.

If a golden thread of information had been available, these flaws could have been identified and corrected, enabling the fire doors to perform their critical safety function.

The golden thread isn’t another legal hoop for the industry to jump through.

It is a fundamental change to ensure sectors work together and ensure buildings are safe.

Implementing the golden thread

Technological advances now make it easier to maintain the golden thread of information.

For example, fire doors can be fitted with BIM data pins that, when scanned, provide instant access to an online database with critical details like installation, inspections and compliance.

These fire-proof pins ensure that essential data remains accessible, even if the door is destroyed.

Despite this innovation, industry adoption remains limited.

Full digitisation needs wider adoption by industry and the supply chain to keep fire safety data consistently updated and accessible throughout a building’s lifecycle.

However, digitisation alone isn’t enough.

There is also a shortage of workers trained to understand the entire lifecycle of safety products like fire doors.

Fire Door Maintenance, part of UAP, is training the industry to bridge this knowledge gap.

It’s the UK’s first practical fire door training centre, covering everything from regulation compliance to how and why components were chosen in product engineering and how products are ultimately installed for the end user.

By fostering a deeper understanding and ensuring seamless collaboration across the construction process, we can uphold the golden thread.

This commitment is not just about legal compliance – it’s about safeguarding lives and ensuring that tragedies like Grenfell never happen again.

This article was originally published in the November 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

ASSA ABLOY releases ‘Golden Thread’ guide and CPD to support UK construction industry compliance

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsTraining

Understanding the ‘Golden Thread’ concept

ASSA ABLOY has released a new guide, “The ‘Golden Thread’: A Quick Guide”, and a RIBA-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

This initiative aims to clarify the ‘Golden Thread’ concept within the UK’s construction sector, detailing responsibilities for each stage of a building’s life cycle, from early design through construction to ongoing management.

The guide and CPD seek to assist professionals in understanding compliance requirements, as outlined in the Building Safety Act, as reported by ASSA ABLOY.

The ‘Golden Thread’ is a structured information record, initiated following Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future’ report, which responded to the Grenfell Tower fire.

This framework mandates that all safety-critical information is documented, maintained, and accessible for stakeholders involved in the construction and management of buildings, ensuring continuity in safety measures.

Key responsibilities for architects

ASSA ABLOY’s guide stresses architects’ unique responsibilities under the ‘Golden Thread’.

These include ensuring comprehensive documentation of design plans, material specifications, and regulatory compliance data.

The guide encourages architects to consider long-term impacts of their choices to maintain an unbroken safety record post-handover.

Peter Ashworth, Director & Head of Specification & OEM at ASSA ABLOY, commented: “The ‘Golden Thread’ is here to stay and only those who embrace it will prosper in the construction industry of the future.

“The RIBA accredited CPD along with the guide will help all those involved in new build construction understand their responsibilities so they can ensure compliance and safety as outlined in the new Building Safety Act.”

Introduction of ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™

ASSA ABLOY’s guide introduces Openings Studio™, a cloud-based BIM plug-in tool for architects, designed to assist in managing door openings as part of the digital record required by the ‘Golden Thread’.

Openings Studio facilitates the recording, visualisation, and modification of information related to door installations, enhancing compliance with the safety framework.

Each door recorded in Openings Studio receives a unique smart tag, enabling easy access to data such as installation history, inspection records, and maintenance logs.

This centralised, accessible data storage provides a seamless way for architects and other professionals to maintain an up-to-date digital record, ensuring all details are readily available for review.

Digital compliance through Openings Studio’s mobile app

The Openings Studio mobile app supports real-time updates, enabling architects to upload images, specifications, and documents during each project phase.

This feature aligns with the new guidelines requiring all parties in the construction and maintenance process to keep comprehensive records.

Ashworth explained: “The new guidelines require every organisation involved in the design, build and maintenance process, including architects, to keep a record of everything they do.

“That’s exactly what Openings Studio provides for doors. It allows architects to upload images, documents, specs and comments throughout the process.

“This means there will always be evidence that they have met the requirements, protecting them against the potential repercussions of not meeting the guidelines.”

Assa Abloy releases ‘Golden Thread’ guide and CPD to support UK construction industry compliance: Summary

ASSA ABLOY has launched a guide and RIBA-accredited CPD programme to promote the adoption of the ‘Golden Thread’ in the UK construction industry.

The guide, titled “The ‘Golden Thread’: A Quick Guide”, clarifies compliance requirements across all stages of a building’s life cycle.

It highlights architects’ responsibilities in documenting design decisions and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™ tool allows architects to manage door openings and maintain an accessible digital record, supporting the comprehensive documentation required under the ‘Golden Thread’.

Bull Products to showcase SITEGATE wireless management and access control at London Build

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsProducts

SITEGATE workforce management solution unveiled at London Build

Bull Products is set to present its latest workforce management and access control innovation, SITEGATE, at the London Build 2024 event.

As reported by Bull Products, SITEGATE will be showcased at Olympia London on 20-21 November 2024.

London Build is one of the UK’s largest construction trade shows, attracting over 35,000 attendees and featuring 700 speakers across 12 CPD stages with more than 450 exhibitors.

SITEGATE is a cloud-based system designed to enhance workforce management and site access, offering secure entry for personnel and vehicles.

Key features include turnstile-controlled access integrated with real-time data tracking through three core modules: Workforce Management, Online Induction, and Delivery Management.

The system is fully wireless, making it compatible with Bull Products’ existing SITENET and SITEPROTECT systems for seamless fire detection and access control integration.

New innovations in temporary fire detection at London Build

Bull Products will also display its SITENET range, a 100% wireless EN 54 certified fire detection and alarm system.

SITENET is versatile, suitable for a range of construction applications from high-rise sites to subsurface projects, and includes devices tailored for modular building interiors.

Notably, Bull Products is currently the only provider of EN 54 certified wireless fire solutions for both internal and external temporary environments.

Additionally, Bull Products will showcase the Cygnus ALERT notification and monitoring platform, a cloud-based solution offering real-time updates on site events and alerts.

The Cygnus Mesh Analyser, a diagnostic tool, will also be displayed, providing insights on wireless network integrity to enhance installation and maintenance processes.

Comprehensive SITEPROTECT solution for construction safety

Another highlight at London Build will be Bull Products’ SITEPROTECT range, designed for comprehensive site safety in the construction sector.

SITEPROTECT is a wireless mesh fire alarm system that includes emergency alarms for fire, first aid, intruder, and lockdown situations.

The system provides robust, flexible fire alarm coverage, helping sites remain compliant with safety regulations.

The SITEPROTECT system aims to deliver consistent safety and adaptability, ensuring coverage across varied site environments.

This system aligns with Bull Products’ broader goal of providing reliable and effective fire safety solutions for construction projects.

New lithium-ion battery fire protection solutions

Addressing the increased risk of lithium-ion battery fires, Bull Products will present the new LFX range of lithium-ion fire extinguishers and first responder trolleys at the event.

These water-based extinguishers are designed to provide effective protection for battery fire incidents, making them suitable for use on construction sites and in commercial or retail settings.

The LFX range complements Bull Products’ existing suite of extinguishers, which includes water, powder, and CO2 options.

This addition reflects Bull Products’ ongoing commitment to expanding fire safety options in response to emerging fire hazards within construction and related industries.

Bull Products to debut SITEGATE wireless workforce management solution at London Build 2024: Summary

Bull Products is introducing SITEGATE, its latest wireless workforce management and access control solution, at London Build 2024.

This cloud-based system integrates access control through turnstiles, with features for real-time data tracking across Workforce Management, Online Induction, and Delivery Management modules.

