Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark comments, “Propertymark welcomes the appointment of Matthew Pennycook as Housing Minister within the newly formed cabinet. Housing must play a pivotal role for the government moving forwards and in real terms, delivering over 1,100 new homes every single working day for the next five years will
A shatterproof safety mirror with top sustainability credentials has been launched by Saint-Gobain Glass. MIRALITE® EASYSAFE delivers enhanced safety performance in comparison to standard mirrors and is ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as public buildings, sports facilities, shopping centres, bars, restaurants and hotels, When a standard mirror breaks,
After months of seemingly constant rain, it’s no surprise that contractors nationwide are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to put in overtime on site this summer. But for those working at height, it’s vital that they consider extra precautions and prioritise health and safety as the
Savills has expanded its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of Steven Brown who joins as a director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Steven has over 20 years’ experience in project management, planning and delivering projects across a
Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 of its products. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest
The UK faces several challenges in achieving its net zero ambitions by 2050. Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Carl Perrin, highlights three of them and what we, at Coventry University Group, are doing to ensure a cleaner tomorrow. The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This statement has
Comments from Claire Petricca-Riding, Head of Planning & Environment at Irwin Mitchell Planning: We expect there to be immediate changes to the planning system which will allow for some flexibility at an early stage in the first year. This includes changes to the NPPF and NPPG. We expect to see
CIBSE has launched a groundbreaking initiative titled Building Performance Reimagined, a visionary project aimed at transforming the landscape of building engineering and sustainability. Commissioned by CIBSE and researched by Arup, the Building Performance Reimagined project diverges from conventional engineering paradigms. Rather than focusing solely on system sizing, maintenance or controls,
A £28.7m, 11-storey apartment scheme delivered by Clegg Construction in Sheffield has won an award at the Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards. The Ironworks took the title of Regional New Build Project of the Year at the awards ceremony, held in Leeds. Featuring 229 one and two-bedroom apartments, the scheme includes
“The UK wakes up to a new government today after 14 years of Conservative rule. For the built environment, Labour’s return will be met with wary anticipation. While its manifesto pledges made a good read for a sector that has experienced ongoing skills shortages, rising costs and lacklustre growth, delivering
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark comments, “Propertymark welcomes the appointment of Matthew Pennycook as Housing Minister within the newly formed cabinet. Housing must play a pivotal role for the government moving forwards and in real terms, delivering over 1,100 new homes every single working day for the next five years will take immense planning and enormous stakeholder engagement to achieve. “There needs to be a long-term cross-party approach with continuity built in as standard – we should never be looking at a housing plan as an insular five year government term, in case of any change down the line. “The housing sector is crying out for a vastly increased supply to keep pace with demand, there simply can be no room for error moving forwards or we may end up with prices artificially rocketing due to consumer desperation in finding a suitable home for their needs. “There must be a broad mix of sustainably built homes that brings much needed stock to both buyers and renters. The plan must be delivered with precision and in a way that is connected with wider government planning to ensure key infrastructure is provisioned for as the population further grows.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A shatterproof safety mirror with top sustainability credentials has been launched by Saint-Gobain Glass. MIRALITE® EASYSAFE delivers enhanced safety performance in comparison to standard mirrors and is ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as public buildings, sports facilities, shopping centres, bars, restaurants and hotels, When a standard mirror breaks, shards of glass can be dangerous for everyone, including building occupants, homeowners and for the professionals who handle and install it. However, MIRALITE® EASYSAFE comprises an anti-shatter resin that retains 98% of splinters in the event of breakage. This patented innovation also provides a consistent, high-quality finish. To support Saint-Gobain’s commitment to the environment, MIRALITE® EASYSAFE is manufactured without plastic film and generates less waste, allowing a more sustainable material choice for interior designers, specifiers and building occupants. When retrofitting, it can be dismantled and fully recycled like any standard mirror. Made with water-based and lead-free raw materials, MIRALITE® EASYSAFE also contributes to improving indoor air quality thanks to ultra-low VOC emissions and meets A+ classifications by EN ISO 16000 VOC emissions testing (Eurofins test, France). Commenting on the launch, Jenni Young, Sector Market Manager at Saint-Gobain Glass says: “Mirrors are magical in their ability to transform a room. They allow designers to bring in light, space and drama. Not only does a mirror add brightness and make spaces appear bigger, but it can also smooth over awkward room shapes. In a social space such as a dining room, bar or nightclub, mirrors add ambience by making it appear busier