June 5, 2023
Major contractors and suppliers join pioneering project to develop automated, real-time reporting of embodied carbon

Major contractors and suppliers join pioneering project to develop automated, real-time reporting of embodied carbon

Aggregate Industries UK, Balfour Beatty plc, Galliford Try and Morgan Sindall Group plc have joined forces with construction technology provider Causeway Technologies in a project to develop automated, real-time scope 3 emissions reporting. Scope 3 emissions are indirect carbon and greenhouse gas emissions that come from an organisation’s supply chain.

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Torus expands St Helens footprint with 83 new homes in Thatto Heath

Torus expands St Helens footprint with 83 new homes in Thatto Heath

With roots firmly in St Helens, housing Group Torus has decades of experience building, repairing and maintaining over 13,500 homes across the borough and now is celebrating commencing works on its biggest Shared Ownership scheme in the area – Elephant Lane – with Countryside Partnerships.  Committing to delivering 83 brand new homes –

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Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Aggregate Industries will once again be one of the headline sponsors for this year’s Leicester Pride event as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The leading building materials supplier, with its group headquarters near Coalville in Leicestershire, has announced it is to be a Gold Sponsor for the event on Saturday

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The sustainable transition depends on scaling positive change now! WorldGBC announces #BuildingTheTransition for World Green Building Week

The sustainable transition depends on scaling positive change now! WorldGBC announces #BuildingTheTransition for World Green Building Week

On World Environment Day (5 June), the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its 14th annual World Green Building Week, taking place 11–15 September 2023.  As the largest contributing sector to global energy-related carbon emissions (37% globally), the built environment is a key agent of change to deliver on the

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Vital firm for Scotland’s public sector procures itself a new boss

Vital firm for Scotland’s public sector procures itself a new boss

Accomplished expert Lesley Anderson takes the helm at SPA A MAJOR player in Scotland’s thriving procurement sector has appointed renowned expert Lesley Anderson as its permanent head. Now she will drive the development of the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), which has £1.1billion of contracts under management and is also delivering

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Abloy UK appoints new Commercial Product Manager for Aperio

Abloy UK appoints new Commercial Product Manager for Aperio

Abloy UK has appointed Jason Boyce ASyl as the new Commercial Product Manager for Electronic Access Control, specialising in the Aperio access control solution. Aperio wireless devices from Abloy UK extend the reach of an access control system or replace mechanical locks with intelligent access control. They operate wire-free, so

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Crewless maintenance vessels to support offshore wind farm repairs

Crewless maintenance vessels to support offshore wind farm repairs

Electric remotely operated vehicles (eROVs) that perform maintenance and repair tasks on offshore wind turbines are being developed by the National Robotarium in partnership with Fugro, the world’s leading Geo-data specialist. Deployed from Fugro’s uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), the companies are working closely together to explore how the offshore energy

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

June 5, 2023

Major contractors and suppliers join pioneering project to develop automated, real-time reporting of embodied carbon

Major contractors and suppliers join pioneering project to develop automated, real-time reporting of embodied carbon

