Construction knowledge sources
This article provides links to key sources of construction industry knowledge in the UK. Separate, linked lists have been created for some of the larger categories.
Name. | Description. | Access. |
Academia | Knowledge sharing for academics | Sign up |
ADF | Architects' data file | Free |
BAILLI | Case law | Free |
Barbour Product Search | Building product search platform | Free to access |
BCIS | RICS cost information service | Subscription |
BIM resources | List of resources | Variable |
BSi | Standards | Subscription / one off payment |
BPI | Building Products Index | Free |
Carbon Buzz | Closing the gap between calculations and performance | Sign up |
CIS The Construction Information Service | IHS Markit and NBS access to regulations, standards, technical advice and news. | Subscription |
Constructionline | Access to procurement contracts and projects | Membership |
Crossrail learning legacy | Good practice, lessons learned and innovation. | Free |
Designing Buildings Wiki | Construction industry Wiki | Free |
Emerald Insight | Research | Pay for |
FIDIC | Contracts | Pay for |
Glenigan | Market leads and insights | Pay for |
Government / Government agencies | Legislation / policy / reports | Free |
i3P | Infrastructure Industry Innovation Platform | Membership |
IHS Markit | Market information | Subscription |
Industry reports | List of construction industry reports through history | Free |
List of institutes and associations with links | Variable | |
isurv | RICS, the online knowledge subscription service | Subscription |
JCT | Contracts | Pay for |
KTN | Innovation network | Free |
London 2012 learning legacy | Knowledge and lessons learned from the construction of the Olympic Park | Free |
Other organisations associated with the construction industry | List with links | Variable |
Magazines and journals | List with links | Variable |
Major Projects Association [1] | Sharing knowledge and good practice | Free |
NetRegs | Environmental guidance for Northern Ireland & Scotland | Free |
NBS | Specifications | Subscription |
NBS Source | A cloud-based platform for construction product information | Free |
NEC | Contracts | Pay for |
Planning Portal | Planning applications | Free |
RIBA product selector | Building products library | Now NBS Source |
Specify-it | Construction component and equipment supplier information from IHS | Subsrcibe for full access |
SteelConstruction.info | Encyclopaedia for UK steel construction information | Free |
Taylor & Francis | Research portal | Some free content |
The Building Centre | Centre for innovation in the built environment | Combination of free and pay for events, news and products |
The Water Network | Knowledge sharing platform | Free |
Universities | List with links | Variable |
WRAP | Practical solutions to improve resource efficiency | Free |
Zero Carbon Hub | Closed on 31st March 2016, but still accessible | Free |
In addition, many private organisations in the construction industry, such as experienced clients, consultants, contractors and suppliers will have internal knowledge resources.
See also:
There is a useful list of construction project management software at: https://www.capterra.com/construction-management-software/
NB The results of the Construction Knowledge Survey undertaken in 2018 suggest the frequency that practitioners access different types of knowledge is as shown below.
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.