The Construction Product Information Survey, launched last week is expected to reform the way construction product information is provided by manufacturers and communicated to those that use it
Insights from the survey will help to provide recommendations for manufacturers to improve the clarity of product marketing information – a key issue highlighted in the Hackitt Review following the Grenfell Tower Fire.
The need for construction products to be properly labelled and marketed was one of many recommendations in the Hackitt Review.
The review also made suggestions to improve building regulations and fire safety in the built environment. The survey responds directly to these recommendations.
The Construction Product Information Survey, carried out for the Construction Products Association (CPA) by NBS explores how product information is presented and made available to the entire construction supply chain.
It represents the views of 524 construction industry professionals who use product and performance data as part of their jobs, including manufacturers, architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and local authorities.
Findings
The survey reveals the difficulties of accessing the information needed to assess the performance of a product and to make informed decisions.
The findings also include a preference for the digital provision of product information, as well as a desire for standardised and more complete information, including highlighting where the product may or may not be suitable for use.
The Construction Product Information Survey indicates there is strong industry support for the introduction of competence levels for those specifying, installing or maintaining products and the systems they make up.
It also suggests an industry code of conduct for manufacturers to ensure that product information has been properly verified before publication.
Commenting on the report, CPA’s chief executive Peter Caplehorn, said: “The importance of this survey will not be lost to those working in construction post-Grenfell.
“It was spearheaded by the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group – a group of marketing professionals within the manufacturing industry – and represents a proactive and collaborative industry drive to improve the performance of construction products.”
Marketing integrity group chair, Adam Turk from Baxi, added: “I believe the result of this survey will be significant in moving our industry towards agreeing new standards which improve the availability of product information whilst also allowing firms to maintain their competitive position.
“It is vital that everyone in the supply chain can be confident that the information they are using to select construction products is clear, unambiguous, accurate and up to date.”
