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BSRIA's legislation and guidance news tracker
This free news service monitors selected regulatory, guidance and news in construction, building design and building services. 

This tracker was last updated on 02/05/2021.

Highlights - recent | View all >>

• 30/4/21
  The UK's National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has published its corporate plan, which sets out its strategic programme of work from until March 2024. In the plan, the NIC has confirmed that the UK’s second National Infrastructure Assessment will be published in the second half of 2023 and that consultation and analysis to inform its approach will start in the second half of 2021.
  https://nic.org.uk/news/timeline-for-second-national-infrastructure-assessment-announced/
  
  
• 30/4/21
  The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new Technical Guide, entitled “Good Practice Guide – Control Sensor Selection and Installation”. Describes Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sensors used in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS).
  https://bcia.co.uk/news/bcia-releases-new-technical-guide-control-sensor-selection-and-installation/
  
  
• 29/4/21
  The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has published its new guide: ‘Principles for delivering urban Nature-based Solutions’ (NBS), to help developers and owners increase the incorporation of NBS within the construction and operation of built assets.
  https://www.ukgbc.org/news/ukgbc-launches-guidance-to-help-built-assets-adapt-to-climate-risk-and-enhance-nature/
   
• 29/4/21
  The Fire Safety Bill, which aims to bring in tougher safety rules after the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, becomes law. The Bill makes unsafe cladding removal from blocks of flats the legal responsibility of the leaseholders.
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2730
  
  
• 28/4/21
  The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced the launch of their delivery of the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship.
  https://www.feta.co.uk/news/latest-news/launch-of-bems-controls-engineer-apprenticeship-heralds-a-bright-future-for-the-industry
  
  
• 28/4/21
  The Chartered Institute of Housing analyses the latest 'UK Housing Review' (2021). Its analysis shows that of the £37.6bn that the UK Government is making available for new homes in England through grants, loans and guarantees until 2024 / 25, 46% (£17.23bn) is for new affordable housing.
  https://www.cih.org/blogs-and-articles/the-uk-housing-review-investment-in-housing
  
  
• 28/4/21
  SI 2021/xx Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 was laid before Parliament on 28th April 2021. More details to be found here:
  https://statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk/timeline/kccB0Eaq/SI-2021/
  
  
• 28/4/21
  The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has published industry guidance called  'Principles for delivering urban nature-based solutions’ to assist developers and owners increase the incorporation of nature-based solutions (NBS) within the construction and operation of built assets, particularly climate and biodiversity.
  https://www.ukgbc.org/news/ukgbc-launches-guidance-to-help-built-assets-adapt-to-climate-risk-and-enhance-nature/
  
  
• The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a 'Construction Product Availability Statement', which was written by the co-chairs of its Product Availability working group. The Statement discusses the current level of active demand across the construction industry, and the increasing pressure on the product supply chain as a result.
  https://cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-04-28-construction-product-availability-statement
  
  
• 28/4/21
  The European Commission has launched a Public Consultation on wastewater treatment, with a view to updating Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 to ensure that urban waste-water is clean and safe for the environment and public health.
  https://ec.europa.eu/environment/news/commission-launches-public-consultation-update-rules-urban-wastewater-2021-04-28_en
  
  
• 28/4/21
  The UK Government (Department for Education), in conjunction with CITB, has launched a new manual supporting flexible apprenticeships in construction.  It includes information and case studies about flexible training modules and accelerated apprenticeships.
  https://www.cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-04-28-new-manual-supporting-flexible-apprenticeships-in-construction
  Manual (PDF) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/consultation-launched-to-create-new-flexible-apprenticeships
  
  
• 28/4/21
  The Climate Framework Initiative, a cross action group of volunteers, has prepared its first draft of its 'Climate Framework Tier 3 Level Topics', which is available for public review until 10th May 2021.
  https://www.cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-04-28-first-draft-of-the-climate-framework-tier-3-level-topicshttps://www.climateframework.com/resource-library
  
