Initiative launched to promote sustainable infrastructure, unlock value and transform communities Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is expanding the size and scope of its environmental services in response to the demand for more sustainable infrastructure and nature-based solutions. The move will see its Environment Practice expand by 50%
px Group’s Saltend Chemicals Park, in Hull, has been selected as the site for the build of a Green Hydrogen facility and an investment of between £180mn and £240mn by Meld Energy, the green hydrogen industrial developer. Meld Energy is an international hydrogen development company and is working with the
Developer Chancerygate has submitted plans to speculatively build 82,400 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics and warehousing space in Leatherhead. Called Victory Park, the proposed scheme will comprise 13 leasehold units ranging from 3,000 to 19,000 sq ft. The projected gross development value is around £32m. The 4.6-acre site,
GMI Construction Group has become a signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant after launching its unique Construction Cares Programme, which delivers employment opportunities and employability support. As part of its initiative, the independent construction firm launched a three-day DIY programme providing care leavers with hands-on experience and training in construction-related
A successful four-week Chatbot and Live Chat pilot has led housing association, Platform Housing to sign a new one-year contract with technology partners Futr AI Ltd. This new partnership will enable Platform to offer Chatbot and Live Chat services on their website so that customers can access services 24/7, at
A guide to understanding construction options for low-carbon developers. Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – has launched a new guide to understanding options for timber construction. Aimed at developers, investors and policy makers, Timber Typologies outlines the variety of build options
In our modern, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the quality of the air we breathe. However, with the majority of our time spent indoors—around 90% according to recent studies—it is essential to recognise the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on our health and well-being. With Clean Air Day
A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with Honorary Membership of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. David Smith, a Past President of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive
The 2023 UK Passivhaus Awards shortlist has been announced, and features an impressive selection of largescale non-residential projects. A core objective of the Awards is to showcase that Passivhaus can be scaled up and how the standard is applied successfully to any building type. Three ultra-efficient buildings have been shortlisted for the
With the current energy supply crisis and energy cost increases, coupled to our need to reduce emissions in line with net zero carbon there is an increased awareness of the importance of a properly and professionally insulated home. Spray foam insulation is an important and effective method of improving the
Initiative launched to promote sustainable infrastructure, unlock value and transform communities Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is expanding the size and scope of its environmental services in response to the demand for more sustainable infrastructure and nature-based solutions. The move will see its Environment Practice expand by 50% by 2025, and five new service lines introduced, to tackle the key challenges of climate change resilience and global pressures for demand on resources. As industry faces mounting pressure to develop critical infrastructure against a backdrop of rising costs and looming net zero targets, Atkins is set to make a fundamental shift in how it delivers its services. By putting the environment and communities at the heart of the development process it will unlock value in projects, helping to create sustainable infrastructure and thriving places as a result. Alongside the recruitment drive across a range of roles, five new service lines have also been launched to directly address the changing needs of its clients which will include: Nature-based solutions, Valuing a Sustainable Future, Carbon Advisory, Planning & Consenting and Sustainability and Climate Resilience. The renewed focus is in response to increased demand on resources such as water, energy and housing, at a time when there is a real need to restore nature and communities and protect them from the impact of climate change. The approach draws on Atkins’ wide breadth of expertise across the business globally, and will enable the environment team to work with clients from day one on a project. Dr Victoria Hutchinson, Atkins Environment Practice director, said: “By working with clients much earlier in the project process, we can put environment and communities at the heart of the decision making, which ensures better outcomes and improved circumstances for people. “This will help mitigate any project risks around time and budget and make sure clients get consentable solutions that are ready to go to site quickly. “It means meeting demand for new services, but also growing our existing consulting strategy and advisory services. “We are bringing our understanding of client objectives and regulatory requirements, as well as our ability to rapidly assemble and interpret data sets, so we can take complex client projects and bring them together behind a coherent presentation of data. This demonstrates real long-term value across physical, environmental and social drivers.” By engaging with clients and stakeholder groups before work starts on-site, potential problems can be identified and resolved early on. In addition opportunities for ensuring better social value outcomes can also be identified and realised early in the process – unlocking value in the project for the client as well as its end-user communities. Atkins has been bringing this new approach to some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects*, which has resulted in more efficient processes, more informed decision-making, improved design and more opportunities to transform communities and the environment. Dr Hutchinson adds: “By finding new ways of looking at value we can help rebalance communities, create more opportunity for under-represented groups to participate in the economy, and identify nature-positive ways of stimulating growth. This should mean that overall we invest in infrastructure that creates better outcomes for communities and the environment.” Mike McNicholas, managing director of Atkins’ Infrastructure division, said: “As a business we have undergone a process of ‘re-imagining’ the role of our environment services in order to meet the ongoing challenges faced by clients. “We have always been alive to the dynamics of the markets we operate in and the need to adapt to changing circumstances, and of course listening to our clients. “As a result we have created new service lines to specifically address those issues faced by our clients, and have been proactive about getting the best people in place to head them up. “The result is a holistic approach to projects that enables clients to make informed investment decisions and ensures all stakeholder groups fully understand the benefits of the approach, resulting in faster, better, greener project outcomes.” For more information about Atkins Environment Practice and services, please visit: Reimagining our environment to unlock investment – SNC-Lavalin (snclavalin.com) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
px Group’s Saltend Chemicals Park, in Hull, has been selected as the site for the build of a Green Hydrogen facility and an investment of between £180mn and £240mn by Meld Energy, the green hydrogen industrial developer. Meld Energy is an international hydrogen development company and is working with the global energy management company, World Fuel Services Corporation, to develop green hydrogen supply chains. World Kinect Sustainability Ventures, a subsidiary of the publicly listed US Fortune 500 company, acquired a 50% stake in Meld in late 2022. Meld is currently bidding for development support from the UK’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. Should the bid win government backing, FEED (Front End Engineering Design) is expected to begin in November 2023 and would run concurrently with planning application processes. Building would commence less than a year later with a target operation in 2026. The facility would be the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility (if built today), with an initial installed capacity of 100MW and the potential to increase its capacity to over 200MW in a second development stage. The green hydrogen would be produced at the facility using electrolysis, which involves using electricity to split water into its constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen. Through using renewable electricity for this process, the hydrogen produced would be “green” hydrogen, as compared to grey and blue hydrogen, which is more carbon-intensive. Meld would utilise PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) with renewable energy suppliers. The hydrogen produced by Meld would be used to provide energy on-site at Saltend, helping to switch over from more carbon-intensive fuels and chemical feedstock to emissions-free green hydrogen. The Humber is the UK’s most carbon-intensive region. The UK Government considers hydrogen to be a vital component in the UK energy transition and its journey to Net Zero. Hydrogen has the potential for use in a variety of applications, from powering transport and industry to energy storage, with its only emission being water or steam when consumed. Geoff Holmes, CEO of px Group, says: “Meld Energy’s decision to invest at Saltend Chemicals Park proves once again that Saltend is the go-to location for industrial decarbonisation and the UK energy transition. Meld’s plans are on a scale that will make a significant impact on domestic decarbonisation – it is a project that the government should find impossible to ignore.”“We have a host of world-class industrial companies on site at Saltend and this potential major investment shows once again the strength of the Saltend offering.”Chris Smith, CEO & Founder of Meld Energy, says: “Saltend Chemicals Park is the perfect site for our green hydrogen facility. Saltend has a rich knowledge of decarbonisation projects and, importantly, has future users of the hydrogen to be produced already in place.” “This project can be online within three years and would deliver an immediate reduction in emissions once production commences. The facility will have the potential to double its production as demand for hydrogen increases in the future to meet Net Zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Chancerygate has submitted plans to speculatively build 82,400 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics and warehousing space in Leatherhead. Called Victory Park, the proposed scheme will comprise 13 leasehold units ranging from 3,000 to 19,000 sq ft. The projected gross development value is around £32m. The 4.6-acre site, which was formerly office and warehouse accommodation, is located off Cleeve Road in Leatherhead Business Park approximately one mile north of the town centre and one mile east of junction 9 of the M25. Neighbouring occupiers to the proposed development include Unilever and engineering consultancies KBR and RINA Tech UK. All properties at Victory Park will benefit from electric vehicle charging points and solar cells on their roofs which provide green energy on an affordable basis to occupiers. In addition, the units will be constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme is targeting an EPC A and BREEAM Very Good rating. Commenting on the planning submission, Chancerygate development director Jonathan Lee, said: “Leatherhead’s proximity to key motorway infrastructure, skilled local workforce and strong business community means there is strong demand for Grade A urban logistics and warehousing space. “Our plans for Victory Park will aim to satisfy this demand and provided businesses with high-quality, sustainable accommodation so they are best placed to serve the town and the wider region.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company has offices in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Bristol, and Milton Keynes. It currently has more than 3.2m sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 24 sites ranging from Bournemouth to Edinburgh Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has become a signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant after launching its unique Construction Cares Programme, which delivers employment opportunities and employability support. As part of its initiative, the independent construction firm launched a three-day DIY programme providing care leavers with hands-on experience and training in construction-related jobs. It was piloted in Birmingham in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Trust, the BFriends charity and South & City College, Birmingham, before being rolled out in Manchester in August, followed by the North East and Leeds. The workshops teach valuable DIY skills, including painting and decorating, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, and