Amec Foster Wheeler has won a £7m contract to provide a new effluent treatment plant for the Dounreay nuclear site. Above: Dounreay The contract was awarded by Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), which is responsible for decommissioning the former centre of fast reactor research and development in Caithness. The new
The government is to retain a special share in all future nuclear new build projects to prevent them falling into undesirable foreign ownership. Above: Hinkley Point C will be 33.5% Chinese state owned Following a review of the Hinkley Point C deal, in which EDF sold a substantial stake to
The BBC today unveiled an innovative, architect-designed mobile recording studio, commissioned for BBC Radio 4’s The Listening Project. The design was selected as part of an international design challenge organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Designed by London architecture firm JaK Studio in conjunction with innovation consultancy
A state of the art £100 million nuclear submarine building complex, built by construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall, has been opened by defence secretary, Gavin Williamson. The 175,000 sq ft Central Yard facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, used to outfit and test the most advanced submarines in the Royal NAVY’s
AFI Group Training, a specialist provider of Health, Safety and Skills training for the construction industry, has announced that it has generated over £1 million in online training bookings via its UTN Training brand. They provide working at height and safety training at 30 locations throughout the UK to over
Despite important progress made in recent years, Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division has stated there is still a massive job to do in creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the construction industry – one which requires a brand new mind-set. According to latest figures, around 5% of working adults
Sustainable Building Services UK has been appointed by Rykneld Homes Limited, a housing management company, to deliver external wall insulation and related services to 169 REEMA properties in Grassmoor, Chesterfield. The work is being undertaken on behalf of North East Derbyshire District Council and it will be part-financed by the
The Construction Trade Survey and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy found that due to the rising cost of aggregate, construction firms are seeking out more cost-effective solutions. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), between 2010 and 2017, the average price of construction material rose 11.7%,
Amec Foster Wheeler has won a £7m contract to provide a new effluent treatment plant for the Dounreay nuclear site. Above: Dounreay The contract was awarded by Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), which is responsible for decommissioning the former centre of fast reactor research and development in Caithness. The new plant is a key link in the chain to enable the retrieval, processing and packaging of waste from the Dounreay Shaft and Wet Silo. The overall objective is to make the waste safe for long-term storage and disposal. The scope of work includes concept and detailed design, manufacture of the modular process plant, offsite testing, delivery to the Dounreay site and onsite installation and commissioning. Liquid effluent from the new plant will be managed, processed and discharged by pipeline to the existing low level liquid effluent treatment plant. DSRL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cavendish Dounreay Partnership – a consortium of Cavendish Nuclear (50%), CH2M (30%) and Aecom (20%). This article was published on 26 Sep 2016 (last updated on 26 Sep 2016). Source link
The government is to retain a special share in all future nuclear new build projects to prevent them falling into undesirable foreign ownership. Above: Hinkley Point C will be 33.5% Chinese state owned Following a review of the Hinkley Point C deal, in which EDF sold a substantial stake to China General Nuclear Corporation, the government plans to reform its approach to the ownership and control of all critical infrastructure “to ensure that the full implications of foreign ownership are scrutinised for the purposes of national security”. This will include a review of the public interest regime in the Enterprise Act 2002 and the introduction of a cross-cutting national security requirement for continuing government approval of the ownership and control of critical infrastructure, it said. With regard to nuclear power stations, the Office for Nuclear Regulation will be directed to require notice from developers or operators of nuclear sites of any change of ownership or part-ownership. This will allow the government to advise or direct the ONR to take action to protect national security as a result of a change in ownership. Business and energy secretary Greg Clark said: “Having thoroughly reviewed the proposal for Hinkley Point C, we will introduce a series of measures to enhance security and will ensure Hinkley cannot change hands without the Government’s agreement. Consequently, we have decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generation. “Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear is an important part of ensuring our future low-carbon energy security.” This article was published on 15 Sep 2016 (last updated on 16 Sep 2016). Source link
The BBC today unveiled an innovative, architect-designed mobile recording studio, commissioned for BBC Radio 4’s The Listening Project. The design was selected as part of an international design challenge organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Designed by London architecture firm JaK Studio in conjunction with innovation consultancy Seymourpowell, and taking the form of a speech bubble, the Listening Booth will tour the country to record and share conversations with people around the UK for broadcast by the BBC. The Listening Project Booth will be officially launched with a special live BBC Radio 4 broadcast on Tuesday 9 June at 9am outside BBC New Broadcasting House, with Fi Glover. Inspired by the iconic Airstream ‘caravan’, the lightweight, aerodynamic booth has been hand crafted on a standard trailer base. Behind the speech bubble’s plain polycarbonate ’skin’, lies an interactive light sculpture, created by Light IQ, that responds and reacts to conversations happening inside. Internally, sophisticated acoustic treatments – perforated ceiling rafts, insulation, acoustic furniture – have been carefully integrated. The result is a warm, intimate and accessible environment where people can feel relaxed, uninhibited and comfortable opening their hearts and conversations up to the nation. The ambience has been designed to engender a ‘home from home’ feel; a log burner and decorative flying ducks add warmth and a touch of nostalgia. RIBA President Stephen Hodder said: “The Listening Project Booth is a brilliantly witty project and a great piece of product design. It was the unanimous choice of our competition judges and I’m sure will inspire those who see it on the road and share their stories within it.” Tony Phillips, Radio 4 commissioning editor and one of the judges on the panel that awarded the design commission to JaK Studio, adds: “I’m delighted that we are now able to share the wonderful Listening Project Booth with the world. “The idea behind the Booth was to bring The Listening Project to people up and down the country and to create a unique and welcoming place for them to share significant moments in conversation. The JaK Studio design achieves exactly that and is a fitting beacon for The Listening Project as it moves into its next phase.” Jacob Low – Partner, JaK Studio said:“To be selected to design an environment for such a unique and special project has been a privilege and a pleasure. Beyond the practicalities, we wanted to create a booth that celebrated the power and intimacy of conversation. From the reactive light sculpture that visually captures the dynamics of speech to the home-from-home touches that make the interior space a cosy cabin in which to retreat. For the ensuing months that the speech bubble booth will be on the road, it will be the definitive place for people to share with us the story of their lives, and we’re thrilled that they will be doing so in an environment that represents so many heartfelt moments of our own.” – Ends – Notes to editors 1. For further press information contact Melanie Mayfield, RIBA Press Office melanie.mayfield@riba.org 020 7307 3662Conor Dwan, BBC Radio 4 Press, conor.dwan@bbc.co.uk 07714 956 797Tim Duncan, TDC PR, on behalf of JaK Studio tim@tdcpr.com 07729 479166 2. Images of the Listening Project Booth can be downloaded from https://riba.box.com/s/26yjxs9zpyuzdbeko7fkaz7t90efk24w 3. JaK Studio’s design for the Listening Project Booth was selected as part of an international design challenge launched by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2013. RIBA Competitions delivers variety, inspiration and value through expertly run design and architectural competitions. For further details visit www.architecture.com/competition 4. The Listening Project, presented by Fi Glover, is a Radio 4 initiative launched in 2012 in partnership with BBC Local Radio and the Nations, in which people across the UK volunteer to record a conversation with someone close to them about a subject they’ve never discussed intimately before. The conversations are being archived by the British Library and used to build up a collection of voices capturing a unique portrait of the UK in the second decade of the millennium. The project has had an impact on many people’s lives already, as well as producing some truly memorable radio moments. Now it is getting ready to go on the road, travelling around the country to enable as many people as possible to become involved. 5. Listening Project Booth credits:Architects & designers: JaK Studio Llp www.jakstudio.co.ukProduct designers: Seymourpowell www.seymourpowell.comEngineers and Coachbuilders: Spectra www.spectra.uk.netLighting designers: Light IQ www.lightiq.com Branding: Brash Brands http://www.brashbrands.comSound consultants: Delicious Digital www.deliciousdigital.comConsulting structural engineers: Car Ltd www.carltd.comApproved inspectors: Thames Building Control www.thamesbuildingcontrol.co.uk 6. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com 7. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA Posted on Tuesday 12th May 2015 Source link
A state of the art £100 million nuclear submarine building complex, built by construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall, has been opened by defence secretary, Gavin Williamson. The 175,000 sq ft Central Yard facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, used to outfit and test the most advanced submarines in the Royal NAVY’s fleet. Now, the Central Yard Facility comprises production, workshop and office facilities, as well as featuring two cranes, each with a 150 tonne capacity and a 60m span. “The complexity and scale of the site, coupled with the building’s design requirements meant that the project required a team with particular expertise, and experience of working in partnership with defence contractors,” said Andrew Parker, director of defence at Morgan Sindall. “We are incredibly proud to have successfully delivered this project in collaboration with our sister company, BakerHicks. It is not only of vital importance to both BAE Systems and the MOD, but also to the people of Barrow,” he added. During his visit, the defence secretary announced a further £2.5 billion investment into the country’s nuclear submarine programme, by awarding BAE Systems a £1.5 billion contract for delivery of the seventh Astute class submarine, alongside a further £900 million for the next phase of the Dreadnought submarine programme. He also named the seventh and final submarine Agincourt. The investment has been hailed as a huge vote of confidence in the Barrow facility and vital for the wider region. It will secure more than 8,000 jobs across BAE Systems and thousands more in the wider supply chain, providing new opportunities across the country. “Not only is this a massive boost for our armed forces, but it’s huge for Barrow, the heart of sub-building in this country,” said defence secretary, Gavin Williamson.
AFI Group Training, a specialist provider of Health, Safety and Skills training for the construction industry, has announced that it has generated over £1 million in online training bookings via its UTN Training brand. They provide working at height and safety training at 30 locations throughout the UK to over 25,000 delegates each year. The company provides accredited training led by experienced and fully qualified trainers, who deliver a wide range of courses, including SSSTS, SMSTS, IPAF, PASMA Towers for Users, NEBOSH General, IOSH Managing Safety, as well as a number of New Roads and Street Works training. All courses are different, teaching various subjects. For instance, IPAF courses cover the main training subjects of 1a, 1b, 3a and 3b for the safe use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), while the PASMA courses cover the safe use of alloy towers and include PASMA Towers on Stairs. The UTN Training websites offer uses the advantages of online booking, instant payment facility and a range of promotional codes and discounts, which are exclusive to online bookings. When a company has a customer account, they can also take advantage of extended payment terms, meaning they don’t have to pay for training immediately at the point of booking. Moreover, users have easy and convenient 24/7 access to their accounts, so that they can use the service at any time and from any location. They can also view all bookings and training course history, all while the website offers live information about the dates, locations and number of places available on specific courses. “Following an extensive customer feedback project, we have recently implemented key changes to the online booking process. It’s reassuring to meet this revenue milestone and know that online bookings have continued to rise year on year. In response to the customer feedback, we are continuously developing the website, the navigation, the booking process and the entire user experience to make it as easy a journey as possible for all our customers to book online,” said Matt Scott, Training Division Managing Director.
Despite important progress made in recent years, Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division has stated there is still a massive job to do in creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the construction industry – one which requires a brand new mind-set. According to latest figures, around 5% of working adults in the UK are currently employed in construction-related jobs but being a male-dominated industry, women make up just 20% of that workforce1. This gender equality gap is particularly alarming when you consider that like many industries, construction continues to face a major skills deficit. In a recent report, Highways UK estimates that in order to meet the Government’s ambitious £15bn investment into the Strategic Road Network it will require an additional 40,000 engineering and constructions workers by 20202. With this in mind, the Contracting Division of leading building materials supplier Aggregate Industries, has started by setting equality targets to achieve a 30% gender balance by 2030. It believes that the industry needs to adopt a new way of thinking if it is to succeed in attracting more women and young people into operational roles. Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Contracting Services at Aggregate Industries, commented: “Attracting a more diverse workforce to the sector is no longer just about addressing gender equality, but is increasingly an essential part of building the highly skilled and trained workforce we require to meet the government’s ambitious plans for upgrading the UK’s road infrastructure. “In order to make a meaningful impact in driving recruitment in what is traditionally a man’s world, the industry must adopt new techniques to better accommodate a diverse range of people. This starts with a root and branch approach, one that looks at changes that must be made to behaviours, working conditions, equipment and recruitment policies.” What’s often overlooked, reveals Aggregate Industries, is that much of the equipment and machinery used in the industry such as rollers and pavers, are old fashioned; with manual controls; featuring steep gradients and hard-to-reach entry points that essentially make it inaccessible to some. Paddy adds: “By incorporating measures such as upgrading to more captivating automated machine controls; folding steps; and all-round vision into all equipment and machinery going forward, is just one of the ways to ensure our working environment is inclusive. “Meanwhile, to make it easier to spot and nurture talent other policies to consider are increasing the visibility of operational roles with a variety of audiences and removing gender bias in recruitment. We are attending schools and colleges and encourage a 50/50 split of male and female candidates during the interview stages when recruiting for new operational-related roles. After all, with studies showing firms with a diverse workforce boast better business performance3, it is now more important than ever to address diversity and inclusion if we are to retain our position as a world-class industry that leads the way in innovation.” For further information about Aggregate Industries, visit www.aggregate.com.
Sustainable Building Services UK has been appointed by Rykneld Homes Limited, a housing management company, to deliver external wall insulation and related services to 169 REEMA properties in Grassmoor, Chesterfield. The work is being undertaken on behalf of North East Derbyshire District Council and it will be part-financed by the Energy Company Obligation. Valued at approximately £1 million, the work for the scheme will include surveys and repairs, followed by the fitting of an external wall insulation system designed and manufactured by PermaRock Products Limited, asbestos removal, replacement of roofline and rainwater goods, adaptations for central heating vents and windows, and the installation of new canopies over front doors. An important element of this project is the management of ECO funding. Rykneld Homes scored each contractor’s bid on the basis of quality and price and then decided that SBS proposal represented best value. “Judging by recent announcements, SBS has become the contractor of choice for major energy efficiency works in the Midlands and beyond. We are working with clients such as Nottingham City Homes and Broxtowe Borough Council, and we’re consistently achieving top scores on both price and quality. That’s especially important to us because, fundamentally, delivering best value is what we’re all about,” said SBS Commercial Director, Gary Lawson. Currently, SBS is working extensively across the Midlands and this latest contract award further consolidates the company’s presence in the region. In 2017, it was ranked first for quality on a four-year solid wall insulation framework managed by Efficiency East Midlands and in April 2018, Derby Homes Limited named SBS as its number one-ranked supplier for external wall insulation services under its 4-year Insulation Installations Framework. SBS has also recently delivered award-winning projects for Chesterfield Borough Council and Nottingham City Homes. Rykneld Homes manages properties on behalf of North East Derbyshire District Council. It manages 2,700 Council-owned, non-traditional stock, consisting of 16 construction types, and a further 1,800 non-traditional properties in private ownership.
The Construction Trade Survey and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy found that due to the rising cost of aggregate, construction firms are seeking out more cost-effective solutions. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), between 2010 and 2017, the average price of construction material rose 11.7%, while over that same period, the price of sand and gravel saw a hike of 26.6%. Moreover, ONS data shows almost 78 million tonnes of sand and gravel was sold in 2006, compared with the figures for 2016, which saw slightly less than 57 million sold. With the cost of transporting building materials increasing in line with fuel rises, aggregate has been described as the hidden cost driver among construction materials. Construction firms have to tackle the issue of price increases, especially since aggregate plays such a crucial role in concrete, construction fill, road construction and maintenance. One solution for firms looking to reduce their reliance on aggregate is to look at alternative technologies, such as geosynthetics and, in particular, geogrids. Geogrids are a polymer-based geosynthetic formed from interlocking geometric shapes. Incorporating geogrids in temporary working platforms, access roads and permanent roads can reduce the volume of aggregate needed, in some cases by up to 50%, and enable construction over weak ground. The use of this alternative solution has been steadily increasing over the last 30 years. “We are certainly seeing a growing acceptance of designs incorporating geogrids,” said Craig Roberts, Tensar Product and Technology Manager Walls and Slopes. “Clients, designers and contractors are realising just how beneficial they can be in improving construction efficiency, in mitigating ground risk and in reducing delays.” A study from the BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing shows that geosynthetics saw a worldwide growth of 8.9% between 2012 and 2017, due to its benefits, such as: savings through substitution or reduction of materials such as aggregate; savings due to ease of installation and reduced construction times; increased material longevity or reduction of maintenance; and improved sustainability. “The construction industry is under increasing pressure to deliver more for less,” said Craig Roberts. “It is essential for developers and infrastructure owners to maximise land use, minimise construction costs and deliver projects as quickly as possible, while maintaining profitability. Alternative ground engineering solutions, such as those incorporating geogrids, can go some way to helping achieve these ambitions.”
