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Professor John Robertson OBA

Thanks to JB for alerting me to this:

In response to our previous report on why there will be no Grenfell here, JB shared with us: “Scottish Building Standards vs English Building Regulations” written by Gregory Barclay, Architectural Technologist Nov 12 2024.

You may wish to read the full text at the link below but one or two conclusions stand out:

Building codes and standards are set independently by each nation, meaning England and Scotland have their own regulations with some key differences. Both aim to ensure safety, sustainability, and accessibility in construction, but the standards are tailored to local needs and policy goals. Here are some key differences between the English Building Regulations and Scottish Building Standards:

Scotland: Scottish Building Standards are outlined in Technical Handbooks, split into domestic and non-domestic standards with similar sections, like Structure and Fire Safety. The handbooks are more integrated, so builders have a single source for guidance.

Scotland: Building Standards in Scotland have traditionally been more stringent on fire safety, with requirements for automatic fire suppression (sprinklers) in new high-rise flats since 2021, as well as more robust guidance on fire doors and evacuation measures.

Scotland: Building warrants are issued by local authorities, and each project must receive a “completion certificate” confirming compliance with standards. The local authority has greater oversight compared to England.

Scotland: Scottish Building Standards incorporate greater emphasis on sustainability, climate resilience, and have more advanced requirements for insulation and ventilation due to the colder climate.

In summary, while both frameworks share the core principles of safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, Scottish standards are often more stringent in areas like fire safety, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. These differences reflect Scotland’s independent approach to construction, influenced by its unique legislative framework and policy priorities.

Full report at: https://www.nicholsonnairn.co.uk/post/scottish-building-standards-vs-english-building-regulations