Legislation

Welcome to the BSRIA Legislation Service. Here, we offer updates on the latest building and building services legislation, news, and guidance.

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Legislation and News Tracker

This free BSRIA news service monitors selected regulatory, guidance and related news in construction, building design and building services.
This tracker was last updated on 10/10/2021.

• 8/10/21
  Consultation: Proposals for heat network zoning
  The UK Government is seeking views on our proposed approach to deliver heat network zoning in England and to identifying areas where heat networks are the most appropriate solution for decarbonising heating. The Consultation runs from 8th October to 19th November 2021.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposals-for-heat-network-zoning
  
  
• 07/10/21
  RICS Scotland sets out plans for COP26. A series of events around net zero carbon are announced.
  https://www.rics.org/uk/news-insight/latest-news/news-opinion/rics-scotland-sets-out-plans-for-cop26/
  
  
• 5/10/21
  The Institute of Air Quality (IAQM) and CIBSE have published a new study: 'Indoor Air Quality Guidance: Assessment, Monitoring, Modelling and Mitigation'
  This provides guidance on the assessment of indoor air quality for appropriately qualified practitioners working on improving indoor air quality in buildings of all types, and covers both existing and proposed buildings.
  https://www.cibse.org/news-and-policy/october-2021/new-air-quality-guidance-from-the-institute-of-air
  
  
• 6/10/21
  The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has published the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) figures for September 2021. The figures showed output growth eased for the third month running, increased sub-contractor charges and widespread supply shortages leading to rapid cost inflation. However, the construction industry remains upbeat about the future despite the current shortages of materials and staff that slowed down recovery in September 2021.
  https://www.acenet.co.uk/news/industry/industry-remains-upbeat-despite-september-growth-slowdown/
  
  
• 5/10/21
  The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
  These Regulations are made in exercise of legislative powers under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (EU(W)A 2018) in connection with Brexit. They amend a piece of Scottish secondary legislation in relation to storage of carbon dioxide to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. They come into force on 1 December 2021.
  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2021/354/made
  
  
• 5/10/21
  CLC publishes its 'Road to COP campaign'
  The CLC has launched its ‘Road to COP campaign’, ahead of COP 26. The CLC will profile two priorities for the construction industry each week, reflecting on what the industry has achieved and what there is still to do toward the reduction of carbon emissions.
  https://www.lexisnexis.com/uk/lexispsl/construction/document/281955/63SD-TNS3-CGX8-00DF-00000-00/CLC-publishes-its-Road-to-COP-campaign
  
  
• 1/10/21
  Arup and C40 Cities selected to host joint exhibition in COP26 Green Zone
  Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40 Cities) and Arup announced that they will together host a COP26 Green Zone exhibition showcasing climate action being taken by a range of global cities.  
  https://www.arup.com/news-and-events/arup-and-c40-cities-selected-to-host-joint-exhibition-in-cop26-green-zone
  
  
• 30/9/21
  Consultation: Re-coupling Great Britain electricity auctions for cross-border trade
  The Consultation is seeking views on the current arrangements for trading electricity on power exchanges in the GB wholesale electricity market and our proposals to support efficient cross-border trading. The Consultation runs from 30th September to 28th October 2021.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/re-coupling-great-britain-electricity-auctions-for-cross-border-trade
  
  
• 30/9/21
  The UK Government has released its Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 recommendations update.
  The Home Office has published a quarterly thematic update on progress against the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 recommendations. The update outlines the current position on areas it is working on with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and details assurances received from relevant public authorities.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/quarterly-thematic-update-on-progress-against-the-grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-1-recommendations
  
  
• 28/9/21
  Bill: Building Safety Bill
  A Bill to make provision about the safety of people in or about buildings and the standard of buildings, to amend the Architects Act 1997, and to amend provision about complaints made to a housing ombudsman.This Bill has now been passed to a Public Bill Committee which will scrutinise the Bill line by line and is expected to report to the House by Tuesday 26 October 2021.
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3021/news
  
