February 2, 2024
Timelapse video captures stunning £164m transformation of Barking estate

Timelapse video captures stunning £164m transformation of Barking estate

A leading construction and fit-out company has captured the dramatic transformation of a major estate in a three-minute timelapse film showcasing the incredible rejuvenation of the 1960s-built neighbourhood. The film from Willmott Dixon shows remarkable footage of Barking’s Gascoigne East regeneration that sees a tired and outdated estate disappear to

Read More »
Castle Green Partnerships to deliver 56 affordable homes

Castle Green Partnerships to deliver 56 affordable homes

Castle Green Partnerships is working with ClwydAlyn to deliver 56 energy efficient homes in Mynydd Isa. ClwydAlyn is the third housing association to partner with the St Asaph headquartered business, part of Castle Green Homes. Between the Mynydd Isa scheme, and developments on behalf of Adra and Torus, Castle Green

Read More »
Bobcat Upgrades Compact Wheel Loader Portfolio

Bobcat Upgrades Compact Wheel Loader Portfolio

L75 and L85 updated with features from the Top-of-the-Range… In 2021, Bobcat launched the company’s first compact wheel loader (CWL), the L85. In 2022, the company added the L75 value model and in 2023, Bobcat launched its top-of-the-range premium model, the L95. As part of Bobcat’s continuous improvement programme based

Read More »
Powerful new policy report shows path to net zero with timber

Powerful new policy report shows path to net zero with timber

Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction. Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six

Read More »
Promtek engineers significant production improvements for St Gobain

Promtek engineers significant production improvements for St Gobain

Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speedier materials handling, and reduced energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered when the process control specialist overhauled an entire plant design and production line. Saint Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction materials. Since 1984, its

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 2, 2024

Costain completes latest milestone for pioneering East Coast Cluster carbon capture projects

Costain completes latest milestone for pioneering East Coast Cluster carbon capture projects

Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has successfully completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) stage for key onshore elements of the East Coast Cluster (ECC) – Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) – in the industrial heartland of Teesside. NZT Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor, aims to be the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power station with carbon capture technology and could generate up to 860 megawatts of low carbon power – equivalent to the electricity requirements of around 1.3 million UK homes. The NEP, a joint venture between bp, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, is the CO2 transportation and storage provider for the East Coast Cluster. The front-end engineering design (FEED) phase commenced in April 2022 and has seen Costain planning new systems for both NZT Power and NEP in an integrated programme of activity. The completed FEED design for NZT Power includes natural gas supply pipework and a high voltage 275kV power network. For NEP, design work focused on the onshore CO2 gathering network. When finished, the c.12km of 22” pipeline will have an initial capacity to transport around 4m tonnes of CO2 per annum to be securely stored under the North Sea. The Teesside onshore NEP infrastructure will serve the Teesside-based carbon capture projects – Net Zero Teesside Power, H2Teesside and Teesside Hydrogen CO2 Capture – that were selected for first connection to the ECC by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in March 2023 as part of the cluster sequencing process for CCUS. To support this selection, Costain is currently updating the FEED design, due for completion Q2 2024, in readiness for detailed design. Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership aim to take Final Investment Decisions in September 2024, and aim for first commercial operations from 2027. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, said: “This is an exciting and complex project and one that will leave an enormous legacy for the region. It won’t be long before Teesside will benefit from a world-leading, integrated decarbonisation system, with the East Coast Cluster bringing the UK closer to its net zero goals. “We have designed a CO2 gathering network that is the first in the world to be a wholly above-ground network. This presented interesting design and engineering challenges when considering the properties of CO2 and its ability to liquify at certain temperatures and pressures. However, extensive flow assurance simulations and data modelling has given us a better understanding of the dynamics of CO2 and its behaviours to successfully complete the design for a safe, resilient and efficient network.” Data-led innovation The Costain FEED team, operating out of Teesside and Manchester with partners px Group, used a variety of techniques and technologies to design the routing for the new carbon capture network. Key to the success was creating a new geographic information system (GIS) to act as a single source of truth to capture asset information and data from a variety of sources and stakeholders. This included extensive use of laser scanning, topographical information, and ground investigations in order to document, for the first-time, the above-and-below ground assets at the site location. Hughes added: “The digital footprint that has been generated for the area is pioneering. This is the first time that the assets, spanning across many decades, have been collectively documented, enabling us to design the integrated network accurately and safely. Not only does this knowledge help the many different stakeholders to work together effectively, but this digital footprint will be a legacy for the local industry and asset owners beyond completion of the project and first commercial operations in 2027.” Costain is a recognised leader in energy engineering, construction, and infrastructure. The infrastructure solutions company has been involved in carbon capture projects since the 1960s, and provides end-to-end services throughout the project lifecycle, from conducting feasibility studies to tunnelling and executing full EPCm programmes. Ian Hunter, managing director, NZT Power, said: “Net Zero Teesside Power has an important role to play in helping the UK reach net zero, and could generate up to 860 megawatts of low carbon power – equivalent to the electricity requirements of around 1.3 million UK homes. With Final Investment Decision fast approaching in September this year, we are delighted that Costain has completed the FEED stage which is an important milestone on our journey to deliver this world-first project.” Chris Daykin, general manager, NEP, said: “The Northern Endurance Partnership’s onshore CO2 pipelines are essential to connect carbon intensive projects across Teesside to offshore storage and will play an important role in helping the region achieve net zero. Completion of the design of the onshore Teesside CO2 gathering network by Costain is a crucial milestone as we work towards Final Investment Decision in September this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Timelapse video captures stunning £164m transformation of Barking estate

Timelapse video captures stunning £164m transformation of Barking estate

A leading construction and fit-out company has captured the dramatic transformation of a major estate in a three-minute timelapse film showcasing the incredible rejuvenation of the 1960s-built neighbourhood. The film from Willmott Dixon shows remarkable footage of Barking’s Gascoigne East regeneration that sees a tired and outdated estate disappear to be replaced by high quality, environmentally friendly homes and recreational space for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s direct delivery company Be First. Willmott Dixon director Steve Kitchen, who led the team behind the transformation, said: “The video is a testament to the huge amount of work that’s gone into transforming a large 1960s-era residential area into a beautiful and vibrant new community with green space and a bustling playground. It’s four years of hard work condensed into a fraction of the time, bringing the project to life in a truly impactful way.” The £164m phase two regeneration of Gascoigne East created 434 new homes and six retail units, as well as a large park and play area, a climbing wall and extensive planting and trees. The homes have been built around a landscaped internal courtyard and all properties have a balcony. With Willmott Dixon committed to active travel in the area, 300 cycle spaces have also been included in the full Gascoigne East development. Tim Porter, director of delivery at Be First, said: “This video brings to life the progress we’ve made across this phase of the Gascoigne neighbourhood since we began the regeneration project in 2019. When completed, over 2,800 homes will have been delivered across the entire neighbourhood. This project is part of our wider commitment to build 50,000 new homes by 2037 across the borough.” Further emphasising the project’s focus on placemaking, affordability and sustainability, Tim said: “Providing large green spaces, below market rent options, and helping residents reduce their carbon emissions and energy bills are core to our vision for Gascoigne neighbourhood.” Steve said: “This is the best way to capture for history what is happening across Gascoigne East, and the work to regenerate it into a modern, sustainable community that’s fit for the future, which we’re proud to be delivering in collaboration with Be First.” Throughout the Gascoigne East phase two development, Willmott Dixon has breathed new life into the area with: Beyond the physical transformation, Willmott Dixon made a significant impact on the local community through various initiatives: For more information on Willmott Dixon, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
CIOB launches £10k award in memory of inspirational built environment professional

CIOB launches £10k award in memory of inspirational built environment professional

