I wanted to share a new case study on behalf of RWC, who have recently supported the renovation of a high rise development in Chelsea. High-rise living forms a critical part of the solution to the growing demand for homes across the UK. To ensure the success of these buildings,
Students from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire got an insight into the huge range of jobs on offer at HS2 this week when the high speed rail project opened its doors to local schools and colleges. Almost 200 students from twelve schools and colleges attended the two-day ‘Making Tracks into Construction’
Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has made a new Partnership Agreement with abrdn to create a high spec flexible workspace at Ingenuity House, Bickenhill Lane, Solihull, B37. The new space will open in January 2024. The 30,500 sq ft flexible workspace will be newly refurbished to provide around 550 workstations
Kier Group plc has joined Causeway Technologies’ ground-breaking project aimed at developing automated, real-time reporting of scope 3 emissions in the construction sector. The scope 3 initiative is well advanced in developing a software solution that can deliver a credible, verifiable, efficient and scalable way to measure scope 3 emissions
Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental
As Greyfriars Project Management prepare to take another multi-million-pound project they manage into construction, Jon Barnard finds it hard to believe it’s just five years since he established the business. “With construction starting on the site of the Great Yarmouth Operations and Maintenance Campus, it’s incredible to be able to
CEG has delivered a turnkey office solution for Equifax at East West in Nottingham. Equifax moved into the 20,000 sq ft bespoke designed workspace within the Maid Marion Way building in August and has signed a 10-year lease. Phil McGilvary, Managing Director of Debt Services at Equifax, said: “It was
Following the Prime Minister’s speech on net zero commitments, Jeff House, External Affairs & Policy Director at Baxi, explains what is needed next to continue momentum to decarbonising heat. “We welcome the government’s commitment to improving the Boiler Upgrade Scheme by increasing the total grant to £7,500. As a manufacturer
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which
Panthera Group is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the official hoarding contract for the €8.7 billion regeneration of East London’s Silvertown. The company has been appointed by logistics firm Clipfine on behalf of the main developer, Lendlease. The mixed-use regenerative project is set to become a new
I wanted to share a new case study on behalf of RWC, who have recently supported the renovation of a high rise development in Chelsea. High-rise living forms a critical part of the solution to the growing demand for homes across the UK. To ensure the success of these buildings, specifiers and consultants must select systems that align with modern construction methods and meet the demands of residents today and in the future. Water management is a particular consideration here, ensuring every dwelling has a reliable, consistent and safe supply of water, as well as contributing to broader sustainability efforts by supporting responsible usage and greater water savings. The Chelsea Creek development, which utilises solutions from RWC’s Reliance Valves range, demonstrates how water management systems can successfully control and monitor water supply to large numbers of apartments, while also mitigating against leaks to protect occupants and buildings from costly water damage. Smart water technology for West London Canalside living Water is at the heart of the canalside Chelsea Creek development in London, but to ensure a safe and reliable supply of water to 147 individual apartments, an innovative water management system was required. To efficiently control and monitor water supply, as well as mitigate against leaks, solutions from Reliance Valves were selected. Located in the heart of Chelsea, Chelsea Creek is the exciting transformation of a 7.8 acre brownfield site into a new development based around waterside living. Featuring stunning landscapes of tree-lined avenues and meandering waterways, the neighbourhood perfectly combines tranquillity and metropolitan living and brings a sophisticated European aesthetic to West London. Comprising of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, the development would require intricate plumbing pipework – not just due to the nature of high-rise buildings, but also to achieve the high specification ambitions of the project. To strike this balance, building services contractor, Briggs & Forrester Living, needed an innovative water management system to control and monitor water supply, mitigate the risk of leaks and the costly effects of water damage. Specifying for success The Tenant Valve Plus and MultiSafe Leak Detector Control Valve by Reliance Valves were specified by Briggs & Forrester to help fulfil their client’s risk management plans and leak mitigation aims. Saving time and space by combining several functions into one compact unit, the Tenant Valve [EM1] [AJ2] includes a BS1010-approved stop valve, a pressure reducing valve and strainer, double check valve, dual-reading pressure gauge, and a connection point for an optional water meter. The combination valve effectively controls and monitors water supply to individual dwellings, while its single-piece design significantly reduces the number of leak points compared to a traditional chain of individual valves. It was also more cost-effective and easier to install and maintain, all of which were crucial to Briggs & Forrester’s building design. Reliance Valves’ MultiSafe Leak Detector Control Valve was also selected to provide an intelligent leak detection system that continuously measures the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the hardness of water. In addition to automatically shutting off water in the event of a leak or an abnormal water