Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser Appointed to Improve Building Safety

Chief Construction Advisor Sergio Cavalaro

Sergio Cavalaro has been appointed as an independent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser to government, timed to coincide with the Building Safety Levy coming into force on 1 October. 

Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, has been appointed as the Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) on a three-year term.

The new position is part of the scientific adviser network to government, recognising the important role of both the construction and scientific sectors for building safety reform. It follows recommendations in the Grenfell Inquiry to improve building safety.

The CCSA will provide independent construction, engineering and scientific advice on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, and productivity of the built environment sector.

Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience, Baroness Blake said: “Sergio will play a vital role in shaping our reforms to ensure safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.

“The CCSA will also support the delivery of the remaining Inquiry recommendations and regulatory reform, acting as a bridge between government, regulators, industry, professional and trade bodies, academia and residents.”

Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser 

Professor Sergio Cavalaro is a civil engineer with a PhD in construction engineering. He has supported government and industry on issues of national significance and has extensive knowledge of regulatory systems in the UK and internationally.

He played a central role in the structural evaluations of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). He has also led collaborative initiatives to advance modern methods of construction, repair and remediation approaches, materials and quality control methods that are now helping to improve safety, quality and productivity in buildings and infrastructure.

Sergio Cavalaro said: “I am delighted to join MHCLG as Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser. I am committed to working with the Building Safety Regulator and across the wider sector to improve the safety, quality, resilience and productivity of the built environment.

“I look forward to providing independent advice and constructive challenge, while contributing to cross-government priorities through the network of Chief Scientific Advisers.”

Building Safety Levy

The Building Safety Levy started operating on 1 October. It is a tax on new eligible residential developments over 10 units.

The funds raised through the Levy will support building safety works, forming a key part of the government’s approach to ensure the industry contributes to fixing building safety defects, while protecting leaseholders and taxpayers.

It’s expected to raise funds of £3.4 billion over the next 10 years to remove dangerous cladding.

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