Complementary solutions like the SITENET wireless fire detection range and the SITEPROTECT emergency alarm system will also be on display, supporting comprehensive construction site safety.

Additionally, Bull Products will showcase its new LFX lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, addressing specific industry needs for battery fire response.

UK government review outlines slow cladding remediation efforts, highlights funding and safety issues

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstruction

Background on the cladding remediation programme and MHCLG’s role

Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017, where 72 lives were lost, the UK government has committed to remediating unsafe cladding on residential buildings throughout England.

A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), published on 4 November 2024, assesses the progress and effectiveness of this remediation programme, focusing on fire risks and the financial implications of making thousands of buildings safer.

The report finds that while remediation efforts have advanced, a substantial number of buildings remain affected, causing concern over safety and transparency.

The MHCLG, the lead department overseeing the cladding remediation, has prioritised identifying buildings with the highest risk.

Initially targeting high-rise buildings over 18 metres with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding, the ministry has gradually expanded the scope to include buildings over 11 metres.

As of August 2024, 4,771 buildings have been included in the MHCLG’s portfolio, with only about a third of these fully remediated.

The report highlights delays in remediation and emphasises the need for transparent timelines and cost-effective solutions to address the ongoing cladding crisis in a timely manner.

Government funding, cost control, and developer accountability

The report details MHCLG’s financial strategy for the remediation portfolio, which includes a £5.1 billion funding cap to manage public spending.

To minimise taxpayer exposure, MHCLG has implemented the “polluter pays” principle, requiring developers responsible for unsafe cladding to bear remediation costs rather than passing these expenses onto leaseholders or the public.

The government aims to recover additional costs via the Building Safety Levy.

MHCLG’s approach, however, has encountered hurdles, with developers and freeholders engaging in lengthy disputes over the scope and cost of required works, resulting in project delays.

The report cautions that without clear cost recovery strategies and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, public spending risks may escalate.

The ministry is exploring ways to enforce compliance among freeholders and developers, ensuring they assume their financial obligations promptly.

If current policies fail to expedite remediation, MHCLG plans to consider additional measures to secure building owner and developer cooperation in the future.

Expanding the scope of building safety requirements

Since 2018, MHCLG has gradually broadened the scope of its cladding remediation programme.

Initially, the ministry focused on high-rise buildings, later extending safety assessments to include medium-rise buildings as concerns grew over fire risks in other types of external cladding.

By 2020, MHCLG urged fire safety evaluations on external wall systems for buildings of any height, increasing the programme’s scope.

In 2021, the ministry introduced financial measures to support leaseholders in affected medium-rise buildings, initially offering loans.

However, in 2022, the government opted to cancel this loan programme, instead promising to shield leaseholders in buildings over 11 metres from remediation costs.

MHCLG now endorses a more proportionate approach, suggesting cost-effective fire safety measures, such as sprinkler systems, for lower-risk buildings.

This shift aims to reduce the financial burden on leaseholders while maintaining adequate safety standards.

While the government’s evolving strategy has attempted to address who bears the financial responsibility for remediation, uncertainties persist regarding how many buildings remain in scope and the final costs involved.

Fire Brigades Union calls for greater urgency and accountability

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has responded to the report, highlighting what it describes as insufficient progress on cladding remediation.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU, commented on the lingering risks in thousands of buildings: “The fact that thousands of residential buildings remain wrapped in dangerous cladding is a national disgrace.

“We stated from day one that this was a failure of government due to the obsession with deregulation.”

Wrack further emphasised the importance of holding developers and construction companies accountable for the costs: “The developers and construction firms must be made to pay the costs of remediation, and the process needs to be speeded up.

“Tenants, residents, and firefighters should be part of the oversight of the work.”

Wrack’s statement underscores the union’s demand for a faster, more comprehensive approach to ensure residents’ safety and involve all stakeholders in the remediation process.

Recommendations for transparency, fraud management, and progress tracking

The report recommends that MHCLG enhance transparency regarding remediation timelines, budget allocations, and programme progress to maintain public confidence.

