National Platform for the Built Environment
The National Platform for the Built Environment (The National Platform) is a UK-based strategic body established to promote the built environment and define research priorities to UK and EU research funders. It developed from the Construction Research and Innovation Strategy Panel (CRISP) and the new Construction Research and Innovation Strategy Panel (nCRSIP). CRISP was established by industry and government in 1995 to help to set the agenda for construction research and innovation and became nCRISP in 2002. In 2005, they evolved into the National Platform.
The National Platform is an industry-owned organisation with members from business, research and academia. The members define, guide and review the National Platform activities and engage with other relevant organisations.
The National Platform:
- Provides a voice for UK built environment research.
- Evaluates stakeholder opinion.
- Identifies key research priorities with a 5-10 year horizon.
- Influences funding bodies such as; the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the European Construction Technology Programme.
- Encourages increased strategic, collaborative research.
- Considers the implications of societal and other challenges.
In July 2013, the Government published: 'Construction 2025, Industrial Strategy: government and industry in partnership', setting out its long-term vision for ‘…how industry and Government will work together to put Britain at the forefront of global construction…’. The report identified the removal of barriers to innovation as a key goal and stated, ‘We will work with the Modern Built environment KTN, the National Platform and the research community to make sure this happens.’
The National Platform is currently (2017) managed by Constructing Excellence, which is delivered by BRE (Building Research Establishment).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.