Uncontrolled value engineering ‘one of biggest risks’ to built environment

The initiative was launched to gather feedback on the role that building product certification plays in the safe construction and refurbishment of HRRBs. The consultation took in views from product manufacturers and BBA certificate user groups representing architects, specifiers, warranty providers, insurers, construction managers, funders, building control, and regulators.

It follows the BBA’s proposal to create an ‘Agrément Plus’ certification scheme, which would have seen products with an Agrément Plus certificate attested as fit for use in HRRBs, while products with an Agrément certificate would not be. 

But the BBA is now set to go back to the drawing board after consultees said a two-tier certification approach was not an appropriate way forward.

BBA technical director Prof Bill Hewlett said: “The preference was that the format of the Agrément certificates should be developed so that fitness (or lack of it) for use in HRRBs is clearly identified. We feel a modular style of certificate can achieve this.”

He added: “Risks from poor workmanship and unchecked value engineering were on our radar to investigate. But the strength of feeling about them came as a surprise and is an important finding.”

Consultees also told the BBA that they were shouldering their responsibilities but expressed concerns for the domestic RMI sector, pointing out that onsite control is often not practical to independently verify and that design detailing needs close attention. “These questions of workmanship control and uncontrolled value engineering warrant industry leadership attention, and clearly a focus on domestic RMI is called for,” added Prof Hewlett. 

Speaking about the consultation, which opened in February, he added: "The norm is to test ideas across stakeholders with regards to Agrément certification. But a much wider demographic was engaged during this consultation, with a clear mandate to consult with the entire supply chain focusing on the role that building product certification has to play and how it can assist in meeting the higher safety standards required for HRRBs as identified in Dame Judith Hackitt’s report Building a Safer Future.

“We are incredibly thankful to the wider industry for engaging with us and providing valuable, honest feedback on the BBA and how it can become even more efficient in building a safer, more sustainable industry.”

The BBA said it would take five key actions following the consultation:

The BBA’s next step is to consider forming an industry liaison group of certificate users to move forward key discussion points and formalise ideas. 

For an executive summary or full report of Consultation to the Industry: Construction Product Assessment relating to Higher Risk Buildings visit: https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/getinvolved/