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
NBS Guide: Embodied Carbon Calculations
Learn how to align your carbon assessments with BIM workflows. This guide to Embodied Carbon Calculations, developed by NBS and Circular Ecology, sets out a practical, standardised approach to calculating the embodied carbon of building materials and products, and how to apply this data to BIM objects.
Must Reads
The hidden cost of compliance: why architects are demanding a new era of product transparency
Few pieces of legislation have reshaped the UK construction industry as significantly as the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). Introduced to improve accountability, traceability and safety standards ...
Design and Specification
Brick slip cladding systems – the need for robust specification
This article from the NBS technical team outlines specification for brick slip technology, including history, technology, design, safety and testing.
When product data creates risk, AluK delivers the clarity and support architects need
The need to build more homes, more quickly, has not changed. If anything, the pressure has intensified. However, the conversation around Modern Methods of Construction has evolved.
NBS and the structural Eurocodes
Structural Engineer subscribers are seeking assurance that NBS is keeping pace with the release of Eurocodes. Consultant Engineer and NBS freelance author, Ted Wallis, strikes the NBS formwork and ...
Design and Specification
Reduce embodied carbon from the start
Measure, compare and reduce upfront embodied carbon using trusted UK data and pre-built assemblies.
Vapour permeable underlays for sltae and tile roofing
NBS Technical Author, Charles Stirling, passes on his knowledge of vapour permeable membranes. Not forgetting their application in Scottish rigid sarking constructions gained in his experience north ...
Construction ProductsVentilation
Roof slates and BS EN 12326
Slate quality has had a chequered recent history. BS EN 12326 should have imposed common European requirements that are understandable to suppliers and specifiers. The NBS Technical Team look closely ...
Construction Products
Pendulum, Ramp and Tortus slip resistance test methods
Kevan Brassington, NBS Technical Author and SlipSTD member, guides specifiers away from the slippery slope of floor covering design.
Health and Safety
JCT Constructing Excellence Contract
The JCT Constructing Excellence Contract (JCT/CE) was launched by Sir Michael Latham on 1 March 2007. He described it as "highly readable", "user friendly" and "practical".
Contracts and Law
Fire safety - Approved Document B vs BS 9999
Like all Approved Documents, following the guidance contained in ADB will result in a compliant solution, it is however not the only solution available for many building designs.
Standards and RegulationsFire safety
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Specifying Reinforced Bitumen Membranes
Although still widely cited for the specification of roofing underlays and membranes, the much loved BS 747 was withdrawn in July 2007. It has been replaced by BS EN 13707 and BS 8747. The European ...
Construction Products
Roof insulation
The ever increasing levels of thermal insulation required by thermal regulations can result in a higher risk of condensation forming on those elements not enclosed by this insulation, e.g. roofing ...
Construction ProductsVentilation
Sustainable architecture
In the past there has been a perception in some quarters that "green" buildings are worthy but dull. This is a misconception, and good design and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand, with a ...
There are a wide range of assessment tools and methodologies available for use within the UK construction industry. NBS Technical Author Michele Lucarelli introduces the most common.
Sustainability
Gas Safe Register sees CORGI losing its bite
On 8 September 2008 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) awarded Capita Group plc a 10 year contract to provide a new registration scheme for gas installers. This began on 1 April 2009 and replaces ...
Construction Products
Wastewater drainage: The real sanitary clause
In this exclusive extract from NBS Shortcuts , written by noted industry figure Austin Williams, we introduce the correct connection of domestic gravity-fed wastewater drainage.
