Current

Definition and Context#

The term "current" in the context of the UK cladding and building envelope industry refers to the standards, regulations, and materials that are presently in effect or in common use. While the term appears straightforward, its application within the high-rise residential sector is multifaceted, encompassing legislative frameworks, technical testing methodologies, and the physical state of a building's external wall system (EWS).

In an industry defined by rapid iterative changes to the Building Regulations and associated Approved Documents, "current" serves as a chronological marker. It distinguishes between historical practices—which may have been compliant at the time of construction—and the heightened requirements introduced following significant legislative shifts, such as the Building Safety Act 2022. For those responsible for the management of multi-storey buildings, identifying what is "current" is essential for determining the scope of necessary assessments, such as the EWS1 (External Wall System Fire Review) process or an FRAEW (Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls) under PAS 9980.

Application in Cladding Testing and Repair#

Within cladding testing and repair, the term is most frequently applied to testing standards. A material’s performance is often benchmarked against the "current" version of a British Standard (BS) or European Standard (EN). For example, fire performance classifications under EN 13501-1 represent the current methodology for categorising the combustibility of cladding components.

When a building undergoes a cladding replacement or remediation project, the design must align with the current requirements of the Building Regulations at the time the work is carried out, rather than the standards that existed when the building was originally commissioned. This often leads to a discrepancy between the "as-built" condition and the "current" requirement. Professionals conducting intrusive surveys will typically report on how the existing system deviates from current best practices, particularly regarding the installation of cavity barriers, the choice of insulation, and the mechanical fixing of rainscreen panels.

Relation to Building Fabric and External Wall Systems#

The building fabric is a dynamic assembly, and its "current" state refers to its physical condition at the time of inspection. This includes any degradation, moisture ingress, or previous repairs that may have altered the original performance characteristics of the EWS. In a technical sense, the "current" performance of a cladding system may differ from its theoretical performance if the components have reached the end of their service life or if maintenance has been deferred.

The relationship between "current" standards and the building fabric is particularly evident in the transition from combustible to non-combustible materials in buildings over certain height thresholds. The industry has shifted its "current" preference toward A1 and A2-s1, d0 rated materials (as defined by the Euroclass system). Consequently, a building fabric that was considered standard twenty years ago may now be categorized as requiring significant intervention to meet modern safety expectations.

Regulatory Context in England and Wales#

The regulatory landscape in England and Wales is defined by the Building Regulations 2010, which are periodically amended. The most significant "current" guidance for external walls is found in Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Following recent amendments, the use of combustible materials in the external walls of "relevant buildings" over 18 metres (and in some cases 11 metres) is restricted.

Furthermore, the "current" regulatory environment emphasizes the role of the Accountable Person and the Principal Accountable Person under the Building Safety Act. This framework mandates that building safety risks are assessed and managed on an ongoing basis. The "current" regime is no longer a one-time approval at the point of construction but a continuous cycle of safety case reports and certificate renewals. The methodology for these assessments is currently dictated by PAS 9980, which provides a framework for competent professionals to assess the risk of fire spread via external wall assemblies.

Implications for Building Owners and Managers#

For building owners, managing agents, and Right to Manage (RTM) directors, understanding what is "current" is vital for financial planning and legal compliance. Professional indemnity insurance for surveyors and fire engineers is often predicated on their ability to assess buildings against "current" guidance. If a management company relies on a survey that is several years old, that information may no longer reflect the "current" regulatory stance or the physical reality of the building.

Building owners must also be aware that "current" funding mechanisms, such as the Building Safety Fund or the Cladding Safety Scheme, have specific eligibility criteria based on the latest government definitions of risk and building height. These criteria are subject to change, meaning that a building’s status regarding state-funded remediation is linked to the "current" policy environment.

Common Misunderstandings#

A frequent misunderstanding is the assumption that if a building was signed off by Building Control at the time of construction, it remains "current" in its safety profile. In the UK cladding sector, regulatory compliance is often retrospective in its application to risk assessment; while a building may not be "illegal" in its original form, it may no longer meet the "current" safety benchmarks required for mortgage lending or insurance purposes.

Another misconception involves the validity of test data. A manufacturer may provide a fire test certificate for a product, but if that test was conducted under a superseded standard, it may not be considered "current" by a fire engineer performing a PAS 9980 assessment. The distinction between a material being "current" in the marketplace and being "current" in terms of its suitability for a specific building height or use-class is a common point of confusion during the specification process.

Related Terminology#

The term "current" is closely linked to several other industry descriptors:

• Superseded: Refers to standards, regulations, or products that have been replaced by a newer version and are no longer considered the primary reference.
• As-built: The state of the building as it was originally completed, which may contrast sharply with current requirements.
• Remediated: A building that has been brought up to current standards through the replacement or modification of its external wall system.
• Legacy: Often used to describe materials or systems (such as certain High-Pressure Laminates or ACM) that were widely used in the past but are no longer common practice for new high-rise developments.
• Prospective: Refers to upcoming changes in legislation or standards that have been announced but are not yet "current."