Code for Construction Product Information published in bid to raise standards

The CCPI has been developed as a direct response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster. It promotes urgent positive culture and behavioural change in the approach towards – and the management of – product information by the construction product manufacturing industry.

The CCPI offers manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate a progressive approach through their willingness to provide assurance for their product information, as well as recognition for their efforts to prioritise product safety.

It aims to ensure that disingenuous marketing practices and the provision of misleading product information becomes a thing of the past, such that those using products in the construction and maintenance of buildings – including specifiers, architects, consultants and contractors, as well as the ultimate end users of buildings – can trust the information provided by manufacturers when making design decisions, installing and using/maintaining verified products.

Robust eleven-point Code

Developed by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following industry-wide consultation, the CCPI has been built on the principle that product information must be clear, accurate, up-to-date, accessible and unambiguous.

The CCPI has eleven clauses covering critical aspects from responsibility for product information through to the transparency of information regarding performance, proof of stated claims and general information and competency.

An independent and robust validation process is being put in place to underpin the CCPI that will rebuild trust in the provision and management of product information by all stakeholders, in turn setting the market for UK construction products ahead of others.

Support for manufacturers

Alongside CCPI guidance, a ‘Preparing for the Code’ information pack has been published to help manufacturers gain an understanding of the Code and prepare for the verification journey.

Registration for verification will open towards the end of 2021, supported by detailed guidance. Organisations can register their interest now to receive updates ahead of the launch of verification.

Management of the published CCPI and its verification has been formally handed over from the Construction Products Association to Construction Product Information Ltd (CPI Ltd), itself a newly established not-for-profit organisation with independent governance and management being set-up to administer the CCPI.

Industry contribution

Adam Turk, chair of the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group, stated: “I’m delighted that the Code has been completed, with responsibility now handed over to the team at CPI Ltd who will administer and run it. The entirety of the construction industry has contributed to this work over the last three years through numerous engagements, a Call for Evidence and an industry consultation. My sincere thanks go to the many members of the Marketing Integrity Group and the Technical Sub-Committee whose input, engagement, earnest debate and stoic determination to make sure this is right is to be commended and applauded.”

Turk added: “There has been overwhelming support for the principle of the Code itself as we endeavour to re-instil confidence in construction products generally. It’s now time for our industry to demonstrate its integrity by supporting the Code and putting building safety first. The faster that all manufacturers register their interest and begin the journey, the sooner that users of our information will be able to rely on it to be clear, accurate, up-to-date, accessible and unambiguous.”

Clear and unambiguous

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE, author of the report emerging from the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, said: “Clear and unambiguous product information is an essential element in rebuilding confidence and trust which was lost after the tragedy of Grenfell Tower. I’m pleased to see industry taking action and publishing the Code for Construction Product Information. Responsible manufacturers can – and should – now lead the way in doing the right thing and be recognised for doing so.”

Amanda Long, CEO of Construction Product Information Ltd, noted: “The Code should be a priority for all involved with construction product manufacturing. By focusing on culture, leadership and ethics, the Code for Construction Product Information will build trust and is a progressive step towards ensuring that building safety is a priority for those responsible for the provision of construction product information.”

Long concluded: “Enabling responsible manufacturers to assure their product information and be recognised for their efforts, the Code will support urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the industry ahead of regulation.”