Background
The Consortium of European Building Control was formed in 1989. It followed preliminary discussions between the Institute of Building Control (IBC) and the European Commission on the need to safeguard building control activities and promote their significance within a rapidly changing Europe. The notion that a pan-European group that identified with these concerns should be formed was endorsed. Accordingly, the Institute of Building Control accepted the challenge.

The suggestion also met with enthusiastic support from a number of building control organisations within other Member States. Subsequently, and under the auspices of the European Commission, representatives of Belgium, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK met in Brussels to discuss the principles to be followed and the manner in which affairs should be conducted. This agreed, the Consortium of European Building Control (CEBC) was inaugurated.

Since its formation, the Consortium has grown both in membership and status. Currently, twenty three European countries participate in its activities in a forum where issues that impact on the building control discipline, can be voiced to good effect. Countries that joined the European Union in 2004 have joined the Consortium. These include Slovenia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia and Romania.

Membership
Members of the Consortium must be either a recognised European organisation that promotes the interest of building control, a government department active in the development of legislation associated with the health and safety aspects of the built environment or a professional body whose members carry out the building control functions. Each European country can be represented by up to three approved organisations. Each member organisation nominates two representatives who become Members of the Consortium.

Members are expected to participate in the activities of the Consortium by attending meetings, exchanging information and, generally providing support and assistance in pursuance of the Consortium’s Aims and Objectives.

Aims and Objectives
The principal aims and objectives of the Consortium are:

Past and Current activities
It has become clear that one of the Consortium's principal attributes is the provision of a European forum which aids the exchange and dissemination of information related to building control. The introduction of Directives associated with the building process, especially the Construction Products Directive, point unmistakably to increased harmonisation within the European construction industry. Increasingly, uniformity of interpretation and application assume greater importance. The speedy circulation of information, particularly that which emanates from Brussels, aided by the views of experts, undoubtedly provides for greater understanding of new proposals, the opportunity to voice constructive opinion, and a greater efficiency in adapting to new requirements.

Developments within Europe, which touch on building control have expanded considerably. It has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of Consortium correspondence and the need for twice yearly meetings. In addition the Policy Committee meets twice a year between the spring and autumn CEBC meetings. The broad range of issues, both of a technical and legal nature, now require closer scrutiny to properly effect the desired intention. In 2003 the Consortium formed several Topic Groups. Currently work is being carried out via these “Topic Groups” under the following headings:

• Building Control Systems in Europe
• Access for All
• Self Confirmation
• Web Based Regulations
• Liability
• EU – Energy Performance Directive of Buildings
• EU Qualifications Equivalence
• Climate Change
• Building Failures

As a result of the “Building Control Systems in Europe” Topic Group, a report has been published outlining the building control systems that exist in countries who are members of the Consortium. With 23 of the 25 Member State countries being members of the Consortium the publication has been well received throughout Europe – this report can be accessed via sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

More recently, the Consortium has considered details of the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings and has debated the Directive and its implications on Building Control at its meetings. The Consortium continues to develop its views on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and participates in a scheme for student exchange.

The Consortium is a member of the European Council for Construction Research, Development and Innovation (ECCREDI) and works with other organisations and bodies that form the Council within ECCREDI.

The Future
The new Europe continues to move forward. The extension of the European Union has attracted more member organisations to the Consortium, giving the opportunity to widen the scope of studies into other regulatory systems with obvious benefits.

The Commission has drawn up its action plan for the next few years. Its priority is to complete the legislation already in place and to press for uniformity of enforcement. The Consortium can expect a continuing stream of action under the Construction Products Directive to enable the construction single market to become a reality.

The CEBC will continue to give consideration to ways in which it can help directly the coming of a single market within the construction arena, while furthering Treaty objectives of health and safety. The extensive range of knowledge and experience within the Consortium together with its international base and national authority, make it an ideal platform for the launch of positive initiatives.