The Golden Thread of Building Information

What This Requirement Covers

The Golden Thread is a key concept introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022. It requires that accurate, up-to-date information about the design, construction, and ongoing management of higher-risk buildings is created, maintained, and made available throughout the building's lifecycle. The concept was a central recommendation of Dame Judith Hackitt's Independent Review.

Key Requirements

What Is the Golden Thread?

The Golden Thread has two components

1. The information standard: The content and format of building information that must be maintained
2. The information management system: The digital system used to store, manage, and provide access to the information

What Information Must Be Included?

The Golden Thread must contain all information necessary to manage building safety risks, including

1. Design information: Architectural and engineering drawings, structural calculations, fire strategy reports, specifications
2. Construction records: As-built drawings, material certificates, test results, inspection records, commissioning data
3. Fire safety information: Fire risk assessments, fire strategy, fire door inspection records, alarm system maintenance logs
4. External wall details: Complete specification of all materials in the external wall system, including insulation, fixings, and cladding, with test certificates and classification reports
5. Ongoing maintenance: Service records, inspection reports, remedial works, and modifications
6. Resident information: Safety notices, evacuation strategy, and engagement records

Digital Format

1. The Golden Thread must be held in a digital format that is secure, accessible, and maintainable
2. The BSR has published specifications for the information standard, including data formats and structures
3. Common standards such as BIM (Building Information Modelling) Level 2 and the UK BIM Framework align with the Golden Thread requirements
4. The information must be transferable between parties (e.g., when a building is sold or a managing agent changes)

Who Is Responsible?

1. During design and construction: The Client, supported by the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
2. During occupation: The Accountable Person (or Principal Accountable Person where there are multiple)
3. The Accountable Person must keep the Golden Thread up to date and make it available to:

- The Building Safety Regulator on request - Residents (in a summarised form, as a Residents' Engagement Strategy) - The fire service - Building Control (for building work applications)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

1. Failure to maintain the Golden Thread is a criminal offence under the Building Safety Act
2. The BSR can issue compliance notices, take enforcement action, and prosecute
3. In serious cases, the BSR can issue a prohibition order preventing occupation of the building

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Start building the Golden Thread from the very first design decision; it is not something that can be assembled retrospectively
2. Use a structured digital platform (such as a Common Data Environment) to store and manage the information
3. Establish clear protocols for naming, versioning, and approving documents within the Golden Thread
4. Ensure all project team members understand their obligation to contribute to the Golden Thread
5. When the building is handed over, provide a complete, indexed set of information to the Accountable Person
6. For existing higher-risk buildings, carry out an information gap analysis and programme the collection of missing information
7. Budget for the ongoing cost of maintaining the Golden Thread throughout the building's life