In construction, a surefire way of throwing hard-earned cash away is through bad processes and inefficiency. They are the main reasons companies experience poor productivity, missed deadlines, higher costs, and ultimately reduced profits. It has become such a major issue that research states that a staggering 98% of large-scale construction
Leading developer Elevate Property Group started 2024 in style with the completion of £90m of regeneration projects, delivering hundreds of new homes in the Midlands. Trent Bridge Quays – a four-year city centre riverside scheme – sees 150 homes and 5,000 sq ft of commercial space created in Nottingham. Whilst
Cordel Group, an artificial intelligence platform, has officially started its data contract with Network Rail to provide advanced data capture services on High Speed One (HS1). The AIM-listed company has successfully installed its equipment on trains, which now operate in daily service, delivering crucial engineering insights to the UK’s rail
Corstorphine & Wright has submitted plans for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds (Yorkshire, UK) run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The planning application follows extensive stakeholder engagement sessions to create a building that meets the vision of all those involved, including clinical
Cornish developer Treveth has agreed terms with its first commercial tenant at Dudnance Lane in Pool, the company’s first fully refurbished unit in Pool, West Cornwall. The tenant, Rexel UK Ltd, a leading electrical distribution company, signed up for a 15 year lease and their strategic relocation to Dudnance Lane
SHOWCASING its commitment to educational development, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has revealed it will be helping deliver more than 2,500 school spaces across the Bedford region over the next two years. Having worked with Bedford Borough Council for the past decade, Pick Everard is on track to assist the needs
Following several regulatory changes across the different countries in the UK, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) have launched a guide on carbon monoxide (CO) detector requirements across the UK. As variation in CO legalisation across the England, Wales,
With winter upon us, are you confident that your commercial boilers and heating systems are working safely, reliably and efficiently enough to deliver the hot water and heating your residents need? While the coldest weather is still ahead, it’s never too late to look at replacing older or less effective heating systems.
Legrand UK & Ireland has saved over a tonne of CO2 in a single month with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array on the roof of its West Bromwich site, near Birmingham. The panels were installed and commissioned in October 2023 and, before the end of November, had
British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, has launched a groundbreaking digital construction tool that enhances the use of its Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects. The first-of-its-kind, cutting-edge technology makes it easier to maintain the golden thread of information and acts as a reliable single source of truth. BIMlocker is
In construction, a surefire way of throwing hard-earned cash away is through bad processes and inefficiency. They are the main reasons companies experience poor productivity, missed deadlines, higher costs, and ultimately reduced profits. It has become such a major issue that research states that a staggering 98% of large-scale construction projects go over budget and experience delays. Manual data entry, poor communication, and missing information fall within a wide range of inefficiencies that are rife throughout construction and make a huge impact on the bottom line. And the longer a bad process continues, the more it costs a company. Thankfully, the emergence of user-friendly construction ERP software signalled a breakthrough in the construction industry, so the inefficiencies and bad processes that plagued an outdated sector are fast becoming a thing of the past. Construction ERP software enables companies to automate workflow, improve project management, and streamline day-to-day tasks that once upon a time would gobble up resources and chip away at profit margins. A project manager’s worst nightmare is when working days are lost because teams have failed to communicate properly. Unavoidable errors of this nature not only hinder everyone on the job, but inevitably result in expensive downtime and cost money to fix. A simple way to improve communication and collect and share real-time data is with ERP software, so that inefficiencies and bad processes are avoided or overcome. Some of the most common inefficiencies in the construction industry include: Poor Communication Clear communication lines are essential for the smooth running of any construction project. Poor communication leads to on-site confusion, project uncertainty, and a general lack of understanding among workers. Ultimately, this all adds up to work delays, missed deadlines, and profit losses which no construction company can afford to absorb. Weak Planning A construction project involves a multitude of moving parts from general contractors and suppliers to designers and inspectors. Getting everyone to smoothly align and on time using just email and phone can be a monumental challenge. One simple scheduling glitch can quickly escalate into huge, costly problems such as when a materials delivery is late arriving, and a team of sub-contractors is prevented from working. Aversion to Technology Before the arrival of ERP software and other cloud-based resources, the construction industry was synonymous with its unwillingness to adopt new technology. While other industries embraced digital automation, construction remained stuck in the past, in a world where paper, pen, and hand-drawn plans remained the go-to tools of project managers. Luckily, construction has undergone dramatic modernisation in recent times, with technology delivering better processes, communication, and information streams so that projects are delivered on time and for maximum profit. Digital tools such as fully integrated construction ERP software are supporting the industry in several ways, including: Smart automation The biggest problem with manual tasks is they are prone to human error. By automating the most mundane tasks, construction teams can focus on delivering a project on time and in the most efficient way. Even day-to-day tasks such as timesheets and payroll can be streamlined and automated with construction software so that teams can focus their attention on developing creative solutions to problems that may arise. It is estimated that 75% of companies that leverage workflow automation believe it gives them a competitive advantage over those that don’t. Enhanced reporting With construction ERP software, companies can gain a clear picture of their past practices and gain a better understanding of the way they work. Automatically updated reports including budgets and job costings help companies track projects more accurately, identify areas for improvement, and allow companies to forecast their futures more accurately and reduce risk. Real-time data Construction companies are using real-time data to improve communication between operational, commercial, financial, and on-site teams. Utilising cloud-based software speeds up processes and makes real-time data instantly accessible at any time and on any device. It ensures everyone on the project is always working with the same data and that all teams are aligned. As a result, the days when a call to the site office would go unanswered or an important email would take days for a response are over, and companies can work quicker, smarter, and more efficiently. There was a time when doubling up on tasks, taking too long to finish a project, and paying too much to get something done would take a significant chunk out of a company’s wallet. However, construction ERP software has helped eradicate these clunky processes by changing the way the industry works through improved efficiency and communication. With greater visibility across all teams and immediate access to real-time data, construction companies can look forward to a boost in productivity and bigger profit margins. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading developer Elevate Property Group started 2024 in style with the completion of £90m of regeneration projects, delivering hundreds of new homes in the Midlands. Trent Bridge Quays – a four-year city centre riverside scheme – sees 150 homes and 5,000 sq ft of commercial space created in Nottingham. Whilst Elevate’s £40m scheme in Solihull has redeveloped a landmark town centre site, offering much-needed new homes close to a new HS2 hub once complete. James Costello, Elevate’s managing director, said the company was proud to be handing over developments which have transformed brownfield sites, bringing them back into productive use. “The £50m Trent Bridge Quays scheme has been a catalyst for the redevelopment of the western end of the Waterside Regeneration Zone in the city. “The development stands on the site of a former dairy plant, so there have been challenges along the way, but this is the first project for us in the East Midlands and it’s been fantastic to work on.” The scheme has delivered 98 homes as part of the first phase flanking the River Trent and 58 homes on the second phase, designed by Leamington Spa-based Rickett Architects’ and constructed by Leicester based Bode Contracting, on the nearby Muller’s Yard. Elevate’s Princes Gate scheme in Solihull started in 2019 and completed with the final phase of redevelopment of Imperial House, next to the former HMRC offices, into 150 luxury homes. Imperial House was designed by Birmingham-based architect firm Corstophine & Wright and built by Kavannagh Construction. James continued: “The Princes Gate development is a great addition to the Solihull landscape and has regenerated a site close to the town centre, as well as providing much-needed housing in the area. “I’d like to thank Kavannagh Construction, as well as our partners and suppliers, who have all put a great team effort into creating this stunning development. “This is one of several regeneration schemes we have completed in the West Midlands. As a Birmingham-based developer, we are passionate about bringing urban areas back to life by creating homes and, importantly, communities.” Kavannagh Construction’s Aiden O’Gara added his support: “This is the second time we have worked with Elevate and follows the construction of 56 stunning properties at Camden Street in the Jewellery Quarter. “Imperial House has strengthened the relationship even further and it has been very rewarding being part of a fantastic project that has successfully regenerated an important part of Solihull.” Elevate Property Group is also currently redeveloping several Birmingham city centre sites as well as the Silk Yard in Derby, where it is developing 258 apartments, with the first phase planned for completion in summer 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cordel Group, an artificial intelligence platform, has officially started its data contract with Network Rail to provide advanced data capture services on High Speed One (HS1). The AIM-listed company has successfully installed its equipment on trains, which now operate in daily service, delivering crucial engineering insights to the UK’s rail infrastructure manager. The technology autonomously collects data from the HS1 route for Network Rail, uploading it seamlessly to the cloud. Utilizing routine automated surveys, it measures the height of overhead lines and the stagger of cables supplying power to trains on the track. The contract, awarded in October, marks a significant step in enhancing rail infrastructure management. HS1 operates routes connecting St Pancras International to the Channel Tunnel and facilitates connections to international lines, including Paris, Lille, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Mark Devereux, Head of Electrification and Plant at Network Rail High Speed, expressed satisfaction, stating, “On schedule, and within four months of contract award, Cordel has installed on-train equipment and rolled out automated data capture.” Looking ahead, Devereux anticipates that Cordel’s automated inspection management service and AI processing will enable rapid turnaround times. Cordel aims to provide