In construction, the word “quality” often brings to mind the skill of the people on site, the precision of the workmanship, and the care taken at every stage of delivery. These are vital competencies, but there is another element without which even the best workmanship can falter, the quality of the materials themselves.

Long before a structure begins to rise, decisions are made about what materials will be used. Those decisions carry weight. Every material has an origin, a process, and a purpose. It has strengths, limitations, and conditions where it performs best. Understanding those factors is not just a technical exercise, it is part of the duty we all share to ensure the built environment is safe, durable, and fit for the future. It also underpins confidence in our industry for those who rest, work, and play in the buildings we construct.

In recent years, we have faced stark reminders of what can happen when poor quality or non-compliant products enter the supply chain. The consequences go far beyond a single project, affecting safety, performance, reputation, and public trust. The Building Safety Act has reinforced what many have long known; that responsibility is shared across the entire supply chain, from the earliest design decisions through to final handover and occupation.

For those of us in leadership roles, there is an opportunity to shape a culture where the provenance and compliance of materials are scrutinised as closely as the quality of the build. That means asking the right questions, verifying evidence, and collaborating with partners who share the same commitment to doing things right.

The CIOB has spent decades driving higher standards across our industry through advocacy, training, and the promotion of competence. But that is only part of the picture. True quality is holistic, it comes from the people, the processes, and the very substances we choose to build with.

If we are serious about creating buildings that stand the test of time, we must start at the source. The materials we choose today will shape the legacy we leave tomorrow.

I also recommend the recently published Guide to Products Critical to Safe Construction. Produced by the CIOB in collaboration with the Construction Products Association, Institution of Structural Engineers, and the Royal Institute of British Architects, it provides designers, specifiers, and installers with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions about construction products. It includes case studies and examples of industry best practice, such as the Code for Construction Product Information.

You can read the guide here: https://www.ciobacademy.org/product/guide-to-products-critical-to-safe-construction/ 

Paul Gandy FCIOB
CIOB President