Bellway has won a coveted national sustainability award for its work on a world-first research project aimed at creating the energy efficient homes of the future. The housebuilder won the category for the Most Sustainable Construction Project in the 2023 Building Innovation Awards for its Future Home @ Energy House
A brand new ‘Academy’ based at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus has launched in partnership with Sheffield-based architects, Bond Bryan. The Bond Bryan Academy will see the company’s team of highly skilled professionals serve as guest lecturers, adding vital industry knowledge and perspective to Bradford College students’ learning. Bond
THE newest SEND school in Ipswich – Woodbridge Road Academy – has held its official opening ceremony, following the completion of work on site in Russet Road. The £7m new-build school is tailored for 60 children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and has been constructed under the
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has awarded its first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer (CIE) title to Chris Landsburgh, a Decarbonisation Director at infrastructure consulting firm AECOM. Chris has been involved in the infrastructure sector for over 10 years and specialises in decarbonising infrastructure. He provides advice on net zero plans,
Leading Cheshire based glazing specialists, RED Systems have announced the launch of their new SFS Division, RED Optimal. The new division was formed following RED Systems’ acquisition of Liverpool based Optimal Building Solutions (OBS) earlier this year. Headed up by owner, Steve Williams, OBS had been operating successfully in the
The Building Centre in London is holding a free workshop with panel debates and talks led by experts across the construction industry on 15 November 2023. With the industry under more scrutiny than ever to make sure that greener practices are followed, it is important that commercial plumbing looks towards
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through
A builder has avoided an immediate spell behind bars after being convicted of carrying out gas work at a property in Berkshire when he was not qualified to do so. Thomas Murray, who traded as Kerbgold Design and Construction Ltd, was given an eight-month prison sentence which was suspended for
Grafton Group plc (“Grafton, the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Robson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from 1 December 2023; and of Mrs. Susan Murray as Senior Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the
Recently, the hotel industry has seen significant changes. Along with comfortable accommodation and first-class service, the hospitality sector has begun to prioritise sustainability and efficient energy use. These initiatives not only help improve the customer experience but also ensure environmentalism. Globally and in the UK, hotels actively use energy efficiency
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Bellway has won a coveted national sustainability award for its work on a world-first research project aimed at creating the energy efficient homes of the future. The housebuilder won the category for the Most Sustainable Construction Project in the 2023 Building Innovation Awards for its Future Home @ Energy House 2.0. Paul Lawler and Jamie Bursnell of the Bellway management team collected the award during a ceremony, hosted by Build in Digital, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on Thursday 12 October. As part of the pioneering project, Bellway has built a three-bedroom detached house, named The Future Home, inside a climate-controlled chamber within the Energy House 2.0 facility at The University of Salford. The chamber allows researchers to test the energy performances of the building in temperatures ranging from -20C to +40C, as well as in extreme conditions such as gale force winds, rain, snow, ice and solar radiation. Awards judges praised the Bellway submission as “ground-breaking research” and “an excellent all-round entry”. One judge said: “It’s great to see Bellway considering affordability in their solutions.” The conclusion of the judging panel described the housebuilder’s work at Energy House 2.0 as “an exceptional research project that can have a sustainable impact on the wider construction industry”. Jamie Bursnell, Bellway Group Technical and Innovation Manager, said: “We are exceptionally proud of our team’s work at Energy House 2.0. It means a lot to us to have our research within the project recognised not only for the impact it will have on housebuilders and the industry in general, but also on the daily lives of consumers. “Exploring and promoting sustainability across the business is the purpose of our Better with Bellway strategy, which includes the work we have undertaken at the Energy House 2.0 facility at The University of Salford. This project is a key component of our commitment to carbon reduction – one of the core priorities of our sustainability strategy. “The Future Home is part of a truly pioneering research project which will allow us to test and evaluate, in tightly controlled conditions, new ways of powering, heating and insulating homes. This will help to make them more energy efficient and enable them to meet new standards which require a significant reduction in carbon emissions for new-build homes from 2025. “We must say a special thank you to The University of Salford, our partners including Barratt Developments and St Gobain, and our suppliers for their commitment and support for the Future Home @ Energy House 2.0 project.” Energy House 2.0 is a £16 million project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The UK’s largest housebuilder, Barratt Developments, also built a three-bedroom low carbon home, known as eHome2, in the same climate-controlled chamber, in partnership with Saint-Gobain, the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. For more information about the Future Home @ Energy House 2.0 project, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/the-future-home. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand new ‘Academy’ based at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus has launched in partnership with Sheffield-based architects, Bond Bryan. The Bond Bryan Academy will see the company’s team of highly skilled professionals serve as guest lecturers, adding vital industry knowledge and perspective to Bradford College students’ learning. Bond Bryan will also undertake workshops, site visits, and mentorship programmes for students across various courses in the College’s Construction & Engineering Department, immersing them in the day-to-day operations of a successful architecture firm. As part of the partnership, a specially designed Bond Bryan base room has been designed and built in the heart of Trinity Green Campus. As well as serving as a purpose-built classroom to support Design, Surveying, & Planning for Construction T Level students, architects will use the facility to oversee new estate projects on site. Bond Bryan has in-depth knowledge of the education sector and curriculum requirements at Bradford College. The team has collaborated on various successful projects to date, including the design and construction of both the College’s David Hockney Building and Advanced Technology Centre. Speaking at the launch event, Bond Bryan CEO Matt Hutton said: “Our ethos is ‘more than design’ which, for us, is about doing something with our clients and communities beyond just the boundary of the projects we’re working on. “This partnership with Bradford College] is a perfect example of how to reach students and create pathways for them into vocational courses, hopefully within this brilliant industry. It’s all about trying to show them that there are opportunities out there beyond what they’ve even considered. “We have success stories in the office of people that we’ve worked with before at colleges who are now doing really good things for us. We genuinely want to give something back and as an organisation; I want to ensure we are doing things which will make a difference, rather than just box ticking.” The launch event saw Matt Hutton visit Bradford College to deliver an insightful talk to staff and students about his route into architecture and how students will benefit from the partnership going forward. Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Department for Construction & Engineering, said: “We’re thrilled with the exciting new partnership with Bond Bryan. This collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and insight into the architecture and construction industries. “Bradford College students will develop the practical skills and network needed to excel in their future careers. We are confident this relationship, with such a respected industry leader, will greatly enrich our T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction. Our students are eager to learn from Bond Bryan’s experts and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this effort. We are also proud to deepen our commitment to preparing work-ready graduates through partnerships with respected companies like Bond Bryan.” Asa Gordon, Curriculum Vice Principal, added: “Partnerships with employers like Bond Bryan are fundamental to the College delivering our mission of working together to transform lives. Giving our students the opportunity to meet with Matt and understand the career opportunities available to them following studying with the College, is essential for meeting future skills needs. “Bradford College students will benefit from the expertise of a number of industry experts, as well as gaining access to work experience through this partnership, supporting them in their journey as the future workforce needed in the Construction industry.” Bradford College offers an extensive range of courses in Construction and Engineering for school leavers right through to degree-level and advanced professionals. Find out more about the T Level in Design, Surveying, & Planning for Construction (enhanced by the Bond Bryan partnership) by attending the next Bradford College open day on 11th November, 10am – 3pm: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE newest SEND school in Ipswich – Woodbridge Road Academy – has held its official opening ceremony, following the completion of work on site in Russet Road. The £7m new-build school is tailored for 60 children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and has been constructed under the Department for Education’s (DfE) MMC1 framework. The school features 12 classroom suites and several learning resource areas, which will allow secondary-age pupils to be taught vital life skills. In addition, Woodbridge Road Academy boasts a well-equipped library, sensory rooms, main hall, dining area, and accessible bathrooms. Outside, a multi-use games area (MUGA) has been constructed for recreational activities – including use by the wider community. Beyond serving the student population, the layout of the school allows specific areas to be accessed by the community outside core school hours. This includes the main hall, accessible bathrooms, hygiene rooms and the outdoor MUGA, meaning that the wider community also benefits from the new facility. The design also incorporates a ‘community lock’ feature, with Salto door lock systems on certain doors meaning that access to particular areas can be controlled by the school, providing additional levels of flexibility and security. Architecture and interior design teams from multi-disciplinary construction consultancy Pick Everard have worked closely with design and build contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, playing a pivotal role in delivering a carefully considered design fit for both pupil and community use. Paul Knifton, director at Pick Everard, said: “As with any school project with a variety of stakeholders, collaboration was at the heart of this project’s success. We are pleased to have worked with Bowmer + Kirkland and Woodbridge Road Academy to create a new, purpose-built building that will transform the SEND provision in Suffolk. “This collaborative approach saw our team of specialists attending design meetings across all disciplines, making sure that compliance with MMC1 specifications was upheld. Through engagement with the academy, which started in March 2021, we were able to together successfully deliver designs that were operationally robust while also meeting specific needs. “Close proximity to the nearby rail track also required careful consideration, so the building itself has been strategically positioned to ensure minimum noise and vibration from passing trains – and additional elements have been added for student safety, such as tall fences. “We’ve been very pleased to bring our extensive experience from other MMC1 framework and SEND projects, ensuring the best use of project budgets and gross internal floor area (GiFA). This expertise and our collaboration have resulted in a school that not only meets, but exceeds the stringent requirements needed for SEND schools – and adds values to pupils and the community too.” For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has awarded its first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer (CIE) title to Chris Landsburgh, a Decarbonisation Director at infrastructure consulting firm AECOM. Chris has been involved in the infrastructure sector for over 10 years and specialises in decarbonising infrastructure. He provides advice on net zero plans, whole life carbon accounting, and sustainability strategies for governments and businesses. Already a Chartered Environmentalist, he was formerly an ICE President’s Future Leader under past president Paul Sheffield, is an ICE Carbon Champion and was involved in creating the PAS 2080 standard for carbon management in infrastructure. The CIE title is the first new title to be awarded since 1923 when the first Chartered Engineer titles were awarded. What is a Chartered Infrastructure Engineer? The CIE title was acquired by the ICE in response to the recommendations made by Professor John Uff in his 2016 review of UK engineering. Professor Uff observed that a significant number of academically qualified, practising engineers were operating outside the Professional Engineering Institution structure. In the report he recommended these engineers become professionally qualified to help assure the public that the engineers who are delivering the infrastructure they use daily are current, credible, and competent. The CIE title, the introduction of which was approved by members in 2022, allows the ICE to professionally qualify engineers involved in all aspects of infrastructure delivery and welcome them into its membership. The introduction of this new title acknowledges the changing needs of an industry which has been transformed by innovation, new technologies, and a desire to build a more inclusive and sustainable world through multi-disciplinary collaboration. How does someone become a Chartered Infrastructure Engineer? CIE candidates must participate in a similarly rigorous process as Chartered Civil Engineer candidates. The same assessment standard and methodology is applied but tailored towards the CIE candidate’s specialism. This process includes submitting documentary evidence of competence and professional commitment, passing a written communication task and interviewing with at least two professional qualified reviewers. One reviewer is a civil engineer, the other has knowledge of the CIE candidate’s specialism. Chartered Infrastructure Engineers will help society meet engineering challenges Chris Landsburgh said,‘The ICE has been a professional home for several years, and becoming the first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer is an honour. ‘This new title fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration and reflects the industry’s commitment to evolve. ‘Drawing on the collective knowledge of many disciplines will set the industry and society up well to navigate the challenges we’re facing such as climate change and the need to decarbonise infrastructure’. ICE President Keith Howells said, ‘I’m delighted to conclude my tenure as ICE President with the announcement that Chris Landsburgh has become the institution’s first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer. ‘Awarding this new protected title follows years of discussion about modernising and broadening the ICE to become a professional home for all those working in infrastructure. ‘The Engineering Council, HM Privy Council and others all required assurance that this new title was needed and that the highest standards of professional review would be met. ‘All believed that introducing the title aligned with the ICE’s mission to ensure that the world has the infrastructure it needs to thrive.’ ‘I look forward to welcoming many more like Chris in the future’. AECOM’s chief executive for Europe & India, Colin Wood said, ‘I know I speak for many in our industry in warmly welcoming the new title of Chartered Infrastructure Engineer. ‘As we collaborate to solve the important challenges of our time, such as decarbonisation and resilience, it is right that we recognise the valuable expertise and experience of our colleagues who haven’t specifically taken a civil engineering route, but whose professional capability is instrumental to the outcomes we are working to achieve. ‘Huge congratulations to Chris on this achievement’. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Cheshire based glazing specialists, RED Systems have announced the launch of their new SFS Division, RED Optimal. The new division was formed following RED Systems’ acquisition of Liverpool based Optimal Building Solutions (OBS) earlier this year. Headed up by owner, Steve Williams, OBS had been operating successfully in the SFS and fit-out sectors for over 20 years. Steve Williams will now join the RED team as Managing Director of RED Optimal, to help integrate the new division into the company and provide invaluable expertise in the SFS space. By combining their market-leading expertise in commercial glazing, curtain walling and SFS, the RED group will now be able to offer a single, competitively priced solution for two critical path packages, which in turn will improve envelope procurement and delivery for their clients. The wide-ranging benefits of this approach for the main contractor includes less packages to let, one design solution, fully covered by PI, with coordinated delivery on site that is all fully Building Safety Act compliant. Speaking about the new venture, Mike Green, Managing Director of RED Systems said: ‘This development will offer huge benefits for our clients here at RED. The advantages of appointing a single contractor to deliver the combined SFS & Glazing package are massive in terms of logistics, programme delivery and cost and we are delighted to be working with Steve and the team on this new venture.’ RED Optimal will offer complete building structure and shell solutions. Driven by early engagement, the team will provide a full design service at pre-construction stage, working in tandem with the glazing team to provide a full scope review of projects I order to deliver the most appropriate solution. RED Optimal Managing Director, Steve Williams commented: ‘By combining our expertise, we will be able to offer clients a speedy, accurate, compliant and cost-effective solution, with one point of contact, which will add value of every stage of project delivery.’ The RED Optimal partnership has already been successful in delivering a full glazing / SFS, dry envelope solution for the high-profile Stockport Interchange scheme. Working with colleagues from Willmott Dixon, the team installed 3,570 m2 of windows and curtain walling, utilising Metal Technology products including: 5-35 hi+ glazing system and System 17 for the curtain walling aspect. Feedback from colleagues at Willmott Dixon was universally positive with Principal Surveyor, Michael Blackburn commenting: “From our perspective, RED Systems performance on Stockport Interchange was exemplary. The quality of in the installation, the attitude of their supervisor, the productivity on site as well as how they worked with us on any programme or commercial matters and their knowledge of wider issues in the industry, such as Reg 38, meant for us, they were one of our highest performing Supply Chain Partners on the project. Combining the SFS and Curtain Walling packages with one partner worked fantastically well for us. It allowed for greater co-ordination on site and gave us tangible programme benefits. The use of protection screens meant that the sequence between trades was critical, and RED pulled out all the stops for us.” The RED Optimal team have also been successful in securing the SFS and glazing package for the new Manchester College City Campus (Phase 2) at the former Boddingtons Brewery site on Great Ducie Street. ‘Early engagement and helping educate our clients on the benefits of full envelope procurement is key,’ commented Mike Green. ‘We have been delighted with the feedback from our key clients so far and look forward to working on some exciting schemes over the next few months and beyond.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Centre in London is holding a free workshop with panel debates and talks led by experts across the construction industry on 15 November 2023. With the industry under more scrutiny than ever to make sure that greener practices are followed, it is important that commercial plumbing looks towards the future to find efficient and productive ways of reducing its carbon footprint. Potential methods of which include the use of bio-based polymers and new pipework materials. Visitors to the event, titled ‘The Future of Sustainable Plumbing’, will be able to network and discuss ways that the industry can continue to strive for a sustainable future. Alongside this, expert speakers will be discussing many of the current hot topics that are currently important within the space. These expert speakers will be covering a wide array of topics, including Laing O’Rourke’s Jim Jaffa and Christos Pavlou highlighting the latest design trends in piping installations that are striving to make products more efficient. Franz Huelle from REHAU will be discussing the latest innovations in pipework solutions in the industry, whilst Andreas Frank from Borealis will present about renewable feedstock for polymers, which sees vegetable oils being used as a bio-based polymers feedstock. Alongside this, Julia Torrubia and Margarita Kobrina from Atelier Ten will be talking about the impact of plumbing on the whole life cycle of carbon, an important part of the wider picture of sustainability. Other speakers at the event include Lucy Sherburn from Fairheat, who will give an overview of the new technical requirements set to be introduced under upcoming heat network regulations and Hydrotec’s Amar Lakhani will discuss the chemical-free disinfection of plumbing pipework. Located within the Building Centre in Central London, REHAU’s hub will play host to the event, with a variety of products and solutions on show. There will be an opportunity to experience some of these solutions for today’s challenges being faced in the commercial plumbing industry right now. The event is completely free to attend and looks set to be an insightful meeting of many key industry people and companies, who can look to come together to help guide the commercial plumbing industry into the future. To register for the event, CLICK HERE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through to acoustic regulations, Eurocode 5 principles, embodied carbon, and sourcing timber sustainably. Developed with experts from Edinburgh Napier University, and TDUK’s unrivalled membership network of supply, manufacture and design professionals, these 50+ knowledge sheets are the first batch of a planned 140 to help support the industry to build better with wood. TDUK chief executive, David Hopkins says: “Following the merger between the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA last year, we promised to connect the timber supply chain, lead best practice, and accelerate a low-carbon future. “Our Timber Knowledge Sheets are another example of us doing exactly that – and represent a big step towards our vision of the UK as a country where timber is the number one material choice for all construction projects. “Amidst a climate emergency, changing how we build is crucial – as it represents a major portion of our carbon footprint. The material and design choices we make today will shape the future we have tomorrow. “Timber is an existing, proven solution to how we construct a low-carbon future, with independent studies showing that methods such as timber frame have up to 20% lower embodied carbon than traditional masonry.[1] “Fundamentally, trees absorb carbon, and when turned into long term construction products, can store it for decades if not millennia. Most other materials you find on building sites do the exact opposite – spewing tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. “Taking on climate change requires collective action, so a big part of TDUK’s mission is to make sure that everyone in the timber supply chain has the opportunity, the tools, and the knowledge to succeed. “These sheets, released today, add considerable depth to our online library, which is already the largest, most comprehensive source of timber knowledge in the UK. This will support all to build better with wood.” These new Knowledge Sheets touch on all topics timber, so whether you are an architect, engineer, designer, builder, installer, contractor, or merchant, or any other member of the timber supply chain, you’ll find a wealth of information packed within. Between pages, you will find introductions to all kinds of timber components and methods of timber construction – all described in an accessible and easy to understand fashion – from Lightweight Timber Frame Construction to Modern Methods and Offsite Timber Construction. The Knowledge Sheets also contain plenty of regulatory guidance, ‘best practice’ information for working on site, as well as practical introductions to working with timber in challenging contexts such as flood-prone areas. Everything from the day-to-day (such as Loft Conversions or Timber Flooring) to the more specialised (Upgrading Doors for Fire Resistance) is covered, along with all aspects of sustainability – from Carbon Cycle and Storage through to Trees and Timber. These Timber Knowledge Sheets follow hot on the heels of the recently published Span Tables for C16 and C24 timber, which have already proven incredibly popular. TDUK members have access to our entire Knowledge Library, which along with these 50+ Timber Knowledge Sheets, includes briefs, case studies, research summaries and more. A further 90 Timber Knowledge Sheets are to be published imminently. While most Timber Knowledge Sheets are members only, anyone can access and download Timber Sizes & Tolerances, Timber and Embodied Carbon, or Construction Site Timber Best Practice with a free user account (register here) To get started on your new timber journey, simply go to www.timberdevelopment.uk, whether you are just beginning or a seasoned expert. If you work with wood, you already belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A builder has avoided an immediate spell behind bars after being convicted of carrying out gas work at a property in Berkshire when he was not qualified to do so. Thomas Murray, who traded as Kerbgold Design and Construction Ltd, was given an eight-month prison sentence which was suspended for 18 months. Reading Crown Court heard how Murray had been contracted to manage a large-scale renovation and extension of a property in Maidenhead in July 2018. The project involved significant gas work, including the installation of a gas boiler, relocation of a gas meter and the installation of associated pipework for both. Further information and guidance on domestic gas health and safety is available. However, the project over ran and the householders had to return to the property in January 2019, where they soon reported the smell of gas. Murray carried out a test which detected no gas leak. As their concerns persisted, the homeowners contacted a Gas Safe Registered engineer to inspect the installation. The engineer found a gas leak and other faults within the installation. In addition, Cadent Gas, the gas supplier to the property, had never been notified about the relocation of the meter and pipework. The pipework leading to the meter was found to have been laid to incorrect depth and fittings suitable only for water pipework had been found to have been used throughout the installation. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that although Murray arranged for a Gas Safe engineer to install the boiler, they had only connected the water plumbing and left the property due to concerns being raised. In a bid to allow the homeowners to access hot water and heating, Murray decided to undertake some of the gas work himself as a temporary fix. Murray, of Heath End Road, Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(2) of the Health Safety at Work Act 1974 and was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Karen Morris said: “In this case, Mr Murray was responsible for overseeing the gas work, which was not finished and had left householders and their neighbours at risk from the dangers and effects of leaking gas. “To make matters worse, he decided to try and finish the job himself, despite not being competent to do so. “His failures could have led to catastrophic and tragic consequences. “We will not hesitate to prosecute builders who fail to ensure that gas work under their control is conducted safely using Gas Safe Registered engineers.” Gas engineers and consumers can contact the Gas Safe Register in any of these ways: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grafton Group plc (“Grafton, the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Robson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from 1 December 2023; and of Mrs. Susan Murray as Senior Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company. Appointment of Non-Executive Director Mr. Robson will succeed Mr. Paul Hampden Smith as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee when he steps down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM after almost nine years as a Director. Mr. Robson is a highly experienced former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) with a board level career in listed companies spanning over two decades and experience, gained at a senior executive level, of the manufacture and distribution of materials to small builders through a national branch network. Mr. Robson joined the Board of Howden Joinery Group Plc (“Howdens”) as CFO in April 2005 and in addition served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for his final six years on the Board and retired in December 2021. Prior to joining Howdens, Mr. Robson served for six years as CFO of Delta plc, the international industrials group. In his early career, he held progressively more senior financial positions over a period of thirteen years with Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, the global chemical group. Mr. Robson trained as a Chartered Accountant with PwC. Mr. Michael Roney, Non-Executive Chair of Grafton said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Mark to Grafton. He brings considerable financial, listed company board and relevant sector experience to the role. Mark was a highly accomplished CFO with a proven track record of success from his strong focus on value creation and commitment to the interests of all stakeholders. Most notably, during his 15-year tenure as CFO of Howdens, he played a critical role in the dramatic growth in the scale and profitability of the business that was exceptionally value accretive for shareholders. ”Mr. Mark Robson said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Grafton, a Group with strong brands and market positions and an international outlook. I look forward to working with the Board and the management team over the coming years in developing the business to its full potential and continuing to deliver stakeholder value. ”This announcement includes the information required by Listing Rules 9.6.11 to 9.6.13, and there is no further information to report under Listing Rule 9.6.13. Appointment of Senior Independent Director Mrs. Susan Murray, who joined the Board in October 2016, will succeed Mr. Hampden Smith as Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM. For further information please contact: Charles Rinn Secretary Grafton Group plc Telephone: +353 1 216 0600 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Recently, the hotel industry has seen significant changes. Along with comfortable accommodation and first-class service, the hospitality sector has begun to prioritise sustainability and efficient energy use. These initiatives not only help improve the customer experience but also ensure environmentalism. Globally and in the UK, hotels actively use energy efficiency to reduce their carbon footprint while improving efficient energy use. This bold move towards sustainability is not only a passing trend but an important step towards a greener and more environmentally friendly future. The Role of Efficient Energy Use in the Hospitality Sector Hotels are often associated with high energy consumption due to the constant use of heating,ventilation, air conditioning and other vital amenities. As we learn more about climate change and sustainability, the hotel industry recognises the importance of reducing its carbon footprint. By incorporating energy conservation measures, from choosing the best energy services for the hospitality industry to the appliances they use in their daily routine, hotels can not only reduce operating costs but also improve guest experience. How can hotels achieve energy efficiency within their facility? Implementing Smart Technology Hotels increasingly realise the importance of keeping up with the latest technological developments. By integrating smart technology, hotels can streamline operations, improve guest experiences and increase revenue. Smart thermostats that control room temperature and smart lighting systems are a few examples of how hotels integrate smart technology. In-Room Automation Hotel guests have more control over their stay via a hotel app or an in-room tablet. They can easily adjust the room temperature, lighting and even the entertainment system to their liking. Additionally, motion sensors automatically adjust settings when guests leave the room, adjusting lighting and temperature before guests return to optimise energy efficiency. Energy Management Systems Advanced energy management systems (EMS) analyse customer occupancy patterns and automatically adjust heating, cooling and lighting to reduce energy consumption in unoccupied spaces. Not only does an EMS improve the guest experience, but it also allows hotels to save on energy bills. IoT (Internet of Things) Integration IoT devices and sensors play a key role in improving energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, occupancy sensors and connected devices can help hotels optimise energy consumption. For example, when a hotel room is empty, these sensors automatically turn off lights and reduce heating and cooling, providing significant energy savings. Efficient Lighting Systems Using smart lighting systems is an integral part of achieving energy efficiency. The system automatically turns on or off based on the amount of natural light. In addition, some hotels use LED lighting, known for its energy efficiency and long life span. These lighting options help reduce both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Predictive Maintenance Smart technology allows you to monitor hotel equipment in real-time to anticipate potential problems, ensure timely maintenance and prevent energy losses due to system failures. Renewable Energy Sources Many hotels use renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity. This not only reduces reliance on traditional energy sources but also demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to providing guests with a sustainable experience. By switching to renewable energy, some hotels have become carbon neutral, creating a greener environment for guests. These projects demonstrate a commitment to the environment, reducing the carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable future. Energy-Efficient Building Designs The energy efficiency of a hotel depends largely on its design and construction. Choosing building materials, orientation, and insulation are also important factors. Architects and developers are now prioritising sustainable building design that integrates natural light, ventilation and energy-efficient materials. This helps reduce energy consumption without sacrificing aesthetics and comfort. Engaging Guests in Sustainable Practices Hotels are taking active steps to engage guests in sustainability initiatives. This includes encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens, implementing recycling programs, and more. These initiatives not only reduce the impact on the environment but also raise awareness of guests’ contribution to a sustainable future. Benefits to Guests By implementing energy-saving measures, hotels can significantly improve guest experiences. This not only helps the environment but also reduces operating costs, resulting in lower prices for guests. The Future of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Hotel Design The hospitality industry is leading the charge in implementing eco-friendly measures and promoting an innovative environment. Technological advancements are the driving force behind this transformation. According to Hotels Magazine, AI-powered energy conservation and automation systems can significantly improve a hotel’s energy efficiency while ensuring guest comfort and satisfaction remain uncompromised. With a focus on architectural and building design, the sustainability of hotels is poised for a significant shift. This transition towards energy efficiency necessitates a balanced combination of sustainable building materials, innovative architecture, and holistic construction practices. These elements will shape the future of the hotel industry, setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility while maintaining exceptional standards for guests. Final Thoughts The hospitality industry is witnessing a revolution that is not only a way of becoming more energy efficient but also a catalyst for improving guest experiences. Implementing sustainable practices into hotel operations not only benefits the environment but also improves customer service. However, the future of the hotel industry is linked to energy-efficient and sustainable renovation and construction, which creates a win-win situation for the hospitality sector and its guests, the building industry, and the environment. That said, stay updated with the latest construction design and construction news by visiting https://bdcmagazine.com/.
