QB associated with classifications continues its deployment
As of late 2017, the QB mark covered 26 applications for many families of building materials, products and equipment. Launched at the end of 2015, it replaces the CSTBat, CSTBat Service, Certifié CSTB Certified and UPEC CSTB marks. QB certification continues its deployment to improve quality and facilitate product specification, combining certification with use classifications.
Classifications associated with QB: specification support
In 2017, the CSTB linked classifications with the QB mark to better support decision-makers in choosing products according to their intended use. The first associated classification was UPEC, well known by floor covering professionals, for assessing the suitability of products for specific uses, depending on the type of room.
The CSTB has now developed other classifications.
- EST classification: for roof underlayments, QB 25 certified for “flexible roof underlayments.” The classification covers water flow resistance (E), vapor permeance (S) and mechanical strength (T).
- GEV classification: for roof accessories, QB 35 certified for “ventilated hip and ridge.” The characteristics that comprise the GEV classification are adaptability to tiles (G), behavior in water (E) and ventilation capacity (V).
Each classification consists of “marker letters” that correspond to a certified performance area. Each letter is also associated with a number that increases with the harshness of use or with the level of performance. For example, in a nursery school, to equip an activity and play room with a suitable floor, you must choose a covering classified U3 P3 E2 C1 (UPEC: U for wear from foot fall, P for puncturing, E for water resistance, C for chemicals).
More generally, to improve understanding of each classification, the CSTB offers stakeholders a specification guide on the CSTB Evaluation website.
QB: a unifying mark for a competitive advantage in the sector
QB is for all construction industry professionals involved in quality assurance: manufacturers, contractors, standards organizations and project owners. The QB website provides information every stakeholder needs depending on the business activity: reference documents with current factsheets summarizing each certification, list of valid certificates and other documents.
PIn addition, the CSTB assists QB mark holders through promotional campaigns that raise awareness and increase visibility of the mark on the French market. In 2017, it launched two campaigns, one for the QB mark, and the other for QB UPEC. They appeared in print and digital media on the occasion of three key events in the construction industry: Public Housing Conference (September 24–28), Batimat (November 6–10) and the French Exhibition for Mayors and Local Authorities (November 21–23). The CSTB is thus supporting the development of a unifying mark, QB, which enhances the role of construction industry stakeholders.
QB mark prospects
The content of each QB-certified reference system remains. In the medium term, QB includes specific requirements, such as those relating to environmental data or data compatible with building information modeling (BIM) to guide developments in the construction sector. The QB mark is now being deployed internationally, as well.
