• 3 in 5 social housing residencies suffered a security breach in the last year, with a third of landlords victim to at least 20 breaches. • A quarter of properties were reported to have faulty entrance doors. • Only 63% of landlords felt the level of security their properties
Kingspan Group plc, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Schramek GmbH (“Schramek”) to acquire c.51% of the shares of Steico SE (“Steico”), with an option to acquire a further c.10% of shares in
NBS, the platform for connected construction information, has launched its annual Digital Construction Survey giving designers, specifiers, manufacturers, contractors, clients and others working in the built environment the chance to have their voices heard. The results of the survey, which is the most comprehensive in the sector, enable those working in the construction
An urban renewal project in the Parisian suburb of Clichy-La-Garenne will become the largest low-carbon building in France. The bustling 47,000m2 urban campus, known as BLACK, is set to provide users with a true ‘workplace of tomorrow’ by creating a sustainable and inspiring modern workspace within commutable distance from La
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) are pleased to announce the off-market acquisition of 14.8-acres in Heathrow, West London from Stonegate Homes. The business plan is to speculatively develop a Grade A urban logistics development with a GDV of c.£60m. This represents the fourth acquisition for the Fiera Real Estate
In a first for the construction industry, technology originally developed to design and optimise automotive and aerospace structures, is being deployed to engineer some of the largest and most impressive structures on Britain’s new high speed rail network, High Speed 2. As part of its Innovation programme, HS2 Ltd has
Sue Corrick of Allegion UK discusses the value points of sustainable door hardware and why its use in construction projects can play an important role in the industry’s environmental evolution. Across the globe, the decarbonisation of our planet has become a focal point for construction. Between legislative requirements and market
Panattoni is the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe for the seventh year in a row, according to PropertyEU’s annual survey of logistics developers. Panattoni delivered more than 86 million sq ft of warehouse space in 302 developments over the three years to the end of 2022, which was more than three times the amount of its nearest competitor. Panattoni currently has
Southend Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. Under a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will undertake essential tasks, including design development and preparation of a pre-construction health and safety plan. Additionally, they will create a construction
The demolition phase of construction often receives less attention when it comes to sustainability. However, responsible demolition practices are key to achieving truly sustainable construction outcomes. By adopting a comprehensive approach to demolition that minimizes waste and maximizes recycling efforts, we can minimize the environmental impact while preserving valuable resources.
• 3 in 5 social housing residencies suffered a security breach in the last year, with a third of landlords victim to at least 20 breaches. • A quarter of properties were reported to have faulty entrance doors. • Only 63% of landlords felt the level of security their properties offered was ‘adequate’. New research from leading door manufacturer JELD-WEN reports high levels of security breaches in social housing properties, and the challenges of maintaining safety protocols in multi-occupancy developments. The survey collated responses from housing associations and social housing landlords to investigate the level of safety and security provided across multi-occupancy properties in the UK – including apartment blocks and communal living spaces – and to highlight the challenges facing the sector. It found that 59% of respondents had security breaches in their properties in the last 12 months, with more than a third (34%) reporting to have had more than 20 breaches. The main cause of security breaches was reportedly due to a tenant mistake or issue (e.g. leaving a communal door open), which accounted for 34% of all breaches, followed by faulty entrance doors for 26% of properties. Among other industry issues, only 22% of respondents ranked security as a top priority for their organisation. The main concerns around delivering high-quality security included: • a lack of understanding among tenants about security protocols (46%) • expense (37%) • a lack of understanding within procurement about what security products are in the market (21%) A high proportion (60%) of landlords had received tenant concerns about the level of security offered by their property, citing poor locks or closers on main doors, security systems needing repairs, non-residents gaining access, and anti-social behaviour resulting in damage to entrance doors. Of those surveyed, only 63% felt that the security measures in place in their residential blocks were adequate. Yet despite this, and the high level of concern from tenants, only 13% of organisations surveyed are considering smart locks on communal doors – such as wifi-enabled or keyless entry locks – compared to the 54% who aren’t. Commenting on the findings, Glyn Hauser, R&D Senior Group Manager at JELD-WEN, said: “The survey results are a clear indicator of two major challenges facing the social housing sector today – engaging with tenants on the importance of adhering to security protocols, and instilling the responsibility of landlords and developers to ensure doorsets offer an enhanced level of security as the first stage of protection. “It’s concerning to hear that more than a third (37%) of social housing landlords and providers think that the security measures in place in their properties are inadequate. With one burglary taking place every 13 seconds in the UK, this is simply not good enough. “A secure flat entrance doorset is, arguably, the most effective first line of defence, and by investing in a purpose-built, certified doorset, we believe that landlords can elevate safety standards and rebuild confidence within their properties, so that tenants can feel safe and secure in their homes.” The research also reports challenges in delivering high quality fire safety in multi-occupancy properties, despite fire safety regulations attracting continued scrutiny and an increasing pressure on developers and landlords to ensure better standards for residents. Nine in 10 respondents had an inspection on internal fire doors in the last two years, with 50% finding a flaw. These include poorly fitted doors, damage to door closers and hardware improvements required. Choosing the correct doorset for a project can be a daunting task, thankfully JELD-WEN has a helpful guide about choosing a secure flat entrance doorset here. Glyn continues: “Understandably, the housing sector continues to face many challenges, but everyone has a right to feel safe at home and the urgent need to improve fire safety and security standards cannot fall by the wayside. It has never been more important to ensure properties have the correct products and protocols in place, and by investing in a certified, purpose-built doorset, landlords have the best chance of reducing risk and keeping their tenants secure.” As the UK’s largest manufacturer of high quality timber interior doors and doorsets, JELD-WEN offers a range of dual-purpose, certified interior doorsets providing assurance that both security and fire safety have been independently evaluated by specialists. The JELD-WEN SecureFIT and SecureSET flat entrance doorsets are dual tested and certified to provide 30-minute fire, smoke and security protection as listed under the Certifire and CertiSecure certification scheme, giving complete assurance to social housing providers, developers and construction professionals that the people, property and assets within the building are safe and secure.
Kingspan Group plc, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Schramek GmbH (“Schramek”) to acquire c.51% of the shares of Steico SE (“Steico”), with an option to acquire a further c.10% of shares in Steico in the future. Steico is the world leader in natural insulation and wood-based building envelope products, based in Germany and listed on the unofficial markets of several German Stock Exchanges. It has a very well invested asset base, with four large production sites comprising 27 lines situated in Poland and France, including additional capacity nearing completion with up to EUR200m revenue headroom. Steico had audited operating revenues of EUR445m in the 12 months to 31 December 2022 and EBITDA of EUR90m in the same period. As at June 2023, Steico guided 2023 revenues of c.EUR378m at an EBIT margin of 8% – 10% (FY22 14.6%). As at 31 December 2022, Steico had gross assets of EUR509m. The initial consideration for the shares will be EUR35 per share, plus potential deferred consideration of up to a further EUR35 per share contingent on achievement of specified thresholds with a material uplift in profitability. The initial consideration of approximately EUR251.4m will be satisfied on completion, with 25% of the consideration potentially being exchanged for new shares in Kingspan (subject to Kingspan share price at completion). The consideration payable under the put and call option to acquire Schramek’s remaining c. 10% in Steico is for a capped amount based on a multiple of future earnings. The acquisition is expected to be earnings neutral initially, based on Kingspan consensus EPS for 2023 and Steico guidance for 2023. In addition to Steico’s existing ambitious growth plans we anticipate significant long term leverage via the Kingspan sales channels. The existing Steico executive management team will be retained in the business, and will continue to manage and develop the business. Upon closing, Kingspan will seek fair representation on Steico’s administrative board. The acquisition is conditional on regulatory clearance, and is expected to complete in early 2024. Following completion, Steico will continue to maintain its listings on the German Stock Exchanges. Gene Murtagh, Kingspan Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The acquisition of a majority stake in Steico represents an exciting next step in our strategy to provide the full spectrum of insulation products. Its suite of wood-based building envelope solutions broadens our ability to enable our customers to meet their sustainability and energy performance needs. Kingspan’s global routes to market, paired with our drive to innovate and widen the applications of Steico’s current technologies, are key to our plans to bring Steico bio-based solutions to the next level.” Udo Schramek, Steico Chief Executive Officer, stated: “It has been a great honour to lead the team at Steico to become the pre-eminent global supplier of wood-based insulation. We are now entering the next phase of growth and are very enthusiastic about the collaboration opportunities Kingspan brings, in both the existing Steico range and across the Kingspan portfolio and geographies. I am excited about the future for Steico and about being invested in the future growth of both companies.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NBS, the platform for connected construction information, has launched its annual Digital Construction Survey giving designers, specifiers, manufacturers, contractors, clients and others working in the built environment the chance to have their voices heard. The results of the survey, which is the most comprehensive in the sector, enable those working in the construction industry to better understand the development of their industry, including deep-level insights into the rate of digital adoption. This year’s survey includes a renewed focus on new technologies and innovation, seeking to understand how digitisation, the likes of cloud computing, digital twin software, VR, and AR are being utilised, and to what extent this and the use of AI is shaping outcomes. NBS continues to track how widely BIM (Building Information Modelling) is being used by industry professionals but with some minor changes to the questions – reflecting the evolving landscape. NBS’ 2021 Digital Construction Survey found that 71% of industry professionals were using BIM and that a quarter (25%) were expecting to use it within the next five years. The report also flagged that BIM remained popular with larger businesses yet smaller firms were less likely to use its processes. The last survey also shed light on the growing use of construction data – some 81% of specifiers wanted manufacturers to provide information as BIM or digital objects. What’s more, 90% of medium-sized organisations preferred to receive information in that way. This year’s survey will cover attitudes towards MMC and off-site construction, which is now receiving government backing as part of its five-year strategic plan to build affordable homes. This is against a backdrop of regulatory change in-line with the Future Homes Standard. The survey also looks to the industry to reflect on claims that it has been historically slow to digitise, addressing the challenges that are driving today’s construction industry to adopt advancing technologies. The survey asks for insight from industry professionals about the effectiveness of these new technologies, the rate of adoption, and the potential opportunities. NBS Research Manager David Bain said “Our annual Digital Construction Survey has become a benchmark for industry insight and opinion. As always, the report will cover the topic of BIM, which NBS has become synonymous with thanks to its legacy BIM reports. “This year’s focus will be on emerging technologies – we want to find out which innovations are striking a chord and how industry professionals expect to see digital technology and AI expanding in their sector. “This is an exciting time for construction – which is currently in the midst of a digital revolution. Deeper understanding of these touch points is always an eye opener and we hope that built environment professionals join the conversation to ensure their voices are heard.” This year’s NBS Digital Construction Survey, can be accessed here. For every completed response, NBS will donate £1 to the charity Crash, which uses construction expertise to help homeless charities and hospices with vital construction projects. The survey should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. A pre-release report is sent to all participants, so those taking part will be among the first to access the findings. To find out more about NBS, visit www.thenbs.com.
An urban renewal project in the Parisian suburb of Clichy-La-Garenne will become the largest low-carbon building in France. The bustling 47,000m2 urban campus, known as BLACK, is set to provide users with a true ‘workplace of tomorrow’ by creating a sustainable and inspiring modern workspace within commutable distance from La Défense, Paris- the busiest business district in Europe. BLACK is a unique project which has been designed with sustainability at its core. Situated right beside Parc des Impressionnistes, the project’s ethical design blends nature’s elements with unique architecture to create a space that sits in harmony with its surroundings. The distinctive timber cladding has undergone the Japanese charring technique of Shou Sugi Ban. This ancient art involves burning the wood to create a decorative and protective layer of charcoal on its surface. By opting for a façade using Accoya timber that has been treated using this process, the architect saved 1,000 tonnes of CO2 without compromising on performance. The carbon savings resulted from the fact that the initial design had recommended the use of aluminium. The decision to replace this with charred Accoya wood was one of a number of material decisions made to enhance the building’s environmental performance and credentials. Overall, the use of low-carbon materials resulted in a saving of 3,000 tonnes of carbon[1]. The charred wood façade is installed on the GRAD railing system to combine modernity with the traditional. The GRAD system holds the wood in place whilst remaining completely hidden to preserve the building’s unique biophilic design. Emmanuel Combarel, director at Emmanuel Combarel Dominique Marrec Architectes (ECDM), said: “At the genesis of the project, there was the belief that a workspace should be conceived as a response to the aspirations of our time. The aim was to create a less secluded place, and therefore more open to our environment. […] The park was the starting point for us to develop offices within a garden. “The project takes place in a location where the city is transforming. […] The building is black and understated; it speaks of material and work on the material, of wood and protective carbon. It is black, without color, it addresses the daylight or nighttime to reveal multiple reflections, a shell that already carries a lot of history. […] Many elements of the facade […] allow for modulation of its relationship with its environment and natural control of its climatology.[2]” Laurens Notenboom, head of sales for France at Accsys, added: “Using Accoya aligns with the sustainability criteria of the project. BLACK embodies a vision for urban developments of the future. Its low carbon credentials place it amongst the most ambitious projects in France. “We worked closely with Henry Timber, who supplied the Accoya, profiled to the specific size for this unique project. “The project is another result of the great partnership between Accoya, Henry Timber and Les Bruleurs de Bois within the established value chain in the French market– and the first one involving a low carbon cladding application. The GRAD clipping system has been used with the ultra-high performing wood; with Accoya being chosen for its durability, stability in Shou Sugi Ban form and its high sustainability credentials.” Henry Timber worked with Les Bruleurs de Bois, who completed all the charring on Accoya for the BLACK’s exterior. Les Bruleurs de Bois are one of few manufacturers in France mastering the art of charring wood using the ancestral Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. Project information: [1] https://alts.axa-im.com/responsible-investing/esg-strategy/black [2] https://www.realestate.bnpparibas.fr/fr/actualites-enquetes/black-un-campus-urbain-ecologique-engage-dans-la-reduction-de-lempreinte Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) are pleased to announce the off-market acquisition of 14.8-acres in Heathrow, West London from Stonegate Homes. The business plan is to speculatively develop a Grade A urban logistics development with a GDV of c.£60m. This represents the fourth acquisition for the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund UK (“FRELD”) which has a further c.£200m to deploy into similar logistics sites across the UK. The business plan is to obtain planning and speculatively build 110,570 sqft logistics scheme comprising 3 units ranging from 22,131 sq.ft to 58,127 sq.ft. The units will have 12m eaves, dock and level access doors, 50kn floor loading, and 10-15% office content. As with all assets in Fiera’s logistics Fund’s portfolio, the scheme will be targeting an ESG exemplar specification to include EPCA+, Net Zero Carbon construction and BREEAM Excellent rating. The site is situated on Staines Road, a prime location in West London and benefits from excellent access to the M4, M3 and M25, 1.5 miles from Heathrow Airport and first-rate rail links. Approximately 2.1million people live within a 45-minute drive and the local population of Hounslow has grown by 13.5% in the last 10 years. There is robust demand for the proposed unit sizes and hugely constrained supply as a function of land availability and greenbelt designations in the local area. Jeff Wilson, Director of Wrenbridge, commented “We are excited to announce our latest prime logistics acquisition and push ahead with delivering a highly sustainable scheme with Fiera, which is designed to push the bar and create best in class space for a range of occupiers.” Chris Button, Fund Manager of Fiera Real Estate, commented “We are delighted to be delivering much needed, sustainable high-quality urban warehousing to local area. The scheme will make a strong contribution to the local economy boosting local jobs. We are keen for more high calibre sites for the portfolio to satisfy the capital we have to deploy.” Wrenbridge and Fiera were advised by Regency Real Estate and Avison Young. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a first for the construction industry, technology originally developed to design and optimise automotive and aerospace structures, is being deployed to engineer some of the largest and most impressive structures on Britain’s new high speed rail network, High Speed 2. As part of its Innovation programme, HS2 Ltd has teamed up with Leamington Spa-based Altair Ltd, to develop a unique, automated civil engineering design process driven by its software tool, OptiStruct®, that can reduce embedded carbon in HS2’s viaducts by up to 10 per cent, as well as shrink viaduct design time from around a month to as little as one hour. Traditionally the engineering design process to set a viaduct’s geometry and quantify the required materials takes around four weeks. Once set, there is almost never any opportunity to revise designs due to the nature of project delivery schedules. However, by harnessing what is essentially the same intelligent design technology that Altair uses to design components and assemblies within modern aircraft and automotive vehicles to minimise the amount of raw material used, the firm’s HS2 collaboration team has tested and refined the OptiStruct-driven process for the civil engineering sector. The technology enables engineers to flex a viaduct’s design. For example, the span length between each supporting pier could be increased thereby reducing their overall number; or the deck carrying the train could be slimmed – all of which reduces cost, carbon and build time. The technology takes a viaduct’s operational requirements, including the speed, frequency, and braking load of the high speed trains it will carry throughout its operational life. It then runs millions of design iterations based on the physical properties of all the materials it will be built with, including concrete and steel, to produce an optimised design. By using building materials in the most efficient way, and without compromising strength or longevity, the two companies estimate OptiStruct could reduce the amount of carbon embedded in the structures by as much as 10 per cent. Commenting, HS2 Ltd Senior Innovation Manager, Charlotte Hills said: “HS2 is the biggest transport infrastructure project in the UK. To help build it we are drawing on the technology developed for other industries to help deliver the new high speed rail network and adding value to UK plc by creating new opportunities for innovative companies outside civil engineering. “Working with Altair as part of our Innovation programme demonstrates the benefits of applying its technology to building HS2, and the potential it offers in the long term as an integral tool to streamline structural designs and reduce embedded carbon by as much as 10 per cent.” Tomas Garcia, HS2 Ltd Head of Civil Engineering Structures said: “Our innovation project with Altair is a game-changer. It gives engineers a tool to explore alternative designs that were not previously feasible due to time constraints. By cutting development time, running automatically dozens of combinations of the design variables, the technology allows to identify solutions that minimises embedded carbon.” Altair Ltd’s Martin Kemp, Senior Technical Specialist said: “Altair’s design and optimisation technologies have been utilised across industry for over two decades. However, we seldom see them deployed on structures as large as rail viaducts due to rigorous codes of practice. HS2 was determined to remove the barriers to adoption by integrating European Codes of Practice directly into the optimization process. The resulting capability brings cutting edge design and innovation to viaduct designers and opens further adoption in civil structure design.” HS2 Ltd plans to mandate Altair’s technology for designing viaducts and bridges on Phases 2a and 2b for the high speed rail programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sue Corrick of Allegion UK discusses the value points of sustainable door hardware and why its use in construction projects can play an important role in the industry’s environmental evolution. Across the globe, the decarbonisation of our planet has become a focal point for construction. Between legislative requirements and market demand, industry leaders remain under constant pressure to reach environmental targets and upon exploring some of the more distinct routes, it’s important to consider what more can be done with construction materials. Research has shown that approximately 55% of extracted raw materials are used to develop the built environment, with buildings further contributing to 40% of annual global carbon emissions. With that, there is an onus on decision makers to make astute choices, opting for more durable, environmentally conscious building products that reduce the need for repeat manufacturing and improve resource efficiency. Yet, the perceived value and cost of such products remains a stumbling block, where according to an NBS 2022 Sustainable Futures Report, more than a third of construction professionals cite the application of sustainable products is restricted by cost optimisation decisions. While cost will always remain an influencing factor in construction, there is a clear need to change the notion of ‘perceived value’ in sustainable construction, and for that, door hardware can play a starring role. Value added At surface level, architectural ironmongery is perhaps lesser recognised for its potential environmental benefits when compared to its significance in functionality, safety and security. Between fire safety, ease of movement and quality of life, door hardware plays an integral role in the operation of our built environment. Still, with hardware elements constructed from materials such as iron, aluminium and timber, and with many touchpoints found on each construction project, from an environmental viewpoint, there is tangible value to be found when using correctly specified, durable solutions. In high traffic buildings, the day-to-day use of doors can often lead to wear and tear on fittings, which in turn creates the need for replacement hardware. Trusted manufacturers aim to extend the lifecycle of ironmongery, providing more robust door hardware that significantly reduces the need for replacements over time due to wear and damage. The appropriate designated standard for mechanical testing for a controlled door closing devices is EN1154, which ensures closers are tested to endure use for over 500,000 cycles for example – with some manufacturers choosing to extend the testing to above and beyond. The use of these certified solutions incidentally helps building environments moderate the amount of resources being consumed at the manufacturing stage, while also minimising the waste associated with replacement products. Although sustainable construction projects may incur short-term, budget-stretching costs, the potential ROI associated with better-quality products is also much greater over the full building lifecycle. By removing the inevitability of sourcing substitute products on multiple occasions throughout a building’s lifecycle, costs can be kept to a minimum post project completion. As such, decision makers are urged to adopt the use of optimised door hardware at the initial design stages – ensuring products are correctly specified and fit to last from the moment a project’s doors open. Tracing footprints In 2022, research conducted by Allegion UK into the impact of fire doors in education and healthcare sectors revealed sustainability and product traceability to be important to 78% of decision makers in education settings and 50% of decision makers in healthcare settings respectively. Today, more than ever, higher standards are expected throughout the entirety of construction projects as stakeholders continue to place personal value on sustainability, product traceability and transparency. In recognition of this, manufacturers can choose to enrol in programmes that focus on sustainability and product credentials, further assisting decision makers throughout the product selection process by offering transparent and independently verified information. The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) programme for example, is a complete mapping of a product’s environmental footprint and has become a standardised way for manufacturers to communicate the environmental impact associated with a product. For an EPD to be reported, products are subject to a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and must meet Product Category Rules (PCR) in the process, where upon completion, they are declared as acceptable in building rating schemes such as BREEAM. As such, EPD’s have become a signal of intent from manufacturers, highlighting their commitment to measuring and reducing the environmental impact of a door hardware product, and alongside environmental management standards such as ISO 14001, EPD’s are becoming an expected standard for hardware products. A combined effort is needed if the industry is to meet its full environmental responsibilities. Sustainable door hardware is only one piece of the puzzle. Yet, with several value points to offer, decision makers must be willing to look past cost barriers where possible and choose to adopt environmentally responsible door hardware products as a long-term investment for construction and our planet. How Allegion UK is Driving Change Allegion UK is committed to supporting sustainability in construction. We are proud to be helping create a more transparent and sustainable global industry by proactively participating in the EPD programme, with full EPD documentation available for download on Briton products, based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 environmental declarations, from the Allegion and Briton websites. We continue to focus on making regular improvements in sustainability management systems, enhancing product life cycles through increased hardware durability, reducing natural resource usage and improving the recycling and reuse of materials, all in a bid to help minimise our environmental impact as a manufacturer.
Panattoni is the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe for the seventh year in a row, according to PropertyEU’s annual survey of logistics developers. Panattoni delivered more than 86 million sq ft of warehouse space in 302 developments over the three years to the end of 2022, which was more than three times the amount of its nearest competitor. Panattoni currently has more than 43 million sq ft of warehouse space under construction with an investment value of €5 billion, which is nearly 30% of the entire European development market of 150 million sq ft, according to PropertyEU. Each year, PropertyEU publishes a list of the largest logistics real estate developers, based on the volume of floorspace delivered to the market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southend Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. Under a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will undertake essential tasks, including design development and preparation of a pre-construction health and safety plan. Additionally, they will create a construction methodology and program planning, including phasing strategies. Once these preliminary stages are complete, the company will finalise a full contract, contingent on planning approval, an agreed cost plan, and a works program. The work at Cliffs Pavilion Theatre will help secure its long-term future as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. It is owned by the council and operated by Trafalgar Theatres (for Trafalgar Entertainment). Over £8 million is set to be invested into the theatre to fund a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby to improve the customer experience, upgraded ventilation, a new outdoor piazza and several other improvements to the bars, toilets, lifts and other areas. The theatre will remain open throughout the project, which is expected to start in January 2024, with £5.5m of the project funded through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund announced by Government on 27 October 2021, with additional investment from the City Council and Trafalgar Entertainment. A revised planning application will be submitted in July, when a resident event will take place and artists impressions will be available. Cllr Derek Jarvis, cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre is one of Southend’s key venues for culture, arts and events and adds so much to our reputation as a cultural destination and brings millions of pounds into the local economy. This work will ensure that we reinforce its position as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. “The proposed expansion and upgrade of the theatre will also help us to secure the future success of the Cliffs Pavilion, in the hopes of benefiting from larger touring shows and bringing larger audiences to Southend whilst also benefitting our local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The demolition phase of construction often receives less attention when it comes to sustainability. However, responsible demolition practices are key to achieving truly sustainable construction outcomes. By adopting a comprehensive approach to demolition that minimizes waste and maximizes recycling efforts, we can minimize the environmental impact while preserving valuable resources. In this article, we will delve into the importance of responsible demolition practices and explore effective strategies for implementing sustainability in demolition projects. The Environmental Impact of Demolition Traditional demolition methods have significant environmental consequences, including resource depletion and pollution. Some key environmental impacts of conventional demolition include: Waste generation: Conventional demolitions result in vast amounts of waste material being sent to landfills, contributing to resource depletion and creating a burden on the environment. Energy consumption: Demolition processes often involve heavy machinery and equipment, leading to high energy consumption and increased carbon emissions. Air and water pollution: Improper handling of demolition debris can lead to the release of harmful substances into the air and water, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. These environmental concerns highlight the urgency for adopting sustainable practices in demolition. can lead to the release of harmful substances Sustainable Demolition Practices A. Pre-Demolition Planning Pre-demolition planning is a crucial step in responsible demolition practices. By conducting thorough assessments, we can identify salvageable materials and maximize recycling opportunities. Key considerations in pre-demolition planning include: Material identification: Carefully assessing the composition of the structure to identify valuable materials that can be salvaged or repurposed. Selective demolition: Prioritizing selective demolition techniques to preserve materials that can be reused, reducing overall waste generation. Collaboration with salvage companies: Partnering with salvage companies ensures that salvageable materials are diverted from landfills and made available for reuse in future construction projects. B. Waste Management and Recycling Efficient waste management and recycling play a vital role in sustainable demolition. Some effective strategies to implement in this phase include: On-site sorting and separation: Establishing dedicated areas on-site for sorting and separating materials, allowing for easier recycling and reducing contamination. Advanced recycling technologies: Utilizing advanced recycling technologies, such as mobile crushing and screening equipment, to process materials and extract valuable resources for reuse. Reputable waste management service providers: Collaborating with reputable waste management service providers ensures responsible disposal and maximizes recycling efforts. These partnerships facilitate the proper handling and recycling of demolition debris. C. Hazardous Material Handling Responsible handling and disposal of hazardous materials are essential in sustainable demolition practices. Key considerations include: Identifying hazardous materials: Conduct thorough assessments to identify and safely remove hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, or chemical pollutants. Compliance with regulations: Adhering to local regulations and industry standards for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of hazardous materials. Protection of workers and the environment: Implementing proper safety measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe disposal procedures, to safeguard both workers and the surrounding environment. Case Studies and Success Stories Real-life examples highlight the success of sustainable demolition practices. Let’s explore a notable case where responsible demolition practices were implemented: Example Project: The Sustainable Urban Redevelopment Project in a major city implemented sustainable demolition practices to revitalize an industrial area. The project team demonstrated their commitment to sustainability through the following measures: Conducted a thorough pre-demolition assessment to identify valuable materials for salvage. Employed on-site sorting and separation to maximize recycling opportunities. Collaborated with local recycling facilities to ensure proper disposal and recycling of materials. Responsible Demolition in Action With insights from Dominik at 606junk.com, a leading light demolition company from Chicago, it becomes evident that responsible demolition practices are instrumental in achieving sustainable construction outcomes. Dominik emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to demolition, stating, ‘At 606junk.com, we prioritize environmentally conscious demolition practices that minimize waste and maximize recycling efforts. Our team is committed to identifying salvageable materials and diverting them from landfills, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry.’ By implementing effective waste management and recycling strategies, our company sets a noteworthy example of how demolition can be conducted in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The success of 606junk.com and similar companies in the demolition industry is a testament to the positive impact responsible demolition practices can have on the environment and the construction industry as a whole. By incorporating their insights and strategies, we can further enhance sustainable demolition practices. Benefits of Sustainable Demolition Embracing sustainable demolition practices offers numerous benefits for the environment, the economy, and society as a whole: Reduced environmental impact: Minimizing waste and promoting recycling efforts decrease the strain on landfills, conserve natural resources, and mitigate carbon emissions. Cost savings: Efficient waste management practices and recycling efforts can lead to cost savings through reduced disposal fees and lower material acquisition costs. Health and safety: Responsible demolition practices prioritize the well-being of workers and the community by mitigating potential hazards associated with hazardous materials and improper waste disposal. Positive community impact: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices during demolition fosters positive community relationships and promotes environmental stewardship. Conclusion In conclusion, responsible demolition practices are paramount in achieving sustainable construction outcomes. By adopting a comprehensive approach that emphasizes pre-demolition planning, waste management, recycling, and the safe handling of hazardous materials, we can minimize environmental impact and promote a more sustainable construction industry. Implementing effective waste management and recycling strategies sets a noteworthy example of how demolition can be conducted in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. By embracing these practices in our own projects, we contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Together, we can build a construction industry that prioritizes environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
