Welcome to BSRIA’s ‘at-a-glance’ checklists from 2020. Find out about selected new and updated legislation, regulations, consultations, guidance and policy impacting buildings and building services.
- The UK Government announced in its national Spending Review on 25th November 2020, a £7.1bn National Home Building Fund and a £12bn budget to ensure the UK reaches net zero by 2050. There is also over £12bn allocated for the Affordable Homes Programme, £475m to make public buildings greener, £150m to help homes become more energy efficient and £60m to retrofit social housing. Read more here
- The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) launched on 24th November 2020 an interactive map, designed to showcase leading local authority policies and programmes that address domestic energy efficiency. Read more here
- The Fire Safety Bill had its third reading in the House of Lords on 24 November 2020. It will now return to the House of Commons for the amendments made by the House of Lords to be considered. Read more here.
- Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) has released its report on 24th November 2020, on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Building Safety Bill. Read more here
- The UK Government announced on 23rd November 2020 that owners of flats in buildings without cladding will no longer require an EWS1 form to sell or re-mortgage their property. Read more here
- CIAT announced a new world-wide fire safety standard on 19th November 2020, which it has co-developed with a global coalition of over 80 fire safety leadership organisations, to ensure a consistent adoption of approach to fire safety and management of buildings internationally. Read more here
- The European Commission presented its Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy on 19th November, 2020. The strategy proposes to increase the EU’s offshore wind capacity from 12 GW to at least 60 GW by 2030 and to 300 GW by 2050. Read more here.
- The UK Government published its summary and analysis of its Consultation on the changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, SI 2012/3118. As a result, the Government will diverge from the European Commission’s proposal and retain the existing threshold for the inspection of the energy efficiency of air-conditioning systems that have an effective rated output of more than 12kW. Read more here
- Research by RICS BCIS has revealed a huge market potential for energy renovations in the UK, considering the energy savings and associated emission reductions, coupled with the potential of job creation. 18th November 2020. Read more here
- The UK Government announced on 18th November 2020 that the Green Homes Grant scheme has been extended by a year to 31 March 2022. The scheme allows homeowners and residential landlords to apply for a Green Homes Grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements, which includes the installation of low-carbon heating. Read more here
- The UK Government announced on 18th November the Prime Minister's ten point plan for a green industrial revolution, which aims to create and support up to 250,000 British jobs. The plan supports the UK’s aim of net zero by 2050 and will see £12bn of government investment. Read more here
- A Consultation was launched by the UK Government’s independent Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) on 19th November, 2020, calling for evidence on modelling fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in England. The deadline for responses is 17 December 2020. Read more here
- The European Commission has launched two consultations on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive. The aim of these twelve-week consultations is to seek a broad range of views on to what extent and how these two Directives should be amended. Read more here.
- The House of Lords has urged the government to reconsider the Fire Safety Bill following the Bill’s report stage on 17 November 2020. The government was urged in particular to rethink building owner and manager duties, public registers of fire risk assessments and the prevention of remediation costs being passed from freeholders to tenants, and three amendments to the Bill were passed on these issues. Read more here.
- The UK Government has announced that Andrew Griffith MP has been appointed as the UK’s Net Zero Business Champion to help the country’s business community to make sustainable plans to net zero by 2050 or earlier. 17th November, 2020. Read more here
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) are calling on architects to prepare for the end of the UK-EU transition period. 17th November 2020. Read more about this and also learn about RIBA's Brexit Hub and ARB's EU Exit page, here
- HM Treasury launched the bidding process to establish at least seven new freeports in England on 16th November, 2020. Freeports should ‘boost the economy,’ create thousands of jobs and ‘turbo-charge’ post-Brexit trade in all industry sectors by attracting domestic and international investment through tax reliefs and simplified customs procedures. Read more here
- The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced on 16th November 2020 that, as part of a government investment package worth £22.5m, five new interdisciplinary circular economy centres will be created to help move the UK towards a circular economy, Read more here
- The Local Government Association (LGA) has released a report arguing that a post-coronavirus (COVID-19) boom in social housing is required in order to combat growing council housing waiting lists. The report, Building Post-Pandemic Prosperity, contends that the building of 100,000 new social homes for rent each year would not only allow the government to meet demand for affordable homes, but also provide a £14.5bn boost to the UK economy. Read more here
- ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) and CIBSE jointly publish four guidance documents as part of CIBSE's series on "Emerging from Lockdown" on 16th November 2020, focusing on the subject of ventilation, safely re-occupying buildings, lift-use and occupancy, and the recommissioning of lifts and escalators, Read more here
