March 17, 2021

Stanhope joins Planet Mark community to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance social value

As part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, sustainable construction company Stanhope plc is joining the Planet Mark community to reduce its corporate carbon footprint and increase its social value while engaging with all stakeholders.  Its membership aligns with Stanhope’s commitment to undertake initiatives which acknowledge the climate emergency by responding with

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£170m infrastructure works at Meridian Water forge forward

Work to deliver the £170m of infrastructure which will make the £6bn Meridian Water project a reality took a huge step forward on Tuesday 16 March with the appointment of the first contractors. Enfield Council was awarded the money by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last year

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Moda and Sisk Top Out Birmingham's Tallest Residential Building

Moda and Sisk Top Out Birmingham’s Tallest Residential Building

Moda Living, the UK’s fastest growing developer and operator of homes for rent, and main contractor John Sisk & Son released a commemorative video to mark the topping out at The Mercian, Birmingham’s tallest residential tower.  In a step away from traditional topping out ceremonies and under the limitations of the current lockdown restrictions,

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Hollaway Studio Transforms Twickenham Studio

Hollaway Studio Transforms Twickenham Studio

Award-winning architecture and interiors practice, Hollaway Studio is responsible for the extensive restoration and refigurement of the historic two acre site of Twickenham Studios, London’s oldest film studio. Combining the refurbishment and development of the existing onsite buildings with newly designed and built areas to cater for much-needed additional space, Hollaway

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MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has expanded its operations into Yorkshire and the Midlands with the appointment of two new Regional Managing Directors. Nigel Robson and Ken Phillips have joined MCI Developments as the company looks to expand into new regions and markets in 2021. Their primary

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What Role do Windows Play in Sustainable Housing?

Concern about global carbon emissions has never been higher. The Paris Agreement commits the signatories to reducing global average temperature to below two degrees above pre-industrial levels. This is critical to combatting climate change, but it’ll only happen if practices change. And among the most important contributors to the effort

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

March 17, 2021

Stanhope joins Planet Mark community to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance social value

As part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, sustainable construction company Stanhope plc is joining the Planet Mark community to reduce its corporate carbon footprint and increase its social value while engaging with all stakeholders.  Its membership aligns with Stanhope’s commitment to undertake initiatives which acknowledge the climate emergency by responding with pioneering action through responsible delivery and operation.  Stanhope’s total carbon footprint for its direct business in the year ending March 2020 was 87.8 tCO2e and the relative carbon footprint was 1.5 tCO2e per employee.  Its total social value was £98,051.  The company’s total carbon footprint is currently the equivalent of 77 return flights from London to New York.  ESG is integrated into every aspect of Stanhope’s business including its assets, investments and developments, and it works closely with its clients, partners and peer groups to align ESG objectives.  The company sets delivery targets for every asset and project tailored to the specific project context, and its Planet Mark membership will enable Stanhope to enhance its action plans by measuring its carbon emissions and social value; and ultimately making carbon reductions for its headquarters in London.       Adam Smith, head of sustainability at Stanhope plc, says, “A key focus in 2021 is to set out our policies on ESG, climate change and stewardship that will enable us to meet our WGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.  By joining the global Planet Mark community, we are aligning our ESG objectives with clear decarbonisation and social value goals to put us at the forefront of urgent, immediate and ambitious climate action.”   Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark, adds, “I’m delighted that Stanhope plc is joining our engaged member community at Planet Mark.  Its strong commitment to development, asset management and corporate sustainability will ensure it plays a leading role in contributing to reduction in carbon emissions in the property and construction industry.  Through its diligent policies and stewardship the company is well on its way to achieving its Net Zero goals. I applaud its urgent and immediate actions in tackling the climate crisis in this Decade of Action.”  

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£170m infrastructure works at Meridian Water forge forward

Work to deliver the £170m of infrastructure which will make the £6bn Meridian Water project a reality took a huge step forward on Tuesday 16 March with the appointment of the first contractors. Enfield Council was awarded the money by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last year (2020) from its Housing Infrastructure Fund. It will be used to build the roads, bridges, cycle lanes and parkland, as well as the water, gas and communications networks required to deliver the flagship 10,000 home, 6,000 job Meridian Water scheme. Today, Tuesday 16 March, Enfield Council can announce that it has entered into a Framework Agreement with Vinci Taylor Woodrow, BamNuttall and VolkerFitzpatrick to support  the delivery of £90million of the works following a competitive procurement process. Furthermore, the Council has today appointed Vinci Taylor Woodrow, as the first ranked framework contractor, to provide pre-construction services. Construction works are due to start on site later this year. The scheme is expected to generate 150 jobs that last for a year or more, with at least 30 of those roles going to local people, and supporting 10 skilled apprenticeships. In addition, there will be an anticipated boost to Enfield’s construction sector, with at least £4 million of contracts with Enfield construction companies, supporting further local jobs. The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “This is a major step forward for Meridian Water, the delivery of infrastructure on the site will pave the way for the 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs we will be creating in this development. “Successfully delivering the infrastructure on the site will be a major step forward in what will be a transformational plan for the area, providing homes, jobas and parkland for the lasting benefit of our borough’s residents. “We are proceeding with pace on this ambitious programme which transform the face of Enfield and play a major role in tackling the housing crisis locally and providing a new, state of the art development which will provide the good quality jobs and homes our residents need.” Enfield Council has made major strides forward in the delivery of Meridian Water, a brand new £46million station was funded by the local authority to improve transport links to the site and the first homes – on the first phase of the development – which will provide circa 950 homes – are due to achieve first completions in 2022. In terms of job creation, the Council has struck a deal with Troubadour Theatres that will provide jobs and increase skills to build film and television studios at its £6bn Meridian Water development. The complex will be known as Troubadour Meridian Water Studios and will assist with the economic regeneration of the Edmonton and Enfield. Work on converting the former VOSA building on the Meridian Water development, to create workspace for Building BloQs to provide to thousands of freelance designers, makers and small businesses, started in December last year. The new workshop will provide 30,000sq feet of workspace and support up to 1,000 makers and creators across a range of departments – engineering, wood, metal, digital and additive technology, paint finishing, and a fashion studio for many years to come.  For more information contact Andrew Golder, Press and New Media Manager, Enfield Council. Tel: 020 8379 5147. Email: Andrew.golder@enfield.gov.uk  

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FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL – WE MUST GET PROCUREMENT PREPARATION RIGHT

THERE is a big focus in the Construction Playbook on procuring for value and harnessing the power of SMEs within the industry. Chief executive at Pagabo, Simon Toplass, discusses how our approach to SME relationships and treatment, and the procurement planning process will deliver on several of the core principles outlined in the playbook. Programme versus project With social value to consider as well as physical delivery costs, there is a huge education process that needs to happen led by framework providers, contractors, and consultants to help identify what best value and whole life value actually is. Framework providers like ourselves need to work with public sector organisations to define this, looking at whole programmes rather than on a project-by-project basis. We have an important role, especially as many clients seek to use frameworks to ensure they get the best possible outcomes. This outcome-based approach is another key focus within the playbook, and it is where the creation of a gold standard for frameworks would benefit absolutely everyone working in procurement. For example, frameworks will vary in commercial offerings, so transparency of cost will be important, to ensure contracting authorities aren’t caught out by hidden extras. In the same way that the public sector needs to consider the suitability of a consultant or contractor, it also must choose a framework provider equally as carefully. This means providers must provide simple, affordable and accessible solutions, but more than this they must be transparent about their costs and compliance as well. An excellent example of the action of looking at outcome-based approaches of a programme of work is our recently launched developer-led framework. The projects procured via this framework will be many, and lasting for many years, so all parties must work together to examine the best value – not just simple, monetary cost – beyond the construction phase and across the whole lifecycle. This whole life approach to best value enables us to embed all the key elements we need to be considering for the built environment moving forwards, from delivering true social impact on a local basis, to working towards the government’s goals for net zero carbon. This can all be outlined and embedded into the procurement process, and even within the contracts themselves as KPIs too, particularly within the NEC4 suite of contracts. Preparation is key One of the earliest lessons of my career was that the biggest enemy of good procurement is lack of time, and that rushing the preparation should be avoided at all costs. This is something that has stuck with me throughout several decades of working in procurement, and feeds into our focus on excellent, expertise-led procurement services at Pagabo. What has really resonated with us about the Construction Playbook is that ten of the 14 key policies outlined fall within the first of the five phases of procurement – i.e., within the preparation and planning phase. This section alone is half of the entire 83-page playbook, so it demonstrates the old saying ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. A huge focus must be placed on getting the preparation spot on to make sure that project success is not threatened, and the best outcomes can be achieved for all parties involved. SMEs are the future of construction The Construction Playbook ultimately aims to deliver a better and fairer industry, including prompt and fair payments – something that is really important to focus on in the conversation around SME engagement. It’s clear that the government is keen to involve SMEs, and ensure their early engagement in programmes, but it’s crucial that this involvement is fair – including proper and prompt payment. This is highlighted even further when we examine the impact of the pandemic on these businesses. Insolvency practitioner Real Business Rescue recently released its Business Distress Index for Q4 2020, with the data revealing that the number of UK SMEs in significant financial distress is now 620,000. If this isn’t startling enough, that figure had risen by 14 per cent from the previous quarter. Construction is second only to fishing as one of the least innovative sectors in the UK, which means we have a real opportunity to make a huge stride forward in how we do things – and SMEs are central to this. They serve as the engine room of our industry, being best placed to bring forth the new ideas, products, services and tech adoption and will help us move out of this comfortable zone where we keep to ‘this is the way we’ve always done it’. The industry has been banging the SMEs and innovation drum for years, but the important thing is to put words into action. At Pagabo, 70 per cent of the suppliers across our ten frameworks are SMEs, and during the latest episode of our ‘Building Blocks’ podcast it was great to hear from Peter Masonbrook at Faithful+Gould that 83 per cent of its supply chain are SMEs. Willmott Dixon’s national account manager Andrew Brookes also joined the podcast discussion. He shared the various innovations taking place within the main contractor organisation, from the small pockets that are constantly happening across its live sites and offices, to larger, business-led approaches such as investment in products for standardisation and digitisation – another two key areas covered by the playbook. Pagabo’s relationship with industry SMEs goes beyond simply appointing them to our frameworks. We have a set of robust KPIs in place which ensure our suppliers are working with local supply chains on every project they undertake. By putting this process in place we’re able to track both the spend on and engagement each supplier has with local SMEs. Another example of this is our work with health tech brand Moodbeam. We’re currently undertaking a series of trials to understand how to best integrate its wearable wellbeing device into our on-site health, safety and wellbeing strategies in the construction sector. Simply put, we cannot afford to lose SMEs within our industry. They will be central to building

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Moda and Sisk Top Out Birmingham's Tallest Residential Building

Moda and Sisk Top Out Birmingham’s Tallest Residential Building

Moda Living, the UK’s fastest growing developer and operator of homes for rent, and main contractor John Sisk & Son released a commemorative video to mark the topping out at The Mercian, Birmingham’s tallest residential tower.  In a step away from traditional topping out ceremonies and under the limitations of the current lockdown restrictions, the milestone was marked virtually. Teams from Moda, its investment partner Apache Capital, and Sisk, from apprentices to directors, were joined by sub-contractors Morrisroe, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Glenn Howells Architects, and some other familiar faces from across the city, in a video, passing a hard hat from frame to frame, before eventually making its way to The Mercian’s rooftop, where the final pour took place.   In addition to the passing of the hard hat from frame to frame, the video also shows five ceremonial mementos used historically to mark the topping out of a development to ward off any evil spirits “trapped” in the building when the envelope was sealed. The five items – wine, salt, oil, corn, and yew-tree sprigs – each are said to bring prosperity and good fortune to the building and its residents.    The video, which takes inspiration from the recent viral ‘pass it on’ challenge seen across social media, acknowledges the hard work undertaken by everyone working to bring The Mercian to life, despite lockdowns and restrictions. As Birmingham’s tallest residential tower, The Mercian will be a local landmark that knits itself into the fabric of the city as a destination the local population can be proud of.  Designed by Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects and delivered by Sisk, The Mercian will be home to 481 intergenerational apartments for rent, ranging from studios to three-beds, with a raft of unparalleled amenities, including 24-hour concierge, shared lounges, flexible workspaces and a cinema room and private dining spaces for residents to hire.  On track to complete in 2022, The Mercian will also provide residents with quality health and wellness zones, including a 200m podium open-air running track on the roof and high-spec residents’ gym, as well as a host of partnerships and services from local health and wellness brands across Birmingham.   In addition, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has funded a training hub during the construction of The Mercian, creating 140 job opportunities for locals and equipping them with valuable skills for their future careers by offering construction training and a guaranteed job interview after completing a 20-day course.  Moda recently received planning a second neighbourhood in Birmingham, Great Charles Street, which will deliver 720 homes for rent alongside new public realm, mixed commercial space, and a range of market-leading amenities.

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Hollaway Studio Transforms Twickenham Studio

Hollaway Studio Transforms Twickenham Studio

Award-winning architecture and interiors practice, Hollaway Studio is responsible for the extensive restoration and refigurement of the historic two acre site of Twickenham Studios, London’s oldest film studio. Combining the refurbishment and development of the existing onsite buildings with newly designed and built areas to cater for much-needed additional space, Hollaway Studio has helped to create a studio site worthy of the productions produced there to reflect Twickenham Studio’s growing success and importance to the local community. Constructed in 1913 on the site of a former ice rink, Twickenham Studios was purpose built to be the largest film studio in the UK. Surviving bomb damage during two world wars, the studios have played host to countless cinematic classics including ‘The Italian Job’ (1969), three of the Beatles’ films – ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964), ‘Help!’ (1965) and ‘Let It Be’ (1970) – as well as more recent Academy Award and BAFTA winning productions such as ‘War Horse’ (2011) the 2018 films ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018), ‘Baby Driver’ (2018), and ‘1917’ (2020). Like a stage set itself, the design concept was inspired by the process of design and construction within the film industry.  Mindful of Twickenham Studios’ vital history, Hollaway Studio, alongside The Creative District Improvement Company (TCDICo.), which has drawn up the scheme, emphasised respecting and restoring the existing building fabric, while weaving in new state of the art facilities.  Hollaway Studio’s focus on the restoration and reconfiguration of the existing site has meant that much of it will remain as it is with visual improvements proposed through the careful enhancement of existing architectural features. This sustainable approach ensures less material and construction waste, causing minimal impact to the ongoing activities on-site. As well as external works, internal spaces will be refurbished to modern day high-spec standards. With sustainability imperative to the site a number of approaches have been taken including green and blue roofs across all new additions to the site, not only increasing biodiversity but also contributing to effective drainage. Architectural and decorative features of the historic original elevation along St. Margaret’s Road have been examined and manipulated to create a playful and expressive façade. In order to achieve this detailed effect, moulded panels filled with pigmented concrete have been proposed; the pigmentation allows for the new concrete façade to marry into the neighbouring existing Victorian ones, and the detailed casting system permits the construction of complex and detailed shapes and patterns. This is produced digitally, and fabricated with CNC-milled panels, which are used to cast the concrete either in-situ, or prefabricated off-site. These considered results pay homage to the stage set, providing the public a window into the site and the processes beyond, and allowing people to appreciate the remarkable part that Twickenham Studios have played in the British film industry.  Hollaway Studio has created a new entrance building for the Studios in the form of a prominent corner building,  that offers a strikingly defined approach to the site and will house a café and heritage centre open to the public on the ground floor, with office and co-working spaces situated above. Beyond the addition of much needed contemporary touches, Hollaway Studio sought to create a visual storytelling experience; users will traverse through decades into the existing 1970s architecture of the production offices and ‘The Lounge’. Historic imagery of the site and its notable productions on the façades to Studio 3 will further project the continued importance of Twickenham Studios. Studio 1, while remaining much the same, will have new PV solar panels incorporated into its refurbishment that will feed into the sustainable energy use of the site. The proposed signage to introduce Stage 1 will reflect the historic signage that once inhabited the façade along St Margaret’s Road.  Users will then be transported through the sets of the ongoing productions and then further past the studios and into a new boutique cinema which will showcase the works produced in house. The art department and refurbished post-production facilities will inhabit existing buildings extending into a lightweight roof extension at the rear of the two acre site. These extensions have been designed so that they can be pre-fabricated and moved onto site with minimal interruption to the ongoing productions. This approach also means that materials and components will be maximised with minimal waste. These new proposals will look out onto the newly created external landscaped courtyard space that will be host to an airstream café and outdoor seating.

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MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has expanded its operations into Yorkshire and the Midlands with the appointment of two new Regional Managing Directors. Nigel Robson and Ken Phillips have joined MCI Developments as the company looks to expand into new regions and markets in 2021. Their primary focus will consist of creating strategic objectives to establish its position of building high quality new homes throughout Yorkshire and the Midlands. “We are delighted to welcome both Ken and Nigel to MCI Developments. Their appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the company and we’re confident that their combined extensive knowledge in the industry and proven track record of success will play a significant role in the company’s ambitious growth plans along with creating new beginnings and flourishing communities in both the Midlands and Yorkshire regions,” said Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat Homes. Ken Phillips is bringing with him over 30 years’ experience of residential land acquisition and business development within the West and East Midlands territory. As a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor his previous job roles include heading up a housing joint venture business in the Midlands for Cala Group but latterly has operated as Land and Planning Director for both Taylor Wimpey and Redrow Homes. Nigel Robson joins MCI Developments Yorkshire with over 25 years’ experience in housing and development. Having previously worked at Strata as Pre-Development Director, he has gained extensive experience in the speculative housing market both regional and national, delivering land and pre-development processes as well as partnership working with Registered Providers and private developments. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining MCI Developments during an important and exciting time for the business. Alongside growing the portfolio in the Midlands, my focus will be to expand our team with people who are passionate about delivering affordable and multi-tenure developments in the region,” said Ken Phillips. “Having spent the majority of my career within the housebuilder industry, I’m passionate about delivering quality new homes and I’m looking forward to taking the reins and delivering much needed sustainable new homes across Yorkshire, building on repeat business which MCI Developments are renowned for,” added Nigel Robson.

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5 Builder’s Risk Liabilities To Consider For New Construction Projects

