A wide range of interesting articles that help you make informed decisions and deliver the best projects for your clients authored by our team of NBS subject specialists and construction industry contributors.
Sustainability
Sustainable Futures UK Report 2026
Explore the current state of sustainability in the UK construction industry based on the results from a comprehensive survey conducted by NBS.
Must Reads
RIBA CPD
RIBA CPD for Architects: Understanding Flooring Specification and Detailing
For architects and specifiers, flooring details can have a significant impact on the safety, accessibility, durability and overall performance of a building. Yet the technical considerations ...
Sponsored
Designing sustainability into construction – proof over promises in sustainable construction
With tightening regulations and growing client demand, the construction industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress against carbon reduction targets. For specifiers, that ...
Construction Products
Dulux Trade launches new solution for high-humidity spaces
Because of how they are used, kitchens and bathrooms experience more moisture, more contact, and more ongoing maintenance. Standard emulsions are not designed for this level of use. Over time, ...
Introducing the NBS Consultancy Bundle
The new Consultancy Bundle from NBS grants you exclusive access to expert insights and technical guidance on project queries, giving you more time to focus on design and your business.
Design and Specification
Reduce embodied carbon from the start
Measure, compare and reduce upfront embodied carbon using trusted UK data and pre-built assemblies.
The construction industry is in the midst of rapid change. At the 2023 Construction Leader’s Summit, experts tackled the most pressing topics – including the challenge of improved building safety. ...
Building Safety Act
Continued growth for MMC and off-site construction, despite setbacks in modular housing
Introduction ‘Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)’ can have a broad meaning, with a wide range of associated terms and definitions. In the National Audit Office’s 2005 report 'Using modern methods ...
Design and SpecificationSustainability
Uniclass - January 2024 update
This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass. It includes updates to 7 tables.
UniclassClassification
Setting things up for success by starting the specification early
Note: this article focuses on the Uniclass classification structure in its examples; however, a CAWS version of the early-stage library is also available. The broad principles of this article apply ...
Design and SpecificationDigital Transformation
Is your approach to specification putting your business at risk?
Specifications are a key contract document that, when implemented throughout your business correctly, can help to mitigate risk as well as achieve the full design vision of a project.
Design and SpecificationBuilding Safety Act
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The retrofit standards framework
While new builds are designed to be energy-efficient from the outset, most of the building stock we have existed before modern energy-efficiency home standards were introduced. This is true now and ...
Design and SpecificationSustainability
NBS' 2023 wrapped
NBS’ 50th year is coming to an end, so it’s time for us to reflect on 2023. From industry-leading research and events to continually delivering value to our customers, we’re still helping to build a ...
The Building Safety Act and specification
The Building Safety Act (BSA) is a crucial piece of legislation that imposes specific requirements on duty holders (building owners, managers, designers, contractors and occupants) regarding the ...
Design and SpecificationStandards and Regulations
Building Safety Act implications for mechanical and electrical engineers
Introduction The Building Safety Act (BSA) came into force in England and Wales in October this year. This new legislation directly results from the findings published within the Hackitt report and ...
Design and SpecificationStandards and Regulations
Uniclass - October 2023 update
This is the latest in our quarterly updating programme for Uniclass. It includes updates to 11 tables.
UniclassClassification
Construction Leaders’ Summit: Three Key Takeaways from Dame Judith Hackitt’s keynote speech
The UK construction industry has undergone massive change since 2017’s Grenfell Tragedy. Landmark legislation has put a stop to many outdated and irresponsible practices, ushering in a new age where ...