Following Climate Change Committee reports that the Scottish government’s ambition to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030 is out of reach, and the ensuing decision to scrap the target, Don McLean, CEO of Glasgow-headquartered climate tech company, IES, comments on the vital role that the built environment can play in
WJ Group has shown its continued commitment to reducing carbon in infrastructure by gaining PAS 2080 certification with the British Standards Institute (BSI). With more than 30% of UK greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure assets, PAS 2080 certification recognises businesses that have
On Wednesday 10th April 1st Shipley Scouts in Sussex held a celebratory event to mark the completion of its brand-new accessible shower block. The new facilities were made possible by Willmott Dixon, together with generous contributions from local businesses and the community. Chairman of 1st Shipley Scouts, Peter Sutton, welcomed
Shaftesbury Capital has unveiled plans to introduce six exciting new food and beverage concepts to its vibrant Soho portfolio, adding to the eclectic dining scene of the area. Leading the lineup is The Counter, a contemporary Aegean restaurant set to make its debut at 15-16 Kingly Street in May. Spanning
Due to be completed in 2027, the 750,000 sq. ft. project is the largest yet to be undertaken at the Broadgate campus… Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced that it has been appointed by the Broadgate joint venture, between British Land and GIC, to deliver 2 Finsbury Avenue (“2FA”), a
Environment Bank, a leading nature restoration company and biodiversity net gain (BNG) provider which delivers solutions to the built environment industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Spitzer as its new Chief Executive Officer. She joins Environment Bank with a proven track record in scaling businesses and implementing
Storm Housing Group, a Registered Provider of Social Housing, unveils a pioneering collaboration with CarbonWise and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable construction. CarbonWise Construction has brokered a supply agreement with Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions to revolutionise housing with low carbon, energy-efficient designs. Leveraging insights from the
Aldi has disclosed its list of priority locations in London where it aims to open new stores, as part of its ambitious expansion plans across the UK. The supermarket chain recently announced its intention to operate 1,500 stores nationwide, with a particular focus on areas within the M25 due to
Contractor GRAHAM’s major refurbishment of the famed Europa Hotel in Belfast has been showcased at a launch event, marking the end of the extensive project which spanned five years and saw £15m invested. The redevelopment of the Hotel’s business suite included substantial upgrades to the 12th-floor penthouse suite and seven
HS2 has begun foundation works for a key bridge that will take a major A road over the new high-speed railway just outside Brackley, after successfully completing the temporarily realignment of both carriageways. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to
Following Climate Change Committee reports that the Scottish government’s ambition to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030 is out of reach, and the ensuing decision to scrap the target, Don McLean, CEO of Glasgow-headquartered climate tech company, IES, comments on the vital role that the built environment can play in driving progress towards net zero. Don McLean, CEO of Glasgow-headquartered climate tech company, IES, commented: “We’ve long known that the scale of the climate challenge is immense. However, it’s disappointing to see that Scotland has missed so many annual targets and its ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 75% by 2030 is now beyond reach – and officially scrapped. “We’re already in a state of environmental emergency, and right now is simply not the time for our industry and society to backtrack on its commitments. Scotland’s 2045 net zero target remains in place, so we must now look ahead and further accelerate our efforts to decarbonise. “We’ve already proven that progress can be made; between 1990-2021, Scottish greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by almost half (49.2%) compared to the baseline level in 1990. This issue isn’t about politics; it’s about our planet, and the private sector has a unique opportunity to acknowledge its responsibility and take the initiative to drive action. “However, the biggest problem as I see it is that like most governments around the world, the Scottish government does not have the mechanisms in place to properly measure and make the reductions required to meet these ambitious targets. This is especially so in the built environment. Buildings are complex in the way they are designed, built and operated and in turn need sophisticated tools to navigate their decarbonisation. Without them governments face an impossible task.