Data-as-a-Service insights crucial for supporting efficient and safe engineering management of railway infrastructure maintenance and renewals. John Davis, CEO of Cordel, expressed excitement about expanding their world-leading technology to cater to HS1’s specific requirements. Cordel has successfully captured and processed data across more than 500,000 miles of international railway lines, resulting in unparalleled AI learning and data management experience. Recent disruptions on the high-speed route have led to increased scrutiny of Network Rail and operators like Eurostar. Cordel’s innovative approach aims to address these challenges and contribute to the efficient and safe functioning of the HS1 rail network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Corstorphine & Wright has submitted plans for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds (Yorkshire, UK) run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The planning application follows extensive stakeholder engagement sessions to create a building that meets the vision of all those involved, including clinical staff, patients, and the wider MND community, as well as the Burrow family. The centre has been funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity, through its Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease appeal which has now raised over £5.3 million of its £6.8 million target. It will be a hub of innovation, education and excellence in the treatment for MND for the region, bringing together holistic patient-centred care in a purpose-built environment. The brand-new centre will see all MND services housed under one roof for the first time, in an accessible location conscious of the needs of those who visit. Supporting all aspects of the patient’s journey, the centre will create comfortable and peaceful surroundings for patients and their families, including spaces to reflect after sensitive conversations as well as places to engage and create positive moments. The proposed building is arranged in three joined forms – an East and West Wing which house the primary clinical spaces, connected via a central atrium. This central space has been designed as a community focussed area with a mix of accommodation from reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity and dining areas. It will be a place for family members to use and will enable staff to observe patients in a more informal setting. The first floor is designated as a staff area with a dedicated wellbeing space to provide staff working in the building with space away from the clinical areas – an important consideration when providing care to patients with such a challenging condition. Externally, the building has presence, but still fulfills the requirements for a centre that feels like home. It takes references from the local vernacular in the form of red brick tiles and gabled roofs, providing texture to clean architectural forms. Internally, natural materials will blend throughout the spaces, adding further texture and helping to support the wellbeing of patients and staff using the building. The new centre will make the most of the existing landscape features including mature trees and will provide landscaped gardens with access routes through zones with a mixture of textural planting which patients can engage with. It will also provide spaces for other therapy activities to take place as well as a memorial wall for private moments with projecting roof forms acting as a transitional zone for those entering and exiting the building. Targeting a sustainability rating of BREEAM “Excellent” the centre will also be built with a vision for the future, able to adapt to new innovations and treatments for MND patients as they emerge. Architect and Associate Director at Corstorphine & Wright, Toby Ingle, said: “As well as being adaptable for the future, one of the main visions of the new MND centre is to create a space for the MND community to come together to support one another, and this will remain at the heart of what it does. Engaging with what the community wants the new centre to be has fundamentally informed how we have designed the new building, from its location on the site and the materials we will build it from, to the furniture that we will specify and the colours and textures we will weave throughout the building and landscape. The Corstorphine & Wright team is honoured to be able to deliver this building for Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds Hospitals Charity and for the MND community, and the submission of the planning application marks a positive and exciting step forward in seeing it come to fruition.” Craige Richardson, Director for Estates and Facilities, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said:“Following extensive stakeholder engagement sessions, we are very pleased that the planning application for the new Motor Neurone Disease centre has been submitted to Leeds City Council. We hope our vision for this exemplary facility will be supported, having already received so much community backing. Once we move past this point, the landscape really starts to take shape, and we anticipate a rapid succession of activity over the next few months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cornish developer Treveth has agreed terms with its first commercial tenant at Dudnance Lane in Pool, the company’s first fully refurbished unit in Pool, West Cornwall. The tenant, Rexel UK Ltd, a leading electrical distribution company, signed up for a 15 year lease and their strategic relocation to Dudnance Lane marks an exciting phase in Rexel UK Ltd’s expansion plans and underscores Treveth’s commitment to facilitating the growth of dynamic Cornwall-based businesses within its commercial properties. The 7,319 sq ft unit, located in a prominent, convenient warehouse location, close to the A30, stood vacant for some time before it was upgraded to modern standards in 2023 by Treveth. Treveth, a sustainable developer which strives to achieve challenging carbon emissions targets set for 2030, saved over 100 tonnes of carbon during the refurbishment works by retaining the original foundations and steel structure of the building. Robert Churchill, Senior Commercial Property Manager at Treveth, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Rexel UK Ltd to Treveth’s first fully-refurbished commercial property on Dudnance Lane. It’s great to have the unit finished and already fully let to a growing and expanding local business that will bring much-needed employment to this area. Robert continues, “This lease agreement signifies Treveth’s commitment to curating modern commercial spaces that bring economic, social and environmental value and cater to the evolving needs of businesses here in Cornwall. We’re excited to see the early uptake of the unit by Rexel UK Ltd and look forward to seeing them thrive in their new location.” The move from a current depot in Redruth by Rexel UK Ltd, which was facilitated by Truro-based property consultants Vickery Holman, has been made to accommodate Rexel’s expanding operations, and create a larger distribution hub for Cornwall. Alan Trelor, Director at Vickery Holman says Dudnance Lane has generated a significant amount of interest since marketing began. He said: “High-quality, excellent specification commercial space is in great demand in Cornwall and the level of interest we received is a clear indicator that this sustainable workspace is just what the region needs.” Under the stewardship of Treveth, the Dudnance Lane commercial unit offers Rexel UK Ltd a spacious and modern facility to optimise its operational efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience. The move reflects Rexel UK Ltd’s need for a larger footprint to meet the growing demand for its products and services. Peter Warrington, Head of Property for Rexel UK ltd commented, “We’re delighted to be moving our operations to this fantastic location. Dudnance Lane was selected for its strategic positioning and accessibility, offering Rexel an advantageous location for both operations and customer engagement. We are looking to expand on our presence and our services offered in Cornwall. This move will bolster our logistical capabilities and foster improved efficiency and scalability in the region”. Treveth own and manage a number of commercial units in Bodmin, Helston and Falmouth which are all currently fully let. Its strategy is to grow its commercial estate to meet an ambitious target of creating at least 5000sq m of high-quality commercial workspace across Cornwall per year by 2025. For more information on Treveth, visit www.treveth.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SHOWCASING its commitment to educational development, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has revealed it will be helping deliver more than 2,500 school spaces across the Bedford region over the next two years. Having worked with Bedford Borough Council for the past decade, Pick Everard is on track to assist the needs of an ever-growing and diverse population. The programme has a projected construction cost of more than £100 million, and includes one of the largest SEN schools in the country, the Rivertree Free School, which is set to complete in August. Delivering 200 SEN spaces, the project runs concurrently with the construction of Willow Grove Primary School in Wixams, providing 840 new primary spaces when released. An extension to Wixams Academy secondary school will also be welcomed to the community in September, delivering 900 additional spaces. Sean Conneely, director at Pick Everard, said: “We’re immensely proud of the work undertaken with Bedford Borough Council to improve school facilities and increase the number of pupil places in the region. The programme’s success has been greatly influenced by a collaborative approach with the entire delivery team, combined with our shared dedication to delivering community value.” Two further projects are also on track for completion in 2025. These include Bedford Academy creating 300 additional places and Wootton Lower School, which is undergoing conversion into a primary school; with an extra form of entry creating 300 additional places. Moving into 2026, there will be further works on Wootton Upper School turning it into a secondary school with an additional 450 pupil places. Further school extensions are in the feasibility phase. Pick Everard’s work with Bedford Borough Council has included a package of services, consisting of project management, cost management, NEC supervisor and health and safety services. The work undertaken has been procured through the SCAPE Consultancy Framework, operating under the Perfect Circle banner. Along with contractor Willmott Dixon, Bedford Borough Council and Pick Everard will take part in the Build UK Open Doors event in March, in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. The programme of works undertaken by the trio has been imbued with social value, with pupils helping design a ‘Shedspace for your Headspace’ wellbeing area at Grange Academy in Kempston last September. Sustainability has also been key, aligning with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency, with all new school buildings now being designed as net zero carbon in operation. In addition to the educational work, the relationship between Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council has also seen it undertake cross-sector operations in the region, with healthcare centres, heritage works, residential, and commercial projects amongst its portfolio, alongside the new railway station in Wixams. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, said: “We are making significant strides in addressing the need for school places in Bedford, thanks to a collaborative effort that includes the team from Pick Everard. We are focused on creating inclusive, innovative environments that will inspire learning and nurture talent. These schools are set to make an enormous difference to so many children and families for many years to come.” Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Bedford Borough Council, who have ably committed to developing and meeting community need in a number of areas. Local authorities are under immense pressure amidst cuts in spending power over the last decade, so to be able to provide our expertise and assistance, through quick-to-market and value for money procurement models, is of huge benefit. The future looks bright for the community in Bedford.” Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are proud of our collaborative, ongoing relationship with both Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council. This unified partnership has allowed us to utilise our individual expertise, knowledge and skills to deliver together a number of fantastic projects which will benefit the local community for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following several regulatory changes across the different countries in the UK, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) have launched a guide on carbon monoxide (CO) detector requirements across the UK. As variation in CO legalisation across the England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland potentially opens the door to confusion among engineers, the guide has been launched to provide the best practice for each region. Property owners, including private and social landlords, must ensure that CO detectors are present in each property, in the appropriate locations and in accordance with legislation and related guidance. As a result, the role of heating engineers in maintaining CO safety throughout the industry is only growing in importance. To help prevent further confusion around a number of potential issues, the guide highlights the differing requirements including the number of CO detectors required in a property, the batteries that must be used and the position that detectors must be installed. Kevin Lowe, Technical Manager of the HHIC, said: “Following the changes to CO legislation made throughout the UK in the past year, it’s crucial that heating engineers are aware of the different obligations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It’s just as important that this information is easily accessible, which is why we have released a quick guide to help engineers, landlords and property owners easily understand the regulations they must adhere to.” The guide also features the standards placed upon social and private landlords that differ across the UK’s nations. This includes the level of responsibility placed upon landlords for the repair and replacement of CO detectors, in addition to the need to provide detectors and information regarding use and testing to their tenants. Andy Curtis, Director of CoGDEM, said “While every social and private landlord must make sure that CO detectors are installed and operating correctly at each of their properties, there may still be confusion around the extent of their responsibility of repairing, replacing and testing detectors. Our guide has been created to put this uncertainty to rest and ensure safety in properties across the UK.” To download the HHIC and CoGDEM’s guide on differing carbon monoxide detector requirements in the UK, visit the HHIC’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With winter upon us, are you confident that your commercial boilers and heating systems are working safely, reliably and efficiently enough to deliver the hot water and heating your residents need? While the coldest weather is still ahead, it’s never too late to look at replacing older or less effective heating systems. But even if your properties’ commercial boilers are in good working order, the current costs of energy could still make this a good moment to consider replacing older systems with newer, much more energy-efficient models. After all, these new units are not only designed to save energy and drive down costs, but are hydrogen-compatible and ready for the future. And with a lease solution such as JLA’s all-inclusive equipment and support package, Total Care, you could make significant upgrades across your estate, without having to spend anything upfront. The latest technology with manageable costs JLA’s Total Care package offers state-of-the-art boiler and commercial heating system upgrades – including full design, installation and comprehensive servicing and repairs – for a simple monthly payment. It’s a hassle-free way to modernise your housing association’s critical assets, without any capital outlay. It’s also worth knowing that any minor increase in monthly costs could be offset by the efficiency gains and utility savings that come from using newer commercial boilers. We’ve also seen many of our housing customers include these monthly payments in their residents’ monthly service charges – essentially splitting the cost and removing the hassle of trying to fund a replacement installation. Alongside consistent, predictable monthly payments, Total Care’s repair and breakdown cover delivers real peace of mind for you, your management company, and your residents. That’s because Total Care guarantees rapid response times through a 400-strong nationwide engineer network – particularly important if there are elderly or vulnerable residents in your properties. A wide range of future-proof boilers to choose from JLA has partnered with many of the world’s leading names in heating to offer a full range of energy-efficient commercial boilers, including hydrogen-ready boilers from leading manufacturers like Viessman. All of these boilers are designed to reduce energy bills while helping your estate meet its sustainability goals. Then there’s the added benefit of remote care. JLA Connect, for example, allows our specialists to spot faults or potential issues before they can cause disruption or downtime, and keep your heating and hot water flowing for residents. Considering alternative heating solutions? If your priority is to reduce your carbon footprint, but your property or the potential costs of a full alternative system are prohibitive, you could also take the opportunity to consider commercial hybrid heating as a viable alternative. Over recent months, we’ve seen a big uptick in interest for heating systems that combine air or ground source heat pumps with a traditional non-renewable heat source (an existing boiler, or a new boiler installed as part of a hybrid upgrade). This combined approach is ideal if upgrading radiators and pipework is either impractical or too expensive – but it’s always worth talking to a commercial heating expert for the fuller picture. For more information on our commercial HVAC solutions for housing associations, please feel free to contact JLA today.
Legrand UK & Ireland has saved over a tonne of CO2 in a single month with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array on the roof of its West Bromwich site, near Birmingham. The panels were installed and commissioned in October 2023 and, before the end of November, had saved 1,087kg of CO2 emissions. This emissions reduction represents a significant milestone on Legrand’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roadmap with this installation’s annual CO2 savings projected to be in the region of 29 tonnes. The West Bromwich site serves as Legrand’s National Distribution Centre, housing a variety of Legrand products and components prior to shipping. The site is now home to 330 PV panels, each with the capacity to generate 500w as part of a 165kWP system. Legrand’s latest CSR roadmap is the fifth the company has put into practice. The environmental part of the roadmap focuses on reducing the carbon emissions generated by Legrand and its supply chain, phasing out single-use plastics and increasing the use of recycled materials. The PV installation is just one of many ways Legrand is cutting carbon. Others include procuring more sustainable components and materials for the products it manufactures and designing those products to be as energy efficient as possible in order to help lower the emissions of its customers. Pascal Stutz, CEO of Legrand UK & Ireland, said: “We are really happy with the carbon saving the PV panels have delivered for us. We’re always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the planet and a big part of that involves switching to renewable energy. As a major UK manufacturer, we understand that we have a responsibility to the environment and that means doing everything we can to lower our carbon footprint while making it easier for our customers to reduce their own Scope 3 emissions.” For the third year running, Legrand has been the recipient of the Platinum EcoVadis medal, meaning that its practices are in line with the most ambitious objective of the Paris Agreement – namely, limiting the global increase in temperatures to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and achieving carbon neutrality. Pascal continued: “The health of the planet is something we take very seriously and we are dedicated to our environmental commitments. The solar power system at West Bromwich is a significant step forward and we’re looking forward to continuing our progress by making further carbon reductions in the coming months and years.” For more on Legrand’s environmental commitments, see Legrand.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, has launched a groundbreaking digital construction tool that enhances the use of its Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects. The first-of-its-kind, cutting-edge technology makes it easier to maintain the golden thread of information and acts as a reliable single source of truth. BIMlocker is a digital solution that provides an additional layer of security and support within British Gypsum systems. BIMlocker is a free plugin security wrapper that enables users to increase accuracy and accountability across projects. It seamlessly integrates with Revit software, offering enhanced data validation capabilities to mitigate potential risks of specification data corruption, without compromising the design process. Architects, specifiers, and quality controllers will benefit from BIMlocker’s design preservation features. It safeguards the quality, integrity, and accuracy of system performance data, and provides peace of mind that British Gypsum product data remains faithful to the original system test substantiation throughout the design process. Paul French, Head of Digital Construction from British Gypsum said, “Demonstrating compliance, accountability, and integrity has never been more important within our industry. [WL1] Our new BIMlocker software provides reassurance as an invisible layer of security that acts as a valuable aid to construction supply chains in the Building Safety Act era. It eliminates any ambiguity and ensures complete transparency. “Anyone choosing BIMlocker can have complete confidence that they are managing risk in the design process. The supply chain demands accurate and reliable product data, and BIMlocker is the ultimate solution. making it effortless for everyone to uphold the highest standards and to make the right decisions.” British Gypsum is part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions and is committed to making a positive change in building design and design for the well-being of its end users. Constant research and development ensure that its solutions meet the current and future performance needs of all buildings, from simple to complex. It is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050, with checkpoint targets set by Saint-Gobain for 2030. To download BIMlocker, please visit www.british-gypsum.com/bimlocker Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
