Summer Standards watch
Assessment of dwellings for retrofit (BS 40104)
Through our Climate Society, CIAT is steadily supporting its members and affiliates in relation to carbon and climate issues. BS 40104 (under development) aims to standardise the method of retrofit assessment as described in PAS 2035; superseding PAS 2035 sub-clauses 8.2-8.6. For members and affiliates who work principally on extensions and improvements to existing dwelling, this standard will provide support for the retrofit process. Given that the UK is committed to its climate targets, and that over 80% of the buildings in occupation now will be in use in 2050, retrofit has become more important than ever.
Fire risk assessment for housing (BS 9792)
Fire safety remains a pertinent issue for the Institute. So much so that we have established a Principal Designer Register to capture Chartered Architectural Technologists with competencies to undertake the Principal Designer role for both HRB and non-HRBs. Fire risk assessments are an integral part of managing fire safety risks. PAS 79-1 provides recommendations for non-domestic buildings. BS 9792 (under development) will provide recommendations for houses, flats, and specialised housing.
Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction
As a society, we have become more cognisant of the need for good sound insulation and noise reduction following the transition to home and remote working. BS 8233 (under revision) will be updated to provide enhanced guidance for the control of noise in and around buildings; applicable to both new and refurbished buildings. This revision takes into account the updated WHO guidance on the effects of noise on health and wellbeing as well as recent guidance published by government and professional bodies. Given its citation within Part E of the Approved Documents (England and Wales), its revison may impact on members and affiliates and their design of comfortable internal environments.
Construction product competence (BS 8670-2)
Since the Grenfell fire which tragically killed 72 people in 2017, the built environment has seen signifcant regulatory reform through the Building Safety Act and its secondary legislation. One of the many key components of this reform has been to fortify the sector's competence. Many of our members and affiliates will be familiar with PAS 8671 which identifies the core competence criteria for a lead designer. To further support building safety, BS 8670-2 (under development) is focusing on the competence in relation to the specific of construction products. Given the technical nature of Architectural Technology, there is no doubt that competencies relating to safety-critical product competencies will also be relevant.
BSI programme
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Depending on the size of your practice you may be eligible to access BSI's content from their digital platform for a flat fee (1-5 employees & turnover under £632k = £360/year; 6-10 employees and turnover under £632k = £720/year). Eligible practices can sign up using this expression of interest form. Once completed, applicants will then be contacted directly by a BSI representative.
