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March 3, 2023
TODD Architects wins approval for 12-storey residential scheme in Salford

TODD Architects wins approval for 12-storey residential scheme in Salford

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Manchester-based property developer Generation’s plans for a 12-storey, 85-apartment scheme on Duncan Street in Salford, designed by TODD Architects, have been approved by Salford City Council. Targeted at aspirational young professionals, the new-build residential scheme showcases a mix of quality residential accommodation within a highly desirable environment that will include a

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Former Arnold Clark garage to be transformed into new homes

Former Arnold Clark garage to be transformed into new homes

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Planning permission has been granted for a former Arnold Clark branch in Glasgow Southside to be transformed into 50 modern flats for social rent. Developer, AS Homes (Scotland), will deliver the homes on behalf of Southside Housing Association. Located within the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s popular Strathbungo location, the

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HS2 tunnel progress as ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ pass Amersham

HS2 tunnel progress as ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ pass Amersham

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

HS2 yesterday confirmed that ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ – the two giant tunnelling machines digging HS2’s longest tunnels – have passed Amersham, 5-and-a-half miles into their 10 mile drive under the Chilterns. The enormous 2,000 tonne machines have spent almost two years excavating the twin tunnels between the M25 and South

Read More »
The foundations for futureproofing against climate change in house building

The foundations for futureproofing against climate change in house building

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

The NHBC Foundation’s latest report, Building Foundation Solutions – FutureProofing Against Climate Change, is available to download now. This new report focuses on the increasingly important issue of foundation design and its application in making new homes more resilient to the effects of extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Read More »
Bureau Veritas launches vital guide to help manage green claims and avoid unintentional Greenwashing

Bureau Veritas launches vital guide to help manage green claims and avoid unintentional Greenwashing

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

In today’s world, as the need for businesses to demonstrate sustainable practices, including environmental performance, continues to gather pace, so do the risks of greenwashing. Greenwashing is a form of marketing where misleading information may persuade the public that an organisation’s products, services, aims and policies are more environmentally friendly

Read More »
Willmott Dixon appoint Barbour ABI as intelligence provider

Willmott Dixon appoint Barbour ABI as intelligence provider

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Barbour ABI have announced that Willmott Dixon has awarded them a multi-year contract as their exclusive construction intelligence provider following a robust process that included extensive evaluation of the market and a detailed comparison against the incumbent provider. As well as access to Barbour ABI, the market-leading construction intelligence platform,

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Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

