Easter weekend will mark the launch of a unique retrofit development in Devizes, Wiltshire. Designed to offer a more sustainable way of life, Marlborough Close by Annington will bring to the market just five four-bedroom homes, each having been carefully refurbished to become smarter and more efficient. Each home at
As a homeowner, the chances are that you often grapple with concerns about your home’s security and safety, facing challenges ranging from unauthorized access to environmental hazards. After all, your home isn’t just a major financial asset, it is also supposed to be a safe, comfortable place for your whole
You think hunting and shooting aren’t significant enough to play a big role? The US Fish and Wildlife Service has sold 600,000-700,000 hunting licenses in the last two years. Those hunters support a $1 billion statewide industry. Shooting sports and hunting hobbies often stir spirited debates around sustainability. You might
Waterhouse Gardens sits on historic site of the former Boddington Brewery ICG Real Estate, the real estate division of ICG, has provided a £100 million loan to Salboy Limited to fund the development of a major 556 build-to-sell residential scheme in Manchester’s ‘Green Quarter’ district. Sitting on the site of
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public construction and civil engineering projects has won a £35.8 million contract to design and construct four warehouse facilities at Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool for Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited. The
Building costs will increase by 15% over the next five years, while tender prices will rise by 17% over the same period, according to the latest five year building forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Although the industry has emerged from a period of rampant inflation, construction firms
Wintech are proud to share that A3 New Bailey, often referred to as Eden, has been completed. Enveloping the unique building, located in Salford, is Europe’s largest living wall which bears 350,000 plants of 32 different species, designed to achieve net zero operational Carbon. Accredited by BREEAM as Outstanding and
Smaller and newer homes use less energy than larger, older ones, confirms a new report by UCL researchers that offers unique insights into household energy consumption across the country. The report, published by UCL’s Smart Energy Research Lab (SERL), analysed the gas and electricity use of more than 13,000 representative
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun developing a 644,000 sq ft net zero carbon logistics park in Sittingbourne. The development, called Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, comprises two units of 440,000 sq ft (S440) and 205,000 sq ft (S205). Panattoni acquired the 26-acre site
A white paper challenging the building sector to consider what is really impeding the move to greater carbon control has just been launched by Artus. The paper was launched at a live interactive panel event last Thursday, 21st March. The heating and cooling experts have produced “From carbon conundrum to carbon
Easter weekend will mark the launch of a unique retrofit development in Devizes, Wiltshire. Designed to offer a more sustainable way of life, Marlborough Close by Annington will bring to the market just five four-bedroom homes, each having been carefully refurbished to become smarter and more efficient. Each home at Marlborough Close has been brought up to EPC A – a standard achieved by only the most energy efficient homes. Smart technology has been optimised to bring these homes up to 21st Century standards, meaning homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Sustainable upgrades include an AI-powered Mixergy Smart Cylinder Tank to each property, alongside an air source heat pump, 14 photovoltaic panels, and brand-new double-glazed windows, thermal rendering, and energy-efficient appliances. The houses will go on the market on Good Friday (29th March) following exceptionally high demand, with nearly half of all pre-enquiries coming from local homebuyers living in the SN postcode. Proving to be particularly popular with movers seeking the countryside, Annington has seen interest from a balance of upsizers looking for room to grow, and downsizers pursuing sustainable living at an achievable price point. Marlborough Close combines traditional country living with an environmentally-friendly lifestyle, thanks to its setting on the outskirts of the historic market town of Devizes, overlooking the rolling fields nearby. The development itself comprises five spacious detached and link-detached four-bedroom homes, located within an exclusive private gated close. Each property offers an abundance of living space, thanks to an open plan kitchen/diner, a dual-aspect lounge, alongside four spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. Stacy Whitehead, Marketing Manager at Annington, comments: “Homes like these simply aren’t available elsewhere – Marlborough Close is truly a unique offering in Devizes. Tucked away in an idyllic countryside setting, these homes are a peaceful retreat for buyers seeking a more sustainable way of life without compromising on modern comforts. These properties really must be seen to be appreciated, which is why we will be opening the doors to our thoughtfully-designed show home on the launch weekend. Visitors will be able to experience firsthand the lifestyle on offer at Marlborough Close. “With just five homes available to buy, demand is already incredibly high. To avoid disappointment, we strongly encourage anyone interested to book a viewing for the launch weekend on 29th March, so please get in touch!” Devizes is one of Wiltshire’s best kept secrets. The town has retained its market heritage, hosting a monthly farmers’ market, and a Food and Drink Festival in September. On the town’s bustling high street can be found a selection of independently-owned businesses, shops, and cafes, alongside their chain counterparts. Marlborough Close is located on the edge of Wiltshire’s famous rolling landscape, ideal for countryside walks and excursions. The Kennet and Avon Canal is just a short walk away, while the millennium Devizes White Horse chalk hill figure proves an exciting day out for experienced walkers. To find out more about Annington, visit www.annington.