NBS Partner

Launched in 1973, the National Building Specification (NBS) is today the most comprehensive library
of construction-related documents and technical specifications used in the United Kingdom.

The NBS is widely recognized as a leading resource in the construction industry and is used by
architects, engineers, contractors, and other building professionals. It covers a broad range of topics,
including building materials, construction methods, technical standards, regulations, and best
practices.

The NBS library includes a collection of specification clauses, known as the NBS Building, which serve
as a standard reference for specifying the requirements of construction projects. These specification
clauses outline the technical details, materials, and performance criteria necessary for the successful
completion of a building project.

The NBS is regularly updated to reflect changes in regulations, industry practices, and emerging
technologies and plays a crucial role in ensuring consistency, clarity, and quality in construction
projects across the United Kingdom.

Some of the most important contributions of the NBS to the construction industry are as follows:

Standardization: The NBS provides a standardized set of specifications and guidelines that
ensure consistency in construction projects. It establishes a common language and
framework for communicating requirements, materials, and performance criteria between
different parties involved in the construction process. This standardization helps prevent
misunderstandings, errors, and conflicts.

Compliance: The NBS incorporates relevant regulations, codes, and standards into its
specifications. By following the NBS guidelines, construction professionals can ensure that
their projects meet legal requirements and adhere to industry standards. This helps ensure
the safety, durability, and quality of the built environment.

Efficiency: The NBS library provides a wealth of pre-written specification clauses, which can
save time and effort for architects, engineers, and contractors. These clauses can be
customized and incorporated into project documentation, streamlining the specification
process and reducing the need to start from scratch. This efficiency helps improve
productivity and project delivery.

Best Practices: The NBS is continuously updated to reflect evolving best practices, emerging
technologies, and innovations in the construction industry. It provides access to up-to-date
knowledge and recommendations, allowing professionals to incorporate the latest
techniques, materials, and sustainability principles into their projects. This promotes
continuous improvement and ensures that construction practices align with current industry
standards.

Collaboration: The NBS serves as a common reference point for all stakeholders involved in a
construction project. Architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and other parties can rely
on the NBS specifications to understand and meet project requirements. This facilitates
effective collaboration, reduces miscommunication, and enhances coordination among
project participants.

Having been at the forefront of façade design and the construction industry for nearly 3 decades, the
team at Telling Rainscreens understands the crucial role the NBS plays in promoting quality,
consistency, compliance, and efficiency across the construction industry. This is why we are now an
NBS partner.

Find more about terracotta rainscreens and access the tools to aid you with your specification at
https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/nbs-add-to-spec/