Legislation

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 29/03/2020.

Highlights - recent | View all >>

• The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) updates its guide , 'The Policy Playbook: Driving sustainability in new homes - a resource for local authorities,' to include a revised chapter on designing acoustics in new buildings on 27th March 2020. Read more here

• A new Fire Safety Bill has been introduced by the UK Government, on 19th March 2020.  The proposed Fire Safety Bill is a response to the Grenfell Tower Fire on 14 June 2017. It will amend the Fire Safety Order 2005 to clarify that the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for: 1) The structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows; and 2) Entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts. The bill will also provide a foundation for secondary legislation to take forward recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one report. Read more here

• New circular economy action plan has been published for Europe. On 11 March 2020, as part of the EU’s European Green Deal, the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). Read more here

• Millions of UK homes are set to trial energy storage device to save energy (March 2020). Funding from the government will enable the USER project to tap into the combined thermal storage energy capacity hidden in 9m homes using Artificial Intelligence. The USER Project is a demonstration project being undertaken by a group of organisations within the low carbon energy sector, including: Levelise, Baxi Heating, Ecuity Consulting, Heatrae Sadia, Energy Systems Catapult and Durham University. Read more here
  
  
• The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) offers guidance on site operating procedures during the coronavirus pandemic, aimed at protecting the workforce and minimising the spread of infection (March 2020). Read more here
  
  
• The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee launched a dangerous building cladding survey on the 13th March 2020. The UK Government intends to review the extent of dangerous cladding remaining on residential buildings and other fire defects. Read more here
  
  
• UK Government Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP sets out proposals to 'bring Britain’s planning system into the 21st century' (12th March).  Key plans include: 1) encouraging developers encouraged to build upwards and above stations; 2) creating a new map of brownfield sites to make the most of unused land; and 3) a proposal to turn disused buildings into homes more quickly. Read more here
  
  
• The Spring Budget 2020, 11th March 2020. A review of the budget and what it means for UK infrastructure, house-building and planning. The government announced a new £1bn building safety fund in the Spring Budget, to fund the removal and replacement of unsafe non-ACM cladding on buildings 18m and over in both the private and social sectors.Read more about the Budget here (PDF);
  and read more about the building safety fund here
  
  
• London trials using household batteries to support London’s electricity grid. This project is being rolled out to help manage peaks in winter demand and reduce carbon emissions.  Read more here
  
  
• Scotland announces its 'Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill' and becomes the first country in the UK to legislate on the development of heat networks to help meet climate change targets and tackle fuel poverty. Read more here
  
  
• Government publishes two reports following its energy audits research, reporting identification and delivery of savings across organisations. The research was conducted as part of the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS). Read more here
  
  
• A Consultation on House Building Statistics is seeking views on making changes to the national house building statistics series. The Consultation runs from 26th March to 26th May 2020. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/1052 The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019. This comes into force on 17th July 2020. Read more here
  
  
• The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has launched its Roadmap for Change, a new digital resource to promote industry best practice. The Roadmap for Change is a digital platform designed to highlight the good work being done in the construction industry to bring change. Read more here
  
  
• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the RIBA Plan of Work 2020– the definitive guide for the design and construction of buildings. BSRIA's BG6/2018 Design Framework for Building Services has been updated to reflect the changes (March 2020). Read more about RIBA's changes here.  Read BSRIA's guidance document on the changes to BG6/2018 here (PDF).
  
  
• Two UK Government reports on ESOS (Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme) have been published on 25th February 2020.  The studies describe BEIS's research on energy savings identification, audits and delivery of savings across organisations. Read more here
  
  
• The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has released its Annual Monitoring Report which sets out the priorities for the government throughout 2020. The report outlines the NIC's views on the government’s progress against its recommendations in 2019 and its priorities for the government throughout 2020.  Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: Heat networks: building a market framework
  This Consultation seeks views on policy options for the development of a regulatory framework for heat networks to protect consumers, support market growth and develop low carbon networks. This Consultation runs from 6th February to 1st May 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: First Homes
  This consultation seeks views on First Homes for local people, considering both the design of this policy and options for its implementation.  The Consultation runs from 7th February 2020 - 3rd April 2020. Read more here
  
  
• UKGBC launches net zero case study catalogue. The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has launched its catalogue of net zero case studies, profiling projects that demonstrate innovative approaches that align with UKGBC’s net zero carbon buildings framework. Read more here.
  