- The UK water industry has released plans to ensure that the sector becomes carbon neutral by 2030. According to Water UK, the industry ‘could save the emission of 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas by reaching net zero two decades ahead of the UK Government’s legally binding target of 2050’. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council has published a report on 12th November 2020, which details the progress of the construction industry in quarter 3 (Q3) of 2020 (July 2020–September 2020). The report states that construction output grew by 2.9% in September 2020 and by 41.7% in Q3 2020. Read more here
- A report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) announces their BCIS surveys suggest that site productivity has reached 85% of pre COVID-19 levels as contractors gain experience in implementing the 'Site Operating Procedures'. 12th November 2020. Read more here
- The European Commission launched a public Consultation on 11th November 2020, on an EU action plan ‘Towards a Zero Pollution Ambition for air, water and soil—building a Healthier Planet for Healthier People’. The zero pollution ambition is a key pillar of the European Green Deal and builds on initiatives in the fields of energy, industry, mobility, agriculture, biodiversity and climate. The deadline for responses is 10 February 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 Regulation was created on 11th November, 2020. Read more here
- Homes England has announced on 11th November 2020, that investment delivered through the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund Forward Funding (HIF FF) has passed £1.8bn since it was launched in 2017. Read more here
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published a report on 11th November 2020, laying out its findings and recommendations from a full audit of the UK Government’s energy efficiency policies. The report states that the UK has some of the most inefficient housing in Europe and outlines the importance of addressing this to help reach net zero emissions. Read more here
- Environment think tank, the Green Alliance, has published a report titled ‘Getting the building blocks right: infrastructure priorities for a green recovery’ on 11th November 2020. The report explores what infrastructure the UK needs to get back on track for net zero, arguing that progress towards a green economy will help support coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery, creating over a million jobs across the UK. Read more here.
- The UK Government Cabinet Office has reissued its guidance on public sector procurement to help stakeholders prepare for the end of the transition period and beyond on 11th November, 2020. Further new and updated guidance may be issued so stakeholders are advised to monitor these pages for updates. Read more here.
- The Welsh Government has announced the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP), on 6th November 2020, which aims to transform social housing across Wales, boost the economy and encourage a new Welsh industry. The £20m programme is a 'key' element of the Welsh Government’s plans for a green recovery. Read more here
- SI 2020/1217: Electricity Storage Facilities (Exemption) (England and Wales) Order 2020. Provisions have been made to remove the requirement to seek planning consent under section 36(1) of the Electricity Act 1989 for electricity storage, except pumped hydro storage, in England and Wales. This Order comes into force on 2 December 2020. Read more here
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published a report entitled ‘Homes for all: Putting council housing at the heart of local recovery’ on 6th November, 2020. The report examines what councils should do to resume building and how they can build in a way that increases standards of design, quality and sustainability across the built environment. Read more here.
- SI 2020/1221: Amendments are made to the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 on 6th November 2020. This instrument extends mandatory billing and meter accuracy requirements to all customers in buildings where metering devices are installed. These Regulations come into force on 27 November 2020. Read more here
The Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) published a summary of its report 'Four Futures, One Choice', on 4th November 2020, which will be available as an e-book in December 2020. The publication explores the actions the construction sector will need to take over the next 20 years to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read more here
Infrastructure leaders predict a 'digitally driven post-coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery,' following a business roundtable hosted by Atkins and Infrastructure Intelligence. The report by Atkins, entitled 'Infrastructure Insights: COVID Impact and Recovery', was the foundation for the online discussion on 21 October 2020 entitled 'How can construction embrace digital innovation to accelerate the UK’s post-Covid recovery'. Read more here
SI 2020/Draft Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 was started on 4th November. This draft enactment is proposed to amend two pieces of UK secondary legislation in relation to ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. It comes into force immediately before IP completion day. Read more here
The UK Government has published a web page for UK businesses and organisations in the construction sector collating existing stakeholder and sectoral guidance on preparation for the end of the transition period, on 2nd November 2020. Subjects covered include importing and exporting, selling your goods, trading with the EU, workforce, data, providing services, Northern Ireland Protocol, intellectual property, access to research and development funding, chemical regulations and timber regulations. Read more here
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) announced on 4th November 2020 a £134m investment package to help businesses across the UK benefit from ground-breaking clean growth projects, which develop new technologies and secure new jobs amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read more here
SI 2020/1179 Waste (Wales) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2020 on 2nd November 2020. Provisions are made to amend certain Welsh primary and secondary legislation by bringing up to date references in the legislation to two EU Directives that have been amended as part of the European Circular Economy Package (CEP). Read more here
