The construction sector is facing multiple challenges – some historic such as low productivity, others more recent such as environmental impact and a lack of lifecycle information. But why is it imperative to think of the ‘end’ right at the design stages to enhance the sustainability value chain? Richard Hipkiss,
The planning team at law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised Millwall FC on its plans to build a new training ground in West Kingsdown, near Brands Hatch in Kent- which has now been granted full planning permission. The Championship football club now has the green light to erect new state
Working with experts from across the housebuilding industry, the Future Homes Hub investigated how, as a society, we can build zero carbon ready homes at the scale needed to guide the Government as it looks to implement its 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS). By 2025, new homes will be required
Launched in 2015, the Offsite Awards were certainly ahead of the ‘MMC’ curve. Last year the judges reported record entries and claimed the calibre of submissions revealed how far the industry has moved on in just eight years. Taking centre stage on the evening of 19 September 2023, the Offsite
Studio Moren has recently gained a planning consent from Tendring District Council for a scheme of 86 new homes on the edge of the village of Great Oakley, Essex. The 3.7ha development, for Great Oakley Development Ltd, features a mix of bungalows, terraced, detached and semi-detached homes and has been
uvex has released an array of cutting-edge safety footwear that is suitable for use across a range of different work environments. The 14 new styles incorporate the latest uvex technologies to enhance wearability, ensure quality and maximise sustainability. The uvex 3 lace-up boot S3 SRC reliably protects the wearer and provides high levels
Burnley Council have granted planning permission for the £11 million commercial development scheme – Advance Point Business Park – located on Rossendale Road, Burnley. Barnfield Construction, Nelson based contractor, developer and investor will deliver 36 modern industrial units with roller shutter access teamed with 160 car parking spaces on a
Springfield Properties has secured outline planning consent to create a sustainable new neighbourhood in Midlothian. The Lingerwood development, which was recommended for approval by planning officers, will see up to 1,000 new homes delivered within a thoughtfully integrated and well-connected community. Detailed proposals will now be progressed for the first
Work is to commence on the Kingsgate development in Huddersfield. Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops. Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will
Derbyshire based civil engineering contractor Roger Bullivant (RB) has made significant CAPEX investments to meet environmental initiatives as part of the business’s strategic growth plans. RB is a UK subsidiary of group company Soletanche Bachy. As part of the groups environmental strategy to reduce its carbon footprint by 40% by
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
The construction sector is facing multiple challenges – some historic such as low productivity, others more recent such as environmental impact and a lack of lifecycle information. But why is it imperative to think of the ‘end’ right at the design stages to enhance the sustainability value chain? Richard Hipkiss, Development Director of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) explains. Progress has been slow but now with the advances in digital technology and new construction techniques such as design for deconstruction (DfD), design for reuse (DfR) and the one gaining most traction – design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA), we are finally making great strides in modernising the construction industry. These three disciplines can be difficult to implement in site based approaches however the stringent management and digital protocols within volumetric modular design and manufacturing processes create the ideal environment to optimise their use. The UK government has been promoting volumetric modular construction as a method that can improve productivity, but modular technology can help deliver sustainability gains throughout the entire construction value chain. At present the focus is concentrated on using volumetric technology to improve resource efficiency upstream at the design, manufacturing, and construction phases. This appears to be detached from the need to promote resource efficiency and productivity at the stages occurring downstream – disassembly and end-of-life management. Such divergence could hamper the construction industry’s efforts to reduce its long term environmental and economic impacts and points to the need of an integrated, holistic approach to improving the sustainability value chain as an end-to-end concept. What are the benefits throughout the entire construction value chain? Volumetric modular construction does indeed offer multiple benefits upstream, including ease of constructability, increasing quality and reducing time of construction as well as the capacity to cope with skilled labour shortages and creating much safer working environments. Most importantly, it can substantially reduce construction waste generated onsite via promoting resource efficiency at the manufacture and installation stages. But the efficacy of this construction method to yield benefits downstream at the end-of-life has received comparatively little attention. Advances made in the UK towards improving productivity in the construction sector via the application of volumetric modular technology and digitalisation are well documented, however as the trade body for the sector, the MPBA also needs to shine a light on the opportunity to improve