The government has proposed to make BIM processes mandatory on high-rise residential projects over 18 metres, as it sets out stricter measures to improve safety
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) outlined its proposals in a consultation on a new regulatory framework to implement the recommendations set out in the Hackitt Review.
“Whilst we do not plan to mandate that particular software is used to store information as part of the golden thread, we may choose to mandate that the golden thread of building information complies with building information modelling (BIM) standards,” says the consultation document.
The consultation document said: “We propose that the information and data required must be stored in a digital format (stored and accessed through a computer or other electronic device) and have particular characteristics, which the government will define in more detail through guidance.
“Whilst we do not plan to mandate that particular software is used to store information as part of the golden thread, we may choose to mandate that the golden thread of building information complies with Building Information Modelling (BIM) standards.
“We will consider, following responses to the consultation, what, if any, further guidance would be necessary beyond referring to the BIM standards.”
To find out more about BIM, have a read of ‘What is Building Information Modelling?’
The 192-page consultation vows to offer “robust” reform.
The government believes that a golden thread of accurate and up-to-date information about the design, construction and ongoing maintenance of residential buildings in scope, in line with the recommendations in the Independent Review, is necessary to support building safety.
The document added: “We have modelled costs for meeting the golden thread requirements during design and construction that do not already use Building Information Modelling (BIM) level 2 and a Common Data Environment (CDE). For affected 18 metres 124 and above residential buildings we expect the unit cost of digitalising information to be £42,000-£64,000.”
For more information, access the full document here.