- The CLC updated its Site Operating Procedures on 20th October 2020, to reflect the recent changes in the government coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. The amendments do not substantially amend social distancing requirements on sites but the Site Operating Procedures have been streamlined. Read more here
- The CLC published guidance on 19th October on the movement of people and workers into the UK in relation to the end of the Brexit transition period. It provides advice and information on the points-based system, the common travel area, the skilled worker route, the shortage of occupation list, becoming a licensed sponsor, EU, EEA and Swiss migrants, and UK workers in the EU. Read more here
- The European Commission has launched Level(s), the European Framework for Sustainable Buildings, on 16th October 2020, in order to address the building sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, material usage and waste generation. Read more here
- The Carbon Project has published research on 9th October 2020, demonstrating that the progress made by infrastructure in reducing carbon emissions needs to speed up in the mission to reach the net-zero target by 2050. Read more here
- The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) launched a Consultation on 9th October, inviting feedback on the first draft of its Retrofit Playbook for local government. The Retrofit Playbook is a resource designed to support local and combined authorities in developing retrofit policies and initiatives, through sharing best practice and guidance. The Consultation runs from 9th October to 30th October 2020. Read more here
- RIBA publishes their new report: ‘Post Occupancy Evaluation: an essential tool for the built environment’ on 7th October 2020, which focuses on how POE can make buildings greener, reduce operational costs and increase user satisfaction. Read more here
- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) launched a Consultation on its draft professional ‘statement of ethical principles and rules of conduct’. The rules aim to promote and enforce ethical standards in the ‘development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure,’ The Consultation runs from 7th October to 7 December 2020. Read more here
- Plans for the largest UK Passivhaus building programme are announced on 7th October 2020. The project for City of York Council will build new developments on seven sites across the city, ranging from 30 to 165 homes and co-designed with local communities. Read more here
- The UK Government published part 6 of its additional guidance for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) developers on Renewable CHP on 6th October 2020. The publication focuses on CHP schemes that use Organic Rankine Cycle systems and steam screw expander technologies. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published ‘the Greener Regeneration Scheme’ on 6th October, detailing the potential for the government to ‘empower local authorities’ and development partners to lead on the revitalisation of towns and cities following coronavirus (COVID-19). Read more here.
- An updated Regulation was published on 6th October 2020: " SS 2020/310 Town and Country Planning, Management of Extractive Waste and Electricity Works (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2020", which amends three pieces of UK secondary legislation in relation to town and country planning, management of extractive waste, and electricity. Read more here
- The UK Government announced a new plan to "Build Back Greener" on 6th October 2020. Plans to invest in offshore wind is expected to produce enough electricity to power every home in the UK by 2030, Read more here
- In the first of its kind, a new plan for building modular homes commences in London, UK. The project was announced on 5th October 2020 and will provide homes for homeless people. Read more here
- A new UK water strategy "UK 2050 - Water Innovation Strategy" is being launched on 14th October 2020. A joint venture has been co-developed by UK Water Industry Research and ARUP. The strategy has involved extensive engagement and collaboration with more than 150,000 people. Read more here
- The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has published a report on the 5th October, laying out competence requirements for the proposed new role of the Building Safety Manager. Under the draft Building Safety Bill, those responsible in law for the safety of higher-risk buildings will need to appoint a Building Safety Manager. Read more here
- The UK Government announced on 5th October 2020 that £3.7bn will be spent to build 40 new hospitals across England by 2030. The government will be developing new standards and adopting modular construction methods to standardise and speed up the process. Read more here
- The Construction Industry Council (CIC) published a new report called "Setting the bar" on 5th October 2020. The Blueprint, endorsed by over 150 organisations in the fire and built environment industries, aims to improve competence for those working on higher-risk buildings and drive culture change. Read more here
- UK construction activity at highest in September since before coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, according to figures published by CIP and IHS Markit on 6th October, 2020. Read more here
- The UK Government launched a £200m Port Infrastructure Fund on 2nd October 2020, in preparation for the end of the BREXIT transition period, to provide one-off grants for ports to build new facilities. The fund is aimed at ports that have capacity to build new border infrastructure on their current sites to ensure they are equipped to handle new customs requirements under the new Border Operating Model. Read more here
- The UK Government has published its research paper "Domestic battery energy storage systems" on 2nd October 2020, which assesses the safety risks of domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs). The report focuses on lithium-ion battery technology. Read more here
- The Fire Safety Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 1st October 2020. The Bill will now go to Committee stage in the Lords, the date is yet to be announced. Read more here
- Germany announced that it has 'printed' its first house, in North Rhine-Westphalia. The prototype was built to demonstrate the 3D printing is ready for use in the residential construction market. Read more here