The legacy of a respected built environment professional will live on thanks to a new Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) award.  Paul Dockerill had an immense passion for building safety, skills development, and improving fire safety in the UK up until his tragic and untimely death in November 2022.  After being raised in a low-income household and leaving school without qualifications, Paul became a carpenter and joiner in his younger years before progressing his career within the construction sector.   Paul worked in social housing for more than 20 years and before he passed away was director of energy and programme management at a non-profit housing provider. His meteoric rise also saw him achieve FCIOB and CIOB Trustee statuses.   To commemorate his life, CIOB has launched The Paul Dockerill Award – with a value of £10,000, which is open to any UK resident looking to develop a research project fuelled by innovation, skills development, fire safety, and resident engagement.   For example, applicants could seek funding for developing a building safety app or platform for social housing residents to access information on safety and fire issues in their homes.  Antonia Lanyiova, Qualifications Liaison Manager at CIOB, said: “Paul was a visionary and a dedicated professional in the construction industry, and this award reflects his passion for innovation in building safety through mentoring, skills development, and, most importantly, improving fire safety and resident engagement in the UK.  “He believed that positive change could come from anyone, regardless of their background or professional affiliation, so we are thrilled to open this award to anyone with fresh and innovative ideas.  “Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or someone with a unique perspective, we encourage you to submit your innovative project or idea for consideration. You do not necessarily need to work within the construction sector to be considered.  “Thank you to Paul’s family, friends, colleagues, professionals, and the amazing CIOB staff for their unwavering support throughout the journey, making The Paul Dockerill Award a reality.”  Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Paul worked closely with the fire brigade to ensure their response to a fire in a high-rise building was as quick, safe, and effective as possible. He was fundamental to the development of the Twinnedit digital twin solution following the 2017 tragedy.  The idea of creating the award was inspired by his family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom were touched by Paul’s generosity.  Kayleigh Hills, Paul’s daughter, says: “Dad was well loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him, and he often shared his knowledge and skills with anyone who would listen. He never forgot what it felt like to be the family scraping by in social housing, or the new kid on the construction site getting his hands dirty.”  Applications opened on 1 February 2024, and must be submitted by 30 June 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in July 2024, with the funding available to the selected successful applicants for up to 18 months.   Meanwhile, applications for CIOB’s Construction Innovation Scholarship, designed for aspiring construction management professionals by providing a platform to get involved with a research project or enterprising work experience activity, will be available at the same time.  Last year’s winner was Don Samarasinghe, a lecturer in Built Environment at Massey University in New Zealand. He was given funding towards his project titled: Pioneering Sustainable Future in Construction through Raw Earth 3D Printing Training.  For more information, visit. www.ciob.me/scholarships   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Logicor acquires 500,000 sq ft prime logistics site in the East Midlands

Logicor acquires 500,000 sq ft prime logistics site in the East Midlands

Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has expanded its footprint in the UK by agreeing to forward fund a 500,000 sq ft distribution warehouse on a prime logistics site in Derby. Planning permission has already been secured for the warehouse on Infinity Park Derby.    Located in the logistics hotspot of the East Midlands, the site benefits from direct access to the national motorway network (A50, M1, and M6) and its proximity to East Midlands Airport.   Throughout the construction phase, and when the building is complete, there is the potential to create over 1300 jobs.   The development will be sustainably built and will target EPC A and BREEAM Excellent certification. In addition to solar panels, LED lighting and air source heat pumps, there are plans for extensive landscaping with 112 trees, wetland habitats, bird boxes and bug hotels to improve the levels of local biodiversity at the site.   Employees on the site will have access to nature trails, cycleways and footpaths to promote sustainable travel.   Construction is due to start early 2024.  Charlie Howard, Managing Director, UK at Logicor, said:   “Infinity Park Derby fits perfectly with our strategy of further growing our footprint in areas where we know demand for quality real estate continues to outstrip supply.  “We are looking forward to bringing to the market a highly sustainable, well-designed asset that is in a prime location for the UK.”  Wilson Bowden and Peveril Securities is the development partner and Bowmer and Kirkland is the construction partner for the project. Logicor were advised by Cushman & Wakefield, and the developer were advised by Avison Young.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Castle Green Partnerships to deliver 56 affordable homes

Castle Green Partnerships to deliver 56 affordable homes

Castle Green Partnerships is working with ClwydAlyn to deliver 56 energy efficient homes in Mynydd Isa. ClwydAlyn is the third housing association to partner with the St Asaph headquartered business, part of Castle Green Homes. Between the Mynydd Isa scheme, and developments on behalf of Adra and Torus, Castle Green Partnerships is set to deliver more than 900 affordable homes in the next three to four years. Full planning permission for the Mold Road scheme in Mynydd Isa was originally granted to ClwydAlyn in January 2021. Castle Green Partnerships stepped in and submitted an application to amend the house types in July 2023, after a previous contractor withdrew from the scheme. Enabling works started on site in August 2023 and the revised plans were approved in October. Partnerships director Eoin O’Donnell said: “This is the first site that Castle Green Partnerships will deliver for ClwydAlyn. Initially we were contracted for the construction of the roads and sewers and subsequently agreed to build out the full site, cementing our growing relationship with ClwydAlyn. This represents a significant step forward for the Partnerships side of our business and brings the total number of affordable homes we are contracted to deliver to more than 900. “The need for affordable housing has never been greater. We aim to provide well designed, fuel-efficient, high quality affordable homes. The Mynydd Isa scheme will provide a valuable and much-needed contribution to the affordable housing in Flintshire, with a mix of properties for social and and intermediate rent.” Across the development there will be range of homes from one-bedroom apartments, to two and three-bedroom bungalows, to two and three-bedroom houses. Enabling works started on site in August 2023. The first homes will be ready to move into in winter 2024, with the overall development expected to be completed by autumn 2025. The homes in Mynydd Isa are part of ClwydAlyn ambitious development programme to deliver 1,500 new homes in North Wales by 2025, with an overall expected investment of £250 million. The homes will include solar panels and batteries, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, ensuring that they are energy efficient and cost effective to run. To support the areas surrounding wildlife, a bat barn will be constructed on site to facilitate roosting for local colonies. There will also be 1.5 acres of open space provided as part of the development, including areas of low seeding mix and planting to benefit the microclimate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
BCIS calls for government to prioritise repair and maintenance despite economic challenges

BCIS calls for government to prioritise repair and maintenance despite economic challenges

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) is asking the government to address the many urgent issues in the repairs and maintenance sector (R&M) as we head towards an election. BCIS is forecasting R&M output will fall 7% in 2024 before recovering in 2025 and beyond, but warned the economic backdrop remained uncertain and that recent inflation had cut into existing maintenance budgets in all sectors, particularly in the public sector. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “We argue that this fall in the repairs and maintenance sector can’t be allowed to happen, as there are many urgent issues that need addressing.   “R&M is integral to improving the quality of our buildings and creating environments that people can live, work and flourish in.  “Therefore, in this election year, we are calling for all the main parties to prioritise R&M.   “We urge the current government to fulfil its promises in the areas where it has allocated funding, as well as investing more in green collar skills to ensure we have an adequately skilled workforce to achieve these aims. “We also ask any subsequent government to follow through on the current government’s commitments.” There were few sectors that escaped unscathed in 2023, from the negative impact of high borrowing and low consumer demand. Housing was the most affected, as inflationary pressures and persistently high mortgage rates slowed down activity. However, R&M was one sector that performed better than expected and drove growth – with growth of over 6% according to the latest BCIS forecast.     BCIS has outlined the key areas political parties should prioritise in their manifestos and allocate funding accordingly.  Ensuring social housing addresses both health and safety and energy efficiency concerns quickly and in equal measure, was top of the list. However, BCIS cautioned these competing demands could potentially constrain the proportion of funds that councils are able to allocate to day-to-day repair and maintenance.  It also called for the government to prioritise measures which would make existing homes more environmentally friendly, such as the recent announcement that the government has granted £16 million to fund energy saving measures and sustainability initiatives under the Green Home Finance Accelerator programme.  Recent proposals to speed up the planning process from the government have also highlighted the lack of skills across planning authorities in energy efficient retrofitting, with just 16% of local authority staff feeling ‘very confident’ in this area, according to a recent survey from Historic England. An appropriately skilled and trained workforce is required to future proof our buildings. The RAAC concrete crisis will have a cost impact across the public sector, including hospitals and schools. The government has also announced it intends to set out plans and measures to decarbonise the UK’s entire education estate. The DfE’s ever-growing to-do list coupled with the urgent need to address pressing remediation works highlight just how essential it is to allocate funds to non-residential and public R&M this year.   Businesses that wish to encourage their workforce back to the office will increasingly need to consider how they can improve the quality of the working environment. As minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) regulations are tightened, pressure will also mount to improve the ratings of Energy Performance Certifications (EPC) given to buildings – a move that will meet both government requirements but also the expectations of customers and employees who increasingly place a high value on green credentials.   For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ Head of Engineering & Project Management outlines 2024 goals

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ Head of Engineering & Project Management outlines 2024 goals

Steven Cunningham, Head of Engineering and Project Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has outlined ambitions for 2024 and beyond, focussing on enhancing customer engagement and developing people. With a wealth of experience in many facets of the business including estimating, trade, sales, and project management, Steven is now responsible for the design function of the business. He said: “As we look ahead to our ambitions for 2024, customer engagement is a key business driver for us, as well as ensuring a smooth operation from the design to stage all the way through to manufacture and delivery. “The experience I have gained from my various roles in the business has given me a greater understanding, allowing me to see things from many different stakeholder’s perspectives – both customers and internally – to be able to improve processes and the quality of our offering. “As we are part of the wider ASSA ABLOY group, it gives us the ability to provide a more comprehensive solution than competitors, offering both the door and additional hardware as well.” The company’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) application, Openings Studio™, remains a key focus, with Steven keen to promote the benefits of the platform. “Openings Studio™ integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. “This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist fabricators to develop complete door requirements that meet building regulations.” In addition to solutions such as Openings Studio™, Steven believes great people are at the heart of the company’s success. He adds: “We’re keen to develop staff, grow the design function, and increase collaboration across departments. We have a very capable design team with different age ranges, some with many valuable years of experience and some newer team members. “This blend helps vastly when it comes to innovation, and I’m always learning new things from younger colleagues and looking at ways we can improve and do things better.  “Teamwork is crucial to reach our goals and exceed all expectations, and we are confident we have to tools in place to make 2024 a year to be proud of.” For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit bit.ly/3OpVQRa. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Bobcat Upgrades Compact Wheel Loader Portfolio

Bobcat Upgrades Compact Wheel Loader Portfolio

L75 and L85 updated with features from the Top-of-the-Range… In 2021, Bobcat launched the company’s first compact wheel loader (CWL), the L85. In 2022, the company added the L75 value model and in 2023, Bobcat launched its top-of-the-range premium model, the L95. As part of Bobcat’s continuous improvement programme based on customer feedback, the company has announced annual updates for the L75 and L85 for model year 2024, allowing owners of the latest versions of these machines to benefit from some of the advanced features that were introduced last year on the L95. Award-Winning Wheel Loaders The Bobcat compact wheel loader range continues to win awards. The L85 was announced as a Product discipline winner in the 2021 edition of the world-renowned iF Design Awards. In September last year, the L75 and L85 won in the Product Design category in the international BIG SEE awards promoting unique and original creative achievements. With the award-winning designs of all three models, Bobcat has ensured that they share the same high level of standard features, providing high operator comfort and ease-of-operation, including: New features on the L75 and L85 (2024 model year) Power Bob-Tach (NEW) – factory option for L85 This provides a high-performing Bobcat attachment connection for applications in which maximum capacity for load and carry by bucket and pallet fork is not as important as connectivity to multiple Bob-Tach compliant attachments shared on the same job site with Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders. Heated Air Suspension Cloth Seat (NEW) – factory option The cab seat now offers a higher back rest with a head rest, together with air suspension set-up, lockable floating and left-hand adjustable arm rest, providing a new level of operator comfort on the L75 and L85. The cloth surface of the seat with heating added improves the operator’s comfort all year round − in both cold and hot weather. The seat also includes a sensor to indicate operator presence and to enhance safety (by inactivating auxiliary flow). Advanced Attachment Control (Improved) – standard configuration in L85 / factory option in L75 Bobcat has improved the advanced attachment system by adding new features that make the operator’s life easier. The new flex-drive feature allows the operator to change the engine’s RPM by manual throttle, independently from the foot throttle, at any time during operation. With this change, Bobcat has also provided auto-idle functionality when the machine is not in use for four seconds to reduce fuel consumption. Automatic Ride Control (Improved) – factory option To further enhance driving comfort at higher speed as well as with higher loads, Bobcat has improved this feature to meet customer expectations based on their feedback. The automatically activated loader boom suspension improves the operator’s comfort and helps protect the transported material from spillage when driving with a bucket or pallet forks. There is also more stability while moving up and down with a load/weight. Display logic has also been updated to indicate ride control activation-inactivation status. High Flow (Improved) – factory option This industry-unique feature adapted from other Bobcat loaders brings a 100 l/min flow to run high-flow attachments, such as snow blowers and planers. To further improve high flow attachment performance, Bobcat has increased the pressure from 200 to 225 bar. With this change, Bobcat has also reduced by 50% the time for automatic derate, set to protect hydraulic components when the machine is cold. Joystick Control (Improved) – standard configuration Based on customer feedback, Bobcat has improved the forward-reverse response time, together with improved lift and tilt multi-functionality to enhance productivity and operating experience. Machines already in the field can be updated simply by downloading new software – this is another Bobcat competitive advantage. Left-hand Arm Rest Upgrade for Suspension Seat (NEW) – Aftermarket orderable item For greater seating comfort and left hand support. To update the current suspension seat in the field, this feature is offered via the Aftermarket services from Bobcat. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Powerful new policy report shows path to net zero with timber

Powerful new policy report shows path to net zero with timber

Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction. Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six countries, which can act as a powerful tool to support policy makers on their journey to decarbonise construction in the UK, and beyond. Commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, this new report follows hot on the heels of the UK Government’s Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap, which aims to safely increase the use of timber in construction. Timber is a low-carbon, natural, renewable material, at the heart of transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy for the UK and many nations around the world. This study is a snapshot of a rapidly evolving movement. David Hopkins, chief executive of Timber Development UK said: “What we need to see this year is ambition turned to action. This means forward looking policy – and politicians brave enough to create a framework which places value on low-carbon construction. “Timber is the ultimate low-carbon material, and countries across the developed world have rightly recognized this – working to create comprehensive policy frameworks that support the growth of the timber industry. “The UK Government’s roadmap is a fantastic starting point, but without more action, there is a risk the UK falls behind. We need a clear timeline for change, starting with limits on embodied carbon in buildings, which is currently unregulated. “Embodied carbon can account for more than half of the emissions of a building over its lifetime – hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon per year – but this is currently ignored by UK politicians and policy makers. “Our new book, commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, highlights the policies being put in place in a variety of countries around the world. “The UK Government, if they are serious about achieving the goals of their roadmap, now need to look at what policies would work in the UK. We hope that these examples give food for thought and we can start to engage policy makers on making this happen, rather than simply relying on the market to change. “This year we must turn pockets of excellence, like the Stirling Prize winning Goldsmith Street, the Phoenix Development in Lewes, or the pioneering Black & White Building from exceptions to the norm. The opportunity has never been greater.” Andrew Waugh, director and co-founder, Waugh Thistleton Architects, said: “As pioneers in timber construction, we are proud to collaborate with TDUK to author the Timber Policy Book. Working at the forefront of global timber construction and participating in extensive research with European partners, we understand first-hand the impact of government policies on sustainable, low-carbon construction.  “While the UK once led the world in mass timber construction, recent years have seen a shift in global leadership. Recent assessments, such as the Climate Change Committee’s critique of the UK Government’s Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, highlight the urgent need for accelerated policy development in the UK. “While we commend initiatives like the Timber in Construction Roadmap, our research for Timber Policy reveals that current UK efforts fall short of addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. Bold leadership, as demonstrated by progressive nations such as France, Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark, mandating limits on embodied carbon and investing in sustainable timber projects, is essential for a meaningful transition to a low-carbon future. The Roadmap sets out timelines to consider options, encourage voluntary reporting, and seek advice, after which revisions to policy will be put in place. The Timber Policy Guide shows how this process has already happened in the six example countries and policies which have already been implemented.    “Despite challenges, some progress in the UK is evident; for example, the DfE’s flagship project to standardise mass timber school fabrication underscores its commitment to innovation. Additionally, the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook and New Model Building Guides, funded by Built by Nature, a philanthropic organisation, provide invaluable resources for navigating the complexities of timber construction. “The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated. With projections indicating a 1.5-degree increase in global temperatures by 2050 and up to 3 degrees by the end of the century, decisive steps must be taken. The Timber Policy book serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how public-private partnerships can drive systemic change towards a sustainable future.” Embodied carbon is recognised by major policy influencers such as the United Nations, Royal Society and World Green Building Council, and in the UK by the likes of the Climate Change Committee and Environmental Audit Committee as crucial to overcoming climate change. Despite a wide array of evidence and calls from these bodies to implement key policies, such as the regulation of embodied carbon, there has been a highly variable policy approach across the world. The UK, once positioned as a leader in sustainable construction using timber, now lags behind many other nations due to its regulatory environment. With this book, Timber Policy, we outline how six different countries around the world are helping to support the transition to low-carbon construction. This is the second in a trio of essential books, with the first edition Timber Typologies providing clarity on different timber systems. The final book in the series, Timber LCA, will demystify lifetime carbon analysis for timber buildings. Collectively, these books are intended to act as a stimulus for action – in the UK, and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Promtek engineers significant production improvements for St Gobain

Promtek engineers significant production improvements for St Gobain

Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speedier materials handling, and reduced energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered when the process control specialist overhauled an entire plant design and production line. Saint Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction materials. Since 1984, its Reynosa factory in Mexico has been involved in the manufacture and sale of solid and nonwoven fibre abrasives (such as abrasive pads and wheels). Promtek developed a complete turnkey solution for the factory which had the purpose of filling boxes with a predetermined number of ingredients/materials. The redesigned Reynosa trolley dispensing system consists of 250 individual ingredient locations arranged in two rows over approximately 50m of track. With a laser guided trolley that has two weigh scales per unit, the whole system can handle five boxes simultaneously. The overall system specification consists of: In what was a highly intensive, six figure value project, Promtek applied its twenty years of specialist R&D experience, bringing proven ideas and designs to bar on this unique project. Promtek revisited the original innovative solution, re-engineered it, and implemented significant improvements. As the new system was going to be twice the size in load capacity and volume, the technology needed to be brought up to date to meet the customer’s considerable performance requirements. Charles Williams, Promtek’s Managing Director, explained: “The opportunity to innovate and improve is always an excellent motivator but so is delivering the best solution for St Gobain. Previously, a total system had been designed for a smaller factory in Stafford. Despite this factory being one of the smallest in the group, it was the best performing, meaning Promtek sought collaboration with the engineers, designers, and everyone else involved. Engineering should be universal with core concepts and solutions able to be shared across borders.” To complement and support the new production solution Promtek installed the Kestrel Control System, an advanced system that featured a bespoke software design supplied by a subcontractor, Aptech Powder Handling Systems. Working collaboratively, the two companies created the mechanical design of a first generation total process system to then create a brand-new second generation system which resulted in leaner maintenance, reduced downtime, and improved workforce utilisation, amongst a multitude of other modernisation benefits. Promtek built a full working 1:10 scale prototype in the UK. 1:10 scale was an appropriate model size as it enabled the full system to be demonstrated with correct relative speed, size, and operation of the laser guidance systems. Laser positioning, which is accurate to the millimetre, helped the system to be flexible and fast. Trolleys and tanks could have their positions changed as necessary, meaning loading and unloading positions could be adjusted and manipulated as required. St Gobain’s Jaime Guzman commented: “This was a complex but incredibly exciting project across international borders. Promtek engineers designed an excellent system which far exceeded all the factory’s current needs. They are known for exceptional engineering, and we were delighted with the results. “As a construction materials manufacturer we make a wide range of different, complex products that can be strangely shaped, or obtuse, or abrasive. Our system must be millimetre accurate and precise, and with the expert engineering support available at Promtek the system has been completely reliable since completion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »