May 2026
Construction Product Information
The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire continues to reshape the construction sector. While much attention has focused on building design and regulatory reform, one of the most important areas of transformation has been the management of construction product information.
The Grenfell Inquiry exposed serious failings in the testing, marketing, and specification of construction products. Product performance, especially relating to fire safety, was often poorly evidenced, inconsistently communicated, or misunderstood by those responsible for design and specification.
Across the UK, many building owners and developers have been required to remediate existing buildings where unsafe cladding systems or incorrectly specified materials were used. The financial consequence has been major, with remediation programmes costing the sector billions of pounds. Beyond direct costs, the issue has led to programme delays, reputational risk, and increased scrutiny from regulators, insurers, and investors.
As a result, construction product information is no longer simply a technical matter; it is now a commercial and risk management priority.
A New Regulatory Environment
In response to these failings, the UK has introduced a far more rigorous regulatory framework. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has been established as the national regulator for construction products, with strengthened enforcement powers under the Building Safety Act 2022. Manufacturers must now ensure that product claims are accurate, supported by evidence, and not misleading, with legal consequences for non-compliance.
Alongside this, the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), launched in 2021, sets new expectations for product information management. The CCPI assesses not only technical performance data but also organisational culture, governance, and even marketing practices, ensuring manufacturers provide accessible, verifiable information.
At the same time, new dutyholder roles, including the Principal Designer (Building Regulations), have increased accountability for designers and specifiers. They must now demonstrate that selected products meet all relevant regulatory requirements.
Leading to a shift from generic specifications, named products are now supported by verified test certification, as well as approved installation details.
While fire performance remains the primary driver, scrutiny of embodied carbon is also increasing, with clients demanding robust environ-mental data to support sustainable design decisions.
Supporting Gateway Compliance
The introduction of the Building Safety Act and the Gateway process has intrinsically remodelled how projects are delivered. Developers, designers and contractors must now demonstrate that building information is complete, accurate and compliant at defined stages throughout the project lifecycle. For many organisations, the problem is not under-standing what is required but managing the sheer volume and complexity of information needed to meet statutory obligations.
In response, BIM Technologies has developed a dedicated Gateway Management service to support clients in progressing confidently through Gateway submissions and approvals. The service focuses on the structured collation and coordination of design and compliance information. BIM Technologies works alongside project teams to ensure that required documentation, design evidence, and regulatory information are aligned with statutory requirements before submission.
At the centre of the service is a bespoke digital platform intended to manage the process. The platform provides a structured environment for assembling project information, tracking compliance requirements, and maintaining a clear audit trail of decisions and approvals. This enables project teams to demonstrate transparency, support the Golden Thread of information, and reduce the risk of delays or rejected submissions. Effective information management is becoming essential to achieving smooth Gateway progression, reducing risk, and delivering more accountable buildings in the long-term.
Supporting Developers Through Better Information
For developers, confidence that specified products are compliant and suitable for their intended use, both now and in the future, should be a priority. Many are strengthening governance processes around product selection and requiring greater transparency across their supply chains. This is where information management plays a critical role.
BIM Technologies supports developers by providing structured product data environments and coordinated digital models that make product performance visible and traceable throughout the project lifecycle. Through digital information management, product specifications can be linked directly to certification, test evidence, and installation requirements, creating a clear audit trail that endorses regulatory compliance and reduces future liability.
Digital platforms also support the Golden Thread of information, ensuring that accurate product data is maintained across the whole life cycle. This provides building owners with the evidence required for regulatory submissions, ongoing building management, and potential future remediation assessments.
A More Transparent Future
Construction product information must now be resilient and evidence based. For developers, this repre-sents an opportunity, to reduce risk, improve building safety, and deliver greater assurance across their portfolios.
As compliance objectives continue to develop, the ability to manage product information effectively will become a defining factor in successful project delivery and long-term asset performance.