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As a homeowner, the chances are that you often grapple with concerns about your home’s security and safety, facing challenges ranging from unauthorized access to environmental hazards. After all, your home isn’t just a major financial asset, it is also supposed to be a safe, comfortable place for your whole family. That’s where advanced alarm systems can help. Tailored to tackle these issues head-on, these systems present a forward-thinking approach to building security. They not only deter potential threats but also offer ease and efficiency that traditional methods lack. Discover how these integrations can transform the security blueprint of any home in the guide below. Enhanced Security Against Unauthorized Access and Environmental Hazards The cornerstone of any robust security plan is protecting against unauthorized access. Traditional locks and keys have evolved into sophisticated systems that can alert you the moment an intruder tries to breach your peace. But why stop there? Modern systems go a step further by guarding you against environmental hazards – which are often more difficult to detect and more treacherous. With real-time alerts, push notifications, and remote monitoring, you’re immediately informed of dangers like fire, floods, or earthquakes, giving you precious time to react. Considering that ninety percent of natural disasters in the United States involve flooding – which also stands as the most economically damaging environmental threat – this feature of modern alarm systems offers a shield against a wide spectrum of hazards, securing both life and property. Improved Operational Efficiency Through Real-Time Alerts When it comes to improving your home or business security, staying ahead means assessing your property’s risks and knowing the moment something happens. That’s where cutting-edge alarm company software steps into the limelight. This isn’t about drowning in a sea of notifications but about receiving precise, actionable alerts the instant something out of the ordinary occurs. Whether it’s an unauthorized entry attempt or a system malfunction, you’re in the loop without delay. This real-time information flow doesn’t just make managing security more straightforward – it also transforms security into a dynamic, responsive aspect of your day-to-day operations. In practice, this translates into cutting down on response times and ensures that every alert gets the attention it deserves, when it deserves it. Insurance Premium Reductions Insurance premiums represent a major running cost for both homeowners and business owners. Depending on the specifics of your property, you could be paying an average of $1,759 per year to insure your real estate asset! That is why it is important to know that insurance companies value proactive measures. When a building is equipped with advanced alarm systems, it’s viewed as a lower risk for claims related to theft or environmental damage. The result is straightforward: reduced insurance premiums. By demonstrating your commitment to securing your property against a plethora of risks, you essentially invest in long-term savings, making advanced security not just a measure of protection but also a wise economic decision. Seamless Integration with Smart Building Technologies The future of smart homes doesn’t just involve convenience – it focuses on security. Advanced alarm systems today can effortlessly mesh with other smart building technologies, creating a unified front against threats. From adjusting lighting to deter potential intruders to shutting down HVAC systems in the event of a fire, this seamless integration means your home not only reacts to threats but does so in a way that maximizes safety and efficiency. It’s a stride toward not just smarter homes, but safer living spaces, where every element works in concert to protect and preserve. Contribution to Sustainability Goals Sustainability isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint – it’s about smart resource management. Advanced alarm systems contribute to this by monitoring electricity and water usage, and alerting homeowners to leaks or inefficiencies. This proactive stance ensures that resources are not just conserved but utilized in the most effective manner, aligning your home’s operation with broader environmental goals through thoughtful, technology-driven solutions. Getting Started: Opt For a Tailored Approach To Security A one-size-fits-all solution rarely covers all bases in security. For example, if your property is located in an area prone to wildfire or floods, installing CCTV systems may not be enough to keep your spaces secure. Oppositely, if your neighborhood is affected by high crime rates but rarely experiences flooding, your security strategy should focus on reducing the risk of unauthorized access. That’s why opting for a tailored approach fully customized to your property’s specific needs is crucial. It ensures that every layer of security not only fits perfectly but also serves a purpose, providing optimal protection.