plastering, and is aimed at those preparing to leave the care system or who have recently transitioned to independent living. Participants were provided with travel and food during the three days as well as a toolkit and an award for completing the course, while all those expressing an interest in one of the trades will be given the opportunity of work experience at a later date. GMI, which operates across the North of England and the Midlands, first became a partner of the Care Leaver Covenant last April and has since created practical ways of supporting care leavers. As part of its bespoke Construction Cares Programme, GMI is committed to advertising job roles to care leavers first and has established a guaranteed interview scheme. It will also offer work experience, work trials, employability sessions, and one-to-one mentoring to help participants develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the sector. The Care Leaver Covenant, the second Government Covenant, is a national inclusion programme launched in 2018 that supports care leavers aged 16-25 to live independently by creating meaningful opportunities. GMI’s Head of Responsible Business, Claire Preston, who was made Sector Based Champion in 2018 by the Government for her work with care leavers, said: “As a business with strong community links, we are extremely proud to become a Covenant signatory, something that reflects our commitment to offering additional and practical support for those transitioning from care to leading an independent life. “Our Construction Cares Programme is designed to help care leavers achieve social and economic experience by providing them with valuable life skills and opportunities for a rewarding career in construction.” Gareth Evans, Head of Delivery at Care Leaver Covenant, said: “We were delighted when GMI Construction signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant and we’ve enjoyed working with Claire and the team on their care leaver programme. We continue to collaborate closely to ensure as many of our young people as possible can put themselves forward for roles at, and receive support from, the company.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A successful four-week Chatbot and Live Chat pilot has led housing association, Platform Housing to sign a new one-year contract with technology partners Futr AI Ltd. This new partnership will enable Platform to offer Chatbot and Live Chat services on their website so that customers can access services 24/7, at a time that suits them. “Platform’s new Chatbot and Live Chat technology, along with further proposed innovations, will fit in seamlessly alongside our traditional contact methods, helping us to deliver against our promise to make it simpler for customers to use our services and offer them more choice.” explains Michael Bruce, Director of Platform Hub and Income Management. “We have chosen to partner with AI Ltd as they provided excellent support during the trial period to integrate the technology into our systems and ultimately, we share the same mission – to simplify access to services.” In the successful trial, Platform used Chatbot technology, alongside new Live Chat software, to enable them to explore and gather data on both their customers’ preferences and their customer advisors’ user experiences. During the four-week trial period, the automated Chatbot answered 5,028 customer interactions, with only 338 of these customers requesting to speak to an advisor, via Live Chat. This meant that 4,690 potential calls to Platform’s busy customer services centre were averted, enabling their advisors to deal with customers who choose to call us and deal with more urgent enquiries. Andy Wilkins, CEO from Futr AI Ltd said, “I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Platform Housing. At Futr AI, we’re committed to powering transformative customer experiences through advanced AI, and this collaboration marks an exciting continuation of our long track record in the social housing sector. “Platform Housing’s commitment to digital innovation and customer service aligns perfectly with our mission and we’re excited to be working to set new standards for personalised, accessible service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A guide to understanding construction options for low-carbon developers. Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – has launched a new guide to understanding options for timber construction. Aimed at developers, investors and policy makers, Timber Typologies outlines the variety of build options and methodologies available for low carbon timber construction and details the sort of building types each method is suitable or appropriate for. Written with Waugh Thistleton Architects, one of the leading ‘timber first’ architects’ practices in the UK, the book is intended as a primer or beginners guide to the variety of timber solutions available. It will help decision makers understand the options open to them and make the right choices to deliver the best outcomes. David Hopkins, chief executive at Timber Development UK, said: “Timber is vital when it comes to decarbonising construction. However, if it is going to realise its full potential, we can no longer talk in simple generic terms about this material. We need to be specific about the systems and approaches available and the benefits and risks each of these can bring. “We can’t make progress if clients, architects and policy makers are talking at cross purposes about what they mean when they talk about building in timber.” Alastair Ogle, associate at Waugh Thistleton Architects, and one of the lead authors of the book, said: “We still see enormous amounts of misinformation and misunderstanding when it comes to timber. Clients, local authorities and even insurers don’t seem to understand that all of these things they refer to as “timber” are in fact a wide range of completely different build systems with very different properties. “We’re committed to helping design and enable a low-carbon building revolution, but that will only come when we increase understanding across the market. We hope this will in turn increase confidence in permitting, designing, insuring and constructing the low-carbon timber buildings of the future.” Timber Typologies is the first in a trio of books aimed at increasing understanding options among the decision makers. It will be accompanied by Timber Policy – a guide to the variety of ways countries and city authorities are encouraging timber construction around the world, and Timber LCA, examining comparisons of lifecycle analysis between buildings constructed of different materials. You can download Timber Typologies for free from the Timber Development UK website.
In our modern, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the quality of the air we breathe. However, with the majority of our time spent indoors—around 90% according to recent studies—it is essential to recognise the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on our health and well-being. With Clean Air Day 2023 fast approaching on 15 June, the team at AICO Homelink wants to shed light on the significance of Indoor Air Quality and explore innovative solutions and initiatives that can help us improve the air we breathe indoors. HomeLINK is well placed to comment as it provides connected home solutions for more than 1,000 housing providers with over 220,000 connected devices providing safer, healthier homes for approximately 80,000 social residents. Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data on air quality Unlike outdoor environments, the air within our indoor spaces does not undergo the same natural renewal and replenishment processes. Substances released indoors accumulate at a much higher rate, intensifying the effects of our activities which release air pollutants. These include emissions from household cleaning products, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by furniture and building materials, the by-products of cooking and heating systems, or increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) from human and animal respiration, these factors contribute to poor IAQ. In the quest for cleaner indoor air, technology has emerged as a valuable ally. Indoor air quality IoT sensors are becoming increasingly popular, providing real-time data on air quality parameters. These sensors can measure various pollutants such as CO2, VOCs, PM, and temperature, allowing users to monitor and control their indoor environment proactively. By leveraging these sensors, individuals can gain insights into the quality of their indoor air and take appropriate measures to improve it, whether through adjusting ventilation, using air purifiers, or adopting healthier habits. Monitoring ventilation to remove stale air Monitoring ventilation levels is another critical aspect of maintaining good IAQ. Insufficient ventilation leads to a buildup of pollutants and decreases the exchange of stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. For example, the impact of gas cooking on indoor air quality has also come under scrutiny. A recent study highlighted the potential dangers of gas cooking, revealing that it releases harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can worsen respiratory conditions, trigger allergies, and even increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is essential to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with gas cooking and explore alternative cooking methods or implement measures to mitigate pollution, such as using extractor fans and improving kitchen ventilation. IoT sensors can track ventilation rates, enabling individuals to optimise airflow and ensure a healthier living environment. By understanding how ventilation affects IAQ, we can make informed decisions about improving airflow, such as opening windows, installing mechanical ventilation systems, or utilizing air purifiers with proper filtration capabilities. Understand the right to clean air Legislation and regulations also play a vital role in safeguarding indoor air quality. In the UK, Ella’s Law, inspired by the tragic death of Ella Kissi-Debrah due to air pollution, aims to reduce pollution and establishes breathing clean air as a basic human right. This landmark legislation underscores the growing recognition of the importance of clean air and highlights the need for further action to protect public health. One indoor environment that often goes unnoticed, but has a substantial effect on our day-to-day health are our bedrooms. We spend at least a third of our lives sleeping, emphasizing the need for healthy conditions in this space. Lack of proper ventilation can lead to elevated CO2 levels, which not only affect sleep quality but can also have adverse health effects. Using devices which detect the internal conditions, we can ensure adequate airflow and ventilation in our bedrooms, creating a healthier and more restful environment. Prevent additional issues like damp and mould Poor ventilation can lead to excessive moisture building up in indoor environments which, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mould, posing health risks to occupants and potential damage to the property. The presence of damp and mould, in turn, have detrimental effects on IAQ, leading to increased levels of VOCs. By regularly assessing humidity levels, temperature, and ventilation, areas prone to excessive moisture can be identified and proactive measures can be taken to address them. IAQ sensors provide real-time data on humidity and other relevant parameters, alerting occupants to potential issues before they escalate. By maintaining optimal indoor air quality, including appropriate humidity levels, adequate ventilation the formation of damp and mould can be effectively prevented, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Encouraging more government intervention Moving forward, we can expect increased awareness and prioritisation of IAQ. Organisations like DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) are actively researching and developing guidelines to address IAQ concerns and promote healthier indoor environments. The integration of IAQ considerations in building codes, standards, and health guidelines will likely become more prevalent, emphasising the importance of clean air for everyone. Evidence is mounting of the detrimental effects that hazards related to poor IAQ can have on human health and the safety of occupants. As these impacts continue to emerge, the need for monitoring the indoor environment becomes increasingly important to understand their extent and consequences. Like other safety devices such as fire and carbon monoxide detectors, IAQ sensors could become hugely important in keeping our homes healthy and safe places to live. On this Clean Air Day, let us celebrate the progress made in understanding and addressing indoor air quality issues. By recognising the impact of IAQ on our health, embracing innovative technologies like IoT sensors, and advocating for stronger regulations, we can create healthier indoor environments and ensure that the air we breathe contributes to our well-being and longevity. For more information on IoT sensors to monitor air quality, visit AICO Homelink
A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with Honorary Membership of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. David Smith, a Past President of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive honour at the association’s 111th Annual General Meeting. Handing over the award, President Alistair Grant paid tribute to the extraordinary dedication shown by David, who has held a wide range of roles at SELECT over the past 26 years and won its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. After collecting his Honorary Membership, David told delegates at the at the Doubletree Edinburgh North Queensferry on June 1: “It’s a great honour to accept this award and quite a surprise too because it feels like just yesterday that I joined SELECT. “I have seen massive change in the association during my time here and I like the fact that everyone is made more than welcome, whether a big or small company. That’s why I tell people, ‘Join SELECT – you’ll never regret it’.” David, a senior partner in David W H Smith Heating and Electrical Services, went on: “I am very moved by the tribute of Honorary Membership and I would like to dedicate this award to all the colleagues, office bearers and officials with whom I have shared a wonderful and fulfilling career. “The electrical sector in Scotland has never been in better health, with recognition of the job’s social and environmental importance and record numbers of apprentices, and great credit must be afforded to the association for fostering this climate.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “I believe it gives everyone in the organisation and our associates in the wider sector great pleasure to officially recognise the skill, experience and dedication that David has brought to the many posts he has held. “David has had a full and fulfilling professional life, including work in national enterprises such as British Steel, and has created a successful business. He has always taken a keen interest in everything to do with the electrotechnical sector in Scotland. “He has been a great friend and supporter of this organisation, but he has also played major roles in a number of Scottish and UK enterprises and associations over the years and has always been a keen supporter of apprenticeships.” In his time with SELECT, David chaired the Electrotechnical Committee, was a member of the board of the industry sector skills council, SummitSkills, and served on SELECT’s Training and Skills Committee. He also held the Presidency between 2005 and 2007. Alistair, who was nominated as President for another year at the AGM along with Vice-President Mike Stark, said: “Once David had fulfilled his role as Immediate Past President, he again became a representative of the branch, a position he held until March this year – a total service of 26 years. Some of our staff are not even that old! “He will be a huge loss to the association, but I know we will be able to call on his experience at any time.” Before the AGM itself, the SELECT Central Board met for its second quarterly meeting of the year, during which representatives from all eight branches discussed progress and the priorities of the association for 2023 and beyond. Alistair also provided his own snapshot of current activity in SELECT and the wider industry, delivering updates on regulation of the industry, the ongoing work of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) and the association’s role in the workforce of the future. The event also featured a tribute and moment’s silence in honour of former association President Pat Feeney, who passed away in February, aged 91. SELECT is currently in the final stages of a long-running, but now very high-profile, campaign for the recognition of electrician’s professionalism with the submission to the Scottish Parliament of a Members’ Bill calling for Protection of Title. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The 2023 UK Passivhaus Awards shortlist has been announced, and features an impressive selection of largescale non-residential projects. A core objective of the Awards is to showcase that Passivhaus can be scaled up and how the standard is applied successfully to any building type. Three ultra-efficient buildings have been shortlisted for the UK Passivhaus Awards 2023 non-domestic category, with the winners due to be announced on Wednesday, 5 July. Entrants must demonstrate low energy bills with proven building performance monitoring – all the finalists are energy-efficient exemplars. 2023 SHORTLIST The shortlisted projects include a further education college, an NHS health centre, and a primary school, demonstrating just how far the Passivhaus standard has come in the UK and its potential benefits for a wide range of building typologies, not just houses. Erne Campus has been certified to Passivhaus Premium standard and generates four times more energy on-site than it uses. It is the world’s first educational – and currently the largest – Passivhaus Premium rated building, and the first UK building to achieve both Passivhaus Premium and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations. The pioneering Northern Ireland curved campus is a world-leading exemplar acting as a carbon cutting beacon to its students & the wider community. https://bit.ly/PHernecamp Energy efficient buildings could save the NHS millions! Foleshill Health Centre in Coventry is the first NHS building to achieve Passivhaus certification, striving to redefine healthcentre design in the UK. The award-winning building contributes to the NHS Carbon Footprint Plus ambitions, providing an affordable design framework that can be replicated at speed and scale across the whole of the NHS estate and the UK. https://bit.ly/PHFoleshill The UK’s first Passivhaus Plus school, Hackbridge Primary School in the London Borough of Sutton sets the standard for zero carbon educational buildings. This zero carbon school has a tiny energy demand, generates renewable energy, and provides a beautifully comfortable space to nurture inquisitive minds. https://bit.ly/PHhackbridge AWARDS CEREMONY 05 JULY I 14:00 – 17:00 I ONLINEDeciding on the winners can be a difficult task. You’re cordially invited to join the UK Passivhaus Awards Ceremony online on Wednesday, 5th July. Who do you think should win? Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.https://bit.ly/PHTawards2023Ceremony Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the current energy supply crisis and energy cost increases, coupled to our need to reduce emissions in line with net zero carbon there is an increased awareness of the importance of a properly and professionally insulated home. Spray foam insulation is an important and effective method of improving the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings, but as with many construction improvements, installation must be done in accordance with all necessary approvals and relevant permissions. Spray foam has been used successfully for more than 30 years in many countries from Canada to Spain (in very different weather environments). Many hundreds of thousands of properties continue to benefit from the application of spray foam, which is highly thermally efficient and extremely versatile. Once installed correctly spray foam will continue to perform as intended for the life of the building, without need for maintenance or servicing. But the need for correct installation cannot be over emphasised. Spray foam must be installed in line with the manufacturers’ instructions and be carried out by a registered and professional spray foam installer. Unfortunately, there have been some occasions in the past where correct procedures have not always been followed and unscrupulous operators have been responsible for incorrect installation, poor workmanship and false claims relating to the use of spray foam. Recent claims that any property with spray foam is unmortgageable are as untrue as they are unjustifiable which is why Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) along with spray foam manufacturers and installers, surveyors, valuers and lenders collaborated to develop an inspection protocol document for spray foam insulation. Inspection Protocol for building professionals who are asked to consider spray polyurethane foam that has been applied to the pitch. Alongside this collaborative protocol, IMA has also produced a Code of Practice for the Installation of Polyurethane Spray Foam (SPF) in domestic roofs which sets out the requirements for the procedures involved when specifying and installing spray foam products to the inside of roofs of domestic properties. Whilst IMA does not represent installers or contractors of spray foam, it does represent some manufacturers and distributors of spray foam products. These manufacturers and distributors only ever supply to their approved contractors and we work with these suppliers to promote best practice and highlight the correct procedures for a spray foam installation. These procedures include pre-installation surveys and roof condition analysis, moisture risk analysis, product identification and supply information, as well as the post-installation home pack and these have all been incorporated into the code of practice. All our members’ products are independently tested by UKAS accredited testing houses (either BBA or KIWA-BDA certification) and these products must always be installed in line with this certification. The two new documents can be used to guide and inform building professionals, institutional bodies and trade organisations. The protocol provides a framework to assist property professionals and residential surveyors undertaking non-invasive visual inspections of spray foam applications to the inside of pitched roofs whilst the code of practice is designed to ensure that installers following all the necessary steps to ensure that spray foam is both specified and installed correctly. Commenting Simon Storer, Chief Executive of Insulation Manufacturers Association said: “With government encouragement, many homeowners have done the right thing by investing in spray foam insulation improvements to their properties, but unfortunately, recent negative views have undermined the value of these insulation applications. Despite this, it should now be recognised that professional and accredited installations are as beneficial to a property as many other home improvements and should be considered as such. These new publications provide excellent guidance and information about spray foam insulation, which we expect industry professionals to adopt and understand, so as to bring peace of mind to the thousands of homeowners whose applications are in line with third party approval and accreditation.” To download and view the guidance click the following Code of Practice for the Installation of Polyurethane Spray Foam (SPF) in domestic roofs and Inspection Protocol for building professionals who are asked to consider spray polyurethane foam that has been applied to the pitched elevations of domestic roofs. For more information about IMA visit www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals