The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published a blog explaining that digital twins are virtual representations of physical construction assets, systems or environments connected to operational and project data to support decision making throughout an asset’s lifecycle. The blog states that digital twins are increasingly used across complex infrastructure projects, including transport corridors, energy networks, water systems and industrial campuses, where they combine design models, survey information, inspections, operational systems and performance data. It explains that, unlike static 3D models, digital twins support a two-way flow of information between physical and virtual environments, enabling project teams to test changes, assess impacts and improve operational understanding during design, construction and operation.

This document contains searchable quick links to PDF copies of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Time and Cost Management Contract

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched its first construction client survey to gather insights into the key priorities and challenges faced by clients across all sectors. CIOB states that the initiative forms part of its client strategy, which aims to strengthen collaboration and understanding between clients and the wider construction industry. The survey covers key topics such as procurement, digital technology, sustainability and the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022), with the findings intended to inform CIOB’s policy development and support best practice guidance across the sector.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has analysed three UK government housing reforms concluded in 2025. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reforms will introduce four headline metrics from 2026, replacing single ratings and requiring certificates at marketing stage, alongside secondary measures on delivered energy and carbon emissions, an expanded scope covering additional property types, and continued ten-year validity, with the aim of improving consumer information and aligning with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The government has also established a revised Decent Homes Standard to apply to all rented housing from 2035, enforced by local authorities and the Regulator of Social Housing, requiring homes to be safe, in reasonable repair, adequately equipped, thermally comfortable and free from damp and mould, while allowing proportionate exemptions and linking thermal comfort to energy efficiency requirements. In addition, the Future Homes and Buildings Standards will take effect from March 2027, requiring new homes to be zero carbon ready through high fabric efficiency, low carbon heating systems and renewable energy generation, supported by Home User Guides and existing performance metrics with optional reporting on delivered energy. Further detail on implementation and enforcement is expected in 2026, with the reforms collectively integrating energy efficiency, safety and housing quality within a single regulatory framework.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published a blog post analysing the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)'s recently closed consultation on late payment reforms. These reforms address a critical economic issue costing the UK £11bn annually, with late payments causing the daily closure of an estimated 38 businesses and impacting over 1.5 million enterprises.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published a report, examining the issues, challenges, and risks faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Welsh construction industry. This report, developed in collaboration with SMEs, seeks to understand these challenges and identify opportunities to mitigate or remove them. It was presented to members of the Senedd last week, highlighting the skills gap among SMEs in Wales, as well as the significant impact of construction businesses going out of business, leading to project delays that negatively impact local communities.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published an economic report, ‘Capacity Constraints in Construction: Rethinking the Business Environment’, examining the construction industry’s capacity to meet the UK government’s housing and infrastructure targets. The report highlights key challenges facing the sector, including recruitment, training, retention and sector volatility, which contribute to the collapse of hundreds of construction businesses annually. Compiled with economist, Brian Green, the report aims to guide policymakers towards longer-term solutions to strengthen sector resilience and productivity. It identifies five priority areas for policy improvement: (1) reducing volatility; (2) ensuring more transparent and coordinated knowledge; (3) improved policy effectiveness; (4) better coordination of policy with clearer signals; and (5) improved diffusion and adoption of innovation. The report argues that instead of forcing changes on the industry, policymakers should focus on changing the business environment in which construction firms operate.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Government’s reaction to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, addressing both the outcomes of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the subsequent reactions from the government.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced that it has published its new CIOB Planning Protocol 2021 (CIOB PP21), which is a tool designed for construction parties to allow them to check that their construction programmes are ‘precise and of high-quality at every stage’. Two years in the making, CIOB PP21 intends to ‘aid users in understanding of the requirements of an effective programme and act as planning guidelines which, if followed, allow the thresholds (stress tests) to be met'. The CIOB explained that CIOB PP21 differs from existing planning guides which are 'predominately software-focussed assessments of the programme'.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has reported that COP30 has produced several commitments aimed at reducing built environment emissions, including the Belém Call for Action for Sustainable and Affordable Housing with targets to 2030 and 2035. Ministers from over 20 countries endorsed initiatives promoting sustainable public procurement and low-carbon construction materials, while the summit launched plans to accelerate near-zero emission buildings and principles for responsible timber construction.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to Ireland’s 2025 budget announcement.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the UK government’s call for evidence on a strategy for built environment professions, trades and occupations, which will inform a Professions Strategy expected in spring 2027. CIOB called on the government, as a major construction client, to set standards, improve client competence and provide guidance on how clients can demonstrate fundamental competence. Its response, developed with input from CIOB members, focused on how client competence, behaviour and decision-making affect the construction phase. CIOB CEO, Dr Victoria Hills, said that future regulation should be proportionate and effective to support quality and safety across an industry comprising organisations of different sizes and types.