Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, and delivery partner, award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, has officially broken ground on its Rochester Riverside site on Corys Road, Rochester. Attended by Councillor Habib Tejan, Councillor Vince Maple, Councillor Alex Paterson, Patrick Duffy, Director
Stuart Heslop, formerly Managing Director of Real Estate Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland, is to be honoured at the 2023 Scottish Property Awards next week. He will receive the Business Leadership Award at Scotland’s national competition which recognises and celebrates excellence in the Scottish commercial and public property sector.
Balfour Beatty’s Group Sustainability Director, Jo Gilroy, has been appointed to the Board of the industry-leading Supply Chain Sustainability School (the “School”). The Supply Chain Sustainability School seeks to upskill those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector. Jo, who has worked at Balfour Beatty since
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics
Seddon and Waypoint have joined forces to create a joint venture partnership, Seddon Waypoint. The new business will combine construction and delivery expertise with institutional-grade asset management and advice within the residential property sector in the UK and will focus on energy transition. Peter Jackson, managing director of Seddon, said:
Kier, with Joint Venture (JV) partners, McAvoy and Metek has been appointed to all six Lots of Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) new £10bn Offsite Construction Solutions (OCS) framework. The new framework replaces the existing modular building framework and will run for the next four years. Kier has created two unique
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m
EKFB, a Joint Venture responsible for delivering works on the HS2 high speed railway running from London to the North-West, has improved the sustainability credentials of the project by choosing to use green construction innovators, Dura Products. The project will involve the installation of Dura Product’s eco-friendly kerbing solution, Durakerb
With a crucial vote fast approaching on the EU’s key piece of building legislation, a coalition representing 35 organisations is calling on politicians to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock. Europe’s buildings account for around 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions.
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has broken ground at its Sherburn42 development, which will see the creation of 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing space in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, the 37-acre scheme is being delivered by McLaren Construction Group
Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, and delivery partner, award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, has officially broken ground on its Rochester Riverside site on Corys Road, Rochester. Attended by Councillor Habib Tejan, Councillor Vince Maple, Councillor Alex Paterson, Patrick Duffy, Director of New Business at Anchor, and Simon Trice, Managing Director at Hill, the event marked the official start of construction for the development, which will deliver 101 new mixed-tenure homes for people aged over 55. Set to be available to move into from 2024, Anchor’s homes will be part of the large-scale regeneration scheme being delivered by mixed-tenure developer Countryside and housing association Hyde. Patrick Duffy, Director of New Business at Anchor said: “The start of work on site marks an exciting point for our plans in Rochester. We believe that this development will offer a wide choice for those looking for a new home in their later life, offering the option to be as independent, quiet, or active as they desire as part of a vibrant new community set between the River Medway and Rochester town centre. “The acquisition of this new 1.6 acre site in 2021 was a fantastic step forward towards our goal of creating 5,700 new homes over the next 10 years, and it is great to see work begin on this new development.” Simon Trice, Managing Director at The Hill Group commented: “We are delighted to be working with Anchor on this development, which will provide high quality new homes and expand the wide range of housing tenure available at Rochester Riverside. We will utilise our extensive experience to provide energy efficient homes with excellent access to open space and local amenities, which are so important for wellbeing and creating a lasting community. Hill has worked extensively with Anchor in the past and we are proud to have been selected as their delivery partner once again.” Councillor Habib Tejan from Rochester River Ward said: “I’d like to thank Anchor and Hill for inviting me to the groundbreaking ceremony. We wholeheartedly welcome this investment into Medway and I look forward to seeing the development take shape and provide much needed housing for older people in our community.” Anchor’s new independent living scheme will provide a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments for rent and shared ownership. These new homes will be part of the £419m investment into the regeneration of Rochester where residents will benefit from commercial spaces and amenities right on their doorstep, alongside plenty of open space and excellent transport connections to both Kent and London. To find out more about the company’s growth strategy and vision for the future, or if you are a landowner, developer or site agent with suitable land then visit: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/professionals/land-acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stuart Heslop, formerly Managing Director of Real Estate Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland, is to be