“Buildings are responsible for almost two-fifths (39%) of global energy-related carbon emissions, and governments, businesses and landlords must invest in their long-term decarbonisation plans to ensure that they opt for the most cost, energy, and carbon-efficient options for the future. By doing so, they can play a meaningful role in decarbonisation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has shown its continued commitment to reducing carbon in infrastructure by gaining PAS 2080 certification with the British Standards Institute (BSI). With more than 30% of UK greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure assets, PAS 2080 certification recognises businesses that have to come together to deliver low carbon infrastructure projects and reduce their environmental impacts. To achieve PAS 2080 status, WJ Group demonstrated to the auditors that it had made considerable progress in reducing its carbon emissions and have a systems-based approach to being a greener link in the supply chain. This included promoting industry collaboration as well as reviewing its products and service methodology. During the accreditation process, the business demonstrated their ability to work within a PAS 2080 community delivering lower carbon infrastructure. Paul Aldridge, Sustainability Director at WJ Group said: “Receiving PAS 2080 certification is independent recognition of our significant and ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact while collaborating on the vital projects on the highways network. For many years, we have worked to reduce our carbon footprint through our products and delivery methods to become part of the solution. We believe we have had some success in this area, but our sustainability efforts will not end here – this is just the start.” The announcement follows WJ Group’s recent success at the Green World Awards where it was given a gold level award for the carbon reducing impact of its driver behaviour scheme. In the first year of the initiative, the business saw a 7.75% reduction in emissions as well as a 12% increase in Miles Per Gallon. WJ Group has been working actively on reducing its carbon footprint since the early 2000s when it started recording and monitoring its energy usage, gaining Carbon Trust accreditation in 2015. Since then, the business has made significant advances including eliminating 20,000 tonnes of embedded carbon a year by reviewing the materials, wastage, and transportation of its thermoplastic road marking products. Alongside this, WJ Group has made considerable effort to upskill employees across all areas of the business on their Green Skills, helping them understand their individual impact on the Group’s efforts to decarbonise. These steps will mean that WJ Group can achieve its Net Zero targets. With sustainability being a significant priority for clients, designers, contractors, and suppliers alike, securing certifications such as PAS 2080 demonstrates WJ’s ability to play a positive role in the delivery of low carbon infrastructure projects. Paul continued: “Currently, over 80% of our company cars and vans are hybrid or electric and our aim is eventually to have a fully zero emissions fleet of delivery vehicles. By doing this, all our projects in the future will be completed without the impact of fossil fuels. Alongside this, we are signatories of the Science Based Target Initiative, helping to achieve net zero by adopting an integrated systems-based approach. This is done using internationally recognised and independently audited standards including ISO 14064, SBTI, PAS 2080, ISO 14067, PAS 2050 and ISO 14040 to give our stakeholders confidence we are serious partners in change and the just transition to net zero.” For more information on WJ Group’s sustainability work, please visit: https://www.wj.uk/sustainability/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Wednesday 10th April 1st Shipley Scouts in Sussex held a celebratory event to mark the completion of its brand-new accessible shower block. The new facilities were made possible by Willmott Dixon, together with generous contributions from local businesses and the community. Chairman of 1st Shipley Scouts, Peter Sutton, welcomed and gave thanks to contributors and explained that the new facilities present extended opportunities for Scouts both now and for generations to come. Officially opening the new shower block were Jeremy Quin MP and Chairman of Horsham Council, Cllr David Skipp who jointly cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers from the group. After all the showers had their inaugural test-run, attendees enjoyed a barbecue lunch and explored the facilities together. Pete Sutton, Chairman of 1st Shipley Scouts, remarked how the project was made possible with significant input from both Willmott Dixon and local contributors: “Initially, the project got underway with thanks to local generosity from Billingshurst Lions, Saxon Weald, Dudman Group and Tugwell Heating Co who either gave donations, materials, or got stuck in with physical hard work. When we’d got as far as we could, we then reached out to the team at Willmott Dixon for their help, and I am bowled over by what they have achieved for us. “We’re extremely grateful to Project Manager Rob Douglas and Managing Director of the South Richard Poulter who have been absolutely fundamental to getting this completed. The build team included final year management trainees Caitlyn Greenwell and Callum Cronin who have now completed their training and represented Willmott Dixon at the event. They enlisted further help from 17 supply chain partners and worked tirelessly to finish the DDA compliant shower block. Everything was taken care of, from installing a new boiler, right down to the smallest of details of fixing towel hooks and supplying shower curtains. “What’s more impressive is that this all happened whilst navigating the restrictions of COVID. As such a big company, Willmott Dixon could have easily forgotten us, but they didn’t. They delivered on every single promise and more. “Showing such dedication to following through on a local community project like ours is truly humbling. We previously had a shell of a building – I never imagined we’d have something finished to this standard. It’s with thanks to Willmott Dixon and local support that more people are now able to enjoy the experiences to be had here.” Richard Poulter, Managing Director of the South from Willmott Dixon, commented on the project success: “Being able to provide community facilities such as these is one of the commitments we make at Willmott Dixon, as we understand the value of the opportunities it can create for people. With tough restrictions in place during the COVID pandemic, we had a lot of challenges to overcome, but we take great pride in delivering on our promises and are honoured to have been able to support 1st Shipley Scouts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shaftesbury Capital has unveiled plans to introduce six exciting new food and beverage concepts to its vibrant Soho portfolio, adding to the eclectic dining scene of the area. Leading the lineup is The Counter, a contemporary Aegean restaurant set to make its debut at 15-16 Kingly Street in May. Spanning 2,000 sq ft, The Counter will offer a stylish indoor dining space along with a charming 20-seat outdoor terrace. Additionally, guests can enjoy creative cocktails inspired by the regions of Greece, Turkey, the Mediterranean, and the Levant at the 30-cover downstairs bar, aptly named Under The Counter. Joining the culinary mix on Kingly Street is The Little Violet Door, the latest venture from Little Door & Co. Spanning 3,400 sq ft, this new venue will provide a unique afternoon-to-late-night experience, reminiscent of a house party atmosphere. Soho’s beloved Two Floors pub and cocktail bar has also expanded its footprint, with Shaftesbury Capital overseeing the redevelopment of three townhouses to accommodate new ground floor units. With an office provision upstairs, the expanded venue now spans 2,850 sq ft, encompassing both 3 and 4 Kingly Street. Adding an international flair to Kingly Court is the arrival of Liu Xiaomian, the first physical location for the popular noodle bar. Drawing inspiration from Chongqing, China, the restaurant offers a tantalising menu featuring spicy Chongqing noodles, pig trotter noodles, and aubergine salad. Meanwhile, the top floor of Kingly Court welcomes Donia, a modern Filipino restaurant focusing on sharing plates. Operated by Maginhawa Group, known for its fusion restaurant Ramo Ramen and dessert parlour Mamasons, Donia promises an exciting dining experience. Lastly, Oka, a pan-Asian and sushi specialist, has reopened its flagship West End restaurant at Kingly Court after a decade. The revamped venue reflects the operator’s commitment to excellence, offering an enhanced dining experience to patrons. Michelle McGrath, executive director at Shaftesbury Capital, expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, highlighting Soho’s reputation as the epicentre of London’s dining scene. McGrath emphasised the area’s appeal to hospitality entrepreneurs and its role as a hub for quality dining experiences, catering to a discerning consumer base comprising office workers, local residents, and visitors alike.
Due to be completed in 2027, the 750,000 sq. ft. project is the largest yet to be undertaken at the Broadgate campus… Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced that it has been appointed by the Broadgate joint venture, between British Land and GIC, to deliver 2 Finsbury Avenue (“2FA”), a dual high-rise, mixed-use building located in the heart of Broadgate. Sitting at a height of 170 metres and due to be completed in 2027, 2FA will be an instantly iconic addition to Broadgate and to London’s skyline. The appointment follows work undertaken by Sir Robert McAlpine in delivering 100 Liverpool Street and 1 Broadgate, extending the longstanding partnership with British Land. The building will boast a 21-storey West office tower and 36-story East office tower, characterised by triangular patterns combining a solid and glazed sawtooth-shaped façade that supports double height spaces. The towers will be linked by a 12-storey podium, incorporating green, leisure and a range of publicly accessible spaces, with a single-story Winter Garden at level 13 connecting the two towers. 2FA will raise the bar in its sustainability strategy. It will be all-electric, and a smart-enabled development ensuring leading carbon and energy efficiency in operation, as well as BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, WIRED Platinum, Nabers 5-star and EPC ‘A’ accreditations. The office design, designed by architects 3XN and sustainability consultants GXN, includes green spaces and terraces that are designed to foster creative collaboration and social interaction. Community engagement with the scheme took place amid COVID restrictions, seeing a successful online exhibition facilitated through a dedicated public website, replacing the traditional public consultation. Invitations reached 800 local properties and Broadgate tenants, with local City members and residents expressing excitement to the scheme. Commenting on the news, Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director of Buildings at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We are thrilled to be delivering another world class building for British Land and GIC. 2 Finsbury Avenue is the sixth scheme in the Broadgate framework, following the multi-award-winning 100 Liverpool St and 1 Broadgate projects. This is testament to exemplary industry collaboration and our commitment to nurturing close relationships with our clients to better realise their aspirations and deliver technical excellence.” David Lockyer, Head of Development at British Land, said: “Our longstanding and collaborative relationship with Sir Robert McAlpine has delivered fantastic buildings for us at Broadgate, so we are delighted to be working with them to deliver this iconic new building at the campus. 2FA will set a new standard for workspace in London and is further proof of the continued demand for world class, sustainable workspace in well-connected locations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Environment Bank, a leading nature restoration company and biodiversity net gain (BNG) provider which delivers solutions to the built environment industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Spitzer as its new Chief Executive Officer. She joins Environment Bank with a proven track record in scaling businesses and implementing successful growth strategies. Catherine previously served as Managing Director at property consulting firm Bidwells LLP. In her new role, Catherine will oversee Environment Bank’s strategic direction, working closely with stakeholders to develop innovative BNG solutions for developers in England. She will also develop the company’s voluntary ‘Nature Shares’ proposition, aimed at large organisations with nature-positive ambitions. Commenting on her appointment, Catherine said: “I am delighted to join Environment Bank and to have the opportunity to contribute to such important work. This is a very exciting new phase for the company with the BNG regulations coming into force in February. I am looking forward to working with developers and delivering the highest integrity BNG solutions in the market.” Out-going CEO, James Cross, who has led Environment Bank since 2018, said: “Working alongside Professor David Hill and building such an amazing team has been a career highlight for me. With the BNG regulations passing into law in February 2024, the time is right for me to now pass on the baton to Catherine and I wish her and the whole team the very best of luck for the next phase of their journey.” Founder and Chair of Environment Bank, Professor David Hill, expressed gratitude for James Cross’s contributions. He said: “We extend our thanks to James for his many years of service and leadership. His passion for conservation and his strategic focus and expertise across the land-based sectors has been instrumental in shaping Environment Bank’s success. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” Professor Hill also warmly welcomed Catherine Spitzer to the role, expressing confidence in her ability to lead Environment Bank into its next phase of growth and impact. “Catherine brings a unique combination of private equity investment, leadership, commercial experience and delivery to Environment Bank and we are excited to have her on board to lead the next stage of growth,” he added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Storm Housing Group, a Registered Provider of Social Housing, unveils a pioneering collaboration with CarbonWise and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable construction. CarbonWise Construction has brokered a supply agreement with Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions to revolutionise housing with low carbon, energy-efficient designs. Leveraging insights from the acclaimed Energy House 2.0 project at Salford University, Storm Housing Group and CarbonWise are set to construct their flagship home at Tyseley Energy Park, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and the National Centre for the Decarbonisation of Heat (NCDH). This groundbreaking project is endorsed by a £20 million funding grant secured by the University. Aiming to deliver 5,000 homes over the next five years, Storm Housing Group stands as one of the few For-Profit RPs with in-house delivery capabilities, empowered by CarbonWise Construction. CarbonWise’s innovative construction methodology and home specifications strike an optimal balance between cost efficiency and carbon reduction, underpinned by Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions’ extensive product range and wealth of experience. The NCDH project will feature open houses, allowing for continuous testing of a number of sustainable products and systems – allowing Storm and CarbonWise to continuously adapt and improve their specification. The campus will also include training and demonstration areas (including virtual reality tours) for comprehensive understanding. An on-site training centre will facilitate education for staff, students, and apprentices in various construction disciplines. Storm and CarbonWise plan to relocate to the NCDH campus, demonstrating their commitment to collaboration with academia and industry partners, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable construction practices. Storm Housing Group and CarbonWise are poised to redefine sustainable construction, using Saint-Gobain’s innovative products to deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi has disclosed its list of priority locations in London where it aims to open new stores, as part of its ambitious expansion plans across the UK. The supermarket chain recently announced its intention to operate 1,500 stores nationwide, with a particular focus on areas within the M25 due to high demand. In a bid to bolster its presence in London, Aldi has committed £500 million to open approximately 100 new stores within the M25 region. The identified priority locations include: To facilitate the search for suitable properties, Aldi is offering a finder’s fee to property agents who recommend previously undiscovered sites. The finder’s fee amounts to 1.5% of the freehold price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leasehold sites. Aldi’s criteria for potential sites include a minimum size of 20,000 sq ft for standard stores, with approximately 100 dedicated parking spaces. Preferably, these sites should be situated on main roads with good accessibility and visibility. Additionally, Aldi is seeking smaller locations to accommodate its Aldi Local format, which typically range around 5,000 sq ft in size. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, emphasized the company’s commitment to making high-quality, affordable food accessible to all Londoners. Neale stated, “The locations we’ve identified are areas where there is significant demand for our stores. We are dedicated to investing in these areas to ensure that our quality products and unbeatable prices reach as many people as possible.” Aldi’s expansion plans underscore its determination to provide affordable groceries to consumers across London, addressing the need for accessible and reasonably priced food options in underserved areas of the capital.
Contractor GRAHAM’s major refurbishment of the famed Europa Hotel in Belfast has been showcased at a launch event, marking the end of the extensive project which spanned five years and saw £15m invested. The redevelopment of the Hotel’s business suite included substantial upgrades to the 12th-floor penthouse suite and seven meeting rooms. The luxurious function space was recently showcased at a launch event in the penthouse suite, featuring an audience with internationally renowned artist, Colin Davidson, who unveiled one of his famous blur paintings that will take pride of place in the hotel’s reception. The painting, called ‘The 71’, depicts a blurred image of a Belfast bus. Davidson is also known for his portraits of many well-known public figures, including Queen Elizabeth II and Ed Sheeran, and his critically acclaimed work ‘Silent Testimony’, a series of 18 portraits of people connected by their experiences of loss through The Troubles. Gary Holmes, regional managing director for GRAHAM’s Building North region, said: “This project is the latest in a long series of high-quality projects GRAHAM has undertaken for Hastings Hotels during our 30 year relationship, including the creation of the £53m Grand Central Hotel and a significant makeover at the Culloden Hotel and Spa Resort. “The quality of the finish is testament to our exacting approach, and it has been satisfying to see this long-awaited project complete.” GRAHAM also delivered the renovation of many of the hotel’s guest rooms, with 100 front-facing superior bedrooms, 80 classic bedrooms and five suites now boasting new furnishings and bathrooms, automated window blinds and individual air conditioning. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has begun foundation works for a key bridge that will take a major A road over the new high-speed railway just outside Brackley, after successfully completing the temporarily realignment of both carriageways. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to Silverstone and connections between the M40 and M1. Just two weekend closures were needed during the seven-month realignment project, with HS2 working closely with National Highways to create an ‘island’ between the two carriageways big enough for the construction of the new bridge deck. HS2 engineers have now begun work on the 52m deep piled foundation that will support the weight of the bridge. These will be topped with concrete pile caps and piers supporting the 66-metre-long bridge deck that will carry the road. Once the deck has been completed, the road will be moved back over the new bridge and excavation can begin to create space for the railway to pass underneath. This multi-stage approach was designed to keep traffic flowing and reduce disruption. HS2’s Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Longinotti said: “It’s great to see the start of foundation works for the A43 overbridge. Once complete, HS2 will boost connections between Britain’s two largest cities while freeing up space for more local services on the existing network. But it’s also vital that we keep the local routes which people depend on open while we build the railway. “That’s why we’ve worked closely with National Highway and our contractors to design and deliver a complex multi-stage project which will keep disruption to a minimum while we deliver this key overbridge.” The almost 80km stretch of railway that passes Brackley – including the A43 bridge – is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – working with ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis, Setec and COWI). They worked with National Highways and EKFS’s sub-contractor, Kier Highways, to construct the temporary realignment over a seven-month period last year. National Highways Network Planner for the East Midlands, Phil Shaw, said: “We always strive to minimise disruption for people using our roads when any work is being carried out and have liaised closely with our HS2 partners to do so on this complex project. “Working together we have not only been able to limit the impact on drivers of building the overbridge but have also been able to take advantage of any road closures to carry out some routine maintenance work which means we won’t have to come back and close the road another time.” EKFB’s Project Director, Tony Wehby, said: “EKFB’s priority was to minimise disruption for local road users and to keep communities connected as best as possible. The road closures were minimised to short periods and often overnight. “The team is thrilled to be at this point in the construction programme and the start of piling works signifies outstanding team collaboration to get it to this stage. This a complex set of works and is a unique construction project in itself, that heavily leans on the expertise of the multiple contractors involved in delivering these works to a high and safe standard.” The A43 is one of around 500 bridges on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line into London Euston. These range from small footbridges and underpasses, to innovative ‘green bridges’ designed to help wildlife cross the railway, massive motorway bridges and the record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct. The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, with the first deck slide for the enormous Delta Junction over the A42/M6 link road outside Birmingham and the start of a half-kilometre deck slide at Wendover Dean. Route wide, HS2 is now at peak construction, with 28,000 people employed directly and across the UK-wide supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
