New independent research into how the Building Safety Act (BSA) is reshaping the industry — increasing admin, raising liability, and reducing creativity and design time — and why verified manufacturers product data has never mattered more has been released by wienerberger.
The Building Safety Act (2022) introduced the most significant regulatory changes in a generation. While the reforms are essential for creating safer buildings, they have also placed increasing administrative, financial and creative pressure on those responsible for design.
Architects, specifiers and developers are now required to demonstrate greater accountability, maintain a clear golden thread of information, and verify every product they specify. This whitepaper explores the real-world cost of compliance — and how greater transparency and clarity of information can help ease the burden.
Drawing on independent research with 80 UK architects, The Cost of Compliance whitepaper provides fresh insights alongside interviews with leading practices, including Howells and Space Group.
It explores how the Building Safety Act is reshaping architects’ workloads, responsibilities and risk exposure, and reveals that compliance-related administration has increased by 16%. The findings highlight the real financial impact, with £16,700 per employee per year spent verifying product claims, as well as a growing risk environment marked by rising professional indemnity claims and extended liability periods. The research also shows that 58% of architects distrust manufacturer data and examines how this lack of confidence affects design decisions, creativity, wellbeing and productivity. In response, it outlines the call for centralised, independently verified product information, considers how schools of architecture are preparing the next generation, and identifies practical ways the industry can collaborate to create safer, more transparent buildings.
In her Foreword Amanda Long, Chief Executive Construction Product Information, said: “Critical to ensuring building safety is the selection of the right products and systems. This applies for anyone involved in the design, specification, procurement, and construction of buildings. Correct specification is foundational to building safety and for it to be possible a fundamental prerequisite is product information that is clear, accessible, up-to-date, accurate and unambiguous.
“The debate and findings discussed in this document shine a light on the enduring concerns and frustrations of some of those at the sharp end of this, particularly in design and specification. The sentiments raised echo real concerns about lack of trust and confidence in product information and marketing. Further concerns are raised about the need for transparent product information that can be relied upon to make important design decisions. Aligned with this, it is increasingly becoming understood that honest accurate product information and marketing are key areas of liability and compliance for all duty holders. No ‘contract clause’ in the supply chain removes responsibility for any party. Issues with product information have implications and reverberations throughout the value chain from client through to manufacturer.
“As this document highlights, Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) third party independent assessment and registration is here to help. CCPI is the key mechanism supporting the industry to remove misleading claims and drive the delivery of clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous product information and marketing. I urge readers to take on board the call to action to engage with CCPI. If you are on the supply side – join manufacturers such as wienerberger as well as merchants and distributors who have shown leadership and stepped forward to register for CCPI assessment. If you are on the demand-side become a CCPI Supporter and play your part to drive urgent much needed change and raise standards in product information and marketing.”
To read the whitepaper in full visit:
