Design by Certification: Assuring Quality and Sustainability

More than ever, modern building projects can benefit from the use of certified products, writes Daniel May, Director of Consort Architectural Hardware.

The needs of modern building environments have evolved. Throughout the construction process, decision-makers are more commonly deliberating on themes such as innovation, accessibility, and sustainability. And that's not mentioning the renewed focus on building safety and performance, succeeding heightened concerns.

As the collective commitment towards these topics grows, it is as vital as ever for design professionals to deliver reliable, quality materials and hardware on their projects.

Architectural hardware, for example, is one of the most heavily used elements within a building environment, and a typical busy door can be used 150 times each day. Door hardware plays a pivotal role in a building's operational network and its fire safety, so the application of certified hardware solutions shouldn't be undervalued.

While it is important to deliver on aesthetics and innovation, there is always a clear responsibility to provide safe and secure building environments. Updated reforms, and the regulations they introduce, will always continue to raise the standards associated with building design, and with that, the benefits of certified hardware will shine.

Along the supply chain, the durability of hardware products is the key, and this is in no way more assured than with independent certifications. For example, for fire doors to operate as intended, they rely on fitted hardware to perform opening and closing upon demand to ensure the compartmentalization of smoke and fire.