January 23, 2024

New report assesses which of London’s properties and neighbourhoods are most vulnerable to heat in the wake of the hottest year ever recorded

New report assesses which of London’s properties and neighbourhoods are most vulnerable to heat in the wake of the hottest year ever recorded

Landmark report produced by Arup maps London’s heat risk across homes, neighbourhoods and essential properties in the wake of climate change, informing the Mayor of London’s plans for resilience Global sustainable development consultancy Arup was commissioned by the Mayor of London to produce new research assessing properties and residential neighbourhoods

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Modular Matters: Get the Housing Minister's Take on the MMC Nation

Modular Matters: Get the Housing Minister’s Take on the MMC Nation

The volumetric modular sector is at a critical tipping point. The industry faces unprecedented challenges following a year of fluctuating demand in the housing sector – combined with increased scrutiny from the market and media. But while there are many obstacles to overcome, those operating in the modular industry are

Read More »

Thames Water selects Barhale for East London sewer upgrade

A project to repair and replace two sections of parallel rising mains will rehabilitate an important section of the East London sewer network and will deploy innovative offsite manufacturing to replace an existing discharge chamber. Thames Water has appointed civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale to carry out the £7.8

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Enhancing Building Safety Through Standardising Processes in Firestopping

Enhancing Building Safety Through Standardising Processes in Firestopping

The Passive Fire Knowledge Group aims to investigate, understand, inform, and promote knowledge and research in all areas of passive fire protection. The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower has induced many positive changes in the industry, including more emphasis on service penetration sealing and early engagement. The traditional approach to

Read More »
BAM to build academic block at Pontypridd

BAM to build academic block at Pontypridd

The University of South Wales has selected BAM to develop a new academic building at the Treforest Campus in Pontypridd. The proposed new academic building will provide teaching, research, and support space for Computing, Engineering, and Technology. BAM will help to develop the detailed designs for the building which is

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Steps To Navigating A Slip and Fall Accident

Steps To Navigating A Slip and Fall Accident

Everyone has had a slip-and-fall accident at some point in their lives. Maybe you slipped on your wet kitchen or bathroom floor. You can slip and fall on sidewalks, grassy hills, and even at work. Sometimes your slip and fall only results in embarrassment.  Unfortunately, even a minor slip and

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Enhancing Building Safety And Efficiency With Valve Solutions

Enhancing Building Safety And Efficiency With Valve Solutions

The lifeblood of any building lies in its intricate network of pipes and valves. These silent protectors manage the movement of vital elements, such as water, gas, and air. This ensures your well-being, safety, and the essential operation of your building structures. When it comes to construction and infrastructure, safety

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

January 23, 2024

New report assesses which of London’s properties and neighbourhoods are most vulnerable to heat in the wake of the hottest year ever recorded

New report assesses which of London’s properties and neighbourhoods are most vulnerable to heat in the wake of the hottest year ever recorded

Landmark report produced by Arup maps London’s heat risk across homes, neighbourhoods and essential properties in the wake of climate change, informing the Mayor of London’s plans for resilience Global sustainable development consultancy Arup was commissioned by the Mayor of London to produce new research assessing properties and residential neighbourhoods vulnerable to heat risk in the capital. Launching today, the Properties Vulnerable to Heat Impacts in London report looks at which of the city’s ‘essential properties’ such as schools, hospitals, care homes, residential buildings and neighbourhoods would be most impacted during periods of high temperatures. The report, commissioned by the Mayor of London, also shows there is a direct correlation between a higher heat risk and areas that have greater socio-economic vulnerabilities. Published alongside the independent London Climate Resilience Review’s interim report commissioned by the Mayor of London, this study will help inform how London and the boroughs prioritise interventions and adaptations needed across the capital to respond to the climate emergency. Arup’s report references how urban heat is a key challenge facing London. The materials we use to build, like concrete and metal, absorb heat in the day and emit it at night. Commonly referenced as the urban heat island (UHI) effect, factors including heat emitted from cars and air conditioning units, exacerbate the impact and human experience of heat in cities. Properties Vulnerable to Heat Impacts in London comesafter last week’s stark warning from scientists that 2023 was the hottest year on earth since records began.[1] In the summer of 2022, the UK saw its first ever ‘UK Health Security Agency Level 4 heat alert’, and its first ‘Met Office Red extreme heat warning’. Also using Arup’s digital tool UHeat, this publicationfollows the firm’s previous research assessing the “hot spots” of seven major cities, including London. Modelling the UHI effect in a city, the Urban Heat Snapshot report found that nearly a quarter of a million elderly people and children are living with heat spikes of 4°C in the capital compared to rural surroundings. The report is the most recent publication produced by Arup for the Mayor of London. Dedicated to supporting the capital with inclusive climate transitions, delivering resilience and equity for all, Arup was previously commissioned to identify retrofit solutions and implementation strategy at scale for the capital, as outlined in the Roofs Designed to Cool report. This was further supported by the firm’s contribution to the Mayor for London’s Climate Resilient Schools programme, which saw the firm lead on bespoke climate action plans for 60 London schools. Arup has since outlined and supported with the implementation of climate action plans for several boroughs including Waltham Forest and most recently Newham. Summary of report’s key findings Schools ·       Boroughs such as Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets show the greater heat risk for schools. ·       Areas towards the outskirts such as Hillingdon, Kingston Upon Thames, Bromley and Barnet show the least heat risk. ·       The hotspot seen in the north of Enfield is attributed to high socioeconomic vulnerability and higher property vulnerability for schools in this area. Hospitals ·       There is higher heat risk for hospitals in areas towards the centre of London. This includes central boroughs such as Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Islington and Kensington and Chelsea. This is down to the UHI effect. ·       Socio-economic vulnerability is higher towards central and east London especially for the Barts Health NHS Trust, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Whittington Health NHS Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. These areas also show a higher heat risk for hospitals in these areas. ·       Areas towards the outskirts such as Hillingdon, Barnet, Richmond, Kingston, Sutton, and Merton show the least heat risk. Note that the concentrations of hospitals in these areas are also lower. Care Homes ·       Boroughs towards central London are considered to have a higher heat risk which is related to the UHI. Residential ·       There is a higher heat risk for residential properties in neighbourhoods in central boroughs such as Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Islington and Camden. These boroughs tend to have a higher proportion of flats, which are considered to be more vulnerable to overheating, compared to outer London broughs which have a higher proportion of houses. ·       Areas towards the outskirts such as Bromley, Havering and Hillingdon show the lowest heat risk to residential properties. ·       The report highlights an opportunity to overlay these heat impact datasets with other ongoing climate adaptation programmes, such as flood and drought assessments. Integrating the findings could result in insights into multi-faceted climate risks and drive the development of solutions that can have co-benefits and will ensure that solutions designed to protect against one risk factor do not inadvertently cause issues with another. Shirley Rodrigues – Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy says: “For some time now we’ve known London is getting hotter – and we need to urgently future-proof the capital against the impacts of a changing climate. “The Mayor commissioned this report to help us prioritise the areas and public services which most need adaptation in the face of extreme heat. It’s unacceptable that people living in London’s most deprived areas are the most vulnerable to overheating. This week the Independent London Climate Resilience Review, which was commissioned in June, published its interim report detailing the steps we are urgently taking to protect all Londoners from the impact of climate change, now and in the future. If we make bold choices now, we can build a better, greener and safer London for all.” Damien McCloud – Project Director, Director, Data and Geospatial Specialist at Arup says: “London is getting hotter, with the design of our urban capital contributing to how heat impacts different spaces. We produced this report to quantify which areas and properties are most vulnerable. It is vital that these findings inform GLA’s efforts and broader policy-making so that meaningful interventions can be put in place to protect Londoners in buildings most at risk

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Red Construction Group Realises Hines’ £36.6m 80 New Bond Street Mixed-Use Development

Red Construction Group Realises Hines’ £36.6m 80 New Bond Street   Mixed-Use Development

RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced that its London team has completed comprehensive refurbishment works at Hines’ £36.6m flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme at 80 New Bond Street, in the heart of London’s West End. Working alongside award-winning architecture firm Orms, RED Construction London developed 37,414 sq ft of existing office and retail space with dual frontage to both 80 New Bond Street and 325 Oxford Street. Targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating with a BIM Level 2, 80 New Bond Street’s structural alterations featured a complete renovation of internal steelwork, with an innovative pre-cast concrete lift core, glass-reinforced concrete façade panels, and pre-cast feature columns inserted between the ground and first floor. The team carried out the part demolition and removal of the existing lift core structure, with three additional floors added to the building, totalling eight floors to a Category A fit-out, with two retail units created on the ground and first floors, spanning 6,000 sq ft. The scheme has created a total office area of 31,000 sq ft, with floorplates ranging from 3,000 to 6,500 sq ft, and a large communal roof terrace. The office entrance has been repositioned onto Dering Street, incorporating a dedicated, spacious reception area. Dave Osborne, Group Operations Director at RED Construction London, commented: “We are extremely proud of the calibre of the 80 New Bond Street project and have enjoyed working with Hines, Orms and the full development team on such a unique London site. 80 New Bond Street now serves as another example of RED’s capability with considered regeneration works in the heart of the city and we are pleased to add yet another outstanding inner-city mixed-use development to our portfolio.” The news follows RED Construction Group’s appointment to deliver the £31m redevelopment of 55 Pall Mall, to be carried out by its dedicated London team. RED Construction London will oversee the creation of a new office development located on Pall Mall in St James’s, London, spanning a Net Internal Area of 3,271 sq m, comprising of basement, ground, and seven storeys, with terraces at fifth, sixth and seventh-floor levels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Modular Matters: Get the Housing Minister's Take on the MMC Nation

Modular Matters: Get the Housing Minister’s Take on the MMC Nation

The volumetric modular sector is at a critical tipping point. The industry faces unprecedented challenges following a year of fluctuating demand in the housing sector – combined with increased scrutiny from the market and media. But while there are many obstacles to overcome, those operating in the modular industry are still pushing game-changing technology and evolving to meet future demands.  Taking place on 19 – 20 March 2024 at the Coventry Building Society Arena – Modular Matters aims to separate the fact from the fiction, tackling the big conversations and facing the positive and negative impacts of the last year. With Housing Minister Lee Rowley making the keynote presentation, this event offers a massive opportunity to find out first-hand about the ‘state of the MMC nation.’ Strategic Thinking It is not all doom and gloom, and despite a tough year volumetric modular technology remains at the forefront of innovation, capable of redefining how we think about construction, with the ability to not only improve structures but create sustainable spaces that support a circular economy. With game-changing industry leaders presenting success stories and demonstrating proven techniques for overcoming the current status quo – Modular Matters takes a frank and candid look at the commercial and financial barriers to growth, to determine the roadmap to stable and viable long-term business models. Influence the Narrative With a brand-new venue, the 2024 event will provide a more interactive and engaging platform that encourages active delegate participation through facilitated engagement and discussion. Lifting the bonnet to get to the detail, taking lessons from global benchmarks and client-led conversations. The conference will invite industry innovators, change-leaders, influencers and modernisers to have their say. Modular Matters will determine the actions needed to make radical transformative change in the market and develop a viable and sustainable modular supply chain. Modular Matters offers a platform for all voices in the industry to have their say on: Why Attend? Raising the bar, building on the successes of previous events, while diversifying and expanding the programme and exhibition to attract a wider audience – Modular Matters presents an opportunity to join the conversation and connect with key players in the sector as well as suppliers, manufacturers, architects and decision makers from local authorities and the public sector. Modular Matters 2024 invites delegates to deep dive into the current state of the modular market, tackling the recent changes and increased media attention following the withdrawal of multiple players from the sector. With an objective to influence, inform and investigate – Modular Matters will address roadblocks, identify solutions, analyse successes and separate the myths from the facts. Keynote speaker, Housing Minister Lee Rowley will be joined by presenters from Homes England, TopHat, Crown Commercial Services, Tide/Vision, Platform Housing Group, HLM Architects, Cartwright Pickard, Fulcro Engineering Services, Beattie Passive, Portakabin, Algeco, McAvoy, Elements Europe, Lighthouse, MTX, TG Escapes, Kope, So Modular, Mishcon de Reya and Reds 10. For the full speaker line up and to book your place, go to: www.modularmatters.co.uk

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Brock Carmichael celebrates 50 years of Architectural Excellence and Urban Transformation

Brock Carmichael celebrates 50 years of Architectural Excellence and Urban Transformation

This year marks a momentous milestone for Brock Carmichael as the Liverpool-headquartered RIBA Chartered Practice proudly celebrates 50 years’ of influencing the architectural landscape of Liverpool as well as towns and cities nationally and internationally. Since its establishment in 1974, Brock Carmichael has been involved in projects that have contributed to Liverpool’s remarkable transformation over the last five decades. From iconic Liverpool waterfront landmarks such as One Park West and the Merseyside Maritime Museum to the forthcoming mixed use Grade-A redevelopment of Martins Bank, Brock Carmichael has played an important role in reshaping and regenerating Liverpool into the dynamic and vibrant region that it is today. The firm’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and sustainable design has left an indelible mark on the cityscape, reflecting a legacy that extends beyond buildings to the very heart of the community. From urban revitalisation to cutting-edge design, Brock Carmichael has been a driving force behind architectural innovation, influencing the national dialogue on sustainable and impactful urban development. The firm’s cross-sector portfolio reflects a commitment to excellence that extends beyond regional boundaries, showcasing a diverse array of projects that have shaped cities and communities throughout the UK and beyond. Brock Carmichael’s national presence is evident in its contributions to key projects, from inner city regeneration projects such as Ravensbourne Place in Lewisham to Ty Nant, a top-tier Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development in Swansea which has a focus on sustainability.  The firm’s ability to balance aesthetic vision with practical functionality and commercial acumen has positioned it as a trusted partner within the industry, influencing the built environment and contributing to the nation’s architectural legacy. “We are honoured to reach this remarkable milestone which is a testament to our enduring dedication to architectural excellence on a national scale,” said Chris Bolland, Managing Partner at Brock Carmichael. “Our 50 years of impactful design underscore our commitment to shaping the future of not just Liverpool but cities and communities across the country.” Throughout their bi-centenary year Brock Carmichael looks forward to hosting various events and initiatives, starting at MIPM, that highlight the firm’s journey, achievements, and its enduring commitment to designing the buildings which shape towns, cities and communities across the UK and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Thames Water selects Barhale for East London sewer upgrade

A project to repair and replace two sections of parallel rising mains will rehabilitate an important section of the East London sewer network and will deploy innovative offsite manufacturing to replace an existing discharge chamber. Thames Water has appointed civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale to carry out the £7.8 million programme adjacent to Gallions Reach Shopping Centre in Barking. The existing 800mm twin Store Road Rising Main runs from the Store Road Pumping Station (just north of the Woolwich ferry terminal) to an outfall that discharges into the Northern Outfall Sewer (NOS) near the Beckton Sewage Treatment Works inlet. Two sections of the twin mains will be rehabilitated: One section will require Barhale to replace the existing sewer with two lengths of 142m, 800mm diameter HDPE pipe which will be installed through open cut excavation. At the adjacent section, Barhale will repair a 220m length of each main using Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) relining. A temporary rider system will be deployed to isolate the works while allowing flows to be maintained. After the pipeline work is completed, a prefabricated GRP discharge chamber will be installed. Shane Gorman, Barhale’s Water Director – Southern Region, explained that the chamber design needed to take into consideration high levels of H2S and weight restrictions on the NOS structure. “We have moved away from a traditional concrete discharge chamber and instead will be demolishing the existing chamber to install a modular GRP unit,” he said. It has several benefits – it’s lighter, reduces H&S risk, decreases carbon in the manufacturing process, cuts down on installation time on site and provides increased longevity and resilience for the network. “These lengths of the mains actually date back to 1977 and they have come under increased pressure from development in the area so, alongside the rehabilitation work, we will also be conducting detailed CCTV surveying of a further 31m of the elevated bridge structure that discharges into the NOS to ensure that it is in satisfactory condition.” “We are also very mindful of the proximity of Gallions Reach Shopping Centre, so our plans set out to minimise disruption and to maintain access for businesses and shoppers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Enhancing Building Safety Through Standardising Processes in Firestopping