The ministry should publish a target date by which all affected buildings should be remediated, allowing residents to track the pace of the programme and make informed decisions about their safety.

This recommendation stems from concerns that many residents in unremediated buildings are left uncertain about when their homes will be safe.

The report also advises MHCLG to conduct a measurement exercise to detect and mitigate fraud risks within the programme.

Such an exercise would provide MHCLG with insights into potential fraud and inform strategies for addressing any discovered issues.

Sharing these findings with the Public Sector Fraud Authority and related bodies could help strengthen fraud prevention and control efforts across government programmes.

The report highlights that MHCLG’s collaboration with other departments could maximise value from remediation data and help achieve broader government objectives, including net-zero targets.

Future steps and inter-departmental cooperation for portfolio efficiency

Looking ahead, MHCLG plans to continue refining its cladding remediation strategy by working with other government bodies.

By sharing insights across departments, MHCLG aims to improve efficiencies in cladding remediation efforts while supporting wider government goals, such as environmental sustainability and housing reforms.

MHCLG’s commitment to collaboration also seeks to prevent policy conflicts and reduce redundancies, ensuring remediation efforts align with other government initiatives.

Additionally, MHCLG will continue to assess whether adjustments to its code of practice for residential building remediation could support affected residents more effectively.

The ministry may work with residents to identify additional steps that could expedite progress and reduce delays.

Should the programme’s pace not increase by the end of the year, MHCLG is considering measures such as mandatory building registration and tougher enforcement protocols for medium-rise buildings, which may further encourage building owners and developers to complete remediation work.

UK government report on cladding remediation: Summary

The National Audit Office (NAO) released a report on 4 November 2024 on the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)’s progress, challenges, and financial implications of remediating dangerous cladding on residential buildings across England.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, MHCLG has identified around 4,771 buildings with unsafe cladding, but only about a third have completed remediation.

The report highlights the slow pace of work, pointing to disputes between developers and freeholders as a cause of delays.

MHCLG has set a £5.1 billion budget cap, aiming to protect taxpayer money by requiring developers to cover remediation costs.

Expanding the scope of its cladding programme, MHCLG has included all buildings over 11 metres and adopted a more proportionate approach to fire safety, focusing on low-cost measures like sprinklers.

Recommendations in the report include improving transparency for residents, assessing fraud risks, and enhancing inter-departmental collaboration to align with broader government objectives.

The Fire Brigades Union expressed concern over the delays and advocated for greater accountability from developers and faster remediation.

New podcast episode unveils regulatory and corporate failures linked to Grenfell Tower fire

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Grenfell Tower fire: Unveiling long-term negligence in fire safety

The latest episode of The Open Fire Podcast investigates the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, shedding light on longstanding negligence within the UK’s fire safety regulations.

Author Peter Apps, who joined fire safety experts Dave Calvert and Tom Gilbert as a guest on the show, reveals newly uncovered evidence indicating that government awareness of cladding hazards dates back to the 1990s.

Apps cites confidential government memos that warn of the dangers associated with cladding materials yet show no subsequent action taken to prevent potential tragedies.

Apps’s findings underscore the persistent negligence in addressing fire risks posed by cladding, which has become a focal point in calls for comprehensive regulatory reform.

He argues that the government’s lack of response reflects a deeply ingrained disregard for public safety.

Corporate influence against safety regulations

The podcast further addresses how construction and cladding companies in the UK actively lobbied to resist stricter safety standards.

Apps explains that commercial interests frequently overrode fire safety considerations, with companies seeking to protect profit margins by blocking safety-enhancing regulations.

He describes how corporate lobbying efforts, particularly by companies involved in cladding installation, hindered potentially life-saving changes.

In one account, Apps mentions that cost-cutting and regulatory evasion were priorities, even though the materials in question had failed safety tests.

He attributes this resistance to a wider problem within the construction industry, where financial concerns have consistently trumped safety protocols.

Exposing cost-cutting choices that led to disaster

The episode delves into the financial decisions preceding the Grenfell disaster, which Apps describes as avoidable.

The podcast details how economic considerations shaped choices around materials and safety compliance, leading to dangerous compromises.

Apps argues that the 72 lives lost at Grenfell Tower could have been saved if fire safety had been prioritised over budget limitations.

Apps recounts the Grenfell fire as a preventable outcome directly caused by these budget-driven choices, asserting that this approach created a “disaster waiting to happen.”

The podcast presents Grenfell as part of a larger pattern of cost-focused decisions across high-rise projects in the UK.

Survivors’ struggle for justice and regulatory reform

Listeners are also provided with an insight into the challenges Grenfell survivors face as they continue to seek justice and push for reforms.

Apps highlights the survivors’ ongoing fight against systemic bureaucracy, which has slowed progress toward enhancing building safety standards.

Survivors advocate for regulatory changes that could prevent future incidents, facing obstacles as they engage with complex bureaucratic systems resistant to rapid change.

Apps draws attention to the slow pace of post-Grenfell reforms, questioning why regulatory adjustments have been limited despite the fire’s toll.

He expresses concern over the regulatory failures that preceded Grenfell and points to the need for reforms to avoid similar events.

New podcast episode reveals failures in UK fire safety regulations tied to Grenfell tragedy: Summary

The Open Fire Podcast’s recent episode explores the events leading up to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, examining regulatory failures and corporate resistance to safety standards in the UK.

Featuring Peter Apps, author of Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen, the episode uncovers longstanding government knowledge of cladding risks from the 1990s and discusses industry lobbying against stricter fire safety measures.

Apps details the avoidable decisions driven by cost-cutting that contributed to the disaster, resulting in the loss of 72 lives.

Additionally, the podcast highlights the continuing fight of Grenfell survivors for justice and calls for robust regulatory reform.

CIBSE president calls for building engineers to prioritise sustainability and social impact

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsFire Engineering

Engineers challenged to consider broader impacts on society and environment

According to Fiona Cousins, President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), building services engineers should expand their focus to include social and environmental concerns.

Speaking on the “Behind the Built Environment” podcast hosted by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Cousins urged the engineering community to “lift their eyes to the horizon” and account for factors such as social needs, biodiversity, and embodied carbon.

Cousins noted that as the electrical grid decarbonises, energy efficiency becomes relatively less critical, shifting focus to other engineering questions.

She told BESA CEO David Frise that engineers are skilled at solving problems but often define these problems based on past needs.

Cousins emphasised that today’s clients increasingly seek decarbonised solutions, a trend that has grown significantly in recent years.

Grenfell Tower tragedy highlights need for broader perspective

Cousins also addressed safety concerns underscored by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to building design.

She noted that cost-cutting contributed to the tragedy, as involved parties were not fully aware of external risks.

She explained: “What is the bigger problem that we’re trying to solve? Where is the value? Some of those broader criteria, whether it’s safety or climate change or society, are all about…how do I make a safe building that contributes to climate change mitigation?”

As both a director and Americas region chair at global engineering firm Arup, Cousins urged industry leaders to consider design goals that include carbon neutrality, affordability, and environmental restoration from the outset of projects.

Advocating a ‘whole life’ value approach to building

Cousins recommended adopting a “whole life” value perspective, assessing building projects based on societal contributions rather than only financial costs.

She highlighted design features that could provide communal benefits, such as buildings that improve street security or offer multi-purpose spaces.

According to Cousins, integrating these considerations from the project’s beginning can make them foundational rather than additional.

“If you can bake those things in at the…very beginning of design and say, actually, this project will be successful if it’s more than just on time and on budget, then those things begin to permeate all the way through,” Cousins explained.

Skills and understanding essential for integrated, sustainable buildings

Cousins emphasised the importance of skills that enable engineers to understand how entire buildings operate, rather than simply maintaining individual systems.

She explained that value engineering has often been narrowly focused on cost-cutting, yet a more integrated understanding would shift priorities.

“If everything is…integrated…you’re not going to suddenly say, well, the heat pump is more expensive than the chiller would have been,” she stated.

In her recent CIBSE Presidential address, Cousins called for “reimagining” building performance to allow engineers to address broader social concerns, such as health, wellbeing, and productivity.

She encouraged BESA and CIBSE to work together to enhance public awareness of the benefits provided by building services engineering in everyday life.

CIBSE president calls for building engineers to prioritise sustainability and social impact: Summary

Fiona Cousins, President of CIBSE, has called for building services engineers to expand their focus, integrating social and environmental considerations into their work.

Speaking on BESA’s “Behind the Built Environment” podcast, Cousins advocated for a more comprehensive engineering approach, which addresses decarbonisation, safety, and social value in building design.

She linked the Grenfell Tower incident to narrow cost-cutting priorities, arguing that engineers must consider wider impacts on society and the environment.

Cousins also urged the adoption of a “whole life” value perspective and called for more integrated building systems to foster sustainable and adaptable structures.

Her call included a focus on skills development and public awareness, aiming to highlight the broad benefits of building services engineering.

Fire sector roundtable addresses Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations discussed by fire sector leaders

As reported by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), a roundtable discussion took place recently at the IFE headquarters to examine the recommendations from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The meeting brought together key fire sector organisations, including the Fire Industry Association, the Fire Sector Federation, the Fire Protection Association, the National Fire Chiefs Council, CROSS-UK, and the Health and Safety Executive as the Building Safety Regulator.

The discussion focused on how these organisations can work together to support the government’s response to the inquiry’s recommendations and address the broader implications for fire safety.

Attendees unanimously agreed that collaboration is essential to achieve meaningful change in fire safety regulations and building safety.

Competence and professional standards highlighted

One of the key areas discussed was the need for improved competence within the fire safety and construction sectors.

Participants emphasised the importance of creating robust and consistent competency frameworks that outline the required knowledge and ethical standards for professionals in these fields.

It was agreed that clear standards of competence must be established across the sector to ensure accountability and maintain safety standards.

The promotion of existing registration processes for fire engineers, as well as the expansion of accredited fire engineering programmes at higher education institutions, was seen as crucial for developing future expertise.

Calls for improved regulatory structure

Concerns were raised about the current fragmentation of fire safety regulations across multiple government ministries.

Attendees discussed the need to integrate emergency response capabilities with fire safety strategies to manage risks more effectively, especially in complex building environments.

There was also a call for the creation of a central co-ordinating entity to act as a platform for collaboration among stakeholders.

Such an entity could help align objectives, streamline efforts, and present a unified approach to the challenges posed by fire safety regulations.

Focus on research and innovation in fire safety

The roundtable highlighted the importance of innovation in fire safety.

Delegates agreed to map out current research areas and identify where innovation is needed to address the industry’s challenges.

The development of a common research agenda was seen as vital to ensuring that future research is directed toward practical and impactful fire safety solutions.

Several collaborative projects were agreed upon during the meeting, with plans to reconvene in the coming months to review progress and continue the dialogue.

Invitations will be extended to additional key organisations to participate in future discussions.

Fire sector roundtable addresses Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations: Summary

The recent roundtable discussion at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) headquarters focused on the recommendations from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Key fire sector bodies, including the Fire Industry Association and the National Fire Chiefs Council, attended the event.

Discussions centred on improving competence within the fire and construction sectors, establishing a more unified regulatory framework, and driving innovation through research.

Participants agreed that collaboration is crucial for achieving these goals and ensuring long-term improvements in fire safety.

Several collaborative projects were initiated, with a follow-up meeting scheduled to review progress.