Examination of the new Scottish Building Standards Agency, which was launched on 1 November 2004. It is a key component in the reformed system of building standards being introduced in Scotland and will carry out all the functions previously done by the Scottish Executive, as well as a series of new ones introduced by the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. The biggest change is described as the move away from prescriptive to expanded functional standards. Two new technical handbooks have been published, "The Scottish Building Standards technical handbook: domestic" (ISBN 0954629221) covers domestic building and "The Scottish Building Standards technical handbook: non-domestic" (ISBN 095462923X) covers non-domestic building. They are arranged in sections dealing with structure, fire, environment, safety, noise and energy, according to the construction products directive (Directive 89/106/EEC). Further information is available from www.sbsa.gov.uk.