Short answer: the Scottish Government publishes domestic and non-domestic technical handbooks for use from 6 April 2026. Its collection page says the applicable regulations, standards and guidance depend on when the building warrant application is submitted or, for work not requiring a warrant, when work begins.
The current starting point is the official Scottish building standards collection. It links to the April 2026 domestic and non-domestic handbooks and previous editions.
What the official collection says changed
The Scottish Government states that the April 2026 publications revise Section 0 General, Section 2 Fire, Section 3 Environment and Section 4 Safety. It also directs designers submitting a warrant application on or after 6 April 2026 to the new handbooks.
That does not mean every ventilation clause changed. The practical point is to identify the applicable edition and then check the actual project design, specification and warrant information rather than assuming a previous project remains a reliable template.
Ventilation package checks
- Applicable handbookRecord the warrant date and whether the domestic or non-domestic handbook applies.
- Design responsibilityConfirm who has designed and specified the ventilation system and who approves changes.
- Issued informationUse the current drawings, schedules, equipment data and relevant warrant information for pricing and installation.
- InterfacesCheck fire, acoustic, energy, controls, electrical, condensate, access and architectural interfaces against the written scope.
- EvidenceAgree what installation records, labels, photographs, test information or handover assistance are required from each party.
Why the date matters commercially
If a tender pack references an older handbook while the warrant basis uses the April 2026 edition, the project team may need clarification before award. The installation contractor should not redesign the system informally. Differences should be raised through the project's technical and commercial process.
Questions before installation
- Which handbook and warrant information govern the project?
- Are drawings and specification aligned with that basis?
- Are equipment and terminal schedules current?
- Who owns compliance design, commissioning and certification?
- What evidence is required at handover?
- How are approved changes communicated to the site team?
How Cliventa uses the project information
Cliventa installs within the drawings, specification and defined scope issued for the project. Suitability, testing, commissioning, specialist design and compliance evidence remain subject to the responsibilities agreed in writing. Project teams should obtain technical or regulatory advice where interpretation is required.