How to keep up to date with the latest building standards and regulations

In this article, we explore why compliance is so important and how we in the construction industry can keep up to date with regard to the latest standards and regulations, including in terms of a European perspective. 

The importance of compliance

Compliance with building standards and regulations is not just a matter of following the law. It also ensures that construction work is done in a safe, environmentally friendly and smart way. Non-adherence to the relevant rules can also lead to problems such as legal action, safety risks and delays in the construction project. There are many reasons for ensuring compliance: 

• Personal safety and safety in general: Building standards and regulations are designed to protect human life and health. They ensure that buildings are safe to live, work and be in. Non-adherence to the relevant standards can lead to dangerous situations, such as the collapse of structures or electrical fires.
• Occupational safety: They also ensure that construction sites are safe for workers. Following the rules reduces the risk of accidents occurring during the construction process.
• Avoidance of fines and legal action: Breaches of building standards can result in fines, legal proceedings and, in the worst case, imprisonment. They can also lead to the withdrawal of planning permission or the stopping of projects.
• Responsibility and confidence: Professionals who comply with the rules maintain a good reputation and credibility in the industry. This builds confidence among customers and partners.
• Long-term quality: The standards ensure that buildings are sustainable and energy efficient, and have a high level of quality. This reduces the need for expensive repairs and renovations in the future.
• Environmental impact: Regulations often cover aspects relating to environmentally-friendly construction, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of buildings and promoting sustainable development.
• Cost-effectiveness: Following the relevant standards right from the very start avoids delays and the need for costly changes. This gives rise to more predictable and efficient construction processes.
• Insurance and warranty aspects: Buildings constructed in accordance with the current standards and regulations are easier to insure, and the risk of insurance claims being rejected due to non-compliance is reduced.
  
  

What regulations apply?

There are both national and international regulations. In some cases these are binding, but that is not always the case. There are several examples of standards that apply across multiple European countries, which helps simplify and harmonise construction processes. Here are some of the main ones:

• Eurocodes (EN 1990 - EN 1999) are a series of standards that provide guidelines for the calculation and design of building structures. Eurocodes are used as reference standards for building design throughout the EU and also in many other European countries. They serve as a common technical language basis that facilitates international trade and cooperation in the construction industry.

• The purpose of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) is to promote energy efficiency in the EU in order to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. This includes energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings.

• The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) defines conditions for the marketing of construction products in the EU. Its aim is to ensure that information about performance is reliable and comparable, thereby enabling the free movement of construction products within the EU. The CPR affects all companies that manufacture or sell construction materials in the EU, as they have to meet certain standards and use CE marking to show that their products comply with EU requirements.

• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), although BREEAM is a UK standard, its principles and practices have spread right across Europe. It is a leading and comprehensive method for assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings.

These standards and regulations play a central role in shaping the construction industry in Europe, promoting innovation, safety and sustainability, and ensuring that construction processes are consistent and of high quality across the continent. Each country also has its own laws and regulations, which are often based on applying the above regulations.

How can I stay up to date?

Keeping up to date with the latest rules and regulations requires a proactive approach. There are many sources of information and ways of staying up to date:

• Regular visits to government websites.
• Subscription to newsletters and participation in information meetings.
• Active participation in activities and events arranged by relevant professional organisations.

There are digital tools that can help with compliance:

• Online databases in which construction legislation is stored, with this information being updated when necessary.
• Mobile applications that provide quick access to regulations and standards.
• Design compliance software that integrates building standards into the design process.
  The use of digital tools and databases is invaluable for navigating the complex world of building standards and regulations. These tools offer customisable updates, the possibility to search for specific rules and often access to historical data.

Publications and journals are also a rich source of information. They provide not only updates on legislative changes but also analyses, case studies and expert commentary that can help professionals understand and apply the regulations in practice.

All employees should be made aware of the applicable rules

To ensure compliance within organisations, it is crucial to draw up and maintain internal policies and procedures. These should include regular reviews of laws and regulations, training programmes for staff and the establishment of dedicated roles for monitoring compliance. A few tips:

• Schedule regular staff training about new and updated standards.
• Create internal checklists and guidelines for project compliance.
• Use compliance software to track and report about compliance.
  
  

Active participation is key

Maintaining a high standard of knowledge and skills requires a good level of personal commitment. This includes following industry news, participating in forums and taking part in training programmes. Active participation in the creation and updating of regulations is not only important for staying informed, but also for influencing future legislation. This can include participating in public consultations, working groups and cooperation with professional organisations.

In summary, keeping up to date with the latest building standards and regulations is crucial for success and compliance in any construction project, large or small. This requires a proactive approach and a combination of different strategies and tools. This ensures that we in the industry can be certain that we not only fulfil current legal requirements, but also contribute to creating safer, more sustainable and efficient construction projects. It can also be an important part of our personal skills development.