With an increasing volume of substandard products on the market, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued a handy checklist to help specifiers and users check whether personal protective equipment (PPE) is fit for purpose. BSIF analysis carried out last year showed that much of the PPE on the
The main contractor for the University of Cumbria’s new Citadels campus project, Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), is hosting a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on Tuesday 13 June to enable local suppliers and contractors to find out more about the project. Supported by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Industry
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 1) highlighted numerous failings, one of which was the lack of wayfinding signage in stairwell landings which meant firefighters were unable to easily identify floor numbers when carrying out their duties. As such, the Inquiry recommended (Recommendation 33.27) that the owner and manager of every
The current English planning system is not ‘fit for purpose’ to build a net zero world, restore nature or meet housing need, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report finds that it would take 4,700 years for England to reach the onshore
Aggregate Industries has been chosen to deliver a five-year £47m road repair and maintenance contract across 3,000 miles of highways in Leicester and Leicestershire. The leading construction materials supplier, which has its group headquarters at Coalville in Leicestershire, was successful in the joint tender bid for carriageway patching, including pothole
Citu, a leading sustainable developer, has started construction on a 51 unit MMC scheme of low energy homes, designed using the Passive House Principles, with a Gross Development Value of £16million. Stall, in Kirkstall, Leeds, is set on a brown-field site and is being funded by Close Brothers Property Finance,
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the June 2023 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of May 2023, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures
With its low cost, timesaving and sustainability-based attributes, modular construction has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Rick Perkins, global technical manager passive fire protection at Sherwin-Williams, examines the advantages of this approach and how intumescent coatings play a key role in ensuring high levels of fire safety in
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has joined the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF), which promotes the use of industrial insulation as an accepted means of achieving sustainability. TICA, the sole UK trade association representing contractors involved in the application of hot and cold insulation, became a member of the
Installation of retrofit measures – including low energy heating systems, solar and insulation – is key in reducing emissions from Surrey’s buildings, which currently make up around half of all Surrey’s carbon emissions. Over £32m of funding has already been secured to scale-up retrofit across the county. In its Climate
With an increasing volume of substandard products on the market, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued a handy checklist to help specifiers and users check whether personal protective equipment (PPE) is fit for purpose. BSIF analysis carried out last year showed that much of the PPE on the market fails to match up to the advertised protection. It completed tests on 127 non-member products, which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as claimed. Only 18 (15%) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85%) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still for sale to unsuspecting users. The findings around non-member products contrast with the results of tests on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, whose products are tested annually as part of the scheme’s audit process. Of 387 tests completed on Registered Safety Suppliers’ products, 332 (86%) passed immediately, and of the 55 (14%) that initially did not meet the test criteria, all issues were subsequently resolved. The new BSIF PPE checklist has been created to help specifiers and users ensure that PPE complies with the law and conforms to PPE Regulation 2016/425. It presents a series of questions to ask when purchasing PPE, which are divided into sections for ease of use: Product Markings, Required Documentation, Product Condition, and Storage. Examples of questions included in the checklist are: • Does the PPE have a UKCA, UKNI or CE Mark applied to it? • Was the PPE issued with User Instructions included? • Is there a Declaration of Conformity with the PPE • Is the PPE clean, undamaged and suitable for use? • Was the PPE stored correctly, according to the User Instructions? If any questions present cause for concern, users are advised to seek support and guidance from their company’s health & safety advisor and the manufacturer of the PPE. The BSIF can also provide general guidance. BSIF CEO Alan Murray says: “This checklist is a reminder that while anyone can sell safety, you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone. Failing to check your PPE is fit for purpose could leave you or your employees, for whom you have a duty of care, vulnerable and unprotected, and also expose your organisation to the risk of prosecution. The easiest way to check your PPE is compliant is by only buying from a Registered Safety Supplier.” The checklist can be downloaded for free at: Check-your-PPE.pdf (bsif.co.uk) The BSIF also offers an‘Is it Genuine – Certification Checklist’ that providesfurther advice on how to check if the supporting documentation for your PPE is genuine and what to do if you are concerned. It can be downloaded athttps://www.bsif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Is-it-Genuine-2023.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The main contractor for the University of Cumbria’s new Citadels campus project, Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), is hosting a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on Tuesday 13 June to enable local suppliers and contractors to find out more about the project. Supported by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the SRM project team will be on hand during the event which is being held at the Carlisle Station Hotel between 9am-2pm. Planning permission for the new campus development, which will be delivered in two phases, was granted in August 2022. The new campus is on track to open in August 2026 and prebuild site investigations for phase one will begin later this year. Partner discussions are ongoing to explore how to deliver best value for money for the c£78m first stage of the development, particularly to maximise the amount (and utility) of space which can be built and refurbished as part of the full campus design plans. The first phase includes the development of a gateway building on English Street as the main entrance to the university campus and a new teaching block, along with the repurposing of the Woolworths and Burton’s buildings. Phase One development will also include external works, car parking around the development and the introduction of an amphitheatrical courtyard area. SRM are keen to meet with local suppliers and contractors to discuss the exciting collaboration opportunities related to the project and SRM Project Manager, Mark Robson said: “Given the phased nature of the project, combining elements of new build, refurbishment and works to heritage structures, there are many opportunities to take part in this exciting scheme and we would emphasise it is particularly relevant to small and medium enterprises across a variety of trades. “As a leading contractor we work closely with our supply chain partners to develop skills and competencies, building strong relationships for the long term, and we are keen to work with small and medium enterprises aligned with our inclusive values, willing to make a positive impact on the local communities and environment.” Following the opening of phase one in August 2026, the university’s Fusehill Street campus will remain in operation for a period to be determined, as well as providing the first home to the Cumbria School of Medicine. Due to open in 2025, the graduate entry medical school being developed in partnership with Imperial College London aims to encourage more doctors to stay and work in Cumbria. University of Cumbria vice chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell DL said: “A truly transformational project, the new Citadels campus will increase the accessibility, reach and impact of our academic offer and stimulate greater vibrancy, footfall and investment in our city. “As with any project of this size and type, there are always challenges and issues to deal with, exacerbated most recently by inflationary pressures. “The new Citadels Campus is just one part of the successful delivery of our Towards 2030 Strategy, ambition and objectives and we are keen to fully develop the site in the longer term.” The first stage of the project is being enabled through funding secured from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal (£50million), Carlisle Town Deal Fund (£5million) and university funding.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 1) highlighted numerous failings, one of which was the lack of wayfinding signage in stairwell landings which meant firefighters were unable to easily identify floor numbers when carrying out their duties. As such, the Inquiry recommended (Recommendation 33.27) that the owner and manager of every residential building containing separate dwellings carry out an urgent inspection of wayfinding signage to ensure it is visible in low light or smoky conditions and that flat and floor numbers are clearly identified in the stairwells of relevant buildings. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into effect in England from 23 January 2023, making it a legal requirement for all high-rise residential buildings in England to install wayfinding signage in their buildings, including clear markings identifying floor and individual flat numbers to assist the Fire and Rescue Service in navigating their way around, even when visibility is low. The regulations require Responsible Persons in multi-occupied residential buildings which are classed as high-rise buildings, (defined in The Fire Safety (England) Regulations as a building at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys), and also those above 11 metres in height in an identical use of multi-occupation residencies where communal areas and escape routes exist, to provide additional safety measures with the provision of wayfinding signage directly reflecting the building plans, which are required to be made available in a secure information box on site. Existing duties under the Fire Safety Order will make sure that this signage is maintained throughout the life of the building. As part of the best endeavours of the Responsible Person, it would be pertinent that this signage is inspected regularly to ensure it is still in place, legible, and correct in the information it provides. Signage should conform to the specifications and locations set out in paragraphs 15.14 to 15.16 of Approved Document B Volume 1 edition, which incorporates the 2020 amendments, namely firefighting shafts and protected stairways, as well as the individual dwellings. Fire safety signs As it is estimated that a large number of buildings will not have this signage in place, a signage survey should be carried out with immediate effect and any findings should be remedied, with all missing signage put in place. The FPA supplies fire safety signage which can be delivered directly to site for fitting. Find out more about the FPA’s fire safety signage here. FPA Members will receive a 20% discount on all fire safety signage. Not an FPA member? Find out more here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The current English planning system is not ‘fit for purpose’ to build a net zero world, restore nature or meet housing need, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report finds that it would take 4,700 years for England to reach the onshore wind capacity called for by government advisers, at the current rate of development. Without this the UK will fail to become fully energy secure in a net-zero world. Progress in England was stalled in 2015 when planning laws were changed to make it more difficult to gain permission for new onshore wind turbines – in what was effectively a ban. Since then only 17 new onshore wind farms have been approved, generating just 6.7 megawatts of power – equivalent to just 0.02 per cent of the on-shore total needed in England based on National Grid estimates. The IPPR report calls for restrictions on onshore wind and solar power to be reduced and for local authorities to be compelled to identify land suitable for onshore wind and solar generation. The report calls for a complete reset of the English planning system to ensure that many more houses are built, while also moving faster to meet net zero targets. That will mean linking decisions on new home building into plans for low-carbon transport networks, it says. Between them, housing and transport account for over 40 per cent of total emissions, but since 1990 emissions from both sectors have barely declined. The report also sheds fresh light on the critical failures of the current system. These include the lack of clear rules for developers and local authorities on when planning permission should be granted, leading to uncertainty and speculative buying of land. It argues that local authorities should be compelled to draw up detailed plans for development in their areas that integrate environmental targets, to provide greater certainty. It proposes that if a planned housebuilding project meets new net zero targets alongside other local requirements, it should be given an automatic green light, removing much of councils’ discretion from the system. But the report calls for the public to be given a more meaningful say over the future of their local areas than they do at present. It calls for national and local housebuilding targets to be reinstated so that councils can be compelled to enable more homes to be built. Under the IPPR proposal new neighbourhoods should be compatible with net zero, contribute to restoring nature and be attractive communities to live in. Maya Singer Hobbs, IPPR senior research fellow and lead report author, said: “None of the failures of the English system are inevitable. The de facto ban on onshore wind, the lack of coherence in environmental regulations and the lack of good quality housing are all solvable by reforming the system.” Luke Murphy, IPPR associate director for energy, climate, housing, and infrastructure, said: “The current planning system in England is not remotely fit for purpose to build a net zero world, restore nature, or meet housing need. At current build rates, we’re as far from delivering the onshore wind we need for energy security as we are from the start of construction of Stonehenge in 2,500 BC. “Fundamental planning reform is needed to accelerate efforts to reduce emissions and restore nature, rollout renewable energy generation, and to deliver the level of housebuilding that the country so desperately needs. “Without a reset of the planning system all the main political parties will fail to deliver on their key objectives, from economic growth to energy security, and addressing the climate and nature crises.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has been chosen to deliver a five-year £47m road repair and maintenance contract across 3,000 miles of highways in Leicester and Leicestershire. The leading construction materials supplier, which has its group headquarters at Coalville in Leicestershire, was successful in the joint tender bid for carriageway patching, including pothole repairs, for Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council. It is inclusive of all required works including excavation and milling, removal of road planings, provision of material and the machine laying and compaction of asphalt materials – these may include a range of Aggregate Industries proprietary products, Aggregate Industries is the sole provider for the contract, which initially runs from July 2023 to July 2024, with an optional extension period of four years to be run over 12-month incremental periods. As part of the agreement, Aggregate Industries will be working in partnership with both local authorities to reduce carbon and help support their net-zero ambitions. Materials and delivery of works will be supported by the company’s Leicestershire plants at Bardon Hill and Croft. Jonathan Falls, Midlands Area Manager for the company’s Surfacing Solutions division, said: “This is fantastic news and a great recognition of the quality of our approach and service delivery for customers. “This forms core business for our Midlands team. We’re really proud to be chosen to repair and maintain the roads of Leicester and Leicestershire, especially with it being right on our doorstep and having worked with both authorities as customers for well over 30 years. “We will work collaboratively with both councils, with an important part of the contract delivery focusing on the need to help deliver low carbon solutions to support the city and county’s net-zero strategies. “This is something that really resonates with Aggregate Industries and we’re pleased to be able to provide a circular approach by recycling planings from areas of carriageway we repair back into the network. Having big local sites at Bardon and Croft also means less journey time and less emissions.” As part of our social value commitment under the contract agreement, Aggregate Industries will use low-carbon materials and carbon usage reporting. The company will be dedicating volunteering hours to support Leicestershire community organisations and supporting young people’s access routes to work as well as providing educational opportunities to local schools/colleges to attend local Quarry and Technical Laboratory visits. Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This contract arrangement is a good fit for us, with the company’s head offices local to Leicestershire and they will also deliver carbon-reduction innovations which is a nod to our wider net zero pledge.” Councillor Adam Clarke, Deputy City Mayor for Transport, Clean Air and Climate Emergency said: “The work carried out under this contract will be maintenance and repair schemes in local neighbourhoods, which are an important part of our ongoing investment in the city’s highways.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Citu, a leading sustainable developer, has started construction on a 51 unit MMC scheme of low energy homes, designed using the Passive House Principles, with a Gross Development Value of £16million. Stall, in Kirkstall, Leeds, is set on a brown-field site and is being funded by Close Brothers Property Finance, part of the FTSE 250 Close Brothers Group plc, who is a committed supporter of sustainable residential development. The development has an expected 18-month build schedule, with the first homes available for occupation at the end-2023. The modular closed timber frame panels are designed in-house and manufactured in the Citu factory, located just miles from the site. Operating a vertically integrated delivery model focuses on the reduction of embodied carbon and is designed to dramatically reduce operational carbon for incoming home owners. The properties are designed to passive house standards using the passive house planning package (PHPP). The homes will heat the hot water using air source heat pumps and will use Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) units to regulate the internal air quality and temperature. The MHRV units, combined with the high levels of insulation, mean that energy required for heating is around five times lower than the average UK house. The use of 100% on and off site renewable electricity, as opposed to gas, significantly reduces the carbon footprint, whilst also equating to lower bills than the average home. The development will be set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and have a solar array, which will be co-owned by all of the residents and will provide a source of clean, renewable energy on-site. Located on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool canal, the homes at Stall will border a green corridor that passes Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve and the famous Kirkstall Abbey, providing a convenient route for cyclists and pedestrians directly into central Leeds. There will also be a wealth of natural landscaping and the preservation of existing trees incorporated in the design of the scheme. Jonathan Wilson, Managing Director at Citu, comments “Our partnership with Close Brothers has enabled our business, and the communities we are building, to grow. We are excited to collaborate on this latest venture in Kirkstall and deliver places and homes with purpose that give equal priority to people, nature and high-standards of living.” Daniel Joyce, Director at Close Brothers Property Finance, comments: “Building sustainable housing has never been more important and we are committed to funding future-proofed homes, which are designed to reduce their carbon footprint as well as energy usage. We have a strong track record of supporting low carbon developments in the UK and working with the very best developers in the industry to move MMC and passive housing from being a one-off bespoke design model, to a reality for everyday homeowners. Developers such as Citu are leading this charge, we’re proud to be supporting them on their journey and look forward to continuing to work with them.” For further information on Stall please visit: https://citu.co.uk/citu-live/citu-arrives-in-kirkstall
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the June 2023 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of May 2023, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Starts-on-site performance fell even further, down 16% on the preceding three months. Affecting the entire construction sector, these figures present the latest disappointing results in a frustratingly protracted period of decline. Despite stabilising somewhat compared with the steep decline seen during the first quarter of the year, start-levels are still floundering, remaining a significant 42% down on a year ago, as rising interest rates continue to keep public and private investors cautious about starting on new projects. Furthermore, material price inflation, labour shortages and sweeping regulatory changes are holding back shovels from being committed to soil. For example, in the residential sector, the upcoming legal-enforcement of Part L on 27th June and the promise of tighter building safety restrictions has likely resulted in an activity-dip as many implement protocol to stay compliant and bring existing stock up to required standard. Almost at half way through year, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that consistent recovery will be observed until at least Q.4 2023 or, more likely Q.1/Q.2 2024. Commenting on the findings, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen, says, “Despite some stabilisation in the sharp falls in project-starts seen in Q.1 2023, the industry continues to suffer a squeeze in activity with starts remaining significantly down on a year ago. The sector looks to be in for a challenging period, with commercial starts falling back as skyrocketing interest rates and a weak economic outlook continue to dampen investor confidence. “Private housing also looks to be hard hit, as housebuilders focus development on existing sites in response to a reduction in activity across the wider housing market. The pick-up in industrial starts is the silver lining in a distinctly overcast Index, with the rising demand for logistics space expected to drive sector activity in the medium term. On the flipside, it’s especially disappointing to see civil engineering starts hit a wall following a strong burst of activity in recent months, with marked declines in both infrastructure and utilities work.” Taking a closer look at sector verticals and UK regions… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction experienced overall decline in the three months to May as starts fell 10% to stand 46% lower than a year ago. Private housing fell back 13% against the preceding three months and registered particularly weak performance against the previous year, finishing 55% down compared with the previous year. Social housing’s fall was less severe, with work starting on site falling a modest 4% against the previous three-month period, down 1% on 2022 levels. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential The value of starts across non-residential sectors fell by 19% during the three months to May, slipping back a third (-31%) on 2022 figures. Overall performance was a mixed bag, with education the only sector vertical to experience growth (9%) on the previous year, yet failed to match this increase against the preceding three month period, declining 18%. Industrial project-starts were also mixed, with the value of project-starts increasing 9% during the three months to May but 20% lower on 2022 levels. Retail performance was especially poor, with project-starts weakening 29% against the preceding three months and 48% against the previous year. It was a similar story for offices, with the value of underlying project-starts falling 20% against the preceding three months to stand 48% down on a year ago. Health starts also slipped back sharply, declining 20% against the preceding three months to stand 52% down on 2022 figures. Hotel & leisure and community & amenity also decreased 34% and 54% against the preceding three months, to stand 10% and 54% down on the previous year, respectively. Civils work starting on-site dropped 30% against the preceding three months to stand 50% down on a year ago. Infrastructure starts dropped 26% against the preceding three-month period, down 56% on the previous year’s figures. Faltering on strong activity in previous months, civils general decline can also partly be attributed to a weakening in utilities starts, declining by 35% against the preceding three months to stand 37% down against last year’s results. Regional Analysis Regional performance was poor across most of the UK, with project-starts weakening during the three months to May. The East of England was the only region to post growth on the preceding three-month period, with project-starts increasing 19%, but remaining 39% behind 2022 levels. Wales suffered the heaviest fall, declining 56% against the preceding three months to stand 43% down on a year ago. It was a similar story in Yorkshire & the Humber, with the value of project-starts decreasing 31% against the preceding three months and remaining significantly down (-52%) on the previous year. Project-starts in the North East experienced a fall against both the preceding three months (-27%) and previous year (-26%). London and the South West both weakened against the preceding three months, falling back 1% and 12%, respectively. Both regions were down on the previous year, remaining 20% and 46% lower than a year ago. Scotland was also down on both the preceding three months (-12%) and the previous year (-43%). Northern Ireland, the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East and the North West all crashed compared to both the preceding three months and previous year. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. 2023 sees Glenigan celebrate its 50th anniversary, commemorating half a century of delivering the highest-quality construction market intelligence. To find out more about its services and expertise click here.
With its low cost, timesaving and sustainability-based attributes, modular construction has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Rick Perkins, global technical manager passive fire protection at Sherwin-Williams, examines the advantages of this approach and how intumescent coatings play a key role in ensuring high levels of fire safety in modular buildings. Modular construction is the process of creating buildings using off-site prefabricated building components. These components are manufactured in a controlled environment and then transported to the construction site for final assembly. Although this method of construction has been around for decades, in recent years it has gained popularity due to its many advantages. The Need for speed One of the most significant advantages of modular construction is its speed. Building a traditional structure on-site can take months, if not years, to finish. Modular construction, on the other hand, can be completed in a fraction of that time – as modules are manufactured in a factory the construction process can be carried out much more quickly and efficiently. Central to its popularity is the realisation that modular construction does not necessarily result in buildings of a temporary nature. The materials used and methods of constructing them mean that they are built to extremely high standards. The majority of today’s modular buildings have steel frames and a design life of 50 years. However, it is highly likely that they will last longer than that – longer, in fact, than some so-called permanent buildings constructed in traditional ways. Another advantage of modular construction is its cost effectiveness. Since modules are manufactured in a controlled environment, there is less waste and fewer materials are needed. These cost savings can be between 10-35 per cent less than traditional methods, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Safety first Being produced in a factory also means there are fewer hazards than on a traditional construction site – modular buildings are built to strict safety standards to ensure that they are structurally sound and safe for occupants. This is especially evident in their ability to protect against the potentially devastating effects of fire. A large part of this is due to the intumescent coatings that are applied to the structural steel frames that are used in their construction. These are designed to expand when exposed to high temperatures, forming a thick, insulating layer that helps to protect the underlying steel from the heat of a fire. This delays, or prevents, structural failure and collapse, giving occupants longer to evacuate and firefighters more time to respond. Every second counts Since assembled modules are transported and erected as a unit, intumescent coatings make a great choice for fire protection as they are the lightest and most compact form of fire protection available. There are several types of intumescent coatings available, each with their own unique properties and application methods. It is important to engage with a coatings manufacturer as early in the design stage as possible in order to ensure that the most appropriate solution is applied. Depending on the building’s design and structure, intumescent paint has the ability to protect steelwork for 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes in a fire, as required by the designer and building regulations. It is applied by airless spray to a thickness according to the level of protection required, and if the steelwork is visible in the final design it will not detract from the appearance. Application form When applying an intumescent coating, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and coating specification carefully to ensure that it is used correctly and provides the desired level of fire protection. This may involve applying multiple layers of the coating, preparing and priming the surface before application and allowing the coating to dry and cure properly. Using an appropriate intumescent product will mean that it is durable both once in service in the finished building, as well as during construction/erection phase, when it may be exposed to weathering. Some of the latest generations of intumescent coatings are not only very fast drying, they also have excellent mechanical resilience, making them a fantastic option when steelwork may need to be further worked on quickly after coating application. Look ahead The future of modular construction looks bright, with increased adoption likely to transform the way we build and design buildings long-term. However, like any other type of building, fire protection should be a primary concern, so intumescent coatings from leading manufacturers should be used to provide an effective, versatile and reliable solution. By providing a layer of insulation that protects the steel framework from heat, intumescent coatings can help to prevent structural damage and save lives in the event of a fire. For further information please visit https://bit.ly/3iovJNg Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has joined the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF), which promotes the use of industrial insulation as an accepted means of achieving sustainability. TICA, the sole UK trade association representing contractors involved in the application of hot and cold insulation, became a member of the Switzerland-based not-for-profit organisation to share best practice – which includes gaining access to its TIPCHECK Programme. Standing for Technical Insulation Performance Check, TIPCHECK is a high quality thermal energy auditing tool in line with EN 16247 and ISO 50002, used to evaluate the performance of industrial insulation systems. It can be applied to existing facilities, planned projects and retrofits and is able to identify efficiency improvements and safety risks. Since its foundation in 2009, EiiF has established itself as a resource for industries seeking to reduce CO2 emissions and save energy. Its activities are focused on raising awareness of the multiple benefits and cost-effective nature of industrial insulation. It is comprised of more than 60 leading industrial insulation companies from global players to small and medium-sized companies and consultants. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager said: “The opportunity to share knowledge and experience with the EiiF network will be an important factor as we seek to promote thermal insulation best practice in the UK. “Tools such as TIPCHECK can, and should, play a significant role in decarbonising the UK energy and industrial sectors. “However, with 23% of UK total carbon production tied in with heating of buildings, TIPCHECK could also play a key role in highlighting the energy saving potential of thermal insulation in building services applications. “As a tool, TIPCHECK can help to highlight the energy and financial savings that can result from insulating pipework correctly. This is good news for the thermal insulation industry, and good news for clients who wish to reduce energy consumption, costs whilst benefiting the wider environment – a real win-win”. Andrea Guertler, EiiF’s Foundation Director, added: ““We are very happy to count TICA as an EiiF Member. Cooperation between TICA and EiiF will greatly benefit both organisations, bringing user-friendly digital tools with the focus on sustainability to the TICA curriculum and at the same time promoting TIPCHECK and EiiF to UK contractors. “Most importantly, our co-operation will fulfil one of our foundation purposes: supporting the young generation with education and training.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Installation of retrofit measures – including low energy heating systems, solar and insulation – is key in reducing emissions from Surrey’s buildings, which currently make up around half of all Surrey’s carbon emissions. Over £32m of funding has already been secured to scale-up retrofit across the county. In its Climate Change Strategy published in 2020, Surrey County Council (Surrey CC) recognised the importance of retrofit to “meet more demanding energy efficiency standards…whilst delivering significant savings to residents” (Strategic Priority 1). At the heart of the Council’s retrofit plans is a focus on building the supply chain, without which its ambitious target of 66% emissions reduction in the domestic housing sector by 2035 cannot be met. Spending on retrofit has the potential to make a significant contribution to Surrey’s economy, providing significant new business opportunities for Surrey enterprises. With this in mind the Council has partnered with The Retrofit Academy and Low Carbon Homes to produce the first Surrey Retrofit Summit over the mornings of Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 June 2023 for daily online sessions from 9am-12pm. Attendees will learn more from Surrey CC’s team about the plans to meet the skills, supply chain and financial opportunities, and the innovative solutions being developed in the market to meet future retrofit demand – and how local businesses and residents can navigate the complex topic and benefit from the County’s focus on the low carbon transition of homes. Cllr Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment who’ll be opening the event on Tuesday 13th June states: “Retrofitting our homes and buildings will help all Surrey residents to reduce emissions and, at the same time, save money on energy bills, something which is key to the Council’s Climate Change Delivery Plan. We know we need to significantly scale the retrofit supply chain to meet the growing demand for energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures. The Surrey Retrofit Summit will bring together professionals from across the retrofit sector to understand the opportunities provided by retrofit, share best practice and hear what else is needed to meet the scale of retrofit required.” With updates from Surrey CC’s energy team, and expert advice from The Retrofit Academy and other market experts the event will show supply chain businesses how to scale up their operations, and improve processes to win more business. Three mornings of online presentations and in-event meetings provide a flexible means of participation and learning for those working in the housing and construction sectors who want to be part of this exciting opportunity. The Summit schedule will include – on morning one – an update on Surrey’s decarbonisation plans and retrofit one-stop-shop ambitions, supply chain opportunities and a showcase of recent retrofit success stories. On morning two speakers will focus on the skills, support and finance available to businesses to help them scale to install high volumes of housing fabric energy efficiency measures. On the final morning, attention will be on heating and energy businesses looking to pivot towards low carbon heat and storage, the scale of the retrofit market opportunity and how to access it. We’ll hear from those who are building successful retrofit businesses each day, with plenty of insights and lessons shared to inspire those looking to grow their business or to enter the fast-emerging retrofit market. The Surrey Retrofit Summit is free to attend online using the dynamic REMO event platform across three mornings from 0900-1130 from Tuesday 13 June to Thursday 15 June, enabling housing professionals, installers, contractors, consultants, architects, and surveyors to drop in from any location to suit their schedules. Q&A sessions with a panel of the morning’s speakers and mingling with peers, speakers and sponsors at the virtual conference tables provide high quality networking without the travel time. To sign up to attend this free online event, go to https://lowcarbonhomes.uk/events. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals