CIC announces approval of new British Standard on sustainability competence

[edit] Announcement

On 23 October 2025, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) announced a proposal to use The Edge and CIC’s “Competence Framework for Sustainability in the Built Environment” as the foundation for a new British Standard on sustainability competence. This was formally approved by the BSI Planning and Approval Team yesterday (22nd October 2025).

This standard, based on the framework released in February 2025, will provide core sustainability criteria for competence frameworks across the built environment sector. It is intended for general use in developing sector-specific frameworks that reflect the appropriate scope and level of competence required for defined roles, functions, and activities.

[edit] Why this is critical

Global agreements such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) underline the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss. The built environment is a major contributor to carbon emissions and environmental degradation, making it essential for those responsible for its design, construction, and management to act swiftly. Society must have confidence that the sector prioritises effective environmental performance, and competence is central to achieving this.

[edit] Leadership and next steps

Simon Foxell (Policy Coordinator, The Edge) has been confirmed as the Convenor of the Drafting Panel and has spoken on the importance of this work. “The approval of this proposal marks a pivotal moment for the built environment sector. Establishing a British Standard for sustainability competence will provide a clear, consistent framework that supports professionals in delivering projects aligned with the UK’s net zero and resilience goals. This work is about embedding sustainability at the heart of practice, ensuring that competence is measurable, transparent, and future-focused. We encourage experts from across the industry to contribute their knowledge and help shape this important standard.”

The panel is now being established within the BSI system, and an Editor will be appointed shortly so that work on the draft can commence.

[edit] Call for expertise

Industry professionals with relevant expertise are welcomed to contribute to this important initiative. Please send volunteer proposals to Simon Foxell, sf@architectspractice.com and Tom Stack, [email protected].

This article is based on a CIC press release issued on 23 October 2025

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• CIC and the Edge launch competence framework for sustainability in the built environment.
• Competence.
• Construction Industry Council.
• Paris Agreement.
• Sustainability.
• The Edge.