Since the introduction of the Building Safety Act, architects, manufacturers and construction professionals, in general, face additional responsibilities when it comes to building safety. From the very first phase of any given project, specifiers must select products that meet strict safety and performance criteria.
Third-party certification gives specifiers more confidence when selecting these systems, but there is still some confusion and misunderstanding about how to interpret certification.
To help specifiers better leverage the value of third-party certification, the BBA (British Board of Agrément) has partnered with RIBA and NBS. We spoke to the team to discuss the role of certification in the specification cycle, the importance of CPD training and the value of partnership with NBS…
The critical role of specification
The BBA is an independent certification body that has been promoting safety and quality in the UK construction and civil engineering industries for nearly 60 years.
Third-party certification from the BBA is vital in improving building safety and quality standards. It helps manufacturers validate their claims, ensures stakeholders choose products that are fit for purpose, and reassures clients and building owners that they are incorporating quality and safety into their projects.
BBA certification goes one step beyond simply demonstrating whether a product complies with recognised standards. It also shows whether a product or system is the right choice for a specific project application.
“BBA research indicated that there can be uncertainty in how certification is interpreted. Our partnership with RIBA and NBS gives us a wider reach across the specification sector, enabling us to help specifiers make better-informed decisions about the products they are choosing - ensuring they are fit-for-purpose for the specific projects they are working on.”
For manufacturers, sharing BBA Agrément certificates via NBS Source allows your systems to stand out from the competition and makes them an easier choice for specifiers.
Engaging with architects to improve selection standards
“The BBA is passionate about playing its part within the industry, making sure that all stakeholders have a good understanding of the products that are being used in projects.”
Education plays a key role in demonstrating the value of BBA certification. The BBA offers a CPD module in many formats: a monthly webinar, on-demand via RIBA CPD, and both online or in person CPD sessions at an individual practice. The module has already helped architects across the industry better recognise the value of certification and made them look differently at how they specify.
Beyond CPD, the BBA also makes it easy for architects and specifiers to access information; they can check the validity of certificates via the MyBBA portal on the BBA website.
The BBA certifies people as well as products – meaning approved installers and sub-contractors for BBA-certified products can close the loop and ensure the products are being used properly.
Building safer projects with NBS Source
“Undoubtedly NBS is widely recognised as a leader in providing product information for specification in the construction industry and as such is vital to support the BBA as we try to improve competency across the stakeholders involved in the construction process and ensure peace of mind for building owners and users.”
The decision to partner means both specifiers and manufacturers alike can now better engage with third-party certification and ensure safety standards are adhered to from the very beginning.
The BBA partnership will only continue to evolve, with new CPD materials designed to help manufacturers understand the value of and processes involved in achieving Agrément and the warranty providers manage their risk.
With certification providing such a valuable indicator of system safety and quality, manufacturers, installers and any other construction professionals should explore BBA certification as a matter of urgency. Click here to find out more.
If you’re a specifier or architect interested in learning more about how to interpret certification, you can access the BBA’s CPD training here.