Are you embarking on a construction project? Then, as the builder, you could be liable for the construction risks that come with it. Depending on the contract, your liability can be from day one, right up to the time you hand over the finished building to your client. It’s crucial that you understand the risks involved in construction projects.  A few risks to consider when starting new construction projects will be discussed below. 1. Property Damage Building property is a risky business. From the moment you start a construction project, you’re liable until you hand over the keys to the building. Liability can come in different forms, like dumping concrete where it’s not supposed to be or accidentally reversing your construction vehicle into someone’s car. Before you begin a construction project, you have to consider different risks and come up with ways of avoiding the liabilities.  One way to avoid the risk of property damage is to make sure that your building site is clearly marked and demarcated. Also, ensuring that all safety precautions have been taken care of might save you from liabilities associated with property damage. Taking a Builder’s Risk insurance policy could also help you mitigate the financial consequences of property damage.  2. Worker Injuries Like in most other workplaces, construction isn’t spared from the risk of worker injuries. Working with power tools could actually increase such risks. The construction industry is also exposed to hazardous materials and situations that could harm construction workers. These include working with blocks of cement and adhesives as well as working at dangerous heights or trenches. To avoid worker injuries, you have to ensure that your construction site is safe by observing all safety protocols. This includes proper signage and markings, as well as proper lighting where it’s necessary. Helmets and other safety gear are also something worth considering to avoid worker injuries. 3. Labor Violations While it may seem obvious that working hours should be observed, sometimes it’s easier said than done. You have to make sure that you’re up-to-date with any possible laws and regulations governing labor issues. Violating labor regulations could get you into trouble with the authorities and quite possibly cost you some money. To avoid labor violations, you have to do things by the book. Pay your workers on time, and keep a good record of their working hours all the time. All agreements have to be on paper and explicitly spelled out. An open communication channel between you and your workers is also vital to avoid any possible conflicts and misunderstandings. 4. Bad Contractors The construction industry is one of the sectors which has a high movement of contract workers. There’s a high risk of hiring bad contractors if you don’t do the due diligence of checking their references. Employing inexperienced contractors could cost you time and money. If a job isn’t properly done, you could be liable and would need to fix the damage. Above all, you might mess up your reputation. Bad contractors can be an enormous liability. To avoid working with bad contractors, always make sure you do background checks, assess the work they claim to be good, and assess their mistakes Working with people you’ve worked with before can also reduce the risk of such liability.  5. Contract Violations Contract violations are also a major liability risk. Breaching a contract with either a contractor or your client could expose you to financial liability. Always read your contracts carefully and understand them before you put your signature. Possible areas of conflict could include due dates and deliverables.  To avoid contract violations, always try to deliver on time. Also, communicate constantly with your clients to know if they have a problem. Avoid making verbal agreements and make sure that any agreement has to be in black and white. This way, you can always refer back to the contract if there’s a disagreement.  Conclusion Construction projects can be hard work. They’re usually costly, rigorous, and prone to liability. From the smallest construction project to the biggest, builders aren’t immune to liability. Should you find yourself in a situation that leaves you liable? You’ll need to be prepared to deal with any problems along the way. Insurance companies now offer liability builder’s insurance, which generally covers most of the risks discussed. It’s always better safe than sorry when managing construction projects.

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What Role do Windows Play in Sustainable Housing?

Concern about global carbon emissions has never been higher. The Paris Agreement commits the signatories to reducing global average temperature to below two degrees above pre-industrial levels. This is critical to combatting climate change, but it’ll only happen if practices change. And among the most important contributors to the effort will be those whose job it is to design and build houses. The British government continues to implement ‘green schemes’ to help achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The house of the future is one that can be built and maintained in a sustainable way. In an ideal world, they’d be perfectly self-sufficient when it comes to their energy needs. The construction industry is pushing itself toward that goal through a series of incremental improvements in efficiency. These are coming as a result of new technologies, architectural methods, and increasingly stringent building regulations. The Importance of Windows Among the more notorious points of weakness in any building, when it comes to heat retention, are the windows. Energy Efficiency Windows have a big say in whether a given space is energy-efficient. A single pane of glass will transmit heat quickly from one side to the other. Two panes of glass, with a layer of vacuum or inert gas in between, will transmit heat that much more slowly. It’s this principle that makes double-glazing the standard choice. Efficiency is rated using a lettered system, which provides the scale for the development of energy efficient and sustainable housing. Natural Light Among the most important functions of a window is to increase the amount of natural light in a property and to reduce reliance on artificial light sources – and windows can serve this function in a number of ways. VELUX windows, skylights and sun tunnels provide a source of natural light, even in the more secluded parts of the house, where exterior windows are not practical. Natural light confers a number of health benefits, which means that homes which score well here are likely to be desirable, even if we discount the environmental upsides. Solar Gain But windows can also be a point where energy is gained. If windows are positioned in such a way as to benefit from the incoming sunlight, then they’ll draw in as much energy as they lose, even during winter. In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing window will benefit more from heat gain than a north-facing one. Blinds and Curtains The effectiveness of a window when it comes to thermal performance will depend on the quality of curtains and blinds installed. Heavy curtains will form a barrier, preventing warm air in the room from mixing with the cold air by the window. This only applies if the curtains have been drawn, however – which is why automatically-drawn curtains and blinds might be a boon, particularly in larger spaces and office buildings.

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