  
• 28/9/21
  The Construction Innovation Hub has published its 'New Energy and Carbon Reporting Framework', which defines operational energy and carbon dioxide emissions information exchanges for Government Soft Landings (GSL) and other soft landings projects so that emerging performance can be made visible enabling corrective actions to be taken.
  https://constructioninnovationhub.org.uk/new-energy-and-carbon-reporting-framework/
  
  
• 27/9/21
  CIBSE launches its new publication 'CIBSE Application Manual, AM16: Heat pump installations in multi-unit residential buildings 2021,' The guide intends to enable engineers, architects and contractors to understand how heat pump technology can be best applied on new-build and retrofit applications in high density housing
  https://www.cibse.org/news-and-policy/september-2021/cibse-launches-design-guidance-for-heat-pumps-in-h
  
  
• 8/10/21
  Consultation: Combined heat and power: pathway to decarbonisation call for evidence
  The UK Government is seeking views to inform further development of possible options for future reform of combined heat and power policy. . The Consultation runs from 27th September  to 20th December 2021.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/combined-heat-and-power-pathway-to-decarbonisation-call-for-evidence
  
  
• 24/9/21
  The British Standards Institution (BSI) leads an initiative (The London Declaration) to embed all ISO Standards with net zero targets.  Approved by the ISO members, the London Declaration is a commitment to ensure global standards will support climate action.
  https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/media-centre/press-releases/2021-press-releases/september/international-commitment-pledges-to-accelerate-transition-to-net-zero/
  
  24/9/21
• RICS BCIS forecasts for the FM sector. Interruptions, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, have led to slumps and spikes in demand and supply. This has resulted in pressures on costs, particularly energy and some material costs.
  https://www.rics.org/uk/news-insight/latest-news/news-opinion/bcis-forecasts-for-the-fm-sector2/
  
  
• 23/9/21
  BRE launches the NABERS UK energy efficiency rating scheme for offices to enable more businesses to meet net zero. The NABERS scheme intend to help organisations measure the energy efficiency of their buildings and to achieve their net zero targets, contributing to the UK’s wider decarbonisation drive.
  https://www.bregroup.com/news/nabers-uk-energy-efficiency-rating-scheme-for-offices-launches-to-enable-more-businesses-to-meet-net-zero/
  
  
• 23/9/21
  The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has launched an update to its 'Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment' to recognise leadership action in tackling embodied carbon emissions. In addition, the WorldGBC has also published 'Advancing Net Zero Whole Life Carbon: Offsetting Residual Emissions from the Building and Construction Sector', providing guidance for how the sector should compensate for its total carbon impacts.
  https://architecturaltechnology.com/resource/first-built-environment-commitment-to-advance-net-zero.html
   
• 22/9/21
  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its latest 'Global air quality guidelines' on indoor and outdoor ambient air pollution. The guidance offers global guidance on thresholds and limits for key air pollutants that pose health risks.
  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
  
  
• 21/9/21
  The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in partnership with Architects Declare have published a report, ‘Built for the Environment’, that demonstrated the critical role the built environment sector must play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report collated research and evidence from industry experts to prompt the sector to 'scale-up its capabilities.'
  https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/built-for-the-environment-report-published
   
• 21/9/21
  RICS publishes  its review 'Changing Trends in Construction'. RICS suggest that the key challenge for the construction sector globally is around shortages of building materials but finding labour with the requisite skills is also proving a growing problem.
  https://www.rics.org/en-za/news-insight/latest-news/news-opinion/changing-trends-in-construction/
  
  
• 21/9/21
  The Construction Product Association (CPA) and MRA Research have published 'The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), Code guidance' and a ‘Preparing for the Code’ information pack.  These studies aim to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information in the manufacturing industry.
  https://www.cic.org.uk/news/article.php?s=2021-09-21-ccpi-published-to-raise-standards
  
  
• 17/9/21
  How can the Government get to ‘net zero’?
  The Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has begun its inquiry on net zero governance, which examines the leadership that will be needed by the government to deliver the UK’s 2050 net zero commitment.
  https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/365/business-energy-and-industrial-strategy-committee/news/157563/how-can-the-government-get-to-net-zero/
  
  
• 15/9/21
  RIBA publishes a new edition of its 'Design for Manufacture and Assembly' guidance. 
  https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/riba-publishes-new-design-for-manufacture-and-assembly-guidance
  
  
• 14/9/21
  Bill: Planning (Street Plans) Bill
  A Private Member Bill about the creation and operation of street-level plans for local development; and for connected purposes. The Bill had its First Reading on 13th September and will have its Second Reading on 22nd October 2021.
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3047
  
  
• 14/9/21
  The Construction Innovation Hub publishes: 'The Digital Innovation Imperative: Advancing progress towards a digital built Britain', which suggests the UK is well-positioned to respond to the government’s call to “build back better”, if the construction and built environment sectors continue to strengthen foundational digital capabilities and innovate at pace.
  https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/news/digital-innovation-imperative
  
  
• 13/9/21
  Bill: Fire and Building Safety (Public Inquiry) Bill
  A Private Member Bil; aiming to establish an independent public inquiry into the Government’s response to concerns about fire and building safety. The Bill has reached Committee Stage.
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3021/news
  
  
• 13/9/21
  IPA and HM Treasury jointly publish the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline 2021
  The IPA and HM Treasury have issued a joint policy paper on the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline 2021 (2021 Pipeline), a forward-looking pipeline of planned projects and programmes in economic and social infrastructure. The IPA and HM Treasury said the 2021 Pipeline sets out nearly £650bn in future planned procurements and levels of investment alongside the workforce requirement to deliver the National Infrastructure Strategy.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-infrastructure-and-construction-pipeline-2021
  
  
• 13/9/21
  IPA publishes policy paper, Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030
  The IPA noted that the Roadmap to 2030 builds on the progress made since the launch of TIP in 2017, draws on best practice thinking and explores the trends and drivers that could shape infrastructure and major project delivery in the UK over the coming decades.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-infrastructure-performance-roadmap-to-2030/transforming-infrastructure-performance-roadmap-to-2030
  
  
• 10/9/21
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new document outlining early key messages on the proposed safety case principles for high-rise residential buildings, set out in the Building Safety Bill.
  Click to view>>
  
  
• 8/9/21
  The Ashton Institute has published a report as part of the 'PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment.' The study assesses the UK construction sector’s efforts to build ‘COVID-secure’ workplaces
  https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/2021/09/08/keeping-the-uk-building-safely-protect-report-examines-sectors-covid-19-response/
  
  
• 8/9/21
  The UK Government has announced that the next phase in the building of a digital map of underground pipes and cables has been launched. The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) aims to 'revolutionise construction and development' in the UK. NUAR will be built in partnership between industry representatives and the government over the next three years, starting in the North East of England, Wales and London.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-phase-of-government-project-to-map-the-uks-underground-pipes-and-cables-launched?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=eb902bf5-1066-4775-b941-1d618bdffe06&utm_content=daily
  
  
• 8/9/21
  The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) secures construction industry support for Levy Proposals. Construction employers have backed CITB’s Levy Proposals to support skills and training across England, Scotland and Wales, by way of the Consensus process.
  https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/citb-secures-construction-industry-support-for-levy-proposals/
  
  
• 6/9/21
  Consultation: Planning for new energy infrastructure: review of energy National Policy Statements
  The UK Government is seeking views eeking views on the revised energy National Policy Statements that support decisions on major energy infrastructure  The Consultation runs from 6th September to 29th November 2021.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-new-energy-infrastructure-review-of-energy-national-policy-statements
  
  
• 28/9/21
  Bill: Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill [HL]
  A Private Member's Bill in the House of Lords that aims to increase the energy performance of buildings; and for connected purposes
  https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3034
  
  
  Highlights from previous months - 2021 | View all >>

Regulations | View all >>

• SI 2021/draft The Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2021
  This Order sets a limit on the net amount of carbon units that may be credited to the net UK carbon account for the 2023-2027 budgetary period of 55,000,000 carbon units.  This Order was made on 13th May 2021. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2021/561 The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Auctioning (Amendment) Regulations 2021
  These Regulations amend the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Auctioning Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/484), which provide for the auctioning of allowances created for the purposes of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, to clarify the criteria applicable to representatives of those eligible to apply to bid for allowances under those Regulations and to correct a number of other minor errors. This Order was made on 10th May 2021 and came into force on 19th May 2021. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2021/543 Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2021. These Regulations make amendments to legislation in the field of fluorinated greenhouse gases. The Order was introduced on 4th May 2021 and came into force on 25th May 2021. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2021/386 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (Wales) Order
  This Order amends the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (“the GPDO”). Read more here
  
  
• SI/2021/428 The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2021
  This Order amends, primarily, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (“the GPDO”).
  The Amendment came into force on 21st April, 2021. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2021/254 The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2021
  This Order amends the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (“the GPDO”). The Amendment came into force on 29th March, 2021. Read more here
  
  
• 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>>

• Bill: Environment Bill 2021
  A Bill to make provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment; for statements and reports about environmental protection; for the Office for Environmental Protection; about waste and resource efficiency; about air quality; for the recall of products that fail to meet environmental standards; about water; about nature and biodiversity; for conservation covenants; about the regulation of chemicals; and for connected purposes. The Bill had its first reading on the 26th May 2021 and is due its second reading on the 2nd June 2021. Read more here
  
  
• Act: Fire Safety Act 2021 
  This Act makes provision about the application of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises; and to confer power to amend that order in the future for the purposes of changing the premises to which it applies. It comes into force partly on 29 April 2021, on 29 June 2021, and fully on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint. Read more here
  
  
• 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
  
  
• Bill: New Homes (New Development Standards)
  A Bill to require residential developers to meet minimum standards of provision for insulation, broadband connectivity and electric car charging points in new homes; and for connected purposes. Originally a Private Members Bill in June 2020. It is now awaiting a second reading in the current session (2021).
  Read more here
  
  
• Bill: Net Zero Carbon Emissions (Audit)
  A Bill to make provision for an independent audit of the costs and benefits of meeting the requirement under the Climate Change Act 2008 for net United Kingdom carbon emissions to be zero by 2050; and for connected purposes. Originally a Private Members Bill in February 2020.  It is now awaiting a second reading in the current session  (2021).
  Read more here 

Consultations  | View all >> 

• Consultation: A UK Government Consultation seeking views on a revised version of the Building Bulletin 100 design guide for fire safety in schools. The Consultation opened on 27th May and continues until 17th August 2021.
  Read more here
  
  
• 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 UK Government (BEIS) has published new guidance on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). Subjects covered in this guidance include the supply of allowances in the UK ETS in the scheme’s initial phases. It also provides information on the functioning of the auctions and secondary market, free allocation, and the ETS Authority’s market stability mechanisms.
  Read more here
   
  
• The British Refrigeration Association (BRA) has announced the release of an updated guide on the Jointing of Pipework for Refrigeration Systems. This latest issue is the sixth version of the guide and the first update since the 2014 edition.
  Read more here
  
  
• The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) has published a new Guidance note for the occupations of Design and Applications Engineer as part of its series of roadmaps setting out the skills, knowledge and behaviours required in key occupations.
  Read more here
  
  
• The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new Technical Guide to add to its portfolio of online Guides available to download. The new guide, entitled “Selection of Control Valves”, is intended to provide a better understanding of the complex topic of control valves in HVAC systems.
  Read more here
  
  
• 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