The government has confirmed the fifth carbon budget for 2028 to 2032, agreeing to reduce emissions to an average of 57 per cent of 1990 levels. It has accepted the recommendation to limit emissions during the period to the equivalent of 1.725 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide made by the Committee on Climate Change in a report published in November. The committee said reaching the target will require power generation to reach an average carbon intensity of less than 100g CO2/kWh in 2030. It said the limit will put the UK on course to meet the target of reducing emissions by 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050. The fourth carbon for 2023 to 2027 has previously been set at 1.95 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. So far the UK has already reduced emissions by more 30 per cent on 1990 levels. Energy secretary Amber Rudd said: “Setting long term targets to reduce our emissions is a fundamental part of building a secure, affordable and clean energy infrastructure system that our families and businesses can rely on and that is fit for the 21st century. “The UK remains committed to playing its part in tackling climate change to ensure out long-term economic security and prosperity.” Here is how others have reacted: Lord Deben, chairman, Committee on Climate Change “I warmly welcome the government’s acceptance of the [committees’s] advice on the fifth carbon budget. Amidst many competing demands it is to their credit that they continue to prioritise efforts to tackle climate change in the UK and internationally. The government’s commitment to reduce UK emissions by 57% by 2030 will open up opportunities for UK businesses both at home and abroad. It also demonstrates the continued broad political consensus to tackle the serious risks posed by climate change.” James Court, head of policy and external affairs, Renewable Energy Association  “The fundamentals of energy have not changed post-referendum, we still need new generation that is cost effective, low carbon and secure.  “This would be the worst time for the government to row back or U-turn on existing commitments, which would be toxic to inward investors. So this is a positive first step, but will need to be backed up by a robust energy plan by the end of the year.” Hugh McNeal, chief executive, RenewableUK “This government is global leader in tackling climate change. Today’s announcement is especially welcome given the uncertainty caused by last week’s referendum. “It’s a clear signal that the UK will continue to show bold leadership on carbon reduction. This will allow investment to continue to flow into renewable energy projects throughout the UK”.   Richard Black, director, Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit “The biggest energy issue facing the government now is lack of investor confidence. All investors want to see a smooth, predictable playing field in front of them, but over the last year they’ve been thrown one curve ball after another – and that’s making energy more expensive. “Against the backdrop of the £1.7 trillion national debt, a likely Brexit penalty on fuel costs and the fact that many of our power stations are past their sell-by date, reducing the cost of building new kit is obviously a pragmatic thing for the government to do.”  “Accepting the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations for the Fifth Carbon Budget will go some way to restoring investor confidence and so controlling costs. It won’t be enough on its own, but it’s a first step.” Jonathan Selwyn, chairman, Solar Trade Association “The Solar Trade Association very much welcomes the strong support expressed for solar by the Committee on Climate Change and by [Andrea Leadsom] in her evidence to [Energy and Climate Change Committee] yesterday. “However, in our meeting this week with [the minister] we urged her department to take specific actions to address the significant slow-down in the industry following the recent changes to the solar support framework. We believe that a number of relatively minor changes could help stimulate the market. “As an industry we are on the path to a subsidy-free future, we hope by the early 2020s. To achieve this, we need a flourishing UK industry and a government that allows us to compete on a level playing field with other renewables as well as nuclear and gas.” Luke Warren, chief executive, Carbon Capture and Storage Association “This is an important step towards building the long-term confidence in climate and energy policy that will enable the necessary investment in transformative low-carbon infrastructures like carbon capture and storage.”           David Reed, head of Npower Business Solutions “We welcome the publication of the fifth Carbon Budget Order as it provides some clarity on government’s continued commitment to meeting the UK’s climate change targets. “It is vital that businesses receive all the support they need from government and industry to ensure the implications of today’s decision are made clear and enable them to make the necessary changes to their operations as we work towards a greener UK.” Claire Jakobsson, head of energy and environment policy, EEF “With the unprecedented level of uncertainty created by last week’s referendum result, it is essential that the government looks to provide stability and continuity where it is able to. Confirming the fifth budget at this level provides a positive signal that whatever the UK’s future relationship with the EU is to be, the scale of our emissions reduction ambitions and the direction of travel will remain unchanged. “Government must now work closely with industry to develop the detail that will underpin this target, ensuring a framework that helps our most energy intensive industries decarbonise competitively, but also drawing on the strengths of UK manufacturing to ensure the UK economy feels the full economic benefit of our decarbonisation drive.” Tom Burke, chairman, E3G “This decision demonstrates that despite Brexit the UK will continue to be a world leader in tackling climate change. But it will mean that the Government will have to double down on a new

The plans centre around eight major strategic development sites, with the centrepiece a new £200m light rail link between Luton Airport Parkway rail station and the airport. The link will be funded from London Luton Airport Limited’s (LLAL) capital programme. LAL has appointed Arup to design and procure the scheme, with a planning application set to be made in autumn. Procurement will begin next spring with construction due to start by autumn 2017. The system will be operational by 2020. The fully automated 24-hour system will reduce journey times between London St. Pancras and the airport terminal to less than 30 minutes. A preferred 2.2 km route for the link has been identified between two purpose-built stations. Meanwhile, a £110m redevelopment of the airport is already underway, with McLaughlin & Harvey expanding the terminal building and Buckingham Group Contracting delivering a new 1,700-space multi-storey car park, among other works. Other schemes unveiled today by Luton Borough Council include multi-million pound mixed-use developments at Napier Gateway, Henry Boot Developments’ Butterfield Business Park, High Town, Sloane International luxury apartments and British Land’s Power Court. Luton Town Football Club owner 2020 Developments has also set out plans to develop a new stadium, while Capital & Regional – the owner of the 1 million sq ft The Mall shopping centre – announced significant redevelopment plans. Councillor Andy Malcolm, chair of London Luton Airport Limited (LLAL), said: “With a catchment area of 23m people within a two-hour travel time, London Luton Airport is ready and willing to make a significant contribution to meeting the growing demand for air travel in London and the South-East. “Combined with the prospect of four fast trains an hour which we are lobbying for, this investment in mass passenger transit will transform the experience of those travelling to the airport by rail, and will encourage more people to do so and therefore help to reduce congestion on the roads.” Luton Borough Council chief executive Tony Holden said: “The investment framework presents a clear and coherent plan to the local community, partners and potential investors, and focuses attention on ensuring everything that we do is aimed at improving health, wellbeing and prosperity of our residents. “The council has grasped its ‘place shaping’ agenda and is delivering a comprehensive investment strategy of local, regional and national significance.” Source link

HSE supports calls for an MOT style Landlord’s Gas Safety Record Published:  10 June, 2016 The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is supporting the Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM) campaign to move to an MOT style of annual gas safety check for landlords, and is beginning a consultation process on the change. Since the launch of its campaign in November 2013, the AGSM has lobbied with Home Group and others to raise awareness of the benefits of moving to an MOT style of Landlord’s Gas Safety Record (LGSR). A move to an MOT style of servicing would mean that the gas safety check could be carried out up to two months before the due date, but that the due date would remain unchanged each year. Claire Heyes, chief executive officer of the AGSM, said: “We believe that the key to making significant savings in gas access is through an industry-wide move to the MOT style of servicing. It will lead to improved productivity for landlords, planned servicing for summer months, improved tenant cooperation, less confusion for elderly and vulnerable tenants, allowing for a greater focus on other areas of safe affordable warmth.” The HSE’s Stuart Kitchingman spoke at the 2016 AGSM Gas Safety Management Conference and confirmed the HSE’s support of the move to an MOT style of LGSR. He confirmed the wording of the proposed amendment to HSE Regulation 36(3)(aa) which would state: “For the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), a safety check carried out not less than 10 months and not more than 12 months after the date of the most recent safety checks shall be treated as if made at the end of that period.” Subsequent meetings between the AGSM and the HSE have confirmed they are currently putting in place a comprehensive consultation process and an impact assessment to assist with the additional approval, which is still required. Ms Heyes concluded: “We are working closely with the HSE and welcome their support and their plans for consultation. The change to an MOT style of LGSR will have a significant impact on the rented housing sector and make considerable savings.” Mark Henderson, chief executive of Home Group, added: “The Gas Access Campaign has put the issue of annual safety checks firmly on the agenda. The MOT style proposal is a significant change which can help improve safety and at the same time produce considerable savings for landlords. “More than 200 voices from the highest levels in housing associations, local authorities, MPs and gas experts supported our call and we’ll now harness that support to make sure the MOT style system works as best as possible for the sector by fully engaging with the HSE.” Source link

As part of the ongoing regeneration of Slough town centre, Barnshaws Section Benders has provided curved steel to support The Curve, the new cultural and learning centre: a project delivered by Slough Urban Renewal on behalf of Slough Borough Council. The steel forms part of the building’s façade, which delivers a truly modern aesthetic, intended to uplift the local area. As a result, the building has been awarded ‘Development of the Year 2017’ at the Thames Valley Property Awards. The new steel framed structure is 90m long and includes a floor space of 4,500m2, which houses a café, museum, library, offices, exhibition space and a 280 seat auditorium. Each elevation features cantilevers, or, a glazed curving façade, a characteristic which was enabled by Barnshaws Section Benders expertise. The Tividale based metal bending and fabrication expert was contacted to assist in the project due to a proven track record of providing similar solutions for landmark building projects, such as the Francis Crick Institute in London and the Oval cricket ground living wall. Precision curved steel is opening up new opportunities to architects and contractors, allowing new buildings to move on from the boxy structures that defined building design during the late 20th century. Businesses such as Barnshaws offer highly specialised machinery and an expert workforce to deliver CE marked curved steel sections to almost any radii, a service which defines the aesthetic of The Curve. These sections are now taking their place in new buildings all over the UK, offering residents facilities that raise the profile of the local area. Designed by CZWG and completed by Morgan Sindall and Caunton Engineering at a cost of £16.5 million during September 2016, the building now acts as a vibrant community hub, featuring sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic roof panels and a low energy ventilation system. Reception of the building has been overwhelmingly positive, with the industry now recognising the buildings ground breaking design. Greg North, Commercial Director at Barnshaws added: “At Barnshaws we gather great experience in delivering specialised curved sections for landmark building projects, utilising our capacity and unique service offering to meet complex architectural challenges and achieve deadlines. We also offer aluminium louvres as part of our façade expertise, so we are ready to service almost any structure with high quality fabrications.”