Aggregate Industries UK, Balfour Beatty plc, Galliford Try and Morgan Sindall Group plc have joined forces with construction technology provider Causeway Technologies in a project to develop automated, real-time scope 3 emissions reporting. Scope 3 emissions are indirect carbon and greenhouse gas emissions that come from an organisation’s supply chain. In the case of construction, for example, this could include the embodied carbon from the production and transport of concrete, steel and timber.  The accurate measurement of scope 3 emissions is increasingly seen as the biggest challenge to reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint on the road to net zero. Speaking recently at Digital Construction Week, Dr Adam O’Rourke, Causeway’s emerging technologies consultant, explained: “The construction industry has been grappling with the measurement of scope 3 emissions for some time with increasing pressure from regulators, investors and campaigners adding to the sense of urgency for a viable solution. “But at present, few construction product suppliers find it easy to provide consistent transaction-level data on the full carbon emissions of their products, and so contractors are heavily reliant on using generic carbon calculators for estimating scope 3 emissions. “These calculators are useful estimating tools, but Causeway’s scope 3 initiative is different – it provides contractors, for the first time, with an accurate, consistent and automated reporting tool that reflects the actual materials and products used, not just what was planned. “More accurate reporting means better choices and lower risk for contractors. It also means competitive advantages for suppliers who are supporting their customers to meet their carbon reporting obligations with an automated solution – no further effort is required. It really is ‘Scope 3 made easy’.” The scope 3 initiative is well advanced in developing a software solution that can deliver a credible, verifiable, efficient and scalable way to measure scope 3 emissions in real-time, using invoice data automatically extracted from Causeway Tradex, the largest connected construction supply chain community in the UK. Invoices represent the actual materials and services consumed and quickly allow buyers and sellers to see the impact of the changes they make as they implement their net-zero strategies. Causeway Tradex already processes 6.7 million invoices from over 60,000 suppliers, amounting to billions of construction value. Using Causeway Tradex in this way, scope 3 emissions can be associated with specific projects and specific transactions, and emissions measured in real-time as a building or structure is constructed. In initial tests, Causeway was able to sample 25,000 invoices from Aggregate Industries, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall and Galliford Try focusing on materials with the highest carbon impact. The system is capable of addressing embodied carbon figures down to line-level items such as tools and plant purchases, with the range of materials and products growing as the project matures. Causeway and its partners are currently engaging with more suppliers and contractors, as well as validating and testing elements of the software. The project is also being supported via a partnership engagement with the Engineering Department at the University of Bath. Dr. Adam O’Rourke added: “One of the biggest innovations on this project has been bringing together major contractors’ finance departments and sustainability teams. The detail and accuracy of existing financial reporting provides the level of information needed for transparent benchmarking, tracking and reporting on carbon emissions for ESG reporting, but we found that this connection had not been made in many businesses. The Scope 3 initiative bridges this gap.” To register for updates on the scope 3 initiative, go to: https://www.causeway.com/carbon-reporting/scope-3 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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coop live

“Co-op Live” Date revealed for £365m indoor arena new opening

The indoor arena in Manchester will have a capacity of 23,500 An opening date has been revealed for the Co-op Live indoor arena. The arena, which cost an eyewatering £365m, is being built by Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. It has now been announced the 23,500-capacity indoor arena will open its doors in April, 2024. It was originally supposed to be up and running by December this year, however, that has now been pushed back. Test events are planned to be staged in April shortly before it fully opens to the paying public.An exact date for the first event is due to be announced in the coming months, it has been reported. The arena is being built by BAM Construct UK and is being led by a joint venture between City Football Group and Los Angeles-based Oak View Group. Pop star Harry Styles was also announced as an investor. While Simon Moran’s gigs promotor SJM Holdings, which is the holding company of both SJM Concerts and rugby league club Warrington Wolves, also has shares in the joint venture. Gaiety Investments UK, the business run by Irish concert promotor Denis Desmond, is an investor as well. A Co-op Live spokesman said: “Co-op Live will be opening our doors to fans in April 2024. “It’s huge kudos to BAM, and the dozens of local subcontractors working on the project, that we are well within our original timeframe and on-budget given the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, supply chain shortages, and an energy crisis. “We’re proud to be on the home stretch to delivering Co-op Live and we can’t wait to invite fans in to experience the biggest and most sustainable arena in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Torus expands St Helens footprint with 83 new homes in Thatto Heath

Torus expands St Helens footprint with 83 new homes in Thatto Heath

With roots firmly in St Helens, housing Group Torus has decades of experience building, repairing and maintaining over 13,500 homes across the borough and now is celebrating commencing works on its biggest Shared Ownership scheme in the area – Elephant Lane – with Countryside Partnerships.  Committing to delivering 83 brand new homes – all of which will be available via Shared Ownership – Torus will work with Countryside Partnerships to bring forward the 164-unit scheme and completely transform the disused land in Thatto Heath and create a modern housing development which will give future residents access to numerous local amenities and public transport networks.  Investing over £18 million into the scheme, Elephant Lane is the first New Build scheme Torus has undertaken in Thatto Heath and highlights its ongoing commitment to build high quality, modern homes that actively support people onto the housing ladder.  Discussing Elephant Lane, Director of Development & Sales at Torus Developments, Steve Alcock, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Countryside Partnerships on this project to galvanise long-term investment in the site and surrounding area. For Torus, it’s critical to enter into partnerships that help us actively invest in a community and that is what we feel we have at Elephant Lane – a relationship that will help us create sustainable, deep-rooted change through building great homes.  “Elephant Lane itself signifies a monumental moment for Torus as a Group and represents years of ongoing investment in St Helens. It is the single largest Shared Ownership scheme we have developed in St Helens – and the first in Thatto Heath – so we are excited to be able to bring forward 83 homes that will help regenerate a piece of land and encourage the growth of a new community.”  Delivering the other 81 homes at Elephant Lane through its Linden Homes arm, Countryside Partnerships will provide these properties via Outright Sale and offer another route to homeownership to local people.  Ian Hilliker, Managing Director of Countryside Partnerships Merseyside & Cheshire West, said: “As the UK’s leading mixed tenure developer, we’re always looking to work with quality partners like Torus to deliver more affordable homes in the areas they’re needed most. By working in partnership, we’ve been able to unlock the potential of this site, which had remained undeveloped for many years. We’re now looking forward to seeing the homes progress and welcoming new residents.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Aggregate Industries will once again be one of the headline sponsors for this year’s Leicester Pride event as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The leading building materials supplier, with its group headquarters near Coalville in Leicestershire, has announced it is to be a Gold Sponsor for the event on Saturday September 2, following a successful sponsorship in 2022. This year sees a change of venue with the annual celebration moving to Leicester’s Abbey Park.  The sponsorship will see Aggregate Industries take up a prominent pitch at the event, where members of its team will be on hand to discuss the diverse careers available across the business, the company’s approach to inclusivity, and the High Viz LGBTQ+ Network.  The sponsorship of Leicester Pride forms part of Aggregate Industries’ continued focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) within the business, with the aim of continuing to build a progressive and inclusive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to be their true selves. Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for the Surfacing Solutions division at Aggregate Industries, said: “Within Aggregate Industries we’re committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive for all. I’m delighted that we are once again able to be a headline sponsor of Leicester Pride, the largest pride event local to our country head office, and I’m proud of the difference that this makes to our colleagues and the wider LGBTQ+ community.”  Martyn Parker, Chair of Leicester Pride, said: “Leicester Pride is thrilled to announce that Aggregate Industries has once again chosen to be one of our Gold Sponsors for this year’s celebrations. Their ongoing support enables us to host one of Leicester’s largest cultural events of the year, allowing thousands to celebrate all aspects of the LGBTQ+ community as well as promote diversity and equality within the county.” The company’s High Viz network creates a safe and welcoming environment for all employees who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who simply support equal rights for all. It also acts as a voice for LGBTQ+ employees within Aggregate Industries as well as driving change by continuing to educate, raise awareness and up-skill colleagues. Aggregate Industries also has Affinity Groups supporting women in the construction sector, age, ethnicity and nationality, veterans and disability. For more information on careers at Aggregate Industries visit our careers pages. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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The sustainable transition depends on scaling positive change now! WorldGBC announces #BuildingTheTransition for World Green Building Week

The sustainable transition depends on scaling positive change now! WorldGBC announces #BuildingTheTransition for World Green Building Week

On World Environment Day (5 June), the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its 14th annual World Green Building Week, taking place 11–15 September 2023.  As the largest contributing sector to global energy-related carbon emissions (37% globally), the built environment is a key agent of change to deliver on the systemic transition needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.  This World Green Building Week — #BuildingTheTransition — calls on the global building and construction sector to accelerate the transition to secure an energy efficient, regenerative and just future for all. Led by a network of over 75 national Green Building Councils (GBCs) and their 46,000 members, the week-long event will show how through systems change thinking, and leveraging local solutions, we can transition to sustainable built environments.  This year, all eyes are on the world’s first Global Stocktake, expected to show the status of our efforts in implementing the Paris Agreement. Political and private sector leaders across the world are asking “how far have we come?”, and importantly, “how far do we still have to go?” in order to tackle the worst impacts of global warming, humanitarian challenges and economic uncertainties.  There is no question that the world must undergo a transition to ensure better outcomes for nature and people. But this transition won’t happen on its own. It requires systemic transformation across all sectors, including buildings and construction. An urgent understanding of what the transition entails, and a profound shift in how all stakeholders think and act on any given choice is imperative to secure an equitable and just future for all. Throughout World Green Building Week, WorldGBC’s network will host events across the world and share examples of #BuildingTheTransition across three themes: the energy transition, regenerative transition and just transition. This year’s campaign will also lead into the UN’s 2023 SDG Summit (18–19 September) and therefore pinpoint 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are essential to catalyse a sustainable built environment. #BuildingTheTransition’s three themes highlight how the built environment can support the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: The Energy Transition The energy transition is about more than switching to renewable energy. We’re talking about a complete systemic change. Accelerating the uptake of built environments that reduce energy demand, store and share clean energy, and produce more energy than they use. It’s investing in clean technologies and driving economies of scale. And it’s deep retrofitting existing buildings to be exceptionally energy efficient. The Regenerative Transition How do we advance regenerative principles in the built environment from niche to normal? Our planet’s resources give us life, but they are not infinite. Humans and the built environment must exist together within a cycle of natural systems. That means not just protecting biodiversity but prioritising its restoration, embracing nature-based solutions, and creating a thriving circular economy across the entire building value chain. The Just Transition We cannot achieve climate justice without social justice. The people who have contributed the least to environmental degradation are suffering the biggest consequences. Equality is not the same as equity. Advancing a just transition in the built environment means committed solidarity to protect human rights from financial flows, to supply chains, to geopolitics.  Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council: “A final reminder. That’s what we have from this year’s Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A final reminder before we are evicted by an uninhabitable planet.  In the run up to COP28 in Dubai, UAE, and in the world’s first Global Stocktake year, we must remember that 1.5ºC is a limit, not a target. Our aim cannot be to only avoid the worst-case scenario when we are capable of so much more. The building and construction sector has the ability to mobilise and scale available solutions now to deliver a future that is energy efficient, regenerative and just. Scaling these solutions requires political will and industry ambition. As the largest contributing sector to carbon emissions, the built environment is at a historical juncture to deliver on the required transitions in a decisive decade. That’s why this World Green Building Week our #BuildingTheTransition campaign is leveraging localised solutions from the built environment to accelerate a global transition to a decarbonised, sustainable and resilient society. Between 11–15 September, we’re inviting our global community to take urgent action to accelerate the UN Sustainable Development Goals and transition to energy efficient, regenerative and just built environments for everyone, everywhere.” Find out more and join the social media campaign at @WorldGBC, #BuildingTheTransition and #WGBW23. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Vital firm for Scotland’s public sector procures itself a new boss

Vital firm for Scotland’s public sector procures itself a new boss

Accomplished expert Lesley Anderson takes the helm at SPA A MAJOR player in Scotland’s thriving procurement sector has appointed renowned expert Lesley Anderson as its permanent head. Now she will drive the development of the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), which has £1.1billion of contracts under management and is also delivering a benefits scheme worth millions of pounds for local communities. Lesley, who has 27 years in the public and private procurement sector and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, said: “Our role in supporting the delivery of projects for public sector organisations is crucial in the growth of communities. “The projects procured through our solutions offer access to facilities and provides opportunities for children and adults of all ages to thrive within their improved surroundings. “SPA supports councils, housing associations, blue light services, the NHS, further and higher education providers and many other public bodies to build, maintain and refurbish vital social housing and public buildings. “Across the supply chain that means hundreds of Scottish SMEs get the chance to bid for and win lucrative work that creates jobs and employment across the country. “But the most rewarding part is that, as a proud not for profit organisation, we also put our surpluses back into the communities where we operate, through our innovative Community Benefit Fund, which enriches and improves thousands of lives. “It makes me incredibly proud to take up this role and to further this commitment to Scottish communities, our partners and to lead a team of people who consistently impress me.” SPA is Scotland’s largest free-to-join procurement organisation, ensuring its 120 partners can use its extensive frameworks to secure the works and services they need while being confident that the delivery is fully compliant and achieves value for money. It was founded in 2016 as the Scottish business unit of the LHC Procurement Group (LHC), which has been supporting public sector organisations across the UK with technical procurement expertise for over 50 years.   That gives it insight at a local, regional and national level into the challenges and priorities for the public sector and it applies this knowledge to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of its partners. Lesley, who joined SPA in 2017 has now been appointed Regional Director and will lead the 12-strong Scottish team, based in Livingston, West Lothian. They aim to further develop the suite of free, added value services offered to partners, including specialist technical, procurement and social value advisory support. Lesley’s team will also build on the successes of the SPA Community Benefit Fund (CBF), delivered by long-standing housing charity partner, Lintel Trust. Since 2017 the CBF has delivered more than £1.7million of grants and match funding to scores of community groups, charities and causes. Projects have included Holiday Hunger programmes, community gardens, employability initiatives, digital inclusion, apprenticeship support funds and specialist mental health services. These projects have helped improve the lives of at least 19,000 people while delivering social value of more than £3.9 million. LHC Group Managing Director, Clive Feeney said: “Lesley has an outstanding reputation within the procurement industry. Her impressive CV is backed up with a fantastic track record. “She’s already taken great strides in making sure we work more closely than ever with our partners to deliver exactly what they need and her commitment to delivering benefits to Scottish communities is firmly rooted. “I wish Lesley every success going forward in what is a very exciting time for SPA.” SPA’s 120 partners cover a diverse range of public sector entities from small cooperatives, regional and national registered social landlords (RSLs), as well as local authorities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Abloy UK appoints new Commercial Product Manager for Aperio

Abloy UK appoints new Commercial Product Manager for Aperio

Abloy UK has appointed Jason Boyce ASyl as the new Commercial Product Manager for Electronic Access Control, specialising in the Aperio access control solution. Aperio wireless devices from Abloy UK extend the reach of an access control system or replace mechanical locks with intelligent access control. They operate wire-free, so battery-powered Aperio devices are fast and cost-effective to install and save money in operating and maintenance costs. Jason brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, which include being a qualified electrician, working in the IP and telecoms sector, and 15 years in the world of enterprise access control before setting up his own business as an independent security consultant. He then began his career with Abloy as a Business Development Manager in the education sector, before being promoted. Jason’s new role sees him responsible for the product management and commercial success of Aperio. By combining his experience both in sales and as a consultant, he can identify client needs and help them overcome challenges with access control and security. When discussing what characteristics make him an excellent fit for the role, he said: “My background as a consultant has allowed me to take a step back and look at things differently and ask probing meaningful questions to find the best solution to a problem. “Often clients don’t know what solution they need, so we have to ask what issues they are trying to overcome and see things from a different perspective. Ultimately, we are a trusted advisor, but we also have the portfolio of products to resolve their problems.” Jason added: “I strongly believe in the Aperio system and the many benefits it offers a range of sectors, due to its flexible nature. I am looking forward to proactively creating a new strategy for how to market and communicate this. Our solutions are already very popular, but it would be interesting to take these into different verticals and identify where they can make a real difference.” Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, explains why Jason was the ideal choice for this role: “Having worked with Jason for the last couple of years, we identified an excellent opportunity to get somebody with his unique and varied experience into the role of Commercial Product Manager. “Jason has a strong vision of how to implement his strategy and new ways of working that will better position us in the market and service our customer’s needs. We are delighted to have him on board and are excited to see how he makes this role his own.” To learn more about Aperio and how it can help your business, contact Jason Boyce via email: jason.boyce@assaabloy.com. For further information on products and services available from Abloy, visit https://bit.ly/3MWQWdQ call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Crewless maintenance vessels to support offshore wind farm repairs

Crewless maintenance vessels to support offshore wind farm repairs

Electric remotely operated vehicles (eROVs) that perform maintenance and repair tasks on offshore wind turbines are being developed by the National Robotarium in partnership with Fugro, the world’s leading Geo-data specialist. Deployed from Fugro’s uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), the companies are working closely together to explore how the offshore energy sector can benefit from advancing this autonomous technology. The £1.4 million Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) project aims to dramatically improve health and safety for workers by reducing the need for potentially hazardous offshore maintenance missions conducted by crewed support vessels.  The remotely operated robotic systems will address a number of additional sector challenges including supporting industry to reduce carbon emissions, improve offshore turbine productivity through reduced downtime, and make maintenance and repair exercises more cost-effective and timely. The UK has more than 11,000 offshore wind assets around its shores, with thousands more planned by 2050. On average, each turbine requires up to three maintenance check-ups per year and this figure increases as turbines age and require more maintenance to stay fully operational.  Current industry maintenance methods involve vessels travelling into and working in areas of open ocean where a mix of trained divers and ship-based crews manually inspect and or deploy tele-operated robots for repair of individual wind turbines. When applied to the whole of the UK’s offshore wind sector, this translates into potentially hundreds of thousands of crewed maintenance missions every year which are costly for business, contribute emissions to the environment and present a safety risk for workers.  In addition to supporting the uncrewed and remotely operated vessels, the pioneering research project will help develop autonomous and semi-autonomous ROVs capable of conducting subsea inspection, maintenance and repair tasks which can be monitored onshore whilst remotely deployed and operated from anywhere in the world. Researchers will specifically focus on developing technologies which allow robots to build more accurate maps of the subsea terrain to better navigate obstacles and targets. The project will also explore how robots autonomously interact with underwater structures, such as grasping or moving objects, whilst being subject to external forces like changing currents or rough seas.  The project will be delivered by researchers from Heriot-Watt University and Imperial College London working within the National Robotarium, the UK’s leading AI and Robotics centre, in collaboration with Fugro and funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.  The National Robotarium is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government. The initiative aims to turn Edinburgh into the data capital of Europe and is part of the wider £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal. Prof. Yvan Petillot is academic co-lead at the National Robotarium and principal investigator of the UNITE project. He said: “We’re only a generation away from our obligation to deliver on our net zero promises by 2050 and 2045 in Scotland, so can’t afford to let the challenges faced by the offshore renewables sector slow down the construction and operation of essential, green energy assets like wind turbines. “Remote inspection and repair using robotic systems deployed in the field and controlled from shore is within our grasp. The long-term ambition is for crewless boats to be able to do this autonomously without direct human control based on a predetermined maintenance cycle – critical if we’re to see the widespread adoption of robotics in the rapidly expanding offshore wind sector. “The National Robotarium’s partnership with Fugro presents an exciting opportunity to develop this next generation of underwater technologies as well as the skills and expertise needed to support the transition to net zero. UNITE has enormous potential to power the UK’s offshore renewable sector and beyond, delivering worldwide economic and environmental impact that can benefit communities around the world.”  Mark Bruce, Global Product Manager – Next Generation ROV Systems at Fugro, said:  “As the expansion and influence of marine robotics stretches ever further across the marine industry, we are committed to leading the industry’s remote and autonomous revolution. Key to this is overcoming the challenges of remote operations by increasing our awareness and autonomy level in the sub-sea environment. It’s an exciting time as we bring more USVs and respective eROVs into the market, working on commercial projects across Europe providing greater agility, safety and sustainability.”  UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “This pioneering research into remote robotic systems will create the next generation of underwater technologies that will reduce carbon emissions, increase productivity and make offshore work safer. “The UK Government has invested £21 million in the National Robotarium to foster their world-leading research and support high quality jobs, investment and growth. This is part of £2.3 billion for regional projects levelling up right across Scotland.”  Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “This innovative research is another example of the valuable work conducted at the National Robotarium, which benefited from Scottish and UK Government support through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.  “It recognises the growing and changing requirements of offshore wind businesses and can help boost productivity in an industry which is key to the just transition from fossil fuels and promises to create substantial numbers of well-paid green jobs.  “As outlined in the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, delivering on our climate obligations is an absolute priority for this Government – but so too is our unwavering commitment to ensuring the journey to net zero is fair and just for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Bloor Homes North West wins prestigious award for Congleton development

Bloor Homes North West wins prestigious award for Congleton development

A new homes development in Congleton has won a prestigious award from the LABC, beating dozens of other sites in the north. Bloor Homes’ Hudson Meadows development won at The Bricks in the development of the year between 51-100 homes category, for the North of England. The Bricks Site Recognition Awards recognise developers which consistently deliver quality workmanship and site management throughout the year. Andrew Ward, Construction Director for Bloor Homes North West, said: “We’re very proud to win this award for our Hudson Meadows development in Congleton, which is a testament to the dedication of the whole team, led by site manager Fraser Murray. “A Bricks award win is based on an entire year of hard work, including many factors including site tidiness, communication, commitment to safety and of course ambition to deliver high-quality homes – which is why this is such a huge achievement. Congratulations to the whole team and thank you for your efforts this year!” With three and four-bedroom homes being built with wonderful views across the Peak District, Hudson Meadows is a flagship site for Bloor Homes – bolstered now by this award win. Three-bedroom homes are currently available from £284,995 and four-bedroom properties from £379,995. For more information, visit bloorhomes.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Spencer Group praised for ‘incredible’ restoration of historic Union Chain Bridge

Spencer Group praised for ‘incredible’ restoration of historic Union Chain Bridge

Heritage bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been praised for its work to completely refurbish and rebuild one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges. Spencer Group has completed a programme of essential works to preserve Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland, which is more than 200 years old. The crossing over the River Tweed from Horncliffe in Northumberland to Fishwick in Berwickshire has a single span of 449ft (137m) and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1820. Union Chain Bridge, which is both a Grade I listed building in England and a Grade A listed building in Scotland, is credited with being a catalyst for bridge innovation. It influenced the design of many other famous structures and remains the world’s oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic. A funding bid was submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) by Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and community group the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, amid concerns about the condition of the bridge. Following the successful bid, Spencer Group was appointed by Northumberland County Council to dismantle the bridge and carry out a complete refurbishment and rebuild.   A key element of the project was to ensure modifications were in keeping with the historical significance of the bridge. This included restoring, rather than replacing, the suspension chains and using the same type of stone to repair masonry work on the bridge’s two towers. Ted Cawthorne, Honorary Treasurer of the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, which was formed in 2014 and has more than 700 members, said: “It’s been an incredible job by Spencer Group and we’re absolutely delighted to have the bridge back. It’s a vital link between the communities on either side. “The bridge is an important part of the local scene, so we’re very pleased to have it back fully installed and in use again. “It looks wonderful and even more elegant than it did before. There are some differences that have been made during the restoration, with some necessary modern interventions, but that’s just a sign of this remarkable bridge moving with the times. “It’s a terrific achievement and it means a great deal to us to have it restored and fit for use for another 150-200 years. “The remarkable thing is that many of the original components are still intact, which means they will be 350-400-years-old by the time it might need another restoration.” Hull-based Spencer Group worked closely with the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, along with other community groups, the two councils and Museums Northumberland to keep them informed and updated throughout the delivery of the project. Mr Cawthorne said: “Spencer Group have been fantastic and have engaged with us every step of the way. We couldn’t have asked for more. “It’s been a privilege to have them in the community and working with us. They’ve been marvellous and they’ve really integrated into the community. “The team has been very approachable and all of them have been very friendly as well.” Union Chain Bridge is only accessible to one vehicle at a time due to its restricted width. It previously had a weight restriction of two tonnes but, following the restoration and rebuild, this has been increased to three tonnes. Spencer Group also remodelled the English and Scottish approach roads to incorporate parking for visitors to the bridge, which is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians and is a popular tourist attraction. Joe DiMauro, Engineering Director for Spencer Bridge Engineering, said: “It’s been a privilege and an honour for us to carry out this crucial heritage project to preserve such a historical structure for future generations. “It’s been a long journey, from the initial planning through to removing the whole structure, refurbishing all the components, and completely rebuilding it. “It’s been incredible to have been part of the project from start to finish and it feels like a great achievement now that it’s complete.” For more information about Spencer Group’s bridge works expertise and the projects it has delivered, visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/bridges Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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