UK Government Announces Ban on Combustible Materials for High-Rise Residential Buildings

October 5, 2018

ROCKWOOL welcomes Secretary of State James Brokenshire’s confirmation that he plans to ban combustible materials from new high-rise residential buildings as well as hospitals, residential care premises and student accommodation above 18 metres.

Tall buildings

The ban will not be applied retroactively to existing buildings. However, when the facades of such buildings are refurbished, they will not be able to use combustible cladding or insulation.

This announcement is a major step forward for public safety in the aftermath of the Grenfell tower tragedy. ROCKWOOL has long advocated for these changes and commends the UK government for taking this step. Public safety demands regulatory clarity and simplicity.

We encourage the government to extend these measures further and include all high risk buildings to ensure the safety of people living, working, studying and recovering in hospitals, residential care premises, student accommodation and schools.