Lending for commercial construction is expected to fall for the ninth year in a row, underlying how demand for office space and high street retail has declined over the period. The analysis comes from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, which compared lending levels across different areas of the property
YTL Developments has secured planning permission for 1,514 beds of student accommodation at Brabazon. The company is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. Over the next twenty years, this new city district – known as Brabazon – will grow to include thousands
Agreement highlights new model of delivery and partnership to tackle the housing crisis Sustainable housing developer EDAROTH, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has signed a development agreement with Bristol City Council to design and deliver 29 affordable homes – based on a new model created under Bristol’s involvement in the
With the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe in the wake of Storm Henk, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using
Bhangals Construction Consultants, an award-winning construction consultancy, has relocated to a newly refurbished two-storey office space in Northampton. The company spent months meticulously planning and designing the new office, in Grange Park, which offers open plan working, as well as dedicated meeting rooms, a kitchen and staff breakout areas. All
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a
Local housebuilder Redrow is continuing its support of nearby Ashford Rugby Football Club (ARFC) with brand new kits for the new year. Redrow South East, currently building a community at Crown Hill View in Ashford, Kent, is supporting the academy. Redrow’s sponsorship means each player within the academy, aged between
Using technology to provide information required under the new Building Safety Act 2022 – which has been enforceable since October 1st – can help relieve the pressure on suppliers who are responsible for submitting the data, says Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. The
From construction to restoration to furniture building, wood is a vital natural resource in almost any industry that manufactures purchasable items. The consumption of wood in the UK reached an impressive 50 million tons of timber yearly, which raises concerns about the exact provenience of the material since the nation struggles to
Are you familiar with the terms retro-commissioning and commissioning, but not entirely sure how they differ? You’re not alone. Many in the building management and energy efficiency sectors often find themselves grappling with these concepts. While both are crucial processes for optimizing building performance, understanding their distinctions is vital for
Lending for commercial construction is expected to fall for the ninth year in a row, underlying how demand for office space and high street retail has declined over the period. The analysis comes from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, which compared lending levels across different areas of the property construction industry over the past decade using data from the Bank of England. Octane then estimated where total lending would sit come the end of 2023 based on the current data available (Jan to November). The analysis shows that the average monthly amount outstanding across the commercial construction lending sector has gradually fallen from £5.11 billion in 2014 to £3.383 billion in 2022, a drop of 34%. Octane Capital estimates that 2023 will see this figure fall by a further -2.6% in 2023 to £3.30 billion, following on from an annual decline of -4.3% in 2022 and a minor reduction of -0.8% in 2021. Rental recession and challenging year for retail Last year office rentals in London were said to be in “rental recession” due to the number of empty workspaces, as the pandemic has facilitated a growing work from home and flexible working culture. Meanwhile the high street has struggled to compete with the growth of online retail for some time, while consumers are currently being squeezed by the cost of living crisis. In January the The British Retail Consortium warned that retailers are set for a “challenging” year in 2024 due to “weak consumer confidence. Overall construction lending dips for second consecutive year The analysis by Octane Capital also shows that lending across the construction sector as a whole is forecast to fall for a second consecutive year in 2023, as interest rate rises made borrowing gradually less affordable. Octane Capital estimates that the average monthly total of outstanding lending will reach £33.26 billion in 2023, marking a -7.1% drop from the year before, while in 2022 there was also a drop, at -4.0%. The second consecutive annual decline follows the Bank of England base rate hike from 0.25% to 5.25% between December 2021 and August 2023, making the cost of borrowing far more expensive for construction and development firms. Development down but domestic construction sees uplift Commercial lending for the development of buildings – which encompasses structural alterations, demolitions and rebuilding – has been on the steady decline since 2021. Octane Capital estimates that some £12.74 billion of outstanding lending will be recorded in 2023, which will again result in a drop of -7.9%, following previous yearly falls of -5.3% in 2022 and -4.3% in 2021. Lending for domestic construction – a dwelling where more than one family unit lives – is the only construction type expected to go against the grain. After dropping off by -19.8% in 2021 it recovered by 9.2% in 2022, and is