Does the golden thread have to be digital?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only for large projects
• D. Optional depending on client

Answer: (B)

The golden thread is the live, digital record of a building’s safety information that travels with the project from design through construction, handover, and into occupancy and operation. It has to be digital because only a digital, centrally accessible record can be updated consistently, shared with the right people, and kept verifiable over time. A digital format provides an auditable trail, time-stamped updates, and interoperability with other systems and stakeholders, which is essential for ongoing safety management and regulatory review. Paper or static documents can be lost, out of date, or hard to access when timely information is needed, especially in emergencies or inspections. Therefore, maintaining the golden thread digitally ensures a reliable, up-to-date source of truth that supports continuous safety compliance, regardless of project size or client preference.