February 24, 2020

CHESHIRE HOMEBUILDER SETS OUT GREEN AGENDA

BUILDING A-rated homes is just the first step towards an ambitious Green Agenda, independent developer Archway Homes has pledged. The Cheshire-based family-run business believes the new homes industry can lead by example in helping cut carbon emissions. Rachael Whelan, Land and Sustainability Director at Archway Homes, said: “The housing industry

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SUCCESS FOR WOODHEAD GROUP AS EEM ANNOUNCES NEW PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK WINNERS

Robert Woodhead Ltd, part of the Woodhead Group, has capped an impressive start to the year by winning a place on the new Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) Property Improvement Works framework for the next four years.  The framework, which covers both investment and refurbishment schemes, allows the Nottinghamshire-based company to tender for projects from public sector organisations across the East Midlands.  The award is a continuation

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Refurbishment of Printworks Gets the Go-Ahead

Refurbishment of Printworks Gets the Go-Ahead

Printworks Manchester has been given the green light for its extensive £9m refurbishment, which will see owners, DTZ Investors, deliver a state-of-the-art digital ceiling to control the day and night time ambience, in addition to substantial improvements to the internal and external façades, with new gateway entrances, lighting and signage.

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Good Planning Is Main Contributor to Successful Projects

Good Planning Is Main Contributor to Successful Projects

Good planning is the most important factor for preventing construction projects from going over budget, according to new research by Association for Project Management (APM). A survey conducted for APM by research company Censuswide asked project professionals whose primary project is on or under budget to specify the factors that have

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Effective Road Dust Control Strategies

If you run a construction, civil, or mining company, then you understand that road maintenance is one of the hardest tasks. Vehicles that are subjected to moving along unpaved roads are more susceptible to becoming damaged. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the roads at your worksite in good condition

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 24, 2020

CHESHIRE HOMEBUILDER SETS OUT GREEN AGENDA

BUILDING A-rated homes is just the first step towards an ambitious Green Agenda, independent developer Archway Homes has pledged. The Cheshire-based family-run business believes the new homes industry can lead by example in helping cut carbon emissions. Rachael Whelan, Land and Sustainability Director at Archway Homes, said: “The housing industry has the ability to lead the sustainable agenda, and to clearly demonstrate how practical solutions can be delivered. It is hoped that the government will recognise the commitment of our industry and will work with us in delivering a sustainable future. “Our short term objective is to launch our new specification which will ensure all our houses are A-rated (EPC). Archway will introduce the new A-rated specification at Lime Tree Grange, Cheshire Oaks. The company already carries out planting to promote biodiversity and will be introducing hedgehog holes in fences; presenting customers with bird and bug boxes for their gardens and offering guidance on how to encourage wildlife to their gardens. “We have always endeavoured to build houses which exceed minimum standards. As such our houses were already energy efficient but this is about doing more. Making the houses A-rated and enabling our customers to live more efficiently, and save them running costs in the process,” Rachael added. “But improving the energy efficiency of our houses to A-rated is only the first step. Part of our plan for the future is to assess the materials we use in our houses and identify where we could use more sustainable alternatives. This is a process that will require a significant amount of work by the team.” It is a reflection of Archway’s commitment to a sustainable future that the company is funding the changes to the specification at no additional cost to the consumer. At present the design of Archway’s homes can readily accommodate the changes proposed, however the homebuilder recognises there will be step changes. For example, if air source heat pumps become the norm, house types may need to be redesigned to accommodate the technology Going forward, Archway believes a number of the changes within the supply chain will need to be driven by the government, for example, the removal of gas boilers. The company is looking to work with other businesses committed to the green agenda. “The main challenge for the industry is in the final adoption of a zero carbon agenda, exactly as it was in the noughties,” Rachael added. “This requires a totally holistic approach, as not only will developers have to adopt the appropriate specifications but our infrastructure will need to be upgraded accordingly and our manufacturing base developed to deliver the technology that will be necessary, in a cost effective manner. “The key challenge to adopting more sustainable building practices, is the recognition that we have to address the issues of today. This is largely a state of mind and a determination to find sustainable ways of housing our future population.” For more information about Archway Homes and its Green Agenda, see https://archwayhomes.co.uk.

