Articles

Introduction

Published in 2023, the International Building Quality Centre (IBQC) has developed a seminal framework for regulating building product performance, which likely represents the best thinking on the planet at the moment. This comprehensive framework is the product of three years of work, extensive consultation, and exquisite collaboration among leading experts in the field. The guidelines consist of 31 key elements designed to ensure the safety, reliability, and sustainability of building products globally.

These guidelines serve as a critical reference for jurisdictions aiming to assess and enhance their regulatory practices concerning building products. The framework is intentionally flexible, recognizing that different regions have varying levels of regulatory maturity, resources, and challenges. By implementing these elements, jurisdictions can better protect public safety, foster innovation, and maintain a fair and competitive marketplace for building products. It is imperative that these guidelines do not “gather dust” but are actively utilized to drive improvements in building product regulation worldwide.

The full IBQC Guidelines are attached, providing a comprehensive reference for implementing best practice for product safety ecology in building regulation.

Summary of the 31 Framework Elements

1. National Implementation
The framework should be applied at a national level for consistency, enabling effective regulation and information sharing.

2. Competition Neutrality
Ensure fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and requiring transparency in the disclosure of product information.

3. Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) Infrastructure
Establish a rigorous TIC infrastructure using ISO standards to ensure ethical and accurate product compliance.

4. Evidence of Suitability
Building products must be supported by documentary evidence to demonstrate their fitness for intended use.

5. Options for Evidence of Suitability
Jurisdictions can choose between recognized standards or risk assessments by an Independent Technical Group (ITG) to establish product suitability.

6. Recognized Standards
Product compliance can be demonstrated through recognized standards referenced in regulations.

7. Rigorous Standard Analysis
Standards must undergo analysis to ensure they replicate real-life conditions and provide transparent results.

8. Accredited Testing
Testing should be conducted by ISO-accredited laboratories to ensure authenticity and accuracy.

9. Conformity Assessment by CAB
Products should be certified by accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to recognized international standards.

10. CAB Evaluation for Innovative Products
Innovative products without recognized standards should be evaluated by a CAB for suitability.

11. ITG Risk Assessment
ITG may assess innovative products for risks related to fire, structural, or environmental hazards.

12. Batch and Sample Testing
Certified products must undergo periodic testing, with places of manufacture subject to random audits.

13. Re-testing and Re-certification
Products with redesigns or material changes must be re-evaluated and re-certified.

14. Verifiable Marketing Claims
Marketing materials must use verifiable evidence to support product claims.

15. CAB Oversight of Marketing
CABs must ensure the accuracy of marketing claims and notify regulators of discrepancies.

16. Product Technical Sheets (PTS)
PTS must accompany products, providing performance characteristics and installation instructions.

17. Publicly Available Product Data
Test results and certificates should be accessible through a central database.

18. Supply Chain Accountability
All actors in the supply chain must ensure products are fit for purpose, with accountability extending to local suppliers and distributors.

19. Digital Product Information for Safety-Critical Products
PTS should be digitally provided to future building owners for safety-critical products.

20. Digital Traceability
Internationally accepted digital technologies should track product certification and provenance.

21. Competency of Practitioners
Practitioners must demonstrate minimum competency levels set by the relevant authority.

22. Familiarity with Testing Standards
Practitioners must ensure products are correctly specified and approved according to relevant standards.

23. Product Acceptance on Site
Practitioners must verify that products on-site match specifications and substitutes meet required standards.

24. Proper Installation by Trained Practitioners
Practitioners must follow manufacturer specifications for installation, supported by training.

25. Resource Allocation for Compliance
Governments must ensure regulators have adequate resources for compliance enforcement.

26. Regulatory Powers for Enforcement
Regulators should have the authority to compel information, issue fines, and pursue legal action.

27. Supply Chain Inspection Powers
Regulators should inspect products at any point in the supply chain.

28. Product Recall and Banning Powers
Regulators should have the authority to recall or ban unfit products.

29. Guidance for Building Codes
Building codes should include guidance to help stakeholders understand their responsibilities.

30. Training for Manufacturers and Practitioners
Training should be provided to ensure understanding of the product compliance regime.

31. Continuing Professional Development
Professional development courses should keep practitioners updated on product assurance and compliance.

For detailed reference, please consult the full IBQC Guidelines attached to this document.

Conclusion

The IBQC’s framework for building product performance represents a comprehensive approach to improving safety, reliability, and innovation in the construction industry. These guidelines, the result of three years of meticulous work, extensive consultation, and collaboration among leading global experts, offer jurisdictions the tools necessary to elevate their regulatory practices to the highest standards. As the construction industry continues to evolve, it is essential that these guidelines are not merely shelved but actively implemented to ensure that building products worldwide meet the rigorous demands of modern safety and sustainability standards. By adopting and applying these principles, regulators can contribute to creating safer and more resilient built environments globally.

the Authors of the IBQC Guidelines

• Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng
  Dame Judith Hackitt is a leading figure in health and safety regulation, known for her role as Chair of the UK Health and Safety Executive from 2007 to 2016. She currently serves as Chair of the manufacturing trade body Make UK. Dame Judith is internationally recognized for her work in building safety, particularly for her independent review of building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower fire.
• Stephanie Barwise KC
  Stephanie Barwise is a prominent barrister at Atkin Chambers in London, specializing in construction and engineering law. She has been heavily involved in significant legal cases relating to building safety and is known for her expertise in complex regulatory frameworks.
• Professor Charles Lemckert
  Professor Charles Lemckert is an academic based in Australia, he is a professor of engineering at Southern Cross University. His work significantly contributes to building safety research and education.
• Adjunct Professor Kim Lovegrove MSE, RML
  Kim Lovegrove is the Founder of Lovegrove & Cotton, an expert in building law and regulation. He has been instrumental in various international building regulation reforms. Australia and New Zealand. He has also been a senior law reform consultant to the World Bank.
• Neil Savery
  Neil Savery is the CEO of ICC Oceania. He has extensive experience in the development of building codes and regulations, with a focus on regulatory practices globally. He is a former Chief Executive of the Australian Building Codes Board.
• Adjunct Professor Bronwyn Weir
  Bronwyn Weir is a regulatory compliance expert based in Melbourne, Australia. She is a partner at Weir Legal & Consulting and has co-authored critical reports on building regulation in Australia. Her work is focused on improving safety and compliance within the construction industry.
• Judy Zakreski
  Judy Zakreski is the Vice President of Global Services at the International Code Council (ICC) in the United States. She is also the executive director of the IBQC.
• Professor José Torero
  Professor José Torero is an expert in fire safety engineering, holding positions at University College London and internationally. He is recognized for his contributions to building safety and fire performance research, particularly in the context of complex structures.
• Michael de Lint
  Michael de Lint is an expert in building regulation and construction management based in the Netherlands. He has worked extensively with Canadian authorities and the World Bank as a consultant, focusing on policy development and regulatory reform.

This information is based on the CVs available on the IBQC website and LinkedIn, reflecting the professional backgrounds of each author.

The full guidelines are attached to this document, providing a comprehensive reference for implementing best practices in building regulation.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice related to building regulations and compliance, please consult a qualified construction lawyer.