  
• 27/7/21
  The High-rise Properties (Electrical Safety) Bill, (a Private Members Bill), has reached its second reading in the House of Commons.  The aim of the BIll is to make social landlords of high-rise properties regularly inspect dwellings for electrical safety.
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2855
  
  
• 27/4/21

  Covid Recovery Commission sets out blueprint for a National Prosperity Plan to boost growth and living standards over the next decade. Some of the UK’s leading business figures have set out the blueprint for a National Prosperity Plan to help create globally competitive industries in every part of the UK, deliver on the UK Government’s net zero commitments and reduce the economic and social inequalities that have been widened as a result of the pandemic. Its Paper is entitled ‘ Ambition 2030’: A Partnership for Growth’. https://covidrecoverycommission.co.uk/covid-recovery-commission-sets-out-blueprint-for-a-national-prosperity-plan-to-boost-growth-and-living-standards-over-the-next-decade/

• 27/4/21
  The UK Government pledges £1.8 billion to keep schools in top condition. Funding rises by over 20% to £1.8 billion this year, so that schools can keep on top of their maintenance and repair.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/18-billion-to-keep-schools-in-top-condition
  
  
• 27/4/21
  The UK Government has launched a Consultation on new 'Code of Practice for External Walls and Cladding Systems', and has commissioned the British Standards Institution to lead the Consultation, which ends on 20th May 2020.
  Click to view>>
  
  
• 27/4/21
  The Construction Leadership Council (CIC) has published a report: 'CDM 20-20 vision - changing the culture', which aims to facilitate a better understanding of the CDM Regulations. Despite the latest CDM Regulations coming into force in 2015, the CIC states that there is still a general lack of understanding about the workings and implementation of the Regulations. The report therefore comprises frequently asked questions and model case studies to illustrate how the regulations apply in different project environments. Prepared in partnerhip with KWPC Group and HSE.
  https://www.cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-04-27-cdm-20-20-vision-changing-the-culture-report-launched
  
  
• 26/4/21
  The UK Government (MHCLG) has reported that Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has commissioned Richard Bacon MP to undertake a review to establish a plan for a major scaling up of self-commissioned new homes, across all tenures, to boost capacity and overall housing supply.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-scaling-up-self-build-and-custom-housebuilding-terms-of-reference
  
  
• 26/4/21
  The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has reported that, according to a forecast published by the Construction Product Association (CPA), double-digit growth is expected for construction activity throughout 2021. It forecasts that construction output will increase by 12.9% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022, with infrastructure output expected to increase by 29.3%, its highest level on record.
  https://www.acenet.co.uk/news/industry/construction-output-forecast-to-rise-by-13-cpa-says/
  
  
  
• 26/4/21
  The Construction Innovation Hub, part of the CIC, has launched the pilot phase of its Value Toolkit. The toolkit is intended to help improve construction managers and building owners make better and more informed decisions at every stage of a building's project lifecycle. The pilot phase involves full trials on live projects led by Morgan Sindall, Mott MacDonald, Arup and Mace for six months.
  https://www.cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-04-26-pilot-for-ground-breaking-value-toolkit-takes-off
  
  
• 24/4/21
  The UK Government launches £150m fund to kickstart self build 'revolution'.  The new ‘Help to Build’ scheme is intended to help make it easier and more affordable for people to build their own homes.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-150-million-funding-to-kickstart-self-building-revolution
  
  
• 23/4/21
  The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) five-year engineering forecast. The report predicts increases in engineering tender prices and infrastructure output in the forecast period.
  https://www.rics.org/uk/products/data-products/insights/bcis-five-year-civil-engineering-forecast/
  
  
• 22/4/21
  The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published a new report: 'Job Quality in the Construction Sector,' in association on TASC, the Think Tank for Action on Social Change
  https://www.ciob.org/media-centre/news/construction-ireland-could-fall-short-meeting-demands-even-when-it-fully-opens
  
