A survey report
launched last week is expected to lay the foundations for reform to the way
construction product information is provided by manufacturers and communicated
to those that use it.
Insights from the
survey will help form recommendations for manufacturers to improve the
consistency and clarity of product marketing information - a key issue
highlighted in the Hackitt Review following the Grenfell Tower Fire.
The need for a
comprehensive regime that ensures all construction products are properly
labelled and marketed was one of many recommendations in the Hackitt Review,
which made suggestions to improve building regulations and fire safety in the
built environment. The survey responds directly to these recommendations.
The Construction
Product Information Survey, carried out for the Construction Products
Association by NBS explores how product information is presented and made
available to the entire construction supply chain. It represents the views of
524 construction industry professionals who use product and performance data as
part of their jobs, including manufacturers, merchants, architects, engineers,
surveyors, contractors, local authorities and FM providers.
The survey reveals
the current difficulties of accessing the relevant information required to
assess the performance of a product and make informed decisions. Amongst its
findings include a preference for the digital provision of product information
as well as a desire for standardised and more complete information, including
highlighting applications where the product may or may not be suitable for use.
It also makes clear
that there is strong industry support for the introduction of competence levels
for those specifying, installing or maintaining products and the systems they
make up, as well as an industry code of conduct for manufacturers to ensure that
product information has been properly verified before publication.
Commenting on the
report, CPA’s interim Chief Executive, Peter Caplehorn, said: “The importance
of this survey will not be lost to those working in construction post-Grenfell.
It was spearheaded by the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group – a group of marketing
professionals within the manufacturing industry – and represents a proactive
and collaborative industry drive to improve the performance of construction
products. I have no doubt it will prove a useful contribution as the industry
embraces new regulatory reforms in the coming years.”
Marketing Integrity
Group chair, Adam Turk, from Baxi, commented: “I am especially grateful to all
those who responded to our survey and to NBS who compiled the report. I believe
the result of this survey will be significant in moving our industry towards
agreeing new standards which improve the availability of product information
whilst also allowing firms to maintain their competitive position. It is vital
that everyone in the supply chain can be confident that the information they
are using to select construction products is clear, unambiguous, accurate and
up to date.”
Read the full Construction
Product Information Survey.
