As the industry navigates an era of unprecedented change, it’s clear that the landscape of construction is shifting.

This evolution is driven not only by technological advancements and new materials but also by a significant cultural shift sweeping the sector. The recent activity of the new government underscores this momentum, with early term announcements indicating a strong commitment to transforming construction.

The new government has demonstrated a clear intention to prioritise building safety and regulatory compliance, signalling the start of a culture change across the industry. The emphasis on safety, competence, and accountability is a fundamental change in the culture of the construction sector.

Reinforcing the importance of the Building Safety Act, particularly as it applies to higher-risk buildings is not just about ensuring past mistakes are not repeated; it’s about setting a new standard for how we think about safety and quality in the built environment. For glazing, this shift means adapting to more rigorous oversight and demonstrating that every aspect of our work contributes to a safer, more resilient built environment.

Glazing will need to align with the evolving regulatory framework, which includes adherence to the Building Safety Act’s requirements for competence and accountability. Our industry, with its critical role in both the structural integrity and fire safety of buildings, must now ensure that every aspect of its work meets these stringent standards.

Competence is no longer a static requirement but a dynamic, continuous process of improvement. PAS 8673, for instance, outlines the competencies needed for safety management in residential buildings. For us, this involves understanding the implications to those working in larger and more complex buildings.

A significant aspect of adapting to new standards is ensuring that all stakeholders are fully trained and competent in the latest regulations and techniques. Companies must have robust systems in place to monitor and assess the competence of their workforce continuously. In this way, the industry can avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance and ensure that glazing solutions contribute effectively to overall building safety.

Over time, the requirements already seen in higher-risk buildings will flow through the built environment proportionally to the risk.

So at this point, what is the key to future-proofing? The answer is innovation. Innovation in materials and technology will play a pivotal role in this cultural shift. Glazing as an industry has been at the forefront of technological advances, from energy-efficient glazing to smart windows that adapt to environmental conditions. Now, the challenge is to integrate these innovations in ways that meet and exceed safety standards.

Take the example of the use of advanced fire-resistant glazing systems – it is becoming increasingly important as safety regulations tighten. These systems, designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire, are not just a response to new regulations – they represent the future of building safety. As buildings become taller and more complex, the demands on glazing systems increase. Therefore, the development and implementation of high-performance solutions that can endure the harshest conditions is critical.

Moreover, the incorporation of digital technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), can help ensure that the ‘Golden Thread’ of information – a key component of the Building Safety Act – is maintained throughout the lifecycle of a building.

Now whilst the Golden Thread is aimed at larger buildings, the demands to record greater information on work done, products installed and by whom will increase throughout all buildings. Gone will be the days of recording how many windows and doors with maybe an energy rating, to be replaced with far greater insight. Schemes such as Certass will step members through requirements at a pace that keeps compliance without becoming too complex.

The glazing industry has the opportunity to lead by example in this era of cultural and technological transformation.

As we move forward, it’s crucial for glazing to engage with this culture change proactively. This means complying with new standards and driving the innovation that will define the future of construction. Government’s recent announcements are a clear call to action, and industry must respond with a commitment to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

The future perception of our industry lies in its ability to adapt to these changes, embrace new technologies, and maintain a relentless focus on safety, sustainability, and compliance. As the new government sets the tone for a more accountable and innovative construction sector, the glazing industry must rise to the challenge, ensuring that it remains at the cutting edge of both safety and innovation.

Certass meanwhile will continue to position between Government and industry, ensuring expectations are clearly realised by our sector whilst communicating a clear understanding of the pressures and needs we face to Government departments.