Press Release
3 February 2012
NBS (National Building Specification) and the CPI Committee (Construction Project Information Committee) are pleased to announce they will be working in collaboration, along with with the other key industry institutions, to help unify and encourage greater use of the Uniclass system.
NBS’s proposals for Uniclass, which have just received industry-wide support though the endorsement of the CPI Committee, include plans for a new Uniclass work section classification, due to complete spring 2012.
Proposals also recommend that the existing coding of the classification system be unified, and the scope, depth and consistency of the Tables extended. This will ensure that the information required for professionals working within every sector, including architecture (buildings and landscape), civil and process engineering, is included and assimilated within all the Tables.
To introduce these proposals, NBS and the CPI Committee will be hosting two free learning seminars in Manchester (31 January) and London (3 February) – to explain Uniclass, its impact on the construction industry and the benefits it will provide. These sessions will allow participants to view a presentation about the new classification, ask questions and talk one-to-one with the Technical Authors themselves, including: John Gelder, NBS Head of Content Development and Sustainability, Sarah Delany, NBS Technical Author and Secretary of CPI (the publishers of Uniclass), and Dr Stuart Chalmers, Technical Research Officer, RIBA.
Uniclass contains 15 tables which classify different aspects of the construction process at various RIBA stages. Another key development will be the alignment of these tables and a revision of the terminology, to provide a more cohesive structure capable of supporting the accurate dissemination of information throughout the industry.
The provision of a more consistent and in-depth classification system will not only help to encourage the efficient flow of information between all stages of the construction process – from concept to construction – but will also support the industry’s transition to Building information modelling (BIM), which requires a unified approach to classification to work well.
In addition to NBS, the CPI Committee is formed of a strong foundation of representatives from across the industry, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). This combined industry knowledge provides a sound framework of expertise, ensuring that the new Uniclass system meets all the requirements of practitioners from across the design process.
For further details or to register for a free half-day sessions on Uniclass, please visit: www.theNBS.com/Uniclass.
Forthcoming events:
For further information please contact:
Katie Parker-Muir
T: + 44 (0)20 7392 1989
M : +44 (0)7894 462 344
E: Katie@ing-media.com
NBS, specialist providers of technical information for construction industry professionals, offers essential, innovative products and services, highly valued by those working in architecture, construction, design and engineering.
The premier source of construction-related information, NBS has produced the recognised national standard specification system for the UK for over 35 years. It provides solutions for a broad range of new build, refurbishment, retrofit, landscaping and domestic projects for construction professionals. Delivered within a powerful software package, NBS’s specification products continue to develop, leading an evolution of the specification and procurement process for buildings in the UK and overseas. NBS also provides solutions for contract administration and project information management.
NBS produces a range of information delivery products, including The Construction Information Service, a joint venture with IHS. Since 2005, NBS has published the Building Regulations’ Approved Documents for England and Wales. NBS TV provides specialist learning services for individuals and organisations working in the architecture, design and construction industry, offering unique high quality video content.
NBS Create is a groundbreaking new specification tool that ensures all documentation works together intelligently throughout the entire project timeline, from concept stage to completion and beyond, to save time and money.
More than 5,000 offices across the UK subscribe to NBS products, including 96 of the top 100 AJ practices. NBS is part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, the commercial arm of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). RIBA Enterprises employs 250 staff and has offices in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newark.
The Construction Project Information Committee (CPIC) is sponsored by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Construction Confederation (CC), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and most recently the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Representatives of each of these institutions sit on the committee.
