Cruden Homes, part of the Cruden Group, has received planning permission to build 122 new homes for sale in the heart of west Edinburgh. The development forms part of the West Craigs Masterplan – a growing new community between Barnton and The Gyle. Once completed, West Craigs will include at
The world’s first science and innovation park dedicated to space-related companies has won two prestigious building awards. Space Park Leicester was officially opened by UK astronaut Tim Peake earlier this year and has built an impressive reputation for itself working on ground-breaking projects such as NASA’s internationally acclaimed James Webb
The construction industry accounted for 16% of administrations in 2022 – the highest sector in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 1,340 businesses, 208 of which came from the construction industry, filed for administration last year, marking a 56% increase compared
A new management team has been unveiled for RECOM Solutions’ passive fire protection division, the fastest-growing arm of the group. Revenues for the division are on track to exceed £4.5m in the 12 months to April, up from £2.6m, following a raft of contract wins which has seen it expand
With only a few days until The Workspace Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, on 27-28 February 2023, here is a taste of what to expect. The show brings together striking features, a thought-provoking programme of talks featuring a whole host of speakers, from developers to architects and
This energy efficiency measure could save equivalent of Portugal’s annual energy consumption Circulator pumps in central heating systems provide 200 million opportunities globally to improve energy efficiency[1]. Replacing old pumps with newer, more efficient models could save the world around 53.5TWh of energy each year – the equivalent of the
Rethync supplies and installs Multisite Hoarding, an eco-friendly steel hoarding system that is robust and can be reused site after site. Working with house builders, construction companies, and large corporate businesses across the UK, Rethync Multisite Hoarding helps to create a secure, eco-friendly, and professional looking site hoarding line. Rethync
In a major step forward, Portsmouth Water has appointed Future Water MJJV Limited to build the flagship Havant Thicket Reservoir in southern Hampshire – a contract worth £167 million. It will be the first large-scale new water storage reservoir in the UK since the 1980s and is being progressed under
Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing is set to unveil its new Energy Efficiency Centre after agreeing a partnership with GTEC Training to provide accredited training courses for installers. The Centre, based in Farnborough, Hampshire is now open with an official launch planned to mark Earth Day in April. It will
Platform Housing Group (PHG) has partnered with social housing data and insights company Switchee to rollout Switchee devices in their residents’ homes. Implementation of IoT (internet of things) technology is part of the group’s digital transformation programme to help improve its offer and service to residents. Specifically, Platform Housing Group
Cruden Homes, part of the Cruden Group, has received planning permission to build 122 new homes for sale in the heart of west Edinburgh. The development forms part of the West Craigs Masterplan – a growing new community between Barnton and The Gyle. Once completed, West Craigs will include at least 1,700 new homes, a new primary school, nursery, health centre, cafe, extensive parkland and woodland and a network of cycle routes that feed into Edinburgh’s Green Corridor. West Craigs is positioned in the suburb of Maybury, on the edge of rolling countryside with excellent transport links to Edinburgh’s city centre, making it a highly sought-after location. Cruden Homes’ 4.25 acre site is ideally placed within this new community, overlooking the green open space of the newly formed Lennie Park and within walking distance of the popular Cammo Estate. Designed by ISA Architecture & Design, the range of energy-efficient new homes features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, many with balconies, along with three- and four-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses and townhouses, all with private gardens. The development will also provide communal electric vehicle charging points and break out garden spaces with BBQ and seating areas for the apartments. Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes said, “The availability of quality new housing remains scarce, so we are delighted to bring these desirable new homes to the market and be part of this fantastic, growing new community, right on the fringes of the Capital. “West Craigs offers home buyers the best of both worlds, with a wealth of amenities on the doorstep surrounded by an abundance of green space and only fifteen minutes from the city centre. Our plans include a variety of homes to meet differing customer needs and we expect this development to be extremely popular amongst home buyers.” Work is due to start on site this spring and the first phase of homes is anticipated to be completed by early 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The world’s first science and innovation park dedicated to space-related companies has won two prestigious building awards. Space Park Leicester was officially opened by UK astronaut Tim Peake earlier this year and has built an impressive reputation for itself working on ground-breaking projects such as NASA’s internationally acclaimed James Webb Space Telescope. The £46.4 million facility designed by Shepheard Epstein Hunter architects and constructed by Bowmer + Kirkland, is home to a community of leading organisations, academics from the University of Leicester and students who are undertaking world-leading research and driving growth in the space and space-enabled sectors. Now it has added two more accolades to its growing list of achievements having won both the Large Non-Residential Scheme of the Year Award and the Regeneration Project of the Year Award at the ProCon Leicestershire Awards which celebrate the best of the county’s built environment. Neil Loxton, Head of Project Delivery at the University of Leicester said: “The creation of Space Park Leicester took a long disused, contaminated brownfield site in a flood risk zone and transformed it into a major generator of social, economic and environmental improvement. “The facility is set to contribute £750 million a year to the UK space sector over the next decade and to support more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs in the East Midlands. “The scheme was delivered within budget and on time, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an incredible success story for Leicester and the East Midlands and we’re thrilled that this world-leading development has been recognised by the judges at the ProCon Leicestershire Awards.” Space Park Leicester is a project led by the University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). The 9,700 m2 facility provides state-of-the-art facilities for research, development and manufacturing, with offices, shared laboratories, teaching facilities and co-working spaces, focussing primarily on research, development and applications of space. Firms have the opportunity to locate their business on a short- or long-term basis at Space Park Leicester. Dr Patricia Martin del Guayo, who led Shepheard Epstein Hunter’s team of architects for the project since 2017, said: “This is great recognition for a huge team effort providing something unique in the world which enables industry and university to work closely together on key issues like climate change. “It has brought a contaminated overgrown site in a flood risk area safely back into use, it welcomes schoolchildren as much as leading researchers and is designed as a low-energy, sustainable project which will last 100 years or more and can change and adapt to support the pioneering research in the building.” Space Park Leicester’s latest success comes on the back of it winning the Sustainable Project of the Year Award at the East Midlands Property Awards in September. To find out more information about Space Park Leicester, visit: https://www.space-park.co.uk/. To learn more ProCon Leicestershire, visit https://www.procon-leicestershire.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry accounted for 16% of administrations in 2022 – the highest sector in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 1,340 businesses, 208 of which came from the construction industry, filed for administration last year, marking a 56% increase compared to 2021. Construction, manufacturing and retail were the sectors worst hit, accounting for 39% of administrations. Greater London led the way with 20% of the filings, followed by the South East and North West (16% each), data from The Gazette Official Public Record has revealed. While January (55) was the quietest month, administration numbers leapt to 160 in November – the most recorded for 28 months – before dipping to 120, 93 and 104 in April, May and June respectively. And while administrations are still yet to hit pre-Covid levels (1,794 in 2019), recession fears and the financial pressure on households and businesses means the worst is still yet to come, an insolvency and restructuring expert has warned. Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The latest statistics show that the true costs of living and doing business are beginning to bite. “Numerous headwinds – such as the cost of borrowing, and increasing energy, fuel and raw material costs – have become a new normal at this point and businesses are being pulled from every direction. Furthermore, while supportive in the main, pressure from lenders is increasing and HMRC is taking a firmer stance, seeking to cap levels of liability for non-payment of tax. “While the UK is perilously close to recessional phase, businesses must have a clear focus on cash flow and look to save costs where possible. Directors must continue to plan strategically for the ever higher costs of ‘doing business’. “For businesses to survive longer term, they will need to act now to address underlying issues. I cannot overstate how important it is to get to grips with matters at the earliest possible juncture and to take the appropriate professional advice, if needed. Taking a proactive approach will provide options and help to keep businesses afloat. “If things continue as they are, we expect to see an increase in businesses failures as they battle tough trading conditions. However, resilient businesses with a strong balance sheet and with the right planning and oversight in place, may well find opportunities for growth as we head further into 2023.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new management team has been unveiled for RECOM Solutions’ passive fire protection division, the fastest-growing arm of the group. Revenues for the division are on track to exceed £4.5m in the 12 months to April, up from £2.6m, following a raft of contract wins which has seen it expand into a nationwide operation. RECOM Passive Fire Protection has doubled the size of its team of directly-employed installers to 40 over the past 12 months. The team undertakes projects at locations including NHS Trusts and hospitals, schools and universities, government offices, social housing schemes, apartment blocks and office buildings. In line with its expansion, RECOM Passive Fire Protection has a new-look management team after a series of promotions and appointments. Sarah Leadbetter has been promoted to the newly-created role of head of the division, which will see her lead on the delivery of its commercial targets, focus on client retention and expansion, and support RECOM’s directors with their growth plans for the group. Jay Newby has been promoted from contracts manager to the new role of operations manager for RECOM Passive Fire Protection. His new position sees him working closely with contracts managers and leading on all site operations and project delivery. Gvidas Teresas has been promoted from supervisor to contracts manager and he will support Jay on service delivery. Richard Green has joined RECOM Passive Fire Protection as a contracts manager from Bell Group. He brings expertise in fire doors, with more than 10 years’ experience in this specialist field. Due to the division’s geographical expansion, Keron Jackson has been recruited as a contracts manager for the Midlands and is based in Birmingham. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bolster RECOM’s national coverage. RECOM, which has its headquarters on the Waters Edge Business Park in Salford Quays,is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its fire protection services, which include passive fire protection installation, fire door surveys and installations, repairs and upgrades, fire strategy reviews, compartmentation surveying, advice and guidance, training, development and support. The company, which was founded in 2015 by directors Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, also undertakes construction project management and main contracting work across sectors including healthcare, education, retail and leisure, commercial and residential. It also provides consultancy services to assist in the design and delivery of health and safety, sustainability and cladding projects. Jason said: “The creation of a dedicated management team for RECOM Passive Fire Protection, together with our new arrivals, provides an excellent platform for further strong growth for the division. “The market is growing rapidly amid greater awareness of the need for risk assessments, remediation work, building upgrades and ongoing maintenance in the new-build sector as well as at existing sites. “Only recently, new fire safety regulations have come into force as the government seeks to improve fire safety in high-rise apartment blocks by implementing recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. This once again demonstrates how seriously the issue of fire safety and protection needs to be taken throughout the property and construction sectors. “We have a highly-skilled and committed team and I am proud of their achievements to date. Our investment in new staff working alongside the new management team will give us the ability to take the division to the next level. “We are continuing to expand the team by recruiting additional supervisors and contracts managers to reflect the growth we are seeing across the UK. At the same time, we are placing a lot of emphasis on nurturing talent from within, and five RECOM trainees have recently gained diplomas to qualify as passive fire installers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With only a few days until The Workspace Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, on 27-28 February 2023, here is a taste of what to expect. The show brings together striking features, a thought-provoking programme of talks featuring a whole host of speakers, from developers to architects and their blue-chip clients, along with accomplished exhibitors showcasing the latest workplace interiors innovations. All of this incredible content aligns perfectly with the show’s theme, Destination Workplace: Places Where People Want To Be. The four talks programmes that attendees can choose from are the Workspace Design Talks, bringing you insights on workplace strategy and design; FIS Conference, offering the latest from the finishes and interiors sector; The Occupiers Forum: The View from HQ, providing the perspectives from the all important Occupiers; and Sustainability Works, addressing the latest challenges in sustainability and ESG in our workplaces. Over 100 speakers will be debating these issues from companies such as tp bennett, American Express, Heatherwick Studio, Grimshaw, PLP Architecture, Jacobs, Unilever, PwC, Nokia, Legal & General, DWP and CBRE. Visitors can listen to the leading architects, designers and occupiers talking about the latest trends, challenges and innovations within this year’s ‘Design Talks Lounge’. This has been curated by international furniture specialists, The Furniture Practice, in collaboration with multidisciplinary studio, Acrylicize. The Lounge will host the Workspace Design Talks across the two-day event, where leading voices at, Perkins+Will, Foster & Partners, WeWork and more will debate the current themes shaping today’s work environments. The space will incorporate furniture by several iconic brands including Andreu World, Arper, Fredericia, Moroso and Vitra; while the stage will feature an immersive installation, designed by Acrylicize, celebrating material innovation in furniture and interior design with materials by Foresso, Kvadrat, Kvadrat Really and Autex. Flooring for the space will be provided by Tarkett. ‘Change by Design’ is a lounge space concept for the Workspace Design Show, carefully curated by BDP. It is a discussion piece surrounding the current climate crisis, and questions the impact of workplace design on the natural environment. It represents a problem-solving approach that showcases the use of recycled, reused and biomaterials in design projects helping to shape a low-carbon future. On arrival, attendees will be met by the spectacular Destination Workplace Rebirth entrance, designed by the worldwide integrated architecture, design, planning, and consulting firm Gensler, along with design partners, AW Spaces, Acrylisize and Kvadrat. Becky Spenceley, Design Director at Gensler, who is leading the project, showcases her passion for storytelling here explaining, “We are inspired by how we can care for our planet, and how we as designers can affect that through pioneering and sustainable design. It’s about fresh perspectives to enable new ways of working and create unique and tailored destinations.” The popular first-night Workspace Design Show party, sponsored by FUTURE Designs, also returns on the 27 February. A stunning bar designed by M Moser Associates provides a focal point on the show floor. The REVIVAL bar will be the place to inspire, network, restore and recharge show visitors throughout the day. The concept for this bar is inspired by the practice’s mission to reduce waste and repurpose discarded materials. The goal is to give these items a new lease of life, sparking curiosity and conversation. The space aims to take you from a state of flux to stasis. Other features include The Mood Board Contest, and interactive opportunity for attendees to express their creative talents with Kvadrat products. Also, don’t miss the Bio Materials exhibition, designed by bio manufacturing company BIOHM. This will combine ideologies of the circular economy and human-centred design with future-tech, representing an exciting opportunity for visitors to discover advanced materials that will be crucial to the future of design. Altogether, the Workspace Design Show brings together the UK’s workplace interior community to explore the experience of tomorrow’s workspaces. Get your free ticket here!
This energy efficiency measure could save equivalent of Portugal’s annual energy consumption Circulator pumps in central heating systems provide 200 million opportunities globally to improve energy efficiency[1]. Replacing old pumps with newer, more efficient models could save the world around 53.5TWh of energy each year – the equivalent of the annual energy consumption of Portugal. In the average EU home, heating systems account for 60% of energy consumption. Circulator pumps alone are the third most electricity-consumptive device (behind only freezers and tumble dryers). Increasing efficiency in 200 million homes would therefore deliver vast improvements both economically and environmentally. These savings will be welcomed by people who cannot afford their energy bills. Last year, more than 34 million people were energy poor in Europe alone. Another recent Grundfos-sponsored report from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) found that as many as 60% of people in the UK and Germany were worried about rising energy bills, while 25% were concerned about blackouts. In the context of energy poverty, many people cannot afford to transition to electric vehicles, electric heat pumps, and other appliances on which countries have pinned their hopes of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. People need the ability to enact immediate, lasting improvements without breaking the bank. Replacing a circulator pump is a simple process for any installer and one that pays for itself within a year by reducing energy consumption. Morten Bach Jensen, CEO of Domestic Building Services at Grundfos, comments: “We must urgently address energy issues at the source, improving efficiency so we can manage demand and mitigate disruptions to supply. There are several opportunities to drive energy efficiency within homes, and thereby reduce the pressure on both energy supply and homeowners’ wallets. But we must draw awareness of these possibilities that are available. “Replacing an old circulator pump with a newer, more efficient model is the number-one way that households can improve their energy efficiency in a cost-effective way. It delivers both the immediate and long-term impact that many people, and the planet as a whole, sorely need.” [1] The proprietary research supporting the estimated 200 million circulator pump claim was conducted in-house by Grundfos. The research applies the use of an internal model and is complimented by the company’s sales and market data. You can find more information on this research here: 200millionpossibilities.