estimated to climb by 1.7% in 2023, as is forecast to sit at £6.04 billion for the year. CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, commented: “Demand for commercial construction lending has seen a consistent decline in recent years, with the average monthly amount outstanding falling by 34% between 2014 and 2022 and expected to fall further in 2023. “While the pandemic accelerated the trend for more businesses to embrace hybrid working, it must have come as a shock to the office sector, as it’s ultimately businesses paying competitive rents that justify these construction projects. “Another factor hitting construction is the cost of financing, as it’s becoming harder for developers to make a good return on their investment given that interest rates are relatively high. “One positive is that interest rates now look to be falling again, so it could become more affordable for developers to fund projects in 2024 and beyond, which should help cultivate some growth, albeit this will likely remain subdued versus historic highs.” Data tables and sources Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
YTL Developments has secured planning permission for 1,514 beds of student accommodation at Brabazon. The company is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. Over the next twenty years, this new city district – known as Brabazon – will grow to include thousands of new homes, creative workspaces and the largest new urban public park in the South West for 50 years. The new neighbourhood will be connected to Bristol and beyond by every form of sustainable transport. The MetroBus will stop at Brabazon and both the University of the West of England (UWE) and University of Bristol. The UWE campus is 1.5 mile walk or cycle away along dedicated bike paths and pedestrian routes. And a new railway station will serve Bristol Temple Meads – adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – in less than 15 minutes. The student accommodation at Brabazon consists of 1,514 bedrooms, located across four mansion-style buildings on the southern boundary of Brabazon, close to the new railway station. Designed by leading local architects Stride Treglown, the attractive mansion blocks will have the space students want, both to socialise and to study. Separate bedrooms are arranged in clusters around communal spaces that will balance studying with a rich social experience. Inside, there will be dining areas and karaoke rooms, a gaming suite and gym, as well as shared studies and quiet working areas. Outside, the landscaped courtyards and green spaces include exercise areas and even a basketball court as well as south-facing gardens. The project is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and inventors and attract the best young talent to Bristol. The city’s world-class universities and diverse student population help give Bristol its unique energy and edge. But at present, a lack of dedicated student accommodation risks resulting in large numbers of HMOs that can upset the balance of some neighbourhoods. When the new student accommodation at Brabazon opens in time for the 2026-7 academic year, it will provide an inclusive place to live that is conducive to learning and be part of a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by the housing shortage elsewhere in the city. Sebastian Loyn, Planning and Development Director, YTL Developments comments: “Brabazon is designed to live up to the pioneering legacy of the former Filton Airfield and inspire the next generation. New purpose-built student accommodation is essential to our vision to create a thriving, diverse new neighbourhood for Bristol. “When the student accommodation completes, approximately 400 private homes will also be occupied, giving a total of almost 2,000 new residents from all generations by 2026-7. “This represents a critical mass. “The new residents will facilitate the arrival of a new breed of cafes, shops and restaurants. “They will ensure the new public transport services – both the MetroBus and new train station – become sustainable and reliable options for the whole community. “Alongside the existing world-leading engineering cluster, the new residents at Brabazon will accelerate the transformation of North Bristol, ensuring it remains a place of opportunity and drives local prosperity for the next 100 years.” Subscribe to the Neighbourhood Newsletter for Brabazon to receive updates as they are announced: www.brabazon.co.uk/newsletter Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Agreement highlights new model of delivery and partnership to tackle the housing crisis Sustainable housing developer EDAROTH, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has signed a development agreement with Bristol City Council to design and deliver 29 affordable homes – based on a new model created under Bristol’s involvement in the UN Climate Smart Cities challenge. The new homes will be a mix of 13 houses and 16 apartments and will be constructed using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes – which will provide additional capacity for the housing market and directly tackle the housing crisis. Subject to planning approvals, they will be developed at six sites* across Bristol on under-utilised land owned by the city council, including brownfield which is often overlooked by large-scale housing developers, but can be adapted/repurposed to unlock new space for communities. Central to the development agreement are the sustainable construction methods that are used by EDAROTH including: Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homelessness at Bristol City Council, said: “We are thrilled that our collaboration with the UN Habitat for the Climate Smart Cities Challenge is set to deliver 29 social rent zero carbon council homes. “This development of much needed affordable homes will add to the 12,500 new homes already completed in the city between 2016 and 2023. The new homes will help people in housing need, adding to the 474 new affordable homes built in Bristol in 2021/22. “This wider collaboration is not just about the great homes that will be built, but it is helping us unlock small parcels of underutilised council land that have often been considered too complex or expensive to develop for council housing. “We remain ambitious to see even more affordable housing built in our city and this new approach to unlock these small brownfield sites will help us do that whilst also protecting our vital green spaces.” Mark Powell, Managing Director at EDAROTH (an acronym for Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head), added: “Entering into a development agreement with Bristol City Council underlines their position as a forward-thinking local authority which places value in sustainable housing and infrastructure. “Bristol, in common with the rest of the country, faces a huge demand for affordable homes. This scheme is one part of the solution which not only supports the ambition to meet that demand, but also aims to enhance communities by transforming under-used sites to create thriving places to live. “The agreement is a really important step in this project which demonstrates the city council’s confidence in the proposals we’ve put forward and their determination to deliver low carbon, low-energy-use homes for the community.” The agreement is based on an award-winning approach developed by the city council, and the One City team, with partners including the Housing Festival, AtkinsRéalis and EDAROTH, as one of four winning projects in the UN Habitat Climate Smart Cities Challenge in 2022. Part of the challenge involved the creation of a demonstrator scheme that could prove how aggregating small sites for development, and overcoming systemic barriers, could unlock previously unviable sites to deliver truly affordable social housing. The new approach identifies small parcels of land for development such as brownfield or under-used garage sites, within existing residential areas, which is more effective in creating social value and cohesion as it enables those existing communities to thrive. Zoe Metcalfe, Client Director for Connected Thriving Places, AtkinsRéalis who led on the competition application process for AtkinsRéalis, said: “Winning the UN Smart Cities Challenge as the Bristol Thriving Places team enabled us to explore viable sites for development and devise this approach around them. “The wisdom of the EDAROTH development team has been instrumental in translating theory into reality. The Housing Festival boldly led the systems-led change to disrupt the evaluation model to deliver social value with Bristol City Council facilitating innovation. An exemplar of the power of collective action through trusted partnerships. “It really shows how the principle of aggregating and clustering sites in this way can help to unlock value and achieve the economies of scale that are central to the offsite manufacturing approach which EDAROTH delivers, and we’re thrilled that Bristol City Council has chosen to turn those potential benefits into a reality through this new development agreement.” A public engagement process has been launched, with information packs and questionnaires issued to residents near to the development sites to provide feedback. The development agreement with Bristol City Council follows the recent announcement that EDAROTH has been given the green light to provide state-of-the-art, sustainable homes in Surrey, after Raven Housing Trust was granted planning permission for its latest housing scheme. The scheme in Surrey is the latest in a number of new contracts across southeast England for EDAROTH, which is bringing a fresh approach to the housing crisis by utilising brownfield and former industrial land to release genuine social and economic value from often overlooked assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe in the wake of Storm Henk, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using the wrong equipment could lead to potential long-term issues for construction projects, with Aggreko advising that solely relying on heaters to dry sites could cause issues, as flooding continues to worsen across the UK and Europe. Storm Henk continues a long-term trend. According to the Met Office, the period between 1991 to 2020 was an average 1.75% wetter than the period 1981-2010 and 7% wetter than 1961-1990 for the UK overall, which shows that the issue of increased rainfall is only getting worse[1]. The European Union recently published figures showing that over 14,000 areas across its member states are at significant risk of flooding, amid a year that has seen widespread disruption[2]. This inclement weather can cause problems for construction sites, especially with the issue of humidity which can cause irreparable damage to critical assets, particularly when there is excess rainfall. According to moisture control experts at Aggreko, relative humidity on construction sites should be kept within an optimal range of 40-60%. Dehumidification systems help to reduce humidity, meaning that these issues can be eliminated before they cause problems and bring delays. Relying on heating systems, which are less effective at reducing humidity levels, can cause more damage to building materials and structures. This