and thus more vibrant.” She adds, “However, we all know safety is a central issue for everyone using mirrors. With MIRALITE® EASYSAFE, designers can bring their schemes to life, confident that the mirrors they use will be safe, and easy to install and maintain.” MIRALITE® EASYSAFE is also ideal for incorporating into furniture, such as wardrobes, sliding doors, table-tops and shelf backing. It provides a safe, simple and sustainable mirror option. To find a supplier visit https://www.saint-gobain-glass.co.uk/contact/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After months of seemingly constant rain, it’s no surprise that contractors nationwide are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to put in overtime on site this summer. But for those working at height, it’s vital that they consider extra precautions and prioritise health and safety as the mercury soars. That’s why Werner, a leading ladder and access solutions provider, has put together a series of safety tips to ensure building professionals don’t end up with a summer to remember for all the wrong reasons. Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, explains: “With the warmer weather finally here, there’s never been a better time for tradespeople to familiarise with the behaviours essential for maintaining optimum health and safety when working at height in the sun. “By putting together this guide for tradespeople, we’re hoping to help take advantage of the better weather – without risking their health or livelihood in the process.” Werner’s key considerations include: Creating a solid foundation with equipment: Ensuring ladders have the correct classification is important, as poorly made imports are a leading cause of injuries when working at height. This would be EN131 Professional for trade, heavy duty and industrial usages, purchasing a ladder that is to the EN131 standard means that users can have peace of mind it’s been manufactured and tested to ensure maximum safety. Undertaking risk assessments: As a manufacturer, Werner is keen to encourage the importance of working at height safely in all conditions and has a wealth of guides on its website to advise users of ladder and access equipment best practices. When it comes to ladders the user must check the following for suitability and damage: Should a user find any signs of wear and tear, loosening, bending or lack of stability they must inform their employer straight away and they should not attempt to use the equipment under any circumstances. Staying safe in the heat: When focusing on getting the job done, it’s all too easy to forget to hydrate, which can cause dehydration and severe heatstroke. Alone, this is a huge risk to health. However, for those working at height a lack of hydration can mean danger is increased, due to the risk of falls if feeling drowsy, dizzy, or weak. Drinking water at regular intervals helps to cool the body’s temperature and replaces the fluid that may be lost through sweating, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, so it’s important to have fresh water readily available for all working on site. Additionally, it is suggested that all workers to get a CPR certificate to be prepared for possible emergencies during working hours. Wear sunscreen: For those working outside and at height, sunscreen should be worn all year round. Even on cool or overcast days, harmful UV rays still penetrate cloud – and prolonged exposure to them can increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. The Health and Safety Executive found that construction workers are among the most ‘at risk’ of developing this form of cancer, so layering up with sunscreen is essential. Wear suitable clothing: Using the PPE required to undertake a specific job is essential, so while it may be hot it is important not to make choices that will put safety at risk. However, there are types of clothing that can be worn to ensure maximum comfort when working at height in the heat. Clothing made from natural fibres, like cotton and linen, are made from compounds that allow the skin to breathe. Darker colours like navy and black absorb more heat. In contrast, whites and beiges deflect the sun’s wavelengths making them the most suitable choice in extreme temperatures. For broader information on ladder safety, which includes guides on how to choose the correct ladder for the task at hand, how to correctly inspect equipment and for general working from height guidance, visit: https://www.wernerco.com/uk/ladder-safety. For further information about Werner’s range of ladders, access solutions and training visit: www.wernerco.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills has expanded its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of Steven Brown who joins as a director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Steven has over 20 years’ experience in project management, planning and delivering projects across a wide range of sectors and disciplines in the UK, Middle East and Australian markets. More recently he has specialised in multifamily build to rent (BtR) developments, working with clients including British Land, Get Living, Grainger and Grosvenor Estates. Steven joins from Arcadis, where he was a senior project director within the firm’s property and investment business. At Savills, Steven will lead the division’s London living sector team, focusing on residential, built to rent, hospitality and purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) asset classes. Steven Brown comments: “I am delighted to have joined Savills to head-up this exciting new growth area for the division. As we know, confidence is returning in the living sector after a period of sustained cost inflation, constraints on finance and regulatory uncertainty. I believe Savills, as a market leader in residential asset advisory services, is the ideal platform to support investor and developer clients through the project feasibility, design and construction phases of their developments. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the business to bring together in-depth real estate expertise and best-in-class project management services.” Paul Davies, head of London project management at Savills, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Steven to Savills. The living sector is a huge area of growth for the BPC division and with Steven’s knowledge and expertise we will considerably increase our capability to service these clients moving forward. It is fantastic that the team continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to further expansion imminently.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 of its products. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum. Created to encourage transparency across the construction industry, an EPD is a standardised formal document that quantifies a product’s environmental impact. It is based on a detailed life cycle assessment and verified by an accredited third party. Recently awarded Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the prestigious Business Eye Awards, AG’s EPDs reflect the company’s dedication to innovation and its ongoing carbon reduction efforts. Michael Davies, Head of Innovation and Carbon Reduction at AG said: “For many years, we have worked tirelessly to reduce our environmental impact and we are delighted to publish our Environmental Product Declarations.” “A reflection of the continuous innovation we’ve employed to date, our EPDs will provide our customers with essential data that will enhance the sustainability credentials of their projects and provide them with a comprehensive overview of their scheme. We are extremely proud to be able to say that our facilities and products boast some of the industry’s lowest embodied carbon statistics.” From 2019 to 2023, AG reported a 47.8% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, a significant achievement considering the firm’s extended operational hours and the construction of a new £3 million factory in 2023 to meet increased product demand. Additionally, AG reduced its Scope 3 emissions by 4.67% from 2021, underscoring its commitment to a greener future in construction. Verified by EPD Hub, AG’s Environmental Product Declarations represent the latest in the firm’s series of sustainability initiatives. These efforts include a longstanding commitment to producing a significant portion of their product range using recycled aggregate and locally quarried materials. AG’s commitment to energy efficiency is reinforced through regular reviews of its systems and procedures, driving continuous improvement. As part of its CSR strategy, the company has recently made a significant investment of over £5.4 million to modernise its plant, equipment, and technology, underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices and cutting-edge innovation. AG’s CEO, Stephen Acheson commented, “At AG, sustainability isn’t merely a responsibility but a guiding principle that fuels our innovation and shapes our operations. Our EPDs mark a major milestone in our journey to reduce carbon emissions, providing transparent and comprehensive insights into the environmental footprint of our products. These documents and the data they contain underscore our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable products, solidifying AG’s reputation as a leader in low-carbon solutions.” For more information about AG, please visit ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK faces several challenges in achieving its net zero ambitions by 2050. Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Carl Perrin, highlights three of them and what we, at Coventry University Group, are doing to ensure a cleaner tomorrow. The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This statement has been echoed repeatedly in recent years, yet there remain several serious challenges to this ambitious mission. To mark Net Zero Week and with a new Labour government coming into power, it seemed an appropriate time to explore some of these challenges and discuss how Sir Keir Starmer might go about addressing them in the months and years to come. The first is centred around energy and technology uncertainty. Concerns remain about the role of key energy alternatives like hydrogen. There are doubts around the removal of greenhouse gases and carbon leakage, and the pathway to net zero has been scrutinised with questions persisting over the mix of technologies and energy sources required to achieve it. Through our research into green battery technology, hydrogen power and future transport we are committed to working with partners to ease this uncertainty and deliver solutions to complex environmental concerns. Research is just one side of the coin, however, and we must continue to build partnerships in education, industry and policy to develop a positive narrative around green energy and emerging technologies. Net zero strategy The UK emissions trading scheme (EMS) is central to the net zero strategy but addressing carbon leakage remains a challenge. Policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or a Mandatory Product Standard would certainly be a step in the right direction. They would help ensure the UK not only has optimal environmental policies for decarbonisation but is also putting in place preventive measures to ensure these emissions are not shifted elsewhere. These are steps we are taking within our university group through our Decarbonisation Strategy. As a document, this informs our net zero carbon response by not only providing a route map to reducing emission but also placing targets on our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in the years to come. Finally, to reach net zero carbon, electricity will have to get cleaner and there will need to be a lot more of it. Electricity demand is expected to rise as more systems including cars, buses and, in some circumstances heating, will be running on electrical power. Greenpower Park Located at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing industry, the Greenpower Park is a trailblazing centre of excellence for electrification, battery technology and manufacturing, and represents a perfect example of what must become the norm if we are to produce and deliver cleaner, more efficient electricity. As a university group, we’re incredibly proud to be directly involved in this ground-breaking location which seeks to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem by offering an all-in-one solution for battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics. Researchers at Coventry University Group are attempting to meet these three major challenges head on at a national and international level, helping communities and habitats to regenerate themselves by engaging with citizens, with businesses and with technology. Our commitment to creating better futures for the communities around us is at the heart of much that we do and it is imperative that we, along with our partners in academia, industry and government continue to address these issues and deliver innovative solutions for a cleaner tomorrow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Comments from Claire Petricca-Riding, Head of Planning & Environment at Irwin Mitchell Planning: We expect there to be immediate changes to the planning system which will allow for some flexibility at an early stage in the first year. This includes changes to the NPPF and NPPG. We expect to see the re-introduction to mandatory housing targets which will enable confidence in the market and contribute to the 1.5 million homes which are said to be developed in the next parliament. There will be amendments to the green belt policy which could see the easing of VSC and exceptional circumstances requirements for those areas which were previous developed and considered the “grey belt.” It is hoped there will be additional funding for local planning authorities to bring forward local plans and developments – funding more planning officers to unlock the current constraints in the planning system. Long term there could be a reintroduction of regional spatial planning – whether this be at a broad regional level (North West, North East, Midlands etc as before) or the introduction of combined authorities where plans will incorporate development on a county wide level. In the immediate term there are a significant number of infrastructure and renewable energy schemes which are awaiting approval from the secretary of state – these would be easy wins for the SoS for DNEZ (assuming this will still be Ed Miliband) given his ambition for the England and the whole of the UK to be a global leader in achieving net zero and mitigating the effects of climate change. Environment: There will be a lot of focus on environmental issues with the introduction of GB Energy – providing clean renewable energy as a way of providing energy security for all for decades to come. There should be the removal of the current moratorium for onshore wind in England – paving the way for this sector to realise its potential once again. There too will be a relaxed approach to nuclear energy but a hardening of old and gas with no new oil and gas licences in the medium to long term. There will be a fresh look at the Environment Act 2021 and how the UK and business can meet the desired targets – especially on air quality and waste management – focusing on the circular economy to prevent and re-use waste materials. There will be more focus on habitat protection and making ELM’s work for both the agricultural sector and the environment. It is also clear that there will be a review of the water industry and whilst many would like to see this sector once again nationalised, in the short-term holding water companies to account and reducing pollution incidents are stated goals. Conclusion “What I want to see is properly funded local planning authorities and the Environment Agency so they can function correctly. Planning fees should be ring fenced for the planning department with any surplus going back to the funds of that council (currently they are not so they go directly to the central funds). I also want some pace over perfection – we could have some easy wins which help the sector, but we should have continuous improvements instead of delayed perfection – this is what is required to get Britain building again. All improvements should have climate change and sustainability at the heart of those decisions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE has launched a groundbreaking initiative titled Building Performance Reimagined, a visionary project aimed at transforming the landscape of building engineering and sustainability. Commissioned by CIBSE and researched by Arup, the Building Performance Reimagined project diverges from conventional engineering paradigms. Rather than focusing solely on system sizing, maintenance or controls, the initiative takes a holistic, future-oriented perspective on building performance. At its core, Building Performance Reimagined seeks to redefine the parameters of traditional engineering practices and equip CIBSE members with the tools to meet future challenges head-on. The project explores the dynamic and evolving nature of building performance, going beyond energy efficiency and carbon reduction to consider broader forms of value within the built environment. The theme of “Building Performance Reimagined” was also central to the Presidential Address of CIBSE’s new President, Fiona Cousins. In her address, President Cousins emphasised the importance of embracing future-focused approaches and reimagining building performance to meet evolving societal and environmental needs. The report introduces four pivotal performance metrics designed to guide the industry towards enhanced health and resilience: Variety: Optimising building services to promote space efficiency, adaptability and user diversity. Readiness: Enhancing building services to anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring resilience against unforeseen threats. Connectedness: Integrating building services with local and wider systems, enhancing responsiveness to the environment and its contents. Emergence: Enabling building services to contribute positively over time, learning and adapting as structures age. Building Performance Reimagined expands the role of building services engineers beyond traditional boundaries. Engineers are now tasked with enhancing all aspects of life within and around buildings, fostering biodiversity, promoting social equity through design decisions and influencing urban contexts to harmonise with local and city infrastructures. CIBSE invites industry professionals to embark on this transformative journey, leveraging futures and systems thinking methodologies to anticipate evolving needs, explore potential futures, and identify opportunities to shape a sustainable built environment. This forward-thinking approach aims to redefine “high performance” in buildings by emphasising collective social value and multi-species stakeholder interests. The Building Performance Reimagined report is available for free download at https://www.cibse.org/policy-insight/key-policy-areas/building-performance-reimagined. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £28.7m, 11-storey apartment scheme delivered by Clegg Construction in Sheffield has won an award at the Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards. The Ironworks took the title of Regional New Build Project of the Year at the awards ceremony, held in Leeds. Featuring 229 one and two-bedroom apartments, the scheme includes a range of sustainability features such as a biomass energy centre providing hot water and heating throughout the building, with the intention to connect to the city’s district heating system in due course and use hot water from energy generated from the city’s Energy-from-Waste (EfW) plant. Each apartment has a central thermostat that is linked to an app on the resident’s phone, allowing the heating to be carefully and remotely controlled. The flow rates and temperature of water going into and leaving every apartment are monitored daily and a monthly report provides data on areas where the efficiency of the system can be improved. Completed by Clegg Construction last year for Rise Homes, the scheme also includes flow rate restrictors, electric vehicle charging, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), bat boxes, and automatic light movement sensors. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “The Ironworks was a fantastic project to deliver for Rise Homes and we are delighted that it has been named as Regional New Build Project of the Year at the Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards. “It is truly deserving of this title, as the development includes an array of sustainability features which are helping to reduce impact on the environment and enable residents to live in a greener, more environmentally friendly, way. Congratulations to all involved in delivering The Ironworks, and to all those who won Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards at the recent awards ceremony.” The Ironworks has also been shortlisted for an Insider Property Dinner South Yorkshire award, having been named a finalist in the Sustainable Development of the Year Award. Nigel Rawlings, CEO of Rise Homes, said: “The Ironworks is an attractive private rented scheme that Sheffield, and everyone involved in delivering it, can be very proud of. For it to now win the title of Regional New Build Project of the Year at the Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards is a brilliant accomplishment and a great endorsement of our commitment to sustainability.” Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
“The UK wakes up to a new government today after 14 years of Conservative rule. For the built environment, Labour’s return will be met with wary anticipation. While its manifesto pledges made a good read for a sector that has experienced ongoing skills shortages, rising costs and lacklustre growth, delivering on them will be another matter. Just think back to the success of the Conservatives “New Deal” promise to “Build, Build, Build”… “Labour’s vowed rollout of a 10-year infrastructure strategy to “end the chaos” of the UK’s “crumbling infrastructure” has some interesting, though not necessarily revolutionary, ideas. Delivering 1.5 million new homes in England sounds impressive, but there is already a backlog of 4.3 million homes. Regardless, it is a good starting point if Labour can overcome the challenges faced by previous governments. “Housebuilding has long been stifled by planning policy, However Labour’s promise to slash red tape and give combined authorities much needed new powers are to be welcomed, though have yet to be tested by locals and environmentalists, furious about green belt land being redesignated for development. “To meet its housing target, Labour must help the construction industry get back on its feet. Its first step will be addressing the ongoing skills crisis. The Apprenticeship Levy, for example, has not been fit for purpose for some time. Apprenticeship starts have severely declined and completion rates have plummeted. “It’s replacement, the Growth and Skills Levy, will certainly prove very attractive for employers, who have long complained they cannot spend their levy payments on apprenticeships. Given that UK employee investment has been falling, this levy, combined with the creation of the new “Skills UK” body, could be instrumental for the long-term health of the sector, attracting and retaining much needed new talent. “Labour has created a rod for their own back with promises to “hit the ground running”. They have inherited a very difficult challenge and must deliver, but if their ambitions are supported, our sector, the build environment, may experience the green shoots of recovery, sooner rather than later.” Robbie Blackhurst, Founder and Director of Black Capital Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
