A survey that was taken recently strongly indicates that a number of small business owners are not doing their part in protecting their employees from certain gas safety risks. One of the most recent surveys that was done revealed that 17 percent of small businesses do not regularly service their
Resources ‘must be refocused to target fuel poverty’ Published: 26 September, 2016 A government Advisory Committee on fuel poverty says policies and resources must be refocussed to meet England’s fuel poverty goals. After official fuel poverty figures rose to 2.38 million last month, The Committee on Fuel Poverty has produced
Iceni Homes and housing developer Lovell will begin construction work this month on a £6.75 million regeneration project for charitable housing association Hundred Houses Society in Cambridge. The scheme will regenerate Hundred Houses’ first ever neighbourhood – Eastfield in Chesterton, Cambridge. Hundred Houses is replacing 26 existing homes with 50
Expansion works at Hillmorton primary school have now begun as the school undergoes a major extension by midlands contractor Ashe Construction. The £2.1 million scheme to expand the school on Watts Lane will include a further seven classrooms, which will double the school capacity in time for the start of
Belfast based commercial law firm Davidson McDonnell has strengthened its specialist team with the addition of two key new senior roles. The appointments come as part of a focused growth plan which has seen the total headcount at the company double in the last 6 month period. The business, launched
The long-running debate over airport expansion in the South East – pitting Heathrow against Gatwick – is heating up again as a final decision over which hub will get the go ahead is expected soon. Gatwick chiefs have said that the construction of a second runway at their site will
Flexcrete Technologies has launched what it believes to be the first metallic anti-carbonation coating in the world. Monodex Metallic is an elastomeric, decorative, water-based structural coating that protects against the harmful effects of carbon dioxide diffusion, but has a sheen thanks to metallic particles that reflect more light than solid
Graham Construction has been awarded a place on ProCure22 (P22), the government’s £4 billion construction procurement framework for the delivery of NHS and social care capital schemes in England. The framework is due to commence on October 3, 2016, and will run for the next four years. The Department of
Bristol City Council’s development control committee has finally given its approval for the £95m Bristol Arena and approved outline plans for the rest of Arena Island. Above: Bristol Arena has been designed by Populous Two applications were brought back to committee following a deferral last month to allow for additional
Global building energy management systems (BEMS) market size is projected to surpass USD 6 billion by 2023. Global building energy management systems (BEMS) market size is projected to surpass USD 6 billion by 2023. Increasing regulatory pressure due to increasing energy wastage in building is predicted to drive the industry
A survey that was taken recently strongly indicates that a number of small business owners are not doing their part in protecting their employees from certain gas safety risks. One of the most recent surveys that was done revealed that 17 percent of small businesses do not regularly service their appliances, and that just one in five of these businesses claim that they have had problems with these issues recently. Perhaps one of the more concerning aspects of this survey is that a total of 40 percent of small businesses say they would turn off the electricity on their premises if they were to smell gas. A few of the businesses involved in this survey said they would attempt to find the cause of the gas leak, and only a couple stated that they would completely close the building in an attempt to contain a possible gas leak. The survey in question was performed as part of Gas Safety Week, which serves as a way to raise awareness about a number of problems that can arise from a lack of gas safety in homes and workplaces. Over 500 different senior managers of small businesses were interviewed in this survey, and a total of 20 percent said that gas safety related problems had caused issues such as gas leaks and lost income. It has been firmly established by dozens of professionals that failing to get annual gas safety checks and strictly adhere to certain rules can put dozens or even hundreds of lives in a workplace at risk. These professionals have been urging small businesses to install carbon monoxide detectors on their premises. They have also been encouraging these businesses to routinely check around their gas and water boilers for signs of staining or discoloration of any kind to avoid major safety issues in the future. Employers are legally required to submit to annual gas safety checks under the Health & Safety at Work Act, but it seems as though a significant number of them are having difficulties with understanding the necessary safety requirements. Research has revealed that almost half of the businesses in a recent study find the safety regulations they read to be highly confusing, and that they would gladly accept help in understanding them more. Professionals have been telling small and medium-sized businesses that they need to be aware of when their heating systems need to go on and off, and that it is something that’s based on the heating requirements of the business. Another tip that professionals have been emphasizing the importance of is that businesses should have a maintenance contract with a reliable company that responds to calls promptly. Businesses that fail to get their boilers fixed quickly put the health and safety of themselves and their employees at risk. These recent surveys and studies have revealed just how serious the problem is with regards to small businesses and gas safety, and a big part of the problem seems to be lack of knowledge.
Resources ‘must be refocused to target fuel poverty’ Published: 26 September, 2016 A government Advisory Committee on fuel poverty says policies and resources must be refocussed to meet England’s fuel poverty goals. After official fuel poverty figures rose to 2.38 million last month, The Committee on Fuel Poverty has produced a list of recommendations that it believes will be needed to achieve the government’s 2020, 2025 and 2030 fuel poverty targets. The committee has stressed the need for better targeting of future ECO scheme assistance to those in fuel poverty, and called for new regulations to require private landlords to upgrade properties to Band E up to a spending cap of £5,000 per property, with funding then available for any additional works. It said there was a strong case for strengthened enforcement action where households are identified as at risk from cold homes, and that fuel-poor homes should receive assistance with energy bills while awaiting the installation of energy efficient measures. Speaking for the Committee, Jenny Saunders said: “The Committee has reached initial positions on success criteria for the Government’s fuel poverty strategy for England. While significant resources appear to be available to meet the 2030 target to substantially improve the energy efficiency of low-income households and provide income supplements to pay fuel bills, the reality is that these resources are currently poorly targeted at those in fuel poverty. “We acknowledge that the government has made a start to address this issue, but it needs to do more through data sharing to identify people in fuel poverty. It also needs to ensure the recommendations of the Competition and Market Authority’s remedies are implemented so that the energy market works for all consumers, particularly those who are more vulnerable, and lever additional finance particularly in the private-rented sector. “The Committee is presenting its recommendations to around 250 fuel poverty practitioners from across the country in Manchester. We are working with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and other Government departments to help steer policy changes needed to maximise resources cost effectively to increase the energy efficiency standards of households in fuel poverty and thereby reduce the cost of energy bills and prevent the health and other impacts of living in cold homes.” The Committee’s full report can be downloaded from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cfp-report-september-2016. Source link
Iceni Homes and housing developer Lovell will begin construction work this month on a £6.75 million regeneration project for charitable housing association Hundred Houses Society in Cambridge. The scheme will regenerate Hundred Houses’ first ever neighbourhood – Eastfield in Chesterton, Cambridge. Hundred Houses is replacing 26 existing homes with 50 new build houses. Partly funded by the Homes & Communities Agency, work is expected to be finished by March 2018. Houses in the Eastfield neighbourhood, developed by Hundred Houses Society in 1935, are in need of significant upgrades to insulation and energy efficiency. While the original site included just three-bedroom homes with big gardens, the regeneration has a mix of property sizes, all designed to the ‘Lifetime Homes Standard’, which meets the needs of those with mobility issues. Mary Gibbons, Hundred Houses Society Chief Executive, commented: “We are pleased to be able to regenerate this neighbourhood in a way which reflects the needs of the customers both now and in the future. This is an exciting development which delivers more truly affordable homes for Cambridge.” Meanwhile, Phil Murton, Iceni Homes interim managing director, added: “We are delighted to be starting the work on site for this exciting project that we have been working with Hundred Houses on for the last couple of years. A true example of partnership working, the completed scheme will provide high-quality new homes in a modern setting, and is one of a number of projects we are currently delivering for Hundred Houses in Cambridgeshire.” Lovell regional director Simon Medler said that this important regeneration project will create much-needed brand-new affordable properties, built to modern standards, with a strong focus on energy efficiency. Last month it was announced that Iceni Homes will relocate to Coppice House, Suffolk, which has been constructed to the latest energy efficiency standards, from its current premises in Kempson Way, while some ground floor space will also be made available for other local businesses to lease.
Expansion works at Hillmorton primary school have now begun as the school undergoes a major extension by midlands contractor Ashe Construction. The £2.1 million scheme to expand the school on Watts Lane will include a further seven classrooms, which will double the school capacity in time for the start of the academic year in September 2017. The new extension will be connected to the existing building and will allow the primary school to become a two form entry school and give the building a much needed refurbishment. Head teacher at Hillmorton primary school, Catherine Crisp, commented: “We’re so glad that works have officially started on the school and can’t wait to see the finished project. The demand for more school spaces has been growing year on year and the new extension will enable us to meet the needs of the community we serve.” Partnerships director at Ashe construction, Sheridan McKnight, said: “This significant project will be split into two phases; phase one will see the addition of two new classrooms and phase two will include the development of a two storey unit with five new classrooms. The refurbishment will create a bright and engaging working environment for the primary pupils and benefit thousands of students for years to come.” Ashe Construction will be working in conjunction with Pick Everard, an independent management, design and construction consultancy, and the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) on the year-long school project. Eempa, which is managed by Scape Group works in partnership with a number of local authorities and partners to deliver public sector projects on time and to budget. Ian Towlson, regional frameworks manager for empa, added: “This is one of a number of school projects we are delivering in Warwickshire as we help the council meet the growing demand for school spaces. It’s a substantial project and we look forward to pupils enjoying their new school surroundings next year.”
Belfast based commercial law firm Davidson McDonnell has strengthened its specialist team with the addition of two key new senior roles. The appointments come as part of a focused growth plan which has seen the total headcount at the company double in the last 6 month period. The business, launched three years ago by leading property and construction lawyer Ross Davidson, said that the expansion was being driven by increased activity in the Northern Ireland commercial property market and a significant rise in demand for specialist legal advice from the company’s client base in both Northern Ireland and England. Ross Davidson commented: “Northern Ireland’s commercial property market, and in particular, Belfast, is enjoying fresh interest, increased levels of enquiries and much greater optimism than we have seen for some time. “The ‘doom and gloom’ which we experienced immediately post-Brexit has dissipated quickly. Investment interest which was put on hold in the immediate aftermath of the referendum vote in June has returned and the mood now is much more positive. “London’s commercial property market is still experiencing some negativity post-Brexit but there are indications now that Belfast’s growth potential is being better recognised as investors seek safer havens elsewhere. Belfast offers good value for property investors of all sizes. We expect activity levels to be high for the remainder of 2016 carrying into 2017.” Amongst its busy workload, Davidson McDonnell has acted in the acquisition of six prime office buildings in the heart of Belfast for client investors in the last six months with a total market value of more than £20 million. Davidson continued: “Against this bouyant outlook, we are delighted to announce two strategic new hires to our dedicated team.” Vicky Dummigan and Clare Templeton will now join Davidson McDonnell, further strengthening the company’s expertise in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital funding, dispute resolution and restructuring and insolvency.
The long-running debate over airport expansion in the South East – pitting Heathrow against Gatwick – is heating up again as a final decision over which hub will get the go ahead is expected soon. Gatwick chiefs have said that the construction of a second runway at their site will create 120,000 new jobs and contribute £1.73 billion a year to the local economy – but what will the implications be for neighbouring homeowners in Surrey and West Sussex? Campaigners against the expansion at Gatwick have said, if granted, the second runway will have a detrimental economic, social and environmental impact on communities – and have cited an increase noise pollution as a specific factor affecting house prices. Meanwhile, Gatwick has said the inevitable growth in housing that would come as a result of the expansion will be a benefit, and new homes would be spread “more evenly” through the region and London. Partner at Roger Coupe estate agents in Cranleigh (which has served the Surrey/West Sussex border area for 25 years), James Britton, believes that only time will tell exactly what would happen to the property market in the surrounding areas of Gatwick. Britton commented: “The disruption building work could have, and the concerns about increased noise from extra flights, may impact the market. But equally having a bigger transport hub on your doorstep could be a massive boost for house prices. “It is difficult to predict what effect a Gatwick expansion could have until more specific details are revealed, which are likely to only come about if it gets the go ahead. But we are lucky to be in a desirable area where house prices have remained steady despite the recent ups and downs of the UK’s economy. “When a decision is finally made it will be months, maybe years, before expansion work begins at either airport. Until then other factors, including Brexit, are likely to have a more immediate effect on the property market.”
Flexcrete Technologies has launched what it believes to be the first metallic anti-carbonation coating in the world. Monodex Metallic is an elastomeric, decorative, water-based structural coating that protects against the harmful effects of carbon dioxide diffusion, but has a sheen thanks to metallic particles that reflect more light than solid colours. It can be created in metallic colours such as gold, silver, copper, bronze and pearl, while also available in shades such as metallic purple. Monodex Metallic is designed to be applied as a feature finish over a base coat of Monodex Smooth, another anti-carbonation coating in Flexcrete’s Monodex range. It dries fast enough for two coats to be applied on the same day. Flexcrete says it has strong lifetime colour retention and is resistant to UV degradation. One of the first applications of the new coating is the 170 metre tall Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Graham James, Flexcrete Technologies director, commented: “There has been exceptional interest in Monodex Metallic both in the UK and all around the world as it has the ability to ensure excellent anti-carbonation protection whilst providing a unique, sparkling architectural statement. “It is ideal for both architectural new build and refurbishment projects and as well as being suitable for application to external concrete and masonry walls, it can also be applied internally.” Last year, Portsmouth City Council announced a £3.5 million deal with airline Emirates to rebrand the Spinnaker Tower earlier this month. The decision upset 10,000 people who signed a petition against a branding plan as red and white are the colours of football rivals Southampton. More than 100 litres of red paint, bought in readiness for the work, will now be given away to good causes. Following “collective feedback”, new plans show the tower painted blue and gold. Blue is the traditional colour of the city of Portsmouth and its football team.
Graham Construction has been awarded a place on ProCure22 (P22), the government’s £4 billion construction procurement framework for the delivery of NHS and social care capital schemes in England. The framework is due to commence on October 3, 2016, and will run for the next four years. The Department of Health has appointed Graham as one of six Principal Supply Chain Partners (PSCPs), along with Kier, Interserve, Galliford Try, BAM and IHP (a joint venture between Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine). P22 is the third iteration of the framework that provides the NHS with the tools required to deliver improved estate performance while reducing construction and maintenance costs. This new framework is designed to further drive increased efficiency and productivity, streamline the procurement process and result in stronger partnerships between clients, PSCPs and supply chains – all with the goal of supporting enhanced clinical outputs for patients and better environments for staff and visitors. Healthcare Director at Graham Construction, Keith Hayes, commented: “With the P22 framework focusing on quality, value, cost certainty, collaboration, standardisation and a drive for efficiency savings, we are confident that the knowledge and experience gained from our extensive ongoing healthcare portfolio will help further enhance its outcomes. “We’re looking forward to working with the Department of Health and our PSCM and PSCP colleagues once the framework comes into place. The combination of the GRAHAM regional office network, carefully assembled specialist supply chain members, BIM focus and extensive experience across the full spectrum of healthcare facilities means we will be able to help NHS clients successfully deliver improvements across their estates and ultimately contribute to optimum outcomes for patients and staff.” Last month, Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services was awarded the £6 million M&E services for the first phase of the Thames Valley Science Park in Reading. Working with main contractor Graham Construction and the University of Reading, Briggs & Forrester will assist in the delivery of the three-storey commercial development, known as the Gateway Building.
Bristol City Council’s development control committee has finally given its approval for the £95m Bristol Arena and approved outline plans for the rest of Arena Island. Above: Bristol Arena has been designed by Populous Two applications were brought back to committee following a deferral last month to allow for additional transport information to be provided. This time, both applications received unanimous support: a detailed planning application for the arena building with a public plaza and new access routes; and an outline application for the future development of housing, business and leisure uses close to the venue. Bouygues UK is lined up to build the new 12,000-capacity venue on the site of a derelict former diesel depot close to Temple Meads railway station. Work is already under way to create new access routes to Arena Island with work on the arena building due to start later in the year. The venue is due to open in 2018. This article was published on 8 Apr 2016 (last updated on 8 Apr 2016). Source link
Global building energy management systems (BEMS) market size is projected to surpass USD 6 billion by 2023. Global building energy management systems (BEMS) market size is projected to surpass USD 6 billion by 2023. Increasing regulatory pressure due to increasing energy wastage in building is predicted to drive the industry over the coming years. Asia Pacific building energy management systems market size is forecast to experience significant growth. The surging demand for these systems can be attributed to increasing popularity of green building technologies across the region. Latin America is predicted to witness high growth prospects owing to increasing awareness regarding energy conservation over the forecast period. Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-toc/upcoming/137 Rising awareness regarding efficient use of energy at corporate and government levels is anticipated to propel building energy management systems market demand in commercial, residential as well as industrial sectors. The building sector is primarily responsible for global greenhouse gas emission as well as energy consumption.High energy consuming areas in buildings are office equipment, HVAC systems, catering, pumps, etc. Energy consumption in building amenities that mainly includes the use of fossil fuels adds to air pollution, which is likely to have adverse impact on the environment and also likely affect residents’ health. In order to manage the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and total energy consumption, numerous other energy management systems are being employed such as Facility Energy Management (FEMS), Industrial Energy Management (IEMS), Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), and Cluster/Community Energy Management System (CEMS). Make an inquiry for buying this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/137 BMS and BEMS share numerous similarities apart from a unique distinction; BMS includes the energy management capabilities along with other functionalities that include alarm, fire, security, closed circuit television (CCTV), safety and mechanical building controls. The data gathered by BEMS is utilized by BMS and it is likely to become a vital component of BMS solution. This in turn is anticipated to positively impact building energy management systems market share over the forecast period. Key softwares include asset performance optimization, data management, application platform, lighting system, and HVAC system. Wireless and wired are the types of communication technologies involved in this model. Key industry verticals include telecom and IT, manufacturing, office and commercial buildings, government and MUSH (Municipal, University, School and Hospital) systems. U.S. BEMS market size is predicted to be the largest regional segment and is likely to maintain its dominance owing to rising interest in highly developed energy technologies as well as implementation of demand response programs over the coming years. These programs are likely to promote restricted energy usage and enable customers to tackle changing prices and handle the utility needs for saving peak loads. Browse complete summary of this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/building-energy-management-systems-bems-market Participants constituting global building energy management systems share include Azbil, ABB Group, BuildingIQ, Carma Industries, C3 Energy, Cylon Active Energy, Daintree Networks, Daikin Industries, Echelon Corp., Elster EnergyICT, Ecova, Inc., EnerNOC, Inc., and FirstFuel Software. Notable players also include GridPoint, eSight Energy, Honeywell International, Ingersoll-Rand PLC, IBM, Johnson Controls, Jones Lang LaSalle, Schneider Electric, Optimum Energy LLC, Siemens AG, Toshiba, Verisae, and SkyFoundry. About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. Source link