The final quarter of 2023 got off to a lacklustre start in terms of construction spending on new contract awards. Down by just over a third on last year, awards totalled £5.3bn in October as all but the education and hotel, leisure and sport sectors failed to match 2022 levels
With reports for Phase 3 of the UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) required by 5 June 2024, a leading testing, inspection and certification expert is advising participants to act now for robust understanding of their energy consumption. The mandatory efficiency assessment and monitoring scheme requires engaged organisations to conduct
The brainchild of forward-thinking housing association, Midland Heart, Project 80’s design and construction has been significantly influenced by the Future Homes Standard, set to be introduced in 2025. From the outset, Midland Heart was keen to meet all the requirements of the new regulations, which will see all new homes
By Dr Gareth Davies, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD & Dr Luan Ho, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD – Tunley Environmental Concrete, the most extensively used manmade material worldwide, carries a significant environmental burden, contributing to 8% of anthropogenic GHG emissions. With a staggering 30 Gt produced annually, the material consumption is
Leading heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has this week hosted the first official visit to its €13 million commercial heat pump R&D and laboratory site in Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain. Baxi is part of the €2.2 billion-turnover BDR Thermea Group, one of the largest producers of heating appliances
West Yorkshire Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have been successful in securing £6.9 million from the Department for Education to digitise teaching and learning in key sectors. The funding is part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and will launch a West Yorkshire digital innovation project led by colleges.
Heimstaden Bostad, the owner of Soho Wharf, has announced the completion of a landmark project, in partnership with development partners, The Galliard Apsley Partnership. Soho Wharf, a leading-edge development in Birmingham, consists of 752 exceptional build-to-rent homes. This includes 650 designed apartments and 102 charming townhouses, all offered at affordable
Morgan Sindall Construction and other partners in the construction industry, has been selected by LocatED and the Department for Education (DfE) to work on a new feasibly study to decarbonise education estates in England. As part of the study, the Morgan Sindall team will undertake a series of feasibility studies
National builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its upgraded branch in Devizes, Wiltshire, where a brand new site has been built to cater to tradespeople and the public. The previous building was demolished and the new one is situated on the grounds at Garden Trading Estate on London Road, Devizes.
When it comes to acquiring a vehicle for business purposes or personal use, you have two primary options in the form of leasing or buying. Leasing is like renting, where you only pay for the use of the car during a predefined period. On the other hand, buying involves either
The final quarter of 2023 got off to a lacklustre start in terms of construction spending on new contract awards. Down by just over a third on last year, awards totalled £5.3bn in October as all but the education and hotel, leisure and sport sectors failed to match 2022 levels according to the latest analysis from Barbour ABI. Commercial and retail awards were a meagre £391m, a 75% drop compared with October 2022, and residential and infrastructure awards were down by 27% and 34% respectively. “2024 is shaping up to be a very challenging year for the construction sector,” said Barbour ABI Consulting Economist Kelly Forest. “New contract awards through to October have trailed 2022 levels by 14% in cash terms, meaning there will be less activity on the ground next year. Infrastructure and hotels, leisure and sport suffered have the steepest losses in 2023 so far, both down by around 30% compared with 2022.” Education tops new applications New planning applications in September were relatively subdued at £7.4 billion, marking a 5% decline from August and a 28% decrease from the previous year. Yet, the education sector defied this trend, witnessing a 69% increase in applications from 2022 and a 12% rise from August, driven by new school constructions and significant refurbishments. Forest explained that “smaller interventions to address RAAC issues and backlog maintenance are still important but bigger projects are having the largest impact. “Meanwhile, out of the eleven £10m plus applications submitted in September, only a couple are being funded via the School Rebuilding Programme which suggests this programme is still making slow progress against the DfE’s plan.” The School Rebuilding Programme is a decade-long Government initiative announced in 2020 is a UK government initiative that aims to improve the quality of education by rebuilding and refurbishing up to 500 primary and secondary schools across the country, with buildings prioritised according to their condition. “Strong construction cost inflation has plagued this programme and momentum still seems to be lacklustre even as inflationary pressures ease,” Forest concluded. Meanwhile, Residential recorded a 7% fall compared with September 2022. However, those looking for a silver lining for beleaguered housebuilders can note the pace of decline has slowed markedly. And Healthcare tops approvals with new hospital programme Planning approvals hit £8.6bn in October, 11% up on September and broadly on a par with October 2022. Year to date, approvals are in line with 2022 – positive news given recent headwinds and an indication of near-term stability in the pipeline. “Notably, Healthcare is poised to be 2024’s good news story as work builds on the government’s delayed New Hospitals Programme. So far this year, three £150m+ hospital projects funded by this programme have secured planning approval,” said Forest. The New Hospital Programme is a UK government initiative that aims to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030. The programme has a capital funding of £3.7 billion for this until March 2025, with more funding to be provided for the following five years. Healthcare also bounced back from August’s low in planning applications increasing 11%. “Construction is a volatile sector and so the pertinent question is how quickly can schemes working through design development get into contract when early signs of improvement in general economic conditions begin to emerge. “So far in 2023, planning approvals broadly match 2022, providing optimism that the worst is behind us. Increasing capacity and easing cost pressures should help delivery,” concluded Forest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With reports for Phase 3 of the UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) required by 5 June 2024, a leading testing, inspection and certification expert is advising participants to act now for robust understanding of their energy consumption. The mandatory efficiency assessment and monitoring scheme requires engaged organisations to conduct audits of their buildings, transport and industrial processes with the aim of identifying saving opportunities. Ahead of the compliance deadline, Claire McGeechan, consultant at BM TRADA, is prompting imminent action. “Although the deadline might seem a while away, there is no time to be complacent.” said Claire. “Reports must be ready to submit before the deadline, which relies on access to data from December 2022 and an effective audit strategy. Neither of these aspects are quick wins so ensuring the right processes are in place is key.” Under ESOS, UK organisations with an annual turnover in excess of £44m and annual balance sheet of over £38m, or those that employ at least 250 people in the UK, must submit a report every four years. The specifics of Phase 3 remain unconfirmed, however, Claire believes ISO 50001 certification provides a clear framework for managing energy usage. “Compliance relies on having collated the right data over the required period, through comprehensive understanding of how and where energy is used, as well as the identification, commitment to and implementation of improvement actions. “Although the data collection process should already be underway, it’s worth taking stock to prevent any gaps in processes. Energy management systems certification is therefore an ideal step and can help organisations prepare. Not only that, but it is a valuable way to demonstrate commitment to energy efficiency and the environment to customers, investors, and the wider community.”ISO 50001 is an energy management certification that provides a framework to understand energy usage and improve efficiency while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. It is a means of compliance for ESOS Phase 3. Claire also urges organisations to ensure awarding bodies and auditors have the necessary accreditations. “To use ISO 50001 for ESOS compliance, the issuing certification body must be UKAS accredited otherwise certification will be non-compliant under the regulations. UKAS accreditation also provides confidence in the issuing body, and in turn, the competence of the organisation that has been certified.” To find out more information on BM TRADA’s certification services, please visit: https://www.element.com/certification/iso-50001-energy-management-certification Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The brainchild of forward-thinking housing association, Midland Heart, Project 80’s design and construction has been significantly influenced by the Future Homes Standard, set to be introduced in 2025. From the outset, Midland Heart was keen to meet all the requirements of the new regulations, which will see all new homes expected to produce a 75 to 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to currently accepted levels. The Future Homes Standard covers a wide range of criteria and the developer had to carefully plan every aspect of the build to ensure the lowest whole-life carbon performance. This ranged from the materials chosen and systems specified, through to the machinery used on-site and the fixtures, fittings and finishes in the property. A low-carbon home also needs to be structurally safe, built to last and comfortable for the occupier. This meant balancing achieving the Future Homes Standards requirements without compromising the essential elements which comprise a quality home. Fabric first housing The Future Homes Standard is set to usher in a new age of energy-efficient, low-emissions housing. Midland Heart was keen to ensure it met the stipulated low u-values on its upcoming developments, leading