Credit: iStock.com – Luan Mazieri
CIBSE has reaffirmed its commitment to building safety following the publication of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The report investigates how the Grenfell Tower fire spread so rapidly, with the first phase already establishing that non-compliant cladding was a ‘principal’ cause.
CIBSE technical director, Dr Anastasia Mylona, commented on the Phase 2 Report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry: ‘The findings of the Grenfell Inquiry report are both sobering and a stark reminder of the critical need for transparency, integrity and robust regulation within our industry.
‘As the report highlights systemic failures, CIBSE remains committed to driving the necessary reforms in building and fire safety engineering practices. Our role is to ensure that the highest standards are upheld, and that the safety of residents is always the paramount concern in the built environment.’
CIBSE’s actions on building safety
Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, CIBSE has been actively involved in advancing building safety across the industry through several initiatives:
- Legislation and guidance: CIBSE has participated in consultations on new legislation and guidance, contributing to the development of robust safety frameworks.
- Supporting industry standards: CIBSE has supported the British Standards Institution (BSI) in creating the BS8670 Core Criteria for Building Safety Competence Frameworks, critical for defining safety competence in the sector.
- Enhancing competence: CIBSE played a key role in the “Raising the Bar” initiative and the updated UK Spec 4, which requires higher competence levels for engineers working on Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs).
- Training and education: CIBSE offers training courses like the “Introduction to the Building Safety Act,” providing professionals with essential insights into new safety regulations.
- Dedicated resource: CIBSE has established a Building Services Fire Safety Working Group to lead and inform the Institution’s technical guidance and responses to government consultations.
As the final Grenfell Tower Inquiry report offers further insights, CIBSE remains dedicated to promoting building safety and implementing the lessons learned to prevent future tragedies.
To read the full report, please visit Publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)