You think hunting and shooting aren’t significant enough to play a big role? The US Fish and Wildlife Service has sold 600,000-700,000 hunting licenses in the last two years. Those hunters support a $1 billion statewide industry. Shooting sports and hunting hobbies often stir spirited debates around sustainability. You might wonder, how can we ensure these pastimes persist without putting undue pressure on our planet? Consider the potential of eco-friendly engineering in designing shooting ranges and hunting grounds. Integrating sustainable practices into these areas, you’re safeguarding wildlife and their habitats while also ensuring the longevity of these sports. So, what might these practices look like, and how can you contribute to their implementation? That’s what this article aims to discuss. Importance of Sustainability in Hunting Understanding the importance of sustainability in hunting is crucial, as it not only contributes to the preservation of wildlife populations and their habitats but also ensures the long-term health of ecosystems and maintains biodiversity. It’s about preserving both the game and the game’s home, promoting habitat restoration where necessary. Sustainable practices in hunting mean respecting wildlife and using natural resources responsibly. Think of yourself as a steward of the environment instead of a mere hunter. It’s about finding the balance between your passion for hunting and your responsibility towards nature. It’s part of a broader ethical approach that emphasizes respect and responsibility. Being mindful of sustainability in hunting helps ensure the continuation of hunting traditions while promoting environmental conservation. As we embrace the ethos of sustainability in hunting and shooting sports, it’s equally important to consider the equipment we use. Choosing the right ammunition, such as 16 gauge shotgun ammo, plays a crucial role in ensuring a responsible and ethical approach to wildlife management. By selecting appropriate and high-quality ammunition, hunters can minimize their environmental impact while supporting sustainable hunting practices.It’s about passing down the tradition of hunting the right way. It’s about teaching the next generation that there’s a right and a wrong way to hunt. Sustainability in hunting leads to a more balanced and harmonious relationship between humans and nature. It’s about ensuring that our activities today won’t compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy the same opportunities we’ve now. Conservation Strategies for Wildlife Management As you embrace the ethos of sustainability in hunting, you’ll find that wildlife management’s conservation strategies play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity. Careful management ensures the health and well-being of various species, while also preserving their habitats. Technology Integration for Sustainable Practices To make shooting ranges and hunting grounds more sustainable, you need to integrate advanced technologies into their design and operation. Embracing energy efficient lighting is a game-changing move. It reduces power consumption, cuts down on costs…what’s not to love. Besides, it’s a win for the environment, contributing to reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Apart from these, the integration of reloading brass into shooting and hunting activities offers a significant stride towards resource conservation. Promoting the reuse of shell casings reduces waste and fosters a culture of resourcefulness and environmental responsibility among enthusiasts. Incorporating educational programs on reloading brass could serve as a catalyst for widespread adoption of this practice. Community Engagement in Sustainable Hunting Don’t neglect the effect of engaging the local community, involving them in decision-making processes for the development and management of shooting ranges and hunting grounds. To do this effectively, consider the following: Ethics and Environmental Stewardship in Hunting Hunting, when conducted ethically and with a focus on environmental stewardship, plays an integral role in preserving wildlife populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. You, as a hunter, must understand the importance of hunting ethics and the role it plays in fostering sustainability. Ethical hunting practices involve respecting wildlife, ensuring humane kills, and minimizing suffering. It’s about taking only what’s necessary and always aiming for a clean, quick kill. It also means not taking more than your fair share, leaving younger animals and females to ensure the