March 3, 2023

TODD Architects wins approval for 12-storey residential scheme in Salford

TODD Architects wins approval for 12-storey residential scheme in Salford

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Manchester-based property developer Generation’s plans for a 12-storey, 85-apartment scheme on Duncan Street in Salford, designed by TODD Architects, have been approved by Salford City Council. Targeted at aspirational young professionals, the new-build residential scheme showcases a mix of quality residential accommodation within a highly desirable environment that will include a residents’ lounge and a large communal roof terrace with enviable views across Manchester and Salford. Located in an area of the city undergoing major change due to increased demand for homes and residential investment, the proposed development maximises the potential of an underutilised brownfield site by incorporating the entire footprint of its boundary. The scheme has been carefully designed to encourage low-carbon living and provides the new residential community with a range of recreational spaces and amenity including two communal terraces and shared internal lounges. Shehzad Chaudhri from Generation said: “This site is highly accessible and well connected, being located on the mid-point between Manchester Town Hall and Media City Salford and on the new Bee Network cycleway. It is in an area that is undergoing substantial and transformative change, with a new mixed-use neighbourhood now emerging. “The scheme itself is designed to contribute significantly to that transformation by delivering high quality new homes with high levels of resident amenity space to support modern, post-Covid lifestyles, including residents’ lounges / home working space and communal outdoor terraces on the roof and fronting the street.” Seamus Lennon, Principal, TODD Architects Manchester Studio said: “Our proposal will create a flagship urban scheme that will contribute to the new sustainable community emerging in this area of Salford and will offer high-quality homes using a range of apartment typologies to suit local market demand. It has been designed very much with residents and the local community in mind and offers a true sense of place and community. Residents in the proposal will enjoy access to extremely high levels of shared amenity which will encourage social interaction and further reduce the need to travel for some leisure and recreation pursuits.” The residents’ lounge is a critical component of the design and a key differentiator from many comparable projects as it will support the wellness of residents by facilitating social gatherings and provide space for home working. The proposed development also holds a high level of outdoor space for its residents given the context and constraints of the site. Residents will also benefit from a large communal roof terrace with magnificent views across both Salford and Manchester. The space will allow residents to simply sit outside in good weather and can also be used to host events, including summer parties and external film screenings. TODD Architects’ design for the scheme introduces a pitched roof form to create a dynamic silhouette, referencing Salford’s industrial heritage and establishes a ‘crowning’ element. The massing and facade treatment is organised in a tri-partite manner with a base, middle and top to provide order and visual interest, whilst a primary grid of pale grey brick with green brick infills ensures the project has an appropriate level of diversity and richness. The ground and upper ground floor have been considered as a ‘piece’ to maximise the potential for an active frontage onto Duncan Street. The principles of sustainability will be incorporated into the design and construction process in a balanced way, with the aim to provide a development that considers the heritage of the development site, transport issues, waste management, reduced energy demand, CO2 emissions, water management. The architectural design takes a fabric-first approach and has considered reducing heat loss and solar gain while providing natural light to the apartments to help reduce CO2 emissions. Seamus Lennon, Principal, TODD Architects Manchester Studio, concludes: “This is an exemplar residential development in its approach to design, technology provision and sustainability strategy. Utilising our knowledge of the local market and experience on other residential-led schemes throughout the UK, our proposal not only respects the character of the area, but will provide a high-quality living environment and greatly assist the city in meeting its overall housing targets. The high-quality nature of our scheme is expected to encourage further investment in the surrounding area, creating employment opportunities for residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Building for the future: new campaign to fill construction roles in South London

Building for the future: new campaign to fill construction roles in South London

Kenneth Booth March 3, 2023

The South London Partnership (SLP) is launching a campaign to find apprentices and tutors to help boost the construction trade across South London, as UK labour vacancies reached a record 48,000 in 2021.  Supported by the Mayor of London, the SLP has created the initiative after research showed the construction industry has a shortage of apprentices and tutors.  Last month the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) released its annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report which shows that Greater London needs 22,800 extra workers by 2027 – that means an annual recruitment boost of 4,560.  The SLP is a sub-regional collaboration of five London boroughs: Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton. The SLP will work alongside Wandsworth Council, South London businesses and colleges to deliver this campaign.  Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the South London Partnership said:   “South London is a great place to live, but like other parts of London, provision of good quality, affordable and sustainable homes is a priority. Whether this is building new homes or retrofitting existing housing stock, we are predicting an even greater demand on the construction workforce.  “There is a wide range of apprenticeships on offer locally, which give young people a pathway to good quality careers in the industry. And for those further on in their career, tutoring provides a great opportunity to take those years of knowledge and experience and put their skills to use in a different way and help nurture the next generation of the workforce.”  A survey of 1,000 people conducted by UK Construction Week (2022) noted several barriers to young people pursuing a career in the industry. This included it being seen as a ‘dirty job’ (23 per cent), a lack of careers advice (19 per cent), and the sector being seen as male-dominated (15 per cent).   Shakir Kikomeko, 21-years-old, is an apprentice site manager working on one of South London’s biggest projects while studying one day a week at college.   “Most of my friends have gone to university, but I felt it wasn’t for me as I was keen to earn money and get started in a career. Sometimes you can feel unsure about asking questions, but you soon learn that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. When doing an apprenticeship you are surrounded by people that have been in the construction business for 20 or 30 years and there isn’t anything they don’t know.”  A recent study by The Financial Times on behalf of the Association of Colleges found that 85 per cent of colleges across the UK were understaffed for construction courses, with the lack of tutors contributing to a sector-wide shortage of construction workers.  Kevin Williams, 54, worked as a self-employed plumber for 20 years before becoming a lecturer and assessor at South Thames College. Kevin, who himself was an apprentice, said:   “It’s seeing the students grow and learn that really drives me. You can literally see the passion and determination in their faces to learn and succeed.”  For more information email csl@southlondonpartnership.co.uk or visit http://southlondonpartnership.co.uk/skills/mayors-construction-academy-hub/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Former Arnold Clark garage to be transformed into new homes

Former Arnold Clark garage to be transformed into new homes

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Planning permission has been granted for a former Arnold Clark branch in Glasgow Southside to be transformed into 50 modern flats for social rent. Developer, AS Homes (Scotland), will deliver the homes on behalf of Southside Housing Association. Located within the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s popular Strathbungo location, the site will be re-developed to create affordable flats and associated outdoor amenity spaces. The new development has been deemed to play an important role in providing much needed housing in such a sustainable location. Furthering its commitment to building energy-efficient homes and to provide lower energy costs for residents, AS Homes (Scotland) will be delivering the homes to Gold Hybrid sustainability status by installing air source heat pumps and PV panels. Lower energy lighting will also be incorporated into each home.  Designed by architect Keppie Design, the development will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats, including wheelchair accessible homes, set across four, five and six storey blocks. A selection of flats will also offer additional outdoor balcony space.   The development will boast engaging community spaces paved with attractive graphite footpaths and natural greenery such as planters, shrubs and trees. Residents will also be able to enjoy an interactive children’s play area, open seating areas and communal green space. Work is due to start in April 2023 with an expected completion date of April 2025.  Andy Geddes, Technical Director at A S Homes (Scotland) Ltd, said: “Receiving the green light for our new development on Pollokshaws Road marks a major milestone in AS Homes’ ongoing dedication to helping bridge the gap for affordable housing within our communities. This site shows great potential and its transformation will add a whole new lease of life to the surrounding area in Glasgow Southside. We look forward to bringing new, energy-efficient homes with high-quality communal facilities to our local residents.”  Donna Reilly, Director of Property Services at Southside Housing Association, said: “Southside Housing Association are delighted to be working in Partnership with AS Homes on this exciting project which will deliver a range of one, two and three bedroom homes for those in housing need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Docks Bruxsel: Europe's first large shopping centre achieves Carbon Net Zero!

Docks Bruxsel: Europe’s first large shopping centre achieves Carbon Net Zero!

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Docks Bruxsel announced that it has received the “CO2 neutral – gold company” certificate from CO2logic/South Pole and is the first large shopping centre in Europe to receive this certification. “Docks benefits from exceptional design and build with regard to low carbon emissions, this was part of our rationale for investing in Docks. Our team have worked tirelessly to further reduce the carbon emissions, to provide inclusive access and our ESG strategy. We are very pleased and proud to be the first large scale shopping centre to have achieved CO2 neutral status and gold certification. We continue working to further reduce our carbon emissions; an environmental and socially inclusive strategy is essential to us, our investors, tenants and customers and part of the DNA of Docks”, Peter Todd Founder of Portus Retail and Asset Manager/Owner of Docks Bruxsel. The sustainable ecological approach has always been in the DNA of Docks and is an integral part of its architecture. The shopping centre has a natural ventilation system that replaces air conditioning and a 580m³ rainwater recovery basin which, after filtration and treatment, can be used for many applications (sanitary facilities, cleaning processes, cooling systems, etc.). Docks Bruxsel is also equipped with a rainwater filtering method for watering the green walls. The shopping centre has 4,500 m² of solar panels and the heat from the nearby incinerator is used as an energy source. On the roof, two beehives house around 80,000 bees. This explains why the shopping centre also has BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating in the construction sector. This same ecological infrastructure has enabled Docks Bruxsel to fill its Christmas ice rink with rainwater and power it with 100% green energy generated from solar panels. These panels produce no less than 520 Mwh per year, equivalent to the average consumption of 115 Brussels households. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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HS2 tunnel progress as ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ pass Amersham

HS2 tunnel progress as ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ pass Amersham

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

HS2 yesterday confirmed that ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ – the two giant tunnelling machines digging HS2’s longest tunnels – have passed Amersham, 5-and-a-half miles into their 10 mile drive under the Chilterns. The enormous 2,000 tonne machines have spent almost two years excavating the twin tunnels between the M25 and South Heath in Buckinghamshire that will help the high speed rail project protect the environment while improving connections between London, Birmingham and the North. Each machine is a 170m long self-contained underground factory, digging the tunnel, lining it with 56,000 concrete segments to form rings and grouting them into place as it moves forward. Designed specifically for the geology of the Chilterns, the first TBMs were launched in Summer 2021 from a site near the M25 and have excavated more than 1.8 million cubic metres of chalk and flint. As well as digging and lining the tunnels, engineers have also completed the excavation of five shafts that will provide ventilation and emergency access near Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Amersham, Little Missenden and an intervention shaft at Chesham Road. The 44m deep shaft at Amersham – which the TBMs have now passed – will be in the middle of a road junction just outside the Buckinghamshire town. A ‘headhouse’ will be built on top of the shaft to house safety equipment, with a flint-faced boundary wall and a pre-patinated zinc roof to help match the natural tones of the surrounding landscape. Once complete, trains will pass through the tunnel at speeds of up to 320km/h, providing zero carbon journeys between London, Birmingham and the north while freeing up capacity on the existing rail network. Martyn Noak, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Tunnel Engineering, said: “The Chiltern tunnel will take HS2 underground and safeguard the woodlands and wildlife habits above the tunnel as well as significantly reducing disruption to communities during construction and operation of the new railway. “I’ve been very impressed with the progress made by Florence and Cecilia as they make their way unseen beneath the Chiltern Hills.  It’s great to see how much progress they and the teams excavating the five shafts have made and I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting us this far.” The two TBMs are operated by, Align – a joint venture formed of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. Each machine has a crew of 17 people, working in shifts and supported by over 100 people on the surface, managing the logistics and maintaining the smooth progress of the tunnelling operation.  Coralie Peroux, Tunnel Manager, Align ‘Florence and Cecilia reaching our third shaft at Amersham is a great achievement for not only the tunnelling team and the team involved in excavating and preparing the shaft, but also the supporting teams on the surface at the South Portal, manufacturing the concrete segments required to line the tunnel and processing the spoil from the tunnels.” “In particular I would like to pay credit to Align Shafts team, working with our supply chain partners KVJV and Keltbray, who have been working tirelessly over the last few months to ensure the shaft is ready for the arrival of Florence and Cecilia.”    Approximately 2.7 million cubic metres of material – mostly chalk and flint – will be excavated during the construction of the tunnels and used for landscaping. Once construction is complete, the temporary buildings at the south portal will be removed and the site landscaped with around 90 hectares of new wildlife-rich chalk grassland habitats. Chalk grassland used to be widespread across the hills of southeast England and are considered habitat of international conservation significance with just 700ha left across the Chilterns. HS2 currently has five TBMs in the ground, with a further five due to be launched over the coming years. Together they will create 64 miles of tunnel between London and the West Midlands including major tunnels on the approach to London and Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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The foundations for futureproofing against climate change in house building

The foundations for futureproofing against climate change in house building

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

The NHBC Foundation’s latest report, Building Foundation Solutions – FutureProofing Against Climate Change, is available to download now. This new report focuses on the increasingly important issue of foundation design and its application in making new homes more resilient to the effects of extreme weather events caused by climate change. This report has been produced to support developers facing comprehensive changes in foundation planning in light of climate consideration. As well as highlighting potential risk factors associated with climate change, it explores how these can impact foundations and how engineers can work to mitigate these risks. The report also recognises government policies aimed at promoting an increase in tree/canopy cover within new developments and the implications of this for foundation design. Importantly it examines the carbon footprint of foundation systems too and how these can be assessed and consequently reduced.  “House builders understand, now more than ever, the importance of climate change in design and development”, commented Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Research & Technical Competency at NHBC Foundation. “This really does start from the very beginning of a project, from the foundations up. Building Foundation Solutions – Future Proofing Against Climate Change gives its readers a clear overview of this important subject and equips house builders with the knowledge to confidently navigate foundation design in a climate-conscious age.” This wide ranging report also looks at both the known and anticipated impacts of climate change on foundation systems and the implications for their design and construction in the future. To help illustrate the issues and solutions covered, case studies are included throughout. The range of low carbon foundation solutions currently available are considered along with the interactions between low carbon design, construction solutions and climate change resilience. The Building Foundation Solutions report was prepared in partnership with RSK, one of the UK’s leading geosciences consultancies and a leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. The report demonstrates how the impact of climate change is expected to lead to an increase in damages experienced by domestic properties. It also considers the following key questions with responses informed by the findings of literature research and industry consultation: RSK Director of Engineering and Environmental Consultancy, Peter Witherington, said: “The report recommends that, since it will take some time for further research to justify changes to the NHBC Standards and Building Regulations, developers should consider increasing minimum foundation depths now to increase climate resilience rather than waiting for changes in standards to take place. This clearly needs to be balanced against net zero considerations and the need to reduce embodied carbon associated with construction. The report, therefore, provides guidance on alternative low carbon foundation options which could adopted.” It also provides an overview of what is currently known, including relevant legislation and policy drivers for change, the main risks to building structures and their foundations from climate effects and how to mitigate them. Building Foundation Solutions – Future Proofing Against Climate Change is available to download here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Let there be (even more) light with the new 2in1 roof windows from VELUX®

Let there be (even more) light with the new 2in1 roof windows from VELUX®

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Double the light in one installation Leading roof window manufacturer VELUX is launching a new 2in1 roof window available in three variants from March 2023. With the launch of the new 2in1 roof windows, VELUX is further improving its efforts in providing stunning daylight transformations through bigger roof windows that are more affordable and easier to install. With 60% of homeowners viewing natural light as the single most important attribute in their home1, the sleek and modern 2in1 roof window will be a great fit for homeowners. The design with two roof windows fitted in a single frame, simply makes it an efficient way to reach the right amount of daylight at once. Available in three variants Besides the manual operated 2in1 roof window, VELUX offers a top-hung variant with an even wider panoramic view and an electric, solar powered variant for extra convenience. The top-hung 2in1 roof window opens from the bottom up to 45°. The outward opening gives homeowners an incredible uninterrupted panoramic view for a balcony-like feeling, without the window getting in the way. Meanwhile, the sleek design and slim profiles allow for a larger influx of daylight to the home. The 2in1 solar powered roof window is fully remote-controlled, for extra convenience within homeowners’ daily routine. And no need to worry about leaving the window open, as the rain sensor automatically closes any open window when it starts to rain. The window is also compatible with all VELUX intelligent home control accessories, for operating it using VELUX App Control or via a wireless wall switch. All 2in1 roof windows are compatible with a wide variety of VELUX heat protection products and light regulation blinds. Alex O’dell, Senior Market Director for Great Britain & Ireland for VELUX says about the news: “By listening to our homeowners’ and installers’ needs, we are excited to be launching our new 2in1 portfolio, setting a new standard in the roof window market. The VELUX 2in1 range will redefine roof windows, doubling the amount of daylight in every installation and dramatically transforming indoor spaces. The window’s slim profile allows for more natural light to flood inside, illuminating a room and creating a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere.” He continues: “For installers, 2in1 will transform your projects by doubling the daylight with one single and simple installation – increasing project values with relatively little additional work. The response so far from the trade has been incredibly positive, and so we encourage you to experience it for yourself and signing up for installation training.” Easy ordering and installation due to the one-frame design With only one single product reference and one installation package, the roof windows are very easy to order. The single frame with two windows makes installation of multiple windows easier than ever before. Both sashes can be removed to get the weight of the product down, making it easier to get the window from the ground to the roof. The installation of the one-frame module follows simple and well-known principles but with fewer components. The remote-operated variant is solar powered, so it’s easily installed without wiring. And only one installation and one lining is needed to get the benefits of multiple windows. Symmetric and asymmetric sizes to accommodate personal design preference The 2in1 roof window is available in eight different sizes with both symmetric and asymmetric variants for homeowners’ personal design preferences. This gives full flexibility when designing a room transformation. The window comes in two glazing variants, the two-layer glazing provides great comfort with all standard features, including rain noise reduction, laminated safety glass, protection from UV rays, and toughened glass. The second variant with triple-layer glazing minimizes the feeling of cold and blocks outside noise and has additional features like an easy-to-clean and anti-dew coating to provide clearer views. Join VELUX Rewards The Rewards scheme is the installer loyalty programme by VELUX. Installers can earn points year-round to spend with top-brand partners like Lastminute.com, John Lewis and Currys. With the 2in1 roof windows, there are even more rewards to be earned. The rewards are earned per pane, meaning double the points. Not a member yet? Sign up and start doubling your reward today: www.velux.co.uk/rewards Installer Training VELUX believes it’s important to provide training to all installers, to understand the benefits through more efficient installations. By attending our training, you learn how to properly and quickly install the product, increasing your profit and ensuring a happy customer. Find out how to secure the best for your business now: www.velux.co.uk/training Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Almost 60,000 homes sold through Right to Buy will not be replaced by 2030

Almost 60,000 homes sold through Right to Buy will not be replaced by 2030

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

England’s already stretched social housing stock is predicted to lose a further 57,000 homes through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme by the end of the decade as councils struggle to replace sold properties, new analysis published by the Local Government Association reveals. A new report by Savills, commissioned by the LGA, Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) and National Federation of ALMOs, estimates that 100,000 homes are likely to be sold through the RTB scheme by 2030, with just 43,000 replaced as significant discounts leave councils without funding to replace the much-needed homes on a like-for-like basis. The analysis warns that there will be no region of the country or local authority with the capability to provide one for one replacements of homes sold under RTB over this period. The size of the discounts available were increased in April 2012, and as a result the average discount has increased by 150 per cent to nearly £68,000 in 2021/22. At the same time, this has led to a quadrupling in the number of RTB Sales. With RTB discounts set to increase by a further 10.1 per cent from April this year, in line with September’s rate of inflation, the LGA says it will become even harder for councils to deliver replacements. The LGA is urging the Government to use the Spring Budget to allow councils to set discounts locally and retain 100 per cent of sales receipts to avoid such a loss of desperately-needed social housing stock. Councils also need to be able to combine RTB receipts with government grant funding, such as the Affordable Homes Programme, and transfer funding from sales to ALMOs or housing companies to give them greater flexibility over how new council housing is delivered. Cllr David Renard, housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “Councils want to urgently help people on council housing waiting lists and stuck in temporary accommodation. “It is becoming impossible for councils to replace homes as quickly as they’re being sold as they are being left with nowhere near enough money to provide replacements. Rising RTB discounts mean that one household’s home ownership is increasingly being prioritised over another’s access to secure, safe, social housing. “RTB can enable families to get on the housing ladder and own their own home, but every home sold that isn’t replaced risks pushing more families into the private rented sector, driving up housing benefit spending and rents, along with exacerbating our homelessness crisis. “Our new analysis shows RTB will quickly become a thing of the past in England if councils continue to be prevented from replacing sold homes. Councils urgently need the funding and powers to replace any homes sold under RTB quickly and reinvest in building more of the genuine affordable homes our communities desperately need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Bureau Veritas launches vital guide to help manage green claims and avoid unintentional Greenwashing

Bureau Veritas launches vital guide to help manage green claims and avoid unintentional Greenwashing

