HS2 minister Huw Merriman today became the first person to officially walk on top of the UK’s longest railway bridge, which is under construction at an HS2 site just outside London. The first 480m of the Colne Valley Viaduct – which will eventually stretch for more than two miles (3.4km)
The widely promoted 50,000 installers required to meet the Government’s ambitious annual heat pump installation target of 600,000 may be three times lower than the number required, research has revealed. Developing from discussions within the HHIC Systems Group, chaired by Steve Keeton, the organisation has conducted extensive investigations of working
A new report highlights how the Mayor’s planning regulations are cutting London’s carbon emissions, increasing the use of solar energy and doubling the use of heat pumps in new developments across the city. The Mayor’s 2021 London Plan sets the agenda for the development of the city for decades to
WOULD-be North East homebuyers can get a first glimpse of the new phases of a range of leading housing developments at a series of VIP buyer events. Miller Homes is set to unveil the second phases at two of its prestigious sites in the region – Stephenson Meadows, Callerton, Newcastle
BarNET ZERO, the new borough-wide campaign to help Barnet become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs is launching on 16 Jan. The campaign has been designed to bring residents, communities, and businesses on the borough’s journey to Net Zero, through advice, information and support. The initial five-week campaign will look
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) has become an official Supporter of susdrain, the community for sustainable drainage created by CIRIA, the construction industry research and information association. Susdrain is a community that provides a range of resources for those involved in delivering sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). It provides up-to-date guidance, information and
Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE President of the Royal Academy of Engineering welcomed last Friday’s publication of the ‘Net Zero Review: UK could do more to reap economic benefits of green growth’ report by former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore. Sir Jim says: “I welcome the publication of the Mission Zero
KICKING the new year off to a running start, leading commercial property agent Innes England has announced a number of key promotions – including the appointment of a new equity holder. Matt Howson, who joined Innes England in 2016, has been promoted to a shareholding director. Managing director Matt Hannah
In partnership with the leading environmental charity Changeworks, the City of Edinburgh Council is helping homeowners transform the energy efficiency of their homes. Making 166 homes in Oxgangs warmer and fit for the future by improving external wall insulation, more than 50 properties have already received major improvements with over
The Actis specification team is looking forward to taking part in a face-to-face technical roadshow with LABC later this month – which will provide delegates with three and a half hours of CPD training. The event, aimed at builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the central region, takes
HS2 minister Huw Merriman today became the first person to officially walk on top of the UK’s longest railway bridge, which is under construction at an HS2 site just outside London. The first 480m of the Colne Valley Viaduct – which will eventually stretch for more than two miles (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways outside Hillingdon – have been built over the last seven months using an enormous 700 tonne ‘bridge-building machine’. Construction of the HS2 project, which is designed to improve rail links between London, Birmingham and the North, help level-up the economy and provide a low carbon alternative to car and air travel, is ramping up across the UK with almost 30,000 jobs now supported by the project. Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This is an extraordinary feat of engineering and architecture, designed to enable spectacular views across a beautiful part of our British countryside which is being preserved and protected by this project. “It was incredible to be the first person to officially walk on top of it today – another milestone for this monumental project which will transform journeys for people up and down the country, creating almost 30,000 jobs and providing a low carbon alternative to cars for decades to come.” Known as a ‘launching girder’, the 160m long bridge-building machine is the only one of its kind operating in the UK and is used to lift the giant concrete deck segments that form the viaduct’s arches into position. Once each section is complete, the machine inches itself forward to build the next stage. The first 141 – out of a thousand – deck segments are now in position, with each one weighing up to 140 tonnes. To allow for the gentle curves of the viaduct as it crosses the valley, all the segments are slightly different shapes and made on site at a purpose-built temporary factory close to the north abutment. Welcoming the milestone, HS2 Ltd Project Client David Emms said: “After seven months of hard work, it’s great to be able to finally be able to walk on part of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Once complete, this record-breaking structure will form a key part of the HS2 route – helping to deliver better connections across the UK, free up rail capacity on the existing train network, and offer passengers zero carbon travel options. “I’d like to thank all those involved in getting us to this exciting stage and look forward to seeing the whole viaduct come together over the coming years.” The huge viaduct project is being led by HS2’s main works contractor Align JV – a team made up of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick. Originally built in 2004, the launching girder was first used during the construction of the Hong Kong East Tsing Yi Viaduct. Specially designed to handle complex viaduct construction, the machine is named ‘Dominique’ in memory of Bouygues engineer Dominique Droniou who played a leading role in its design and development. Align Project Director, Daniel Altier, said: “The team at Align, along with supply-chain partners VSL, Kilnbridge, KVJV, VolkerStevin, Tarmac, Sendin andVaughan Plant Haulage, have worked incredibly hard to get us to this point. They have demonstrated exceptional teamwork and expertise and I’m incredibly proud of what they have achieved so far. In particular, the successful completion of the A412 crossing which involved collaboration with multiple stakeholders to minimise disruption to our local community.” 56 piers each weighing around 370 tonnes are being constructed along the Colne Valley ahead of the girder, with the machine moving from one pier to the next, installing the deck segments as it goes. Segments are placed alternately on each side of the pier, using a cantilever approach to balance the structure, as two half-arches are constructed simultaneously. Steel tensioning cables are then threaded through the segments to strengthen the bridge. The viaduct pre-cast factory where the one thousand segments are made uses a ‘match-casting’ technique. This approach – where each segment is poured against the previous one – will ensure the whole deck fits perfectly when assembled on the piers. Up to 12 segments a week can be cast at the mammoth 100m long factory, which has an internal volume of 105,000 cubic metres – making it larger than the Royal Albert Hall. Once construction is complete, the factory and surrounding buildings will be removed and the whole area between the viaduct and the Chiltern tunnel will be transformed into an area of chalk grassland and woodland as part of HS2’s ‘green corridor’ project. The design of the Colne Valley Viaduct was inspired by the flight of a stone skipping across the water, with a series of elegant spans, some up to 80m long, carrying the railway around 10m above the surface of the lakes, River Colne and Grand Union Canal. Set low into the landscape, wider spans will carry the viaduct crosses the lakes, with narrower spans for the approaches. This design was chosen to enable views across the landscape, minimise the viaduct’s footprint on the lakes and help complement views across the natural surroundings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The widely promoted 50,000 installers required to meet the Government’s ambitious annual heat pump installation target of 600,000 may be three times lower than the number required, research has revealed. Developing from discussions within the HHIC Systems Group, chaired by Steve Keeton, the organisation has conducted extensive investigations of working practices through the membership. It has revealed a figure of circa 150,000 workers is required to meet the Government’s target if today’s working model is followed. Not only does this finding triple current predictions, it also reveals the need for 100,000 new entrants to the industry – a figure almost equivalent to the entire current Gas Safe Register. To align with net zero by 2050 there is an urgent requirement to decarbonise UK heating systems, with many leaning on the promise of increasing heat pump installation. Whilst a positive initiative, data from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) suggests the actual workforce requirement to attain 600,000 new installations per year could heavily outweigh current estimates, by as much as 200%. Commenting on these findings, Steve said: “The industry is at a pivotal point, with an ageing workforce and exacerbated demand for modernised skillsets we really must look to new entrants as fundamental in providing the solution. The Government must push harder than ever to engage and incentivise existing heating engineers to build skills in renewable technologies. In addition, it must attract more new people to enter the industry and appeal to the younger generation to proactively include low-carbon technologies in their portfolio. It is the cornerstone we need in order to achieve our nation’s emissions goals.” Whilst heat pump installation is a priority, the HHIC says there is no one silver bullet approach to decarbonisation. Collectively, the UK must look towards supplementary alternatives if its to hit 2028, and 2050 sustainable heating targets. A hydrogen economy is cited as the next step in heating system developments, with the HHIC noting the importance of recent government proposals to mandate hydrogen-ready boilers. This government initiative is backed by UK manufacturer’s ‘price promise,’ meaning the boilers installed in 1.7 million homes each year could be ready for net zero at no extra cost to consumers compared to equivalent models today. Steve added:” It is imperative that the UK’s heating strategy looks at a multi-dimensional approach. This gives the Installer options and the customer choice. If we are to successfully meet our 2050 ambitions, Heat Networks and hydrogen must be part of the strategy in tandem with heat pump initiatives. This is inevitably going to require an upskilling, and incentivisation, of the workforce, so we must work from the grassroots up in order to create the bedrock of multi-skilled installers to successfully decarbonise the heating economy.” To download the report and find out more about the research, visit the HHIC Website here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report highlights how the Mayor’s planning regulations are cutting London’s carbon emissions, increasing the use of solar energy and doubling the use of heat pumps in new developments across the city. The Mayor’s 2021 London Plan sets the agenda for the development of the city for decades to come. It includes policies that address the climate emergency, the housing crisis and sets out how to make London a greener and healthier city for all Londoners. The newly published ‘2021 Energy Monitoring Report’ illustrates how these policies are making a tangible difference through the planning system. Key findings include: Where new developments have a shortfall between on-site reductions and zero carbon, applicants make a cash-in-lieu contribution into the relevant Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) carbon offset fund (based on a £/tonne of CO2 price). The new Carbon Offset Funds Report shows that since 2016, the Mayor’s carbon offsetting policy has realised £145m across London to support activities that tackle the climate emergency. Projects benefitting from offset funds include energy efficiency in buildings, district heating and installation of renewable energy generation. Of the £145m, over a third (£55m) has been collected or secured for collection since the 2020 survey. These reports were published shortly after the government’s net zero review. They demonstrate how the Mayor is using his powers to boost London’s green economy while accelerating climate action. The Skidmore Review shows that the UK is falling behind on key climate policy targets and needs to be more ambitious. Cities like London are leading the way for example with planning policies that deliver far more carbon savings than those set by national regulations, while helping Londoners become more energy efficient. Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues said: “Buildings in London are responsible for 78 per cent of London’s emissions, so it’s important that we do all we can to ensure new buildings in the city will meet our net zero climate targets and improve energy efficiency. “Thanks to the Mayor’s London Plan we are seeing huge reductions in carbon emissions from proposed developments. Not only are energy efficient buildings better for the environment, but the use of heat pumps and solar panels can also bring down energy bills long-term, helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. “The Mayor has repeatedly called for the Government to be bolder with climate change policies and devolve powers and funding, as well as provide more support to Londoners. London’s pioneering approach means that we are reducing carbon emissions far quicker than if we followed national policy. However, there is still much more to be done to build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.” The Energy Monitoring report and Carbon Offset Funds report and are available to read online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WOULD-be North East homebuyers can get a first glimpse of the new phases of a range of leading housing developments at a series of VIP buyer events. Miller Homes is set to unveil the second phases at two of its prestigious sites in the region – Stephenson Meadows, Callerton, Newcastle and at Longridge Farm, Bedlington – over the next few months. And in a separate event it will also be showcasing the Roman Fields development at Corbridge, which offers a mix of luxury three, four and five bedroomed homes, perfect for anyone wanting to downsize, buy a second home or looking for an investment property in a picturesque location. The events will also highlight to potential homeowners the support available to them from Miller Homes at every stage, giving them all they need to purchase their dream home. The company has created three events which will take place throughout the first months of 2023, where visitors will be able to see the range of homes on offer at all three sites, as well as have a free consultation with an experienced independent financial adviser who can give details of available mortgage options. The first event is being held at Longridge Farm on 28 January where between 11am and 4pm visitors can see phase 2 for the first time. This will be followed by a showcase event at Roman Fields, Corbridge on 21 February where guests will be able to enjoy a wine and cheese evening – courtesy of The Corbridge Larder – as well as talk to the independent financial advisor and speak to a local estate agent about the area’s investment potential. The final event is being held at Stephenson Meadows at Callerton, seven miles from the centre of Newcastle, and which features 261 three, four and five bedroomed luxury homes. The open day will run from 11am to 4pm on 4 March, giving those looking for a new home in this desirable area the opportunity to see the newest properties for the first time. Anyone interested can just turn up at any of the events on the day, but those who register in advance will be entered into a draw at each session for a hamper of locally sourced goodies, courtesy of Coastal Hampers. Free spaces can be booked at : Longridge Farm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-homebuying-advice-at-longridge-farm-bedlington-tickets-511899263477 Stephenson Meadows – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-homebuying-advice-at-stephenson-meadows-callerton-tickets-511922111817 Roman Fields –https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheese-wine-expert-homebuying-advice-at-roman-fields-corbridge-tickets-511934278207 Everyone who attends an event will also receive a Miller Homes goody bag. Aisling Ramshaw, Sales Director at Miller Homes North East believes these three events will offer the perfect opportunity to see the variety of the properties available and what each location has to offer. “We are very excited to be able to showcase phase 2 of both Stephenson Meadows and Longridge Farm and also to highlight what Roman Fields has to offer,” she said. “More than 80 per cent of the properties at Corbridge have been sold, so this really will be the last opportunity for buyers to own a home at this very popular development. “This will be the first opportunity to talk to our team about the new phase of these developments and what they offer for those who recognise that bricks and mortar are a sound investment. “We believe these are going to be fantastic events which will really support our buyers.” The events are all free to attend and anyone interested can pop in throughout the day. For further information visit www.millerhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BarNET ZERO, the new borough-wide campaign to help Barnet become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs is launching on 16 Jan. The campaign has been designed to bring residents, communities, and businesses on the borough’s journey to Net Zero, through advice, information and support. The initial five-week campaign will look at each of these areas, showcasing some of the work already taking place across the borough, and how individuals can take small (or large) steps to become more sustainable. Launching at the same time is the council’s new Sustainability Newsletter which will provide regular updates on progress on the journey as a borough, as well as the opportunity for individuals to make pledges on their own personal journey to Net Zero. In May 2022, the council declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency and set the target of becoming a Net Zero council by 2030 and Net Zero borough no later than 2042, pledging to go further and faster than before. A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We all need to work together to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs, and we can only do that if we all play our individual part within it. Everyone can do something, and every small step will take us on the journey to becoming Net Zero. “The individual pledges we can all make are a great first step for those who may not have previously thought about this agenda. “Some of small things we can do include reducing meat consumption, switching to more sustainable transport options like walking and taking the bus instead of getting in the car, getting involved in local volunteering opportunities in the community and supporting local businesses to adopt more eco-friendly practices. “We also know that one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in Barnet comes from domestic energy use in the home. So, another great option, for those who can, is to insulate homes, install solar panels and other energy saving technology like ground source heat pumps. “We are committed to supporting residents, businesses and communities make sustainable choices wherever they can, and our dedicated BarNET ZERO website provides more information on other steps you can take” In February 2023, Barnet will hold its first-ever Citizens Assembly in parallel with the launch of its Young’s People’s Assembly, tackling the question: Barnet has declared a climate emergency. What more can we do together to make Barnet more sustainable, now and in the future? More information on the progress of these assemblies can be found here: Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change and Biodiversity 2023 | Engage Barnet Working at pace in this ever-changing landscape, the Council has delivered many actions, some of the highlights so far include: We want to hear about the steps you take in becoming more sustainable – share them via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the #barnetzero – we will upload the best ones to our website! To receive the latest sustainability news and events from Barnet Council, including grant funding opportunities and support you can subscribe to the BarNET ZERO newsletter: www.Engage.barnet.gov.uk/net-zero Let’s work together in becoming one of London’s most sustainable boroughs #barnetzero Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) has become an official Supporter of susdrain, the community for sustainable drainage created by CIRIA, the construction industry research and information association. Susdrain is a community that provides a range of resources for those involved in delivering sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). It provides up-to-date guidance, information and case studies that help to underpin the planning, design, approval, construction and maintenance of SuDS. The community of support is for all those – from flood risk managers and drainage and highways engineers through to planners, designers, landscape architects and developers – seeking to increase knowledge, confidence and the delivery of SuDS. Although a relatively new name in the UK, US-based ADS is a leader in the manufacture of corrugated thermoplastic drainage pipes and a specialist in water management systems. Its lead attenuation system in the SuDS environment is StormTech. Combining arch-shaped chambers with an innovative, integrated water quality treatment system, StormTech has been used successfully in over 50,000 projects worldwide employing in excess of 2.5 million units. In respect of their new relationship with susdrain, ADS’s UK manager Stuart Crisp says: “Our support for susdrain forms part of our commitment to provide class-leading information and solutions to the SuDS community, as well as improving awareness of our proven StormTech system. For instance, StormTech fully complies with the recently updated Design and Construction Guidance for foul and surface water sewers offered for adoption under the Code for adoption agreements for water and sewerage companies operating wholly or mainly in England. This means that water companies in England can accept StormTech when offered for adoption by developers under Section 104 Agreements in accordance with the Water Industry Act 1991. Additionally, recent structural modelling to Eurocodes has demonstrated that StormTech SuDS attenuation chambers can be installed to the minimum and maximum cover depths that are detailed within the standard ADS installation guidelines, originally based on US Standards. Through susdrain, we hope to contribute to the knowledge base of SuDS practitioners and illustrate the viability of StormTech, based on the hard empirical proof now available.” For more information on Advanced Drainage Systems, visit www.adspipe.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE President of the Royal Academy of Engineering welcomed last Friday’s publication of the ‘Net Zero Review: UK could do more to reap economic benefits of green growth’ report by former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore. Sir Jim says: “I welcome the publication of the Mission Zero review, with 129 recommendations that bring together many of the key enablers of a faster and better transition. Crucially, this report echoes calls from the engineering profession and beyond about the need for joined up decision making processes for policies and infrastructure, driven by a net zero delivery body at the heart of government and enabled by public engagement and empowering local communities to plan and act. We also strongly welcome the emphasis placed on overlooked but crucial and value-unlocking issues of materials and circular economy, energy efficiency, building regulations, planning, nature, and place-based approaches.” “With less than 30 years to meet the government’s own target for decarbonising the economy, it is imperative that policymakers can confidently take rapid actions alongside more complex and longer-term decisions. The UK’s ability to decarbonise at sufficient speed and scale, and to attract the necessary investment to deliver the transition, is dependent on key decisions made by government now.” “Crucially, this review properly emphasises the many benefits of pursuing a path to net zero and the risks of not doing so. Transitioning to net zero is in fact an opportunity to capture benefits for everyone through the creation of new markets, industries, innovation and skills development. This review is correct to place importance on delivering a supportive environment for mission-led R&D and demonstration projects so that the UK can become a hub of late-stage R&D investment and unleash net zero innovation.” “Mission Zero sets a challenge to government, engineers and all of society to begin in earnest the delivery and implementation of the net zero vision. The engineering profession is eager to supercharge and co-ordinate the net zero projects, operations and innovations that are ongoing to accelerate progress and prosperity at a crucial time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KICKING the new year off to a running start, leading commercial property agent Innes England has announced a number of key promotions – including the appointment of a new equity holder. Matt Howson, who joined Innes England in 2016, has been promoted to a shareholding director. Managing director Matt Hannah accredited his elevation to his ability to strengthen and develop important relationships with clients, and his consistently high-quality work. Explaining his new role, Matt said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to become an equity holding director in the company, and I’m looking forward to the more strategic role I will be playing for the wider business. “I joined Innes England as a chartered surveyor and have since seen my career grow exponentially thanks to the opportunities and support that Innes England has provided, for which I am immensely grateful. “This year, I hope to build the property asset management team’s successes from 2022 further, working alongside Gary Woodward and the rest of our hugely talented team, and am looking forward to see the new heights we can reach.” Innes England, which has offices in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Birmingham, has also announced several other promotions, including two new directors. Hannah Vassey is promoted to finance director, and Ross Whiting becomes director of business space agency. Hannah said: “I love working at Innes England. The company has supported me in carving out a role for myself that’s my own, promoting every step of my personal and professional growth along the way. “The new capacity this promotion provides will allow me to engage more with the strategic decisions that are driving the business forward and is more of what I enjoy in my work already. I’m immensely grateful and keen to continue my work in my new role.” On his promotion, Ross said: “In the eight years I’ve been with Innes England, I’ve had the opportunity to grow and develop massively as a surveyor. Since graduating, I’ve worked my way up through the ranks negotiating and delivering numerous successful deals for the business and am now excited to be taking this next step up. “I’m particularly looking forward to the opportunity this promotion affords me to be more involved within the company and I will continue to strive to provide results for my clients.” Innes England’s sweep of New Year promotions also sees chartered surveyors Andrew Smith and Sam Hall move up to associate director of professional services and associate director of retail and roadside respectively. Both were recognised by the senior team for their diligent work with many of their important clients, such as the high street hallmark retailer Greggs, and Well Pharmacy, working closely with them to achieve their business needs. Speaking on all the promotions announced, Matt Hannah said: “I want to congratulate all five members of the team that have been promoted. They have all proved themselves as significant contributors deserving of being rewarded for their hard work and determination to continue building on Innes England’s growing successes. “They have all shown the attitudes, values, and most importantly the ability to bring forward and work between our service lines for an all-encompassing offering to our clients that I believe sets our business apart. I look forward greatly to seeing how they will develop their skills and careers further with us in their new roles.” To find out more about Innes England, visit the company’s website: https://www.innes-england.com/
In partnership with the leading environmental charity Changeworks, the City of Edinburgh Council is helping homeowners transform the energy efficiency of their homes. Making 166 homes in Oxgangs warmer and fit for the future by improving external wall insulation, more than 50 properties have already received major improvements with over a hundred others to be completed by the Spring. Funding is provided by the Scottish Government through the Energy Efficient Scotland; Area based Scheme (EES:ABS). These area-based schemes are designed and delivered by councils with local delivery partners. They target fuel-poor areas to provide energy efficiency measures to a large number of Scottish homes while delivering emission savings and helping to reduce fuel poverty. The schemes in Oxgangs are helping households make major improvements to their home at a significantly lowered cost. Some households even qualify to have the work done for free, completely removing the financial burden for households at a time when that relief could not be more needed. Installing insulation makes it cheaper and easier to heat the home, meaning householders can expect to save on their heating bills. Oxgangs is an area that does suffer from a higher rate of poverty than other areas of the city and all houses included in the project are in Council Tax bands A to C. This project, with a total funding of £1.9 million, is targeted at reaching those most in need. The EES:ABS scheme is open to private householders and mixed tenure blocks have been targeted too, benefitting both social housing tenants and private householders. The Council is directly funding the works to Council homes. Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Most of the homes in the area are receiving external wall insulation which means their homes will keep more heat in. This is important because it means more Oxgangs residents are going to see their homes stay warmer for longer, at a time when temperatures are low but energy bills are worryingly high. “As people become more conscious of their energy use, these projects will have a real impact – both on the planet and Edinburgh’s net zero goals and on the lives of homeowners and tenants who need this support now, more than ever.” One resident who received the external wall insulation is Catherine Murray, who says she’s “delighted” with the difference it’s made. She said: “My house is warmer, much warmer, it’s really noticeable. I don’t need the heating on as much, I put it on in the morning and then the house is fine until I put it on again at about 7 or 8 until I go to bed. If I’m in the living room, it contains the heat. “We’re on the main road and the people that pass stop and look, it’s amazing. People stop to comment on it. “It really brightens the place up, I don’t get out much anymore but when I do, it makes you feel better when you do come into the area, you can really see the difference between the ones that have been done and the ones that haven’t been done, it’s great. I really appreciate the work that’s been done.” Most of the homes in the area are receiving external wall insulation installed by contractor SERS. Not only does this mean that their homes will keep more heat in, keeping them warmer for longer and requiring less energy to heat, it provides a complete refresh of the outside of the property too. With it being an external insulation measure, there’s no work done inside the house. Alongside the Oxgangs project which is currently underway there are four other retrofit schemes in Edinburgh which form part of the EES:ABS 2022/23 programme. These include an external wall insulation and solar PV scheme in Gilmerton, a fabric improvement programme in Murrayburn and Drumbryden, a citywide internal wall insulation roll out and hard-to-treat cavity and solar PV works across the EH16 and EH17 postcode areas. To register your interest in similar schemes should they become available in your area, fill in this simple online form.
The Actis specification team is looking forward to taking part in a face-to-face technical roadshow with LABC later this month – which will provide delegates with three and a half hours of CPD training. The event, aimed at builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the central region, takes place on Thursday January 26 at Redbourn Golf Club in St Albans, with doors opening at 8am and the event finishing at noon. Actis will present a mini version of its RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L, Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards, while other topics on offer include addressing warranty defects and modern solutions for old issues. The event is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the fifth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals