Construction industry debates future of product information standards
Construction industry professionals have discussed the future of product information standards at an industry forum hosted by Ravago Building Solutions and Anglia Ruskin University.
Held at the university’s Chelmsford campus in November, the event examined progress in adopting the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), five years after its introduction, and the challenges facing wider implementation.
The forum, themed ‘Trust, Transparency and Transformation’, brought together representatives from manufacturing, distribution, specification, education and building safety to discuss how clearer and more reliable product information could improve accountability across the construction supply chain.
CCPI adoption and construction product transparency under scrutiny
Saul Humphrey, Professor of Sustainable Construction at Anglia Ruskin University and President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), chaired the panel discussion.
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The programme covered three themes: whether the industry is moving from compliance towards a culture of transparency; how trust can be strengthened across the supply chain; and the future of construction product information.
Panel members included Sarah May, technical manager at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT); Shaun Lotay, technical director at Axter and chair of the Bitumen Flat Roofing Association; and Graham Terry, course director for Architectural Technology at Anglia Ruskin University.
Amanda Long, chief executive of CPI Limited, which administers the CCPI scheme, outlined its purpose and current uptake.
“There are now over 150 UK organisations registered with the CCPI scheme,” said Long. “The code focuses on raising standards and driving the industry towards delivery of clear, accurate, up to date, accessible and unambiguous product information. It is critical we all work towards product information and marketing in which users can have greater confidence.”
Long said the event provided an opportunity to gather feedback from across the industry, including higher education, and identify practical objectives for improving product information.
SMEs and digital data among challenges for CCPI implementation
Questions from delegates explored how the code could be applied to high-risk environments such as coastal locations, and whether CCPI information could be linked with geospatial and lifecycle datasets to support long-term asset management.
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Other issues included the training and support required by smaller businesses, the use of recycled materials and the risk of greenwashing, as well as how enforcement and auditing could provide confidence in claims made under the scheme.
Shaun Lotay said: “We need an industry culture shift to being curious and asking questions, and to own the decisions we make. It’s about being professionally and personally responsible, able to substantiate claims made and taking it seriously. It means supporting informed decisions throughout the supply chain and acknowledging that accountability doesn’t rest with any one party.”
Sarah May said: “The CCPI was clearly mandated during this event as not just a desirable marketing practice but essential to deliver transparency within the built environment. The CIAT continues to endorse adoption of the code in line with our commitment to the highest level of professionalism and ethics in the built environment.”
Construction students consider role of CCPI in future industry standards
Students studying architectural technology and construction at Anglia Ruskin University also took part in the discussions, considering how the next generation of professionals could influence the adoption of the code.
Graham Terry said: “We were delighted to also welcome a strong cohort of Anglia Ruskin architectural technology and construction students to this event. The pertinent questions posed and the ensuing debate confirms the importance of the next generation in shaping construction and the continued integration of the code within our industry.”
Live electronic voting gathered delegates’ views on the issues discussed, with participants identifying skills and competencies, alongside better data quality, as priorities for improving construction product information.
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Potential future developments raised during the forum included making CCPI a legal requirement, using artificial intelligence to support digital product passports containing current product data, and improving communication between construction software platforms.
The panel also identified opportunities to introduce CCPI and its principles earlier in education and training, alongside teaching on the Building Safety Act 2022 and Building Regulations.
Joan Ferrer, commercial director for UK and Ireland at Ravago Building Solutions, said the event aimed to encourage open discussion about the cultural changes needed to improve trust and transparency across the sector.
The CCPI is a voluntary scheme developed by the Construction Products Association and administered by Construction Product Information Ltd. It sets standards for the accuracy, clarity and accessibility of construction product information, aiming to give users greater confidence in the information supplied by manufacturers.
