Standards and regulations

Building design is a tightly-monitored discipline. Miriam Fitzpatrick highlights some of the most important standards and regulations

Energy performance

Under the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, all public buildings greater that 1,000 sq m will have to display energy efficiency ratings, akin to the rating of white goods. UK Building Regulations were updated in 2006 to help make new buildings more energy efficient and tackle climate change.

Construction

The DTI's Construction Directorate plays a key role in defining the rules of the game on a national level. At regional and local levels, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and local planning authorities provide incentive and regulatory control respectively.

The construction process itself is regulated through legislation, be it specification standards for products or design liability, building regulations, insurances, site safety and CDM (construction design management) or standard forms of contract developed by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT). It is therefore advisable to consult a professional when embarking on building design.

Professional standards

Professional standards are set by representative institutions, for instance ARB (the Architects Registration Board) restricts the usage of the title of 'architect' and sets minimum levels of public indemnity insurance. Quantity surveyors are required to use a Standard Method of Measurements for cost plans.

Products

Building products are specified using tight specifications (NBS or National Building Specification is one example), which are underpinned by a range of standards including British Standards (BS) and Kitemarks. Tendering procedures follow National Joint Consultative Committee for Building (NJCC) rules, while on-site performance is regulated by JCT contracts and CDM. In addition, specific building types set standards for consumer protection such as Housebuilder’s standards. Environmental performance can be measured by BREEAM, the UK's leading centre of expertise on buildings, contraction, energy, environment, fire and risk or EcoHomes standards.