- The revised Regulation: S SI 2020/904 "The Waste (Circular Economy) (Amendment) Regulations 2020" came into force on 1st October 2020. The Regulation outlines the amendments to the EU's 2020 Circular Economy Package ("2020 CEP"), applicable in England and Wales. Read more here
- The UK Government announced its new Green Homes Grant on 30th September 2030, which will offer grants to 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills. Read more here
- "Homes, schools and hospitals across England are set to be greener and cheaper to run thanks to a £3 billion plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings – the biggest in a generation". The UK Government announces major infrastructure strategies on 30th September 2020. Read more here
- The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has announced that over 100 towns across England will share £80m worth of funding to boost regeneration and help ‘build back better.’ Up to £1m will be given to each of the 100 towns to kick start regeneration projects, drive growth and to improve the environment. Read more here
- The UK Government published its final summary, collating responses to its Consultation: "Energy Performance Certificates in buildings: call for evidence" on 30th September 2020. The original Consultation, held in July-October 2018, sought to discover how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were really performing, gathering feedback on suggestions for improvement. Read the final report here
- The UK Government launched a new Consultation on 30th September 2020: 'Designing the Green Heat Network Fund: call for evidence'. The aim is to seek evidence to help develop a Green Heat Network Fund, intended to help new and existing heat networks adopt low carbon technologies. The Consultation will run from 30th September - 13th October 2020. Read more here
- The UK Government launched a new Consultation on 30th September 2020: 'Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes'. The Consultation seeks views on proposals around raising energy performance standards for the domestic private rented sector in England and Wales. The Consultation will run from 30th September - 30 December 2020. Read more here
- The UK Government launched a new Consultation on 30th September 2020: 'Draft Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations 2021'. The Consultation seeks views on proposed updates to ecodesign and energy labelling requirements. The Consultation will run from 30th September - 11th November 2020. Read more here
- BREXIT preparation: The Construction Leadership Council published: 'EU Exit Business Readiness: Data Protection and GDPR' on 17th September 2020. The publication offers guidance on data protection and GDPR' considerations in respect of the expiration of the transition period with the European Union at the end of the year. Read more here
- The Building Performance Network has announced it will create a Standard on building performance evaluation (BPE) on behalf of the British Standards Institution. Read more here
- The Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has announced new measures on 22nd June 2020 to help the construction industry return to work safely amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The measures include extending planning permission deadlines to stop planning permissions expiring, introducing flexible working hours on construction sites and introducing new processes to speed up the planning appeal process. Read more here
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its 'Recovery Roadmap' on the 19th June 2020, offering guidance to architectural practices following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to help build future resilience. Read more here
- The Infrastructure and Projects Authority has published the 2020–2021 National Infrastructure and Construction Procurement Pipeline in June. Read more here.
- Highways England has launched a 15-year vision on 12th June 2020, intended to revolutionise the construction industry, reduce disruption to the public and decrease the number of fatal building site accidents. Read more here
- The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has published the 43rd update of its work. The update states that the inquiry is planning on resuming hearings on 6 July 2020, with limited attendance permitted due to the Coronavirus. Read more here
- The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) set out new plans on the 18th June to increase the installation of smart meters in households across the UK. The government has argued that smart meters are key for reducing emissions and are instrumental in cutting up to £16bn off the annual cost of delivering net zero emissions by 2050. Read more here
- The Heat Pump Association (HPA) launched a Training Strategy on 4th June that lays out how the heating industry needs to transform to enable the wider adoption of heat pumps throughout the UK building stock. Read more here
- The NFB Policy and Research team announced on the 1st of June that it is conducting a quick-fire survey to help guide work and give us an understanding of business confidence as we prepare to enter the recovery phase. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council’s ‘COVID-19 Task Force’ published plans for the ‘revival of the UK construction sector’ following the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on 2nd June 2020. The roadmap sets out proposals to secure the ‘future of construction businesses nationwide, while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery’. Read more here
- ECA and BESA have released a joint sector guide on 2nd June 2020 regarding work-related travel and updated their guides on working in close proximity and in areas of increased risk of transfer of COVID-19, such as healthcare settings. Read more here
- The Good Homes Alliance (GHA) have published their new manifesto "Homes Fit for the Future. A ‘Regenerative’ Vision". Good Homes Alliance joins other industry groups in advocating a green recovery plan for building that recognises the importance of protecting public health whilst addressing climate change targets. Read more here
- The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has published a report on 29th May 2020, on how to ensure that the resilience of UK’s infrastructure is maintained when faced with shocks and stresses, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In the report, the NIC puts forward a ‘framework of resilience’ made up of six key aspects. Read more here
- New Fire safety Cladding Funding and amendment to Approved Document B. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a £1bn building safety fund on 26th May to remove dangerous cladding from high-rise residential buildings (ie those 18 metres and above). In addition, the statutory guidance to the Building Regulations, otherwise known as Approved Document B, has been amended to require sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new blocks of residential buildings over 11 metres. The changes apply to England and will come into effect on 26 November 2020. Read more here
- The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is recommending however, that the Government extends the ban on the use of combustible materials to a wider range of buildings than is currently proposed. It wants the ban to include care homes, halls of residence and potentially schools. Read more here
- The UK Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has launched a new super inquiry on post-pandemic economic growth, which will investigate the options available to the government to secure economic recovery post-coronavirus (COVID-19) covering investment, industrial strategy, jobs, skills, exports and sustainable growth. Read more here
- Setting a framework for alleviating water poverty. UKWIR has undertaken research designed to support decision makers and water companies in making water and sewerage bills affordable for all, and in the development of a strategy to address UKWIR’s Big Question ambition of How to achieve zero customers in water poverty by 2030’ in the UK. Read more here
- The updated 'Site Operating Procedures' (version 4) was published by The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) on 29th May 2020. Version 4 replaces version 3 and incorporates several technical changes on working safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here
- On the 28th May 2020, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) published a survey, which found that 92% of construction professionals around the world expect their business to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here
- On the 27th May 2020, RICS published the results of its survey on the impact of COVID-19 on UK Property & Construction Market. Read more here
- RICS produces its BCIS five-year forecast on the construction industry on 26th May 2020. The forecast report covers new work output, building costs and tender prices. Read more here
- A New Homes Quality Board is launched to help protect buyers on 26th May 2020. The creation of an interim board is the first page of creating a new Ombudsman to protect buyers from shoddy work and is expected to be operational by the autumn. Read more here
- The Centre for Digital Built Britain’s (CBDD) National Digital Twin programme has launched an open consultation on 20th May 2020 seeking feedback on the proposed approach to the development of an Information Management Framework for the built environment. Read more here
- The Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) published its approach to delivering a National Digital Twin for the United Kingdom on the 19th May 2020. Read more here
- The NHBC has launched a new series of five Technical Guidance updates for the NHBC Standards to help keep the industry informed of the latest developments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
- The UK BIM Framework, in association with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), has published a template Information Protocol for incorporation into contracts where building information modelling (BIM) is to be used. The Information Protocol provides an example of what could be included in order to conform to BS EN ISO 19650-2 (the delivery phase of assets). Read more here
- A recent Building Planning Portal Report shows that planning applications of all types in England and Wales fell on average by 3.5% in March and 18.5% in April 2020. Read more here
- Homes England has commissioned its own modern methods of construction (MMC) research study in an attempt to drive innovation within the construction industry. The study will test the performance of different types of MMC by monitoring the construction of around 1,500 homes at sites across the country. Read more here
- The Green Finance Institute (GFI) has published a report on developing the market for financing net-zero and resilient homes on 13th May 2020. The report outlines the results from the first phase of the Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings’ development of the market. Read more here
- The Carbon Trust and Imperial College lead new cross sector consortium project investigating the role of a flexible energy system in achieving a net zero economy. Read more here
- CITB launches site safety checklists and forms to help ensure that CLC site operating procedures are both clear and accessible to employees throughout the coronavirus outbreak. Read more here
- Charter for safe working practice COVID-19 has been published by the House Builders Federation (HBF) in May 2020 to to ensure that home building activity is carried out safely and in accordance with the advice of Government and Public Health England during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Read more here
- The British Standards Institution (BS) has produced formal guidance for workers and organisations on how to manage their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advice is offered on ways to work and how to protect workers and other people in their workplace. Read more here
- On the 21st May, 2020, the UK Government announces 20m funding for its Green Growth Fund. The project aims to support and speed up the deployment of innovative clean technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions’ A further £20m funding has also been matched by private investors. Read more here
- A Consultation on 'Energy Performance of Buildings: changes to The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012, No. 3118'
The UK Government is seeking views on the proposed changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 to transpose part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ((EU) 2018/844). The Consultation runs from 19th May to 14th July 2020. Read more here.
- The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published guidance on the 11th May 2020 for companies involved in the construction supply chain on how to minimise disputes relating to Business to Business (B2B) contracts that have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Guidance follows advice published by the Government.
Read more here about the Government Guidance.
Read more here about the CLC Guidance.
- Contractual Best Practice Guidance. Advice on contractual best practice during these challenging times of the coronavirus, produced by the Construction Leadership Council via its Covid-19 Industry Task Force, has now been issued. Read more here
- The Government published a series of guidelines in early May on working safety with COVID-19. Eight guidance documents, containing the same information except for a definition of specific types of workers have been produced. Read more here
- In early May, the construction industry reports its biggest slump on record. Residential and commercial construction sectors were the hardest hit. Read more here
- The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee (UK) has published the findings of a survey in early May investigating the progress of remediation work to improve fire safety in residential buildings. Read more here
- Construction Minister tells NFB in May that infrastructure will be crucial to economic recovery. Housing Minister says that key infrastructure projects will be brought forward. Read more here
- ECA and BESA jointly developed two new guides to help contractors to manage coronavirus-related issues on site. These guides focus on ‘Specific Environments’ (where there may be higher risk of COVID-19 transmission); and 'close proximity working’ (less than 2m). Read more here
- Heat Networks Delivery Unit, backed by the UK Government, has opened its tenth funding round. Calling on local authorities and other organisations to apply for funding to commence localised heat network projects. This funding round commenced at the beginning of May and will finish 31st December 2020.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) releases Global Energy Review amid coronavirus (COVID-19) on 30th April, 2020.
According to the IEA, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic ‘has major implications for global economies, energy use and CO2 emissions’ and its analysis of ‘daily data through mid-April [2020] shows that countries in full lockdown are experiencing an average 25% decline in energy demand per week and countries in partial lockdown an average 18% decline’. Read more here
The UK BIM Framework has published its fourth edition of 'Guidance Part 2: Processes for Project Delivery'. This was published on on 30th April 2020 and is designed to help practitioners in the UK to implement building information modelling (BIM). Read more here
- A Consultation on 'Future support for low carbon heat' in the UK opened on 28th April 2020 and closes on 7th July 2020. The UK Government is seeking views on options for the future support for low carbon heat, beyond the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Read more here
- The Deputy Mayor of London, Tom Copley, set up ‘The Covid-19 Housing Delivery Taskforce’ on 28th April 2020 to tackle problems the coronavirus crisis is causing to the housing industry in the UK. Read more here
- The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) published its annual update on air quality on 23rd April 2020, detailing concentrations of major air pollutants in the UK for 2019. Read more here
- 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. Read more here
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): construction workers getting tested. The UK Government announces that construction workers can get tested for Coronavirus and offers guidance on who is eligible for a test and how to get tested. Read more here
- The 'Construction Response to COVID-19' alliance has been set up to help the businesses in the construction industry to support the NHS, the general public and the Government. The initiative has been supported by many industry organisations such as CIC, CLA, CPA, FMB, BuildUK, ECA and others. Read more here
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued various guidance documents since the beginning of April 2020 on how to maintain a safe working environment during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and now easing out of lockdown. The documents include up-to-date advice on occupational health and safety, how to protect home workers and first aid cover. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council (CLC), in collaboration with the Construction Coronavirus Taskforce, published advice on the 1st of April 2020 to assist construction companies and clients ensure a safe and controlled shutdown of sites and facilities. Read more here
- The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government published guidance on 27th March 2020 on making buildings safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a third version of its Site Operating Procedures on the 15th April, aimed at protecting workers throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here
- A Consultation, led by the UK Government, reviewing the use of combustible materials in external walls of buildings, which was started in January 2020 has been extended until 25th May 2020. Read more here
- The Welsh Government has provided guidance on 23rd April for building control bodies during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. There is also guidance for building control bodies on operating on non-healthcare related buildings during the pandemic. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council has launched a Construction Industry Task Force on 4th April to provide a focal point for co-ordinating the industry response to Covid19. Read more here
- The UK Government has released guidance on social distancing in the workplace during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including the construction sector. Read more here
- The Scottish Government has released guidance on 7th April for the construction sector in Scotland during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The guidance confirms that work on construction sites in Scotland should stop unless it is supporting an essential project during coronavirus. Read more here
- The UK is set to reach its renewable energy targets by 2025, according to a new report by The Energy Industries Council (EIC). Future energy supply will be delivered through biomass, waste, solar and wind resources, meaning that the UK is on course to achieve the net zero objective set by the government. Read more here
- The COP26 United Nations (UN) climate change conference, initially scheduled to take place in Glasgow in November 2020, was postponed on 1st April until next year, as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read more here
- The European Commission has launched a public online Consultation inviting all stakeholders and citizens to submit their views on the 2030 climate ambition set by the EU. The consultation will also address the action and policy design required in order to achieve deeper greenhouse gas emission reductions. The Consultation is open from 31 March 2020 to 23 June 2020. Read more here
- RIBA published the summary findings on their survey on 6th April, on the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry and particularly the architectural profession. Read more here
- The Coronavirus Act 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
- The second reading of the Fire Safety Bill is due to take place on 29 April 2020. If passed into law, the Bill would remove uncertainty around the application of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises. Read more here
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
UK Government - Housing Secretary clamps down on shoddy housebuilders. Homebuyers who are faced with shoddy building work in their new homes will be protected by a new, independent Ombudsman. Read more here
RICS BCIS announce their five-year construction forecast. Tender prices are predicted to rise by 26% over the next five years (3rd quarter 2019 to 3rd quarter 2024). Read more here
Arup and the Ellen Macarthur Foundation’s latest report “From principles to practices: Realising the value of circular economy in real estate” focuses on the circular economy and how the built environment can become more sustainable. Read more here
Confidence surges but actual workload remains 5% lower – RIBA Future Trends January 2020. The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index surged into positive territory for the first month of 2020 with a balance figure of +17 – up 19 points. Read more here
New programme to make London homes carbon and energy efficient launched. A £3.6m new programme called ‘Retrofit Accelerator for Homes’, which will provide support to the public sector to retrofit homes in London with better insulation, low-carbon heat and alternative power sources. The programme enables London to help prepare for a zero-carbon future. Read more here
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has published the final UK greenhouse gases estimates for the years 1990 to 2018. The statistics show an overall decrease in sector emissions, with the energy sector reducing its emissions by 62% from 1990 to 2018. 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
- Post Brexit Environment Bill announced on 31st January 2020. The Bill focuses on 'improving air quality, protecting nature, increasing recycling and cutting down plastic waste.' Read more here
- An amendment to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations was announced on 3rd February 2020. 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.
- 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
- Chartered Institute of Housing has launched a new guide to help housing organisations raise their game on mental health. Read more here
- RIBA has published guidance on targeting, designing and evaluating sustainable outcomes for buildings, defining a concise measurable set of eight sustainable outcomes. Read more here
- The London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) has published 'Climate Emergency Design Guide: How new buildings can meet UK climate change targets'. Read more here
- The BIM Alliance is looking for industry feedback to the latest BIM guidance 'Guidance Part 2: Processes for Project Delivery (Third Edition),' published to support of the international ISO 19650 BIM standards. Read more here
- RIBA publishes its monthly market trends (February 2020) on the construction industry. The market for architects was volatile in 2019 but the outlook is slightly better in 2020. 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. 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
- SI 2019/2024 Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2024 of 1 October 2019 laying down ecodesign requirements for refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance). 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 new targets were announced on 14th January 2020. Read more here.
- An amendment to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations is due to be published in 2020.
Amendment One follows advances in technology enabling a more practical solution for electric vehicle charging installations. Read more here.
- The British Standards Institution (BSI) is running a Consultation on its Draft PAS 14191:2020 PAS 14191:2020 Built environment – Management and operation of interconnected construction data dictionaries – Specification.
For participation, the Consultation runs until 5th February 2020. Read more here
- The NBS has launched its 10th annual NBS BIM survey, marking a decade of tracking BIM adoption in the UK. Open until March 2020. To participate, click here
- The Welsh Government has released amendments to Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Volumes 1 and 2, and Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship). The amendments are to come into force on 13 January 2020, the same time as changes introduced by the Building (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/1499. Read more here
A Consultation also runs from 19th January 2020 to 12th 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. Read more here
- The Government intends to introduce an Environment Bill, aiming to enshrine environmental principles into law post Brexit. Read more here
- The UK Government has announced it will publish its National Infrastructure Strategy in the spring. Read more here
- The UK Government announced a Fire Safety Bill, in response to the Grenfell Tower fire on 19th December 2019. Read more here and also here
- Construction Contracts Bill (started in 2009) has now moved to the House of Lords. Read more here
- The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has endorsed Build UK’s ‘Roadmap to Zero Retentions’, which provides for the abolition of retentions in the construction industry by 2025.
The roadmap announced on 9th December 2020 proposes a phased approach to moving towards the objective of zero retentions by 2023, and no later than 2025. Read more here
- The results of an offsite construction survey have been announced on 5th December 2019.
Published by ECA, CIBSE and Select, the survey reports the results of a user survey on the benefits of offsite construction processes. Read more here
- New Government Soft Landings guidance aligned with BIM framework
The Government Soft Landings guidance has been updated in order to align it with the UK’s building information modelling framework (including ISO 19650 and BS 8536) and industry best practice. Read more here
- BRE helped to launch Home of 2030 competition to address the grand challenges of future housing needs on 4th November 2019. Read more here
- Government introduces ground-breaking Environment Bill
The Government has published a landmark Environment Bill (15th October), which aims to tackle the biggest environmental priorities of our time, signalling a historic step change in the way we protect and enhance our natural environment. Read more here
- The UK Government has responded to the Select Committee’s report on ‘Building regulations and fire safety—consultation response and connected issues’, following the Grenfell Tower incident. (Published 18th July 2019.) Key actions taken by the government in response to the Committee’s recommendations include: consultations on reforming building safety regulations, a full technical review of aspects of fire safety in building regulations and fire safety guidance, a new ‘name and shame’ response to non-compliance, and the removal of unsafe ACM cladding on the majority of social sector residential buildings by the end of 2019. Read a summary of the response here
- UK Government: New, clarified version of Building Regulations, Approved Document B were published on 5th July 2019*.
The changes this introduces are intended to ensure that the document uses plain English, and it has also been significantly restructured with the design of blocks of flats moved from Volume 2 to Volume 1:
Volume 1: Dwellings
Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings
The new version of the statutory guidance will come into force on 30 August 2019.
- Circular 02/2019, describes the amendments in detail. Read more here.
* Update: 19/9/19 The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has released a notice of correction to Approved Document B 2019 edition. The correction changes come into effect immediately. Read more here
- Environmental ambition for building council
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has released a sector ambition statement, in partnership with UKGBC members, announcing that ‘by 2030, all buildings and infrastructure will, throughout their lifetime, be climate resilient and maximise environmental net gains. Read more here
- Update from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The Chairman has written to the Prime Minister regarding the submission of the Phase 1 report prepared by the Inquiry. The Prime Minister has confirmed that he would like the Report to be laid before Parliament and published before the end of October, and has invited the Chairman to publish the Report. Read more here
- Have your say on the Wiring Regulations. The ECA is offering a Consultation on its draft revisions to it Wiring Regulations. The Draft for Public Comment (DPC) will consist of changes to Section 722 – Electric Vehicle Charging Installations. The DPC is open from 1st October until 30th November 2019. Read more here
- Have your say on skills in the Construction Industry. CITB has commissioned ICF, an independent research organisation, to undertake a study to ascertain the potential impact of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the composition and skills requirements of the construction workforce. Read more here
- The Construction Licensing Task Force, led by FMB and ECA, is running a public survey canvassing opinions for strategy on a licensing scheme for construction firms - to help regulate 'rogue' builders. The survey will run until the end of the day on Tursday 31st October. Read more here
- The Construction Innovation Hub is leading some of construction’s key players to develop the standards for a new ‘kit of parts,’ which will be used to create the next generation of government projects like schools, hospitals and prisons. Read more here
- The £315 million Industrial Energy Transformation Fund is running a Consultation on its final design. The project will help industry to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The Consultation runs from 10th October to 21st November 2019. Read more here
- UK Government: Clean Air (No. 3) Bill 2017-19. The latest edition of a Bill to establish a right to breathe clean air; the latest amendment currently going through Parliament. Read more here
- The Future Homes Standard and changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for new dwellings is now open for Consultation from the 1st October 2019. Read more about this here
- UK Government: Guidance UK.The House of Commons Library has updated a briefing paper considering the conformity of the UK with product standards and safety marking in the lead up to Brexit. Read more here
- UK Government: policy: A newly-published report by WGBC (World Green Building Council) presenting a climate action roadmap has set out the 36 most viable solutions to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Read more here
- UK Government policy: The Cabinet Office and Department for Exiting the European Union have published a ‘No-deal readiness report’, summarising UK preparations for exiting the EU on 31 October 2019. Read more here