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals [1] The proprietary research supporting the estimated 200 million circulator pump claim was conducted in-house by Grundfos. The research applies the use of an internal model and is complimented by the company’s sales and market data. You can find more information on this research here: 200millionpossibilities.com
Rethync supplies and installs Multisite Hoarding, an eco-friendly steel hoarding system that is robust and can be reused site after site. Working with house builders, construction companies, and large corporate businesses across the UK, Rethync Multisite Hoarding helps to create a secure, eco-friendly, and professional looking site hoarding line. Rethync pride themselves on thinking differently everyday about how their products can be used to save money for their customers and help the environment, encompassing the motto: “Reuse, Reduce & Recycle.” In this feature we look at the benefits Rethync Multisite Hoarding has brought to housebuilder, Countryside, across their UK construction sites. At Countryside building sites, Rethync provide a range of site fencing solutions, including Multisite steel compound hoarding, timber post & rail, and knee rail. By using Rethync’s Multisite steel hoarding, which is more sustainable than timber, Countryside, and the many other companies that Rethync work with, can rest assured that their construction site not only meets all health, safety, and security requirements, but is also helping house builders meet their sustainability targets. Phil Chadwick, Managing Director at Rethync Ltd, comments: “You may not realise, but using steel hoarding instead of timber hoarding is more environmentally friendly, even on a single use site. This is because timber is a single use product, meaning it is either thrown into landfill or incinerated after use.” “Once a site is complete, our steel Multisite Hoarding can be re-used on a construction company’s next building site or recycled for further multifunctional uses. The durability of our steel hoarding means there is a life expectancy of ten years, so the products only need to be manufactured once to achieve this ten-year life span.” “Having a hoarding system in place which is reusable, like steel, reduces site set up costs and we find that most users will see a cost saving by at least their second site use. Compare this to timber hoarding, that has seen a significant increase in cost recently and has an overall lifespan much shorter than steel, this means over time it becomes less cost effective and generally not reusable.” Phil continues: “Steel hoarding also has the added benefits of being fully brandable. The panels are galvanized and can be powder coated, or painted on-site, to match the corporate colours for a company’s individual brand.” “And it’s not just bespoke coloured Multisite Hoarding a company can benefit from. Because of the ways the steel hoarding is manufactured it means that bespoke options are available depending on a construction site requirement. We were able to provide Countryside with a bespoke gate solution for a site in Rochdale, comprising of an individually manufactured and installed 8m wide mesh gate.” Countryside receives all these benefits and more by using Rethync. If you want your next construction site to be more sustainable whilst also reaping the financial rewards of using a steel hoarding system, contact the Rethync team on 03300 535 898, info@rethync.co.uk, or visit their website: www.rethync.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a major step forward, Portsmouth Water has appointed Future Water MJJV Limited to build the flagship Havant Thicket Reservoir in southern Hampshire – a contract worth £167 million. It will be the first large-scale new water storage reservoir in the UK since the 1980s and is being progressed under an innovative partnership between Portsmouth Water and Southern Water. In addition, a new £41 million tunnelled pipeline, running to and from the reservoir, is set to be installed by Ward & Burke Construction Limited. Future Water is a joint venture between leading civil engineering contractors Mackley and Jones Bros, which have a combined total of over 150 years of experience in tackling complex and challenging civil engineering schemes. Having worked across a wide range of sectors including water, energy, coastal protection and flood defence, Future Water MJJV is uniquely qualified to construct the reservoir, a vital new piece of infrastructure. Ward & Burke is one of Ireland’s principal Civil & MEICA Engineering contractors and has an outstanding track record for innovation. The company has built more than 130,000 metres of tunnels, including for water pipelines, in the UK, Ireland and North America, and has been involved in a wide range of major infrastructure projects. Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Portsmouth Water, said: “This is a major milestone for the Havant Thicket Reservoir project, and we are delighted to have these two exceptional contractors delivering the scheme. “We were highly impressed by the proposals put forward by Future Water MJJV and Ward & Burke during the tender process, with both companies being able to call upon vastly experienced teams, with strong track records in successfully delivering major infrastructure.” Mr Taylor added: “We look forward to working closely with both companies to progress and complete this environmentally led project on time and within budget. This includes honouring our commitment to leave a really positive legacy by creating opportunities for local employment and skills development through the reservoir scheme.” Future Water Director Ben Hamer commented: “Future Water is delighted to have been selected by Portsmouth Water to deliver this critical piece of water infrastructure for the South East of England. As a regional company, legacy projects, such as this, are central to the values of our staff and stakeholders.” Mr Hamer’s fellow director John Dielhof added: “It’s a project that we can’t wait to get started on because we know how much of a positive impact it will have on the region. The scheme will safeguard dozens of jobs for our skilled workforce, as well as create opportunities for apprentices and trainees to kickstart their civil engineering career with us. In addition, we are excited to see the impact this has on the local economy, through supply chain opportunities and spend in the local area.” Speaking about being awarded the pipeline contract for the reservoir scheme, Joe Dobey, Ward & Burke’s Project Director, said: “We are all very excited at Ward & Burke to be delivering this key pipeline for Portsmouth Water, its customers and the surrounding area. It’s a great opportunity to work with the company to bring forward innovative solutions that are better for both the local community and environment.” Havant Thicket Reservoir in Havant will secure critical water supplies for the South East of England, an area that’s already under serious water stress. It will also help protect environmentally sensitive chalk streams and create a new green leisure facility to benefit local communities and wildlife. Once completed in 2029, the reservoir will hold approximately 8.7 billion litres of water and be able to supply up to 21 million litres of water each day. It will be one mile from east to west, half a mile from north to south, with a new wetland on its northern shore, and is being built on a 160-hectare grassland site which has been owned by Portsmouth Water since the mid-1960s. A new two-mile long pipeline, which is designed to be largely tunnelled, will also be built to fill Havant Thicket Reservoir in the winter with surplus water pumped from nearby Bedhampton Springs. It would also be used to draw water from the reservoir to supply customers when it’s needed. The reservoir was granted formal planning permission in October 2021, with a further planning application for the new pipeline expected to be submitted in Summer 2023. Ofwat, the economic regulator for water companies in England and Wales, recently published its final decision to agree a revised budget for the Havant Thicket Reservoir scheme. This has enabled Portsmouth Water to award the two main design and construction contracts for the project, with further contracts, including for a new visitor centre at the reservoir, to be awarded in the coming years. Bob Taylor commented: “‘The final decision from Ofwat on the project’s updated budget will ensure the reservoir scheme can be funded and deliver good value for money for customers, while safeguarding water supplies and supporting nature. “The innovative regulatory and commercial approach that’s being taken has enabled us to deliver cost-effective local solutions to regional water resources challenges. We would like to thank our colleagues at Ofwat and Southern Water for their excellent collaborative work.” Portsmouth Water will finance the Havant Thicket Reservoir scheme through a combination of £150 million of equity funding, provided by investors in the company’s owner Ancala Partners, as well as money that will be borrowed. £120 million of the equity funding will be used this year, with a further £30 million to follow in early 2024. Ultimately, Havant Thicket Reservoir will be paid for by Southern Water, through its drinking water customer bills. These costs are expected to be spread over many years – to reflect the continued benefits of the reservoir. Portsmouth Water customers are not paying for the reservoir through their drinking water or wastewater bills. For more information on the Havant Thicket Reservoir scheme, please visit havant-thicket-reservoir.uk.engagementhq.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing is set to unveil its new Energy Efficiency Centre after agreeing a partnership with GTEC Training to provide accredited training courses for installers. The Centre, based in Farnborough, Hampshire is now open with an official launch planned to mark Earth Day in April. It will focus on showcasing renewable energy home heating technologies such as heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar panels – and training engineers to install them., The Centre will be open to the public and include a range of fully kitted-out zones, highlighting how alternative home heating solutions work in real life, as well as an accredited training room. Adam Foy, Managing Director, Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, said “We are very excited to announce that Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing has partnered with GTEC Training to deliver accredited training courses to our installer base in England and Wales – and help our customers make the transition to low carbon technologies. “Our industry-leading Energy Efficiency Team has been in place for over a decade, offering an indemnified design service along with impartial advice on technologies and manufacturers. “As the market evolves, we are looking to support our installers through their journey and this partnership, and the Energy Efficiency Centre are crucial steps in this process.” The partnership has been boosted by news that it has secured government funding through the BEIS Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition to reduce the cost of courses to installers until the end of March 2023. Adam added: “This funding allows us to offer installers based in England subsidised heat pump training and qualifications through a range of locations, with funding available to SMEs.” Griff Thomas, Managing Director of GTEC Training, added: “GTEC is delighted to be playing a part in Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, with our first in-merchant training facility at the Energy Efficiency Centre in Farnborough. “Heat pumps are playing a key role in the UK’s drive to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings – the ideal solution for energy efficient properties. “Thanks to the partnership between GTEC and City Plumbing, installers will be able to access everything they need to enter this growing market; from purchasing the latest heat pumps and associated equipment, to undertaking our industry-leading training. “All heating and plumbing installers should consider upskilling into heat pumps. Demand is growing steadily and will outstrip gas boilers over the next 10 years. Training is designed for tradespeople, providing an exciting opportunity for the existing installer-base. The Energy Efficiency Centre is the first step in an ongoing, industry-wide campaign to raise the number of heat pump installers in the country. For further details and to book a course, visit: https://eecityplumbing.co.uk/gtec-training/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Platform Housing Group (PHG) has partnered with social housing data and insights company Switchee to rollout Switchee devices in their residents’ homes. Implementation of IoT (internet of things) technology is part of the group’s digital transformation programme to help improve its offer and service to residents. Specifically, Platform Housing Group is looking to use Switchee smart thermostat devices to provide real-time data and analytics about the performance of its housing stock. The use of Switchee data and its use in PHG systems (via API) will help to inform decision making and resource deployment around maintenance and flag issues such as damp and condensation mould. It will also identify where residents may need support. The project forms part of the group’s programme to achieve a minimum EPC C rating (Energy Performance Certificate) in targeted properties by 2028. Installations are being carried out through Switchee’s Trusted Installer Network, which supports Switchee’s housing partners with swift and efficient device rollouts. The devices will be installed across different types of properties; supported accommodation, properties at risk of condensation, damp and mould and into properties as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. All Switchee smart thermostats will be fitted by the end of March, with Platform Housing Group and Switchee providing full data analysis on an ongoing basis throughout the project and beyond the initial term. Jonathan Cocker, Chief Information Officer for Platform Housing Group said: “We’re delighted to be working with Switchee to improve the way we help customers in their homes. These devices are just one of the ways we’re investing in technology to achieve energy efficiency in all that we do and benefit the wider UK housing sector.” Tom Robins, Switchee CEO added: “Utilising technology like Switchee is a game changing for landlords. By enabling them to understand what’s going on in their properties, they can change their operations from reactive to proactive. They can see where their biggest issues are and can deploy resources more efficiently and lower their operating costs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals