Standard will help maintain safety and performance amid shift to net-zero Stakeholders from across industry have collaborated to develop the UK’s first-ever national occupational standard (NOS) for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. As industry strives towards ambitious net-zero targets, hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in
Manchester based Alliance Investments announce their second Birmingham development, Neighbourhood Heights, located in Edgbaston, only a few minutes away from the city centre. The growing Manchester based property investment company has launched the first available apartments within its latest luxury Birmingham development, Neighbourhood Heights – which will see the construction
THE construction of a new supermarket in north Warrington is progressing to plan. A new Aldi store is being built on land off Europa Boulevard in Gemini – and the structure is starting to take shape. The plot of land looks unrecognisable from its former self after demolition crews moved
A major refurbishment project being undertaken by Clegg Construction in partnership with the University of Nottingham has been shortlisted for an East Midlands Energy Efficiency Award. The £10.2m scheme, which comprises the sustainable refurbishment of the University’s historic Florence Boot Hall building to provide students with accessible, comfortable and modern
Atkins, part of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is set to deliver planning and design services for a major urban extension in the West Midlands. The scheme will make a significant contribution to meeting housing needs, including affordable housing, in the area, while also providing new schools, healthcare, retail provision, green areas,
New Government legislation, which came into effect on April 1 2023, could leave £1.4bn annual rent at risk in the commercial property sector in England. Commercial buildings that do not have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above are no longer able to be traded or leased
Partel, a leading manufacturer of air and wind tight membranes, has combined a decade of industry experience and technical knowledge to develop two new fire-rated breather membranes EXOPERM DURO A1 and EXOPERM MONO DURO A2, that surpass current fire safety regulation levels for high-rise and high-risk buildings. These high-performance membranes
Solution from MK Electric and Trend Controls integrates outlet-level electricity use monitoring into a building management system for visibility into previously unknown power consumption MK Electric and Trend Controls have launched one of the first fully integrated commercial solutions for effective remote monitoring and control of plug-in sources of power
Beny, a provider of renewable energy solutions, has launched a smart home energy solution for the European market. The solution integrates a smart energy management system, microinverters, a DLB system, and a charging station, creating an intelligent and connected home. The Beny Cloud provides intelligent monitoring and operation, offering real-time
As the UK’s leading specialist in the repair and replication of metal window systems, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) was brought in by a long term client to carefully dismantle, catalogue and store all of the components to the listed façade of the Former Daily Express Building. This was done
Standard will help maintain safety and performance amid shift to net-zero Stakeholders from across industry have collaborated to develop the UK’s first-ever national occupational standard (NOS) for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. As industry strives towards ambitious net-zero targets, hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in decreasing carbon emissions and the transition to greener, more sustainable forms of energy. In its role as leading skills specialist for the science and technology sector, Cogent Skills has supported employers by facilitating the development of the NOS. The steering group which developed the standard was chaired by the Tank Storage Association and included representatives from Cadent Gas, XPO Logistics, Downstream Oil Distribution Forum and Progressive Energy. The NOS has potential applications in a range of professions in industries including – but not limited to – the energy sector. It can form the foundation for qualifications used in apprenticeship frameworks, job descriptions for new roles, training and appraisals for existing staff – and help prospective staff when searching for jobs which match their skills and experience, among other uses. The hydrogen NOS has been approved by relevant authorities across the UK and will be developed further into qualification and apprenticeships. Executive Director of the Tank Storage Association, Peter Davidson, said: “Hydrogen will play a critical role in helping the UK achieve its net-zero ambitions by 2050. New infrastructure – from production and storage to import and processing facilities for hydrogen carriers – will be required to meet the future predicted demand. “A competent workforce will be key to the successful and safe operation of these facilities. The Tank Storage Association fully supports the development of National Occupational Standards in this area to ensure that those competency demands are met.” Chief Executive of Cogent Skills, Justine Fosh, said: “Cogent Skills is proud to have played its part in developing this important new standard. The hydrogen NOS will support new apprenticeships across the UK in a field which is set to becoming increasingly important as we all work together to reduce our carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester based Alliance Investments announce their second Birmingham development, Neighbourhood Heights, located in Edgbaston, only a few minutes away from the city centre. The growing Manchester based property investment company has launched the first available apartments within its latest luxury Birmingham development, Neighbourhood Heights – which will see the construction of 81 one-and two-bedroom apartments, beginning in Q2 2023. Designed by architects with vast experience in the city, Neighbourhood Heights is exactly what Birmingham needs and is set to be the ideal home for young professionals, families and first-time buyers. With a forecasted completion date of Q2 2025, and a GDV of £20.5m, Neighbourhood Heights will deliver a mix of comfort, connectivity and stylish interior design combined, to create homes that exceed expectations. In addition to the first-class homes on offer, residents can also enjoy roof gardens, a communal lounge and work from home spaces, a community manager and a dedicated residents’ app which can be used to create clubs and forums, promote local businesses, manage tenancies and more. Located in the Ladywood area of Edgbaston, one of Birmingham’s most well-known and popular areas. It is also a part of the city that is changing fast thanks to the huge amount of investment underway. All apartments at Neighbourhood Heights will be available for sale through Alliance Investments from 24th April 2023, with properties available from £203,496. Ronald Garrett, Managing Director of Alliance Investments states: “Our team are delighted to be launching the sales of our second development project in Birmingham.” “We have a proven track record of the area due to our previous sell out of Park Gate, and are confident of another successful project within Birmingham, due to a 27% house price increase for the city forecast by 2026” To find out more about investing in Birmingham or purchasing a home within Neighbourhood Heights, please contact Alliance Investments here: https://www.alliance-investments.com/nbhd-heights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE construction of a new supermarket in north Warrington is progressing to plan. A new Aldi store is being built on land off Europa Boulevard in Gemini – and the structure is starting to take shape. The plot of land looks unrecognisable from its former self after demolition crews moved onto the site in November to knock down the former Arnold Clark car dealership. The business announced its intention to vacate its old site in January 2020, and it has since moved across the road into the former Toys’R’Us unit. THE construction of a new supermarket in north Warrington is progressing to plan. A new Aldi store is being built on land off Europa Boulevard in Gemini – and the structure is starting to take shape. The plot of land looks unrecognisable from its former self after demolition crews moved onto the site in November to knock down the former Arnold Clark car dealership. The business announced its intention to vacate its old site in January 2020, and it has since moved across the road into the former Toys’R’Us unit. Foundation work was undertaken in February before steel framework was erected. This has now been followed by cladding. The retail chain stated there is a need and desire for the new store, despite there already being four in Stockton Heath, the town centre, Birchwood and Orford. Plans for the new store were officially submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department in April last year. These plans were rubber stamped by the council in September, with the second stage of the process to regenerate the land now beginning. The scheme proposes 125 car parking spaces, nine parent and child spaces, eight disabled spaces, 14 cycle spaces, four electric vehicle charging spaces and six motorcycle spaces. Aldi previously said that the proposal would create up to 40 new full and part-time jobs at the store alone – which will be paid at an ‘industry-leading’ rate of £10.10 per hour as a minimum. There would also be further employment opportunities during construction and via the supply chain. It is hoped that the new store will be ready to open by September 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major refurbishment project being undertaken by Clegg Construction in partnership with the University of Nottingham has been shortlisted for an East Midlands Energy Efficiency Award. The £10.2m scheme, which comprises the sustainable refurbishment of the University’s historic Florence Boot Hall building to provide students with accessible, comfortable and modern student accommodation, has been announced as a finalist in the Large-Scale Project of the Year category, which recognises schemes over £250,000 in value that will deliver considerable energy savings. A raft of energy efficiency measures has been implemented to help improve the thermal and low carbon efficiency within the 1920s-constructed building via a fabric-first approach. These include air-source heat pumps to replace gas-fired systems, a Building Management System, upgrades to roof insulation, as well as LED lighting throughout. In addition, over 380 new triple-glazed windows, (which are in keeping with the surrounding historical aesthetic) on the University Park campus, replace PVC units installed circa 20 years ago. The project is targeted and forecast to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’, and has been overseen by Chris Jamison, senior site manager at Clegg Construction, who is a BREAAM-Accredited Person and whose extensive knowledge and experience delivering schemes to BREEAM standards has been instrumental in the delivery of the project. In testament to the many energy-efficient technologies and measures installed throughout the building, its Energy Performance Asset Rating is forecast to increase significantly from E to B. It is estimated that the fabric-first approach to decarbonising the building equates to a reduction of 380 tonnes of CO2 per year. This aligns with the University of Nottingham’s carbon management plan (to be net zero by 2040 with an interim target for 2030), with Clegg’s own sustainability agenda, as well as the UK’s pledge to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Throughout the duration of the project, which is due to complete in summer 2023 for the new intake of students, Clegg enjoyed a considerable degree of engagement with the local and wider community in a wide range of areas, including hiring a 16-year-old school leaver on a four-month placement as a trainee site manager, the use of local subcontractors and suppliers, as well as hosting visits from architecture, engineering and business management students, plus descendants of the Boot family. The hall of residence was the first female hall at the University and was founded by businesswoman and philanthropist, Florence Boot, wife of Boots the Chemist founder Jesse Boot. The scheme has also seen Clegg and the University of Nottingham closely working together to protect the natural environment through tree protection orders, the retention of existing hedges and planting, and the careful relocation and preservation of Pipistrelle and Whiskered bats. Other members of the project team include Maber architects and Couch Perry Wilkes consultants. Now in their tenth year, the Energy Efficiency Awards aim to provide public recognition for the excellent work the energy efficiency sector is doing in undertaking energy efficiency schemes that help cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel poverty, and to help encourage best practice within the energy industry as it works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are held on a regional and national basis each year. The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd May at the Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport Hotel. Simon Blackburn, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg is pleased to be delivering this important project for the University of Nottingham. Florence Boot Hall marks the latest in a long line of high-quality schemes that Clegg has managed on behalf of the University during our partnership of over 20 years.” Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company, which has its headquarters in Nottingham, works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Atkins, part of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is set to deliver planning and design services for a major urban extension in the West Midlands. The scheme will make a significant contribution to meeting housing needs, including affordable housing, in the area, while also providing new schools, healthcare, retail provision, green areas, community spaces and infrastructure improvements for the wider community. The engineering and design consultancy, working with supply chain partners LDA Design and Levitt Bernstein, has been appointed as masterplanner and multi-discipline designer for Homes England’s portion of the 4,000 homes that remain to be delivered as part of the South West Rugby Urban Extension. Alongside this, sustainability and biodiversity net gain are embedded in the approach as Atkins will ensure the environment plays a key role in benefiting communities, whilst minimising the impact on nature. Joanne Farrar, project director for Atkins, said: “This is a hugely significant development that will help to meet the real need for housing in this part of the West Midlands. But this is about more than simply building houses to meet the acute demand. “This project and the physical and social infrastructure that it will deliver will create truly thriving places based on safe and secure homes, producing better social value outcomes. “It also represents a priority development with a clear focus on creating a sustainable community where people can live, work and play for generations.” Ben Frodsham, Senior Planning and Enabling Manager for Homes England adds: “Atkins has been providing services for Homes England for many years and has a strong track record of delivery both nationally and in the Midlands region. “The team was able to demonstrate a joined-up and efficient approach to the scheme, bringing some trusted supply chain partners in to add additional value including LDA Design and Levitt Bernstein. “We have great confidence they will deliver what is needed to support Homes England in the delivery of a vibrant, sustainable and successful new community in South West Rugby.” The Homes England land and infrastructure on the site comprises approximately 40% of the total development, and is one of the largest in the region for the housing and regeneration agency. The urban extension project is the largest single commission to come to Atkins from the current Homes England Framework, with the contract set to run until 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New Government legislation, which came into effect on April 1 2023, could leave £1.4bn annual rent at risk in the commercial property sector in England. Commercial buildings that do not have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above are no longer able to be traded or leased under the new legislation. Set to evolve over time, the regulations will only become stricter, with the minimum EPC rating rising to C in 2027 and B in 2030. This could see the level of regional rent at risk increase to £3bn and £4.8bn respectively, as legislation tightens. Data from EG – an established provider of data, news and analytics for the CRE sector – demonstrates the impact that the first phase of the legislation will have on the CRE market in England’s regions. In London alone, 24.1million sq. ft will fail to meet these regulations, putting the equivalent of 20 Shard’s at risk. Looking across the whole of England, this number rises to 95.6million sq. ft – or 80 Shards. Tom Flanagan, Product Manager at EG comments: “The CRE market will undoubtedly take a significant hit following the introduction of this new EPC legislation. With billions worth of rent taken off the market and assets left stranded, we can expect to see rental premiums put on energy efficient buildings and competition for properties increasing. “For many CRE landlords, now is the time to take action as the EPC regulations only strengthen over the coming years. By acting now, landlords can ensure their properties are compliant for the years to come and – most importantly – meet the market demand for energy efficient, sustainable buildings.” For landlords of properties that do not meet the new EPC standards there are steps that can be taken. Liz McKillop Paley, Real Estate Principal Associate at law firm Shoosmiths, added: “The new rules enforced from April 2023 only apply if a building falls under MEES regulations and where there is a valid EPC. If a property is vacant, it can remain so without an EPC. The risk of not making improvements, however, is that a landlord could be left with a stranded or obsolete asset. “Carrying out cost-effective energy efficiency improvements and meeting the EPC standards – even through making small upgrades during a building’s life cycle – can have a big impact, ensuring a landlord complies with the regulations as they evolve, while also avoiding being left with a property that the market deems substandard.” For more information please visit: https://www.egi.co.uk/news/eginvestorguides/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Partel, a leading manufacturer of air and wind tight membranes, has combined a decade of industry experience and technical knowledge to develop two new fire-rated breather membranes EXOPERM DURO A1 and EXOPERM MONO DURO A2, that surpass current fire safety regulation levels for high-rise and high-risk buildings. These high-performance membranes are designed to achieve the highest levels of fire performance while also protecting the building structure by allowing vapour to diffuse from within the structure towards the exterior keeping the internal components of the wall dry, preventing ‘thermal bypass’ of external air through the insulation, and also performing the secondary task of weather protection and preventing penetration by external environmental impurities such as wind and rain. Suited to offsite and onsite construction, residential or commercial projects, both products are fully independently certified and tested in accordance with EN13501-1. The membranes are compliant with Document B Fire Safety and are suitable for use in a range of external wall types, especially in high rise buildings or those that pose a greater risk of fire safety. “At Partel, we are proud to introduce our additional fire-rated breather membranes, EXOPERM DURO A1 and EXOPERM MONO DURO A2, which go beyond current fire safety regulations and complement our limited combustible vapour control layer IZOPERM PLUS A2” said Hugh Whiriskey, CEO of Partel. “We are committed to developing advanced membranes that will help to facilitate offsite manufacturers, contractors, and architects create facades that are fully non-combustible.” Introducing EXOPERM DURO A1 EXOPERM DURO A1 is a newly engineered breather membrane that incorporates advanced technology with an integrated glass fibre fabric to achieve the highest fire performance levels. This CE and UKCA marked membrane is A1 non-combustible and is suitable for use on closed joint facades. It balances other technical attributes alongside fire in order to ensure long-term protection of the building envelope, highly vapour open with an Sd value of 0.03m, Class W2 resistance to water penetration, superior aging resistance and dimensional stability. Introducing EXOPERM MONO DURO A2 Partel’s EXOPERM MONO DURO A2 is an innovative airtight yet vapour permeable façade membrane, based on Monolithic Technology. This CE and UKCA marked membrane is Class A2-s1,d0, guaranteeing limited-combustibility, absent or very limited smoke emissions and no burning droplets. It is suitable for use on open or closed joint facades, providing architects with greater design freedom. It balances airtightness, moisture management and secondary weather protection with fire performance and is incredibly vapour open boasting an Sd value of 0.09m, air permeability value of 0,006 m³/m², h, Pa, Class W2 resistance to water penetration, superior aging resistance and dimensional stability. Complete System Partel’s membrane solutions are further complemented by ECHOSEAL ALU FR, a fire-rated air and windtight adhesive tape specifically designed for use with Partel’s fire performance membranes. The tape ensures that membrane overlaps, window, and door connections are securely sealed. It can be used internally and externally due to its particular technological functions. Delivering Exceptional Performance Partel’s newly developed fire-rated breather membranes, EXOPERM DURO A1 and EXOPERM MONO DURO A2, exceed current fire safety regulations and provide superior protection of the building envelope. Independently certified and tested in accordance with EN13501-1 and compliant with Document B Fire Safety they can help facilitate the creation of non-combustible facades and offer peace of mind that the products are tested and certified to the latest industry standards. For more information visit Partel or contact a member of the Partel team to discuss requirements for your next project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solution from MK Electric and Trend Controls integrates outlet-level electricity use monitoring into a building management system for visibility into previously unknown power consumption MK Electric and Trend Controls have launched one of the first fully integrated commercial solutions for effective remote monitoring and control of plug-in sources of power consumption for the UK buildings market. Connected Power, the first collaboration between the two Honeywell brands, is designed to easily allow building and energy managers to monitor their site’s use of small power — which can account for more than 25 percent of a building’s energy.[i] Comprising smart plug sockets and connectivity hubs from MK Electric, the Connected Power solution allows businesses to gain visibility into their buildings’ energy usage, remotely power down unused sockets and automate functions such as scheduling, grouping and alarms. Data is available down to an outlet level, providing more robust information and control of energy use in a building along with other site energy data such as heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) and lighting use. The Connected Power solution has been deployed at several test sites across the UK. Energy efficiency was seen in a number of different building locations by powering equipment only when needed, with evident energy savings once scheduling was applied through the Connected Power solution. The Connected Power system is also brand agnostic and can be seamlessly integrated into any existing BACNET-based building energy management system (BEMS) for a fully detailed overview of its energy use. Additionally the system will run as an effective stand-alone solution in buildings without the ability to offer a full BEMS integration. The innovation comes at a time when many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their electricity usage amid the rising cost of energy. Switching to Connected Power plug sockets can help save energy consumed by plug-in devices, by allowing businesses to remotely control sockets and set up alerts, alarms and schedules to power down sockets outside of core hours. “The impact of small power in a commercial setting can quickly add up, and there are often hundreds of small power devices in an office building, hospital or educational setting that are left on when not in use,” explained Steve Kenny, vice president and general manager, MK Electric. “By working with our colleagues from the Trend team, we can better provide building and energy managers with not only insight into their small power energy use – which was typically unknown – but also allow them to control it, giving them the tools they need to fully manage plug-in power usage.” Stefano D’Agostino, general manager at Trend, added: “The problem many businesses encounter is that small power loads — the sockets providing electricity to everything from computers and printers to portable space heaters and device chargers — don’t fall under the scope of their BEMS. We are changing that with Connected Power, giving businesses even greater visibility into their site’s energy profile for the first time.” Connected Power sockets are the same size as standard plug sockets, allowing for easy retrofits. Each hub wirelessly connects to up to 50 sockets and as many as 50 hubs can feed data back to a single BMS or supervisory system, giving a total capacity of 2,500 sockets or 5,000 individual outlets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beny, a provider of renewable energy solutions, has launched a smart home energy solution for the European market. The solution integrates a smart energy management system, microinverters, a DLB system, and a charging station, creating an intelligent and connected home. The Beny Cloud provides intelligent monitoring and operation, offering real-time monitoring, precise message push notifications, intelligent alerts, remote control, and upgrading capabilities. With the Beny Cloud, users can monitor the operational status of the inverter equipment, automatically calculate power generation and efficiency, and detect faulty power stations for on-site maintenance. This system is built on a secure, reliable, and user-friendly cloud computing platform. The BYM600W microinverter is ideal for European balcony projects due to its exceptional performance. With a maximum industry input current of 18A and support for a DC:AC ratio of up to 1.5 times, it is perfect for homeowners seeking the latest in energy-efficient technology. The product’s original parallel optimizers enhance parallel effects, and its key components are designed to withstand high temperatures above 105. The core control chip is automotive-grade, ensuring full output even in environments with temperatures ranging from 50℃ to 55℃, and can still achieve 60% output at 70℃. The product has undergone rigorous aging and quality reliability testing, with an MTBF of ≥30 years, and comes with a maximum warranty of 25 years. Beny‘s innovative, integrated solution combines photovoltaic, energy storage, and charging to meet the growing demand for home charging stations due to the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles. The DLB device, which is compatible with any photovoltaic inverter and batteries available in the market, makes this full-house smart solution possible. By integrating photovoltaic and energy storage systems, Beny’s solution offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, increased reliability, and sustainability. As the technology continues to improve and become more widely adopted, it is likely that more homes and businesses will opt for PV+ESS solutions. In conclusion, Beny’s full-house smart solution is an innovative and versatile option for those looking to invest in a reliable and sustainable energy source for their homes or businesses. The DLB device’s compatibility with a wide range of photovoltaic inverters and batteries makes it a flexible and cost-effective solution for various applications. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the UK’s leading specialist in the repair and replication of metal window systems, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) was brought in by a long term client to carefully dismantle, catalogue and store all of the components to the listed façade of the Former Daily Express Building. This was done in order to facilitate the demolition of its later extension, together with the much wider redevelopment of the landmark London site. The contract on 120 Fleet Street is the latest in series of high-profile projects where ASWS has provided its unique enablement service on behalf of demolition specialist, Erith. Previous collaborations have included the nearby 11 Pilgrim Street, 25 Lavington Street, and Olympia, as well as the famous Whiteleys department store. The City of London Corporation, in October 2021, approved the plans for a new 21-storey office-led development and rejuvenation of the Grade II listed former newspaper headquarters at 120 Fleet Street, being led by CO-RE. The art deco Daily Express building will be transformed into a publicly accessible cultural destination with social and educational outreach. The Operations Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell, explained some of the stages involved in overcoming multiple challenges at 120 Fleet Street, saying: “Once we got the call from Erith our survey team not only photographed the entire 200m2 façade of black Vitrolite glass panelling, but also took precise measurements from a datum before compiling very detailed CAD drawings which will allow us to precisely re-assemble the bracketry and frontage when the new structural work is complete.” “It is one of the most famous art deco buildings in London – dating from 1932 – where the Vitrolite panels – basically pigmented structural glass – are glazed into aluminium frames in units some two metres tall and 3.5 metres wide. We removed all of the cappings as well as the transom and mullion cover plates so the Vitrolite could be lifted out and the main frames dismantled.” Kris continues, “This was complicated by the varying contours across the building and variations in the original manufacture. As well as our having the Heritage Asset Register and secure storage facilities, we were also able to bring all of our experience in such forensic type work to bear: so that the façade can be exactly rebuilt in some 18 months’ time.” The Lead Site Manager for Erith, Sean Morris, commented: “We have worked with ASWS on a number of projects in recent years and they have done an outstanding job again on the Express building, enabling our work to proceed on schedule.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals