Communities and Local Government completes an independent review of RDL scheme
Robust Details Gets Government Green Light....
Three years since the launch of Robust Details Ltd (RDL), Communities and Local Government (CLG) has given the Robust Details scheme its full endorsement, following a comprehensive independent review.
Robust Details remains the only alternative to mandatory pre-completion sound testing of new homes to satisfy Requirement E1 of Government Building Regulations. Users of the scheme build separating floors and walls of new dwellings in accordance with pre-approved construction patterns, eliminating the uncertainty, cost and delays involved in rectifying floor and wall constructions that fail sound-proofing tests.
The independent review - a Government requirement stipulated at the launch of RDL in 2004 - left no stone unturned. Investigating RDL's operations, market share, performance standards, and industry support, the positive outcome of the review provides irrefutable evidence that the RD scheme is a viable alternative to pre-completion sound testing.
Shona Dunn, Head of the Sustainable Buildings Division at CLG, comments: "The Robust Details scheme is a success story for the housebuilding industry. CLG is committed to working with the industry to develop the mechanisms that improve the build process and performance of new homes. Robust Details is a prime example of this, demonstrating the achievements that are possible when key stakeholders are engaged in the development of an effective solution. RDL has met, or exceeded, all our expectations during its first three years of operation and I wish the team continued success in its work to improve sound insulation standards in support of Part E and the Code for Sustainable Homes.”
Dave Baker, Chief Executive of RDL, says: "We're delighted with the outcome of the review. The Robust Details scheme was developed in response to the housebuilding industry's demand for an alternative approach to pre-completion testing and at its launch represented a radically different approach to Building Regulations. The team at RDL has worked tirelessly over the last three years, engaging with customers, the CLG and suppliers to ensure the success of the Robust Details scheme.
"As a result, we have achieved some of the highest acoustic standards in Europe, and with 69 per cent of the market for new attached homes, I think it's safe to say that the housebuilding industry has positively embraced the RD principle. CLG's endorsement of the scheme is recognition of the efforts of everyone involved. What's more, it not only secures the future of RDL in its current role to provide a solution for Part E of the Building Regulations, but also opens up the opportunity for expansion to other areas of the Regulations.”
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Editorial Contacts
For further press information, please contact Stuart Pearson at Phoenix plc on 01372 370877 or email stuartgp@phoenixplc.com.
Notes to Editors
Robust Details Ltd is an independent company established to implement the new 'Robust Detail' alternative to mandatory pre-completion sound testing for new homes, under the provisions of the Building Regulations. It is the only organisation able to approve and manage the use of Robust Details for Part E of the Building Regulations (in England and Wales).
By monitoring the performance of Robust Details, RDL helps the industry to improve the sound insulation performance of separating walls and floors in new homes. Home buyers can therefore be confident that their new homes will have better sound insulation than legally required, and housebuilders can avoid expensive pre-completion testing and any uncertainty and costs involved in rectifying new dwellings which fail sound proofing tests.
