Westminster Sustainable Business Forum

NOTE: The date for this event is TBC pending re-opening of the Palace of Westminster dining rooms.  For more information please contact WSBF Policy Manager, Rob Allen

Products used throughout the life-cycle of a building have a critical impact on its safety.  Irrespective of what construction products are made of, or how they are intended for use, they must be compliant with necessary performance standards.  Third party certification and approval is key to maintaining trust between stakeholders, especially given the scale complexity of modern construction projects.

This lunchtime discussion forms part of a series of roundtable sessions focused on improving standards in the construction industry.  Previous events have included discussions around Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), digitisation within the industry and introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme.

This roundtable will bring together industry experts to explore issues surrounding product selection and will be co-chaired by Felicity Buchan MP and Sarah Jones MP. It is being convened by the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) in partnership with the British Board of Agrément (BBA).

Generally, the discussion will explore the need for proper testing, assessment and certification of construction products, and challenges associated with the proper marketing of construction products. Specifically, we would like the discussion to explore the following topics:

• How can the existing system for product selection (including testing, specification and labelling) meet Building Regulations and be made clearer and simpler?
• What can the industry do to address the recommendations for construction product safety as set out within the Hackitt Review and what interventions are required from Government?
• Should materials and products carry permanent marking to ensure their identification and traceability?  How can digital technology be used to assist in product identification?
• Should the scope of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) be extended to cover construction products?

NOTE: The date for this event is TBC pending re-opening of the Palace of Westminster dining rooms.  For more information please contact WSBF Policy Manager, Rob Allen