Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, will speculatively develop the final two units at its sustainable logistics development in Aylesford, Kent, after agreeing pre-lets for the rest of the space. The two units of 100,000 sq ft and 130,000 sq ft at Panattoni Park Aylesford, which are
“I’m going into a tunnel, so I might lose you” likely to be thing of the past on Britain’s new high speed rail network Passengers using Britain’s new high speed rail network will enjoy seamless mobile coverage delivering uninterrupted streaming and calls as trains speed through its tunnels, cuttings and open
A business event hosted in partnership with Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, has attracted interest from more than 40 companies in the local area who are all keen to play their part in HS2’s construction and seize the opportunity for future business growth. The event, held at Crewe
Economic recovery, climate change, communities and tackling inequalities high on the agenda. The role that Scotland’s historic environment can play in supporting economic recovery, contribute to agendas such as net zero, to communities, and in tackling inequalities, is being discussed in Edinburgh today, Wednesday, 29th June. Delegates from across Scotland
ONE OF the North East’s most ambitious residential developments is set to begin, with Tolent appointed to commence work. Sunderland City Council has signed a deal that will see North East based Tolent take on the construction of 135 ultra-modern homes that will form the new Vaux neighbourhood at Riverside
hub South West Scotland and Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, have started work on a third affordable housing development in Avon Road in Larkhall on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council. This is the third new housing development in a series of new developments that Cruden, as hub South
Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM Real Assets) has acquired a 6.2-acre freehold estate in Horsham, West Sussex on behalf of its Industrial Property Investment Fund (“IPIF”). LGIM Real Assets and its development partner, Graftongate, plan to speculatively develop a prime multi-unit industrial/logistics scheme on the site of Wilberforce House
Without the correct safety measures in place, working at height can be hugely dangerous. In fact, accidents from height are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries1. Critical safety experts Reece Safety, who have recently introduced a new typical inclined roof structure into their critical training centre,
In light of the current energy crisis, Signify calls on the leaders and businesses in the UK&I region to accelerate the transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting to help households and businesses mitigate the energy crisis. The move will also ensure quick wins in the UK’s Race to Zero. Business
LEADING contract management software provider Sypro is seeking to demystify the usage of NEC contracts within the construction industry through a series of free online drop-in sessions hosted by Dr Stuart Kings. Dr Kings is one of the drafters of NEC4 and co-author of NEC3 and NEC4 Practical Solutions. He
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, will speculatively develop the final two units at its sustainable logistics development in Aylesford, Kent, after agreeing pre-lets for the rest of the space. The two units of 100,000 sq ft and 130,000 sq ft at Panattoni Park Aylesford, which are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. They will benefit from 15m clear internal height, 2 level access doors, electric charging points for cars, access to the park’s car share scheme and 50m yard depths. The development of the speculative units follows the success of the recent pre-lets at the park to DHL, Fowler Welch and Evri. Panattoni is in detailed discussions with other occupiers for the remainder of the space at the park. Panattoni is developing a high-quality logistics space on the former Aylesford Newsprint site, close to junction 4 of the M20, to serve London and the south east. Panattoni Park Aylesford is a £180 million investment in high-quality, sustainable logistics development, infrastructure, parking, landscaping and access, including the new £7 million Bellingham Way link road. The sustainability strategy aims to minimise the operational use of carbon, which includes some scope three emissions from tenant activity and installed equipment and systems such as heating and lighting. Every building at the park will have air source heat pumps to control temperature in the offices and photovoltaic panels on the roofs. It is expected that these measures will generate up to 15% reductions in regulated energy use across the building. Panattoni is also working in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity at the site. Tony Watkins, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Our decision to speculatively develop the final two units at Aylesford reflects the strong demand from occupiers looking to benefit from its excellent location. “In just nine months since we acquired the site, we have let nearly 80% of the space. We are on site delivering multiple buildings with the first ones ready for occupation in the third quarter of this year, we look forward to welcoming them to the Park and other occupiers to follow”. Agents at Panattoni Park Aylesford are CBRE, Avison Young and JLL.
“I’m going into a tunnel, so I might lose you” likely to be thing of the past on Britain’s new high speed rail network Passengers using Britain’s new high speed rail network will enjoy seamless mobile coverage delivering uninterrupted streaming and calls as trains speed through its tunnels, cuttings and open sections. Journeys on HS2 will make the days of hearing refrains familiar to many who travel by train today, such as, “I’m going into a tunnel, so I might lose you” a thing of the past. To watch movies, get facetime with friends, family or work, or just make calls, passengers can simply link their device with the train’s onboard Wi-Fi. From its earliest days of development, HS2’s infrastructure has been designed to include technology that provides seamless and uninterrupted passenger comms. In a step-change from the line-side railway signalling operated on the conventional network, HS2’s will be radio based. A sequence of masts sited at 2-3km along the route and radio feeder cables running the length of its tunnels. This infrastructure has been developed to also deliver mobile connectivity for passengers. Both will be picked up by each train’s radio antenna as it traverses the new route at speeds of up to 225mph. The train’s onboard equipment will transmit the passenger signal throughout the train to help ensure a seamless connection. People using HS2 stations will also benefit from the same level of coverage. HS2 engineers believe that the train picking up the signal from the railway’s telecoms infrastructure is superior to just leaving it to passengers’ own mobiles and tablets to link with each passing mast, which could be prone to occasional drop outs, and also reduces bandwidth. HS2’s head of project delivery for communication systems Richard Kirkham said: “The massive advantage of taking a clean sheet of paper and developing a new railway network for the 21st century, to operate in the twenty first century, is that we can build in the things people expect, like modern telecoms. “In practice that means HS2 tunnels, open route sections, stations and trains all include telecoms in their design specification, which enables the railway to operate as a single system.” Richard also explained how HS2’s design has been developed to provide flexibility to support the full generational range of mobile technologies. “To accommodate fast moving mobile telecoms technology, we’ve designed HS2 to be flexible so that it can incorporate future generations as well as supporting earlier generations people will continue to use.” A further benefit of HS2’s designers’ far-sighted approach will see the benefits of improved passenger connectivity potentially extend to areas along the route. That is because anyone’s device that can pick up the signal can use it.
A business event hosted in partnership with Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, has attracted interest from more than 40 companies in the local area who are all keen to play their part in HS2’s construction and seize the opportunity for future business growth. The event, held at Crewe Alexander’s Mornflake Stadium, gave businesses of all sizes the opportunity to understand more about HS2’ current and future pipeline of contract opportunities so they can be among the first to benefit. Dr Kieran Mullan MP said: ‘’It was great to see the enthusiasm displayed at the event and I am keen to see businesses here in Crewe benefit from HS2. “Hearing the success stories from companies delivering work on the first phase of the project is extremely encouraging. I’m grateful to HS2 for working with me to host this event so that our local businesses are in the best possible position to benefit.” With plans already in place to extend the HS2 network to Crewe, and the Bill to extend the railway between Crewe and Manchester currently going through Parliament, Crewe finds itself in an enviable position at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The town is already among three in the Midlands and the North set to benefit from contract awards supporting the manufacture and maintenance of HS2’s fleet of 54 high speed trains, which will be the fastest in Europe and among the world’s most energy efficient. Crewe’s Alstom factory secured the contact to make the trains’ bogies, bringing the manufacture of these vital components back to the UK for the first time in over 15 years, supporting jobs and opening opportunities for more local businesses across the supply chain. Matt Hadlington, Senior Business Engagement Manager at HS2 said: “Getting job-ready for the thousands of upcoming HS2 contract opportunities is vital, and this event was designed to help businesses in Crewe understand exactly how to do that. “Over 2,500 UK business are already engaged in our supply chain, but we want to see more companies in Crewe stepping forward to take advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep.” As part of its continued drive to help local businesses win work, HS2 is now working with closely with South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership to host a roundtable session with HS2’s civils construction partners. This will allow greater insight into the tier two and three contract opportunities that they will be creating in the months and years ahead. For more information about joining HS2’s supply chain visit hs2.org.uk/supply-chain/
Economic recovery, climate change, communities and tackling inequalities high on the agenda. The role that Scotland’s historic environment can play in supporting economic recovery, contribute to agendas such as net zero, to communities, and in tackling inequalities, is being discussed in Edinburgh today, Wednesday, 29th June. Delegates from across Scotland are gathering at Dynamic Earth to discuss the future contribution and direction of Scotland’s historic environment sector, as part of a planned review of Scotland’s strategy for the historic environment ‘Our Place in Time’ (OPiT). The strategy, which was Scotland’s first for the historic environment was launched in 2014, and set out a shared vision for the sector, with key deliverables over that period focussing on areas including Heritage Tourism, Built Heritage Investment, Climate Change, Volunteering, and Skills & Expertise. It also set out a framework for a collective approach to be taken by the sector on a range of areas, as well as providing a platform to bring other sectors into the work of the historic environment sphere. The refreshed strategy, which will set out the ambitions for the sector for the next five-ten years, will build upon the key successes of OPiT, as well as recognising and reflecting on the last two years, since the covid pandemic. This will include a focus on prioritising activity that supports recovery and renewal, as well as further enhancing the contribution the sector makes to national priority areas, and to Scotland and its people. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), as Scotland’s lead body for the historic environment, has been asked by the Scottish Government to lead on a review of the strategy, with the event at Dynamic Earth, forming part of a wider series of engagement, before the draft strategy goes out for wider public consultation later this year. Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said, “The historic environment and our built heritage is important and valuable in its own right, and part of Scotland’s story, but it also plays a key role for Scotland against a number of core agendas, from tourism and skills to green recovery and contributing to net zero. “We have of course lived through, and are continuing to experience, historic times, with the pandemic and growing costs of living, alongside other factors, providing challenges to those operating within the sector and beyond, as well as serving to further highlight inequalities in our society. “Today is a key step in a wider process for us to collectively shape our future ambitions for the sector, and to reflect and reimagine what we want the contribution of Scotland’s historic environment sector to be, as we respond to these challenges and opportunities to use the past to build a better future.” The opening address was delivered by Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and Minister with special responsibilities for Refugees from Ukraine. Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “I commissioned Historic Environment Scotland to lead the review of Scotland’s “Our Place in Time” strategy, and that review provides an opportunity to redefine the context and set the direction of this important strategy. In particular, the shift in prioritisation to activity which supports recovery and renewal will help to create a more resilient and sustainable sector. “For a nation of our size, Scotland has a diverse and impressive wealth of heritage and culture; from World Heritage sites and major archaeological locations to smaller community heritage projects. By working collaboratively we can promote the positive contribution that the historic environment makes not only to Scotland’s economy but to the wellbeing of Scotland’s people and our route to net zero.” For more on Our Place in Time visit Our Place in Time | About Us | Historic Environment Scotland.
ONE OF the North East’s most ambitious residential developments is set to begin, with Tolent appointed to commence work. Sunderland City Council has signed a deal that will see North East based Tolent take on the construction of 135 ultra-modern homes that will form the new Vaux neighbourhood at Riverside Sunderland, the first of 1,000 homes planned for the area as part of ambitious plans to double the number of people living in the city centre. The £40m project will see Tolent construct the stunning sustainable houses using modern methods of construction, renewable energy and smart technology to reduce the carbon footprint of the development, producing high quality, low carbon properties in the heart of the city. The homes will stand alongside The Beam and City Hall – the latest development to rise from the ground at Riverside Sunderland. One of four new communities that will take shape at Riverside, construction work on the scheme is expected to commence within weeks, forming the first of the new distinct neighbourhoods that will create city centre housing for up to 2,500 residents. The homes will provide a future living offer that will attract new and existing Sunderland residents to live in the vibrant city centre, with the homes sitting alongside the orchards and allotments of Kingsley Gardens and nearby Riverside Park, which is continuing on its journey towards an accessible, attractive and ecologically diverse parkland. The Vaux neighbourhood will be the site of the Expo Sunderland in 2024 which will showcase the new homes and the aspirational lifestyle offer that Sunderland will provide. Included in the scheme will be a cluster of award-winning dwellings, that were selected as the best in the national Homes of 2030 Design Competition – which explored how homes will look and function in the future. The properties are based on the winning designs in the Homes of 2030 competition, which was launched in March 2020, and managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects, to encourage the design of environmentally-friendly homes that support people in leading independent, fulfilling lives as society ages. +Home designed byigloo Regeneration with Useful Projects, Expedition Engineers and Mawson Kerr andConnector Housing designed by Openstudio with Hoare Lea, LDA Design and Gardiner & Theobald were the joint winners of the competition, and it is their designs that will stand proudly on the site if approved, shining a spotlight on future living and showcasing the ambitious plans the council has to make Sunderland a world-class place to live, work and play. Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have taken this final step to get work started on our flagship residential scheme at Riverside Sunderland. The housing developments on Riverside Sunderland will be world-class, and Tolent is an ideal partner to deliver them, based locally and capable of building these aspirational homes. “We’re innovating with this scheme, using modern methods of construction, renewable energy and smart technology that align to our low carbon and smart city ambitions, and that will also allow the next generation to learn how to build the homes of the future, as we also push ahead with the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), an important part of the housing ecosystem we’re trying to create in Sunderland.” HICSA is backed by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and will create a state of the art learning space at Sheepfolds, where – in partnership with Sunderland College and the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE) – the council will ensure that the city’s residents are trained up in modern construction methods that will enable them to build many of the 1,000 homes set to be developed on Riverside Sunderland, as well as elsewhere in the city. As HICSA prepares to take shape, Tolent – a firm that will deliver significant social value – will ensure that the first new homes deliver the maximum local advantage, with a range of commitments to work with local people and support the local supply chain, as well as voluntary and community organisations across Sunderland. In all, over £17m of social value activity – including supporting local jobs for a range of people including apprenticeships and placements, a commitment to spend in the local area through the growth of regional supply chains and a variety of schemes to engage with local community groups – will be delivered during the construction phase of the project. Paul Webster, chief executive officer of Tolent, said: “Vaux neighbourhood is an amazing project that showcases the strides being taken in Sunderland to modernise the city centre. The world-class houses being built will provide a community fit for the future and an archetype for sustainable housing. As a truly local business, we are proud to be involved in the project and to showcase our ability to meet and exceed the capabilities of national contractors on a local level. The project will complement a number of local landmarks that we have constructed including The Beam, Beacon of Light and Echo Building. We have been working closely with the entire team since being appointed preferred bidder back in September and we can’t wait to get started!” Construction work on the development is due to commence during the summer and the first tranche of homes will be completed by the end of 2023. The housing is part of an ambitious and exciting masterplan for Riverside Sunderland that will include residential, commercial and leisure developments. It is part of a programme of development projects in the Riverside Sunderland area that, taken together, aim to double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent and also fits with the city’s housing strategy, which will see 7,000 new homes build by 2030. To stay up to date with Riverside Sunderland developments, visit www.riversidesunderland.com or follow @RiversideSund on social media.
hub South West Scotland and Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, have started work on a third affordable housing development in Avon Road in Larkhall on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council. This is the third new housing development in a series of new developments that Cruden, as hub South West Scotland’s construction partner, is building in South Lanarkshire to support the local housing strategy. The latest £6.5m project, designed by MAST Architects, will see 38 new homes developed at the former site of Craigbank Primary School on the edge of Morgan Glen. This modern housing development will consist of several house types, ranging from one bedroom cottage flats to four-bedroom semi-detached properties. All of the homes are equipped with a number of energy-efficient features including photovoltaic (solar) panels. Work on this latest development comes as hub South West Scotland and Cruden have successfully completed two new housing developments for South Lanarkshire Council, supported by grant funding from the Scottish Government – Auldkirk, a £7.4m 48-unit development in Cambuslang, and Glengonnar, a £3.48m 20-unit housing development in Larkhall. Councillor David McLachlan, Chair of Housing and Technical Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that the Council is continuing its commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing across South Lanarkshire. By working with a range of partners, the council aims to ensure the needs of tenants continue to be met and the quality and type of available housing is improved.” Michael Ross, Chief Executive of hub South West Scotland, added: “We are excited that construction is underway on the Avon Road housing development in Larkhall. This is our fifth social housing project as development partner of South Lanarkshire Council and our third social housing project with Cruden Building as our construction partner. With all these projects, we have been able to see the valuable impact of enhancing the local housing strategy along with the benefits to the local community and economy in using the hub South West partnership model. Gordon Lee, Partnering and Procurement Director of Cruden Building said: “This is an important milestone as we start work building this third modern and sustainable housing development for hub South West Scotland and South Lanarkshire Council. Not only will this trio of housing developments make a huge difference to the lives of residents, but the wide range of benefits to the local community will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”
Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM Real Assets) has acquired a 6.2-acre freehold estate in Horsham, West Sussex on behalf of its Industrial Property Investment Fund (“IPIF”). LGIM Real Assets and its development partner, Graftongate, plan to speculatively develop a prime multi-unit industrial/logistics scheme on the site of Wilberforce House in Southwater, south of Horsham town centre. The proposed scheme would see the development of seven new warehouse units totaling almost 100,000 sq ft, including integral office space. The scheme will target EPC A+, BREEAM Excellent and operational net zero carbon. Wilberforce House is currently let in its entirety to the RSPCA, which is relocating to smaller premises. LGIM Real Assets and Graftongate plan to develop the scheme on receipt of vacant possession in Q1 2023. Jonathan Holland, senior fund manager for LGIM Real Assets, said: “The purchase presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a development site to provide Grade A industrial stock in a supply constrained market and a sector where occupational demand is booming, and rental growth is set to follow. On expiry of the lease, this will be one of the most strategic development sites in West Sussex.” Alex Thomason, development manager at Graftongate, said: “The redevelopment of the Wilberforce House estate offers an excellent opportunity to deliver high quality industrial/logistics accommodation in an established commercial location. The property occupies a prime position on Wilberforce Way and benefits from excellent transport links, being easily accessible via the A24 dual carriageway. We expect the scheme to generate significant interest from prospective occupiers.” Savills and Clay Street acted on behalf of LGIM Real Assets and Graftongate, the vendor was represented by Carter Jonas.
Without the correct safety measures in place, working at height can be hugely dangerous. In fact, accidents from height are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries1. Critical safety experts Reece Safety, who have recently introduced a new typical inclined roof structure into their critical training centre, have provided some top safety tips for those working at height. Plan Effectively It’s vital that correct plans have been put in place for any at-height work, including roof work. Before work is completed, thorough risk assessments should take place, identifying potential area and personnel risks. Always consider measures that protect everyone who is at risk (collective protection) along with measures that protect only the individual (personal protection). Current laws state that the following should also be taken into consideration by employers before allowing any work at height: Take account of weather conditions that could compromise worker safety, and check the location every time before work takes place. Take suitable and sufficient measures to make sure no one can be injured, for example using exclusion zones to keep people away or mesh on scaffold to stop materials such as bricks falling Store materials and objects safely so they won’t cause injury Plan for emergencies and rescue, including setting a procedure for evacuation. Ensure employees know the emergency procedures thoroughly before undertaking work. Correct Training Employers should always ensure that those with sufficient skills, experience and knowledge are employed to perform any task at height. Where necessary the correct training should be provided and revisited at required times to ensure continued knowledge and adherence to safety regulations. “It’s vital that those working at height get the relevant experience and training before undertaking real world work, to ensure safety of themselves, and those around them.” Andy Graham, Managing Director at Reece Safety had to say. “At Reece Safety we have recently launched a new roof working training rig which is a great solution to those needing a practical training course and will meet the needs of people needing to work safely at height on similar clad roof areas found on industrial and retail units, domestic structures, schools and hospitals.” Correct and Well-Maintained Equipment Employers are required to provide the correct equipment appropriate for the task at hand, along with training of correct implementation and use. Equipment, such as scaffolding, should be assembled or installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in keeping with industry guidelines. It should also not be used until it has been inspected by a qualified and competent person who has the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to manage health and safety. Any equipment exposed to conditions that may cause it to deteriorate and result in a dangerous situation should be inspected at suitable intervals appropriate to the environment and use. Supervision Working at height can be an evolving situation, so it’s vital that the equipment and workers are monitored as the work is carried out. This will help reduce the chances of accidents occurring from distractions or equipment deterioration. Any changes in the surroundings should be reported and acted on immediately.
In light of the current energy crisis, Signify calls on the leaders and businesses in the UK&I region to accelerate the transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting to help households and businesses mitigate the energy crisis. The move will also ensure quick wins in the UK’s Race to Zero. Business leaders in the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I) region should focus on making changes that deliver results quickly and impact both the professional and consumer lighting markets The switch to LED lighting can help the average British household save upto £250 per year, helping millions of households pushed into fuel poverty due to the change price cap in April’ 2022 In the UK’s Race to Zero, a green switch to LED lighting in the professional market could mean eliminating 3.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and saving a total of EUR 3.8 billion per year London – With the recent change in price cap introduced in April 2022, millions of households have been pushed into fuel poverty and several businesses are now facing added volatility due to its impact. In light of this, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, advocates an accelerated transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting to help households and businesses while positively impacting the UK’s Race to Zero. With energy prices around the globe reaching all-time highs and global emissions rising at unprecedented levels, it is now more urgent than ever that businesses in UK&I lead by example and take quick action to tackle climate change. More than a decade after Signify’s call to phase out the incandescent light bulb worldwide, it now calls for the transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting as the new standard of ‘general lighting’1. The move will help meet the goals the UK’s ten point plan and other commitments that nations have made around the world in line with the Paris Agreement. Impact for Businesses According to Signify’s findings, switching to LED lighting in the professional lighting market could reduce CO2 emissions by 3.9 million tonnes in the UK&I region, the same amount of CO2 that 175 million trees could sequester in a year. Making the switch would also save 16.1 TWh of electricity, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 4.3 million households. This would result in a saving of EUR 3.8 billion on electricity costs2. Upgrading to connected LED lighting3 can offer enhanced controls for better energy consumption management. Impact for households Research from the Energy Saving Trust4 indicates that lighting takes up about 11% of the average UK household electricity consumption. Our data5 suggests that after the change in the energy price cap introduced in April, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can help the average British household save £15-£18 per light bulb, which equates to a saving of £2506 per year. Given that there are likely more lamps to replace in homes hit by fuel poverty, the positive impact would be more significant there. The switch to smart LED lighting will also pay a huge role in reducing CO2 emissions, furthering the UK&I’s progress to a greener future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) echoes Signify’s call to action. Nicholas Howarth, Senior Analyst at the International Energy Agency said “The world is facing the most significant energy crisis in recent history and energy efficiency is a solution to many of its most urgent challenges. Highlighting its importance, in June at the IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, 27 governments from around the world issued the Sønderburg Action Plan calling for energy efficiency and demand side action to play a much greater role protecting households, businesses and the economy from high energy prices. This is vital for addressing the energy crisis, rising inflation and greenhouse gas emissions.” Stronger policy packages covering regulations, information and incentives will play a key role accelerating energy efficiency and related measures. This includes the deployment of smart, efficient lighting, upgrading homes with better insulation, improving the fuel efficiency of cars, as well fostering investment in new industrial machinery. Efficient lighting is a proven technology to reduce electricity demand, fast. This will also help create extra electricity capacity needed for electric heat pumps and vehicles which put upwards pressure on power demand’’ Climate Group, an international non-profit working with businesses and governments around the world to drive climate action, also aligns with Signify’s ambition.Morgan, Senior Manager, Built Environment, Climate Group, said“Climate Group is proud to work in partnership with Signify to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of energy efficient LED lighting for businesses and cities. LEDs play a key role in decarbonisation as we strive to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon buildings by 2050.” “The unprecedented energy savings from LEDs compared to traditional lighting presents compelling urgency to raise the priority of global LED adoption. The drive towards smart, connected LEDs can also serve as a digital platform for smart building and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, opening up a myriad of options for businesses.” Stephen Rouatt, CEO, Signify UK&I said: “Households in the UK are now in one of the most difficult situations as they see their energy bills rise by 54%, while businesses continue to struggle as well. We understand the urgency created by the energy crisis to help families and businesses under pressure. Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting guarantees quick wins in saving money on energy bills and responding to the urgent action needed to tackle the climate crisis. After the change in the energy price cap introduced in April, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can help the average British household save upto £250 per year (£15-£18 per light bulb). Accelerating the transition to LED lighting is one of the quickest renovations that can dramatically cut CO2 – it does not require large capital investments, has a short payback time, and can positively impact the challenge posed by the UK’s built environment and its carbon footprint.” “As leaders in the lighting sector, we have a firm commitment to transformative action and there is no better opportunity than London Climate
LEADING contract management software provider Sypro is seeking to demystify the usage of NEC contracts within the construction industry through a series of free online drop-in sessions hosted by Dr Stuart Kings. Dr Kings is one of the drafters of NEC4 and co-author of NEC3 and NEC4 Practical Solutions. He holds more than 20 years’ experience within the healthcare and construction sectors, having provided NEC consultancy services on some of the UK’s biggest schemes. The series of online sessions have been designed to give attendees an insight into the NEC contract that is not available anywhere else. They are free to attend and open to clients, contractors and consultants from across the industry and will provide top tips, best practice and answers to the most current questions associated with the NEC engineering and construction contract. Dr Kings said: “The NEC contract itself has been around for three decades, outlining not just purely contractual procedures, but focusing on good project management principles and modern practice. Several iterations have been released over the years, and indeed the move from NEC3 to NEC4 was seen as an ‘evolution, not a revolution’ – building on and improving what was already in place. “NEC covers every procurement exercise around and embodies those principles of good project management, which is why it’s the dominant contract within the construction industry. That being said, making sure project teams are making the most of the contract still requires much understanding and nuance, which is exactly why we’ve set up these sessions to help people across the industry get the most out of NEC4. “Whether it’s running through secondary options and how to use them, how to assess compensation events, or how to successfully close out a project, each session aims to provide attendees with practical knowledge to take away and apply to their own projects.” Each session will have a key area of focus, identifying key terminology and related clauses from the contract, along with discussing any common pitfalls and how to avoid them. They will also conclude with a live question and answer session, allowing attendees to put their specific queries to Dr Kings directly. Sypro’s Contract Manager has a track record of delivering projects across the globe with a combined value of more than £30 billion and has created software solutions developed to help organisations perform better every day. The next session will take place on 7 July at 11am, focusing on new quality amendments in ECC4 and understanding the defects date and the defect correction period. To register for any of the upcoming sessions, please visit https://sypro.co.uk/webinars/.
