The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) was delighted to have returned to Coventry on the evening of Thursday 23rd October for the staging of its 6th Annual Awards Ceremony. With a record number of submissions across the seven categories, this year’s programme again produced some truly exceptional entries
Here’s a bit of history – uPVC windows, known for their affordability and easy maintenance, have evolved significantly since their rise in popularity in the 1980s. These windows, made from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, are a top choice for homeowners in the United Kingdom seeking durable, well-insulated, and cost-effective window solutions.
Designs for supportive housing for people living with young-onset Alzheimer’s, a sustainable timber building to host United Nations discussions on a patch of concrete in Chingford, and a poetic dissertation reflecting on architecture for healthcare have all won 2023 RIBA President’s Medals. Now in their 187th year, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s
The Built Environment Technology Association (BETA) in partnership with executive search consultancy, Beaumont Bailey, recently launched its EcoSystem Map of the world’s leading technologies for the Pre-Construction stage of construction projects. With the support of Procore, Build UK, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and SEKTOR, BETA and Beaumont
Commenting on the publication of proposals for a new Future Homes Standard, setting out the carbon and energy efficiency requirements for all new homes from 2025, Tamsin Lishman, CEO of The Kensa Group comments: “The publication of proposals requiring all new homes to be low-cost, low-carbon and energy efficient to
New research from a leading construction professional body shows a large proportion of people would not buy a newly built property due to concerns over quality. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published its ‘New Build Housing: How regulation can improve the consumer journey report. It explores public perceptions
Thousands of much needed homes for the West Midlands are being lost and delayed due to late plan-making, according to a new report from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The ‘Perfect Storm’ Insight report considers what impacts the pace of change in the planning system has had on plan-making in
RWE, the largest power generator in Wales, and Dragon LNG, one of the three UK LNG terminals providing energy security into the UK, have awarded a contract to AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organisation, to carry out an engineering study for their collaborative project ‘MUST’ – Multi-Utility
Design, planning and development consultancy Marrons has expanded its masterplanning and urban design team with the appointment of Sarah Middleton – a highly-talented associate director in Birmingham. With a wide range of design experience, Sarah has joined Marrons following more than three years at edgeUD where she worked on masterplanning
In June, the Home Office published a report on the economic and social cost of fire in England The estimated total economic and social cost of fire in England, in the year ending March 2020, was £12.0 billion. Of this, £3.2 billion was labelled as ‘marginal cost’ (or as the
The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) was delighted to have returned to Coventry on the evening of Thursday 23rd October for the staging of its 6th Annual Awards Ceremony. With a record number of submissions across the seven categories, this year’s programme again produced some truly exceptional entries from right across the electro-mechanical arena. The Doubletree by Hilton, ideally situated at the M6/M69 intersection, once again played host to the gala presentation dinner, during which professional endeavour, product innovation, skills development, engineering prowess and service delivery were all acknowledged and celebrated. Operated by the AEMT and produced by Touchwave Media, the awards programme acknowledges the skill, effort and sheer dedication of the people and businesses serving today’s complex electrical and mechanical service, maintenance, and repair sector. With sponsorship provided by a host of leading industry names, well deserved industry-wide recognition was given to those businesses and individuals that are excelling in their professional endeavours. The 2023 AEMT Awards Winners are as follows: – PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by DFA MEDIA GROUP Menzel Motors: Pressurized Explosion Proof Motors for Zone 1 Customers that operate larger Motors in Hazardous Areas, typically refineries and chemical plants need to prevent ignitable gasses from entering operating machines. The Menzel system allows large Modular Motor operation in Zone 1 CACA or CACW, normally from 450mm frames and larger at all voltage ratings, combining Menzel’s well known flexibility, expertise, and speed of response with the requirements for Zone 1 Operation. Custom built to site requirements and highest safety standards. Highly qualified staff ensure that Menzel can respond at very short notice: With EXP systems in stock readily adaptable and deployable at short notice this is a unique feature for a medium-sized motor manufacturer such as Menzel. PROJECT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by EMiR SOFTWARE MKE Engineering Group: Browndown Pumping Station The project took place at a water utility company pumping station that was experiencing frequent tripping of equipment. Originally commissioned in the 1970’s it was in desperate need of an upgrade. Using ABB Ultra Low Harmonic drives potential issues with harmonics have been mitigated, whilst providing a clean user-friendly operating system. Feedback from the customer has been excellent, not for just the elimination of the rogue tripping but also for the sizeable energy savings. SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YEAR Sponsored by ABB Avonmouth Engineering Services Avonmouth Engineering Services’ custom built 70,000 square foot site is the largest single workshop facility for electrical and mechanical repairs in the UK. Alongside its second 20,000 square foot division in Cheltenham, the company provides an extensive range of inhouse and onsite services for the repair, overhaul, and upgrade of electromechanical technologies across the entire rotodynamic industry, with a special focus on reliability services and the pump industry. SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by MEGGER TEC Electric Motors TEC motors currently hold over £16 million pounds worth of Power Transmission stock in the UK, all available for immediate same day shipping; whether the requirement is a 0.09kw or a 645kw motor, a compact frame, a B56 or Brake motor, as UK’s largest independent electric motor stockist, TEC has the product. In over 18 years the company has sold over 1.5 million motors providing 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency solution to all AEMT members. CONTRIBUTION TO SKILLS & TRAINING Sponsored by SULZER Ian Pattinson: The Faraday Centre Ian, a devoted member of the Faraday Centre Limited for 23 years, began his engineering journey at English Electric, honing his expertise before transitioning to impactful roles at British Steel. Passionate about Power Distribution and Transformers, he later became a High Voltage lecturer dedicating himself to safety and education globally. Ian’s legacy encompasses exceptional teaching, consultancy, and an enduring commitment to shaping engineers and fostering a safety driven industry culture. RISING STAR AWARD Sponsored by TEC ELECTRIC MOTORS Josh Bottomley: EMiR Josh Bottomley is Team Manager for Hosted Services and EMiR Support. Josh manages a team of support engineers who provide technical and maintenance support for EMiR Software and EMiR-Cloud, the electro-mechanical industry’s leading ERP software solution. Over the last 4 years, Josh has gone from unqualified apprentice to EMiR Support Team Leader and now heads up a team of support engineers, inspiring them to perform at the highest levels and trying hard to improve our service every day. DIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING AWARD Sponsored by PREFORMED WINDINGS Hidrostal: Incorporating Avonmouth Engineering Services, Bedford Pumps & Hidrostal At Hidrostal GB, ED&I is embedded into its culture. From recruitment to career development, alongside everyday life at work, the company ensures that its employees feel supported, valued, and accommodated whatever their individual needs. As part of the UK Home Office sponsorship scheme, Hidrostal has a strong focus on wellbeing with EAP Programmes, MHFAiders and Wellness rooms onsite. Its Diversity & Equal Opportunities policy has been adopted by the AEMT as a blueprint for others. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Sponsored by AEMT Dave Beresford: Preformed Windings This year, the AEMT is honoured to recognise Mr. Dave Beresford with the AEMT Special Recognition Award for his exemplary performance throughout his career. He started his career as a time served winder back in the sixties progressing to works manager and took responsibility for moving his then business to Newcastle. He has conducted various roles including technical manager, technical sales, and coil shop manager. His sense of community is highlighted by the positive connections made all over the world. Just by mentioning his name you are bound to bring a smile to those who he has worked with and known throughout the decades. His dedication to sustainability and quality has led him to innovate techniques such as press cooling and chiller insulation when forming coils. These improved processes have led to increased efficiency and reduced waste. Most of all, his enthusiasm to share knowledge and educate apprentices, colleagues and customers alike really resonated with the AEMT’s management committee. It exemplifies the values the AEMT holds true to its heart – education, community, and quality. Commenting on the awards
Here’s a bit of history – uPVC windows, known for their affordability and easy maintenance, have evolved significantly since their rise in popularity in the 1980s. These windows, made from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, are a top choice for homeowners in the United Kingdom seeking durable, well-insulated, and cost-effective window solutions. Versatility and design Modern uPVC windows are not limited in style. They are available in various colours, textures, and configurations, fitting both double and triple glazing. This versatility allows them to complement any home style, from new builds to Victorian terraces. Furthermore, uPVC windows are among the most affordable options in the market, costing about from 50% up to 200% less than aluminium windows and 50% less than wooden frames. Types of uPVC windows: Comparative advantages When compared to timber, aluminium, and composite frames, uPVC windows excel in energy efficiency, security, and appearance. They are easier to clean and maintain than timber, more cost-effective than aluminium, and, while not as long-lasting as composite windows, they offer a balance of efficiency and affordability. Customisation options A major benefit of uPVC windows is the wide range of colours and finishes available, allowing homeowners to tailor their windows to match their home’s interior design. While white frames are the cheapest, more unique colours and wood grain finishes are also available, though at a higher cost. These options significantly enhance the curb appeal and value of a property. Energy efficiency and noise reduction The choice between double and triple glazing units in uPVC windows depends on the homeowner’s priorities. Triple glazing offers superior insulation and energy efficiency but at a higher cost. Conversely, double glazing provides good warmth retention and soundproofing, with some uPVC casement windows reducing noise by up to 70%. Purchasing and environmental considerations The uPVC windows can be bought off the shelf or customised for unique properties. It’s crucial to engage FENSA accredited (UK market only) installers for fitting. Despite being a plastic product, uPVC windows, when maintained well and recycled at the end of their lifespan, can have a minimised environmental impact. They typically last between 20–35 years, offering a balance of style, security, and budget-friendliness. When is it worth choosing uPVC windows? Choosing uPVC windows is particularly advantageous in several scenarios. If you’re seeking a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality, uPVC windows are a top choice due to their lower price point compared to alternatives. They are ideal for homeowners prioritising low maintenance, as they require minimal upkeep and are durable against various weather conditions. For those living in noisy areas, uPVC windows with a double or triple glazing unit can significantly reduce external noise. Additionally, if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency, these windows offer excellent thermal insulation, potentially lowering heating costs. Their versatility in design and colour options makes them suitable for both modern and traditional homes, ensuring they can seamlessly match your property’s aesthetic. Therefore, whether you’re renovating a period property, constructing a new build, or simply looking to upgrade your windows within a budget, uPVC windows present a practical, stylish, and economically sound choice. Conclusion The uPVC windows are a worthwhile choice for homeowners in the UK, offering a blend of affordability, durability, and energy efficiency. Their adaptability to various home styles, coupled with their low maintenance and environmental considerations, makes them an attractive option for those looking to replace or install new windows.
Designs for supportive housing for people living with young-onset Alzheimer’s, a sustainable timber building to host United Nations discussions on a patch of concrete in Chingford, and a poetic dissertation reflecting on architecture for healthcare have all won 2023 RIBA President’s Medals. Now in their 187th year, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Medals recognise the world’s best work of architecture students through design projects and dissertations. The winning projects demonstrate a strong focus on how architecture can address the needs of people and their communities. Rooted in personal lived experience, examining health and social care and ecosystem restoration, RIBA President Muyiwa Oki has called this year’s projects “the useful architecture we need”. The RIBA Silver Medal for the best design project produced at RIBA Part 2 or equivalent, is awarded to Ellie Harding at the London School of Architecture for Nobody Wants to Live in a Care Home. This is the first time a student from the school has won the award. Alzheimer’s disease is not limited to the elderly and supportive housing options fail to reflect this, meaning people diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s, often with young families, can face difficult choices. Nobody Wants to Live in a Care Home enables families to continue to live together and asks how an architectural understanding of the effects of Alzheimer’s on spatial perception can be used to create better spaces for those living with the disease. On receiving the 2023 RIBA Silver Medal, Ellie Harding said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Silver Medal. I would like to thank RIBA and the judging panel for their recognition of this project, that seeks to improve the lives of people living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. I was inspired by the lived experiences of a close friend, and I am proud to advocate for better spaces which support the whole family. It is an absolute privilege to be the first student from The London School of Architecture to receive this award, and I would like to celebrate my fantastic tutors, faculty and peers who make it a truly dynamic and forward-thinking place to study.” Commendations in the RIBA Silver Medal category: The RIBA Bronze Medal for the best design project produced at RIBA Part 1 or equivalent and the RIBA Part 1 Award for Sustainable Design are awarded to Kacper Sehnke at the University of Westminster for The Council for Ecosystem Restoration. The proposed building turns a concrete-covered site in Epping Forest into the host of the United Nations Decade for Ecosystems Restoration project, serving as a platform for political discussions, research, and lobbying to protect and restore global ecosystems. Made from recycled and upcycled local timber, the building embraces regenerative principles, combining technical and biological circularity strategies, and prioritising habitat restoration. On receiving the 2023 RIBA Bronze Medal, Kacper Sehnke said: “Receiving this award is such a great honour! I would like to express my gratitude to RIBA and the judges for selecting my project and for offering architecture students worldwide an opportunity to showcase their work. I’d like to also thank my tutors who helped me in pushing the project beyond its limits, and to the course leader and head of school for nominating my project among others. I want to extend this thank you to everyone who was involved in the project throughout the year, as it would not have been possible without their contributions and guidance.” Commendations in the RIBA Bronze Medal category: The RIBA Dissertation Medal is awarded to Chloe Shang at the Royal College of Art for Poems from the Patient Patient \ Finding Amor Fati. Chloe also received the 2022 RIBA Wren Insurance Scholarship to support her studies, and this is the first time a student from the Royal College of Art has won the Dissertation Medal. Grounded in testimony and lived experience, this poetic dissertation explores the agency of writing as a method of healing, and the inequalities, contradictions and opportunities facing the contemporary health system, discussing how the design and construction of our healthcare spaces can be changed. On receiving the 2023 RIBA Dissertation Medal, Chloe Shang said: “It is an amazing honour to be awarded this year’s Dissertation Medal. I want to say the biggest thank you to RIBA, the judges, my tutors, the RCA, and my loved ones for their encouragement of this work, and with whom I share the joy of its recognition. Writing about healthcare is challenging because it is seldom explored or celebrated in architecture school – yet these spaces have such a powerful opportunity to inspire hope and healing when we need them most. I hope that my work may continue to challenge perceptions, and instil enthusiasm, in the future of healthcare architecture.” Commendations in the RIBA Dissertation Medal category: The RIBA Awards for Sustainable Design, acknowledging the importance of climate action in the development of architectural design proposals, have been awarded for the fifth year. At Part 1, it is awarded to Kacper Sehnke at the University of Westminster (alongside the RIBA Bronze Medal) for The Council for Ecosystem Restoration. At Part 2, it is awarded to Chew Shan Wei at the University of Bath for The Udaipur Plastic School. The Serjeant Awards for Excellence in Drawing,presented in memory of Denis Serjeant, a founding member of the 1981 RIBA Student Prizes Group, have been awarded to Michael Becker at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (alongside a RIBA Bronze Medal Commendation) for A Habit of Building: Considering Labour, the Architect and the Construction Site at Part 1, and to Chloe Dalby at Newcastle University for Earth’s Breath: Wind and Wild at Part 2. A Commendation of the Serjeant Award at Part 2 went to Zibo Zhang at the Royal College of Art for Folgelandschaft. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “This year’s RIBA President’s Medals showcase the exemplary work of architecture students from across the globe. The talent, creativity and sensitivity demonstrated in the winning and commended projects reassure me that the future of architecture is in safe hands. This year, perhaps more than in any previous years, we have seen entries that speak to what it means to be human on a planet in crisis. In this challenging context, students have dared to dream by elevating technical scale and ambition, by supporting physical and mental well-being, and by tackling the climate emergency head-on. I was humbled by the way that students so confidently addressed issues that stem from
The Built Environment Technology Association (BETA) in partnership with executive search consultancy, Beaumont Bailey, recently launched its EcoSystem Map of the world’s leading technologies for the Pre-Construction stage of construction projects. With the support of Procore, Build UK, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and SEKTOR, BETA and Beaumont Bailey have created four distinct papers that focus on different areas of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) asset cycle. Each paper provides a thorough list of technology providers within each section of the asset cycle, a list of industry trailblazers which have been independently judged on accessibility and includes a directory of all the businesses included in the EcoSystem. The Pre-Construction phase covers RIBA 3 (Spatial Co-ordination) and RIBA 4 (Technical Design). This report has been expanded to cover any procurement and collaboration platforms that are utilised before construction begins. This includes many of the estimating and bidding platforms, risk management and incorporates the beginning of the site data capture platforms. George Dobbins, Founder of BETA said: “The construction sector represents one of the largest sectors globally by economic output and an area of significant opportunity for integrated technology. With numerous products and technologies available that enable sustainability targets to be achieved, improve health and safety on sites, and create more efficient processes throughout the build cycle, the BETA x Beaumont Bailey EcoSystem Map outlines the key businesses at the very forefront of construction technology. The RIBA design stages are the most widely recognised steps throughout all areas of the asset cycle. We hope these reports provide a central resource for the industry to improve the understanding, awareness and adoption of the right technologies”. To view the second paper in the series of reports, visit the campaign landing page: https://www.beaumontbailey.com/built-environment-technology-ecosystem/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the publication of proposals for a new Future Homes Standard, setting out the carbon and energy efficiency requirements for all new homes from 2025, Tamsin Lishman, CEO of The Kensa Group comments: “The publication of proposals requiring all new homes to be low-cost, low-carbon and energy efficient to run is a major step forward for the decarbonisation of homes and heat. This new standard will boost heat pump installations drastically, expanding the market from 50,000 to over 250,000 almost overnight, providing companies like Kensa with the confidence to go ahead and invest heavily in new manufacturing facilities and the continued development of our supply chains. “It is particularly important that these proposals intend to make heat pumps and low-carbon heat networks the default options for heat in new homes, effectively banning new gas grid connections and so-called hydrogen-ready boilers from installation. Allowing these technologies to continue to be installed in new homes would simply have maintained confusion about the future of home heating and short-changed hundreds of thousands of new home buyers who would have inevitably had to replace their fossil fuel heating system in the years to come. “In an extremely busy policy landscape, establishing these standards is the single most important step the government can take to fire up the heat pump market and drive investment in the sector. As a developer of networked heat pumps, a heat pump in each home connected to a shared networked in the street, Kensa is confident the Future Homes Standard will now lead to a major expansion in the deployment of this technology, combining the best of heat networks and individual heat pumps.“ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research from a leading construction professional body shows a large proportion of people would not buy a newly built property due to concerns over quality. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published its ‘New Build Housing: How regulation can improve the consumer journey report. It explores public perceptions of new build homes along with levels of awareness of the standards housebuilders must adhere to and where to turn for help when they’re not met. Its findings highlight how housebuilders need to do more to demonstrate quality to potential buyers when marketing new homes. It also includes results from a consumer survey of 2,000 UK adults* which found that 55% believe older homes are of better quality than newbuilds compared to 21% who think new builds are better. Almost a third of survey respondents (32%) chose to describe new build housing as ‘poor-quality’. The report is accompanied by a guide for anyone considering buying a new build home which informs them of the protections they have as well as what they can do to identify issues in their home. CIOB says in the midst of a housing crisis, where the choice of homes can be limited, its important consumers understand instances of poor-quality new builds are less common and have an awareness of the measures in place to hold housebuilders to account if they do experience problems. They also recommend anyone buying a new build property enlists the services of a professional snagging company to identify defects, many of which aren’t visible to the untrained eye, which can then be flagged to the developer for resolution. David Parry, CIOB’s parliamentary & public affairs officer and author of the report, says although minor snagging with new builds is commonplace, the overall quality of new builds has improved in recent years. “Our research shows the majority view of new build homes is that they’re of low quality and this puts many people off from considering buying one,” said Parry. “However, the reality is that quality has improved, and new builds are for example generally much more energy efficient than older homes as must adhere to more stringent regulations such as the Future Homes Standard, so have lots of positives. “Our report is designed to provide consumers with reassurance that the majority of housebuilders are signed up to a very clearly defined and high set of standards while, for those who do encounter issues, there is an ombudsman to intervene if a housebuilder fails to meet those standards and doesn’t resolve problems adequately.” CIOB’s survey also shows there is a lack of trust in housebuilders to build new homes to a high standard with around 33% of respondents indicating they have a ‘low level of trust’ and 63% saying they are very or somewhat concerned about potential issues with new build housing. CIOB says housebuilders have a leading role to play in rebuilding consumer confidence by better promoting the standards they are committed to and providing buyers with clear information on how they are regulated. The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) is an independent body formed by Government in 2021 to ensure consistently high standards of quality and service are met by housebuilders. Currently registration with the NHQB is not mandatory, although around 80% are registered and the number is increasing all the time. CIOB is calling on Government to undertake a review of the NHQB to understand whether registration should now become mandatory for all housebuilders. In addition, the New Homes Ombudsman (NHO) can investigate situations where a customer is not satisfied with the resolution set out by their housebuilder on a matter of quality, information or customer service. Parry adds: “According to our survey only 13% of people would go to the New Homes Quality Board if they had a problem with a new build home. For those who have purchased one in the last year, that figure went up a fraction to 18% so clearly awareness of the body is very low despite most buyers being given information about them during the purchase process. A wider consumer awareness campaign would be a sensible way to increase awareness and give prospective buyers the confidence to consider a newly built property.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thousands of much needed homes for the West Midlands are being lost and delayed due to late plan-making, according to a new report from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The ‘Perfect Storm’ Insight report considers what impacts the pace of change in the planning system has had on plan-making in the West Midlands, highlighting the impact on the future delivery of homes across one of the biggest and most important urban areas in the country. Lifting the lid on the current situation, the report identifies a ‘perfect storm’ created by fundamental economic challenges and a plan-led system, which has been tampered with too much in the last three years and that now urgently needs certainty. The report finds that while some local planning authorities have met their needs, at least seven LPAs are identified as likely to fail to meet their housing needs in the five-year period 2020-2025. This reflects around 16,500 homes being lost over the same period and equates to the under-delivery of new homes for over 40,000 people in the West Midlands region alone. Lichfields says the impact of all the ‘lost’ housing delivery in the region is having a severe economic impact; they have calculated that in excess of £2.5bn capital investment has been lost over the 2020 to 2025 period, with 7,600 direct FTE and more than 8,000 indirect FTE jobs also lost annually on top of losses of £1.4bn GVA (gross value added) per annum. It also found that some 55,000 houses on draft-allocated housing land, and 730 ha of draft-allocated employment land, are being held up from delivery across the region as a result of delayed Local Plans, with the impact of this being that the delivery of homes for over 130,000 people and as high as 85,000 jobs have been delayed by years. (pictured) Myles Wild-Smith, associate director at Lichfields’ Birmingham office and co-author of the report, believes these figures make for stark reading and highlight the pressing need for much greater stability and confidence in the planning-making process. “Our study into the West Midlands housing sector offers a clear insight into the current market situation and state of plan-making,” he said. “The region is one of the most dynamic, best performing parts of the country with strong economic growth. It’s also an attractive place to live and work but it’s evident it’s also failing to realise its full potential, hampered by a sluggish approach to plan-making and consequently housing and employment land delivery. “It’s clear LPAs want certainty in the plan-making system, with many LPAs officially or unofficially delaying their Local Plan Reviews as a result of anticipated changes to national planning policy. In failing to properly plan through a plan-led system, the housing and employment sectors in certain areas are being detrimentally affected despite the high demand for quality housing and employment land in places where people want to live, build communities and work.” The report highlights missed opportunities for the West Midlands to deliver homes and jobs for local people in the face of delayed plan-making. Had more up-to-date plans been in place, it remains questionable whether the wider impact on housing delivery would have been so acute, added Myles Wild-Smith, given there would have been a greater supply to begin with, and the impact of delays or reduced delivery would have been less pronounced. The report echoes the critical need for certainty within the planning-making process, to enable LPAs to feel confident in investing significant time and resources in preparing local plans. “Certainty comes from investing in a planning system that grapples with long term growth, generating prosperity and meeting local housing and employment needs through a plan-led system,” Alex Davies, who co-authored the report, believes. “Until we have calmer seas, the plan-making world will continue to be choppy – and the West Midlands will be unable to reach its full economic and development potential. Indeed, for a region that prides itself on economic achievement and growth aspirations, a suite of up-to-date plans is now paramount.” The ‘Perfect Storm’ Insight report is based on analysis of 18 LPAs across the West Midlands who are, or at least should be, preparing plans. It found that only six draft plans were sufficiently advanced to contain draft housing and employment land allocations which are now delayed by at least two years and at least seven LPAs are identified as likely to fail to meet their housing needs in the five-year period 2020-2025. The report is available at https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/a-perfect-storm Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RWE, the largest power generator in Wales, and Dragon LNG, one of the three UK LNG terminals providing energy security into the UK, have awarded a contract to AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organisation, to carry out an engineering study for their collaborative project ‘MUST’ – Multi-Utility Services Transit – an infrastructure project connecting industry across the Milford Haven Waterway. The study will examine the environmental robustness of technical solutions and determine if any of the potential transit opportunities, including the transfer of residual process heat, export route for CO2and blue and green hydrogen, could reduce CO2 emissions on both the South and North side of the Haven. Depending on the outcome of the study, the opportunities that the MUST project could potentially provide are: Richard Little, Director of Pembroke Net Zero Centre, RWE commented: “This appointment demonstrates the commitment both RWE and Dragon have towards developing decarbonisation options for the whole of South Wales and is a key part of RWE’s Pembroke Net Zero Centre (PNZC), a major multi-technology decarbonisation initiative in South Wales.” Simon Ames, Managing Director, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy commented: “We are excited to be entering into this important project phase with AtkinsRéalis who will provide recommendations for or against proceeding with project aspects. We continue to work with government and regulatory bodies to ensure we are in a position to progress forward once the results of the study are available in 2024”. Sarah Long – AtkinsRéalis Market Director for Net Zero Energy, said: “The MUST project is a great example of the innovation that will drive forward the decarbonisation of industry at scale and support the development of new technologies that will be vital in the net zero transition. We welcome the opportunity to build on our longstanding relationships with RWE and Dragon LNG and look forward to bringing our knowledge of transit, marine, environment and process plant integration to such a multi-faceted project.” MUST is a key deployment project of the South Wales Industrial Cluster, Dr Chris Williams, Head of Industrial Decarbonisation, Industry Wales, commented “SWIC is excited to see the MUST project develop as an example of industrial symbiosis (sharing), which will be a key element of industry in a net zero world. The sharing between and interconnecting of industries to limit waste and reduce emissions can unlock industrial sustainability, attract inward investment and help secure local jobs. MUST is an exemplar of the type of investment needed to support our industries on their net zero journey – as showcased in the SWIC Cluster Plan.” As a collaborative, flagship component of the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) Deployment Project, the MUST project would represent a step change in net zero infrastructure. The project is supported by an award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI’s) Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge programme, which will provide key support in the engineering and design phases of the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design, planning and development consultancy Marrons has expanded its masterplanning and urban design team with the appointment of Sarah Middleton – a highly-talented associate director in Birmingham. With a wide range of design experience, Sarah has joined Marrons following more than three years at edgeUD where she worked on masterplanning and urban design projects at a variety of scales, with a particular focus on strategic land promotion, placemaking and outline applications. In her new role, she will be working with housebuilder, developer and strategic land clients on land promotion, urban extensions, mixed-use and urban regeneration projects – guiding the proposals from feasibility through to planning approval. Sarah said: “It is an exciting time to join Marrons with the growth of the design team and I’m looking forward to being a part of that as it evolves. The consultancy’s B-Corporation status and commitment to social and environmental sustainability also aligns with my values and interest in creating high-quality, healthy and sustainable places for people. “It is also great to be part of a multi-disciplinary team and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with colleagues in related disciplines such as planning, heritage, architecture and socio-economics, and continuing to grow and collaborate with colleagues with these wider specialisms.” Marrons’ roots are in planning, but the consultancy has since added masterplanning and urban design, socio-economics, heritage and architecture to its list of services, with locations across the country – including the Midlands, London, the South East and, most recently, the South West. Partner Luke Hillson recently joined the consultancy from Barton Willmore to head up its national masterplanning and urban design service, and Tom Macklen joined the business last year to head up its architecture service. The consultancy has also recently welcomed masterplanning and urban design director Maria Vierma, heritage director Hannah Hamilton-Rutter, planning partner Ian Blacker, and planning partner Charlotte El Hakiem. Luke Hillson, masterplanning and urban design partner at Marrons, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the team. Her excellent urban design, visioning, promotion and feasibility experience will be invaluable as we continue growing our design offering across the Midlands and nationally. She is a highly-talented designer and will further strengthen our masterplanning and urban design team in Birmingham city centre.” Marrons is proactively seeking team and lateral hires. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In June, the Home Office published a report on the economic and social cost of fire in England The estimated total economic and social cost of fire in England, in the year ending March 2020, was £12.0 billion. Of this, £3.2 billion was labelled as ‘marginal cost’ (or as the cost incurred following a fire). Breaking this down to an individual level, the unit marginal cost of all fires attended was £20,900. The report splits ‘cost’ into three separate categories: As passive fire protection experts, we believe that increasing the preventative ‘Anticipation’ costs (or defensive expenditure in buildings) directly correlates to a reduction in the costs incurred as a result of fires. The government does seem to recognise this in their budgeting, however, with the largest ‘cost’ being attributed to Anticipation, with approximately: It is promising to see such investment into anticipator methods such as passive fire protection products. These products play a significant role, slowing the spread of fire and smoke and buying more time for fires to be identified and extinguished — thus minimising damage costs. Find out more about passive fire protection on the Fire Seals Direct advice centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
