Energy efficiency requirements, guidelines for domestic hot water hygiene, and individual wishes of building owners are just some of the challenges that design consultants face in their daily business. In order to support them effectively and sustainably, Taconova has developed a new service and technology portfolio for designing efficient heating
GLP, the leading global business builder, owner, developer and operator of logistics real estate, data centres, renewable energy and related technologies, has signed a 15-year lease for a 135,000 SQ FT warehouse at G-Park South Normanton. GLP completed G-Park South Normanton as a forward funded project with NFU Mutual at
The lack of workers in the construction industry is a big problem that will need creative solutions from business leaders, government officials, and teachers. If nothing is done, this shortage could hurt the industry and the economy for a long time. Some Issues That Affect Labor Shortage Lack Of New
High-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors, are constantly exposed to wear and tear, making them more prone to damage and deterioration. With relentless foot traffic, scuff marks, dirt, and the impact of weather conditions, selecting the appropriate paint can make a significant difference in the longevity and appearance of your
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), through its Working Minds campaign which aims to prevent work-related stress and promote good mental health in the workplace, has compiled a list of resources to assist employers and workers during stress awareness month this April. HSE and its twenty-two partner organisations across Great
Construction of the Paper Yard, comprising 30,000 sq ft of modular lab space designed by Hawkins Brown, is due to complete in May, and is seeing positive early interest from potential life science occupiers. British Land and AustralianSuper have appointed Stanton Williams to draw up plans for a 300,000 sq
Work is now well under way on a £20.8million refurbishment scheme for council homes in Oldbury. Representatives from Sandwell Council and Lovell Partnerships Limited, which is carrying out the work, visited 19-storey high-rise block Darley House in Wallace Close to see the progress made since work started in November 2022.
Combined technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% or 1 ton CO2 per household per year and shrinks energy bills for residents Heat network technology providers Evinox and Minibems are merging and receive growth capital from SET Ventures. This capital injection enables the two companies to cement their leading
National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Construction & Engineering Team with the recruitment of a new partner, Robert Tunningley, who will be based in the firm’s Gatwick office. The appointment takes the specialist construction team to thirteen, with three partners and two trainees. The team is led by
A leading mechanical and electrical contractor has started work on a key renewables project that will save more than 34,500kg of CO2 emissions. Atherton-based Ash Integrated Services is installing more than 500 solar panels on behalf of Stockport Council at Endeavour House, a depot building on Bredbury Park Way, owned
Energy efficiency requirements, guidelines for domestic hot water hygiene, and individual wishes of building owners are just some of the challenges that design consultants face in their daily business. In order to support them effectively and sustainably, Taconova has developed a new service and technology portfolio for designing efficient heating and domestic hot water systems, just in time for ISH 2023. Starting with the basic assessment, through the selection of suitable technology to commissioning and maintenance: with the new Taconova “TN Comfort System” and the individual consulting services, practical tools and new intelligent system solutions in the field of centralised and decentralised heat interface units it offers, designers and housing associations receive the exact support they need in every project phase. Plan – Tech – Care: Visitors to the Taconova stand at this year’s ISH were able to find out first-hand what this means from the international Taconova team of specification consultants. “We have upgraded this year, especially in the area of heat transfer and domestic hot water heat interface units, with products and services that innovatively continue the company’s system idea. This includes our ‘TN Comfort System’,” explains Patrick Freudenreich, Consultant and Project Business Team Leader at Taconova. “With the system and the ‘Plan – Tech – Care’ segments, we effectively and sustainably facilitate our customers’ daily work.” Plan: Personal consultation even before the project begins “Plan” stands for personal consultation before or at the beginning of a new project. This segment includes a whole range of services and advice. “When it comes to designing and planning efficient heating and domestic hot water supply, we, as specification consultants, are there for our customers right from the start. We are their personal contact and support them during the initial phase of design,” says Patrick Freudenreich. “Furthermore, we help them select the appropriate technology.” Practical online tools, such as the Taconova Configurator, offer designers additional assistance in this project phase, and all important product and system data sheets can also be accessed online. In addition, Taconova is working on a new, comprehensive training programme on all aspects of efficient heating and domestic hot water supply. Tech: Technology for comfortable and efficient heating The “Tech” segment of the “Comfort System” comprises Taconova’s proven and new system solutions from the system technology sector, which includes Taconova’s centralised and decentralised heat interface units, solar and storage loading stations. As ready-to-use and space-saving complete solutions, they have always simplified and accelerated design and installation. In everyday use, they guarantee reliable operation, reduce maintenance to a minimum and optimise energy costs. In particular, the latest devices and system solutions from Taconova can be easily and conveniently integrated into the building management system, which means they can be maintained and optimised remotely, providing designers, installers, and housing associations with particular convenience. “In this segment, too, we offer technical support and assistance in the selection of suitable products and systems as specification consultants,” adds Patrick Freudenreich. Care: Reliable After-Sales-Service After the tender means before the installation: even after the design has been completed and the appropriate technology has been selected, Taconova remains at the customer’s side to provide support if needed. “Our ‘Care’ segment is about providing excellent support,” explains Patrick Freudenreich. “Behind this is everything that concerns the after-sales area. In concrete terms, this means that we also help our customers personally during commissioning and maintenance if required and offer remote support via ModBus interfaces.” At www.taconova.com/en/comfort-system, designers, architects and housing associations can discover the numerous advantages of the Taconova Comfort System and contact the specification team directly. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP, the leading global business builder, owner, developer and operator of logistics real estate, data centres, renewable energy and related technologies, has signed a 15-year lease for a 135,000 SQ FT warehouse at G-Park South Normanton. GLP completed G-Park South Normanton as a forward funded project with NFU Mutual at the end of 2022, developed by Clowes. It forms part of the development within Castlewood Business Park, just north of Nottingham, which totals over 1.5 million SQ FT of warehouse space and is home to a range of top-tier tenants including Co-op Food, Alloga and Parker Knoll. The site is located in the logistics hub of the East Midlands, directly accessible from the A38 dual carriageway which links to J28 of the M1. It is part of a large strategic cluster of logistics space around J28, with access to the West Midlands market and the east coast ports, and within easy reach of major cities including Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. The region also benefits from a vast, highly-skilled labour pool in the surrounding community. The warehouse has been developed to high specification, including 12 dock level doors, 4 level access doors, 12.5m eaves and 50m yard depth. The development has obtained a BREEAM Very Good and an EPC A rating. Adrienne Howells, Senior Development Director at GLP, commented: “G-Park South Normanton Castlewood is another important step in our ongoing commitment to the Midlands – one of the UK’s major logistics hubs. We’re continuing to invest in the region to provide high-quality, strategically located, sustainable logistics space to our growing pool of top-tier customers. Using a forward funded model for this project demonstrates the breadth of our skillset as we find inventive ways to increase our capacity at pace, given the high levels of demand and constrained supply in the market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The lack of workers in the construction industry is a big problem that will need creative solutions from business leaders, government officials, and teachers. If nothing is done, this shortage could hurt the industry and the economy for a long time. Some Issues That Affect Labor Shortage Lack Of New Workers There need to be more workers in the construction industry right now, which is causing big problems for the industry. This shortage is caused by several things, such as the lack of new workers entering the industry. One of the biggest problems caused by this labor shortage is employers competing for workers. This increases wages and makes it hard for construction companies to find and keep skilled workers. This can cause construction projects to cost more because companies may have to pay higher wages or offer other perks to entice workers. However, the construction industry may be the lucrative vocational path of an electrician. The sector can never do without an electrician. No building or structure can serve its purpose without electrical installation that may give it “life.” An electrician is a highly specialized profession where vacancies are everywhere. Some young people may think that working as laborers in the construction industry is hard work that doesn’t pay well and that the job doesn’t offer much chance of moving up in their career. It’s not accurate for all occupations. The construction industry may have its cycles of growth and decline. Still, there’s always an available job for almost everyone who needs one. It may look uncertain. That’s why some people think twice about joining the workforce. In reality, however, many construction industries offer work opportunities every day. There’s always a vacancy to fill in, even for the “not-so-specialized” construction industry jobseeker. Aging Workers Another reason why there’s a massive labor shortage in the construction industry right now is that workers are getting older. Many workers are getting close to retirement age, and not enough younger people are joining the field to replace them. As these older workers leave the workforce, there will be a big hole that won’t be easy to fill. When experienced workers leave the industry, they take valuable skills, knowledge, and expertise that are hard to replace. Also, the aging workforce is making it harder to find skilled workers because older workers have developed specialized skills that are hard for younger workers to pick up. This lack of skilled workers can cause projects to take longer, cost more, and have lower quality because less-experienced workers may not be able to do the same level of work. It’s why most human resource units made it mandatory for leaving workers to train younger ones before their application for retirement or separation from service is granted. Furthermore, various programs that include apprenticeships ensure the transfer of technology or skills. These turnover activities are made so that there’ll be a smooth transition and continuity of workloads, even if the most trusted worker is about to leave the workforce. Economic Stability The construction industry is a growing industry that is reportedly to grow by 6.1%. But many firms need help finding people to work and take construction jobs when the economy is doing well. When the economy is strong, there may be more demand for consumer goods and services. It can increase wages in other industries, making them more appealing to workers. This makes it harder to find workers in fields like construction, where wages might be less competitive. A strong economy can also make more people want to jump from one construction project to another, looking for better wages. It can make the labor shortage even worse. With more construction projects, companies may find it hard to have enough skilled workers to finish their projects. It’s why governments and key construction industry persons must constantly review their policies and development plans. They need to ensure a balance between capital and labor and between industries. These initiatives may help the labor shortage in the construction industry. The Bottom Line You may attribute it to the advancement of technology, where many new workers want to work with gadgets and devices rather than capitalizing on manual labor. Still, the boom in the construction industry offers more opportunities for new workers, especially for the highly-skilled individual. The insights here are just a few of those labor shortage causes in the construction industry. Some are on the links in this section, so it’s best to browse some of them to know whether you’re entering the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
High-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors, are constantly exposed to wear and tear, making them more prone to damage and deterioration. With relentless foot traffic, scuff marks, dirt, and the impact of weather conditions, selecting the appropriate paint can make a significant difference in the longevity and appearance of your walls. This guide will provide insights on how to identify high-traffic areas and the key factors to consider when selecting the best paint for your needs. Identifying High-Traffic Areas In Your Home Or Office High-traffic areas are spaces that experience frequent and consistent use, and it’s essential to identify them in both interior and exterior spaces to ensure you choose the most suitable paint for long-lasting results. Whether you’re buying interior or road paint, consider each space’s specific needs and challenges. Consider factors like the level of foot traffic, exposure to dirt and staining, and the potential for wall damage or surface wear when determining the best paint or coating for each area. By carefully assessing the needs of both interior and exterior high-traffic spaces, you can ensure a long-lasting, attractive, and durable finish for your home, office, or urban environment. Key Factors When Choosing Paint For High-Traffic Areas High-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors, demand a durable and long-lasting paint solution that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Selecting the right paint for these spaces is essential to maintain an attractive and resilient finish. The two most used types of paint are water-based (latex) and oil-based (alkyd). Water-based paint is known for its easy application and quick drying time, while oil-based paint offers superior durability and stain resistance. For high-traffic indoor areas, high-quality water-based paint with added durability features, such as acrylic or latex enamel, is recommended. For high-traffic outdoor areas, water-based paint is generally recommended due to its flexibility, which allows it to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of cracking and peeling. Paint sheen refers to the glossiness or shine of the paint’s finish. The right sheen can make a significant difference in the durability and appearance of your painted surfaces. For high-traffic areas, the best options are: When selecting a color for high-traffic areas, consider the surrounding environment and the potential for dirt, stains, and wear. Darker colors tend to hide dirt and stains better than lighter shades but may absorb more heat, which could cause paint to fade faster. Lighter colors may be more reflective, providing a cooler surface in sunny environments. Neutral colors are often a safe choice, as they blend well with various architectural styles and landscapes. Investing in high-quality paint is essential for areas with heavy foot traffic. High-quality paint provides enhanced durability, weather resistance, and color retention. While it may be more expensive upfront, it can save time and money in the long run by reducing the need for touch-ups or repainting. With increasing environmental awareness, many people are opting for eco-friendly paint options. Look for paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful chemicals that can be released into the air as the paint dries. Low-VOC and no-VOC paints aren’t only better for the environment they also have less odor and can improve indoor air quality. Conclusion Choosing the best paint for high-traffic areas is crucial for maintaining a beautiful and durable finish. By considering factors such as paint type, finish, color, and quality, you can select a product that will withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Whether you’re painting indoors or outdoors high-traffic areas, investing in premium paint and following the suggested maintenance techniques will help ensure a long-lasting, attractive result. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), through its Working Minds campaign which aims to prevent work-related stress and promote good mental health in the workplace, has compiled a list of resources to assist employers and workers during stress awareness month this April. HSE and its twenty-two partner organisations across Great Britain have come together to urge workplaces to take action on work-related stress and mental health. Launched in November 2021, Working Minds has grown from nine to 22 partners, with the next two members the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), and See Me – Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma, both joining this month. The campaign is reminding businesses the law requires all employers to assess the risk of work-related stress, and to assist employers to prevent or tackle any work-related stress to support good mental health in their workers. To assist them and workers achieve this and access support they may require, HSE has collated multiple resources into one simple document which is accessible here. Liz Goodwill, Head of the Work-Related Stress and Mental Health Policy Team at HSE, said: “Stress Awareness Month is an opportunity for employers to check in and support their staff’s mental health. Working Minds helps employers to follow five simple steps based on risk assessment. They are to Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to any risks you’ve identified, Reflect on actions you’ve agreed and taken, and make it Routine. It needs to become the norm to talk about stress and how people are feeling and coping at work. “There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change. Factors like skills and experience, age, or disability may all affect someone’s ability to cope.” Helpful resources Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Club, said: “Stress, anxiety and depression accounts for 20% of all recorded work place absence in construction. Everyone in our industry needs to recognise the early signs and symptoms and signpost to help. Stress Awareness Month is a timely opportunity to reinforce this message and for individuals to access training.” Andrew Berrie, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, says: “Paying attention to workplace mental health has never been more important. Whoever you are and whatever you do for work, Mental Health at Work has plenty of tools, resources, and stories to support you and your teams.” Francoise Woolley, Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Acas, said: “This month is an opportunity to reflect on how organisations are supporting the wellbeing of their employees and addressing the causes of stress at work. Leaders and managers play a huge role in recognising and responding to signs that someone might be struggling, and creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak up about their concerns.” Whether it’s a small business or a large corporation, the law requires all employers to prevent work related stress to support good mental health in the workplace. They have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it. If employers don’t do anything about it, it will cost. That cost might be productivity, sickness absence, losing a valued member of the team if they’re not able to stay in work or from litigation costs such as an Employment Tribunal. The Working Minds resource list is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of the Paper Yard, comprising 30,000 sq ft of modular lab space designed by Hawkins Brown, is due to complete in May, and is seeing positive early interest from potential life science occupiers. British Land and AustralianSuper have appointed Stanton Williams to draw up plans for a 300,000 sq ft building with potential to support innovation and life sciences businesses, as part of the second phase of its Canada Water Masterplan in Central London. Stanton Williams was selected on account of its unparalleled track record in delivering world class, innovative life sciences projects, including winning the Stirling Prize for Sainsbury Laboratory in Cambridge. Stanton Williams’ newest venture at Canada Water will be equally ambitious and will consider the potential to accommodate a range of complex scientific requirements, within an uplifting and highly sustainable environment that encourages interaction, maximises daylight and promotes wellbeing. The first phase of the Masterplan is already underway. As part of this, British Land and AustralianSuper are delivering the Paper Yard, circa 30,000 sq ft of modular lab space located next to TEDI-London, a new engineering higher education enterprise co-founded by three global universities: King’s College London, Arizona State University and UNSW Sydney. The new modular lab space, which is seeing positive early interest from occupiers across the life sciences sector, takes just under nine months to build and will be ready for occupation in May. Emma Cariaga, Joint Head of Canada Water at British Land, said: “We have an incredibly rare opportunity at Canada Water to reimagine an entire district for London. Our vision is to create a diverse and exciting neighbourhood rooted in innovation – somewhere that businesses can be inspired to grow and where people will put down roots. “Delivering up to 2.5m sq ft of highly sustainable business and innovation workspace across the masterplan, Canada Water is in prime position to cater to the growing number of life science and innovation businesses requiring new, high-specification lab space, supporting the aims of the Government’s newly published Science and Technology Framework which pinpoints these burgeoning sectors as a crucial driver of economic growth. Canada Water presents a compelling proposition for prospective occupiers, on account of its vibrant, well-connected central London location which benefits from being in close proximity to three leading teaching and research hospitals including Guy’s Hospital in London Bridge; St Thomas’ Hospital in Waterloo and King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill.” Richard Wardle, Director at Stanton Williams, said: “We are delighted to be part of British Land’s ambitious regeneration of Canada Water. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the creation of a vibrant and collaborative environment that will foster innovation and nurture a new sense of community in the heart of the post-industrial Southwark Docks.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is now well under way on a £20.8million refurbishment scheme for council homes in Oldbury. Representatives from Sandwell Council and Lovell Partnerships Limited, which is carrying out the work, visited 19-storey high-rise block Darley House in Wallace Close to see the progress made since work started in November 2022. Surrounding low-rise blocks Alston House, Birchley House, Century House, Radnall House and Selby House will also benefit from the major transformation for the area in forthcoming phases of the project. Once the three-year scheme is completed, external walls of all blocks will have been fitted with insulated rain cladding and new windows. A new local district heat pump system including new radiators and hot water system is currently being installed, as part of the council’s response to climate change, improving energy efficiency. Work is almost finished on the pump room within the site compound which will house all the pipework that will eventually supply all heating and hot water to Darley House and surrounding blocks. Under the scheme, Darley House will also benefit from a new roof, balcony improvements and internal improvements. The area around the blocks will be landscaped. Throughout the project, Lovell’s team will continue working closely with the council to provide a positive impact and a lasting legacy for the community. Lovell provided family activities in the community room at Darley House during the recent February half-term break and is supporting wider community engagement initiatives and working with local businesses. Councillor Charn Singh Padda, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “It was really good to visit Darley House with Lovell and see the great progress made so far. This major project will improve homes for hundreds of local people while also helping to improve energy efficiency. “We are working closely with tenants to keep disruption to a minimum and the project team will continue to keep our tenants regularly updated as they move through different phases of the refurbishments. “This project is part of our ongoing investment in existing and new council homes in Sandwell to make sure people have the homes they need.” Carl Yale, regional refurbishment director at Lovell, said: “It is not just the scale of the refurbishment that makes Darley House a significant project for our team, but the positive and very real impact it will have on the lives of residents. “This is a substantial decarbonisation project, which includes the installation of a district heat network that will provide effective and affordable warmth to over 200 flats from renewable heat generated on site using air source heat pumps. This, along with new windows and doors, enclosed balconies and insulated rainscreen cladding, not only contributes positively to the environment but tackles the fuel poverty that impacts so many people in our region. “A new play area and soft landscaping will also create a greater sense of community once this exciting project is completed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Combined technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% or 1 ton CO2 per household per year and shrinks energy bills for residents Heat network technology providers Evinox and Minibems are merging and receive growth capital from SET Ventures. This capital injection enables the two companies to cement their leading position in smart heat network technology ensuring enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings for heat network operators and residents. Heat networks, also known as district heating systems, supply heat to one or multiple buildings from a central source, such as a boiler or heat pump. These systems are becoming increasingly popular to decarbonise heat, however, they can be inefficient and costly to operate. Evinox provides a full range of equipment and services to heat network operators. The company has pioneered remotely connected heat interface units (HIU) designed for easy installation, operation and maintenance. Evinox has supplied over 15,000 units for projects across the UK, including prestigious developments such as Battersea Power Station, London City Island and Riverlight. Minibems has developed advanced control technology which optimizes the operation of heat networks in real-time, using algorithms to predict and optimize the flow of heat to meet demand. By vastly improving network efficiency, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and costs for heat network operators and residents can be reduced by more than 50%. “This is a powerful step to address the pressing needs of our industry for effective decarbonisation solutions,” said Terry Mahoney, Managing Director of Evinox. “By combining our expertise and technology, we can offer a truly comprehensive range of products and services that guarantee energy efficiency. We are looking forward to the opportunities this merger will bring for our customers and for the industry as a whole.” “We are thrilled to be partnering with Evinox to offer a complete solution for heat network operators,” said Minibems CEO Simon Gunter, who will continue as Executive Chairman of the combined entity. “Combining Evinox smart HIUs with Minibems optimisation technology will help heat network operators to maximize efficiency and reduce the energy bill to residents.” “Since our original investment in Minibems in 2019, we have been excited about the magnitude of the problem to solve in how we heat buildings,” said Anton Arts, Managing Partner at SET Ventures. “This business combination creates the undisputed leader that will boost the efficiency of heat networks and achieve emission reductions at scale. We are pleased to support these visionary management teams to achieve their ambition together”. This partnership ensures that heat networks can fulfil their commitment to decarbonise heat, by reducing the carbon intensity by 1 ton per apartment each year in existing networks, as well as by enabling the use of heat pump pumps as a low-carbon source of heat. In the UK alone, over £500 million in government funding has been made available to drive adoption to 20% of building stock. The combination will trade as Evinox Group and has over 100 employees, working from offices in Chessington and Bournemouth in the UK and a manufacturing facility in Brasov, Romania. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Construction & Engineering Team with the recruitment of a new partner, Robert Tunningley, who will be based in the firm’s Gatwick office. The appointment takes the specialist construction team to thirteen, with three partners and two trainees. The team is led by Mark Clinton and sits within Irwin Mitchell’s Property Division which will now number 27 partners and over 150 qualified lawyers. Robert joins Irwin Mitchell from Teacher Stern LLP where he was a non-contentious construction partner. Prior to joining Teacher Stern, Robert was a Managing Associate at Linklaters LLP. Robert regularly acts for employers, developers, contractors, funders and consultants and advises clients on numerous construction contracts, drafting and negotiating bespoke amendments to industry standard forms, and advising on all associated documentation such as appointments, collateral warranties, bonds and guarantees. He has acted on a number of high profile developments including the development of new office headquarters, high-end residential conversions, student accommodation, private rented sector (PRS) schemes and mixed-use redevelopment projects. Robert also has experience in advising on engineering projects both in the UK and internationally. Key examples of recent work include: Mark Clinton, Head of Construction at Irwin Mitchell said, “Robert’s arrival will be a real boost to our national construction practice, particularly for our Southern region and in London. He will strengthen our development practice and our push into housing and BTR.” “We are now looking to boost the contentious side of our construction practice, following the fall out from the Building Safety Act, where we believe clients will need expert construction advice.” Irwin Mitchell has continued to invest heavily in its team focused on the corporate, property and institutions audience. Earlier this year it announced the arrival of banking partner Jeremy Ladyman who was soon followed by the arrival of two corporate/property tax partners, Kate Featherstone and Jennie Newton. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading mechanical and electrical contractor has started work on a key renewables project that will save more than 34,500kg of CO2 emissions. Atherton-based Ash Integrated Services is installing more than 500 solar panels on behalf of Stockport Council at Endeavour House, a depot building on Bredbury Park Way, owned and operated by Totally Local Company. The M+E firm is also installing 24 car ports, three electric vehicle charging points and battery storage, and it will also deliver associated civil engineering works and assist with the installation of a substation. The project will generate approximately 230kWh and the energy will power Endeavour House directly, with any excess transferred to the battery. A key challenge for Ash will be completing the scheme safely and on schedule while operating on a live site, with frequent waste vehicle movements as part of MOT, servicing, and repair work. Stockport Council is seeking to become a carbon-neutral city region by 2038 and appointed Ash to deliver the Endeavour House project following a competitive tender process. Co-founder and co-director at Ash Integrated Services Antony Grace said: “This complex scheme is ideal for our skillset and builds on our previous renewables projects on live sites. “We will have a team of six, including an apprentice, working on the electricals side, with another five delivering the civils to lay cables. “With the installation of the car ports as well as liaising closely with Electricity North West on the substation, there are many layers to this development, and we’re excited to have started on site.” The scheme is scheduled to complete at the end of May and will be future proofed to allow the council to further its sustainability credentials. Antony added: “We will be connecting the new substation to the workshop area as well as removing the existing supply and inserting a new panel. “The latest infrastructure and technology is being used, including the use of larger cables to handle higher usage in the future, such as with the investment of electric waste vehicles.” Endeavour House is one of two key schemes kick-started by Stockport Council this spring, with the view they will act as the blueprint that will help it and other local authorities to learn how best to retrofit renewables onto existing buildings. Cllr Mark Roberts, cabinet member for climate change and environment at Stockport Council, said: “In March 2019, Stockport Council declared a climate emergency and pledged support for the Greater Manchester Five Year Environment Plan. “These two projects are just the start of fulfilling that commitment and this is a fantastic example of one of the many solutions available to organisations and businesses in the borough to decarbonise our society.” Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for highways, parks and leisure services, said: “This is very welcome news and it is so important that we make provision to decarbonise in order to future proof our services. “This is another big step forward in our commitment to become a carbon neutral borough.” David Hughes, CEO at Totally Local Company, which operates out of Endeavour House, said: “The introduction of solar panels at TLC’s site in Bredbury is a great step forward in our target to decarbonise our operations and, by adopting the latest technologies, builds on our current green agenda. “We’re proud to support Stockport Council’s target to be carbon neutral by 2038.” Supported by a capital grant from the European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, this funding has come about by working jointly as a consortium with five Greater Manchester authorities under the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) programme. For more information, visit www.ashintegratedservices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals