July 25, 2024

Morgan Sindall to deliver Grange University extension

Morgan Sindall to deliver Grange University extension

Morgan Sindall was selected by the NHS to deliver an extension to The Grange University Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) in Cwmbran, near Newport. Procured via the SCAPE National Construction Framework, the team has since started on-site with the phased work set to complete in April 2025. Additional amenities to the

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Property Care Association CEO joins CITB Council

Property Care Association CEO joins CITB Council

Sarah Garry, CEO of the Property Care Association (PCA) has been appointed to the CITB Nations Council (England). The trade body leader has joined as an Employer Member, working alongside ten other representatives, and alongside the Nations Councils for Wales and Scotland, will provide evidence from the industry to help

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Infopro Digital acquires UKREiiF organisers Built Environment Networking Ltd

Infopro Digital acquires UKREiiF organisers Built Environment Networking Ltd

Infopro Digital, a leading business information services company, has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd which runs UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum), a must-attend event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities. The acquisition will strengthen Infopro Digital’s position as a leading international business-to-business trade show

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Sustainability in Construction: How Eco-Friendly Materials Are Changing the Industry

Sustainability in Construction: How Eco-Friendly Materials Are Changing the Industry

New materials are reshaping the construction industry, bringing sustainability, efficiency, and longevity to the forefront. Among the emerging innovations in 2024, materials like low-carbon concrete, recycled metals, and bamboo offer eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact and improve building performance. Here’s all you need to know.  Handling and Using Emerging

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How to Deal with Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

How to Deal with Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

In California, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities rose by 16% from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021, highlighting a persistent and dangerous issue on the roads. Accidents caused by drunk drivers bring about unique legal challenges and severe risks, necessitating decisive actions to ensure justice and compensation. If you or someone

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

July 25, 2024

Morgan Sindall to deliver Grange University extension

Morgan Sindall to deliver Grange University extension

Morgan Sindall was selected by the NHS to deliver an extension to The Grange University Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) in Cwmbran, near Newport. Procured via the SCAPE National Construction Framework, the team has since started on-site with the phased work set to complete in April 2025. Additional amenities to the pre-existing facilities include a three-storey building with a ground-floor ED triage area. The remaining floors will continue as open plans to the meet required needs of the hospital. Further to the extension, the tier one contractor will deliver refurbishment works in the current Emergency Department waiting and triage rooms to meet modern standards. The project is being designed and managed by Gleeds in conjunction with the NHS (Aneurin Bevan University Health Board), with the former involving Morgan Sindall at RIBA stage four. Early engagement and consultation via the SCAPE framework resulted in a quick, 8-month consultation turnaround. Throughout the construction of the Grange University’s extension, Morgan Sindall will utilise its in-house carbon mapping software, CarboniCa, to track – and importantly reduce – carbon emissions on-site. Furthermore, the team will install Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on both the new building and the roof of current hospital buildings. In line with Morgan Sindall and SCAPE’s commitment to environmental and social value, the project looks to incorporate 20 apprenticeship weeks, two weeks of work placements and 24 hours spent in schools at careers events. Additionally, the project is set to directly employ three local work starters. As part of its green transport initiative, Morgan Sindall will encourage its staff and supply chain to utilise low-emission transport to and from the site, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Property Care Association CEO joins CITB Council

Property Care Association CEO joins CITB Council

Sarah Garry, CEO of the Property Care Association (PCA) has been appointed to the CITB Nations Council (England). The trade body leader has joined as an Employer Member, working alongside ten other representatives, and alongside the Nations Councils for Wales and Scotland, will provide evidence from the industry to help shape CITB’s strategic plan. Sarah’s appointment comes after she joined the PCA in November 2023, with a remit to draw on her extensive experience in membership associations. Her work with the Association includes amplifying links with Government and policymakers and developing an agile training programme to meet the demands for a modern, healthy and energy-efficient housing stock for all in the UK. Sarah said: “There’s never been a greater need to focus on skills for the future, and I am really pleased to be taking up the CITB role to help shape that. “I’ll be actively pushing for more accessible training for PCA members and the wider sector and looking at ways we can signpost the industry to claim the right funding. “We are going through major changes in the construction sector, with factors such as the Building Safety Act requiring competence to be demonstrated across all building work. “Training is going to be vital and CITB is going to have a role in ensuring that. “With factors such as energy efficiency and climate having an impact on the UK’s current housing stock, PCA members have the expertise to play a key role in upgrading homes, whilst contributing their technical knowledge so that new homes can be built and existing homes can be retrofitted, safely and sustainably. “There are careers for everyone in the construction industry and we need to attract more talent and inspire them to play a part in providing healthy and safe homes.” The PCA is the leading representative organisation for the UK’s building protection industry, with a skilled and audited membership operating across domestic, commercial and civil sectors in the structural repair, structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp protection, flood remediation and invasive weed control industries. Focused on the complete building envelope, its members’ expertise protects the integrity and comfort of domestic buildings in both new build and refurbishment projects, guarding against moisture damage, damp, mould and decay. They also deliver cutting edge techniques to protect commercial and civil structures against water penetration and ground gases, as well using the latest scientific methods to tackle invasive weeds, including Japanese Knotweed, across all urban, rural and watercourse environments. Sarah added: “One in eight people in the UK work in construction and the wide variety of opportunities within our membership profile lends itself to interesting and varied career choices. “The PCA will be further developing training programmes and initiatives that ensure new recruits benefit from long-lasting careers, and have the technical expertise to support building owners and tenants, framed around the Government’s need to transform the nation’s homes. “This approach aligns with the CITB’s role to help the construction industry attract talent and to support skills development and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Infopro Digital acquires UKREiiF organisers Built Environment Networking Ltd

Infopro Digital acquires UKREiiF organisers Built Environment Networking Ltd

Infopro Digital, a leading business information services company, has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd which runs UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum), a must-attend event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities. The acquisition will strengthen Infopro Digital’s position as a leading international business-to-business trade show and event provider in the construction, built environment and public sector verticals.  Infopro Digital’s portfolio includes SIMI, a French trade show that attracts 26,000 attendees, and is similar to UKREiiF as both events are heavily attended by investors, developers and the public sector. UKREiiF enhances Infopro Digital’s presence in the UK, where it runs leading brands in their fields such as Risk.net (risk management), Haynes (automotive) and Barbour ABI (construction). Infopro Digital operates five offices with more than 450 staff in the UK, while employing more than 4,000 worldwide. The announcement sees Keith and Amanda Griffiths, the founders of Built Environment Networking Ltd leave the business. Keith said of the acquisition: “Infopro Digital is the ideal partner to continue the development of UKREiiF, ensuring that the values and quality of UKREiiF are preserved. I’m confident that under their stewardship UKREiiF will reach new heights and continue to serve our community with excellence.” Nathan Spencer has been promoted to Managing Director and will head up the UKREiiF business unit within the Infopro Digital portfolio. He added: “We have a long serving team who’ve worked on UKREiiF, all of whom have been instrumental in creating, delivering and growing UKREiiF to what it is today – and we cannot wait to kickstart the next phase of our journey alongside Infopro Digital.” Built Environment Networking Ltd announced in 2023 that the business had moved to an employee ownership model. Founder and Executive Chairman of Infopro Digital, Christophe Czajka, said: “UKREiiF has become a key event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities in a short time. We admired how it achieved this by offering relevant content, high-quality networking and a great delegate experience. We also recognise the huge efforts it made to support equality, diversity and inclusion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sustainability in Construction: How Eco-Friendly Materials Are Changing the Industry

Sustainability in Construction: How Eco-Friendly Materials Are Changing the Industry

New materials are reshaping the construction industry, bringing sustainability, efficiency, and longevity to the forefront. Among the emerging innovations in 2024, materials like low-carbon concrete, recycled metals, and bamboo offer eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact and improve building performance. Here’s all you need to know.  Handling and Using Emerging Materials: A Quick-Start Guide New materials are revolutionizing the construction industry, combining innovation with sustainability. Yet, like all innovations, learning to use, install, and maintain these materials require professionals in the industry to level up their skills.  Here are just some of the capabilities that should be made priorities within any construction business looking to leverage today’s innovations and withstand the test of time: Reducing Carbon Footprint in Building Processes The construction industry aims for a 30% CO₂ reduction by 2030 – and, in this revolution new materials are bound to play a critical role.  For example, low-carbon concrete reduces emissions during production, while recycled metals cut down on new resource extraction. Additionally, using bamboo, which grows rapidly and sequesters carbon, makes a significant difference in the impact that construction has on the planet. Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency The key trends reshaping the building materials industry in 2024 are all related to enhancing sustainability and efficiency. For example, innovative materials like Hempcrete and cross-laminated timber offer superior thermal performance, reducing energy consumption in buildings.  Additionally, smart glass windows adjust their transparency based on sunlight, lowering the need for artificial lighting. These advancements highlight a shift towards more eco-friendly, cost-efficient construction practices. Improving Security and Longevity of the Building  Newer building materials may also help improve the safety of residents and the longevity of buildings, especially in areas prone to weather events and natural disasters. For example, earthquake-resistant building technology uses materials such as fiber-reinforced concrete and seismic dampers to enhance structural integrity, making buildings resilient to natural disasters.  Enhancing Health and Lifestyle for Residents  Unlike old-school concrete blocks, the new materials used to design and build today’s buildings aim at improving the health and lifestyle of residents.  For example, sustainably sourced wood and low-VOC paints ensure better indoor air quality. Similarly, large windows and open spaces maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a more pleasant, healthier living environment.  Keep Up To Date With the Latest Innovations To stay ahead, keep yourself informed about new materials and techniques and keep updating your skills and knowledge to thrive in this evolving industry.

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How to Deal with Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

How to Deal with Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

In California, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities rose by 16% from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021, highlighting a persistent and dangerous issue on the roads. Accidents caused by drunk drivers bring about unique legal challenges and severe risks, necessitating decisive actions to ensure justice and compensation. If you or someone you know has been affected by a drunk driving accident in Fresno or other areas, seeking immediate legal advice is crucial. A free consultation with an experienced attorney can provide essential guidance on how to navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring your rights are protected and that you are adequately compensated for your losses. This post aims to provide guidance on how to handle car accidents caused by drunk drivers. Stay Safe and Call for Help The first priority when involved in a car accident is always safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic, preferably on the side of the road or onto a nearby shoulder. Next, check yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services immediately. It’s crucial to report the accident not just for your own sake but also as evidence against the drunk driver. Gather Important Information While waiting for help to arrive, try to collect essential information about the accident. This includes: Contact Law Enforcement Even if you believe that no one is seriously injured or if there are only minor damages involved in the accident, it’s still necessary to contact law enforcement. Having an official police report related to the incident will be crucial when dealing with insurance companies or seeking legal action against the drunk driver. Avoid Confrontation Dealing with a car accident caused by a drunk driver can understandably be emotionally charged. However, it’s essential to stay calm throughout the entire ordeal. Avoid engaging in heated arguments or confrontations with the impaired individual, as this could potentially escalate the situation further. Seek Medical Assistance After a car accident involving a drunk driver, it’s essential to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or discomfort. Some injuries might not manifest immediately and could worsen with time. Getting prompt medical attention can also help establish a clear record of your injuries as evidence. Notify Your Insurance Company Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident caused by the drunk driver. Provide them with all the necessary information you gathered at the scene, including police reports, contact details of witnesses, and any evidence that proves the other driver’s alcohol impairment. Consult an Attorney If you’re dealing with a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it’s in your best interest to consult an experienced attorney specializing in personal injury cases or automobile accidents. They will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained. Document Everything Keeping detailed records is crucial when seeking compensation for damages caused by a drunk-driving accident. Document all related expenses such as medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost wages due to time taken off work. Make sure to chronicle any pain or suffering resulting from the incident as well. Support Groups and Counseling Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident caused by a drunk driver can be emotionally challenging for both victims and their loved ones. It can be beneficial to seek support from people who have experienced similar situations through support groups or counseling services. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can provide solace during this difficult time. Conclusion Being involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver is undoubtedly stressful and overwhelming. However, knowing how to navigate this situation is crucial to ensuring justice for yourself and working towards preventing such incidents from happening in the future by holding accountable those who drive under the influence. Remember to always put safety first when dealing with such accidents—it’s much more important than anything else. By following the steps outlined in this post, victims can position themselves to legally and effectively respond to accidents caused by drunk drivers.

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