Can blockchain unravel construction’s ‘web of blame’?
Summary
The article argues that blockchain and smart contracts could improve traceability, accountability and record-keeping in construction, particularly for safety-critical materials and compliance data. It links this to the post-Grenfell push for better information management, including the golden thread requirements introduced in England in October 2023.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors increasingly rely on accurate, accessible building information when assessing defects, compliance and safety risks. Better traceability of materials and approvals could support more reliable due diligence on higher-risk buildings and help reduce disputes over responsibility.
Key points
- Construction still suffers from poor traceability and fragmented record-keeping.
- The article says blockchain could create tamper-resistant records of deliveries, approvals and installations.
- Smart contracts could help enforce contractual and regulatory obligations across the supply chain.
- The golden thread requirements are presented as a step forward, but not a complete solution.
- The article calls for pilots and research to test smart contracts in construction projects.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