  
  
  
• 22/4/21
  The UK Government (MHCLG) has announced a new approach to achieve consensus between building control bodies and Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) in relation to building works. Developed by a taskforce of the Joint Regulators Group.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-approach-for-achieving-consensus-between-building-control-bodies-and-fire-and-rescue-authorities-in-building-works
  
  
• 22/4/21
  The UK Government (Home Office) has published an update on the implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 recommendations, which ‘outlines the current position on areas in which we are working jointly with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’. The Home Office has updated this document to include the thematic update for March 2021.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/quarterly-thematic-update-on-progress-against-the-grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-1-recommendations
  
  
• 22/4/21
  The Government Consultation on 'Non-domestic Private Rented Sector minimum energy efficiency standards: future trajectory to 2030' was finally concluded on 22nd April 2021. The Consultation sought views on the proposed targets for a minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented non-domestic buildings in 2030.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/non-domestic-private-rented-sector-minimum-energy-efficiency-standards-future-trajectory-to-2030
  
  

• 22/4/21
  Industry unites behind Vision for the Built Environment. A bold new Vision for the Built Environment is published today
  https://indd.adobe.com/view/f2092c85-cd16-4186-9035-e2a63adc2bf9(PDF)

• 21/4/21 
  SI 2021/xx Carbon Budget Order 2021. This Order sets the carbon budget for the 2033-2037 budgetary period at 965 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Carbon budgets set a cap on the maximum level of the net UK carbon account for each five-year budgetary period. The net UK carbon account is defined in section 27 of the Climate Change Act 2008. The Regulation was laid before Parliament on 21st April 2021.
  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2021/9780348222616

• 20/4/21
  The British Standards Institution has launched its Public Consultation on its new Code of Practice for fire risk appraisal and assessment of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats. The Consultation runs from 20th April to 20th May 2021.
  https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/media-centre/press-releases/2021-press-releases/april/public-consultation-open-for-pas-9980/
  
  
• 20/4/21
  Plans revealed for America's first 3D-printed neighbourhood.
  Two Los Angeles' companies, real estate firm Palari Group and construction technology company Mighty Buildings, have announced plans for a $15m development of 3D-printed net-zero-energy homes in Rancho Mirage, California.
  https://architecturaltechnology.com/resource/plans-revealed-for-america-s-first-3d-printed-neighbourhood.html
  
  
• 21/4/21
  As part of the ongoing improvements to fire safety measures as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire, a review panel is now being set up by the UK Government and led by independent experts to review and evaluate the system for testing construction products in the UK.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/independent-experts-to-review-safety-of-construction-material
  
  
• 20/4/21
  The Planning (Local Authority Housing Developments) Bill was introduced to Parliament on Tuesday 20 April 2021 under the Ten Minute Rule. The purpose of the BIll is to establish independent local planning processes to determine housing development planning applications submitted by local authorities  The Second Reading in the House of Commons is yet to be announced.
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2853
  
  
• 20/4/21
  The UK Government (BEIS) has launched a Consultation on the role of biomass in achieving UK’s net-zero target. The call for evidence is to seek evidence on how sustainable biomass should be sourced and can be used to help support the net-zero target. The Consultation runs until 20th June 2021.
  Click to view>>
  
  
• 20/4/21
  The UK Government has announced that it is to legally bind the UK to reducing emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. The sixth Carbon Budget is to limit the volume of greenhouse gases emitted between 2033 and 2037 in line with the recommendation put forward by the Climate Change Committee.
  Click to view>>
  
  
• 19/4/21
  The Infrastructure Forum has, in a newly published report titled ‘What does tomorrow look like?’, reasoned that new task forces could take over slow-moving infrastructure projects to accelerate progress and ensure that UK infrastructure is digitally transformed.
  https://www.acenet.co.uk/news/industry/use-vaccine-type-task-forces-to-build-back-better-say-industry-leaders/
   
• 19/4/2021
  The UK Government (BEIS) has published information on various funding projects that are available to help businesses become greener. The total fund is worth almost £5bn, which is split between a number of different projects including the Heat Network Investment Project and the Floating Offshore Wind Demonstration Programme. The eligibility requirements differ between the different types of fund. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-funding-to-help-your-business-become-greener
  
  
• 15/4/21
  SI 2021/ 467 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2021.
  This Regulation allows permission for certain classes of building development without the requirement for a planning application to be made under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act. This Regulation was made on 14th April and came into force on 16th April 2021.
  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/467/made
  
  
• 15/4/21
  The review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has started. In its submission to the roadmap, Eurovent calls on the European Commission to mainstream indoor environmental quality (IEQ) considerations into the Directive
  https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6780822614433665030/
  
  
• 14/4/21
  Energy UK has published a report assessing the future possibilities and benefits of smart charging for Electric Vehicle (EV) owners. Smart charging is expected to play a large part in the roll out of EVs, in light of the government ending the sale of diesel and petrol-powered vehicles by 2030.
  https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/media-and-campaigns/press-releases/497-2021/7865-how-ev-charging-can-get-smart.html
  
  
• 8/4/21
  Homes England has launched a competitive bid to seek strategic partners to help deliver affordable housing at scale through the government’s Affordable Homes Programme for 2021–2026, a multi-year grant agreement. Applications are open until 18th May 2021.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homes-england-launches-strategic-partnerships-bidding-for-2021-26-affordable-homes-grant-funding
  
  
• 7/4/21
  In latest figures for energy efficiency of UK homes, the majority of new dwellings (84%) in England recorded an energy rating of either A or B in the past quarter, according to the UK Government. The figure was an increase on the 79% of homes that achieved the standard in the previous quarter.
  https://architecturaltechnology.com/resource/energy-efficiency-of-new-homes-in-england-improves.html
  
  
• 1/4/21
  The UK Government has announced published Guidance for landlords on electrical safety in the private rented sector. Regulations, which come into force on 1st April, mandate all landlords to update their electrical installations in any rental properties to comply with the current regulations.
  Click to view>>
  
  
• The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has launched an industry wide people survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the construction sector a year on. The CLC is requesting employers to complete the survey by 4 pm on 16 April 2021
  https://cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-03-31-construction-leadership-council-people-survey
  survey link
  https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90313331/CLC-People-Survey-April-2021
  
  
• The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has released two volumes of guidance on the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), setting out the eligibility requirements and information regarding how applicants can gain accreditation, and the ongoing requirements for RHI participants, including details on periodical payments.
  Click to view>>
  
  
• The RIBA’s Plan for Use guide has been announced. Similar to BSRIA's Soft Landings, it focuses on architects rather than building services engineers. RIBA says it is an essential companion to the Plan of Work 2020 for any architect seeking to close the performance gap between what is designed and what is built.
  https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/optimise-your-buildings-performance-with-the-new-plan-for-use
  
  
• NEC launches training for facilities management contracts. In January, NEC Contracts released pre-publication versions of its latest suite of contracts covering facilities management. Produced with the support of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
  https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/latest-ice-news/nec-launches-training-for-facilities-management
  
  
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What's new?

Regulations | View all >>

• SI 2021/13 The Stamp Duty Land Tax (Administration) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. The Regulations amend Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (Administration) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2837) to provide a new SDLT 1 form in connection with land transactions for the purposes of stamp duty land tax. This was created on 6th January 2021 and due to come into force on Ist April 2021. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/1265 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020. Provisions have been made to establish a UK-wide greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme (ETS) to encourage cost-effective emissions reductions which will contribute to the UK’s emissions reduction targets and net zero goal. This was created on 11th November, 2020.  Read more here

Legislation (Bill or Act)  View all Bills>> | View all Acts>>

• Act: European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020.  
  The official Act, formalising the trade agreement and future relationship between the EU and the UK was passed on December 31st, 2020.  This Act makes provision to implement the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and associated agreements, and further provision in connection with the UK’s future relationship with the EU and its Member States, as well as related provision on specific matters concerning trade and security, including provisions on criminal records, passenger name record data, evidence and extradition, customs, tax, social security, and privileges and immunities, and for connected purposes. It comes into force partly on 30 December 2020, and comes into force fully on such day as a Minister of the Crown may by regulations appoint. Different days may be appointed for different purposes. Read more here\
  
  
• Act: The Coronavirus Act
  This came into law on 25th March 2020, enabling many provisions to allow business, including the building planning sector and related industries, to operate effectively. For example, use of photographic evidence instead of site visits and use virtual planning committees for building control decisions have been approved. Read more here

Consultations  | View all >> 

• Consultation: The UK Government announce the Consultation on the Future Building Standard on 21st January 2021.  This Consultation is the second stage of a 2-part consultation on proposed changes to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations.  It also sets out proposals for a Future Buildings Standard, which provides a pathway to highly efficient non-domestic buildings which are zero carbon ready. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS): digestate managementIn April 2020, the 'Future support for low carbon heat' Consultation set out proposals for a new Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) to increase the proportion of green gas in the grid, through support for biomethane injection by the process of anaerobic digestion (AD).In this consultation, 2 mitigations are proposed against ammonia emissions from digestate, a by-product of AD, for the GGSS scheme participants. The Consultation runs from 21st December 2020 to 15th January 2021. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: The Green Building Council
  

  A Consultation on the guidance for procuring renewable energy and carbon offsets. As part of its development of a Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, UKGBC has drafted further guidance on renewable energy procurement and carbon offsetting for businesses in an effort to ensure that the framework is used consistently and aligns with best practice. The draft guidance looks mainly at renewable energy procurement for electricity, heating and domestic hot water, carbon offsetting and carbon accounting.  The Consultation ran between 27th October - 17 November 2020. Read more here

Guidance  | View all>>

• The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) has released guidance on speeding up flood recovery and property flood resilience on 8th January 2021. Property flood resilience (PFR) is an important part of the response to flood risk. PFR includes measures that reduce the risks to people and property enabling households and businesses to reduce flood damage, speed up recovery and reoccupation. PFR measures should reduce the amount of water entering buildings (known as resistance measures), or limit the damage caused if water does enter a building (known as recoverability measures). Read more here
  
  
• The NEC has launched a new NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) and NEC4 Facilities Management Subcontract specifically for ‘procuring facilities management services', on  8th January 2021.  The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has supported NEC with the production of the contracts in order to identify the best practice in the sector as well as to signify the way forward. Read more here
  
  
• Onward publishes its latest research report, 'Getting to zero' on 5th January 2021, which marks the launch of a major Government cross-party programme of research  to understand the political and practical challenges to achieving net zero by 2050, and to develop policies to help people and places who may be disrupted in the transition. Read more here
  
  
• The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has released a new report entitled ‘Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront: Coordinated action for the building and construction sector to tackle embodied carbon’, which sets out how cross-sector collaboration can help the construction sector reach its net-zero goal and how to mitigate embodied carbon emissions. The report is part of WorldGBC’s Advancing Net Zero strategy and is produced in partnership with European Climate Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, C40 Cities and Ramboll. Read more here

Policy and strategy  |  View all>>

• The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued further guidance for Building Control Bodies in relation to operation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Guidance was [published on 21st April 2020 and covers new/temporary healthcare buildings and related facilities, as well as general guidance for operating during the current period. The changes are designed to enable essential building work to be carried out quickly, ‘without undue administrative burden’, while maintaining essential health and safety requirements. Read more here 
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