population’s stability. Environmental stewardship in hunting goes beyond the act itself. It encompasses safeguarding the habitats, protecting biodiversity, and managing resources sustainably. As a hunter, your responsibility extends to the conservation of the very environment that supports the wildlife you pursue. Hunting ethics and environmental stewardship are two sides of the same coin. When practiced together, they promote a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. This can contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystems and wildlife populations. Embrace these practices and become part of the solution towards sustainable hunting. Building Resilient Hunting Environments Building resilient hunting environments demands your active involvement in implementing sustainable land management techniques, designing eco-friendly shooting ranges, and incorporating resource conservation strategies. Your role in habitat restoration matters, and it’s important to recognize how these practices contribute to a sustainable future. Conclusion You’ve taken a significant step in embracing sustainability in hunting and shooting ranges. Remember, according to a study by Michigan United Conservation Club, hunting supports 171.000 jobs annually in Michigan alone. Your effort to integrate sustainable practices not only supports job growth, but also wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. You’re part of the solution, fostering a hunting culture that respects tradition and the environment, while utilizing technology for responsible wildlife management. Keep pushing forward, creating resilient, sustainable hunting environments.
Waterhouse Gardens sits on historic site of the former Boddington Brewery ICG Real Estate, the real estate division of ICG, has provided a £100 million loan to Salboy Limited to fund the development of a major 556 build-to-sell residential scheme in Manchester’s ‘Green Quarter’ district. Sitting on the site of the former Boddington Brewery directly opposite Manchester Arena and Manchester Victoria station, Waterhouse Gardens is well located to easily access the City’s core retail, leisure and employment districts by foot, including the vibrant Northern Quarter and Manchester College’s new city centre campus. The completed scheme will provide a community of high spec apartments, duplex and penthouses. Residents will have access to a private clubhouse offering high end amenities and services including a swimming pool, squash and basketball courts and a private cinema. The asset will be complemented by 30,000 sq ft of commercial space which will be home to boutique traders, independent restaurants and bars together with some office space. Construction of the scheme has commenced with cores for each block now complete and completion still on track for 2026. Salboy is an award winning developer with a strong track record of delivering high quality residential schemes. To date it has delivered over 3,500 homes in densely populated areas nationwide where demand for new, quality housing is high. While active across the UK, many of Salboy’s schemes are delivered in Manchester and neighbouring city Salford, where the company was launched and has built strong local market knowledge. The transaction supports ICG Real Estate’s strategy to fund the development of assets in sectors which are supported by compelling long term structural drivers such as the demand for new homes. Jai Patel, Managing Director of ICG Real Estate, said: “This transaction offered us the opportunity to back a proven residential developer in a local market that they know incredibly well, in a sector where we have a long held conviction. Manchester’s local economy continues to offer great opportunities to its residents in terms of jobs, leisure and education and is a city we favour, with this being the second development deal we have agreed in the city in the past 18 months. We remain keen to focus our attention on significant transactions in the living space which align with our deep conviction calls and continue to be supported by strong underlying fundamentals.” Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, added: “We are delighted to partner with ICG Real Estate as work gets underway at Waterhouse Gardens, one of the largest and last-remaining regeneration sites in the UK’s fastest-growing city[1]. By 2026 this scheme will deliver sought-after city-centre living for many of the thousands of students and young professionals that choose to stay in, relocate or return to Manchester every year to launch and progress their careers.”
