Scottish building standards
In Scotland, ministers are responsible for making building standards (equivalent to the building regulations in England) and the associated technical guidance documents. The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 grants this power.
The 32 Scottish Local Authorities act as verifiers administering the building standards system, granting permissions (building warrants) and completion certificates. The Scottish Government Building Standards Division monitor the local authorities.
The main purpose of the standards is to ensure that buildings are safe, efficient and sustainable. They do not control the building process, but outline the essential standards that are to be met during building works or conversions.
The key functions of the building standard system is to:
- Prepare the building standards and produce guidance on how to attain the standards.
- Assist local authorities making decisions on compliance.
- Allow relaxations of the standards in exceptional circumstances.
- Maintain a register of approved certifiers.
- Regulate the certification system.
- Regulate the performance of verifiers.
- Verify crown building work.
There are two technical handbooks which provide guidance on achieving the building standards:
There are updated versions of these technical handbooks which apply to a building warrant submitted on or after 1 March 2021 and to building work which does not require a warrant commenced from that date.
Certification is an optional scheme for the implementation of building standards applicable to work that requires a building warrant. It can only be undertaken by a registered, approved certifier of design or construction holding the appropriate designations and employed by an appropriate body or business.
The Certification Handbook provides guidance on the implementation of this procedure.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Approved documents.
- Approved inspector.
- Assignation.
- Building control bodies.
- Building notice.
- Building regulations.
- Building warrant.
- CIOB Value of Construction: Scotland report.
- Drying room - Scotland.
- Electrical contractor.
- Feu charter.
- Fire fatalities in Scotland.
- Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
- Interlinked fire alarm safety laws in Scotland.
- Licensing.
- Low carbon building standards strategy for Scotland.
- Property factor.
- Republic of Ireland updates to planning and development.
- Scottish Advice Note addresses fire risk in multi-storey residential buildings.
- Scottish building services certification schemes.
- Scottish building standards sustainability labelling.
- Scottish planning policy.
- Scottish planning and architecture documents.
- Sewers For Scotland.
- Statutory approvals.
- Statutory authorities.
- United Kingdom.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).