The construction sector in the UK is experiencing its most significant change in a generation, driven by the need to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings and make them inherently safer. The Building Safety Act (BSA) and the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will demand higher standards and reshape the future of our built environment. Moving forward with these new legislative initiatives, our industry must focus on competency, transparency, and the adoption of reliable, proven materials, values that BDA members consistently uphold.
Building Safety Act
The BSA represents a landmark shift in how we approach building safety, particularly in high-rise residential buildings. A major principle of the Act is the ‘golden thread’ of information, which ensures that critical safety information is reliable, accurate, up-to-date and easily accessible throughout a building’s lifecycle. This aligns perfectly with our messaging on the importance of competency in construction. Builders, designers, and contractors must possess the necessary expertise and adhere to best practices, ensuring that safety is embedded in every stage of the building process.
Future Homes Standard
Set to be implemented in 2025, the Future Homes Standard aims to drastically reduce the carbon emissions of new homes, requiring them to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This involves meeting stringent building fabric requirements and using low-carbon heating solutions. As part of this shift, compliance with new regulations under Parts L (Conservation of Fuel and Power), O (Overheating), and F (Ventilation) will be essential.
Clay brick stands out as an ideal material to meet these new standards. With its natural thermal efficiency, fire resistance and superior durability, clay brick is not only aesthetically pleasing but also performs exceptionally well under the FHS. Importantly, clay brick is categorised as an A1 non-combustible material, making it the safe choice for cladding in buildings over 18 metres. This inherent fireproof nature not only aligns with Part B of the Building Regulations but exceeds the safety benchmarks set by many alternative materials, providing unparalleled protection against fire hazards.
Project 80’s blueprint for future homes
A prime example of what can be achieved under the FHS is Project 80, a pioneering development that showcases the effectiveness of modern building techniques and materials in reducing carbon emissions. Central to the project’s success was the use of Ibstock’s Chesterton Memorial Mixture bricks, which provided a durable, weather-resistant, and visually appealing solution that met the stringent requirements of the FHS. The project also highlighted the innovative insulation techniques that, despite initial challenges, proved effective in enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability. This development not only meets but surpasses the FHS targets, setting a benchmark for future housing projects.
The Brickmakers Quality Charter
At the BDA, we are committed to ensuring that our members continue to lead the way in manufacturing high-quality, responsible products. The Brickmakers Quality Charter (BQC) is a testament to this commitment, providing the design and build community with a reliable source for responsibly made clay bricks and building products. The BQC sets rigorous standards for manufacturers, focusing on 2 and 3-star certifications and ensuring that all products meet internationally recognised benchmarks for quality and safety. Any clay brick manufacturer can apply to join the BQC, but only those who demonstrate full compliance with these stringent standards are accepted. Ultimately, specifiers want to know that there is no question mark over the quality of a clay brick.
As we navigate the changes brought about by the BSA and FHS, the role of clay brick as a simple, safe, and sustainable solution cannot be overstated. Whether it’s ensuring fire safety in high-rise buildings or meeting the energy efficiency demands of the Future Homes Standard, clay brick is a material that the industry can trust. With the continued support of our members and adherence to the highest standards of competency and quality, the BDA is proud to collectively raise the bar for excellence and be at the forefront of building a safer, greener future for the UK.
