Building Regulations News Roundup - January 2007

A brief synopsis of some of the key news items related to technical guidance, construction practice, and new regulations that you might have missed in the press.

The brownfields guide English Partnerships 2006
Describes how brownfield sites may be considered for reuse, whilst acknowledging that redevelopment may not always be appropriate.
View the guide: http://rics.lyris.net/t/225336/13288223/8797/0/.

Building a greener future towards zero carbon development consultation
This explains how the planning system, Building Regulations and the new "Code for sustainable homes" (L135998) will move towards zero carbon housing by 2016 and proposes a timetable for revising the Building Regulations. View the consultation: http://rics.lyris.net/t/225336/13288223/8798/0/.
DCLG 2006

CIBSE Guide A
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has published a new edition of Guide A - Environmental design. This supersedes the 6th edition (1999) and the first issue of the 7th edition (2006)

CIRIA’s SUDS manual
In February 2007, CIRIA is to launch The SUDS Manual (C697), which will provide comprehensive advice on the implementation of sustainable drainage systems in the UK. This will be complemented by a shorter Site Handbook for the Construction of SUDS (C698) – also due for release in February 2007.
Sustain, 08/01 2007, p.73

Construction activity strengthens in last quarter of 2006
Construction product sales’ volumes have strengthened during the last three months, broadly in line with manufacturers’ expectations. The Ernst & Young/ Construction Products Association Activity Barometer, records a score of 67, firmly above the 50 ‘no change’ mark. The survey findings highlight a continued recovery in construction activity after last year’s fall in output and the disappointing first half to 2006.
View the press release: http://rics.lyris.net/t/225336/13288223/7470/0/.

Construction output
2006 did not deliver the growth expected. Market analyst Experian has retrospectively revised its forecast for last year to 0.9% from 2.9%. This was mainly because of the poor performance of the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) market. However the recovery seen in the second half of 2006 is likely to continue in 2007 with construction output estimated to grow 2.5%, rising to 3% in 2009.
Building Online, 5th January 2007

Dunster goes commercial with launch of online shop
Bill Dunster has set up an online shop for ‘sustainable products’. Dunster’s practice – which has recently become known as Zed Factory – will sell photovoltaic panels and solar-thermal hot-water panels through a new online shop called Zed Fabric.  Zed Fabric will be up and running in February.
For more information, go to the ZEDfactory website.
AJ Plus, 02 January 2007

Environmental management
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has published its Best Practice Guide to Environmental Management in Offices. Launched at the end of last year, it aims to provide anyone involved in office procurement and operation with a route map of the issues that need to be addressed regarding environmental management.
Building Services Journal, January 2007, pp.60-61

Erskine’s Byker Wall awarded Grade II* status
The government has listed Ralph Erskine’s Byker Wall in Newcastle as Grade II*.
AJ Plus, 22nd January 2007

Micro-wind fact sheet
The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) has a briefing sheet explaining the pros and cons of small-scale wind turbines; the optimum conditions for installation, and the maintenance requirements. Download the free “Small wind energy systems fact sheet” (pdf) from http://www.bwea.com.

National Structural Steelwork Specification
On 1st January 2007 BCSA published the 5th edition of the National Structural Steelwork Specification for Building Construction (NSSS) prompted by the forthcoming European standard for the fabrication and erection of structural steelwork, BS EN 1090-2, which is expected to be introduced at the start of 2008.

Best Practice for the Specification and Installation of Metal Cladding and Secondary Steelwork
This new Steel Construction Institute Publication (P346) presents guidance to designers and contractors on the specification and installation of profiled metal cladding systems, supporting purlins and side rails. It examines the structural performance of the cladding, since inadequate strength and stiffness not only undermine the safety of the building, but also impact on several of the other performance criteria such as airtightness and durability. Although written with site practitioners in mind, much of the guidance should also be useful to architects and structural engineers involved in the specification of the building envelope and supporting structure.

Qualicoat - the standard for powder coating
For some time the Europeans have been specifying a high standard of powder coating known as the Qualicoat standard purely for architectural finishes. The standard has now been introduced into the UK. It is difficult to identify whether ordinary powder coating has been applied correctly, but to meet the Qualicoat standard not only must a coater invest in new methodologies and possibly new machinery, but the basis of the standard is that both the process and finished product are independently inspected and tested by a third party to ensure the standard is being maintained.
http://www.buildingtalk.com

Timber strength
TRADA has released the updated version of Wood Information Sheet 4/7 Timber strength grading and strength, which discusses applicable regulations and standards, maintaining quality, moisture content and related service classes, strength grading, and availability of strength-graded material.