Throughout the year, Built Environment Journal has aimed to keep members in building surveying, building control and building conservation up to date with the latest developments in their disciplines.
Buildings' structural and fire safety have of course remained high on the agenda, as has sustainability, and we have continued to cover these vital subjects. But we have also focused on the profession itself, running a series on competencies, as well as exploring the work of building conservation surveyors and artificial intelligence.
Concerns raised about building heights and storeys
Building safety has continued to be a crucial topic for RICS and the journal has reflected this. In February, RICS' global building standards director, Gary Strong explained that the height and number of storeys of a building have been critical to safety legislation and to guidance recently introduced in England for residential blocks.
But, he said, while surveyors have always been expected to determine the height of a building, the UK government's current building safety programme has confused matters, with varying criteria in different legislation and guidance.
He therefore recommended that surveyors consult legislation, regulations or standards closely in each case, and make clear in their reports precisely how and why they are measuring height or counting storeys.
'Make clear in your report when you are surveying a building precisely how and why you are measuring height or counting storeys'
Sector can use skills to advance sustainability
Sustainability has been a key topic for RICS, and in March, Invise CEO James Baker explained that although achieving net zero may seem a challenging prospect, building surveyors can bring a lot of their existing skill sets to bear in making the built environment more sustainable.
Some surveyors question whether they are qualified to advise on sustainability, but, Baker said, they know how buildings are put together and how they might fail, so they must be able to see how specific works could affect the sustainability of such buildings as well.
The tiniest adjustments to the way we think can make a difference, such as considering what materials should be specified, where they are sourced from or what credentials the suppliers or manufacturers can demonstrate in the way of sustainable processes.
'Sustainability is about setting examples – taking action, even when others in the supply chain do not'
Potential EV fire risk called out
The drive for sustainability is also seeing increased use of electrical vehicles (EVs). However, with more and more EVs and charging points, car park operators will need to manage and respond to the associated fire safety risks.
The UK Department for Transport has therefore issued interim guidance, developed by Arup, about parking or charging EVs and installing charging points in covered car parks.
In a May article for Built Environment Journal, Arup's associate director in fire safety Sally Friswell explained how the guide mandates fire risk assessments by competent assessors, whether during the design stage for new build or before installing charging points in existing car parks.
Case study shows value of conservation expertise
In July, National Trust senior building surveyor Simon Davis explained how the trust identified the cause of spalling paint finishes at Alfriston Clergy House, the first building it ever purchased.
One of the main considerations was the condition of the internal painted surfaces: large areas throughout the building were crazing and flaking, an issue initially believed to be a result of damp.
However, the trust called on conservation experts who found that the true problem was the interaction between traditional materials and modern paint systems. Simon's article offered a detailed insight into the investigations.
'Despite ongoing cyclical maintenance, the property's condition continued to present numerous conservation issues'
APC candidate shares experience of passing interview
The journal also remains committed to supporting those taking the APC, as seen in the conclusion of a series by Jordanne Dunn, now a chartered building surveyor at Savills.
With a degree apprenticeship under her belt, in August she described how targeted revision, regular quizzing and practising her presentation all contributed to a successful APC interview.
She explained how a targeted approach to revision, practising her answers aloud and rehearsing her presentation to get feedback from others all made crucial contributions to a successful interview.
'As I practised trying to answer questions out loud, I was able to tweak and refine what I wanted to say as I went'
Regulator requires detail to approve HRBs
'With a spate of poor submissions stalling the process of approving higher-risk buildings, the Building Safety Regulator's head of operations and planning Andrew Moore stressed the need for quality building control applications.
In a September article, he wrote that good applications enable the regulator to make informed decisions quickly, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and ensuring all building control standards are met.
Offering tips for successful applications, he explained that they should identify all aspects of the HRB that must comply with the Building Regulations, clarify which standards, codes or documents each aspect of the design meets, and include a narrative explaining how compliance has been achieved for each identified element.
'High-quality applications enable BSR to make informed decisions quickly, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and ensuring all building control standards are met'
Technology use must be informed by professional eye
With increasing interest in the benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), in October we turned our attention to the potential of this and other technology in surveying.
The author of RICS' PPM professional standard Adrian Tagg explained in an opinion piece that, although advances in technology have made it much easier for surveyors to collect data and report to clients, the value of our advice still depends on professional expertise.
He said that AI could be useful in effectively auditing the format and completeness of an online data room, or encouraging the implementation of standard formats.
But, he said, when it comes to applying knowledge or answering practical questions, the technology currently struggles to offer the correct advice, let alone supply a trail of evidence.
RICS recognises the value of technology – which has undoubtedly enhanced the surveying profession – but also the importance of thinking about the way it is used. Members must be trained and competent to use technology as well as being aware of its limitations. Professional opinions will always be crucial.
'Ultimately, members are, as professionals, liable for the advice they give – and this is particularly pertinent with the rise of AI'
Publication of Built Environment Journal resumes in the new year, when we will continue our coverage of these and other topics including the role of heritage in solving the housing crisis, corrosion management of historic buildings and the challenges of administrating traditional contracts, among others.
Barney Hatt is building surveying and building control editor of Built Environment Journal
Contact Barney: Email