sustainability performance throughout the value chain from concept to end-of life. Design for manufacture and assembly, design for deconstruction and design for reuse protocols are an exemplary way of connecting upstream and downstream construction stages and can be used as a means to actively apply sustainability principles. The digitally enabled volumetric construction model has the potential to capture and record this valuable lifecycle data. The rise of digital technology offers an opportunity to bring business transformation in the construction sector and promote a new way of doing things; effectively enabling transformative change which will enhance the sustainability credentials of volumetric manufactured buildings. Implementing smart modular regimes to mitigate the impact of climate change As the construction sector develops and adapts to meet changing government strategies to enhance sustainability credentials, I firmly believe the upward trajectory of volumetric modular buildings will continue and we need to act now to help mitigate the impact of climate change. A smart volumetric modular construction regime can operationalise the collection and storage of components’ lifecycle information, and help the sector build the capabilities needed to support the maintenance, recovery and reuse of modular components, and reduction of waste. For this to take precedence it is imperative to think of the ‘end’ right at the beginning of the design stage and foster improved collaboration between all construction partners involved in the supply chain. MPBA The Modular and Portable Building Association plays a key role in supporting all sections of the industry. Leading best practice principles and specialist training schemes, the association is represented on many committees for the benefit of members. Most importantly, the MPBA ensure evolving government policies and decisions are not made on behalf of the construction industry without due consideration for the impact they may have on the volumetric modular sector. Founded in 1938, with an in-depth understanding of the industry, the MPBA has represented this advanced and highly innovative sector for over 80 years. www.mpba.biz Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The planning team at law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised Millwall FC on its plans to build a new training ground in West Kingsdown, near Brands Hatch in Kent- which has now been granted full planning permission. The Championship football club now has the green light to erect new state of the art facilities on a 50-acre plot, that the club says will be “amongst the best in the country.” Sevenoaks Council originally approved the plans for the construction of a training academy last October, but full permission was only granted today, following the signing of a s106 agreement. The site, off Fawkham Road will include buildings for groundsman and security, indoor and outdoor football pitches, artificial turf and training areas, as well as car and cycle parking and hard and soft landscaping. The planning team advising on the scheme include Nicola Gooch, Planning partner, and Erica Ives at Irwin Mitchell, working with Joe Selby of Selby Projects and Rebecca Burnhams of Quod. Nicola Gooch said, “We are excited that this project can now proceed and Millwall can create the state-of-the-art training complex which reflects the club’s long-term ambitions. The facility will help the club in its push to the Premier League and to develop the young players that will keep them there. It has been a long and complex process and we wish the club every success going forward.” More information about the new training ground site and the club’s extensive plans is found by clicking here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Working with experts from across the housebuilding industry, the Future Homes Hub investigated how, as a society, we can build zero carbon ready homes at the scale needed to guide the Government as it looks to implement its 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS). By 2025, new homes will be required to reduce carbon emissions by at least 75 per cent. They will also be expected to be net-zero ready through their use of lower-carbon heating and high fabric standards. Released on Tuesday 28 February 2023, the report was written with involvement from 170 people on behalf of 100 organisations. A variety of industries were included, from housebuilders to manufacturers, planners and architects to warranty providers, and energy networks to green groups. Collectively, they looked at the implications of: The report itself details how different specifications perform in terms of consumer, design, cost, planning, fabric, ventilation, heating, skills, manufacturing, maintenance, grid and metrics. It then considers the factors the Government will need to take into account in refining the Future Homes Standard, including household bills, impact on UK electricity demand, build costs, and the pace at which we can adjust to new building methods and supply and install new technologies. Overall, it recommends what is needed to prepare the industry for change. The findings of ‘Ready for Zero: Evidence to inform the 2025 Future Homes Standard – Task Group Report,’ will provide evidence to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which is due to begin a formal public consultation this spring. Ed Lockhart, CEO of Future Homes Hub, said: “Collaboration is an absolute necessity as we look towards readying the housebuilding industry for the 2025 FHS and towards net zero. “There are implications for everyone involved. Developers, manufacturers, trades, infrastructure providers, banks, building control, surveyors and valuers will all need to work together to prepare for the changes to come. “The Future Homes Hub was created to assist the industry’s shift to net zero, and we recognise that input from all stakeholders is vital in this journey. Rather than coming to any firm conclusions, we wanted to work together to provide evidence to the policymakers, asking ourselves, ‘What should the Future Homes Standard 2025 look like?” Working together in groups, participants considered five different approaches to fabric and low-carbon heating. These were thoroughly examined over a six-week period and subsequently presented and discussed during wider group sessions. David Adams, Strategic Adviser for The Future Homes Hub and Co-Chair of the report said: “The techniques and technologies that are required to radically lower carbon emissions in houses already exist, so what we needed to do was to identify how, and if, a scale up could be addressed, working through a variety of different scenarios. “While not offering advice, we wanted the report to detail different paths that could be chosen, and their various implications for industry, Government and, importantly, consumers.” The culmination of this research, led by the Future Homes Hub, is 26 recommendations laid out in the report. Key recommendations include ensuring the Government is working alongside the housebuilding industry to carry out the Future Homes Standard, that important updates are communicated clearly and as soon as possible – to both the industry and consumers – and that transitional arrangements provide an effective pathway for introducing new measures and techniques. Additionally, the report highlights the need for a specific focus on small builders who may struggle more to adapt to any new policies. Considering how site layouts might accommodate homes designed to the new standard, and providing workforces with the additional skills required to build them, were also key points identified. Ed Lockhart said: “The implications of whatever final policy the Government decides upon will be different when comparing mainstream housebuilders and SMEs. “Our job at this stage is to help the Government understand the opportunities and barriers presented by each of the scenarios that were outlined in the report. “This process has been a collective effort, and I’d like to thank all the participants, as well as the DLUHC, for their willingness, diligence and enthusiasm. “We found it essential to bring all parties together to understand the options and implications of building zero carbon homes and believe this form of collaboration is a model that should be emulated more widely in the transition to net zero. “With 2025 fast approaching, we must continue this collaborative spirit as we move forward with adapting quickly to significant changes within the housebuilding industry.” Read more from the ‘Ready for Zero: Evidence to inform the 2025 Future Homes Standard Task Group Report’ here.
Launched in 2015, the Offsite Awards were certainly ahead of the ‘MMC’ curve. Last year the judges reported record entries and claimed the calibre of submissions revealed how far the industry has moved on in just eight years. Taking centre stage on the evening of 19 September 2023, the Offsite Awards will once again be returning to the Coventry Building Society Arena, alongside OFFSITE EXPO – creating a dramatic climax to the first day. The Offsite Awards celebrate excellence in precision building design and delivery. By recognising and rewarding outstanding examples of prefabrication and factory-based methods, these awards shine a spotlight on those who are leading the way in developing a more sustainable built environment. The judge’s feedback offers not only plaudits but sometimes useful advice with comments ranging from: “This project articulates many benefits of offsite construction, the net zero ambition and sustainability targets met as a result should be highly commended.” To: “A strong submission which demonstrates carefully considered use of offsite technology but more robust evidence relating to carbon reduction would have increased scoring.” Celebrating projects large and small, its technical innovation and performance details that catches the judge’s eye, together with strong supporting evidence and good images or visuals. Entry Deadline – Friday 26 May 2023 If you have an outstanding project, product or person that is making transformational change in the way buildings are designed, engineered and constructed, now is the time to start planning for the 2023 awards. These awards represent an excellent opportunity to increase profile and credibility in the sector, generate media attention together with gaining accolades and acclaim from a judging panel that includes some of the offsite industry’s most respected figures. Free to enter, there are 25 categories that cover every aspect of the industry from hybrid and modular technology to engineering and installation, ensuring that all phases of the offsite building process is celebrated. The Offsite Awards submission platform is now open for entries with the final deadline confirmed as Friday 26 May. Finalists will be announced in July 2023, with the awards being presented alongside OFFSITE EXPO on the evening of the 19 September 2023. For more information and to enter go to www.offsiteawards.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Studio Moren has recently gained a planning consent from Tendring District Council for a scheme of 86 new homes on the edge of the village of Great Oakley, Essex. The 3.7ha development, for Great Oakley Development Ltd, features a mix of bungalows, terraced, detached and semi-detached homes and has been designed as a contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular of the villages nearby. An emphasis on nature, context and the living community has driven the overall design of the scheme which is complemented by extensive landscaping, including communal open spaces for residents to meet and relax, as well as a woodland walk that extends the length of the site. A community building is proposed, opening out to a new play area and connecting the site to the local village and school. Mark Wood, Partner at Studio Moren comments: “Our design for this development has included involvement from multiple stakeholders such as the Parish Council, Tendring Planning Authority and members of the local community. The result is a highly contextualised extension to the local village, with architecturally rich and varied streetscapes, acting as a positive contributor to the local area. All dwellings meet Essex Design Guidelines and planning and building regulations, whilst being integrated into extensive new landscaping and several pedestrian friendly streets.” Whilst the site, which sits at the south-western end of the village, presented a number of constraints, it was important whilst efficiently accommodating the quantity of residential units required to, at the same time, deliver an architecturally diverse and attractive scheme which maintained a high degree of architectural quality and variation. Studio Moren’s expertise and collaborative approach, working extensively with consultants and the local planning authorities, has provided a scheme which maximises site potential, reinforces commercial viability ultimately has exceeded client expectations. Great Oakley is a historic village that has developed organically over centuries and Studio Moren’s studies of the local vernacular revealed a palette of architectural features such as staggered building lines, varied roofscapes, front-facing gables and multi-coloured façades. Studio Moren has incorporated all these elements into the proposed architecture of the scheme in a contemporary manner. The generously sized and architecturally appealing community hub, comprising parking, community building and play area, extends along the northern part of the site and will offer amenities to the site’s residents, the nearby school and the local village. The design geometry alludes to the patterns of the allotments, with facilities divided up as a patchwork across its length. Sustainability has been a key driver with this scheme, including measures such as electric charging points and air source heat pumps fitted to every dwelling and solar roof panels to power the Community building. Collaborating with landscape architect Turkington Martin, Studio Moren’s site layout incorporates a series of rich and varied landscaping features, connecting the development with the local community and the wider rural landscape, as well as providing a sustainable environment for local fauna and flora. The design makes extensive use of permeable paving for both pedestrians and vehicles, and different types are used throughout the site to create streets which are pedestrian friendly and encourage neighbourly interactions. An existing public right of way has been incorporated into a ‘woodland walk’ complete with new planting, seating, and other woodland features. A new wetland open space will act as a drainage basin and focal point where the community can meet and relax. Surrounded with wildflowers and grasses, the sunny space will support biodiversity with an aquatic habitat for local wildlife. A boardwalk allows people to engage with nature and a paved area with seats, tables and benches set within ornamental planting offers a viewpoint across the open grassland. New trees will be planted across the site and existing hedgerows will be supplemented with native species, with the addition of bird and bat boxes, and insect hotels. Street lighting is sensitively placed to maintain the rural feel of the area while providing safe passages for pedestrians. Project Team Developer: Great Oakley Development Ltd Architect: Studio Moren Planning Consultant: Smith Jenkins Landscape Architect: Turkington Martin Traffic consultants: Campbell Reith Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
uvex has released an array of cutting-edge safety footwear that is suitable for use across a range of different work environments. The 14 new styles incorporate the latest uvex technologies to enhance wearability, ensure quality and maximise sustainability. The uvex 3 lace-up boot S3 SRC reliably protects the wearer and provides high levels of comfort in heavy-duty industrial applications. It combines necessary robustness with a sports-inspired energy-return sole that helps to minimise fatigue thanks to uvex i-PUREnrj technology. uvex anklepro technology provides protection against painful impact due to the shock absorbing foam that encases the ankle area, while uvex climazone climate management system helps regulate the temperature inside the footwear as well as wicking perspiration away from the skin for increased health, comfort and wellbeing. The safety boot is available in black and black/yellow. The new uvex 2 construction has been developed to meet the specific challenges of the construction and engineering industries, where workers and their footwear face extreme weather conditions and high mechanical stress. The leather construction features new uvex waterstop technology, which protects against water penetration for four times longer than required by the European standard without compromising breathability. A penetration-resistant steel midsole also protects against nails and sharp objects. The uvex 1 G2 combines three innovative technologies. The first is uvex i-PUREnrj technology offers increased stability, very high levels of shock absorption as well as energy-return. The recovered landing energy over the entire sole unit is returned to the wearer providing a boost of energy, greater comfort and significantly lower fatigue in the legs and feet. The uvex x-tended grip technology guarantees even more stability and safety when walking thanks to optimised abrasion resistance and slip resistance, while uvex x-dry knit technology combines outstanding breathability with water-repellent characteristics. Five new models include boots and shoes with S1 and S3 protection. Designed for various applications, the new uvex 1 G2 planet shoe S1 P SRC offers sustainability without compromising on comfort or performance. Many of the shoe’s components, such as the upper and insole, are made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and the injected polyurethane midsole contains up to 20 per cent granulate made using PU waste from uvex’ production processes. The uvex 1 sport white safety shoe line combines sporty design, premium comfort and sophisticated functionality for hygienic areas. Key features include a lightweight design, climate-optimised high-tech materials, ergonomically designed outsole with excellent anti-slip properties (SRC). Two shoe styles are available in S2 SRC and S3 SRC. The uvex 1 business safety range places equal value on style, safety and comfort and is the ideal choice for those who work in both office and factory environments. Protective features include an extra-wide robust steel toecap, metal-free penetration-resistant midsole (S3 versions only) and non-slip outsole for excellent protection. Wearers also benefit from a comfortable fit with no pressure points, while uvex climazone technology reduces the build-up of moisture. Now available in black microvelour or black hydrophobic full-grain leather, the new models can be teamed with chinos, a suit or your work trousers for the ultimate business-casual look. The final new style now available from uvex comes from brand partner Heckel. The Heckel MACCROSSROAD 3.0 S3 HIGH META safety boot features ultra-flexible D3O® technology to ensure optimal metatarsal protection against falling objects, particularly for those working in the construction and public works sectors or in heavy industry. Commenting on the launch of the new footwear range, head of marketing at uvex, Clair Weston says: “A big launch like this is always exciting but especially as the pandemic had such an impact on the availability of raw materials used in safety footwear uppers across the whole industry. “This new range is therefore hotly anticipated and, we believe well worth the wait. “We have styles to suit a wide range of applications and our footwear development team have worked hard to ensure that each model has been designed with four key elements in mind: wearability for optimal protection, fit and comfort; quality to ensure optimal cost-in-use; and last but not least, sustainability, so wearers can protect both themselves and the planet.” To find out more about the new range of safety footwear from uvex please visit: www.uvex-safety.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burnley Council have granted planning permission for the £11 million commercial development scheme – Advance Point Business Park – located on Rossendale Road, Burnley. Barnfield Construction, Nelson based contractor, developer and investor will deliver 36 modern industrial units with roller shutter access teamed with 160 car parking spaces on a site strategically located two miles from junctions 9 and 10 of the M65. The development aims to bring new jobs and investment to the area, with potential for manufacturing, distribution or light industrial use. Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development at Barnfield Group said “We are delighted that planning has been granted and construction can commence in June. Just a stone’s throw away from Rossendale Road Industrial Estate, Advance Point is an attractive location for supply chain partners within the area and the units are designed with these growing businesses in mind.” Commercial property agents Trevor Dawson have been appointed for the sale and lease of the units. Michael Cavannagh, Director of Trevor Dawson commented “It is great to see this scheme coming forward in Burnley. Demand for industrial premises remains strong and given the location and quality of scheme we are confident that there will be a high level of interest as the scheme progresses. Indeed we already have an extensive waiting list for the scheme when prices and timescales are released” Barnfield Group has a strong track record of strategic development schemes, with several currently underway regionally and locally including the Northlight complex in Pendle and the Newtown Mill development in in Burnley. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Springfield Properties has secured outline planning consent to create a sustainable new neighbourhood in Midlothian. The Lingerwood development, which was recommended for approval by planning officers, will see up to 1,000 new homes delivered within a thoughtfully integrated and well-connected community. Detailed proposals will now be progressed for the first 200 homes. Designs will promote low and zero carbon technologies and use sustainable building techniques to minimise environmental impact. The energy efficient homes will include a variety of attractive house types and will be mixed tenure, delivering a range of quality housing options for first time buyers, young professionals, growing families and those setting into retirement. The masterplans show how Lingerwood will embrace the 20-minute neighbourhood model which promotes local living and ensures local people can access services and amenities, such as shops and play parks, easily. Reflecting the local landscape, Springfield’s designs include open, green spaces, woodland planting, meadows and grasslands. Encouraging a sense of community is also a key part of the vision for Lingerwood. Designs include a standalone ‘an clachan’ at the development’s heart, drawing inspiration from the area’s proud mining history to create a vibrant village centre. The