Glossary

The most common energy standard is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It uses a red-amber-green traffic light system to measure how energy efficient a building is. The scale runs from A to G, with the A being the most energy efficient (corresponding with green on the traffic light system) and G the most inefficient (red on the traffic light scale). Learn more about EPCs

An EPD provides comprehensive information about the environmental impact of a specific product throughout its life cycle. It includes data on energy consumption, resource use, emissions, and other environmental indicators. EPDs are primarily used to compare and assess the environmental performance of different products in order to make informed decisions during the specification stage. Learn more about EPDs

ISO 14011 is one well-known environmental standard, but other key certifications exist. LEED, a US-based certification, assesses sustainability in energy use, water, materials, and environmental impact. In the UK, BREEAM offers a similar alternative. The EPD certification, based on ISO 14025, evaluates a product’s entire life cycle and applies a grade to the product. Learn more about environmental standards

The CE certification is arguably the most common and easily recognised European standard. You will find the CE marking on many products sold in European markets, as the EU requires companies to obtain the CE certification for certain goods. The certification indicates that a product meets EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements and has been assessed by the manufacturer or, in some cases, a notified body. Read more about industry certifications

Historically, BS 476 was the main fire safety standard, now replaced by BS EN 13501, which classifies materials into seven categories (A1 to F) based on results from the EN 13823 and ISO 11925 ignitability tests. Reaction to fire ranges from A (non-combustible) to F (high fire contribution). Smoke Classification (S1–S3) measures smoke produced within 10 minutes, and Droplets/Particles Classification (d0–d2) indicates the amount of flaming droplets during the same period. Read our post explaining the reaction to fire classification system in more detail

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental organisation consisting of 169 national standards bodies. It is responsible for establishing globally recognised standards for materials, processes, and services. ISO standards are prevalent across all industries. However, they are particularly common throughout the construction sector. Read more about industry certifications that include and use ISO standards

Specifiers should also be aware of manufacturer and supplier certifications. While not recognised by other organisations, these certifications make it easier to identify appropriate products and their performance benefits. For instance, the RYNO INGO® certification is attached to the company’s range of non-combustible products. It reassures specifiers that any product with the IGNO certification complies with (or often exceeds) current building and fire safety regulations. Learn more about IGNO

Depending on the project, specifiers may have experience with material-specific certifications, too. For instance, timber is certified by the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council® – FSC-C156894). The FSC is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. Look for our FSC® -certified products

In the UK, specifiers will be acquainted with BS (British Standards) certifications. These are set by the BSI (British Standards Institute) and cover various materials and processes. In many cases, national standards were merged or brought in line with European standards. With this in mind, it is a good idea to look out for CE markings. Post Brexit, the UKCA mark may be used instead of the CE mark for goods sold within Great Britain with businesses having the flexibility to use either the UKCA or CE marking to sell products in Great Britain. Read more about industry certifications

There are a whole host of performance certifications that help specifiers make an informed decision about available products. These vary significantly depending on the type of product and what qualities are relevant to its performance. For instance, RYNO® decking and terracing solutions are often put through the BS 7976-2 Pendulum Test and BS EN 16165 standards for slip resistance. These measure the safety of flooring surfaces in regards to slipping and the amount of friction they generate.

Refurbishment is similar to renovation in many ways, and there can be considerable overlap. However, refurbishment is usually a more extensive and comprehensive process that goes above and beyond renovation. In this sense, refurbishment will often involve an entire redesign or refit. From conducting extensive repairs and deep cleaning a property to redecorating and implementing an entirely new aesthetic, it requires substantial changes to a construction. This is why refurbishment is often used in the context of retail spaces. When a business vacates a property and another moves in, the space needs to be reconfigured to meet the needs of the new occupants. Everything from the electrics to commercial appliances may need to be altered to achieve this.

Remediation is the process of altering an existing construction to bring it in line with regulations and ensure compliance. It often addresses safety concerns, such as fire risks and structural integrity issues, but is also important in the context of new environmental legislation. The primary purpose of remediation projects is to eliminate risks to residents, users, the surrounding environment, and the building itself. While property owners may choose to carry out remediation work on risks they or occupants identify, it is more often the result of new governmental legislation and shifting building regulations. The recent changes to fire safety regulations in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy are a good example.

Renovation is the process of improving an existing construction and updating its appearance or design. It usually involves updating old, obsolete, or unfashionable elements and replacing them with more contemporary, relevant, and aesthetically pleasing features. In contrast to remediation, renovation projects do not normally aim to rectify specific structural deficiencies or safety concerns. Instead, they are driven by a desire to transform constructions into more desirable, useful, and valuable spaces. With renovation projects, there is often a focus on taking old constructions and making them look and feel new.

Retrofitting is about specific upgrades to technology or systems for improved performance without necessarily changing the overall appearance of a building or asset. It involves the process of adding new technology or features to an existing building or structure to improve its performance, energy efficiency, or functionality. Retrofitting may include upgrading components, installing modern equipment, or incorporating new technologies. The primary purpose of retrofitting is to bring an older building or structure up to contemporary standards, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, technological compatibility, or compliance with current regulations.