building performance | 2019 challenges The Grand challenges As we enter the uncharted waters of 2019, a range of supply chain stakeholders explain what they need for buildings to perform as designed. Liza Young reports T he new year will bring uncertainty and turbulence as the construction industry awaits the fallout from Brexit and what the implementation of Dame Judith Hackitts recommendations in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety mean for the sector. With Hackitt calling for a fundamental change in the construction culture, we have asked representatives from across the project supply chain what they need for the industry to deliver safe, comfortable and low carbon buildings. Some of the themes that emerge are the prioritising of health and wellbeing particularly among clients and facilities managers and some form of soft landings. Another priority was a call for more collaborative working to achieve a wellperforming building. in-use issues. A manufacturers support team, which is able to respond quickly to commissioning or diagnostic problems with minimal delay, is important to achieving a successful project. From installers, Grzelka says the consultant needs a buy-in to the aims developed with the client, and a professional team ethic to overcome the inevitable site challenges as they occur. A willingness to train operatives in new equipment and installation techniques is crucial to having a successful project, he says. Proper planning of commissioning, with its inherent need for sequencing, and the necessity to involve the manufacturers team for full specialist commissioning are vital to give all available warranties to the client and offer optimum functionality. Ashley Bateson, partner and head of sustainability at Hoare Lea, believes advancements in sensing and monitoring technology will be a great driver for improving the quality of the built environment. It will also challenge how the industry procures and manages buildings. Access to data on thermal comfort, air quality and other metrics in the workplace stimulates curiosity among office workers, he adds. The consultant Sound technical advice with in-depth knowledge of the sector is needed from manufacturers, says Dave Grzelka, building services engineering manager at consultant and site inspector NPS North West. As the designers remit is so wide, manufacturers need to cover their niche area comprehensively, have products ready in advance of any regulatorychanges, and lead technological advance. Manufacturers that are prepared to involve themselves in the commissioning process to enhance warranties are invaluable, says Grzelka. Every manufacturer will have the occasional supply or manufacturing blip, and their response to such issues will separate the fully rounded firms from those that are lacking, he adds. Installers, or end users, need rapid and thorough responses to site or 24 January 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Jan19 pp24-27 2019 Preview.indd 24 21/12/2018 16:55