proposals demonstrate how residents could come together through the provision of play spaces, allotments, landscaped gardens and seating areas. Martin Egan, Chief Operating Officer for Springfield, commented: “This planning consent marks a major milestone for a significant development that will bring forward excellent quality, energy efficient homes for people in Midlothian. “However, more than this, Lingerwood will see the creation of a thriving village that can sustain the needs of local people for years to come. It will be a best-in-class example of placemaking and we are confident that it will complement nearby established residential areas that already have distinct identities. “We have spent a great deal of time consulting with Midlothian Council and local stakeholders and their feedback has been invaluable so far. We are keen to build on these relationships as we refine our plans and look ahead to the first phase of development.” Springfield is an experienced housebuilder, having already taken forward village communities which prioritise green space, community facilities and supporting infrastructure. The team is currently developing Dykes of Gray in Dundee, Bertha Park in Perth, and Elgin South in Elgin. Planning is also secured for Durieshill in Stirling. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is to commence on the Kingsgate development in Huddersfield. Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops. Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will begin in early March, with a target opening date for the complex of September 2024. “We are committed to helping businesses thrive in Kirklees and I am delighted that the council has worked very closely with WD Kingsgate to help them to deliver this scheme. Kingsgate is a key destination within the town centre, and the redevelopment will complement the existing shops and become an important family-friendly leisure destination. The developer’s vision for the project is in line with our own Blueprint ambitions for the town centre and will help create the perfect mix of retail, culture and leisure,” said Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration. The Kingsgate Centre is a key focus of Huddersfield’s town centre offer and is in a prime location next to the council’s planned Cultural Heart project. These complementary projects will transform the leisure offering in the town centre and improve the experience for residents and visitors alike. The cinema and leisure proposition will be operated by The Light, who already operate 12 other venues across the country with another opening in Surrey this year. The Light will offer six state of the art cinema screens, ten bowling lanes, alongside a variety of other leisure activities and food offerings which will be revealed in the lead up to the opening. “I am grateful for the council’s support in delivering this scheme. We are excited about bringing a high-quality cinema in to Huddersfield town centre alongside a variety of other food and leisure outlets. Our redeveloped centre will create a new destination within the town centre that gives the opportunity to shop, eat and see the latest films all within a stone’s throw of the other planned town centre developments,” added Peter Everest of WD Kingsgate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Derbyshire based civil engineering contractor Roger Bullivant (RB) has made significant CAPEX investments to meet environmental initiatives as part of the business’s strategic growth plans. RB is a UK subsidiary of group company Soletanche Bachy. As part of the groups environmental strategy to reduce its carbon footprint by 40% by 2030, RB has implemented key initiatives to drive environmental improvements within the business. Over the last 18 months, projects such as additional cement silos, electric forklift trucks, electric fleet vehicles, photovoltaic (PV) panels and REGO certified green tariffs have been implemented. The additional cement silos installed at its Swadlincote headquarters has tripled the storage capacity and reduced supply chain risk. More importantly it has facilitated the move to low carbon concrete. The company has reduced cement content by 50% though the use of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and reduced embodied carbon by four thousand tonnes per year. The latest innovations qualify the company as being recognised as a producer of CEMIII A products. RB are continuing to develop even lower carbon concrete to maximise environmental impact and enhance performance and strength. In just under twenty-four months of operation, the PV panels installed at HQ produced 152,589kWh. To put this into context, RB’s annual renewable energy generation is sufficient to power twenty-eight homes for a year. A third phase of PV panels will be completed by January 2023. “We support the governments’ ambition to transition the UK to a net zero carbon by 2050 and tackling climate change and creating sustainable solutions remains a strategic priority. With a considered and scientific approach, our low carbon concrete moves us a step closer to net-zero. Our in-house research, design, plant, and manufacturing teams are continuously looking at cutting edge technologies that allow us to innovate and inspire the industry,” said Managing Director Cliff Wren. “The significant investments we have made over the last eighteen months highlights our commitment to raise environmental standards within the sector as we drive down on our carbon footprint,” he added. Roger Bullivant Limited are the one of the UK’s leading ground engineering foundation companies, employing over 500 staff specialising in the design and manufacture of precast foundation solutions. The company operates across seven regional offices in England, Scotland and Wales. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
