EWS Race to register Higher-Risk Buildings ahead of deadline Thousands of owners of buildings risk breaking law, says Dame Judith Hackitt Dame Judith Hackitt has expressed concern about the slow pace of registrations of high-rise residential blocks following the publication of new Building Regulations. The Building Safety Regulator is expecting around 15,000 occupied Higher-Risk Buildings (HBRs) defined as containing more than seven floors or at least 18 metres in height to comply with a new legal requirement to register with it by the beginning of October. However, in an interview with CIBSE Journal (page 18), the chair of the governmentcommissioned Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, said only 30% had done so by the middle of August. If anyone thinks that, by not registering, they are going to avoid [regulation], they are being naive, said Dame Judith. Its a sad reflection of the culture of the industry that rather than [registering] because they know they should, people are waiting to see if enforcement happens. Dame Judith made her comments as the government published new regulations for HRBs alongside major changes to the Building Regulations. The Building etc (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 introduce the new duty holder and competence requirements for both practitioners and clients. Part 2A launches a total of 17 new regulations, covering the duties, competence and behaviour of clients, designers and contractors. It also creates new roles and duties for the principal designer and contractor. Regulation IN BRIEF STEM Ambassador scheme success The new STEM Ambassador scheme launched by President Adrian Catchpole attracted 48 new ambassadors in its first six weeks (see page 27). Figures reveal that during that period 2,809 volunteer hours were logged and 29,749 students were reached across 235 schools. The scheme uses the STEM Learning portal to match volunteers skills with schools requirements. Catchpole urged more members to sign up: If youre passionate about building services, and enjoy what you do, then share that enthusiasm. To register interest visit www.cibse.org/stem Apply now for 6m air quality grants Dame Judith Hackitt 38 on the provision of fire safety information is also strengthened. New regulations for HRBs introduces requirements on Accountable Persons to hold accurate, up-to-date electronic information about their buildings. They must keep this information up to date and use it to make a safety assessment, and then demonstrate the control measures/management systems they have in place. All these regulations will come into force on 1 October. R ead Hywel Davies summary of the Building Regulations update on page 16 with more detail at www.cibsejournal.com Government proposes new regulation to counter gender neutral toilets In response to a growing trend towards gender neutral toilets, Government has published a consultation on a new Part T of the Building Regulations that deals with toilet provision. The proposed new Part T in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations will require the provision of separate single-sex restrooms for men and women in new non-domestic structures, with either shared single sex or individual washing facilities. It will also require that where universal toilets are provided, they are fully enclosed for both privacy and safety reasons. Importantly, these changes wont alter the current guidance for accessible toilets or sanitation provisions. The governments aim is to clarify toilet specifications and counter the rise of genderneutral facilities. The proposals are for new non domestic buildings to have separate single sex toilets and accessible toilets, with the option of universal toilets in addition. These regulations are prospective, impacting new construction work rather than existing structures. Read an online article on Part by Hywel Davies HonFCIBSE at www.cibsejournal.com. The consulation is at bit.ly/CJPartTPr Applications have opened for the latest round of the governments Air Quality Grants. Councils across England can apply for a share of 6m of funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to deliver projects to improve air quality. Funding will be prioritised towards projects that tackle particulate matter, improve public awareness of the impacts of air pollution and help local authorities to bring down levels of nitrogen oxide (NO2) and other pollutants to below legal limits. The window for applications closes on 29 September. New 10m renewable project fund launched The government has announced a new 10m fund to support community renewable energy projects across England. The Community Energy Fund will open to applications in the early autumn for projects, such as small-scale wind farms and rural heat networks, which have been proposed, designed and are owned by local people. It builds on the former Rural Community Energy Fund with an expanded remit to include renewable energy investment in urban areas as well. Surplus money generated from the projects can go back to the community through local initiatives such as community gardens and youth employment groups. www.cibsejournal.com September 2023 7