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public construction and civil engineering projects has won a £35.8 million contract to design and construct four warehouse facilities at Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool for Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited. The companies celebrated the start of the 41-week programme at a groundbreaking event. Atlantic Park is 52-acres and is the former site of the Rolls Royce Engineering Works Factory and other industrial and commercial buildings. Winvic will first be excavating existing concrete slabs and preparing the ground for construction. The four industrial warehouse units are 40,000 sq ft, 50,000 sq ft, 110,000 sq ft and 125,000 sq ft and each will comprise two-storey office space. The scheme has been designed in accordance with Royal London’s Sustainability Strategy, which aims for new build property developments to achieve Net Zero by 2030. Winvic will be delivering the project as Net Zero Carbon in Construction and employing its tried and tested Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process, which is aligned with the UKGBC and LETI, and third-party verified. As part of the design strategy, 30 per cent GGBS will replace in situ concrete, 98 per cent recycled scrap metal will be utilised in the reinforcement steel and water recycling will reduce mains water use by 40 per cent compared to the BREEAM target. BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating is being targeted and the project will deliver a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain; bird, bat and insect nest boxes will also be installed. The project delivery also includes the installation of new services, separate concrete service yards an access road and all hard and soft landscaping. 20 per cent of the car parking spaces will be enabled for electric vehicles. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities local to projects and S106 requirements, the contractor has developed an Employment and Skills Plan. Winvic will continue to work closely with Sefton@work and InvestSefton – as well as its supply chain partners – to match employment and training opportunities with people from the local area and collaborate with local education providers to provide career talks and work experience placements. Danny Nelson, Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, commented: “We’re delighted to have impressed the Royal London team during the tender process and are ready to deliver four industrial facilities as Net Zero in construction for our new client. I’d like to thank them so far for a great start. Our social value team has also begun planning and will be using their collaborative skills to bring benefits to local people. The site isn’t without its challenges due its former use, but we have successfully remediated the ground on numerous projects and are confident to deliver the scheme by the end of 2024.” Matthew Barnes, Senior Asset Manager from Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited, added: “We are pleased to be partnering with Winvic to deliver the next important phase of the Atlantic Park master plan, bringing much needed employment and economic growth to the northwest region. The scheme will showcase Royal London’s commitment to its sustainability principles and its ambition to create real long-term investment value for its members.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building costs will increase by 15% over the next five years, while tender prices will rise by 17% over the same period, according to the latest five year building forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Although the industry has emerged from a period of rampant inflation, construction firms are now dealing with the challenges of falling demand and stagnating output. After falling by 2.1% in 2023, new construction output is expected to contract by a further 3.2% in 2024 before returning to growth. Total new work output over the forecast period (2024-2029) is forecast to grow by 21%. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “We’re seeing recessionary pressures feeding through to construction from the wider economy; the cost of borrowing impacts on new work, particularly in the private sector, because it’s a major barrier to investment in a stagnant economy. That’s why we expect private industrial, commercial and housing work to bear the brunt of the declines in output this year. “Added to that, new orders data, which is an indicator of upcoming projects and the volume of work available in the market, is trending down. The unfavourable investment climate continues to have a negative impact on growth. “Despite recently having had the Spring Budget and publication of the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline, the government’s plans for construction remain unclear. The fact this is an election year adds uncertainty because it’s not business as usual and, as the political calendar shrinks, government spending plans end up being stalled.” Annual growth in tender prices has continued to ease, falling from 8.6% in 1Q 2023 to 2.9% in 1Q 2024. BCIS expects annual growth in tender prices to continue to fall, reaching 1.6% by 4Q 2024. On the input costs side, annual growth in the BCIS Labour Cost Index is forecast to grow by 18% between 1Q 2024 and 1Q 2029. Site rates have been rising in line with inflation and the pace of annual growth in labour costs is expected to slow down. The BCIS Materials Cost Index has shown negative annual growth for the past two quarters and is forecast to drop further by 0.8% in 1Q 2024. Over the next five years, BCIS forecasts it to grow by 13%. Dr Crosthwaite added: “Although firms are generally reporting stable materials prices, everyone is watching what happens in the Red Sea and the Middle East. Even where there’s not a direct inflationary effect on prices because of the delays or hikes in shipping costs, we’re hearing that the increased risk is being factored into prices. “We know that contractors are still being cautious about selecting projects to bid on and that there has been difficulty in finding contractors to bid on large, complex projects. “After lurching from what seems like one crisis to the next, the industry is still dealing with a lot of uncertainty. Even if the UK economy comes out of recession straight away, this persistent low growth seems to have become characteristic, and it’s the same in construction. “The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted to maintain the base rate at 5.25%. A decrease could help get construction and the wider economy growing. If they wait until the summer to decrease it to 5%, it may be too little too late.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wintech are proud to share that A3 New Bailey, often referred to as Eden, has been completed. Enveloping the unique building, located in Salford, is Europe’s largest living wall which bears 350,000 plants of 32 different species, designed to achieve net zero operational Carbon. Accredited by BREEAM as Outstanding and by the UK Green Building Council, Eden demonstrates the potential of putting net zero ambitions at the heart of design. The façade is predominately formed from a living wall and aluminium panels, mounted to an aluminium secondary frame tied to the backing wall, which consists of an insulated lightweight steel framing and sheathing board. The living wall creates a rainscreen with punch hole glazing in the form of a thermally broken aluminium curtain wall screens, with double glazed insulating units. Wintech Director James Emery commented: “We were engaged by the English Cities Fund to provide façade engineering consultancy services on the façade design and construction for A3 New Bailey. Being involved with a project that is both eye-catching but also sustainability-minded is a real privilege. “Eden is designed to achieve net zero operational carbon, being accredited by BREEAM as outstanding, in addition to possessing an EPC A and a NABERS 5.5 rating (the highest possible) by the UK Green Building Council, while the built-in biodiversity will reduce air pollution and minimise urban heating. The living wall is a testament to the idea of sustainable design, encompassing both low embodied and operational carbon, and how these practices can be used for centrepiece buildings in the road towards net zero.” For further information on how Wintech can help support your project requirements, visit their website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Smaller and newer homes use less energy than larger, older ones, confirms a new report by UCL researchers that offers unique insights into household energy consumption across the country. The report, published by UCL’s Smart Energy Research Lab (SERL), analysed the gas and electricity use of more than 13,000 representative households across Great Britain over two years. The report offers a range of insights into overall energy usage, and efforts to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of households. The report found that homes built between 1900 and 1929 used an average of 33% more gas per square metre of floor area than homes built since 2003, even though they used comparable amounts of electricity, highlighting the increasing insulation efficiency of modern homes. Homes over 200 square metres used more than four times as much energy than homes smaller than 50 square metres. However, while larger homes used more gas for heating than smaller homes overall, they averaged to be slightly more efficient per square metre of floor area. This is in part because larger homes tend to have less surface area from which to lose heat for a given volume. Additionally, detached houses used on average 6% more gas per square metre but 3% less electricity per square metre than terraced houses. Lead author Dr Jessica Few (UCL Energy Institute) said: “It’s very exciting to be able to see from our data how energy use is distributed among Great Britain’s households. We hope the report and data released for the first time will be useful to researchers and policymakers looking to tackle the big societal issues we face.” Across Great Britain, the average home has an Energy Performance Certificate “D” rating for energy efficiency, while the governments of England, Wales and Scotland have broadly set a target to bring the average up to at least “C” by 2035. The report found that these D-rated homes consume on average 17% more gas and 3% more electricity per square metre of floor area than C-rated homes, offering insight into how much energy saving these targets can offer. The team found that homes equipped with solar panels significantly reduced their dependence on grid electricity, but this varies seasonally. In June 2023, households with photovoltaic solar panels exported on average three times more energy back to the grid than they purchased from the grid, while in December these households imported more than 20 times the energy they exported. Averaged over the 11 months where data was available for 2023, homes with solar panels exported on average 4.79kWh per day while using 5.54kWh per day, and the households only needed to draw a net average of 1.12kWh of electricity per day from the grid. The report also found that households with electric vehicles consumed 70% more electricity than those without. Co-author and Head of SERL, Professor Tadj Oreszczyn (UCL Energy Institute), said: “The new report really demonstrates the value of having real-world energy use data so that recommendations can be made to policymakers and consumers how to save energy. This could not only save people money and keep them warmer and healthier, but also address the needs to reduce CO2 emissions.” The report covers 2021 through 2023, a period of time that saw significant disruption to the UK energy markets. This included the third national Covid-19 lockdown between January and March 2021, unprecedented rises in energy prices influenced by Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and a period of general inflation over 10% between September 2022 and March 2023. In a further piece of analysis using the SERL data, the team found that gas and electricity use were higher in winter 2021/2022 before high energy costs hit the market, with consumers ultimately reducing their gas usage by 12% and electricity usage by 7% by winter 2022/2023. The study offers a unique glimpse at energy consumption across the country as it’s the only project on such a large scale to draw data directly from participating households’ smart meters and link it with a wide range of contextual data. This combined dataset allows the team to track energy consumption and compare that usage across a range of factors including time, regions, building types, socioeconomic status, occupancy, heating systems, weather conditions and the presence of an electric vehicle or photovoltaic solar panels. SERL Director Simon Elam (UCL Energy Institute) said: “We’re grateful to the participants who have contributed their data to this and also to UKRI who have funded this important research and energy data resource. Going forward we are looking at ways to share the SERL data more frequently and on other platforms so that we can maximise the utilisation of the SERL Observatory for research and innovation.” This report and SERL is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun developing a 644,000 sq ft net zero carbon logistics park in Sittingbourne. The development, called Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, comprises two units of 440,000 sq ft (S440) and 205,000 sq ft (S205). Panattoni acquired the 26-acre site in the fourth quarter of 2023 and completion is expected in the first quarter of 2025. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is targeting net zero carbon development with an expected BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. Both units are to be developed with enhanced sustainability measures within the base specification, including the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic panelling and electric vehicle charging points. The site has 5MVa of power available, with a further 1.35MVa of power generated from the use of the solar panelling totalling 6.35MVa of power across the park. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is strategically positioned between London and Dover, four miles north of junction 5 of the M2. The development provides convenient access to major national and international transport routes, with the port of Dover less than an hour away and easy connectivity to the M2, M20 and M25 motorways. Alex Mitchell, Development Manager at Panattoni, said: “Panattoni Park Sittingbourne provides occupiers with high-quality, modern logistics space with significantly enhanced sustainability credentials. We are pleased to be under construction having purchased the site in September 2023 and look forward to delivering the units in the first quarter of 2025. “The development of the site highlights our continued strategy to speculatively develop within under supply markets , capturing the sustained level of occupier demand for logistics assets with seamless connectivity to local, national and international distribution routes”. Agents at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne are Avison Young, Savills and CBRE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A white paper challenging the building sector to consider what is really impeding the move to greater carbon control has just been launched by Artus. The paper was launched at a live interactive panel event last Thursday, 21st March. The heating and cooling experts have produced “From carbon conundrum to carbon control – how will the building sector get to net zero?” to amplify the debate on whole-life carbon, design and the industry’s ability to move forward together to find solutions. The paper was developed through contributions from leading sustainability experts across the UK, with a recognition that many issues facing the sector have never been more urgent. The Artus model has been founded on sustainability principles with an ambition to bring positive, realistic, disruption to the heating and cooling market as part of the overall design and operational mix in the built environment. Demands on the building sector have never been higher: legislation, regulation and environmental responsibility with increased urgency over net zero are creating unprecedented pressure. At the other end of the value chain investors and occupiers are demanding demonstrable results on whole-life carbon emissions, better environments in which to work and proven ESG credentials. This is all against a backdrop of constrained costs, need for improved solutions, and more comprehensive and clearer carbon measurement. Roger Olsen, Chief Technical Officer and Inventor of Artus comments: “Last year was the hottest since records began, only just below the target 1.5 degree rise. The time to act is now. A building services design typically lasts 20 to 25 years. We only have 26 years left till 2050. Everything we do right now, both new build and refurbishment, must target net zero. LETI and many others have set the strategy. Artus is undoubtedly part of the solution.” The panel at the event comprises leading voices from the built environment sector: PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WHITE PAPER Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