to the initial concept of Project 80 and the objective of delivering a fully ‘Fabric First’ development. As Tony Hopkin, Head of Construction & Quality at Midland Heart revealed: “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, yet we’re also conscious of our environmental responsibility, so we wanted to build homes which not only protect people, but the planet too. So Project 80’s overarching aim became the elimination of any unintended consequences which would cause the properties to fall out of compliance with the Future Homes Standard, as this would have massive negative implications for potential occupiers, and Midland Heart. Particularly, we wanted to show that, with the right materials and systems, achieving ultra-low u-values was entirely possible. By trialling different solutions, particularly the latest concrete and aircrete blocks, we were able to achieve u-values of 0.13, putting our properties comfortably within the Standard’s requirements.” The West Midlands has a wealth of local block manufacturers and a rich heritage of block production. For this project, concrete blocks were manufactured by Shropshire-based Besblock and aircrete blocks were manufactured by H+H. This blended approach not only achieved the required thermal efficiency, but the use of high-performance aircrete blocks, which are lightweight and easy to install, supported the air-tight structures and reduced the chance of thermal bridging. It also significantly sped up the construction process. A material success To meet its aims of achieving Part L compliance, Midland Heart needed to specify materials that could deliver maximum efficiency, yet also deliver safe, secure, comfortable and affordable dwellings. Furthermore, they were keen to work with local businesses, ensuring a small supply chain with the minimum amount of energy and fuel consumption possible. Photo by Midland Heart Housing Ltd As the project took shape, in the form of Eco Drive, comprising 12 new homes built using fabric first principles, Midland Heart, an advocate of traditional construction methods, embraced tried and tested cavity wall construction. A traditional method, they understood that this system would deliver the desired thermal efficiency without reinventing the wheel. The 12 homes were delivered in 2022, and a report on resident evaluations of living and occupying the homes is due to publish in late 2023. The ongoing R&D programme will also include a detailed cost analysis, to identify areas for further gains in efficiency on later developments Cementing concrete’s low carbon credentials Project 80 is providing definitive proof that concrete can play a crucial role in contemporary, sustainable housebuilding. It’s also proving there’s more to meeting sustainability requirements than upfront, embodied carbon. That’s not all, the manufacturing process of the blocks used (Besblock’s Universal Star Performer in this case), helped Midland Heart achieve homes that met the design brief’s 80% carbon reduction target providing significant embodied carbon savings. Cured by energy from a nearby waste wood facility, using biomass boilers the products had significantly lower embodied carbon values than equivalent products. Besblock’s use of SustainaCem cement, a pre-blended sustainable binder, and blocks cured using energy from a nearby waste wood facility, kept embodied emissions low, further reinforced by a local supply chain. Tony Hopkin concluded, “Project 80’s vision has been to deliver high-performing but low-impact homes that are heavily tailored to resident needs. Technology and sustainability have been at the heart of this development to improve efficiency, but the fabric of the building was the starting point that needed to be addressed. “Blockwork, whether concrete or aircrete, has very impressive whole-life carbon qualities which are often overlooked, but they are truly circular products that embody the core principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. In partnering with them (Besblock and H+H), we found sustainable products that could adapt and flex according to the other low-carbon components selected to achieve homes fit for the Future Homes Standard. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Dr Gareth Davies, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD & Dr Luan Ho, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD – Tunley Environmental Concrete, the most extensively used manmade material worldwide, carries a significant environmental burden, contributing to 8% of anthropogenic GHG emissions. With a staggering 30 Gt produced annually, the material consumption is over 3.5 tonnes of concrete per person annually. The majority of the emissions (88.5%) emanate from cement production, the essential ingredient in concrete. Carbon sequestration in concrete presents a promising avenue to offset these emissions. This process, often referred to as carbonation or mineralisation, essentially reverses the initial cement production steps, where carbon dioxide is detached from calcium carbonate (limestone). Controlled carbonation of cementitious material, although first proposed in the 1970s, is recently garnering increased attention due to its substantial potential to mitigate against the colossal emissions from concrete production. However, carbonation is not without its challenges. Uncontrolled, it can lead to the corrosion of steel in reinforced concrete and the formation of harmful compounds, jeopardising the structural integrity of buildings. Yet, advancements in controlled carbonation methodologies have demonstrated the potential to not only sequester carbon dioxide but also enhance the properties of concrete. One such method involves utilising accelerated carbonation chambers to carbonate pre-cast materials, offering control over essential parameters such as CO2 concentration, humidity, and temperature. This impacts the rate and depth of carbonation, with the formation of calcium carbonate in the exterior pores blocking further carbonation. Emerging techniques explore embedding CO2-rich materials within the concrete mixture. A notable investigation by MIT researchers examined incorporating sodium bicarbonate, which dissolves and releases CO2 during curing. This innovative method not only sequesters carbon but also addresses the detrimental impacts of late-stage carbonation, such as shrinkage and crack formation. Furthermore, the possibility of reusing carbonated Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) from construction and demolition waste, which amounts to around 3 billion tonnes annually, offers an additional layer of environmental benefits. Although using RCA poses challenges such as increased costs and micro-cracking, controlled carbonation mitigates these issues and allows for a decrease in both water absorption and leaching instability. These advances in carbonation technology could potentially sequester 2 Gt of CO2 annually if implemented at scale, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production. When combined with the predicted 50% reduction from electrification, emissions could be curtailed to just 32.7% of the current levels. However, the journey towards sustainable concrete production is multifaceted and complex. As researchers and engineers continue to explore the potential of carbon sequestration in concrete, the combination of controlled carbonation and the incorporation of CO2-releasing materials represents a leap forward in our quest to mitigate the environmental impact of this ubiquitous material. In conclusion, the path to mitigating the environmental challenges posed by concrete production lies in innovative solutions such as carbon sequestration. By acting as a carbon sink, concrete has the potential to offset a significant portion of the emissions generated during its manufacturing stage. The incorporation of carbonated end-of-life concrete as filler material further underscores the potential of this material to contribute to a more sustainable future. References [1] S. A. Miller and F. C. Moore, “Climate and health damages from global concrete production,” Nat Clim Chang, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 439–443, May 2020, doi: 10.1038/s41558-020-0733-0. [2] A. Petek Gursel, E. Masanet, A. Horvath, and A. Stadel, “Life-cycle inventory analysis of concrete production: A critical review,” Cem Concr Compos, vol. 51, pp. 38–48, 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2014.03.005. [3] P. C. Aïtcin, “Portland cement,” in Science and Technology of Concrete Admixtures, Elsevier Inc., 2016, pp. 27–51. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-100693-1.00003-5. [4] M. Stefanoni, U. Angst, and B. Elsener, “Corrosion rate of carbon steel in carbonated concrete – A critical review,” Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 103. Elsevier Ltd, pp. 35–48, Jan. 01, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.10.007. [5] L. Qin, X. Gao, and T. Chen, “Influence of mineral admixtures on carbonation curing of cement paste,” Constr Build Mater, vol. 212, pp. 653–662, Jul. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.04.033. [6] S. Hussain, D. Bhunia, and S. B. Singh, “Comparative study of accelerated carbonation of plain cement and fly-ash concrete,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 10, pp. 26–31, Mar. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2017.02.001. [7] B. Šavija and M. Luković, “Carbonation of cement paste: Understanding, challenges, and opportunities,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 117. Elsevier Ltd, pp. 285–301, Aug. 01, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.138. [8] N. Lippiatt, T. C. Ling, and S. Y. Pan, “Towards carbon-neutral construction materials: Carbonation of cement-based materials and the future perspective,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 28. Elsevier Ltd, Mar. 01, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2019.101062. [9] Z. Xu et al., “Effects of temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration on carbonation of cement-based materials: A review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 346. Elsevier Ltd, Sep. 05, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128399. [10] J. Liu et al., “Carbonated concrete brick capturing carbon dioxide from cement kiln exhaust gas,” Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 17, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01474. [11] Z. Li, Z. He, and X. Chen, “The performance of carbonation-cured concrete,” Materials, vol. 12, no. 22, Nov. 2019, doi: 10.3390/ma12223729. [12] D. Stefaniuk, M. Hajduczek, J. C. Weaver, F. J. Ulm, and A. Masic, “Cementing CO2 into C-S-H: A step toward concrete carbon neutrality,” PNAS Nexus, vol. 2, no. 3, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad052. [13] Y. Pu et al., “Accelerated carbonation technology for enhanced treatment of recycled concrete aggregates: A state-of-the-art review,” Constr Build Mater, vol. 282, May 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122671. [14] D. Xuan, B. Zhan, and C. S. Poon, “Assessment of mechanical properties of concrete incorporating carbonated recycled concrete aggregates,” Cem Concr Compos, vol. 65, pp. 67–74, Jan. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2015.10.018. [15] T. Kikuchi and Y. Kuroda, “Carbon Dioxide Uptake in Demolished and Crushed Concrete,” 2011. [16] Z. Guo, A. Tu, C. Chen, and D. E. Lehman, “Mechanical properties, durability, and life-cycle assessment of concrete building blocks incorporating recycled concrete aggregates,” J Clean Prod, vol. 199, pp. 136–149, Oct. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.069. https://www.tunley-environmental.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has this week hosted the first official visit to its €13 million commercial heat pump R&D and laboratory site in Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain. Baxi is part of the €2.2 billion-turnover BDR Thermea Group, one of the largest producers of heating appliances worldwide. The 7,000m² Baxi factory, located near Barcelona and opened just last year, is focused on developing and producing commercial heat pump technology. The site boasts complete in-house capabilities spanning R&D, logistics, manufacturing and assembly, and including climatic testing chambers and a controls desk. During the visit, guests were provided with an exclusive preview of the new Remeha Effenca commercial heat pump series that was designed and produced at Vilafranca and is currently undergoing final testing. The new range, which includes high temperature R290 refrigerant air source heat pumps (ASHPs), will launch imminently in the UK with full Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Harriet Evans, Renewables Director at Baxi said: “The focus on low carbon design is now critical in line with ambitious government decarbonisation targets. Heat pumps, which decarbonise heating at the point of use, are a big part of how we as a company are supporting our commercial and residential customers through the energy transition. We are proud to demonstrate our full in-house capabilities and competencies at Vilafranca, and of the wide expertise and support we have within Group in this technology. We are excited to be expanding our Remeha ASHP range in the very near future with both medium and high temperature ASHPs – watch this space!” BDR Thermea’s acquisition in 2021 of Barcelona-based Hitecsa, an important manufacturer in the Spanish market for commercial and industrial climate control systems, has enabled the Group to offer the entire range of heat pump solutions to suit all customer needs, from residential to large commercial applications. In the UK, Baxi launched its first Remeha commercial heat pump in 2022. The company recently announced its latest commercial ASHP project, a collaboration with Oakes Energy Services to decarbonise a series of school swimming pool buildings for the Priory Federation of Academies Trust. Heat pump production capacity at Vilafranca has scaled up by 50% in the last twelve months, with plans to triple in the next five years via new commercial heat pump solutions in development. For more information, www.baxi.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
West Yorkshire Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have been successful in securing £6.9 million from the Department for Education to digitise teaching and learning in key sectors. The funding is part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and will launch a West Yorkshire digital innovation project led by colleges. The project will support colleges and partners to build capacity to meet local skills priorities that were identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), launched by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce in August. Working through the consortium, colleges and partners will collaborate for maximum impact. They will develop current and new digitised training provision and curriculum for key industries. The colleges will open specialist hubs and academies offering high level curriculum using immersive and digital technology and Artificial Intelligence. The capital investment will include equipment and resources needed to use virtual reality, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence and robotics to equip colleges with the means to develop relevant and in-demand skills. The funding has been split into six key areas with investment for digital innovation in: · construction, · creative industries, · health and social care, · advanced manufacturing, · Financial technology (Fintech), · the wider digital development of teaching and learning. Each area will be led by a West Yorkshire college that will lead the innovation, host the digital hub and share experience and knowledge and develop teaching and learning across all colleges. Project Director of the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, Joanne Patrickson said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the region to advance the skills needed in technology to keep up with industry changes. Not only will the funding of new equipment help to improve the learning experience in colleges, the collaboration between our partners will grow the skills and knowledge of the teaching staff who can deliver relevant training to the current and future workforce.” The West Yorkshire colleges benefiting from the funding include Leeds College of Building, Bradford College, Calderdale College, Kirklees College, Luminate Education Group (Leeds City College and Keighley College), Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, and Shipley College. Leeds College of Building has been awarded funding for the development of new specialist hubs for digital skills within the construction industry to meet the demands in the area for diverse skilled workers. This will also include funding for mobile digital hubs across the region with AI technology and VR/AR equipment. Nikki Davis, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building said: “We are delighted to be awarded this funding to help support local people to access high quality provision, with industry leading facilities. The focus on digital construction will provide opportunities for employers and future employees to develop vital skills.” Over the course of the project approximately 5,000 learners will benefit from around 100 new courses, with over 7,000 learners using the new equipment purchased with LSIF capital funds. Over 700 college staff will benefit from CPD activities. The project runs until March 2025 and is part of the Government’s drive to transform skills training so that more people can secure good jobs close to home. Read the Department for Education’s announcement press release. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heimstaden Bostad, the owner of Soho Wharf, has announced the completion of a landmark project, in partnership with development partners, The Galliard Apsley Partnership. Soho Wharf, a leading-edge development in Birmingham, consists of 752 exceptional build-to-rent homes. This includes 650 designed apartments and 102 charming townhouses, all offered at affordable rental rates including 64 homes, offered at a 20% discount to market rent, emphasising affordability alongside quality. The project encompasses 10,000 sq ft of prime commercial space and provides ample parking with 300 parking spaces. The architectural ingenuity extends to the ample green spaces, constituting nearly 40% of the site area. These green areas include vibrant public realms, private communal spaces for residents, and exclusive gardens for townhouse residents. This achievement is marked by an outstanding milestone, with close to 90% of the available units leased within a six-month span, from March to September 2023. The swift uptake stands as a testament to the project’s undeniable appeal, showcasing Soho Wharf as a pioneering residential development that is redefining both the architectural and community landscape of Birmingham. Amit Kumar, Head of Operations – UK at Heimstaden, expressed: “We are tremendously proud to mark the completion of Soho Wharf, a true testament to thoughtful design and community integration. In just six months, seeing 90% of the units become homes for residents speaks volumes about its allure. Our ambition was always to create a lively, cohesive neighbourhood in Birmingham where sustainability meets convenience. The rapid uptake reaffirms our commitment to offering Friendly Homes that not only fit seamlessly into the city’s fabric but also address the modern resident’s desire for connectedness, comfort, and a sustainable way of living.” Gerard Nock, Chairman at The Galliard Apsley Partnership said: “The completion of Soho Wharf stands as proof of our unwavering commitment to reimagining urban spaces. Through innovative design and collaborative partnerships, we have created not just homes but thriving communities, and we’re excited to see Soho Wharf transform Birmingham’s urban landscape for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction and other partners in the construction industry, has been selected by LocatED and the Department for Education (DfE) to work on a new feasibly study to decarbonise education estates in England. As part of the study, the Morgan Sindall team will undertake a series of feasibility studies which have been chosen based on criteria including potential carbon savings, capital/ROI and operational impact. Using our approach to intelligent solutions and inhouse whole life carbon tools such as CarboniCa, the team will utilise their experience to propose decarbonisation solutions for the chosen schools. LocatED announced the start of a feasibility study for its Net Zero Accelerator programme on 9 November – a scheme that aims to facilitate the rapid rollout of decarbonisation initiatives across the education estate. Delivery partners have been selected to take part in a feasibility study that will work with 50 schools from across England to explore the commercial viability of a range of decarbonisation interventions. The concept of the Net Zero Accelerator is to create a ‘one stop shop’ to fund and deliver decarbonisation initiatives across the education estate through a new national service. This will provide responsible bodies, such as local authorities and multi-academy trusts, with a low burden service to address building condition and energy efficiency to help improve their estate including the delivery of decarbonisation interventions. Furthermore, the programme will aim to reduce risk to responsible bodies as well as the time and resources they put into decarbonisation. This will be achieved by requiring no upfront payment; through sharing the risk of delivery with external market partners; and arranging the intervention work and funding for them. Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to create and run the programme, LocatED launched the Net Zero Accelerator in August this year with a market engagement session attracting over 270 participants. With Net Zero a key aim of the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for the education system, the programme aims to help deliver this. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its upgraded branch in Devizes, Wiltshire, where a brand new site has been built to cater to tradespeople and the public. The previous building was demolished and the new one is situated on the grounds at Garden Trading Estate on London Road, Devizes. The branch has a full tool hire offering, allowing customers to hire tools, plant and specialist equipment, and an extended range of building products offering everything customers need for a project from start to finish, all under one roof. In-branch specialists are onsite to help, together with an unrivalled stock availability, trade pricing and excellent customer service. It will bring to life everything that Jewson has to offer its customers and partners, including a timber centre and a new yard, as well as access to Jewson’s Build Aviator service, which allows tradespeople and builders to plan and estimate projects of all sizes, calculate margins, order stock and create professional quotes for clients. Designed with sustainability in mind, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the building to boost energy efficiency, while an air source heating and heat recovery system power the branch. LED lighting, electric car charging facilities and electric fork lift trucks are also planned for the site. Andy Ruiz, branch manager, said: “Our address might be the same, but the new branch is a total transformation compared with the old site. It is the result of a huge investment, so we’re excited to show existing and new customers around and share some of the impressive features, products and expertise available to help them with construction projects of all types and sizes.” Jewson will be hosting a launch event at the branch from 30th October to 3rd November, where tradespeople and members of the public are invited to explore the new branch and meet the team. The branch is located at Garden Trading Estate, London Rd, Devizes, SN10 2HL and is open 7:30am – 5pm Monday-Friday and 8am-12 noon Saturday. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When it comes to acquiring a vehicle for business purposes or personal use, you have two primary options in the form of leasing or buying. Leasing is like renting, where you only pay for the use of the car during a predefined period. On the other hand, buying involves either paying in full upfront or financing over time becoming eventually the owner of the vehicle. Both options come with their set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these will help determine which path best suits your needs and financial situation, so let’s unpick and unpack the main points to consider, and hopefully leave you in a position to make the right decision. An In-Depth Look at Leasing: The Pros and Cons Choosing to lease a vehicle can be an attractive prospect for many. Here are some noteworthy benefits: However, leasing isn’t without its drawbacks: Leasing presents unique advantages but also carries certain disadvantages. It’s crucial to weigh these factors before opting for this path. Decoding Vehicle Ownership: Advantages and Drawbacks Opting to buy a vehicle outright has several plus points: Just like leasing though, buying has its cons too: Purchasing a vehicle assures ownership but also brings responsibilities and longer-term financial commitment. Each person’s circumstances vary widely, so your decision should match personal needs and preferences. Unraveling the Costs Associated with Leasing vs Buying Cars Let’s delve into the financial implications and associated costs to better understand the two options: Leasing a car generally involves: Buying a vehicle may include: In short, leasing can prove financially attractive in the short-term owing to lower upfront fees and monthly payments. Conversely, buying could lead to overall cost savings in the long run despite higher initial expenses. Trucks: To Lease or To Buy? If you’re in a business involving the routine use of trucks, the decision to lease or buy becomes significant. Leasing could offer new models at potentially lower costs, translating into improved efficiency and maintenance savings. Meanwhile, buying with the right trucking loans gives you the same ownership perks we’ve discussed before, including no mileage restrictions and the freedom to make any necessary modifications related to your industry. It’s crucial to consider factors like frequency of usage and your operation’s reliance on the latest technology in contrast to the long-term cost-effectiveness of each route before reaching this pivotal decision. Final Thoughts Whether to lease or buy your next vehicle isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Consideration between these two major options hinges upon various factors, including your budget, your needs, and even future goals. Making an educated decision requires weighing the pros and cons of both methods according to your circumstances. By identifying what’s most important, be it ownership or the opportunity for upgrading models frequently, you can determine a cost-effective choice that suits you best.