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

In today’s world, as the need for businesses to demonstrate sustainable practices, including environmental performance, continues to gather pace, so do the risks of greenwashing. Greenwashing is a form of marketing where misleading information may persuade the public that an organisation’s products, services, aims and policies are more environmentally friendly than they are. Under proposed legislation, companies could face multi-million pound fines for promoting their products with unverified environmental claims.1 With disputes surrounding green claims on the rise across the UK, it’s time for businesses to pause and ensure they are not overselling their environmental benefits, or risk sowing mistrust and being reputationally and financially impacted.  Christopher Jockel, Principal Sustainability Consultant at Bureau Veritas, comments: “Green claims don’t have to be intentionally misleading to be labelled as greenwashing and in today’s fast moving business communications environment, the risk of conveying uncontrolled or unintentional misinformation, is high. Intense scrutiny and action against greenwashing is escalating worldwide, putting organisations and their leaders on notice regarding overstatements or misleading claims and incurring potential reputation and regulatory risk. “Any short-term gain from erroneous, misleading, unsubstantiated, exaggerated, or posturing claims are overwhelmingly lost reputationally and possibly financially through fines in the medium and long term when the claim is debunked in public or in court. “The challenge for companies to identify and mitigate greenwashing is complex which is why we have launched our informative webinar and downloadable guide to understanding Green Claims. Together, these provide a no nonsense, intuitive and digestible way to navigate they myriad of intricacies surrounding greenwashing.” The UK Competition and Markets Authority – the competition regulator in United Kingdom – coordinated a global review of randomly selected websites and discovered that 40% of green claims made online could be misleading consumers. Christopher concludes: “The benefits for businesses who successfully manage their Green Claims, are considerable. Not only will they reduce the risk of reputational and financial impacts, but companies can gain a competitive edge and in turn, increase customer retention, while building confidence in the information provided to customers, stakeholders and investors. “At Bureau Veritas we take this risk of miscommunication seriously and our team of sustainability experts can help businesses by presenting range of solutions to detect and manage greenwashing, ensuring claims are accurate, reliable and not in any way misleading.” To access Bureau Veritas’ downloadable guide to understanding and managing Green Claims click here. The recorded webinar hosted by the sustainability team can be watched here.  To find out more about how the expert team at Bureau Veritas can detect and manage greenwashing, to ensure claims are accurate, reliable and not misleading, visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk/needs/managing-green-claims    Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Willmott Dixon appoint Barbour ABI as intelligence provider

Willmott Dixon appoint Barbour ABI as intelligence provider

BDC News Team March 3, 2023

Barbour ABI have announced that Willmott Dixon has awarded them a multi-year contract as their exclusive construction intelligence provider following a robust process that included extensive evaluation of the market and a detailed comparison against the incumbent provider. As well as access to Barbour ABI, the market-leading construction intelligence platform, this also includes a new suite of enterprise tools and dashboards providing insights and analysis designed to support the tier one contractor with strategic planning.   Andrew Geldard, chief communications officer, Willmott Dixon commented: “Our decision to partner with Barbour ABI was based on a number of key criteria. Firstly, we required an intelligence solution that enabled our business development teams to benefit from the information provided by Barbour ABI’s service. This meant providing detailed feedback from all key stakeholders to ensure we have a bespoke service tailored to our specific requirements from a regional level through to the executive board. “Also, we were impressed with Barbour ABI’s expert support, from the needs analysis through to contract.  As we navigate the current uncertain economic conditions, we are looking forward to working with an intelligence partner who will serve our needs now and into the future.” Simon Mahoney, group director at Barbour ABI said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Willmott Dixon. This is a company with such incredible heritage but also one that is ahead of its game in the way they interpret and use big data. “As the UK-market leading provider of construction intelligence and insights, we will provide unparalleled access to a data set providing key insights on their markets, competitors, and trends, and ultimately ensure their strategic planning is based on the highest quality intelligence out there. I am proud of our continued commitment and investment in creating innovative client centric solutions that are so highly regarded by organisations with the pedigree of Willmott Dixon.” Find out more about Barbour ABI at barbour-abi.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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