The release of the final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry marks a critical and deeply emotional moment in addressing the tragic loss of 72 lives in June 2017. This event remains a harrowing chapter for the bereaved, survivors, and families of the Grenfell Tower victims. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) acknowledges the enduring pain and extends its heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.
CIBSE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building safety, following the release of the final report. CIBSE’s Technical Director, Dr Anastasia Mylona, stated: “The conclusions drawn from the Grenfell Inquiry report are deeply thought-provoking and serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent necessity for openness, accountability, and strong regulations within our industry.” As the report highlights systemic failures, CIBSE remains dedicated to driving the necessary reforms in building and fire safety engineering practices. Our role is to ensure the highest standards are upheld, prioritising resident safety in the built environment.”
Proactive Measures in Building Safety
CIBSE has been actively engaged in shaping the future of building safety through several key initiatives:
Consultation and Guidance
CIBSE has played a pivotal role in consultations on draft legislation and guidance, offering expert insights to help shape the frameworks governing building safety for years to come.
Focus on Building Safety at Build2Perform
Last year’s Build2Perform event placed a significant emphasis on building safety. The event gathered industry leaders to discuss and collaborate on enhancing safety standards across the sector.
Support for BS8670
CIBSE has actively collaborated with the British Standards Institution (BSI) in formulating BS8670, which outlines the Core Criteria for Building Safety Competence Frameworks, alongside its related Publicly Available Specifications (PAS). These documents set crucial benchmarks for safety competence across the industry.
Active Participation in Working Groups and Committees
CIBSE staff and volunteers actively participate in various working groups and committees. Their involvement in the development of new legislation and guidance is a testament to CIBSE’s dedication to improving building safety standards.
Enhancing Competence Standards
CIBSE has been instrumental in advancing competence standards through its involvement in the “Raising the Bar” initiative and updates to UK Spec 4, published by the Engineering Council. These updates include enhanced competence requirements for engineers working on Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) through Contextualised Registration, a process for which CIBSE is licensed to assess candidates. CIBSE staff and volunteers have also contributed to the creation of the Discipline Annex for Building Services, providing further guidance on these enhanced competence standards.
Training and Education
CIBSE has been proactive in offering training courses such as the “Introduction to the Building Safety Act,” which has attracted strong participation from professionals across various sectors. These courses offer critical knowledge and insights into the new safety regulations and their impact on the industry.
Dedicated Resources
CIBSE has established a Building Services Fire Safety Working Group, tasked with leading and informing the Institution’s technical guidance and responses to government consultations on fire safety matters.
As the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry provides further learning points, CIBSE remains steadfast in its commitment to driving the much-needed reforms in building safety. The Institution will continue to work alongside industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and professionals to ensure that the highest safety standards are implemented across the built environment.