Empowering Regulators Through the Risk-Based Building Classification and Inspection Guideline

In February 2024, the International Building Quality Center (IBQC) released a new resource, Risk-Based Building Classification and Inspection Guideline, which serves as an important tool to help regulators around the world assess the different risk profiles of buildings and understand the underlying factors influencing these profiles.

The guideline is aligned with the building classifications found in the International Code Council’s International Codes® but is presented in a code-agnostic framework. This flexibility allows it to be referenced by jurisdictions globally, regardless of their specific building codes and can serve as a valuable foundation for developing appropriate building regulations where none exist.

The guideline is broken down into two parts. Part 1 introduces a building classification methodology, organizing buildings based on their potential risk consequences. In Part 2, a mandatory inspection regime is outlined, aligning the frequency and type of inspections with the risk categories established in the building classification methodology.

This new guideline builds upon the foundation laid by a previous IBQC resource, the Principles for Good Practice Building Regulation. The earlier resource highlights two critical principles: Principle Two emphasizes the necessity of having a single code or standard clearly outlining technical requirements, while Principle Seven mandates a statutory process involving comprehensive inspections by qualified practitioners. Expanding upon these principles, the Risk-Based Building Classification and Inspection Guideline provides a model for governments, building code authors, regulators and stakeholders dedicated to improving building regulation practices. Its goal is to support the development and ongoing improvement of building regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions.

The International Building Quality Centre

The IBQC is a collaboration of international professionals from both public and private sectors, who collectively contribute their expertise in building and construction industry regulation. The IBQC aims to serve as a platform or reference for law reformers, policymakers and stakeholders striving to design building regulations that provide the greatest opportunity for the realization of codes and laws that maximize:

• Public safety
• Cost-effective and efficient construction systems
• Sustainability within the context of the built environment

The Risk-Based Building Classification and Inspection Guideline was developed by a coalition of leading experts within an IBQC subcommittee. The experts include renowned fire engineers, structural engineers, design-review engineers, construction lawyers and a past civil servant of high office. Coming from diverse backgrounds, their experience ranges from regulatory environments in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Sierra Leone, England and Germany.

To access the guideline, click here.