What is The Golden Thread?

Discover how the Golden Thread ensures building safety through continuous, digital documentation and collaboration, mandated by the Building Safety Act to protect occupants and maintain compliance across a building's lifecycle.

Mandatory Compliance

The Golden Thread is currently mandatory for Higher-Risk Residential Buildings (HRRBs), which are defined as buildings that are:

  • Is at least 18 meters tall or has 7 or more storeys, and
  • Contains at least two residential units, or
  • Is a hospital or care home that meets the height requirement

Additionally, even though compliance with the Golden Thread is mandatory for HRRBs, implementing a Golden Thread framework in other types of buildings, such as commercial buildings, can still provide significant benefits. These include better risk management, more efficient building operations, and enhanced safety and accountability, making it valuable even for non-mandated properties.

Key Features of the Golden Thread

  • Digital
    • Digital, Accessible, and Secure

    Digital Records

    The Golden Thread must be in an electronic format that allows secure access to all stakeholders, including building owners, contractors, regulators, and even residents. The data needs to be easily transferrable, ensuring that new owners or dutyholders can take over and maintain the building’s safety information without gaps.
    Questions? Talk to an expert
  • Continuous
    • Continuous Information Updates

    Continuous Updates

    Building information must be kept up-to-date throughout the building’s lifecycle, especially after inspections, renovations, or safety incidents. This includes everything from fire safety information to structural integrity reports. Building managers need to continuously update this information to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
    Questions? Talk to an Expert
  • Auditable
    • Version Control and Audit Trails

    Auditable Trail

    The Golden Thread requires version control to track any changes made to documents over time, ensuring that past, present, and future updates are properly recorded. Audit trails must also be maintained to track who made changes, when, and why—providing a clear history for accountability.
    Questions? Talk to an Expert
  • Comprehensive
    • Comprehensive Information Categories

    Comprehensive Data

    The Golden Thread includes documentation on:

    • Fire safety systems (e.g., alarms, sprinklers, fire doors)
    • Structural integrity and engineering reports
    • Maintenance schedules and inspections
    • Building materials and design plans
    • Legal certifications and compliance documents

    Questions? Talk to an Expert
  • Collaborative
    • Comprehensive Information Categories

    Collaborative Teams

    From designers and architects to building managers and contractors, the Golden Thread involves multiple stakeholders across different phases of the building’s life. It ensures that everyone works from a single source of truth, reducing risks caused by miscommunication or outdated information.
    Questions? Talk to an Expert

    DesignPre-constructionConstructionOperationDecomissionInvestment

    Take control of your building's safety and compliance today. Contact us to find out how our platform can help you stay Golden Thread compliant.
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