Enhancing Building Safety Through Standardising Processes in Firestopping

The Passive Fire Knowledge Group aims to investigate, understand, inform, and promote knowledge and research in all areas of passive fire protection. The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower has induced many positive changes in the industry, including more emphasis on service penetration sealing and early engagement. The traditional approach to service penetration sealing was to construct a building, create the apertures, and run all the services through before initiating contact with the firestopping contractor. However, as Craig Wells highlighted, the industry must approach construction from a ‘design, then build’ method – not the other way around. Dame Judith Hackitt, author of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, stated: “The industry must prepare and should be taking action ahead of legislation coming into force.” Service penetration seals involve the direct participation of many trades, requiring early engagement, attention to detail, and collaboration. For these concepts to be successful, an element of cultural change is needed. Does this start with the vocabulary the industry uses? The industry has long used the terms ‘passive fire protection’ and ‘firestopping’. While not inaccurate, these terms may be considered too generic, potentially misleading individuals unfamiliar with fire safety. In recent years, there has been an effort to introduce the term ‘service penetration sealing’ as a more descriptive alternative. This term conveys the action of preserving the fire ratings of walls and floors by appropriately sealing service penetrations in a given application. Also finding that vocabulary is often misused in the industry, Joe Cilia noted that terms like soundproof and fireproof do not exist. He also emphasised the prevailing attitude of the industry around stating that ‘it is just a wall’. Cilia said, “It is not just a wall. We have fire doors, fire glass, and fire doors – so why not fire walls?” He said, “They are the largest passive fire product by area, yet we don’t describe them as such; if we did, we would be more likely to consider the detail and interface with the structure and elements such as MEP, leading to a safety-first approach.” Further to this, Paul McSoley emphasised the importance of accuracy in service penetration sealing, noting that achieving success in this area begins with getting the language right first. Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practices in Design and Installation In the guide jointly published by several industry associations titled Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practices in Design and Installation, there are nine Golden Rules, seven of which relate to the building’s design. This emphasises the importance of all parties, from architects to specialist firestopping contractors, engaging from the early stages of design to installation. Nick Pickles highlighted the need for a mindset shift regarding design and build contracts. He pointed out that contractors often outline the project’s design only for it to be deviated from later down the line. Adding to this point, Wells highlighted the importance of understanding the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ for all parties involved. He expressed the need to increase education and awareness in the industry while acknowledging greater collaboration. Golden Rules One & Four The Golden Rules have proved to be an invaluable resource across the industry post-Grenfell. The panellists referenced Golden Rule One and Golden Rule Four. Golden Rule One relates to issuing early engagement with service penetration seal manufacturers and specialist installers. Golden Rule Four is about following the design process for penetration seals. Wells stated that early engagement needs to be implemented because products must be installed as per the tested scope of application. First and foremost, to save lives, but also to avoid extra costs and delays and improve reputations. Aspects like the positioning of services, types of services and insulations, and sizing of letterboxes affect the products and system’s efficiency. Today, firestopping solutions are typically selected by the main contractor. Because of this, they have the responsibility to ensure the chosen solutions are compliant and installed accordingly. As many external trades need to be involved, making it a complex process, implementing a standardised design process for each project is highly recommended. Laing O’Rourke has defined a robust process from design through to handover, which clearly explains to designers how to position and size apertures, Richard Fordyce stated. He highlighted that this gives them the option to choose from multiple tested details as there will be enough space to accommodate services. Additionally, because of a robust design, the application becomes more straightforward, the installation is compliant, and an easy-to-follow document is issued upon handover. McSoley added that project planning is a complicated process; he said, “You may select a lovely system of seals only to find out that the product is in the wrong location.” Thus, early engagement and standardising processes are crucial to solving any grey areas before the build commences. Professor Stuart Green’s research into procurement practices found that 17% of rework on drylining could be avoided, but this could be applied across all areas. Cilia further highlighted that “we’re paying up to 17% more than we need to, at the back end of the job, because it is not being designed and scheduled properly in the first place.” He emphasised that the money wasted at the end of a project could be used at the forefront of the project instead, ensuring the layouts are agreed to in as much detail as possible. Extra costs and delays on remedial work can be avoided by involving the specialist drylining and firestopping contractor, as well as the manufacturers in the early stages of the project. Meanwhile, Fordyce stressed that having a plan is essential. When the plan contributes to improved outcomes in terms of penetration sealing, there is no alternative approach. This provides better metrics and established rules and frameworks, as well as facilitates continuous improvement in construction practices each year. Consequently, this requires internal collaboration within the industry to establish compliant processes and external collaboration to ensure the golden thread is easily traceable and followed. The construction industry and competency Competency can be hard to

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Building materials supplier makes bold show of support for mental health charity

Building materials supplier makes bold show of support for mental health charity

Civils & Lintels, part of the Huws Gray group of companies, has made a bold statement of support for Mates in Mind, a national charity that raises awareness of the stigma of poor mental health, especially in the construction sector. The nationwide leading distributor of lintels, drainage, and heavy-side building materials for the UK’s construction industry, raised over £21,000 for the charity in 2023 and is now rolling out refreshed signage on its fleet of 95 LGVs providing details of their free text helpline service. The idea was the brainchild of Westbury-based driver Mark Byers, who unveiled the first truck to sport the new design.  He commented: “Having suffered with my own mental health, I’m really proud that this has happened. “As a lorry driver, you spend lots of time on your own and if you’re not feeling 100% it’s good to know that you can reach out to a great charity like Mates in Mind.  Of course, those on building sites often also suffer in silence.  Now, when they see this on my truck, they might be encouraged to give them a call.” The Civils & Lintels team carried out a series of fundraising events throughout 2023 that included dedicated colleagues shaving their hair and beards off; one colleague travelling to all 18 Dutch Eredivisie stadiums in just 24 hours; sky-dives, teams climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest; collectively walking the equivalent distance of the route between all Civils & Lintels depots (over 1,200 miles) in one month; and a variety of cake sales, raffles and comedy nights, which all contributed to the impressive amount raised.  Managing Director of Civils & Lintels, Allan Wright recently joined the board of trustees at Mates in Mind, he comments: “It’s vital that we focus our fundraising efforts on a cause that resonates with our own team.  Mates in Mind has built a reputation for addressing issues around poor mental health in the construction industry and given the focus of our own work, the synergy is clear. “I joined the board at Mates in Mind as a further demonstration of our commitment to this important charity and when Mark suggested we include details of the charity on our fleet of trucks it made perfect sense to do so.  Those trucks not only reach our own nationwide teams across our 19 depots, but also our myriad of customers across housebuilding, groundworks, civil engineering and commercial contractors.  Anything that we can do to encourage greater support around tackling poor mental health is time well-spent.” Civils & Lintels has pledged to continue its support to Mates in Mind in 2024 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BAM to build academic block at Pontypridd

BAM to build academic block at Pontypridd

The University of South Wales has selected BAM to develop a new academic building at the Treforest Campus in Pontypridd. The proposed new academic building will provide teaching, research, and support space for Computing, Engineering, and Technology. BAM will help to develop the detailed designs for the building which is scheduled to begin construction later this year. A design team from Stride Treglown Architects and Arup engineers has been working with the University to develop the plans, which have been formally submitted to be considered for planning permission. BAM will work with the University and the design team as part of the final design stage to draw up the detailed plans. The proposed building will contain more than 40 new teaching, learning and research spaces, including electronics and hydraulics labs, a flight simulator, a robotics lab, clean and industrial research spaces, collaborative teaching spaces, as well as virtual reality capability, and exhibition spaces. One of the key principles of the building will be to promote interdisciplinary working by making the activities that are taking place visible and accessible. A focus point for this will be new ‘makerspaces’ which will bring low-risk activity out into central areas, where students can create and innovate, with access to equipment to complete their activities. Justin Price, Construction Director at BAM, said: “As we embark upon this construction project we have the chance to build something really special at the University of South Wales. BAM’s passion for innovation and commitment to excellence means we’re looking forward to creating a space that not only meets the University’s expectations but exceeds them. The COMET project is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our expertise and deliver a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. The construction of the new building also enables us to offer a fantastic learning opportunity for students at the University of South Wales. BAM will work with University staff and students to provide unique opportunities on the project, ensuring we leave behind a positive legacy as well as an outstanding new building.” Subject to the planning permission being granted, the building will be constructed on vacant land at the campus following the demolition of two buildings in recent years. Construction of the building will take approximately two years to complete. It is hoped that construction will commence later in 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Steps To Navigating A Slip and Fall Accident

Steps To Navigating A Slip and Fall Accident

Everyone has had a slip-and-fall accident at some point in their lives. Maybe you slipped on your wet kitchen or bathroom floor. You can slip and fall on sidewalks, grassy hills, and even at work. Sometimes your slip and fall only results in embarrassment.  Unfortunately, even a minor slip and fall can also result in significant injuries. When this happens, you often have medical bills along with other expenses, and navigating the complexities of slip and fall accidents isn’t easy. However, if you follow a few simple steps you can simplify the often complicated process. Get Medical Attention You aren’t going to need medical attention if your only injury is a bruised ego. Yes, slipping and falling is humiliating, especially when others see you go down.  With that being said, injuries are also common in this type of accident. You may not even realize you’re injured for a few days. Some internal injuries can take a while to exhibit symptoms. Even a small bruise can turn into a significant injury. Instead of waiting to see if your injuries are severe, make an appointment with a physician—even if you’re given a clean bill of health, at least you know for sure. Making an appointment with a physician also provides a clear connection between the slip and fall accident and your injuries. If you decide to pursue a personal injury case, you’re well on your way to corroborating your claim. Collect Evidence If your injuries aren’t severe or life-threatening, try to document the accident scene, but this doesn’t mean wrapping crime scene tape around the area or dusting for fingerprints. You’re not collecting that kind of evidence. Besides, unless you’re a certified CSI technician, you’re not qualified. You are qualified to take pictures. For example, if you slip on a wet floor at work and this isn’t a caution sign warning of the potential hazard, this is evidence you want to document. Now, you may have evidence to support negligence in your personal injury case.  Go ahead and get contact information from any witnesses. If security cameras captured your fall, make a note. Your accident attorney will want to view the footage, along with any insurance adjusters. If there are witnesses, limit your interaction to only getting their contact information. You don’t want to be accused of trying to influence their recollections of the accident. Also, anything you say about the accident can be used against you by the at-fault party’s insurance company. Report the Accident Okay, if a slip-and-fall accident happens at home, don’t worry about reporting it. Chances are, you’re not going to sue yourself or your spouse. Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover the expenses relating to the accident. If an accident occurs at work, report the incident to your employer, which can be anyone from the floor manager, HR department, or even the company owner. Who you report the accident to can vary, depending on how the company’s management structure is set up.  Some smaller businesses have the owner carrying multiple duties. They may be the owner, manager, and entire HR department. Just follow company protocol and you should be fine. Slip and fall accidents that happen on city sidewalks are a little different. In Las Vegas, the business owner is responsible for sidewalk upkeep. According to municipal law, business owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks in front and adjacent to their property. In this instance, you’ll report the accident to the business located in front of the sidewalk. If your accident happens in a park, the city of Las Vegas may be the responsible party. If it occurs at someone’s home, the property owner or leaser is the one who will be held negligible. Yes, knowing who to report your slip and fall to is confusing, but an experienced accident attorney will provide guidance. Keep all Evidence This is one of the few times being a pack rat is encouraged. In other words, don’t throw anything away relating to your slip and fall accident. You never know what you may need to prove your personal injury case. Keep all of your medical records and get a copy of the accident report. Even if you didn’t report the accident to the authorities, there should still be some type of documentation. Get a copy of the report and file it with your other paperwork.  You also want to keep receipts from any bills you may be currently paying, and the bills must relate to the accident. You can’t toss in random debts like your phone or electricity bill. If your accident accidents are preventing you from returning to work, save your current paycheck stubs. You may be able to request compensation for your lost wages. Contact an Attorney Even if it’s a workers’ compensation case, it’s still a good idea to contact an attorney. After understanding the steps to navigate a slip and fall accident it’s crucial to delve deeper into specific contexts where these accidents happen most frequently, such as construction sites. Knowing the common causes can significantly help in preventing future incidents, and for those who have experienced such an unfortunate event, being informed about your legal rights is paramount. If you or someone you know is grappling with such an incident, safen yourself with the essential details here. This guide sheds light on managing the situation effectively, from addressing injuries to securing deserved compensation. You always want someone fighting for your legal rights whenever the insurance company is involved.  The insurance company will offer you a settlement, but it’s rarely enough to cover all of your expenses. You have no reason to pay out of pocket for any expenses relating to your slip and fall accident. There are other benefits to hiring a slip-and-fall attorney. Your attorney is familiar with Nevada case law, and it can be complicated, your attorney will also help you calculate your damages.  You may be entitled to non-economic damages, and calculating these costs is complex. From negotiating with

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Enhancing Building Safety And Efficiency With Valve Solutions

Enhancing Building Safety And Efficiency With Valve Solutions

The lifeblood of any building lies in its intricate network of pipes and valves. These silent protectors manage the movement of vital elements, such as water, gas, and air. This ensures your well-being, safety, and the essential operation of your building structures. When it comes to construction and infrastructure, safety and efficiency rule the day. Luckily, valve solutions help make achieving both doable. If you’re wondering how you can achieve building safety and efficiency with valve solutions, here are a few tips. 1. Unleash The Power Of Precision Imagine you’re in the office, pitching a new idea to your partners and investors, when suddenly a pipe bursts and transforms your office into a waterpark. This could be pretty frustrating. You’ll have to stop working to clean up and deal with the repairs. With robust valve solutions, you can avoid such a crisis. An excellent example of credible building valves is ASCO Valves. They come packed with features like leak detection and automatic shut-off abilities. So when trouble strikes, sense the issue and instantly turn off the water flow before things get out of hand. This kind of reliability and precision is what you need for your business and home. A few smart valves can prevent pipe problems from becoming a disaster. This saves you lots of money you’d otherwise spend on repairs alongside safety and efficiency. 2. Build With Intelligence Modern valves are no longer standalone components. You can embed them with sensors and connectivity to the building management system (BMS). This turns each valve into an intelligent node, collecting real-time data. They monitor flow rates, pressure levels, and energy use. They then transmit all that intel to the mothership BMS. You can then make informed decisions about repairs and renovation, depending on the collected data. For instance, you can link smart pressure-independent control valves with your HVAC BMS. The valves control hydronic flow to optimize differential pressure throughout the system in response to the data. This prevents over-pressurization while saving pump energy. 3. Consider Energy Efficiency With energy costs and carbon footprints ballooning, efficiency is everything these days. Luckily, valves can optimize energy use in buildings. For instance, pressure-reducing valves prevent overworking pumps, so they don’t burn out or waste power. It’s like a regulator keeping the flow in check. Additionally, high-tech smart valves automatically adjust operations depending on weather and building occupancy. For example, when no one is at the office, the valves dial it down. This way, buildings never get more cooling, heat, or water than they need at a given moment. The result is maximized comfort with minimized energy waste. And that saves on energy bills while reducing environmental impact. It’s a win-win situation for you and the environment 4. Invest In The Future When strapped construction budgets collide, investing in next-generation valves can seem nonessential. This is because many constructors consider them small components in a massive building project. But progressive valves represent much more than mere drops in the cost bucket. For instance, if you install poor-quality valves in the plumbing system, the valves may fail to detect pinhole leaks over time. A few weeks in, a small drip erupts in an upper-floor bathroom, gradually soaking drywall and steel for days before you can spot it. The damage will be extreme by now: mold remediation, wall and floor replacements, and dried-out HVAC damage. The cost of repair may spiral into thousands of dollars. However, you can easily avoid these with efficient valve solutions. In such a case, overlooking valve solutions forced far steeper consequences. Therefore, you should invest in resilient and preventative valve innovations to spare yourself relentless headaches. You’ll reap reliability, safety and sustainability, ultimately saving major sums. 5. Embrace Sustainability When you think about valves, words like ‘high-performance’ probably come to mind first. You want state-of-the-art products that get the job done. But there’s a bigger vision emerging that progressive companies rally around. The future for valves and other equipment lies in sustainability. This means product design promoting responsible resource use, manufacturing methods conserving energy and water, and innovative materials reducing carbon footprints. Small changes can make a difference over the lifespan of essential components like valves. A good example is using water-saving valves that prevent costly leaks while championing conservation or upgrades that curb electrical usage in facilities. The bottom line is that sustainability sells. Consumers want to buy or rent from builders who are aligned with ethical practices. Companies embracing this vision of the future will reap rewards as investor and consumer mindsets evolve. Conclusion Valves have come a long way from their simple beginnings. They’re so much more than passive pipes and fittings now. With advanced technologies and materials, value solutions make buildings safer, greener, and smarter. They automatically prevent catastrophic leaks before they even happen. So ensure you allocate enough finance toward these valves when creating your construction or renovation.

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