pattern, the system sends an alert to the concierge as well as the occupants, via a free app. Mark Durham, Project Manager at Briggs & Forrester Living, said: “Reliance Valves’ MultiSafe leak detection system was selected following trials with several manufacturers on performance, connectivity, control versatility and end-user functions for leak protection and water usage. Our client’s risk management plan and their aim for innovative leak mitigation was of paramount importance for protecting the project during the fit-out phases and was a prerequisite to be “online” prior to the testing and filling stages. “The system’s wireless connectivity, web-based platform and mobile app is ideal for real-time app alerts and email notifications, which performs superbly, fully satisfying the requirement of directive for effective leak mitigation. The leak detection valve coupled with the multifunctional space-saving Tenant Valves assembly, were the ideal paring in our aim to reduce risk of possible leaks.” As the demand for housing continues to soar across the UK, high-rise developments are becoming increasingly common additions to city skylines. While the trend to build upwards maximises limited inner-city space and delivers appealing living spaces for residents, it does pose challenges to specifiers and contractors, including around water supply, control and sustainability. By specifying systems from Reliance Valves, Briggs & Forrester were able to install high-quality and cost-effective systems on the Chelsea Creek development. In practice, this means water supply can be controlled and monitored, maximising efficiency and strengthening sustainability efforts, as well as meeting their client’s requirements for risk management through an innovative leak detection solution. To find out more, visit www.reliancevalves.com/gb/en Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Students from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire got an insight into the huge range of jobs on offer at HS2 this week when the high speed rail project opened its doors to local schools and colleges. Almost 200 students from twelve schools and colleges attended the two-day ‘Making Tracks into Construction’ event hosted in Bicester by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall. The young people – aged between 11 and 19 – got the opportunity to meet people working on the project and take part in activities including interactive plant simulators where they could try their skills on an excavator and see how high tech drones are used for survey work. They also got to see some of the vehicles and equipment used on HS2 construction sites, take part in engineering activities as well as learning more about the environmental and community engagement side of Britain’s new high speed railway. The second day was tailored towards young people with special educational needs and disabilities – with lower numbers and a quieter atmosphere to make the visit more accessible. Dr Catherine Pickup, Director of Project Based Learning at Futures Academy in Banbury, said: “Futures’ Year 10 students were eager to attend the EKFB’s Making Tracks into Construction event. The Year 10 students work on employability projects to find out more about what jobs are available and to develop their skills like teamwork and creative problem solving. “One thing we find is that most students are unaware of the wide range of jobs that are available to them. The chance to see so many organisations involved in such a high-profile infrastructure project is very exciting and will open their eyes to the opportunities they have ahead of them. Our hospitality and catering students are very interested in that side of the project too.” More than 29,000 people are currently working on the HS2 project, both directly and across the UK-wide supply chain, and ‘Making Tracks into Construction’ is part of a push to get more local people involved and inspire the next generation of rail engineers. Construction is well under way on the first phase of HS2, between London and the Birmingham which will improve journeys, boost the economy and free up more space on the existing rail network for freight and local services. More than 3,000 people who were previously unemployed have won work on the project, which has also created more than 1,000 apprenticeships so far. Jhen-Nel Swanston, HS2 Ltd’s Legacy Manager said: “At HS2 we are passionate about showcasing the opportunities and roles that a project like this involves. “It was great that so many young people from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire were able to be on site this week, and I hope that events like this will inspire them to consider careers in construction and the rail industry.” Victoria Hingley, EKFB Skills, Employment and Education Coordinator, said: “It’s exciting to have been part of the team organising and hosting this event – young people are the future of the construction and engineering world, so we have a duty to inspire and help them. “HS2 is a legacy project, and I am passionate about to trying to have a positive impact upon the students and schools along the trace of the EKFB works. The event would not have been possible without the support of our supply chain and our site team at Bicester – thank you to all who have given their time and expertise.” The event was held on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd September. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has made a new Partnership Agreement with abrdn to create a high spec flexible workspace at Ingenuity House, Bickenhill Lane, Solihull, B37. The new space will open in January 2024. The 30,500 sq ft flexible workspace will be newly refurbished to provide around 550 workstations on the ground and first floors of the building. The building offers a unique communal atrium where all customers can enjoy hospitality led amenities and facilities. In a separate deal, Orega has pre-sold 150 desks on the 1st floor to a major financial services business on bespoke flexible terms, a real testament of the quality of the Orega offering within Ingenuity House. Ingenuity House is a unique, highly sustainable office building comprising 114,635 sq ft on five storeys, with a Grade A specification. It is an intelligent building and utilizes top grade integrated technology to successfully create a healthy and inspirational working environment, including using space occupation analysis systems to maximize space utility and energy consumption. It received both the Gold National and the Silver Regional Awards for Innovation at the BCO Awards in 2019 and the Celebrating Construction 2017 Digital Construction Project Award. It has a BREEAM score of 70% The building is located on one of the UK’s best commercial hubs, adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and Railway Station and close to the NEC, Resorts World and the Birmingham Interchange at HS2, currently under construction. Once complete HS2 will cut the Birmingham to London journey time from 1 hour 21 minutes to 52 minutes. The new workspace is designed to be a modern, flexible base for the area’s professional and financial businesses, and will offer brand new: It is the second flexible workspace that Orega has launched in Birmingham. It already offers space at The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus, Queensway.The company now offers flex space from 25 locations across the UK and is the UK’s leading provider of flexible workspace under Management Agreements (as opposed to leases). Ben Hutchen, Real Estate Director at Orega, commented: “Ingenuity House is a unique building, which will attract a lot of interest from businesses who are increasingly looking for a flexible way to occupy property but also require high quality “state of the art” space. The popularity of flex space has been growing in Birmingham. According to CBRE*, the city now has 650,000 sq ft of flex space, an increase of 37% on 2022. Average occupancy rates in the city are high- at 85%.” “We are also delighted to have secured an early pre completion letting to a prime financial services business, which clearly demonstrates the quality of ‘flex’ demand. We are thrilled to have captured this within our joint venture agreement on behalf of abrdn.” Les Ross, Fund Manager, abrdn said, “We look forward to working with Orega on this new partnership, Ingenuity House is a high-quality asset with strong ESG credentials. We are committed to reduce the environmental impact of our buildings and we also have a responsibility to investors who want to ensure the way they invest is environmentally relevant. Given the high specification of this building we expect to attract significant interest from occupiers.” Will Kinnear of HEWN who advised abrdn in the letting to Orega commented, “The flexible workspace sector is flourishing in the regions, as hybrid working becomes business as usual. By their very nature, flexible workspaces are flexible and responsive to market conditions. abrdn understand this and the partnership with Orega, to provide a high-quality flex offering alongside a traditional office product will ensure that Ingenuity House can meet all demand in the area. This site is a gamechanger for the Midlands and the flexible workspace market.” CBRE’s out-of-town specialist, Michelle Mills, is retained by abrdn to lease the remainder of available space with colleague Dan White, head of flex advisory, Midlands and South, acting for Orega and the new occupier. Dan White said: “It’s no secret that take-up of flex product in Birmingham city centre is high, but the out-of-town market is under served. We’re thrilled to have helped Orega get a foothold here, with the pre-let demonstrating that the demand is there.” Michelle Mills added: “The addition of flex space at Ingenuity House will be a draw not only to footloose occupiers looking for high quality accommodation, but also to larger tenants who wish to take dedicated space but can scale-up as they grow within the building. It undoubtedly further boosts the appeal of this high spec and prominently located landmark office space.” Floorplates from 19,000 sq ft – 30,813 sq ft – the biggest along the M42 corridor – remain available at Ingenuity House. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier Group plc has joined Causeway Technologies’ ground-breaking project aimed at developing automated, real-time reporting of scope 3 emissions in the construction sector. The scope 3 initiative is well advanced in developing a software solution that can deliver a credible, verifiable, efficient and scalable way to measure scope 3 emissions in real-time, using invoice data automatically extracted from Causeway Tradex, the largest connected construction supply chain community in the UK. Other partners in the initiative include Aggregate Industries, Balfour Beatty plc, Galliford Try, and Morgan Sindall Group plc. In 2020, Kier Group plc launched its sustainability strategy, Building for a Sustainable World, including the target of achieving net zero scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon by 2045. Data underpins this target, and Kier aims to facilitate the capture of carbon emissions data, improve its accuracy, and ensure industry consistency in supply chain data requests. James Martin, Kier Group director for health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability said: “Kier has a commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2045, supported by a series of interim reduction targets in 2030. Data accuracy is key to our strategy. We have developed our methods of collecting carbon emissions data more effectively, working on making this process more automated which will improve data accuracy. It is key that we and our peers across the industry collaborate on carbon data capture and share consistent data about our emissions. It is only by sharing and developing together that we will be able to make the meaningful difference. Working on this initiative with Causeway and the other partners will bring us closer to all these goals.” Dr Adam O’Rourke, Causeway’s emerging technologies consultant, explained: “At present, contractors are heavily reliant on using generic carbon reporting solutions for estimating scope 3 emissions. These are useful estimating tools, but Causeway’s scope 3 initiative is different – it provides contractors, for the first time, with an accurate, consistent and automated reporting tool that reflects the actual materials and products used, not just what was planned. More accurate reporting means better choices and lower risk for contractors. It really is ‘Scope 3 made easy’.” Causeway and its partners are currently engaging with more suppliers and contractors, as well as validating and testing elements of the software. The project is also being supported via a knowledge transfer partnership with the Engineering Department at the University of Bath. To register for updates on the scope 3 initiative, go to: https://www.causeway.com/carbon-reporting/scope-3 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental benefits of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero. 70-22′ Systems was established in 2022 by three business partners whose experience encapsulates architecture, education and manufacturing amongst other skills, and who decided to develop their own highly-insulated, modular timber building system. Growing organically by providing bespoke packages to clients of parent business, Fraser Architecture, 70-22′ has already delivered properties on the Outer Hebrides[FA1]; and has more than half a dozen schemes of different sizes in the pipeline for the coming year. The trademarked system has been designed specifically to avoid the need for craneage, due to the inaccessibility of many sites, while the cellular component modules take the form of wall blocks, lintels and beams to span larger openings. The SterlingOSB Zero is CNC machined and assembled in the workshop before being filled with Warmcel recycled paper insulation. Significantly, the 70-22′ Systems design personnel were determined from the outset to utilise the West Fraser board because of its formaldehyde free formulation and the fact the material is manufactured in the North of Scotland, using mainly locally sourced softwood from well managed forests. 70-22′ Systems’ co-founder and Commercial Director, Alex Durie, commented: “We use West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero to construct our ecological building components, that are prefabricated in our workshop utilising CNC technology to achieve 0.1mm tolerances for each beam and block. It is the ideal material to use as the shell for our components, which are then filled with recycled insulation to achieve a building system that can achieve market leading thermal performance, with a U-value of 0.1 W/m²k, and excellent air-tightness, while maintaining a breathable floor, wall and roof construction. The added bonus of being formaldehyde-free, OSB enables us to build ecologically, utilising timber grown and processed in Scotland as we aim to limit the travel miles in each of our builds. The OSB produced by West Fraser has performed very well in our structural testing, with our system proving to be 1.6 times stronger than a traditional timber frame – and as our system arrives on site as a component that is pre-fabricated, pre-insulated and designed for manual handling, it is much quicker to assemble.” Not only do all of the 70-22′ Systems structures exceed the thermal requirements of Section 6 to the Building Standards, Scotland, but can also be delivered as a Passivhaus compliant solution where the client or planning consent demand it. In the medium to long term, the business is building a pattern book of standard house types and has plans to establish a pilot plant on the mainland. The company will also be showcasing its system at the Self-Build and Renovation exhibition in Aviemore this autumn. SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm as well as a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications. The high performance panel product, free of added formaldehyde, has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical. As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available to aid with product specification, while downloadable data sheets are available at https://uk.westfraser.com For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As Greyfriars Project Management prepare to take another multi-million-pound project they manage into construction, Jon Barnard finds it hard to believe it’s just five years since he established the business. “With construction starting on the site of the Great Yarmouth Operations and Maintenance Campus, it’s incredible to be able to look back at the scale of projects which we’ve helped deliver in just five years” says Jon. Begun in 2018, Greyfriars Project Management specialise in the delivery of major development and infrastructure projects. Greyfriars have solidified their position as a key player in East Anglia’s project management industry, providing their services for a number of high-profile programmes across the county and beyond. With a focus on managing projects which create genuine community value, they predominantly work with local authorities, charities, academy trusts and similar organisations, and have supported works ranging in budget from £250K to £500M. “We’re proud to have made projects which deliver real public benefit our focus and specialism. As an East Anglian business, it’s so rewarding to be part of developments which deliver such a positive impact on our community” adds Jon. Notable projects Greyfriars have been involved with include: the delivery of the Operations and Maintenance Campus which is in construction, a revamp of a community area for Great Yarmouth’s Middlegate estate, a £500M development of the A46 Newark Bypass, a redevelopment of Angel Road Schools in Norwich, new facilities for the National Trust at Horsey Windpump and Morston Quay and two of the ongoing A47 dualling projects. Despite celebrating just their fifth anniversary this month, Greyfriars have benefitted from Jon’s twenty years of experience in project management. With a background in civil engineering, Jon started his career with May Gurney. He completed his apprenticeship before then working in a number of local authority roles, including leading sustainable transport project delivery in the Greater Norwich area and managing one of the first projects to go through the Planning Act 2008 Development Consent Order process – the Norwich Northern Distributor Road. “Leading Greyfriars has been a new challenge, particularly leading a new and growing business through the pandemic. We’ve built a strong presence in the local business and construction communities, including becoming a committee member of Norfolk Constructing Excellence, invested time in training and development, benefitted from outsourcing elements like marketing – and created a great team which I am incredibly proud of” says Jon. Greyfriars have experienced rapid growth in their first five years and now employ 15 highly-skilled project management staff, with more set to join before the end of 2023. “The Project Manager is a very specialised role and we’re privileged to have found some of the very best in our region to join our team. In a construction industry dominated by men, I’m also very proud of our 60% female team” states Jon. As the Norwich-based consultancy looks ahead to the next five years, they’re focusing on growing the business even further: “We’re looking forward to the successful and timely delivery of all our current projects, as well as taking on additional exciting contracts. We’re eager to continue playing a part in delivering projects which boost the regional economy, and expanding our presence across the local community. Next steps for us include taking on an apprentice to help the next generation develop their skills” concludes Jon. Greyfriars provide full project management services, including programme management, procurement, cost management, masterplanning and more for clients in the public, private, education and charity sectors. For more information about their extensive service offering, visit: https://greyfriarspm.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CEG has delivered a turnkey office solution for Equifax at East West in Nottingham. Equifax moved into the 20,000 sq ft bespoke designed workspace within the Maid Marion Way building in August and has signed a 10-year lease. Phil McGilvary, Managing Director of Debt Services at Equifax, said: “It was time for a transformation when we planned our move from Fletcher Gate. Our new workspace needed to be contemporary and vibrant, helping to retain and attract the best talent. We love East-West; it offers fantastic amenities such as the café bistro, break-out spaces and is within an easy walk of the city centre. CEG was able to custom design a full turnkey solution designed and delivered to our brief, and the team are already really enjoying working in such a fantastic space.” More than 220 workstations have been delivered for Equifax, providing a mix of traditional desks, hot desks, and sit or stand desks alongside break-out workspaces and meeting areas. Alex Goode, investment manager at CEG, explains: “We’re delighted to welcome Equifax to East West. The building has fast become a thriving business community following its £5 million refurbishment. “Equifax was attracted by our Let Ready Custom offer as it provides design and fit out, so once they chose the space and style, we delivered all the benefits of bespoke workspace. Our experienced in-house team manages the process from start-to-finish, sharing best practices and meeting business goals from design and layout to productivity, health and sustainability, guaranteeing your space is delivered on time, to budget and to the highest standard. “With a UK-wide network of tried and tested contractors and suppliers, we can also negotiate the best possible price and better yet; there is no upfront cost as we amortise the capital as part of your package.” CEG worked with Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd, an innovative office fit-out and furniture specialist, who create high-end, visually stunning interiors. Dan Platt, CEO from Ultimate, said: “We’re extremely proud to have secured this contract with CEG allowing us the opportunity to work on such a significant development. The Equifax project embodies our commitment to excellence and builds on our knowledge and experience of working within the East West building for the last four years. Every corner and every fixture was made with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to fostering a work environment that reflects Equifax’s values. The end result is a stunning example of a high-end quality office space.” CEG recently transformed East West, delivering 175,000 sq ft of best-in-class workspace. The adjacent Toll House pub was integrated into the development, providing a café bistro and business lounge offering spaces to eat, meet, drink and work with easy access to WiFi and plug-in points. This first phase of redevelopment has created a striking new reception area to the East building, as well as improvements to the glazing, lighting, heating and ventilation, with new cycling facilities, showers, drying room and lockers being delivered later in 2023. East West also offers an on-site Life team dedicated to making occupiers’ lives easier and healthier. They, along with the dedicated Life app, will help to create a more collaborative and productive community, be it booking meeting rooms, arranging dry cleaning, organising events, bike maintenance or fitness classes, to local shopping and activity discounts. Centrally located on Maid Marian Way, East West is home to KPMG, Nottingham Trent University, Arup, JLL, Scape Group and RSM. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the Prime Minister’s speech on net zero commitments, Jeff House, External Affairs & Policy Director at Baxi, explains what is needed next to continue momentum to decarbonising heat. “We welcome the government’s commitment to improving the Boiler Upgrade Scheme by increasing the total grant to £7,500. As a manufacturer supplying multiple heating technologies including air source heat pumps, we have always been clear that consumer choice is paramount. We need to bring the public with us on a decarbonisation journey and driving consumer demand is a key requirement for developing the heat pump market in the UK. By increasing the grant, we hope that more homeowners will be encouraged to make the switch to heat pumps over the coming years as we see the market continue to grow. “What has not been addressed, however, is the critical skills challenge that faces our industry. We still need to focus on bringing installers with us on this journey towards a greater adoption of heat pumps, so helping both heating engineers and their customers to become more comfortable with the technology is vital. We must also encourage more talent into the industry to grow the number of installers required to reach the installation targets that remain in place. “Baxi has been working with the government on the Heat Training Grant, which provides installers with £500 towards heat pump training. This is a great starting point for encouraging installers to add heat pump installation to their offering. Manufacturers must continue to work with government to create policy and incentives that continue to grow the number of heat pump installers in the UK. “As a company with a wealth of knowledge and expertise from our European parent company, we believe the government has missed a trick with not including tacit support for hybrid heat pump systems as part of this announcement. The technology offers a simpler route to heat pump integration for many types of homes and has been successful in European countries through local incentive schemes. We need clear policy support to bring them into the mainstream as a strategic stepping stone towards the 600,000 annual market ambition and can work with government to make this a reality in the UK. “Manufacturers and government must continue to work closely to ensure there is a robust supply chain for all forms of low carbon heat as we move towards the expected phase out of new fossil fuel boiler installations from 2035. “There are still questions to resolve, including overall budget for the boiler upgrade scheme and how exemptions for 20% of homes from a boiler sales ban, as cited in the Prime Minister’s speech will work in practice. If government works with industry to focus on addressing skills and the low carbon heat supply chain, we will continue to make positive steps towards decarbonising heat and reaching net zero.” For more information on heat decarbonisation, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Friday September 29. The event, aimed at LABC members in the South West, is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. Delegates drawn from building, specification, building control and architecture backgrounds will be treated to a selection of modules which between them will offer two hours of CPD training. The face-to-face options equate to three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer 20 minutes of insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform delegates. Actis’ contribution will focus on insulation to meet the new tighter Building Regulations Part L requirements, while other experts will talk on issues such as warranty defects. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. The Zoom doors open at 12 noon and close at 2pm. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panthera Group is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the official hoarding contract for the €8.7 billion regeneration of East London’s Silvertown. The company has been appointed by logistics firm Clipfine on behalf of the main developer, Lendlease. The mixed-use regenerative project is set to become a new destination for London and will see the Millennium Mills restored to a thriving new town centre with shops, leisure facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and over 6,000 new homes. Panthera Group won the contract to install EnviroHoard™ and EnviroFence™ products to secure the site following an extensive tender process for a sustainable hoarding solution capable of withstanding the ten-year project duration. The system also needed to comply with onerous loading requirements that exceed TWf guidance. As part of the tender process a team from Lendlease’s Temporary Works department, accompanied by the projects’ Construction Managers, visited Panthera’s headquarters to physically inspect a mock-up of the system and undertake a robust Q&A session. The visit demonstrated that the award-winning system is not only designed in accordance with the TWf:2012 guidance code for wind, crowd and vehicle loading but also exceeds Lendlease’s higher safety factor requirements. Both EnviroHoard™ and EnviroFence™ are designed for long project durations and offer further benefits in that the system does not delaminate or deteriorate over time. The modular design also improves manual handling and reduces the cost of hoarding moves offering additional commercial benefits to the client. As net zero solutions, they also support Lendlease’s Mission Zero objectives of eliminating greenhouse gases from its business by 2040. To that end, over the next decade the project will benefit from over 95% lower embodied carbon from EnviroHoard™ over a plywood hoarding. This will also support Lendlease in their ambition to achieve BREEAM Certification for all non-residential properties on this project. Panthera Group’s Managing Director, Neal James, was responsible for securing the hoarding contract with Lendlease and Clipfine: “This is a great win for Panthera! The team are overjoyed to have secured such a prestigious high-profile project and cannot wait to get started on site. For a company of the stature of Lendlease to approve the system is a testament to the design and sustainability credentials of the EnviroHoard™ system. We look forward to working alongside Clipfine and delivering Lendlease our systems across the scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals