Modernising Building Control: Lessons and Opportunities Post-Grenfell

The tragic Grenfell Tower fire was a turning point for the construction and facilities management industries. It highlighted the critical need to reform building control systems, elevate skills, and embrace technology to ensure safety and accountability in the built environment. While the industry has made strides since, the journey to modernisation is far from complete.

The article on Building rightly underscores the need for a "change of focus" in building control, but the question remains: how can the sector effectively pivot toward this new era of competency and innovation?

Change of focus, elevation of skills and use of tech: how building control must modernise post-Grenfell

1. Elevating Skills to Meet Modern Demands

A key issue is the gap in competency levels across building control professionals. The Building Safety Act 2022 and related reforms demand higher accountability and expertise, but meeting these standards requires systemic changes in training and career development.

• Comprehensive Training Programs: Upskilling building control officers is paramount. Training must evolve beyond basic compliance checks to include fire safety, material science, and digital construction tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM).
• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: Building control professionals should engage with architects, engineers, and facilities managers early in the project lifecycle. This fosters shared accountability and ensures risks are identified and mitigated before construction begins.

2. Technology as a Catalyst for Modernisation

Post-Grenfell, the industry is increasingly adopting technology to enhance transparency, traceability, and decision-making. Yet, the pace of adoption varies significantly, leaving gaps that can impact safety.

• Digital Twins and BIM Integration: Digital models allow stakeholders to monitor building safety in real time, ensuring that any deviations from design intent are quickly flagged. By integrating BIM into building control processes, professionals can have a clear and comprehensive view of a building’s lifecycle—from design to demolition.
• IoT Sensors for Continuous Monitoring: IoT devices can monitor critical building systems like fire alarms, sprinklers, and ventilation, ensuring ongoing compliance with safety standards. For facilities managers, this is particularly useful for identifying and addressing issues proactively.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Advanced data analytics can identify patterns in compliance failures, enabling regulators and building control officers to focus resources on areas of highest risk.

3. Bridging the Gap Between Design and Operation

One of the lessons from Grenfell is the disconnect between design intent and operational reality. Building control must play a stronger role in bridging this gap, ensuring that buildings perform as designed.

• Lifecycle Accountability: Building control teams should work with facilities managers post-occupancy to ensure that safety systems remain compliant. This could include routine inspections, data sharing, and even co-developing maintenance strategies.
• Clearer Handover Processes: The handover process is often plagued by incomplete or inconsistent information. A standardised approach, supported by technology like BIM, can ensure that asset registers, O&M manuals, and safety documentation are accurate and accessible.

4. A Cultural Shift Towards Safety

Beyond technical reforms, there must be a cultural shift within the industry to prioritise safety over cost or speed. The Building a Safer Future Charter, among other initiatives, is a step in the right direction, but true change requires buy-in from all levels of the supply chain.

• Accountability Frameworks: Introducing personal accountability for building safety can drive behaviour change. This might include certifying building control professionals or creating a register of qualified individuals.
• Championing Transparency: Building owners, managers, and regulators should embrace open reporting of compliance and safety performance to rebuild trust within communities.

The Path Forward

The Grenfell tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the cost of complacency. By elevating skills, adopting innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability, the building control sector can not only meet modern demands but set a global standard for excellence.

Facilities managers, building control professionals, and project teams must work together to realise these reforms. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating safe, sustainable, and resilient spaces for future generations.

The challenge is significant, but so is the opportunity. Let’s seize this moment to modernise building control and honour the memory of those affected by Grenfell by ensuring such an event never happens again.