potentially can lead to issues such as increased mould growth, creating a deceptive sense of dryness and increased condensation. Tom Adlington, Building Services & Construction Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko UK & Ireland said: “Flooding, such as that seen over the new year, has the potential to cause time delays and budget problems for a construction site. Which is why it’s imperative the right approach to dehumidification is taken. “Heat alone cannot sufficiently dehumidify a site, which is why we advocate for a combined solution. This incorporates various technologies, including industrial dehumidifiers, to provide heat, air movement and moisture removal. Combining products such as power, dehumidification and heating can help create a complete solution that reduces project costs without compromising on reliability. For more information on effective dehumidification download the Aggreko guide https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/resources/the-hidden-cost-of-humidity-on-site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bhangals Construction Consultants, an award-winning construction consultancy, has relocated to a newly refurbished two-storey office space in Northampton. The company spent months meticulously planning and designing the new office, in Grange Park, which offers open plan working, as well as dedicated meeting rooms, a kitchen and staff breakout areas. All the desks have been purpose built to fit the ample space, and the renovations have been completed to the highest standard to enable the best possible working environment for staff. A yet to be opened upstairs space will soon also provide a versatile events area for both Bhangals staff and the wider business community. The entire space totals 7,500 square feet. The move, which has rehoused the company’s 30-strong workforce, will allow for further growth as managing director Parm Bhangal adds to the team. It comes just five years after the company doubled the size of its previous office space by taking over the office next door. Parm said: “I am very proud and excited to finally share our new office space with everyone. This has been in the works for over a year, and after months of meticulous planning and renovations, it’s great to see the team settled into their new home. I had a very specific vision in mind – an office space that not only fosters collaborative working but also stands out in a way people haven’t seen before. “It’s been a massive project, and I won’t deny there were moments of stress, however, the outcome is truly worth it, and I take pride in the modern and inviting atmosphere we’ve created. We really thought about our team and our clients throughout the entire process. Their needs and expectations were at the forefront of our decisions so, it’s really satisfying to see them settle into their new office space and bring their enthusiasm into the workspace. We thank our team for their continued support and hard work and look forward to continuing our growth. “I can’t wait to see what our incredible team achieves in this space. Welcoming our clients here adds another dimension to our ability to serve and collaborate effectively. The new office is not just a physical space; it’s a vibrant home for our collective success and growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a transformational period following the merger acquisition by STARK Group, which completed in March 2023. She began her career as a Trainee Solicitor with Hammond Suddards Edge – now Squire Patton Boggs – in 1999, before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. Over the course of 10 years, she progressed to the role of Managing Associate before joining Elior UK – the UK subsidiary of French listed company Elior SA – as a Senior Solicitor. Six years later Cassidy was appointed as Group Legal Director at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a FTSE250 specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals business, which she supported through several mergers and acquisitions until it entered the FTSE100. In 2022, she moved to JD Sports Fashion PLC, a FTSE50 retailer, as General Counsel and Company Secretary and a member of the executive team. There, she significantly grew the company’s legal and compliance division and improved the corporate governance structure during a period of transformational change. Now, as a member of the STARK Building Materials UK Executive Team, Cassidy will lead the organisation’s legal, compliance and secretarial function, supporting key stakeholders across the business brand portfolio that makes up the STARK UK family, including Jewson, Northern Ireland based merchant JP Corry, Jersey based merchant Normans and specialist brands such as Jewson Civils Frazer and Minster. Speaking about her new role, Cassidy said: “To be joining STARK Building Materials UK at such a landmark time for the organisation is a fantastic opportunity. My role is about supporting business growth and transformation and ensuring the business does everything it needs to remain compliant and a respected organisation. I’m also keen to look at the ways we can support new talent to enter the legal field – particularly women, ethnic minorities, and other under-represented members of society. “Construction brings with it its own set of opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing how we tackle them. Under the leadership of John Carter – a household name in the field, and someone who’s put together a hand-picked executive team – we have an exciting journey ahead of us to inject new life into all the UK brands functioning under the STARK UK umbrella. We are all working closely together to achieve that shared goal, with a strong focus on inspiring and energising our people and making them extremely proud to be part of the STARK Group.” John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Nim is a true asset to our organisation. Her experience speaks for itself, and we know the variety of roles and responsibilities she’s held previously will provide us with fresh perspectives and new ways of working that will position us firmly as leaders in our field. We’re delighted to have her on board and know our future will be brighter with her as part of our team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Redrow is continuing its support of nearby Ashford Rugby Football Club (ARFC) with brand new kits for the new year. Redrow South East, currently building a community at Crown Hill View in Ashford, Kent, is supporting the academy. Redrow’s sponsorship means each player within the academy, aged between 15 to 18, plus coaches, will have a brand-new, high-quality kit to wear during their training sessions and weekly matches. In addition to brand new training shirts, the donation includes a soft shell jacket, water bottle and other accessories within the ‘goodie bags’. Founded in 1885, ARFC has been at the heart of the community for 138 years. Based at Kinneys Field, just a stone’s throw from Crown Hill View, ARFC comprises four adult teams, a ladies’ team, and multiple youth teams. Run by volunteers, ARFC relies on local businesses to help it support residents to have fun and be active. Ben Fewsdale, Managing Director at Redrow South East, comments: “As part of our commitment to create thriving communities, we’re proud to support Ashford Rugby Football Club and its players. “Local sports teams play a crucial role in enabling communities to lead active lifestyles and get to know one another. They create a fun, safe environment for both adults and children to learn new skills, that they can transfer to either school or work, and help people make friends for life. “Ashford is home to a variety of community groups which make the area a great place to live. We know that behind these organisations are volunteers and that many of the organisations rely on the support of local businesses like us to be able to continue. We are delighted to support ARFC and wish them luck for the year ahead!” Tim Scrivens, Coach at Ashford Rugby Football Club Academy, adds: “Redrow has been a long-time supporter of Ashford Rugby club, primarily supporting one team of players as they transition through the club. Redrow’s initial involvement, with the team, started in 2019 funding training tops to keep players warm and dry throughout the cold winters, umbrellas for parents, and new, much-needed, equipment to ensure the team was coached safely. Earlier this year, we took the whole squad to The Rugby Youth Festival, Portugal; Redrow’s support provided a ‘tour kit’ for all lads with the funding to ensure that no player, who wanted to go, was left behind, providing some players with a once in a lifetime experience. “This season, Redrow has been even more generous, extending their support to encompass all age groups that make up the Ashford RFC Academy. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a very sincere thank you to Redrow for their continued support, it has really made a huge difference, over the years, to our community. I hope that the collaboration continues for years to come.” With first completions expected in Spring 2024, Crown Hill View comprises a collection of three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached homes that are ready to reserve now. Each home is heated by an air source heat pump and comes with underfloor heating as standard on the ground floor, helping customers to lower their energy use. As well as being a desirable feature for customers, the lack of ground-floor radiators gives customers even more living space. Crown Hill View is set within the charming county of Kent, lying on the Southern edge of the North Downs, making it ideal for those looking for a balance between town and countryside living. The development is approximately one mile away from Ashford town centre, providing access to plenty of amenities in and around the historic market town. Interested buyers can find out more about the award-winning homes on offer by visiting the brand new Customer Experience Suite, opening on Saturday 13th January 2024, and the new four bedroom Oxford show home, styled by Redrow’s award winning interior design team. Alternatively, visit https://www.redrow.co.uk/developments/crown-hill-view-conningbrook-212680. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using technology to provide information required under the new Building Safety Act 2022 – which has been enforceable since October 1st – can help relieve the pressure on suppliers who are responsible for submitting the data, says Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. The Building Safety Act is designed to take forward a fundamental reform of the building safety system and address the issues identified by Dame Judith Hackitt in her independent review, Building a Safer Future. The Government stated that the Act would deliver ‘the biggest changes to building safety for nearly 40 years and make residents safer in their homes’ and named the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the new Building Safety Regulator to oversee the safety and standards of all buildings. In doing so, the legislation has also brought challenges for those in the complex supply chain who are required to provide specific information at each key stage which should be digitally stored and available for the lifetime of the building, described as The Golden Thread of information. For the protection of structural steel with intumescent coatings, the different parts of the engineering community and the supply chain also need to understand more detail of certain stages or Gateways as they are described under the terms of the act. Structural engineers, designers and specifiers will be more concerned with the requirements under gateways one covering the planning stage and parts of gateway two dealing with building control approval. Applicators will need to understand parts of gateway two on building control and gateway three covering safety information. Fabricators will need to understand the wider picture across all three gateways. Overhaul in existing regulations The intention is to ensure that the right people have the right information at the right time to ensure buildings are safe and building safety risks are managed throughout the building’s lifecycle. For the construction industry, and related specialisms such as Passive Fire Protection, this means an overhaul in existing regulations, with new guidance in how higher risk buildings should be designed, constructed and managed to ensure that those who use them are safe and feel safe. These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises. Resource is limited in many organisations, so how are suppliers to approach these challenging requirements without cutting corners? At Sherwin-Williams, we use our years of expertise along with the appropriate technology. This technology allows us to understand what is required at the start of the process working in collaboration with our customers. To this end, we have invested in Building Information Modelling (BIM) process and technology for many years and also partner with leading global software developers including Trimble. Such systems allow for data transfer and make storage much simpler. They are future-proofed and permanent. They also provide important information and documentation required under the new act in the digital format required. Benefits to the process are apparent for main contractors, architects, structural engineers, steel fabricators and site inspectors. Accessing a BIM model collaboratively aids efficiency and versatility, particularly on projects with global players, where project team members may reside in different geographies around the world. All can access the model over the internet and collaborate using cloud-sharing technology. We have been committed to this approach for some years and, to this end, we have developed our own proprietary software called the FIRETEX Design Estimator 2.0 (FDE). The software offers calculated solutions for the safe protection of structural steelwork framing elements, and embraces BIM with an integrated plugin tool allowing 3D modelling data to be directly linked into the software. Manging the whole process This offers the capability of providing calculations for coatings thicknesses of all shapes and sizes of steel sections, fire engineering, and in the case of cellular beams, allows for any configuration of web apertures to be seamlessly incorporated and the fire protection specification passed back into the model. For the steelwork fabricator, the approach with BIM means they can manage the whole process from concept to design through to delivery of materials on site including the off-site applied fire protection. The same principle could also be adopted for use with on-site applied fire protection, offering advantages to the main contractor and eventually to the owner-operator. FIRETEX embodied carbon values, using our third-party certificated EPDs, are also stored within the 3D model. Once the fire protection properties have been passed back into the BIM model, future interested stakeholders can access any of that information to manage many areas such as inspection and onward building fire maintenance. Even fire and rescue services could create strategies using this data. There are real savings in efficiencies, time and cost here, with the added benefits for the users in the longer term. One example of these efficiencies can be seen in the huge time savings in a recent project where all the floor plates were unique. That in-turn made all the floor beams – which were cellular beams – unique designs in themselves so this was a huge design undertaking. The BIM workflow is a ‘push-pull’ system. We added missing dry film thickness design properties to the steelwork 3D model using the FDE. All of the coatings properties were then stored on every piece in the model, including the EPD values, meaning we had access to this information to share with other parties for the lifetime of the building. The newest development released very recently includes the ability to synchronise any optimised steel profiles back into the model. After synchronisation the end-user can then produce documents, drawings, labels, barcodes and any other relevant documentation. This is fast and accurate and provides certainty for the purposes of the new Building Safety Act. New powers of enforcement This information is critical and the technology enables us to be accurate from the outset for our customers in the interests of safety. As a reminder as to why this information is so
From construction to restoration to furniture building, wood is a vital natural resource in almost any industry that manufactures purchasable items. The consumption of wood in the UK reached an impressive 50 million tons of timber yearly, which raises concerns about the exact provenience of the material since the nation struggles to provide even a tiny tenth of the entire amount used. The rest of 90% comes from legal and illegal resources, but it wasn’t until this year that members involved in dealing with it received more on their plates to stress about. Only one in ten timbers is home-grown in the UK, so it’s justifiable that meeting the demand for wood-based products had to find solutions elsewhere. Those utilising wood in their projects, whether we look at the average householder or the construction and renovation businesses, may use encouraged and widespread solutions for timber, such as protection from reputable providers like Rubio monocoat, but it’s what’s underneath the surface that’s subject to trouble. Similarly, the office supply and sample stationaries don’t have it easy either. The ongoing ban on infiltrating materials like birch plywood in the country impacts more parties involved in the circle, from those checking the borders to those using it in their businesses. Justifiably, the consumer-country government has introduced legislation to forbid the smuggling of ineligible wood materials developed and imported from Belarus and Russia, among other steps undertaken or in development. Here’s why and how the nation is approaching this topic of extreme urgency and who sets an example of how the subject should be addressed and wood usage stabilised. Birch plywood serves as the best example of problematic good Birch plywood has numerous applications beyond the basic wall panels or their usage in joinery, and it allows for a wide range of products, shapes, sizes, and so on. Thus, the UK is heavily reliant on its import into the country since the nation’s plywood industry doesn’t create enough supply to meet the existing and rising demands, and other factors prevent a substantial stock from being available in the market. The prices of birch plywood, which would yesterday be more affordable than maple or marine plywood, have gradually risen to hit an all-time high, all of the inconvenience being caused mainly by the ban on its facilitation from countries like Belarus or Russia. Moreover, the country sanctions the infiltration of wooden items from several parts of Ukraine. TDUK stresses the covert entry of conflict materials into the country as the material’s prices became impossible to digest The UK market accommodates amounts that are hard to estimate and present, as the transportation of birch plywood into it isn’t as straightforward and third-party countries are part of the equation. Thus, associations like the European Timber Trade Federation created regulations to tackle this problem, and the UK has followed similar steps. The TDUK (Timber Development UK), the nation’s gathering of timber industries, highlights the presence of conflict materials being illicitly introduced this year in the country and alerts members to monitor and prevent these actions from unfolding. Birch plywood is still unlawfully being brought into the UK despite the government’s ban on this practice. Most often, unethical businesses bootleg the materials by declaring their provenience comes from places like China, Vietnam and other Asian areas. After finding their way around the law, the materials are transported and displayed for sale to usual purchasers. TDUK draws attention to specific offers of the product While finding ways to cease the introduction of banned products like birch plywood from ineligible countries such as Russia and Belarus seems to be a job destined for those in power and verifying the borders, associations such as TDUK emphasise that efforts could be made on more fronts. It recommends members sceptically assess the origination of the birch plywood encountered and be reticent to that linked to “from the Far East” countries, or Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, or Turkey. It stresses the need for due diligence in determining these details, which is all the more critical when the member collaborates with fresh suppliers. Furthermore, it’s directly involved in contacting organisations to deal with similar issues and bringing this point to their attention, informing them about introducing birch plywood through other countries, serving as connecting points. A trade alert emphasising the importance of vigilance when providing wood from Asian manufacturers helps bring governmental efforts close to achievement. Similar impactful measures can be implemented across all EU member states, where the prohibition is homogenously enforced, and the import of birch plywood from restricted nations is rigorously scrutinised and subject to different sanctions. UK needed to extend import bans and boost sanctions EU countries like Sweden, Italy, France, and Germany are attentive to the origin of the materials imported, and the UK provides examples of effective strategies to counteract this phenomenon. The UK mainly consumes softwood as it’s essential in creating commercial and residential projects for building ceilings, walls, windows, and doors. On the other hand, hardwood is equally vital as it’s among the most reliable materials for flooring, sturdy furniture, and other building and construction elements. The extensive utilisation of products like Outdoor Wood Protection in every product that’s aimed to resist longer attests to the essentiality of the material across a plethora of industries in the nation. The regulations imposed by the UK government in July of 2022 targeting importing and exporting products priced over £60,000,000 from Belarus have been actualised this year to expand the criteria and addressed foods. For such investments from the UK, such as other EU nations, would serve as revenue sources for the Lukashenko regime, the government walked in line with the principles of the union. The EU imposed sanctions on supplies from Belarus to support Ukraine. Similarly, the UK extended the list of items from the specified country eligible to cross the national borders. Wood-based items are more closely monitored regardless of their type and application. Under the existing regulations, the material falls within commodity code 44, consisting of wood charcoal, wood articles, and everything in between. The UK,
Are you familiar with the terms retro-commissioning and commissioning, but not entirely sure how they differ? You’re not alone. Many in the building management and energy efficiency sectors often find themselves grappling with these concepts. While both are crucial processes for optimizing building performance, understanding their distinctions is vital for making informed decisions about improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Let’s discuss the nuances of retro-commissioning vs commissioning, shedding light on their divergent roles and significance. Setting The Foundation Right With Commissioning Commissioning is the process that unfolds during the initial stages of a building’s life cycle. It is akin to laying a strong foundation for a structure, ensuring that all systems function seamlessly from the outset. This meticulous procedure involves testing, adjusting, and balancing various components such as HVAC systems, lighting, and controls. Commissioning Advantages Commissioning transcends the mundane, elevating buildings from mere structures to beacons of efficiency and sustainability. Understanding and harnessing this advantage isn’t just a choice; it’s a strategic imperative for those seeking to redefine the standards of building optimization. Optimizing Existing Structures With Retro-commissioning On the flip side, retro-commissioning steps onto the stage after a building has been in operation for some time. This process is akin to fine-tuning, aimed at rejuvenating existing systems and rectifying any inefficiencies that may have crept in over time. Targeting Inefficiencies with Retro-commissioning Retro-commissioning is not a generic overhaul but a precision-driven endeavor aimed at pinpointing inefficiencies within an existing building. Through a meticulous analysis of operational data, energy consumption patterns, and the overall performance of systems, retro-commissioning specialists discern areas where a structure may be faltering. This surgical approach allows for the tailored application of corrective measures, addressing inefficiencies at their source. Timing and Application: Pioneering vs. Rectifying The fundamental disparity between retro-commissioning and commissioning lies in the timing of their application. Commissioning takes the helm during the nascent stages of a building’s life cycle, setting the foundation for optimal performance from the outset. It is a pioneering effort, ensuring that a structure embarks on its journey with systems finely tuned and calibrated. Proactive Commissioning Commissioning operates on a proactive premise, addressing potential issues before they manifest. It’s a foresighted venture that aims to prevent inefficiencies and malfunctions from ever gaining a foothold. By doing so, it establishes a blueprint for efficiency that resonates throughout the building’s early stages. Retro-commissioning, in stark contrast, steps onto the stage after a building has been operational for some time. It is a reactive endeavor, a response to the natural wear and tear that befalls systems over the course of their lifespan. Reactive Retro-commissioning Retro-commissioning responds to the evolving needs of an existing structure, identifying and rectifying inefficiencies that may have developed over time. It’s a meticulous process that adapts to the nuances of an aging building, fine-tuning systems to restore them to peak efficiency. Goals and Objectives: Preventive vs. Restorative Measures Commissioning is inherently preventive, aiming to mitigate potential issues before they morph into critical challenges. The primary goal is to establish a solid operational foundation, ensuring that each component operates harmoniously to achieve optimal efficiency. It’s a strategic investment in the long-term performance and sustainability of a building. Retro-commissioning shifts the spotlight to restoration. The primary objective is to identify, address, and rectify existing inefficiencies that may have compromised the efficiency of building systems. It’s an adaptive strategy that acknowledges the dynamic nature of structures and endeavors to rejuvenate them for continued effectiveness. Striving for Optimal Efficiency of a Building In the ongoing pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainable building operation, it is essential to differentiate between retro-commissioning and commissioning. Commissioning sets the stage for maximum performance by ensuring that all building systems operate as intended from the outset. On the other hand, retro-commissioning serves as a protector, maintaining efficiency in the midst of operational deterioration over time. When it comes to staying at the forefront of building management, understanding these two processes is key. Commissioning deals with initial system setup and testing, while integrating CIM retro-commissioning centers on fine-tuning existing systems to restore them to their peak performance levels. By utilizing both approaches, building owners and operators can ensure that their structures remain efficient and environmentally friendly for the long term.