  
• Housing sector launches UK-wide innovation programme. Hundreds of housing associations from every part of the UK have come together to launch an ambitious innovation programme to tackle the biggest challenges in housing. Read more here. 
  
  
• The National Infrastructure Commission's Design Group has published design principles for national infrastructure, which seek to embed four key considerations—climate, people, places and value. Read more here.
  
  
• The CIOB’s new Real Face of Construction 2020 report puts the economic influence of the UK construction sector at almost double that of the officially recorded figures by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).  Read more here.
  
  
• The National BIM Council updates its 'Roadmap to Digital Transition for Ireland's Construction Industry'  Read more here
  

What's new?

Regulations | View all >>

• S SI 2020/draft Fuel Poverty (Targets, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Act 2019 (Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2020. This was created on 16th March 2020. Read more here
  
• SI 2020/70 c.5 The Digital Economy Act 2017 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2020. This was created on 28th January 2020. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/1052 The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2019. This comes into force on 17th July 2020. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/120 Sustainable Drainage (Enforcement) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2020. This comes into force on 4th February. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/115 Carbon Accounting (Provision for 2018) Regulations 2020. This comes into force on 28th February 2020. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/116 The Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) (Amendment) Regulations 2020. This came into force on 1st May 2020.  Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/96 Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets) Regulations 2020. This came into force on 25th February 2020. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/116 Utilities Act 2000 (Amendment of Section 105) Order 2020. This came into force on 10th March 2020.  Read more here
  
  
• SI 2020/0000 The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. The Regulations are due to come into force on 1st April 2020. Read more here
  
  
• SSI 2019/436 Environment (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment etc) (No 2) Regulations 2019. This was created on 17th December 2019. Read more here
  
  
• SI 2019/1499 Building (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2019. This was created on 13th December 2019 and came into force on 13th January 2020. Read more here

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

• Bill: Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill' 
  Scotland becomes the first country in the UK to legislate on the development of heat networks to help meet climate change targets and tackle fuel poverty.  The Bill is proposed for an Act of the Scottish Parliament, which will make provision for regulating the supply of thermal energy by a heat network, and for regulating the construction and operation of a heat network Read more here
  
  
• Bill: Environment Bill
  A post Brexit Environment Bill was announced on 31st January 2020. The Bill focuses on 'improving air quality, protecting nature, increasing recycling and cutting down plastic waste.' Read more here
  
  
• Bill: Fire Safety Bill
  A new Fire Safety Bill has been introduced by the UK Government, on 19th March 2020.  The proposed Fire Safety Bill is a response to the Grenfell Tower Fire on 14 June 2017. It will amend the Fire Safety Order 2005 to clarify that the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for: 1) The structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows; and 2) Entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts. The bill will also provide a foundation for secondary legislation to take forward recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one report. Read more here
  
  
• Bill: Domestic Premises (Energy Performance) Bill [HL] 2019-20
  A Bill to require the Secretary of State to ensure that domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate; to make provision regarding performance and insulation of new heating systems in existing properties; and for connected purposes. Read more here
  
  
• Act: Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 
  This Act amends the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to make provision setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions . Read more here
  

Consultations  | View all >> 

• Consultation: House building statistics: proposed changes
  This Consultation is seeking views on making changes to the content and focus of the long running House building; new build dwellings statistics series The Consultation runs from 26th March to 26th May 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: Heat networks: building a market framework
  This Consultation seeks views on policy options for the development of a regulatory framework for heat networks to protect consumers, support market growth and develop low carbon networks. This Consultation runs from 6th February to 1st May 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: First Homes
  This consultation seeks views on First Homes for local people, considering both the design of this policy and options for its implementation.  The Consultation runs from 7th February 2020 - 3rd April 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: Environmental Agency launches consultation for new guidance tackling chemical waste
  The Environment Agency (EA) has announced a consultation relating to its new proposed guidance regarding the facilities that handle chemical waste. The EA has outlined the aims of the guidance, citing improvements to the design and operation of facilities within the chemical waste sector as a key objective. The EA intend to ensure that the appropriate measures for permitted facilities are applied consistently. The consultation is open to relevant stakeholders and will close on 6 April 2020. Read more here
  
  
  
• Consultation: Fire safety: risk prioritisation in existing buildings – a call for evidence
  The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on fire risk prioritisation in existing buildings. Views are sought on the assessment and prioritisation of fire safety risks and on how to improve the understanding of building risk, to ensure an appropriate level of safety in existing buildings. The consultation closes on 17 February 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and International Fire Safety Standard (IFSS) have collaborated with a coalition of over 70 international organisations to develop a new fire safety global standard called 'Fire Safety Standard Common Principles'. A Consultation was launched start the project and will end on 23rd March 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: The BIM Alliance is looking for industry feedback to their latest BIM guidance titled 'Guidance Part 2: Processes for Project Delivery' (Third Edition).  The guide was published in support of the international ISO 19650 BIM standards. It has also announced that the Construction Industry Council has agreed to release an updated BIM Protocol. The framework is being sponsored by CIC, BSI, CDBB and UK BIM Alliance . Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: Cash retentions in Scottish public and private sector construction contracts
  The Scottish government has opened a consultation seeking comment on the practice of cash retention in public and private sector construction contracts in Scotland. The Consultation runs from 4th December 2019 to 25th March 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation: Request for comment on BIM Guideline and Guidance
  This offers a BIM (building informatino modelling) guideline for the implementation of BEP and EIR which is based on EN ISO 19650 and CEN/TR Guidance for understanding and using EN ISO 29481-1. Read more here
  
  
• Consultation on the amendments to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for new dwellings for Wales.
  The Consultation ran from 19th January 2020 to 12th March 2020. Read more here

Guidance  | View all>>

• The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) updates its guide , 'The Policy Playbook: Driving sustainability in new homes - a resource for local authorities,' to include a revised chapter on designing acoustics in new buildings. Read more here
  
  
• New circular economy action plan has been published for Europe. On 11 March 2020, as part of the EU’s European Green Deal, the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). Read more here
  
  
• The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) offers guidance on site operating procedures during the coronavirus pandemic, aimed at protecting the workforce and minimising the spread of infection. March 2020. Read more here
  
  
• Government guidance outlines procedure for reporting fluorinated gases. Two documents relating to fluorinated gases (F gas) and ozone depleting substances (ODS) have been published. In one document, the Defra and the Environment Agency have provided guidance on how to comply with F gas and ODS regulations from 1 January 2021.  Read more here
  The other publication deals with how to trade during the transition period. Read more here 
  
  
  
• The London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) has published 'Climate Emergency Design Guide: How new buildings can meet UK climate change targets'. The guide outlines requirements for new buildings to ensure climate change targets are met. Read more here
  
  
• RIBA has published guidance on targeting, designing and evaluating sustainable outcomes for buildings, that correspond to key UN Sustainable Development Goals and can be delivered on building projects of all scales.defining a concise measurable set of eight sustainable outcomes. Read more here
  
  
• The UK Government has release a report: 'Living with beauty: report of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission' to promote and increase the use of high-quality design for new build homes and neighbourhoods. Read more here
  
  
• The BIM Alliance is looking for industry feedback to the latest BIM guidance in to support of the implementation of new international ISO 19650 BIM standards. It also announced that the Construction Industry Council has agreed to release an updated BIM Protocol. The framework is being sponsored by CIC, BSI, CDBB and UK BIM Alliance . Read more here
  
  
• The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has announced energy reduction targets for offices to support its earlier publication "‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition (April 2019)."  These targets were announced on 14th January 2020.  Read more here
  
  
• British Standards and ECA has announced an update on 3rd February 2020 to the 18th Editions of the Wiring Regulations BS 7671: 2018. The update contains the updated Section 722 (Electric Vehicle Charging Installations), Amendment 1 and comes into effect immediately. Amendment 1 follows advances in technology enabling a more practical solution for electric vehicle charging installations.  Read more here.

Policy and strategy  |  View all>>

• UK Government Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP sets out proposals to 'bring Britain’s planning system into the 21st century' (12th March).  Key plans include: 1) encouraging developers encouraged to build upwards and above stations; 2) creating a new map of brownfield sites to make the most of unused land; and 3) a proposal to turn disused buildings into homes more quickly. Read more here
  
  
• The Spring Budget 2020, 11th March 2020. A review of the budget and what it means for UK infrastructure, house-building and planning. The government announced a new £1bn building safety fund in the Spring Budget, to fund the removal and replacement of unsafe non-ACM cladding on buildings 18m and over in both the private and social sectors.Read more about the Budget here (PDF);
  and read more about the building safety fund here
  
  
• The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has released its Annual Monitoring Report which sets out the priorities for the government throughout 2020. The report outlines the NIC's views on the government’s progress against its recommendations in 2019 and its priorities for the government throughout 2020.  Read more here
  
  
• Ofgem publishes Decarbonisation Action Plan: 'Rewiring Britain for a net zero future'.  The strategy includes: building a system that supports the growth of renewables and ten million electric vehicles on our roads by 2030; supports development of an offshore grid to enable a four-fold increase in offshore wind generation by 2030; and also sets up an innovation fund focused on unlocking investment in innovative solutions to tackle climate change
  
  
• The government has pledged a £90m package for renewable energy in an effort to bring down CO2 emissions from homes and heavy industry. The government hopes to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and to remove 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere by utilising local energy projects throughout the UK.  This new investment includes funding for Europe’s first hydrogen plants, which could generate enough energy to heat 200,000 homes. Read more here
  
  
• New protections for thousands of consumers on heat networks. The Government announced plans on 6th February 2020 for new protections for households on heat networks, making sure customers are paying a fair price and getting a good service.  Read more here
  
  
• The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has amended the Clean Air Zone Framework. The framework contains the principles elaborated on by Defra that local authorities should follow when setting up Clean Air Zones. The changes concern the minimum classes and standards for Clean Air Zones which divide the road transport into four classes. Local authorities are expected to use the most recent version.  Read more here
  
  
• The government has published its response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's Phase 1 report published on 21st January 2020, which presents recommendations for actions already taken and to be taken by the government, the London Fire Brigade and all Fire and Rescue Services. Read more here
  
  
• A  new Government Innovation Council has commenced,  the new Regulatory Horizon Council, which is a government-backed committee to ensure that UK regulation keeps pace with innovation and enables it to thrive while safeguarding the public. Read more here
  
  
• Housing Secretary announces the new Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive, to be established immediately. Government committed to delivering the biggest change in building safety for a generation. Building owners who have not taken action to make their buildings safe will be named from March 2020. Read more here
  
  
• The Scottish government has announced that new regulations will be developed to require all new homes to use renewable or low carbon heating from 2024. This will happen alongside the phasing in of renewable and low carbon heating systems to non-domestic buildings given consent to build from 2024. The new initiatives form part of Scotland’s efforts to tackle climate change. Read more here
  
  
• The UK Government has announced plans to publish a national infrastructure strategy
  This will set out the details of the its pledge to invest £100bn in infrastructure. The strategy will also set out the government’s long-term ambitions across ‘all areas of economic infrastructure, including transport, local growth, decarbonisation, digital infrastructure, infrastructure finance and delivery. Read more here

MORE FOR MEMBERS

• For our tracker with a list of all Legislation (Acts and Bills), Consultations Regulations and Guidance relevant to buildings and building services, updated in 2019, click here
• For our tracker with a selected list of Guidance supporting legislation published in 2019, click here.
• A simple spreadsheet with a list of current legislation, regulations and guidance sorted by construction and building services area is also available on request. Please email us.
  Please note this is updated regularly but not every week, so may not have the latest information.

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