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SUCCESS FOR WOODHEAD GROUP AS EEM ANNOUNCES NEW PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK WINNERS

Robert Woodhead Ltd, part of the Woodhead Group, has capped an impressive start to the year by winning a place on the new Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) Property Improvement Works framework for the next four years.  The framework, which covers both investment and refurbishment schemes, allows the Nottinghamshire-based company to tender for projects from public sector organisations across the East Midlands.  The award is a continuation of the contractor’s long-standing relationship with EEM, having been part of its housebuilding frameworks for the previous eight years. During this time, the company has delivered or is on site with more than £50m of projects and completed its 500th new home secured through the framework in 2019.   Previous work procured through EEM include the long-standing B@Home partnership with Bolsover District Council, delivering 107 new homes as well as housing projects for Newark and Sherwood District Council, North West Leicestershire Council and Bassetlaw District Council.  Leo Woodhead, business development director at Woodhead Group said: “The framework will give our public sector partners easier access to Woodhead Group for a wider scope of work, this will expand our offer from the existing new build housing framework to include improvement and refurbishment works across the public sector corporate and commercial property portfolio. “We have delivered excellent social value returns across our EEM projects and as a company we are passionate about working collaboratively to hand over successful projects.”  EEM is a not-for-profit procurement consortium that delivers simple and comprehensive procurement solutions, which offer a wide range of compliant, competitive and high-quality products and services.  Rebecca Dermody-Simmons, Deputy Chief Executive at EEM said “Our new, re-vamped Property Improvement Framework will help our Members deliver a much wider scope of projects and we are delighted that Woodhead has gained a place on the newly introduced Corporate and Commercial Property lot. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship over the next four years.” For more information about Woodhead Group, please visit woodhead-group.co.uk or join the conversation @WoodheadGroup.

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Refurbishment of Printworks Gets the Go-Ahead

Refurbishment of Printworks Gets the Go-Ahead

Printworks Manchester has been given the green light for its extensive £9m refurbishment, which will see owners, DTZ Investors, deliver a state-of-the-art digital ceiling to control the day and night time ambience, in addition to substantial improvements to the internal and external façades, with new gateway entrances, lighting and signage. The refurbishment focuses on enhancing the iconic Printworks building, whilst still retaining its long-standing heritage. The plans, which were submitted in October 2019, mark the first major investment since the scheme launched 20 years ago.  Once complete, Printworks will elevate its position as a pioneer in the international leisure market and will be better positioned to cater for its growing round-the-clock customers whilst further attracting families and an international clientele seeking world-class entertainment experiences. The full span digital ceiling screen, measuring 1,300m2, will be the largest indoor screen in Europe. The immersive ceiling will be complemented by a large interactive screen in the centre of the scheme for customer engagement and gamification. Together, the screens will pave the way for Printworks to gain international recognition as a progressive entertainment destination.  Printworks will remain open and trading throughout the refurbishment, and the schedule of work is being structured to ensure minimum disruption to its venues and visitors.  Ben Haller at DTZ Investors, said: “The granting of the planning permission marks a huge milestone for Printworks as a landmark building within Manchester city centre for over 20 years. We have been sympathetic to the building’s heritage façade, whilst also recognising the need for technology and innovation to ensure that Printworks responds to occupier trends. Enhancements to the physical environment, alongside our latest restaurant and competitive socialising offer, will give customers a best in class immersive and memorable experience adding to the scheme’s international reputation in the leisure market.” DTZ Investors purchased the Printworks site in February 2017 from Land Securities for £108m. Printworks continues to attract strong visitor numbers and sees annual footfall of more than 8m.   As well as the physical refurbishment, Printworks has also benefited from an overhaul of its branding, wayfinding and online platforms, including a new website which has just launched. 

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Good Planning Is Main Contributor to Successful Projects

Good Planning Is Main Contributor to Successful Projects

Good planning is the most important factor for preventing construction projects from going over budget, according to new research by Association for Project Management (APM). A survey conducted for APM by research company Censuswide asked project professionals whose primary project is on or under budget to specify the factors that have contributed to this. Good project planning was cited most frequently by respondents in the construction sector, with 55 per cent of survey respondents saying this had helped them to stick to their budget. In addition, 56 per cent of respondents whose main project is on or ahead of schedule said good planning was a contributing factor for this, too. Factors that have contributed to projects that are on or under budget Survey respondents who selected this option Good project planning and review 55% Competent project teams 47% Clear goals and objectives 38% Commitment to success 30% Effective governance 29% Factors that have contributed to projects that are on or ahead of schedule Survey respondents who selected this option Good project planning and review 56% Competent project teams 47% Clear goals and objectives 40% Commitment to success 27% Effective governance 21% Among project professionals whose main project is over budget, the most commonly cited factor was external factors beyond the project manager’s control. Those whose primary project is over schedule also tended to cite external factors as a contributing factor. Debbie Dore, APM’s chief executive, said: “Regardless of a project’s size or scope, a robust process for planning and review is essential. “As the chartered body for the project profession, we are committed to supporting learning and development for project professionals in the construction sector, so that they are able to plan and review effectively to ensure that the economic and societal benefits of their work can be realised. “APM’s innovative knowledge and research programme helps advance the art, science and practice of project management. We offer project professionals a diverse range of insights and resources to facilitate discussion, inspire improvement and assist application.”

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Effective Road Dust Control Strategies

If you run a construction, civil, or mining company, then you understand that road maintenance is one of the hardest tasks. Vehicles that are subjected to moving along unpaved roads are more susceptible to becoming damaged. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the roads at your worksite in good condition to cut on potentially expensive repair costs. It is, consequently, diligent in implementing dust control and road maintenance to help you protect your fleet as well ad increase the site’s efficiency. Using dust control systems on the unsealed roads will be beneficial because the vehicles and trucks will not need to work harder to get to the destinations. These techniques will also ensure that these same vehicles are not contributing to dust production at the worksite. Here are some of these strategies. 1. Reduce traffic When vehicles use an unpaved road, they stir up dirt. Therefore if there is high vehicle traffic on these roads, it is bound to increase the level of dust production. Similarly, when the traffic is reduced dust production will decrease. You can achieve that by imposing a limit on the number of vehicles allowed to use the unpaved road or restricting the weight of the cars using the unpaved roads.  2. Palliative 3 (Binding particles together) This kind of Innovative surface solutions Involves using dust palliatives. The palliatives in this technique include chemicals that bind fine dust particles onto each other or larger particles. The chemicals comprise of different groups. There are petroleum-based, electrochemical stabilizers, synthetic polymers, as well as organic non-petroleum chemicals. Petroleum-based binders thinly coat the particles with asphalt causing an increase in particulate mass, therefore decreasing any chances of these particles becoming airborne. They include cutback asphalt, Bunker C, and emulsified asphalt. Electrochemical stabilizers, on the other hand, neutralize soil particles, therefore, preventing them from attracting water and, instead, bonding together. These stabilizers are worked into the surface using equipment; and include ionic stabilizers, bentonite, and sulfonated petroleum. Synthetic polymers bind the soil together, therefore, forming a semi-rigid layer on the road. They are applied in liquid form and need time to dry up undisturbed. An example is polyvinyl acrylics. Organic non-petroleum suppressants are water-soluble and include resins. 3. Imposing low-speed limits Dust production increases with speed, hence when vehicles are moving at high speed, they stir up more dust. By putting up signs and enforcing these speed limits, you can significantly reduce the level of dust production. Setting up bumps and drainage channels along the unpaved road will also help slow down the vehicles. However, for these speed limits to work, members of the surrounding community need to agree on and follow them. Proper drainage channels will also play a significant role in reducing dust. Proper drainage ensures that once it rains, water doesn’t stagnate on the road; and cause accumulation of displaced soil along the sides of the road. Poor drainage causes and an urgent need for resurfacing, due to dust production once the water dries up as well as numerous potholes. 4. Reducing the exposed ground When the ground is covered with vegetation, very little dust is not produced and blown up. Any footpath or dirt parking lot is a source of dust. The more they are at the worksite, the worse the dust-issue becomes. Therefore to minimize dust, maintain the natural vegetation at the worksite, and ensure that vehicles are only being driven along designated trails. This dust control strategy is effective because apart from plants covering the ground, their roots also hold the soil particles in place. 5. Slowing down the wind Having windbreaks will help ease dust production in your area. Effective barriers break the forward movement of wind and redirect the flow without generating excess wind eddies. The windbreaks also slow down the wind. Examples of windbreaks are snow fences and rows of plants. To ensure that you are getting the best results, purchase windbreaks that are designed for particular wind directions. 6. Sealing unsealed roads with impermeable material Although it is the most expensive technique, paving is undoubtedly the best way to control dust on unpaved roads. There is a wide range of effective and durable surfaces in the market to choose from. These impermeable surfaces prevent any soil surfaces from breaking down and producing dust. This paving method is especially helpful on busy roads that are used by hundreds of vehicles on a daily basis. Chip seals are another kind of impermeable material that can be used on unsealed roads, although they are not as effective as paving. Finally, fiberglass can be used to seal the roads and trails of oilfields in a cold climate. They provide a useful temporary solution. These fiberglass interlocking plates can support huge loads for short distances without the need for structural roadbeds. They also have a long lifespan. These are some of the most effective techniques to manage dust production at your worksite. The cost of each technique varies, therefore you can solve your dust problem using a technique that suits your budget and needs.

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