Code for Construction Product Information Published to Raise Standards

IN A BID to drive up standards of construction product information and specification, the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) – some guidance and a preparation information pack – has been published.

The Code for Construction Product Information (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 culture and behaviour change in the management of product information by the construction product manufacturing industry.

The Code aims to ensure 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 the building – can trust the information provided by manufacturers when making design decisions, installing and using and maintaining verified products.

The Code’s objective is to help disingenuous marketing practices and misleading product information become a thing of the past.

Today’s publication of the Code includes Code guidance and a ‘Preparing for the Code’ information pack for construction manufacturers.

11 Point Code

The Code – developed by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following industry-wide consultation – builds on the principle that product information must be

1. 1. Clear
   2. Accurate
   3. Up-to-date
   4. Accessible
   5. Unambiguous

It has 11 clauses covering responsibility for product information to transparency of information regarding performance, proof of stated claims and general information and competency.

An independent validation process is being put in place to underpin the Code in the hope that it will rebuild trust in the provision and management of product information by stakeholders.

Verification

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

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.

Independently Managed

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

Adam Turk, Chairman, Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Marketing Integrity Group, said:

“There has been overwhelming support for the principle of the Code as we endeavour to re-instil confidence in construction products generally. It is now time for our industry to demonstrate its integrity by getting behind 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.”

Build Trust

Stating her belief that the code should be a priority for all those involved with construction product manufacturing, Amanda Long, Chief Executive of Construction Product Information Ltd, said: “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.”

“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.”

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