honoured at the 2023 Scottish Property Awards next week. He will receive the Business Leadership Award at Scotland’s national competition which recognises and celebrates excellence in the Scottish commercial and public property sector. His recommendation to receive the award came from individuals across the real estate sector who praised his commercial acumen, sharp mind and integrity across all aspects of the sector including development, advisory and internally. Stuart (52) retired from the bank last year, after 35 years of service and remains active in the property sector as a non-executive director with Knight Property Group and a number of other organisations, where he advises on strategic and funding matters. Over his career, he has earned the respect of industry colleagues for his considered and calm approach to complex transactions, bringing leadership to his team during a number of unsettling periods, including the banking crash of 2008. Alan Robertson, Chair of The Scottish Property Awards judging panel, commented: “It is clear from the recommendations of many individuals from across the Scottish property industry that Stuart Heslop is a highly regarded and respected individual, who has advised countless businesses and individuals across his long career in real estate finance. We are delighted to present the award to him at this year’s event and look forward to acknowledging his contribution.” Stuart Heslop added: “I am hugely honoured to receive this award, voted for by my industry peers. I am delighted to be able to continue my work in the sector with many of the people I have worked closely with over the years. The property market continues to thrive despite some of the economic headwinds we are facing and I look forward to contributing to the future success of the many great property companies in Scotland.” The award will be presented in front of over 600 guests expected to attend the Scottish Property Awards dinner on Thursday 23 February 2023 at the EICC in Edinburgh. For a full list of award finalists, please visit: AWARD FINALISTS 2023 and to book tickets, go to BOOK TICKETS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty’s Group Sustainability Director, Jo Gilroy, has been appointed to the Board of the industry-leading Supply Chain Sustainability School (the “School”). The Supply Chain Sustainability School seeks to upskill those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector. Jo, who has worked at Balfour Beatty since April 2022, was recently elected to govern alongside eight other Partner representatives responsible for the fiscal governance and strategic direction of the School, including; Wilmott Dixon, EMCOR UK, Morgan Sindall Group, Speedy Services, VINCI Facilities, Skanska, Laing O’Rourke and National Highways. Jo commented: “With the climate change emergency becoming increasingly more urgent, it is integral that the construction and infrastructure industry pulls together in the same direction. “I am therefore delighted to have been appointed to the Board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, as we continue our mission to upskill and educate our supply chain partners on what it means to be a truly sustainable business and ultimately, change our industry for the better and the future.” As Group Sustainability Director at Balfour Beatty, Jo provides focused leadership and advances the group’s achievements in this area, whilst bringing her breath of international experience from SAB Miller in India, IKEA in Sweden, and the mining sector in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to working at Balfour Beatty, Jo was responsible for Kier Group’s strategic direction on ESG and for leading Kier’s sustainability framework, ‘Building for a Sustainable World’. She has also worked closely with government and key customers in the hospitality and retail sectors to address ocean pollution from single use plastics. In recognition of her work within the corporate sector she was ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2021 Business Green Sustainability Leaders Awards, and previously won the Business Green Sustainability Executive award in 2017, and the Rising Star award 2016 at the Packaging Industry Awards. Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jo to the Board. Along with her energy and passion, she will bring significant experience from both within and outside the construction sector and will no doubt provide valuable contributions to drive our vision forward.” The School’s vision is an industry where everyone will have the skills and knowledge to deliver a sustainable future. In April 2022, the School was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in recognition of the significant environmental, social, and economic benefits it has delivered to its Members and Partners. There are currently 155 Balfour Beatty employees who are active members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics around natural gas boiler installations, heating controls, the potential role for hybrid heat pumps in the future, and a proposal for mandating ‘hydrogen-ready’ boilers from 2026. With the potential to change heating professionals’ working lives significantly, Baxi wants to highlight the importance of responding to the consultation to ensure the heating industry has an active role in shaping the policy decisions set to determine the long-term future of the sector. Baxi has been at the forefront of renewable heating development, including hydrogen demonstration projects and research across the country. For residential applications, Baxi has supplied it’s hydrogen boilers and 20% blend compatible to projects such as HyDeploy, Hy4Heat, HyStreet, Northern Gas Network’s 100% Hydrogen Home near Gateshead and the H100 Fife project of 300 homes in Scotland. Most recently, Baxi has partnered with H2Go Power to deliver the world-first commercial hydrogen boiler and demonstrate the technology’s potential to decarbonise multiple industries. Furthering expertise in hydrogen being made available to Baxi is from its parent company, BDR Thermea, who have recently launched a world first hydrogen pilot in the Dutch town of Lochem. The company is using its 100% hydrogen boilers in 12 inhabited homes – which closely resemble the UK’s existing housing stock in age and energy efficiency – with hydrogen supplied via an existing natural gas grid. Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to see the UK’s first UK Hydrogen Week take place, highlighting the sheer scale of research and development taking place to explore the viability of the fuel as part of a practical route to net zero for our industry. Baxi’s commitment to developing hydrogen appliances as low carbon alternatives to natural gas is a key part of our wider strategy of lowering emissions from heating and hot water provision. “We hope initiatives like Hydrogen Week will increase the support and urgency at which we push hydrogen as one of the key pillars of decarbonisation, in addition to guiding policy in the area.” With hydrogen-ready technology for heating applications mentioned by the Government in its latest consultation, policy direction could be pointing towards the technology as one of the solutions for the future. Jeff adds: “Whatever the rules and regulations put in place by the Government, the industry is moving towards a low carbon future, with heat pumps, hybrid systems, heat networks and hydrogen all set to play their part in this effort. To ensure we achieve this goal, it is vital that we take a pragmatic approach informed by the perspectives of that heating professionals who live and breathe our industry. We’d urge everyone involved in the heating industry to provide feedback on the consultation to ensure the policies it will ultimately result in are suitable and achievable.” For more information about Baxi’s work in the hydrogen space, visit: www.baxi.co.uk/about-us/the-future-of-heat Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Seddon and Waypoint have joined forces to create a joint venture partnership, Seddon Waypoint. The new business will combine construction and delivery expertise with institutional-grade asset management and advice within the residential property sector in the UK and will focus on energy transition. Peter Jackson, managing director of Seddon, said: “The joint venture partnership brings together two established and successful companies with new ideas and a new approach to dealing with the issues and challenges faced by property owners, investors and occupiers.” Waypoint joint managing director, Mike Riley, added: “The UK’s target of reaching net-zero, combined with the spiralling costs of living and the current energy crisis, means that it is essential that the property sector as a whole address the question of energy efficiency. Making new buildings energy-efficient is not enough, and it is vital that the thorny issue of retrofitting existing property assets is also tackled. “Seddon Waypoint brings together the combined experience of two market leaders, with fresh ideas on dealing with these challenges.” Between them, Seddon and Waypoint have a combined turnover of over £164 million, and a balance sheet of over £40 million. The two companies have over 500 staff and manage over £1.2 billion of capital across six investment funds. With an extensive experience in planning, design and construction delivery, Seddon Waypoint will focus on assisting clients to transition towards low-carbon and renewable sources of energy in both, the residential and commercial sectors. The joint-venture partnership will also advise on the environmental and investment benefits of building improvements and renewable technology solutions. Seddon Waypoint will also provide clients and partners with strategic advice regarding property development and investment. In addition, working in conjunction with Waypoint’s debt advisory team, the joint venture partnership will work with clients to provide solutions to residential construction projects which have run into financial difficulties. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier, with Joint Venture (JV) partners, McAvoy and Metek has been appointed to all six Lots of Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) new £10bn Offsite Construction Solutions (OCS) framework. The new framework replaces the existing modular building framework and will run for the next four years. Kier has created two unique JVs with external offsite manufacturing partners McAvoy and Metek, who are both experts in their method of construction, bringing high quality, innovative design, manufacturing and installation ability. The two JVs will allow Kier to deliver on every Lot in the OCS framework, which provides public sector organisations with all elements of offsite construction solutions, from design, fabrication, construction and installation, through to direct access to manufacturers. The OCS framework consists of six Lots. 3D Lots within the framework will be delivered by Kier McAvoy, and 2D Lots by Kier Metek. The Lots are: The appointment to the OCS framework builds on Kier’s award-winning cross-sector work in MMC and offsite construction, including HMP Five Wells prison, NHS Golden Jubilee surgical centre, Lewis Cubitt Square, as well as its innovative Choice Factory solution. Stuart Togwell, Group managing director at Kier Construction, said: “Building on the ambitions of the Construction Playbook of using MMC and offsite solutions to drive improvements is a core imperative for Kier, and securing a place on all Lots means we are well-placed to support the delivery of vital new infrastructure in the UK. “Our forward-thinking JVs with McAvoy and Metek will allow us to provide more capacity and high-quality end-to-end solutions for our public sector clients and to continue to deliver the best value through innovation across the wider industry.” Ron Clarke, CEO, McAvoy, from the Kier McAvoy consortium, said: “This is a significant milestone for McAvoy, and we are delighted to be combining our leading-edge, high-quality precision manufacturing capabilities with Kier’s scale and expertise. “We have been innovators and market leaders for more than 50 years. Our team is firmly focused on delivering consistently high-quality product and customer service across the UK and Ireland. “With significant experience of MMC we are very much focused on helping our clients meet their ESG goals. We look forward to working in partnership with Kier to deliver on that commitment within the OCS framework.” Oliver Rogan, managing director of Metek, from the Kier Metek consortium, said: “Winning this OCS framework has demonstrated the importance of working as a team. Metek and Kier have been working closely together for the past 12 months, driving a strategy to build projects in a more energy efficient and cost-effective manner, whilst maintaining the very highest health & safety standards. This ground-breaking collaboration unlocks Metek’s manufacturing and installation potential, whilst enabling us to grow, learn and develop alongside a formidable Kier team. “Here at Metek, we have been at the forefront of light steel framed Modern Methods of Construction for over 23 years. I feel that this new alliance is a game changer in terms of adding components to the manufacturing process. “Working with the Kier team on this bid has been inspiring and the whole Metek team are excited to be embarking on this journey and committed to delivering the key requirements of the agreement, whilst continuing to champion UK manufacturing.” Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2021/22, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £2.8 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m plan to deliver 1,100 affordable, modern homes in Oldham and surrounding areas between 2020 and 2026 – will transform the site where tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House once stood at the top of Manchester Rd, Coldhurst. Following demolition of the ageing blocks last year, Caddick Construction is now readied to build FCHO’s £21m contemporary development of twenty-six houses – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family houses – and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local housing need. All homes will be off gas, with a high energy performance rating, and use latest sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps and additional insulation to help residents save energy and money. The mixed tenure project will see 26 homes for shared ownership under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand, helping local people to get a foot on the housing ladder at an affordable price. Sixty two properties will be available for affordable rent – set at no more than 80% of the average local market rent. Properties for rent will be allocated in line with Oldham Council’s Allocations Policy. Plans for the West Vale site also include landscaped green spaces and a recreational zone with dedicated play area, providing a much-needed facility for younger children in the neighbourhood. Enabling works on site began in January this year and all new homes at the development are due for completion in winter 2024. Generating social value benefits throughout the new-build phase is a priority for the housing provider. FCHO and the contractor will be working with Oldham College to create training opportunities such as apprenticeships, work placements and T-level placements for local people over the life of the contract and adding further value by maximising local supply chain partners and carrying out wider community engagement. Joel Owen, FCHO’s Director of Development said: “We are very excited to be working with Caddick Construction to bring forward this exemplar scheme in such an important location in Oldham. “We’ve been on a journey with local people, businesses and organisations to get to this point and have worked hard to design a development that meets local need – providing a mix of affordable housing options, making home ownership possible for more people and leaving a positive legacy in the local community. “The build will set the benchmark for how we deliver great, high quality, sustainable homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future and I look forward to works progressing.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West, added: “I take great pride in the news that Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver on the new build phase of this fantastic development. We look forward to building these much-needed new homes in Greater Manchester on behalf of First Choice Homes Oldham.” Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon and Coldhurst Ward councillor, said: “It is fantastic to reach another key milestone in bringing 88 new affordable and green homes to the West Vale site as First Choice Homes Oldham appoints Caddick Construction to deliver the project. “These new houses will provide much-needed homes for many families who are on the Council waiting list. “This will transform the site where the tower blocks once stood at the top of Manchester Road – and does so in a way that is considerate to the environment around us and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. “This is another development that will contribute to the Council’s, and borough’s, targets for carbon neutrality that we have in the Oldham Green New Deal Strategy and look forward to seeing the homes completed over the next 18 months to two years.” PRP Architect has designed the West Vale scheme and the professional team also includes Markhams as employer’s agent, Alan Johnston Partnership as structural engineering consultants, LeClardo as mechanical and electrical engineering consultants and Jensen Hughes as fire protection engineering consultants. As the West Vale development moves forward, FCHO is also investing in the region of £780k in investment works to its existing properties in the neighbourhood between now and 2025. A range of environmental improvements are underway, too. In the last 12 months the housing association has invested £9.5k on tree inspections, maintenance and planting, and a further £63.5k on clearing alleyways of rubbish and removing fly tipping, repairing and repainting fencing, and overhauling a disused communal garden behind Vale Drive. Read more about the West Vale development at www.fcho.co.uk/westvale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EKFB, a Joint Venture responsible for delivering works on the HS2 high speed railway running from London to the North-West, has improved the sustainability credentials of the project by choosing to use green construction innovators, Dura Products. The project will involve the installation of Dura Product’s eco-friendly kerbing solution, Durakerb at the A43 overbridge in Brackley, Northamptonshire, which will ultimately reduce the overall environmental impact of HS2 and increase positive CO2e recovery. Made from 88% recycled polymers, each Durakerb unit is lightweight and recyclable, providing a safer, greener, faster and easier solution to kerbing that will save the overall HS2 project over 30,000kg of carbon per kilometre installed. Not only that, it aligns with the overall EKFB commitment to protect the environment and create a sustainable legacy. The 1.1km installation is part of a three-year road diversion while construction of the network continues. However, thanks to Dura Product’s ‘Hire, Reclaim and Reuse’ scheme, the units have potential for an extended life following the project demolition in 2025. The modular light structure prevents damage, allowing units to be reclaimed and re-installed as part of different projects, helping the construction industry innovatively tackle waste and enable a circular economy. Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products has commented “It has been inspiring to work alongside contractors who share the same passion for reducing environmental impacts in the construction industry as we do. Also, it is great to see companies take advantage of our ‘Hire, Reclaim and Reuse’ scheme which aims to tackle demolition waste during temporary projects, in addition to extending the life cycle of our Durakerb units. We are proud to produce and distribute products which cater to this evolving demand. “Durakerb continues to provide a safe, efficient and greener alternative to traditional kerbing methods. Since 2003 we have been dedicated to providing forward-thinking solutions which are kind to the environment, and it is exciting to see the construction industry finally taking notice of this important issue.” Since it was established in 2003, Dura Products has delivered 400,000 Durakerb units saving over 11 million kilograms of carbon. The sustainable construction innovators continue to show their dedication to manufacturing products designed to reduce carbon and climate impacts. Dura Products also offers lightweight green combined kerbing and drainage solutions, Duradrain and Durachannel, to provide a circular method for roadbuilding and managing surface run-off. EFKB, a collaboration of four leading construction and civil engineering companies, specialises in enabling railway construction projects from design to installation and maintenance. The company has been appointed to deliver an 80km section of the HS2 network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With a crucial vote fast approaching on the EU’s key piece of building legislation, a coalition representing 35 organisations is calling on politicians to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock. Europe’s buildings account for around 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Currently, EU policy only addresses the operational emissions of buildings but to support total decarbonisation of the EU building stock, policy must evolve to cover both operational and embodied emissions, known as Whole Life Carbon. Without addressing both sources of emissions it is inconceivable that the EU will be able to achieve its climate targets. This is why WorldGBC has convened a coalition of 35 built environment stakeholder groups, representing over 5,000 organisations from across the building value chain, to call for high level ambition as Parliamentary negotiations on the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) enter their final stage. This morning the coalition published an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to support an ambitious revision of the EPBD in the upcoming vote this Thursday 9 February and support measures that will: The coalition’s message is clear – by supporting a high level of ambition MEPs will deliver a more prosperous future for all EU citizens. This is not only limited to the climate benefits of more sustainable buildings, but the social and economic benefits of tackling energy poverty and the creation of up to 3.3 million green jobs annually, whilst boosting local communities. Widespread industry support for Whole Life Carbon policy This letter comes amid growing political and industry support for policy that tackles the Whole Life Carbon impact of buildings. In 2022 WorldGBC launched an EU Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the building sector, with the support of a coalition of over 35 leading industry bodies. This has been complemented by national Whole Life Carbon roadmaps developed by ten Green Building Councils across Europe, with input from over 600 experts and organisations. These EU and national roadmaps were developed as part of the #BuildingLife project, which has also seen over 150 leaders publicly declare their commitment to policy addressing Whole Life Carbon in buildings, including nine Members of European Parliament. WorldGBC and its coalition of stakeholders keenly awaits the vote of the ITRE Committee on the EPBD on 9 February. Cristina Gamboa, CEO, WorldGBC: “With this open letter we are witnessing a clear consensus. Europe’s building sector is ready for a truly ambitious revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. “Buildings are a key agent of change as Europe undergoes the transition to a decarbonised society. This is ever more important as Europe grapples with geopolitical uncertainties undermining energy security, and price rises driving a cost-of-living crisis. “Politicians must seize the opportunity to support the transition away from inefficient practices, increase the EU’s autonomy and provide energy security for the most vulnerable households, whilst creating green jobs and boosting local economies. “Our #BuildingLife project has proved that industry and policymakers are ready and willing for the deep collaboration needed to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock. “Our sector is ready for bolder action, and Members of European Parliament should be too.” Tina Paillet, RICS President Elect: “The EPBD is a critical piece of EU legislation in the combat against climate change and for RICS Europe its revision is an opportunity not to be missed. “RICS encourages the EU to ensure that new buildings and refurbishments will be required to be both energy and carbon efficient over their whole life cycles, as well as contribute to the uptake of the circular economy in the construction sector. “The RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment Professional Statement provides a standard approach for assessing WLC across a project lifecycle.” Ruth Schagemann, President, Architects’ Council of Europe: “Architects need an ambitious and level playing field across the EU when it comes to whole life carbon, to grow skills and the local production of materials and products needed to support a just transition to a circular economy. “The revision of the EPBD is a unique opportunity to set a clear trajectory for the next decades for a comprehensive decarbonisation of the EU building stock. Embodied carbon from construction materials is a significant part of the whole-life carbon emissions from the construction and buildings sector. “To operate as a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 it is essential that current emissions from construction make buildings more resilient in the next 20 years, reducing the need for future retrofit, and contribute to the transition towards a circular economy. To do this, we must enable built environment professionals to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of building materials and construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has broken ground at its Sherburn42 development, which will see the creation of 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing space in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, the 37-acre scheme is being delivered by McLaren Construction Group and will be ready for occupation from Q3 2023. Comprising four highly specified Grade-A industrial units, ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft, Sherburn42 will be accredited by the UK Green Building Council for its net-zero carbon construction, with a design that looks to help occupiers reach their own operational sustainability targets. Rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘WELL-ready’, the enhanced specification also features full PV coverage and LED lighting to offices, in addition to existing and future EV charging capabilities. Benefiting from up to 4MvA power, plans include eaves heights of 15m to haunch, 11 ground-level access doors and 633 parking spaces. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn, said: “It is great to see work now underway to deliver this market-leading development, which we believe will offer a smart and sustainable solution for businesses looking to expand their operations. “With excellent transport links across road, rail and sea, we look forward to bringing this scheme forward with McLaren over the next six months, as we work to further enhance connectivity within the region, boost the local economy, and improve the availability of modern and sustainable warehousing solutions across the UK.” Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, commented: “We are delighted to be starting works on-site at the Sherburn42 development, which will provide fantastic opportunities for the region’s workforce. We are excited to be building a long-lasting relationship with forward-thinking developers, Firethorn, working closely together to deliver this landmark logistics warehousing project in the North Yorkshire region.” “The four high-quality Grade-A industrial units will create an attractive, fit for purpose, sustainable workspace for multi-national distributors and ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises. This is our first Net Zero Carbon build with Firethorn, and alongside liaising closely with our supply chain to ensure that the most sustainable materials are being specified, the project team is working hard to reduce the embodied carbon in the project, to ensure our client’s offset payment is as low as possible.” The scheme’s close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents: Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton, and Carter Towler. For more information on Sherburn42, please visit https://sherburn42.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals