BeA Fastening Systems is helping to set new standards in gas powered nailer reliability. The business, which ranks as one of Europe’s largest manufacturer of fastening technology, tools and consumables for construction and industrial-focused applications, has revamped and relaunched its existing range of fuel cells for first and second fix
More than half of companies interviewed will spend less time working from a traditional company office space in the future as corporates look to flexible options. Four out of five flexible office space users reported that they have benefitted from the enhanced work environment, with workers agreeing that their workspace has had a
Jet Aire Services, the Leeds-based drainage and civil engineering contractor, has appointed a new Contract Manager. Mark Walker will coordinate the efficient delivery of projects throughout the UK. Mark had previously worked as Senior Area Agent at Ringway Infrastructure Services, a role that equipped him with outstanding experience in civil
Starting with the 1st of April, important legislative changes will happen in the property market and property develops and UK construction companies need to be prepared for it. Privately rented properties need to reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating E before being able to grant a new
Haven Power has slammed government plans to bring the next capacity auction forward, arguing that it could cost consumers around 7 per cent of their total bill. The capacity auction in January 2017 would provide supplemental balancing reserve (SBR) and demand-side balancing reserve (DSBR) for delivery in
16 May 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Human reaction to light sources should be a primary factor in deciding to deploy them, not just efficiency or cost, according to a report about people’s responses to LED lighting. The report, commissioned by the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), part
ClickGreen 8th October 2015 The Government is pushing ahead with its pledge to end public subsidies for onshore wind farms, by closing the Renewables Obligation scheme across Great Britain from the beginning of next April. In amendments to the Energy Bill the Government has set out the grace period criteria,
Network Rail has revealed details of its £800m investment at London Waterloo station to bring the former Eurostar terminal back into use. London Waterloo is Britain’s busiest railway station. The number of passenger journeys has more than doubled in the last 20 years to 234 million per year, and further
2 July 2016 – by Neil Tague Next-generation modular housing is on the march, but can its champions overcome the historic conservatism of insurers, funders and house buyers? Necessity is the mother of invention. With demand for homes far exceeding supply, rising costs and limited availability of land, the gauntlet
Added Green Roof protection for former WWII bunker with Blackdown Green Roof and Derbigum Waterproofing Originally built in 1941 as a special decoy target for German bombers, The Decoy Bunker is tucked away in the rolling hillsides of Monmouthshire and has been fully restored as a unique holiday home. As
BeA Fastening Systems is helping to set new standards in gas powered nailer reliability. The business, which ranks as one of Europe’s largest manufacturer of fastening technology, tools and consumables for construction and industrial-focused applications, has revamped and relaunched its existing range of fuel cells for first and second fix tools. Paul Shepherd, national sales manager at BeA, explains: “Modern construction businesses and contractors demand gas powered nailers that work as hard as they do. “Frequently, gas fuel cells can be a weak link in an otherwise robust chain and our new products aim to overcome that. We have gone to great lengths to develop cells that users can count on for optimum reliability, time after time after time.” Offering exceptional levels of compatibility and suitable for use in gas powered nail guns from most well-known manufacturers, the new BeA fuel cells employ a unique propane and butane mix alongside an enhanced cell design. This enables them to deliver consistent, dependable performance – driving up to 1200 fasteners, cleanly and efficiently, from every cell. Their long lifespan also helps to reduce stoppages for fuel cell changes, enabling users to save time and maximise productivity. Plus, the new cells perform better in the cold whilst the gas formula employed helps to minimise exhaust gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more comfortable working environment. As a further benefit, the new BeA fuel cells also incorporate a synthetic oil. This enables them to lubricate the tool in which they are used and to reduce carbon deposits. This again contributes to reduced misfires and helps to increase the tool’s effectiveness and overall working life. Concluding Paul Shepherd adds: “BeA has an active programme of new product research and development and our next generation gas fuel cells have been created as a result of that and following feedback from our stockists and end-users. “We’ve listened to the market’s needs, understood its expectations and developed a product which we believe exceeds them by setting new standards in performance and reliability.”
More than half of companies interviewed will spend less time working from a traditional company office space in the future as corporates look to flexible options. Four out of five flexible office space users reported that they have benefitted from the enhanced work environment, with workers agreeing that their workspace has had a positive effect on engagement with their roles, resulting in much higher productivity levels. The ‘Marketplace for flexible work’ report has been conducted by The Instant Group, the flexible workspace specialist and workplace strategy firm HLW. The research found that users of co-working and flexible space are rapidly growing in numbers across a larger range of companies. And those using it are reaping further benefits in the form of greater work flexibility, growing professional networks, more business opportunities, higher levels of energy at work, and innovation. Tim Rodber, CEO, The Instant Group, said: “The trend towards flexible working has dominated the headlines for some time now and operators of this space have been driving take up in the global cities for the past two years. More than half of our respondents envision spending less time going forward working from a traditional company office space, this confirms our view that corporate occupiers in particular want far more flexibility and choice nowadays over how and where they work.” The report analysed the co-working and flexible workspace sector to gather a 360-degree perspective of the industry to determine where perspectives align and diverge among stakeholders. The research also found that location and the ability to assign or reassign employees to workspace on short notice were also important influencers when choosing flexible workspace over conventional office space. Looking forward, the research found that more than half of the companies interviewed envisage spending less time working from a traditional company office space with an increase in the number of corporates looking for more flexible options. Flexible benefits Eighty-three per cent of users of co-working and other types of flex space claim to have benefited from this growing form of work environment over the last five to ten years. The majority (71%) of end-user’s report that their workspaces positively affect the ways they engage in their work. Greater work flexibility, expanding professional networks, business opportunities, higher levels of energy at work, innovation, and a generally improved working environment were cited as some of the key benefits of working in this type of environment. A vast majority of users stated that by being surrounded by a more diverse mix of individuals they allowed themselves a greater opportunity to ‘learn often’ and that they ‘continue to learn more and more as time goes by’. Long-term satisfaction Amenity provision such as decent coffee shops, showers and wireless connectivity are key considerations when it comes to possible improvements in flexible workspaces, with nearly all respondents (89%) citing that this would improve satisfaction, alongside innovations in workplace design and the quality of the social experience. These areas of focus are at the point where the “new” market for workspace is challenging previous perceptions of the of co-working model – namely, a radical shift in the approach to design, providing more (and better) amenities, and curating the space to create atmosphere and interaction. Corporates are ‘flexing’ Corporate clients are reaping the benefits of a more engaged workforce and the associated benefits of working in flexible workspaces. The ability to choose where and when you work would appear not only to give management and workers a variety of environments that suit different working modes but also positively impact user engagement levels. The key finding for corporates was the general flexibility around work, and the ability to reduce or increase real estate costs as the business required. Tellingly, some corporate respondents even quote reduced real estate costs and greater employee productivity as being among the critical and tangible business benefits. John Duckworth, MD of UK & EMEA, The Instant Group, said: “With lease lengths on average now down to as low as 5.2 years and with the average tenancy stay around 36 months for operators such as The Office Group, the gap is closing between a ‘flex’ or ‘conventional’ approach. Increasingly the choice is becoming based more upon cashflow and strategic approach to space than the length of stay. For access to the full report, please CLICK HERE www.theinstantgroup.com Methodology The Instant Group partnered with HLW to conduct a study of over 300 respondents from the co-working and flexible work industry. Respondents completed a comprehensive questionnaire about their current perspectives of the market, the value they get from it, and how they see the market benefiting them in the future. About The Instant Group Founded in 1999, The Instant Group is a workspace innovation company that rethinks workspace on behalf of its clients injecting flexibility, reducing cost and driving enterprise performance. Instant places more than 6,000 companies a year in flexible workspace such as serviced, managed or co-working offices including Amazon, American Express, Sky, Network Rail, Serco, Teleperformance, Worldpay, and TMF making it the market leader in flexible workspace. Its listings’ platform Instant Offices hosts more than 12,000 flexible workspace centers across the world and is the only site of its kind to represent the global market, providing a service to FTSE 100, Fortune 500, and SME clients. With offices in London, Newcastle, Berlin, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, The Instant Group employs 200 experts and has clients in more than 150 countries. About HLW HLW is a leading international full-service planning, architecture and design firm. HLW is building the future, from skyscrapers, to the workplaces of today’s most cutting-edge companies. Sustaining a successful practice for over 125 years, HLW remains a strong, innovative and progressive organization with a diverse portfolio of projects from broadcast and media, financial corporations, technology, academic institutions, and multi-family and mixed-use buildings. The multi-disciplinary firm’s mission is to create inspiring and enriching spaces that enhance that way people work, meet and interact. HLW is headquartered in New York, with offices in Madison,
Jet Aire Services, the Leeds-based drainage and civil engineering contractor, has appointed a new Contract Manager. Mark Walker will coordinate the efficient delivery of projects throughout the UK. Mark had previously worked as Senior Area Agent at Ringway Infrastructure Services, a role that equipped him with outstanding experience in civil engineering operations. He was responsible for producing and maintaining accurate programmes of work, including method statements, risk assessments, Health & Safety plans, communication and company procedures, cost and resource analysis, performance and productivity review, and training. Prior to this role, Mark was a Site Agent responsible for the planning, programming, and resourcing of highway construction schemes valued up to £5 million. As a Contract Manager at Jet Aire Services, Mark will make sure that projects are completed on time and within budget on behalf of clients in a range of key sectors, including chemical, commercial, environmental, industrial, residential, retail, and transport. “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the Jet Aire management team. He has the ideal combination of site experience and comprehensive programme management expertise required for this key position. Mark will play a vital role in driving efficiency and performance levels to help Jet Aire to maintain our consistent record of client satisfaction,” aid Jet Aire Services Director, Keith Ferris. The professional drainage and groundworks solutions provided by Jet Aire include CCTV surveys, high-pressure water jetting, drain/sewer cleansing and clearance, tankering, waste disposal, CIPP patching/lining, UV lining, infiltration sealing, robotic cutting, root cutting, epoxy spray Ultra Coating, surfacing, block paving, fencing and civil engineering works on behalf housebuilders, highways operators and local authorities. The company has been accredited and approved by many of the environmental and drainage industry’s leading bodies, holding both ISO9001 and ISO14001 internationally recognised standards for Quality Management, as well as OHSAS 18001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management.
Starting with the 1st of April, important legislative changes will happen in the property market and property develops and UK construction companies need to be prepared for it. Privately rented properties need to reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating E before being able to grant a new tenancy to new or existing tenants. If a property will fail to meet this standard, then the owner will face fines up to £4,000. If you are reading this and you are a landlord then you need to make sure you’re not at risk and the first step towards that is acquiring an EPC from an accredited EPC Register assessor. Most landlords are familiar with the colourful diagram that offers an overview of a building’s energy efficiency rating. The rating is given by a qualified assessor after he had surveyed the property. The score can be between 1 and 100 and it determines the energy efficiency rating. Starting with the 1st of April, a score lower than 39 means the property is not legally equipped to be rented. So what can you do to improve your property’s EPC rating? First of all, make sure that every cavity wall contains proper insulation. Then, replace inefficient lighting with energy saving CFL or LED light bulbs that can cut electricity bills by up to £100 over its lifetime. One of the quickest ways for your property to lose energy is through the windows. Double glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 75%. If your property still relies on an old boiler, then it is time for an upgrade. A more costly investment is installing solar panels, however, your property will benefit from this free energy source for years. The last advice would be to compare business energy providers and see the green options available. This could bring you an up to 40% saving on your business energy spend.
Haven Power has slammed government plans to bring the next capacity auction forward, arguing that it could cost consumers around 7 per cent of their total bill. The capacity auction in January 2017 would provide supplemental balancing reserve (SBR) and demand-side balancing reserve (DSBR) for delivery in the same year as opposed to 2018/19. Haven Power said that energy customers must be made aware of the cost of the plans by the government and other suppliers. The business supplier’s chief executive Peter Bennell told Utility Week: “The costs of this [early capacity auction in January 2017] could fall on customers at 6 or 7 per cent of the whole bill. “We are trying to make customers aware of this, get them asking the right questions to avoid them getting a nasty shock. Other suppliers and the government should do the same, because at the moment it doesn’t seem like business or domestic customers are very aware.” The government announced that it was considering reforms to the capacity market this month to “guarantee our long-term energy security”, which included the start of the capacity market being brought forward one year to January 2017. Energy secretary Amber Rudd said: “The capacity market has driven down costs and secured energy at the lowest possible price for bill-payers, but I’m taking further action to tackle the legacy of under-investment and ensure our country’s long-term energy security. “By buying more capacity earlier we will protect consumers and businesses from avoidable spikes in energy costs.” Source link
16 May 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Human reaction to light sources should be a primary factor in deciding to deploy them, not just efficiency or cost, according to a report about people’s responses to LED lighting. The report, commissioned by the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), part of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), and produced by Public Health England, is intended to provide data on the positive and negative effects of exposure to LED light sources. It found that LED solutions are valid energy-efficient options compared with other available light sources because their stated performance is generally accurate, and that none of the LEDs tested presented a risk of retinal damage when used properly. Research also concluded that designers should consider the LED as part of the whole light fixture and the environment in which it is used to determine if it is suitable – a factor that is as important as the price of the LED or its efficiency. Jeff Shaw, president-elect of the Society of Light and Lighting, said: “This report is a valuable collection of data that will be extremely useful in enabling both the public and private sector to make informed choices when looking to procure LED lighting solutions and promote energy efficiency.” He said LED technology had advanced enormously in the past 10 years, but there were still a lot of things to consider when deciding which solution is best in each case, and how to deliver it. “What this report highlights is the need to consult a properly trained and qualified designer or engineer using the latest guidance to get the most out of an LED solution, and to ensure it is the best choice for people and the environment,” he added. Cost was shown to have no significant impact on the flicker or colour rendering of the lamp, but there are potential issues surrounding LED lights that must be factored in when deciding where they should be used, and what kind of fixture is most appropriate for them. Human Responses To Lighting Based On LED Lighting Solutions can be found here. Source link
ClickGreen 8th October 2015 The Government is pushing ahead with its pledge to end public subsidies for onshore wind farms, by closing the Renewables Obligation scheme across Great Britain from the beginning of next April. In amendments to the Energy Bill the Government has set out the grace period criteria, which it claims should provide some certainty for investors. It estimates that around 2.9GW of onshore wind capacity will be eligible for the grace periods. The projects that are eligible for the grace period will need to demonstrate either that they had planning consent as at 18 June; that they have successfully appealed a planning refusal made on or before 18 June; or that they have successfully appealed after not receiving a planning decision due by 18 June. They will also need to show that they had a grid connection and land rights in place. Projects that have met all these criteria and can demonstrate that they have struggled to secure finance from lenders since 18 June will be allowed extra time but no longer than nine months. In total, the Government claims the amount of onshore wind capacity that could be deployed by 2020 is still 12.3GW to ensure the nation meets its renewable energy commitments. Energy Minister Lord Bourne said: “We have a long-term plan to keep the lights on and our homes warm, power the economy with cleaner energy, and keep bills as low as possible for hard-working families and businesses. “To do this we will help technologies stand on their own two feet, not encourage a reliance on public subsidies. By bringing forward these amendments we are protecting bill payers whilst meeting our renewable energy commitments.” Source link
Network Rail has revealed details of its £800m investment at London Waterloo station to bring the former Eurostar terminal back into use. London Waterloo is Britain’s busiest railway station. The number of passenger journeys has more than doubled in the last 20 years to 234 million per year, and further growth of 40% by 2043 is forecast. The planned works are expected to provide a 30% increase in peak time capacity by 2019. A Skanska-led consortium including Colas Rail, Aecom and Mott MacDonald was selected for the project last year. They begin work on site this month. The former Waterloo International Terminal will be rebuilt, allowing platforms 20-24 to be brought back into use with modern facilities, new track and signalling and a layout suitable for domestic passengers. Platforms 1 to 4 will be extended to allow longer 10-car trains to run to London suburban stations. This work will take place during August 2017. A new station concourse near platforms 20-24 will also be built to make more space. Waterloo International was designed by architect Nick Grimshaw and built by Bovis for £120m but had a short life. It opened in 1994 as the London terminus for Eurostar international train services. It was closed in 2007, after just 13 years of service, when the High Speed 1 Channel tunnel rail link opened and St Pancras and Stratford become the London stations for Eurostar. Further Images This article was published on 24 Mar 2016 (last updated on 24 Mar 2016). Source link
2 July 2016 – by Neil Tague Next-generation modular housing is on the march, but can its champions overcome the historic conservatism of insurers, funders and house buyers? Necessity is the mother of invention. With demand for homes far exceeding supply, rising costs and limited availability of land, the gauntlet has been thrown down for the industry to innovate. Step forward modular housing, which is developed off site and brought to the site in ready-formed pieces (see box). It is not a new idea but it is a niche one and a concept that hasn’t always found favour with investors, insurers and mortgage lenders. Could it work on a larger scale and win over sceptics? Some heavyweights entering the market think it can. In February 2016, Legal & General announced it was to invest £55m in setting up a modular housing factory in a 550,000 sq ft Leeds warehouse. Similarly, Laing O’Rourke announced a £125m investment in offsite building. Gavin White, director of structural engineer Ramboll, says: “Housebuilders are under increased government pressure to deliver homes more quickly and to a better quality – two of the key strengths of modular home building. Working offsite can lead to superior quality of finish, economy of scale, increased productivity and safer construction.” The shorter on-site construction period means lower costs. Schemes already under way demonstrate the savings to be made. For example, the Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners-designed luxury Merano Residences on the South Bank in London saved nearly 10 weeks on a 12-month build using off-site manufacture (see box). Other advantages to modular housing include reduced onsite wastage and more accurate costing, says Peter Huf, lead architect at HUF HAUS UK. “Through thoughtful engineering, modular affords the opportunity to eliminate the majority of the challenges commonly associated with traditional build,” says Huf. It is a manufacturing solution to a construction problem – and if there’s been one area the UK government has favoured with high praise and hefty funding since 2010, it is manufacturing. Nick Whitten, associate director at JLL, says: “A hundred years ago, Henry Ford built the first assembly line and revolutionised the way cars were built. Manufacturing workers are between 1.5 and two times more efficient than construction workers, and with build cost inflation at 5-6%, the industry needs innovation.” Then there is the construction skills problem. Too few young people are joining the industry, pushing up wages and overall construction costs. All the content from this weekís magazine, including this article, is available in the new app. Richard Hyams of architectural firm AStudio, who has launched a new business, 63000Homes, says: “The twin problems facing UK society are a lack of homes, and a skills and jobs issue. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to tackle the two together? Out of crisis comes innovation. The tenure range is broadening, there are self-build projects, PRS is rising – it’s an exciting time. The old ways are no longer meeting housing need.” All this is fine – but ultimately, it is the suits who will determine how far this will go. If the funders, insurers and mortgage providers are not convinced by the modular movement, it will limit its application. Mark Farmer, chief executive of residential consultancy Cast, says: “The reality is that with new warranty products available and an improving awareness in the debt and investment finance sectors of the benefits of a pre-manufactured approach, innovative approaches no longer have to be risky. Historic problems securing mortgages and developers obtaining development financing for pre-manufactured housing are starting to be overcome.” Circle Housing’s Jerry Harkness, who is head of construction and design at the housing association, says it wouldn’t use any modular system that didn’t have an insurance-backed guarantee. “We’ve got to be able to sell it. It’s got to be robust, designed thoroughly to last as long and perform as well as any other new dwelling,” he says. From an investor’s point of view, there are advantages. Adam Jaffe, originator at Investec, wrote in EG in April that Investec would be “delighted” to fund modular projects, saying that the de-risking of construction is a huge plus. It’s easy to see why – the banks stand to get their money back faster, for one thing. If a given modular system is approved by the relevant bodies, the way is clear. Another potential hurdle is one of cultural change. The British house buyer is a conservative breed – for every funky Passivhaus in the broadsheet supplements, a thousand buyers will plump for a bog-standard brick semi. However, the utter starkness of the housing shortage might be leading more people to consider something different. It’s not like modular houses even look that different nowadays. Ian Killick, director at architect shedkm, says: “Visually, once the buildings are in place, it is very difficult to tell how they have been made. The first hurdle we faced was the mortgage providers, but once they saw the quality, they were all happy to back it.” Technology has advanced, and modern products are a world apart from the system-build horror stories of old. Modular schemes using materials such as cross-laminated timber have seen a surge in uptake, thanks to their now-proven track record in delivering cost-effective, attractive buildings. And 3D software can help with design and assembly processes. How L&G and Laing O’Rourke’s schemes progress will no doubt be a litmus test for modular construction on a bigger scale. They have the weight to make this work, because in manufacturing, scalability is key. Modular construction techniques could also allow homes to be added on to existing buildings or above transport nodes (see panel). There is a strong impetus from the industry and plenty of opportunity and potential application. If British home owners buy into it, it is an idea that could really take off. Source link
Added Green Roof protection for former WWII bunker with Blackdown Green Roof and Derbigum Waterproofing Originally built in 1941 as a special decoy target for German bombers, The Decoy Bunker is tucked away in the rolling hillsides of Monmouthshire and has been fully restored as a unique holiday home. As the bunker had to blend directly into the hillside, a highly durable waterproofing system was needed to provide full protection against water travelling down from the surrounding landscape: a green roof waterproofing solution that would provide the desired ‘camouflage’ effect by using the existing soil and grass from the surrounding landscape. Alumasc’s Registered Contractors Span Roofing installed Blackdown Greenroof Drainage Layers, Intensive Substrate and Washed Pebble Ballast to finish the green roof. A Derbigum Black Anti-Root Built-Up System sits below the green roof and provides a highly reliable waterproofing solution and maximum peace of mind for the future, as the Derbigum system holds 40-year durability certification with the BBA (British Board of Agrément). To find out more about Derbigum Waterproofing Membranes click here, for more Green Roof Information click here. Further details about Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing systems can be found at www.alumascroofing.co.uk or call the Alumasc technical team on 03335 771 500.