DC01UK’s planning application for a new state-of-the-art data centre has recently been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee. The new facility has been given the green light just one week after the Government launched its AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Plan outlines the economic growth opportunities presented by the
Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go
Achieving the NHS’s aim of becoming the world’s first fully net zero carbon national health service by 2045 will rely upon thousands of NHS professionals in diverse settings and roles, including its clinicians, managers, estates leaders and operations experts. Maria Manidaki (right), Technical Director, Decarbonisation, Mott MacDonald examines what is
There seems to be an increasing sense of optimism in the commercial sector, as reflected in Propertymark’s latest Q4 2024 Commercial Outlook when compared to the previous quarter. The latest data discovered that 83 per cent of Propertymark’s members expect supply in the Land and Yards sector to increase, which
By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, announces a significant increase to its Foreign Direct Investment in Croydon & Sutton, reaching over $250 million with expansion currently underway at Prologis Park Beddington. Investing in market-leading Industrial Logistics facilities Prologis’ investments in the boroughs include eight Industrial Logistics
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend
Covering the full spectrum James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panel and decorative surface distributors recently provided Valchromat for the refurbishment of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, its interactive gallery for children. This pioneering MDF was selected as the primary material for a rainbow-themed installation in the gallery’s
With rising pressure to meet sustainability targets, renewable energy consultancy warns asset managers of the risks of third-party solar deals. Commercial landlords and property managers under pressure to meet sustainability targets are increasingly turning to third party leases that are sold as attractive alternatives for landlords or tenants who don’t
The National Retrofit Conference returns for its second year in 2025 with an exciting new expansion, the launch of a dedicated Expo, making it bigger and more engaging than ever before. Taking place alongside Futurebuild 2025, this enhanced and immersive three-day event will bring together visionaries and industry leaders. Attendees
DC01UK’s planning application for a new state-of-the-art data centre has recently been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee. The new facility has been given the green light just one week after the Government launched its AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Plan outlines the economic growth opportunities presented by the AI revolution, in which new data centres will play a pivotal role. The new Plan sets out long term plans for AI infrastructure needs, mitigates sustainability and includes security considerations for AI infrastructure. Last September, DC01UK’s planning application was widely reported on, when it featured exclusively in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s announcement of the sector-wide reclassification of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, which significantly bolstered the importance of data centres within the UK. DC01UK, when built, will be Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre, with up to two million square feet of space, and the location of the data centre brings together the key pillars needed to fulfil the existing cloud shortfall and cater for the large increase in demand expected in future years. This includes a power reservation of 400MVA from National Grid, owing to its proximity to the Elstree (Letchmore Heath) substation and proximity to national and international fibre optic routes as well as nearby Availability Zones in the region. Economic projections estimate the construction value of the project at £3.75bn with a year-round generation of £21.4m in business rates once the data centre is operational. The positive economic impact of the data centre would also see the creation of 500 skilled on-site jobs during the construction phase, 200 permanent, skilled jobs once up and running and a further 13,740 indirect jobs, 10,900 of which would be in the South East. DC01UK is also estimated to generate approximately £1.1 billion per annum GVA (Gross Value Added) indirectly per year. This landscape-led scheme is set in 85 acres of grounds, 54 per cent of which will be retained as green, open space, with a 10 per cent net biodiversity gain. The approved plans also include a suite of local benefits, including the confirmed expansion of the local cycle hire programme, £2m of upgrades for new and existing bus routes, and improvements to cycle paths, footpaths and crossings. There is also a significant financial contribution to local employment skills and opportunities included within the plans. A spokesperson for DC01UK, commenting on their successful planning application, said: “We want to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for their open and pragmatic approach to DC01UK’s plans. They understand our ambition for both the project and the borough. It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities. Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements. “This approval will also solidify Hertsmere’s status as a leading region in the South East as a tech and media superhub, complementing other established, large technology-driven organisations and film studios in the area. “With planning for this important piece of Critical National Infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy. “Our plan will put Hertfordshire at the epicentre of the new data centre revolution, as well as creating £3.75bn for the economy during construction and almost 14,000 indirect jobs once operational.” Minister for Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant MP, said: “Data centres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without. “That is why I am thrilled to see that Hertsmere Council has granted planning permission to one of the largest data centre projects in Europe. “Data centres like this will not only play a pivotal role in our AI Opportunities Action Plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the South East.” Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “This is a momentous development for our borough. Hertsmere has cleared the way to becoming the home of a data centre which will be integral to serving Britain with cutting-edge technology. It’ll be a piece of critical national infrastructure needed for many generations to come. “The project, which is aligned with the council’s vision, is set to deliver hugely significant growth and economic benefits for the area, creating jobs during and after the construction phase, as well as new businesses. This news clearly reinforces Hertsmere’s status as an extremely attractive location for business and industry, with a reputation that is getting even stronger. “The data centre will provide critical synergies for our significant local film and TV sector, with three major sets of studios in Borehamwood. “The Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was announced earlier this month, shows the impact that the AI revolution is likely to have for many years to come and data centres, such as this, will play a major part. “While outline planning permission has been granted, we will, of course, continue to listen to and engage with residents about these exciting plans as more details are firmed up. As I’ve said before, I’m sure local people will see the massive value this development could bring to our area.” Stephen Beard, Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank who is advising on the project, said: “DC01UK is a first of its kind. The largest data centre development in Europe in the world’s second largest market, which is perfectly positioned in its ability to service the ever-increasing cloud demand today whilst accommodating the AI needs of tomorrow. A first and great example of the UK’s shift towards becoming a dominant superpower in cloud, AI and general digital infrastructure.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go ranges. The revamp will also introduce simpler layouts, improved fixtures, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Shoppers can expect further in-store enhancements, including upgraded bakery sections, revamped health and beauty aisles, and improved CO2 refrigeration systems. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “Aldi’s £67 million investment is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering an even better shopping experience for our customers across Britain. “Building on the success of our previous upgrades, we’re enhancing store layouts as part of our dedication to providing customers with more sustainable stores, convenience, and an improved shopping experience nationwide.” This announcement follows Aldi’s recent pledge to invest £650 million in opening new stores across the UK in 2025. Locations set to benefit from new stores include Fulham Broadway in London, Billericay in Essex, and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Achieving the NHS’s aim of becoming the world’s first fully net zero carbon national health service by 2045 will rely upon thousands of NHS professionals in diverse settings and roles, including its clinicians, managers, estates leaders and operations experts. Maria Manidaki (right), Technical Director, Decarbonisation, Mott MacDonald examines what is needed. NHS England’s “Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service” report recognises that achieving ambitious net zero targets in an organisation so complex and specialised is a significant challenge. Its teams will need to work collaboratively to drive a substantial transformation of the NHS’s built environment and infrastructure assets, while continuing to prioritise high standards of care, which will also need to be decarbonised. With the net zero goal in mind, NHS decision-makers will need to begin translating net zero goals into strategy, and then into real-world programme and projects. While everyone is clear about the scale and urgency of our climate challenge, the sector cannot make the case for investment or take practical action without good governance, synergies and trade-offs with other objectives and value for money. Those diverse decision-makers will often be responsible for busy, sensitive clinical environments, estates projects, or operational resources. To ensure they can play their part in achieving a net zero NHS, it’s crucial to ensure they’re supported to deliver low carbon impact in their day-to-day work. Baking it into organisational governance, alongside well-established ingredients like finance and clinical models. And, providing them with the tools for success. This is where PAS 2080 excels and is already making a difference in the UK’s infrastructure sector. PAS 2080 is a global specification for managing whole life carbon within infrastructure and the wider built environment, recently updated in 2023. It provides an effective, practitioner focused framework for reducing carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects, with a focus on systems-thinking, whole-life carbon management and value chain collaboration. The PAS 2080 carbon management process enables every decarbonisation project practitioner, no matter the role, to consistently and straightforwardly understand their baseline emissions and establish clear accountability for their projects. It also creates a framework to engage with their teams and supply chains to influence and measure the progress they make. In addition to driving best practices for the further decarbonisation of NHS estates, the use of PAS 2080 also has the potential to better enable holistic thinking about the role of carbon. That includes thinking about carbon alongside achieving cost, nature, circularity, climate resilience and care outcomes. As the NHS’s decarbonisation objectives go beyond estates to include its Scope 3 indirect emissions, like medicines, telemedical devices, IT services and travel, this is going to be essential to achieve success. In practical terms, that means addressing complex clinical challenges, like the 2% of the NHS’s emissions footprint that are generated by its use of current anaesthetic gases. But, those gases play a critical role inproviding a high standard care, and will have established cost and supply chain arrangements that make themeffective. It’s imperative to enable and empower NHS teams to address the problem at every level, with creativity andconfidence. By looking at whole-life carbon emissions from the materials, energy and other consumables usedthroughout the lifespan of assets, the NHS can make important whole life carbon and cost reductions. It will also better understand the impact of maintaining, repairing, repurposing, adapting, upgrading, expanding and eventually repurposing or removing them. PAS 2080’s application of value chain collaboration is key. This enables NHS managers to assign accountability for sustainability and engagement at multiple levels, as well as incorporate it into the work of each department. It also outlines what targeted engagement is required with clinical professionals and the wider supply chain to evaluate and implement selective decarbonisation initiatives. Taken together, this can provide the creativity and confidence required. It enables an NHS Trust and its teams to approach different carbon hotspots such as anaesthetic gases, where innovative new solutions will need to be fully evaluated and then delivered by a complex supply chain. It enables the diverse range of professionals who will deliver a net zero NHS to consistently break down the challenge and make success possible. As the government develops and progresses a new 10-year Health Plan, using PAS 2080 can help shape better operational and capital expenditure, with a clear understanding of its stakeholder requirements and wholelife value of the interventions it makes. In doing so, it can demonstrate value for money, as well as the delivery of carbon reduction alongside care and resource efficiency. Other sectors with comparable challenges are already implementing the principles of PAS 2080 with success. Some asset owners have gone for full verification to PAS2080, while others have considered the carbon management framework principles and have developed their own carbon management approaches. For example, Heathrow Airport is a 24/7 operational environment, with an aircraft taking off and landing close to every 45 seconds. It is using good carbon management practices, including the principles of PAS 2080 to identify, pioneer, test and standardise the use of new low carbon construction materials, as well as considering lower carbon assets across different asset delivery programmes. Heathrow Airport has developed its own carbon management framework following good principles from PAS2080 to ensure its stakeholders are properly engaged, its suppliers understand their requirements clearly and whole-life carbon reduction performance can be properly understood. But, while delivering the net zero pledge will not be simple in the NHS, adopting good industry practice solutions like PAS 2080 can ensure its achievable for every part of our healthcare system – whether it is to identify and target carbon hotspots in the supply chain for the consumables and products the NHS uses or simply to optimise the capital investment programme of its estates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
There seems to be an increasing sense of optimism in the commercial sector, as reflected in Propertymark’s latest Q4 2024 Commercial Outlook when compared to the previous quarter. The latest data discovered that 83 per cent of Propertymark’s members expect supply in the Land and Yards sector to increase, which represents a 33 per cent boost from the Q3 2024 Outlook, which found 50 per cent of Propertymark members predicted that there would be a boost in supply in the same sector. Additionally, the Q4 2024 Outlook found that 53 per cent of commercial agents forecast Industrial Sector supply will increase, whereas this figure stood at 40 per cent in the Q3 2024 Outlook. Finally, although 45 per cent of Propertymark members see no upcoming changes to supply in the Office sector, nearly a third do at 27 per cent. This represents a drop from Q3 of 2024 where 43 per cent of agents forecast an increase in supply. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “Although we have seen key aspects of the economy stabilise, the commercial property sector continues to face challenges, as many business sectors evolve to keep pace with ever-progressing trends and shifts in demand. “The pubs and restaurants sector continues to witness a long-term transition in demand, with sustained dips in outlet numbers now apparent across many years. Likewise, evolutions in working practice have allowed many companies to reconsider the amount of physical office space needed operationally, and again we are seeing sustained change. “It’s positive to see a strong supply and demand within the land and yards sector, and high levels of confidence within the takeaways sector too. “As many towns and cities embark on substantial regeneration projects, there is huge potential in the medium and long term in delivering prolonged growth across many commercial channels and as time progresses, we expect to see a substantial keenness from many investors.” Michael Sears, Commercial Advisory Panel Member and Propertymark Board Member, comments: “We have witnessed the resurgence of brand enquiries in prime retail. Lots of these brands are the ‘new kids on the block’ – brands with great covenants and a significant number of branches in the UK already, but not necessarily as recognisable as those that have been here for a decade or more. “This is a necessary reminder of the fluctuation of the fortune of brands and that many new chains arrive on the scene at the same time as older ones either stagnate or are just not on a path of expansion. “The evidence of all this resurgence comes from the lets we are completing; the increasing number of enquiries and the ever-growing requirement lists from brand surveyors and agents both in-house and not.” The full report can be read, here: Commercial Outlook Reports | Propertymark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater knowledge sharing and the exploitation of technology to drive decision quality. Any new measures to assist the process of simplifying the ecology workstream for developers to speed up housing delivery will depend heavily on the readiness of accurate data, and AI certainly has a part to play. Having worked with tens of thousands of developers around the UK for the past 20 years, we know that it’s not necessarily the requirement for ecological assessments that causes frustration, but rather the delays and uncertainty that often accompanies the processing of assessments once they have been submitted. In order for the right decisions to be made there has to be detailed baseline data across planning authorities so that the impacts of a particular development can be accurately assessed. Presently, Ministers are claiming that bats and newts are “blockers” to development, but there is a lack of clarity on where that information is coming from. In the last five years there have been almost 2,000,000 planning applications made. That is a colossal amount of data, all in the public domain, that is completely untapped. This data could be used to help drive up the quality of decision making and speed up policy reform. By having a model with all the data linked to particular planning applications, a ‘super baseline’ could be created to understand the matrix of species and habitats within each LPA, using the best available evidence. At Arbtech, we have existing proprietary data (taken from 12,000 planning applications in 2024 alone) that could be made available to speed up the creation of the new super-baseline understanding for decision makers; an essential pre-requisite for any change, let alone radical reforms. This is where AI will be a game changer. For example, it could be mandated that all ecology reports contain a strictly formatted summary appendix that a machine learning tool could easily exploit the constant stream of fresh data as it is generated by the sector. This would greatly assist data collection. In fact, at Arbtech we are developing an AI application to translate all our data into actional insights for the public and private sectors in the hope that this will speed up the planning process and avoid preventable outcomes such as the irreversible decline of habitats and species. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, announces a significant increase to its Foreign Direct Investment in Croydon & Sutton, reaching over $250 million with expansion currently underway at Prologis Park Beddington. Investing in market-leading Industrial Logistics facilities Prologis’ investments in the boroughs include eight Industrial Logistics distribution centres spanning 650,000 sq. ft., home to national and international businesses, including Royal Mail, Amazon, Oddbox, EasyShipping and Unitrunk. Expanding on this investment, Prologis UK is developing a further four additional market-leading units, covering 93,935 sq. ft as a second phase to Prologis Park Beddington on Beddington Lane. Completion is expected in May 2025, offering four BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rated units ranging between 15,000 to 46,000 sq. ft. Details of available units can be found here. Once complete, the new development is expected to support approximately 270 full-time jobs, providing a substantial boost to local employment. Beyond job creation, the latest phase of development is projected to generate c£1.5 million in Business Rate revenue whilst aiming to deliver meaningful social impact to the local community. Simon Perks, Director of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said: “From the outset, our goal was to deliver real value to the communities of Croydon & Sutton. By combining employment opportunities and education outreach, we’re creating a development that will have a lasting positive impact. It’s exciting to see the social value we envisioned coming to life.” Over the past year, Prologis UK, in partnership with Winvic Construction, has led skills development sessions and educational visits for young people from Sutton, where the latest development is located. Students from local schools and training providers have toured the construction site at Prologis Park Beddington, whilst learning about careers in property, construction and logistics. Building Futures: Inspiring the Next Generation Development sessions, for recent school leavers, have included supporting people in understanding career pathways and developing their CV in preparation for job applications. To date, two apprentices have been hired by Winvic through Prologis UK’s Construction Skills Programme. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial at Winvic, said: “Our work at Prologis Park Beddington has been about more than just construction – it’s about creating opportunities and leaving a positive legacy. Through initiatives like apprenticeships and work insights, we’re helping to nurture future talent while delivering lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for the local area.” Cassie Davis, Assistant Principal – Director of 6th Form at Harris Academy Sutton said: “Visiting Winvic’s live construction site was an eye-opening experience for our students, showcasing the diverse career opportunities and pathways into the industry. They gained real-world insight into large-scale projects and were especially engaged in learning about roles beyond engineering. Many left feeling inspired, with some even expressing interest in work experience – a fantastic outcome from an insightful and engaging visit.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend more time at home with his family, where he’s needed most. Duncan has worked tirelessly to modernise the Federation, support current members, and remove barriers to make it more accessible to new members, which has been successful. He has built greater ties and bonds with other industry representations, including the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the National Demolition Association (NDA), and the European Demolition Association (EDA), as well as regulators, in the push for transparency and better levels of competence. Duncan will be in post until the 21st of May 2025 and will remain an active participant in the NFDC but in a lesser role. The NFDC would like to express its deep gratitude to Duncan for his dedication, leadership, and the transformative impact he has had during his tenure. His contributions have strengthened the Federation’s position as a leading voice in the demolition industry and paved the way for continued growth and progress. The NFDC will provide further updates in due course. John Lynch NFDC President Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Covering the full spectrum James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panel and decorative surface distributors recently provided Valchromat for the refurbishment of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, its interactive gallery for children. This pioneering MDF was selected as the primary material for a rainbow-themed installation in the gallery’s ‘Colour Room,’ where its ability to successfully blend aesthetics, durability, and versatility, whilst doing so safely and sustainably, made it a go-to choice. A popular material for leisure, attraction, and retail fit-outs, this project showcases Valchromat’s performance and visual appeal; especially how it gives specifiers and fabricators creative freedom to realise even the most ambitious briefs. Taking a closer look at the project… True colours The Science Museum is one of the UK’s best-loved cultural destinations for adults and children alike, with a focus on inspiring futures and making science accessible for everyone. This overarching goal comes to life in Wonderlab, an interactive hands-on experience developed to ignite scientific curiosity and fuel the imagination. Originally opened in 2016, by 2023 its popular Colour Room, an immersive space designed to communicate the science of colour, was due a refurbishment. A core object of the refresh involved replacing worn fittings with new ones and reinvigorating the space with a vibrant landscape mural, incorporating a prominent rainbow feature that would help show how the colours of the rainbow appear under monochromatic light. Golden opportunity The type of material chosen for the rainbow feature was important. Not only did it need to be structurally robust, able to withstand the rigours of a high-footfall environment and deliver the visual impact stipulated within the design brief, it also had to meet a set of regulatory requirements unique to public attractions. The feature would be subject to constant physical interaction from visitors of all ages, so every aspect of the fit-out has to meet strict safety and sustainability standards, including non-toxicity. Furthermore, it had to be easy to clean to ensure the highest levels of hygiene. It was a delicate balance for the museum’s Spatial & Exhibitions Designer, Laurence Deane, to strike, working with fabricator Hadley Interiors and its long-time distribution partner James Latham. Out of the blue Once the brief had been shared with James Latham’s expert specification team, one material immediately leapt out as a clear front-runner: Valchromat. A pioneering, lightweight MDF panel, available in a wide spectrum of colours, its balance of form and function immediately impressed Laurence who chose seven different shades to faithfully represent a rainbow. His team was also particularly impressed by the consistency of colour running through the entire body of each panel as well as its ultra-smooth finish. Pushing the visual dial even further, to ensure each colour popped, James Latham recommended treating each Valchromat sheet used with pigmented oils from specialist manufacturer Koate. This treatment not only added extra tonal depth and higher contrast, it also protected the feature making it easier to maintain. Simple to work, Valchromat is also a fabricator firm favourite, as it can be cut to almost any shape, from an expansive arch to a tiny tile. Even better, as demonstrated in the rainbow display, Valchromat can be bonded, planed, or sculpted to create 3-D decorative features. With flying colours The results speak for themselves, with visitors seeing this vision in Valchromat as soon as they enter the room. In Laurence’s words, “The Koate-treated Valchromat leaps out as soon as you enter the room, providing an important visual anchor. The vivid, matt tones also perfectly achieve the objective of the piece: demonstrating how colours appear under monochrome light. A huge thanks to James Latham for their consultancy on the project, we look forward to working with them in the future.” James Latham is one of Valchromat’s most trusted distributors, possessing the largest range of the product in the UK. There are over 10 colours to choose from and it’s available in the following board sizes: 2500mm x 1850mm/1250mm, in 8mm, 12mm, 25mm, or 30mm thicknesses. To find out more visit https://www.lathamtimber.co.uk/products/panels/mdf/valchromat. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With rising pressure to meet sustainability targets, renewable energy consultancy warns asset managers of the risks of third-party solar deals. Commercial landlords and property managers under pressure to meet sustainability targets are increasingly turning to third party leases that are sold as attractive alternatives for landlords or tenants who don’t have the capital to invest in rooftop solar themselves. But according to Anthony Maguire, Managing Director at Longevity Power, these deals often aren’t as lucrative as they seem, with many landowners overlooking the potential associated risks. Third party solar PV agreements involve the provision of a building roof for a solar PV system that is owned by a third party and leased to an asset manager over a set period (typically 20-30 years). “Tenant demand, a pressing need to reduce emissions, and an increasing lack of grid capacity means that landlords are turning to third-party owned solar PV systems without necessarily knowing what they are signing up to,” said Maguire. “As a result, landlords and tenants become trapped in lengthy and expensive contracts that are even more costly and time-consuming to get out of.” The recent European Renewables Market Overview Report further highlights the impact of market saturation and grid congestion as hinderances to greater renewable adoption and meeting established sustainability targets. Maguire points to the apparent convenience of the deals as a key reason that so many are turning to them. “Property managers and landlords typically turn to these types of deals for two reasons,” he explained. “First, an unwillingness to part with the capital due to a sense that they are unlikely to make a good return on investment over the hold period of the asset: second, in some markets, the tax implications associated with a commercial landlord selling electricity preclude them from installing solar.” “Despite having the best of intentions, asset managers find themselves in contracts that can last more than 20 years and include complex and unclear commercial terms. “These contracts can often be hugely damaging long-term as they will likely stipulate that the landlord must pay for any loss of income in the event that the system needs to be switched off or disrupted for any period longer than a few days. “If an entire rooftop has to be replaced, this means potentially compensating the third-party for loss of revenue for several months, which depending on the system size, could run into the hundreds of thousands. “Withdrawing from a lengthy solar contract is also a famously tall order. Long leases mean landlords often face extremely high buy-out costs, and if an asset needs to be sold, they can lead to a host of added legal costs. “Signing up to terms without fully understanding the consequences can cause major headaches long-term. This is why it’s vital that asset managers take the time to rigorously analyse the potential financial implications before signing on the dotted line.” Maguire contends that third party deals aren’t inherently bad but are instead largely misunderstood and can leave some asset managers trapped on a long-term basis. “Solar leases can be the right solution but it’s important to understand the characteristics of the system, the fund, the market and the tenant when determining whether it works for you. “If you find yourself in a bad deal you need to review your terms now. Carefully look over the lease to understand your potential financial liability and understand the costs payable at contract-end. It’s crucial that landlords perform a proper tender and rigorously assess the proposed terms of the lease. “Some contracts have a residual value of zero at the end of the contract whereas others must be bought at fair market value and others might include a renewal obligation. Understand who is liable for the removal of the panels and making good the roof at the end of the contract.” “The alternative for anyone considering solar PV is the option of investing in a rooftop PV system directly. Owning the system means enjoying the full financial benefits and also having the flexibility to develop the system and surrounding areas over the coming years. “The landlord also has a greater degree of certainty over the costs associated with future roof works and essential maintenance, and doesn’t have potentially large financial liabilities in the event of a vacancy or a roof replacement. In any case, it’s crucial that landlords have a clear understanding of the long-term implications of undertaking any kind of solar PV installation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Retrofit Conference returns for its second year in 2025 with an exciting new expansion, the launch of a dedicated Expo, making it bigger and more engaging than ever before. Taking place alongside Futurebuild 2025, this enhanced and immersive three-day event will bring together visionaries and industry leaders. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge solutions and actionable strategies for tackling retrofit challenges head-on. National Retrofit Conference The National Retrofit Conference, sponsored by Sustainable Building Services, centres on Scaling the Ambition and Delivering the Promise with Retrofitting with its main theme of Regenerating Our Cities and Regions. Curated by the Retrofit Academy CIC and the National Retrofit Hub, the conference will deliver practical, actionable solutions that attendees can implement to advance their retrofit programmes. Tuesday 4th March: Leadership, Innovation, and Skills This day explores how strong leadership, policy direction, and a skilled workforce are vital in accelerating retrofitting across the UK. Highlights include: “Pioneering a Net Zero Future for a Global City”Megan Life, Associate Director of Environment and Energy at Greater London AuthorityMegan will outline London’s strategy for achieving net zero, setting an example for urban centres worldwide. “Delivering Labour’s Net Zero Vision: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities”Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Energy ConsumersA deep dive into Labour’s commitment to net zero and how policy will shape the future of retrofit and energy efficiency. Panel Debates and Discussions: The Warm Homes Plan: Examining Successful Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency Strategies – hear from Caroline Withey, Programme Director at DFESNZ and Shaun Garvey, also Programme Director at DFESNZ State of the Nation – Retrofitting for a Sustainable Future Leadership in Retrofitting – Driving Change Across Cities and Regions Skills and Workforce Development for the Retrofit Revolution Wednesday 5th March: Retrofit Done Right at Scale Scaling up retrofit efforts efficiently and effectively is crucial to meeting the UK’s decarbonisation targets. This day will focus on the technical, financial, and logistical aspects of delivering retrofit at scale. Highlights of the day include: “Is Retrofit Investible?”Andrew Sutton (Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer – SERO), Ryan Jude (Built Environment Programme Director – Green Finance Institute), Jeremy Barker (Banking & Investment Director – National Wealth Fund), Chris Brown (Managing Director – Climatise) and Dr Zack Gill (Net Zero Technical Analyst – Energiesprong UK)A panel discussion on economic models and financing strategies to make retrofit attractive to investors, with input from Green Finance Institute, National Wealth Fund, Climatise, and Energiesprong UK. “Driving Standards and Volume in Large Scale Retrofit Markets”Simon Ayers, Chief Executive at TrustMarkGain insights into balancing efficiency, affordability, and performance to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets. “Retrofit Our Buildings, or Our Brains?” Science, History and Giving People Agency to Improve Health, Comfort and Carbon.”Dr Bill Bordass, Research and Policy Advisor at Usable Buildings and Dr Robyn Pender, Director at WhethergaugeExplore the human-centred approach to retrofitting, with strategies for creating healthy, comfortable living environments. Thursday 6th March: Community-Led Retrofit – Building from the Bottom Up This day, curated by the National Retrofit Hub, focuses on grassroots-led solutions and financial innovations making retrofit more accessible. Key sessions include: “EPC Reform – Perspectives on Change in Action”Hosted by Rachael Owens, National Retrofit Hub Co-DirectorWith speakers from Which?, MHCLG, Elmhurst, and Ecology Building Society. “Community-Led Retrofit – Redefining Retrofit at Scale”Hosted by Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director and Head of Citizen Engagement at BE-STFeaturing BE-ST Retrofit Scotland, Footwork Trust and Ecological Building Systems. National Retrofit Expo New for 2025, the Expo expands the National Retrofit Conference, featuring a dedicated exhibition with leading exhibitors such as Parity Projects, E.ON, Corksol, Trustmark, q-bot, and more. Attendees can explore innovative products, solutions, and technologies to tackle retrofit challenges and deliver impactful projects. The Big Retrofit Challenge A key highlight is The Big Retrofit Challenge, presented in partnership with NHDG and Innovate UK. This dynamic competition culminates in a live-finale, showcasing shortlisted groundbreaking innovations designed to address the toughest challenges in retrofit. Attendees will witness contestants pitch cutting-edge tools, materials, and systems to a panel of experts, providing actionable insights to accelerate the decarbonisation of buildings across the UK. The Retrofit Academy Awards The Retrofit Academy Awards, held during the National Retrofit Conference, celebrate excellence in retrofitting across the industry. Recognising outstanding achievements and rising stars, these awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions in this vital and fast-evolving sector. David Pierpoint, Founder and CEO at the Retrofit Academy commented: “The National Retrofit Conference & Expo marks a pivotal point for the retrofit sector. By expanding with a dedicated exhibition, we are creating an even more dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. This event is about turning ambition into action and empowering industry professionals to scale up retrofit efforts and progress towards decarbonisation across the UK’s built environment.” Rachael Owens, Co-Director at the National Retrofit Hub, is also looking forward to the event: “The National Retrofit Conference & Expo embodies the ambition and collaboration needed to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: retrofitting our building stock. As part of this vital event, the National Retrofit Hub is proud to support the industry by addressing challenges, offering practical solutions, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful progress.” The National Retrofit Conference & Expo embodies the ambition and collaboration needed to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: retrofitting our building stock. As part of this vital event, the National Retrofit Hub is proud to support the industry by addressing challenges, offering practical solutions, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful progress. To find out more about the National Retrofit Conference and Expo visit the website Register for your free ticket today Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
