DESIGNED as a new base to enhance neighbourhood policing services, the new multi-million-pound eco-friendly police facility in Abergavenny has officially opened its doors for duty. Located on the A465 in Llanfoist, the new purpose-built home of Gwent police covers the local authority areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and
The updated Part L regulations, due to be usurped by the incoming Future Homes Standard, provide official consensus on the need to build energy-efficient homes that are less impactful to the environment. This has instigated a rethink in building design and the type of materials that comprise key elements such
Leading contracting and fit out specialists Linear Group has announced a string of significant project wins and completions as it looks ahead to a strong projected 2025. Driven by a number of successful bids across the Group, specifically in its main operating arms – Linear Design & Construct; Linear Projects,
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) Annual Report on Major Projects 2023-24, published today, shows the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) comprises 227 projects with a total whole life cost of £834 billion, up from £805bn in the previous annual report. GMPP projects aim to provide innovative and meaningful benefits
Yorkshire-based business donates 20,000 bricks to students at Leeds College of Building Yorkshire-based manufacturer ACS Stainless Steel Fixings is committed to supporting educational institutions, helping the next generation of construction and manufacturing professionals to reach their full potential. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment, ACS recently donated 20,000 bricks
Masterframe Windows Ltd, founded in 1988, is an established UK manufacturer of bespoke, high-quality PVC-U sash windows. The company has maintained a 27-year relationship with the British Board of Agrément (BBA). Masterframe first sought third party certification from the BBA in 1997 and obtained Agrément certification for its windows. Since
Today, Malaysian engineering, property and infrastructure group Gamuda Berhad and London-based real estate investor Castleforge marked the next stage in their £1.2bn redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London, with a groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of one of London’s largest property development loans in recent years,
The Gym Group has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for 2025, aiming to open between 14 and 16 new sites as part of its long-term strategy to launch 50 locations over the next three years. Accelerated Expansion Plans Building on a successful 2024 that saw the addition of 12 new gyms,
After two years in development, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust are well on their journey to net zero now the multi-technology decarbonisation scheme at The Christie Hospital has gone live. Delivering over £1m in annual energy cost savings and reducing the site’s carbon footprint by around 1,000 tonnes a year, this
Over 200,000 homeowners contacted Octopus Energy to enquire about a heat pump in 2024, the UK’s largest power company reports today. This marks a staggering 144% increase from the previous year, signaling a growing trend among homeowners eager to ditch traditional heating systems. The UK heat pump industry hit a
DESIGNED as a new base to enhance neighbourhood policing services, the new multi-million-pound eco-friendly police facility in Abergavenny has officially opened its doors for duty. Located on the A465 in Llanfoist, the new purpose-built home of Gwent police covers the local authority areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen in Wales. The Heddlu Gwent Police facility, which has been strategically positioned for rapid response via the ‘Heads of Valley Road’, will enable Gwent’s neighbourhood team to easily cover the town centre on foot, while a customer facing counter service will be retained in Abergavenny Town Hall. Multi-disciplinary consultancy firm Pick Everard was behind the scheme, operating through Perfect Circle to deliver project management and NEC supervisor services alongside contractor Willmott Dixon. Accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, the completed project has been rated BREEAM Excellent and was recognised at the National Considerate Constructors Scheme for its positive impact on the region. Thomas Bean, senior project manager at Pick Everard, said: “This has been a highly rewarding project to bring a key policing hub in Wales up to modern standards. It required our expertise to help navigate brownfield land development and build a facility that would serve the region effectively. “The new base was also crucial for public confidence, with a location close to the town centre and the A465, enabling rapid vehicle response. “Now complete, the facility provides a functional and practical modern workplace for officers and staff. As Gwent police’s greenest base to date, the new scheme sets a new benchmark for balancing operational needs with sustainable credentials.” On the roof of the building, photovoltaic solar panels have been installed with battery storage located inside the facility that will maximise the efficiency of usage of the solar energy produced. The site has a total of 30 parking spaces, including five standard electric vehicle charging spaces and two accessible spaces, including one accessible electric vehicle charging bay. In addition to its advanced energy features, the site also includes various ecological enhancements, including a drainage balance pond and wildlife underpasses to ensure safe passage for wildlife. ‘Frog ladders’ enable reptiles to climb out if they fall into drainage gullies, while bat boxes, bird boxes, native hedge planting, and a bug hotel for invertebrates also form part of the scheme. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “We know the public wants to see neighbourhood policing increased and for services to be properly resourced to tackle crime. “That’s why we have announced that we will recruit 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to do just that. “The new police facility in Abergavenny will ensure that the local Gwent Police officers have a visible base in the town and can help keep the streets safe. “Officers and the Welsh public can be clear that the UK Government will support police to make the improvements they need.” The Gwent Police estate is the responsibility of the Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd. She said: “I would like to thank the Secretary of State for formally opening our new police base in Abergavenny. “This new facility, combined with the service desk in Abergavenny Town Hall, provides the best of both worlds; an accessible location for residents to access face to face services, and a modern operational base for officers and staff. “Ensuring that Gwent Police has the resources and facilities it needs to prioritise a visible policing presence in our communities is one of the commitments I have made to the people of Gwent. The new base will enable Gwent Police to increase its visibility in Abergavenny and the surrounding area and provide local teams with a base that is fit for the future.” The completion of the Heddlu Gwent Police facility follows the successful delivery of a brand-new headquarters for South Wales police by Pick Everard, showcasing its ever-growing blue light portfolio. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The updated Part L regulations, due to be usurped by the incoming Future Homes Standard, provide official consensus on the need to build energy-efficient homes that are less impactful to the environment. This has instigated a rethink in building design and the type of materials that comprise key elements such as cavity walls to not only ensure homes comply with current energy standards, but are also suitably equipped to meet future legislation without the need for significant renovation. Part L regulations, which require new homes to produce 31% less CO2 than previous legislation, highlight a fabric-first approach to building design – along with renewable technologies such as heat pumps – as being integral to attaining the standard. Appropriate insulation is integral to the fabric first principle. A product’s thermal performance, thickness and usability being foremost considerations when compliant building performance and buildability is the target. The introduction of The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) will help the specification process. How the Golden Thread Led to CCPI CCPI was initiated by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s post-Grenfell report: ‘Building a safer future – Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’. Dame Judith’s report called for the creation of a “Golden Thread” of easily accessible information that blueprints a building’s DNA to safeguard its ongoing management. CCPI aligns with this report’s proposal by providing product information that is clear, accurate, current, accessible and unambiguous. In terms of insulation, this will help specifiers make more informed choices based on a product’s designed thermal performance, and how it is used safely and most effectively. As a manufacturer committed to best practice principles and improving building standards throughout the supply chain, Recticel recognises the value of CCPI in helping to create better-built homes that perform as-designed. A Board that Fits with Housebuilding’s New Era With Recticel’s rigid full-fill insulation board, Eurowall® +, specifiers have a PIR product that embodies the drive for products that engender smarter working practices. A 90mm Eurowall® + board helps achieve a 0.18W/m2K U-value in 100mm masonry cavity walls. The resulting 10mm air gap makes the installation an easier, less labour-intensive process for bricklayers, which is also a benefit when budget constraints are in place. Significant to Eurowall® + board’s design is a tongue and groove joint which appears on its four edges. This interlocking feature creates an airtight fit that reduces thermal bridging and moisture ingress. As a board that maximises thermal performance from minimal thickness, Eurowall® + also presents an opportunity for building designers to increase interior space whilst achieving compliance. Available in 90mm, 115mm, 140mm thicknesses, Eurowall® + brings an element of certainty to the building process; specifiers can be assured of its consistent thermal performance and long-term structural stability. Unlike fibrous insulation, which sags and degrades over time when damp sets in, Eurowall® + retains its strength to provide increased protection against moisture ingress and safeguard against thermal bridging. Eurowall® +, is the insulation board for housebuilding’s new era in which occupier comfort and well-being is matched by a focus on designing homes that are suitable for the cleaner, safer world we desire for generations to come. With that in mind, why wouldn’t you use Eurowall® +? Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading contracting and fit out specialists Linear Group has announced a string of significant project wins and completions as it looks ahead to a strong projected 2025. Driven by a number of successful bids across the Group, specifically in its main operating arms – Linear Design & Construct; Linear Projects, in both England and Scotland; and Linear Building Compliance, the company turnover is set to surpass £75m. Commenting on the recent successes and forward order book, Stephen Holmes, CEO, Linear Group, said, “Our diverse offering across our three core business means we can compete and deliver on many fronts. From small to medium size Main Contract Projects through Linear Design & Construct to a range of both specialist and large, complex subcontract packages through Linear Projects and more recently our Maintenance & Remedial offering through Linear Building Compliance. We are in a very good place heading into our next Financial Year with 75% of our order book already full in all businesses.” Established in 2018, Linear Design & Construct (LDC) is the Group’s main contracting arm, who will achieve an increase in turnover to £35m in the year ahead. With a focus on steady year on year growth, the business has delivered successful project completions and growth with a greater awareness of capability and expertise across the £1m to £15m project market. Recent bid successes include: Another key area of focus for LDC has been across the Hub Frameworks which has led to noticeable increase in public sector tenders as Local Authorities look to refurbish existing properties. Testament to this is the recent selection as Preferred Bidder to deliver the Strathclyde Park Water Sports Centre, which is close to home for the team, and will commence late summer 2025. With over 30 years of operation, Linear Projects Scotland and England has forged a strong reputation within the industry, both North and South of the Border. By offering a multi-package fit out expertise coupled with an ability to be flexible to client needs, this has driven constant growth and continues to deliver repeat business. Recent project wins in Scotland include: Recent project wins and completions in England include: Across Scotland and England, these projects have delivered a combined value to the Group of £26m. The Group’s specialist Fire Compartmentation and Fire Door Maintenance business, Linear Building Compliance (LBC), has seen steady growth since it was established in 2022. The expert nature of this field has allowed the team to demonstrate their capability and drive growth through high quality delivery. This has led to LBC and Linear Fire Safety being appointed on multiple frameworks giving excellent continuity of work into 2025 and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) Annual Report on Major Projects 2023-24, published today, shows the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) comprises 227 projects with a total whole life cost of £834 billion, up from £805bn in the previous annual report. GMPP projects aim to provide innovative and meaningful benefits to the UK. The report shows that the portfolio contains £719bn of monetised benefits, but does not include those benefits that cannot be expressed in commercial terms, particularly around social value. Commenting on the report, APM’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Andrew Baldwin, said: “The sheer scale of these figures shows the value of the project profession and good project management. Failure to manage these projects effectively will not only cost UK taxpayers a huge amount, but will delay or prevent countless benefits from being delivered to communities around the country. “The civil service must be equipped with the skills, competences and capability it needs to deliver these projects on time, on budget and to the right level of quality. It is therefore reassuring to see that the report states the number of Senior Responsible Officers undertaking or having already completed Major Projects Leadership Academy (MPLA) has increased from 66% to 76% in the last year. The IPA is doing good work. As the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, APM wants to see that continue as the IPA and National Infrastructure Commission prepare to merge into the government’s new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). “Challenges such as skills gaps and rising costs bring uncertainty and risk to government plans. Projects are much more likely to succeed when the government invests properly in those responsible for delivering them. We therefore urge the government to continue to bridge skills gaps and increase its project capability through training, professionalisation and by ensuring that project leaders have the competences they need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire-based business donates 20,000 bricks to students at Leeds College of Building Yorkshire-based manufacturer ACS Stainless Steel Fixings is committed to supporting educational institutions, helping the next generation of construction and manufacturing professionals to reach their full potential. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment, ACS recently donated 20,000 bricks to Leeds College of Building – providing essential materials for students to practice their skills and enhance their hands-on learning experience. ACS currently has 11 apprentices within its team – including six from Leeds Building College – and plan to welcome more early this year as the company recognises the important role apprentices play in not only shaping the business, but the future of the sector at large. Speaking of the donation, Kate Robertson-Hart, Head of Marketing at ACS shared: “ACS is a forward-thinking company with a strong apprentice element to our team. The drive and ambition our young engineers bring with them is inspiring and we’re keen to support students in education as they begin their journey into the industry.” Harvey Knowles, Apprentice Technical Engineer at ACS, joined the team from Leeds Building College and shared: “The donation of 20,000 bricks will be invaluable to the students studying this year and I hope to see some of them come through the apprenticeship scheme here. “ACS is full of great people, and I’ve settled in well making some strong friendships too. The best thing is that ACS makes sure you get to experience all areas of the business, so I’ve really been able to understand the intricacies of how it all works – this is such a valuable experience and has really helped me to upgrade my knowledge. The strong link between ACS and Leeds Building College is brilliant.” ACS is also dedicated to supporting the future of the industry and its longstanding industry colleagues with its CPD courses – with many fully certified. The courses have been created inhouse and empower those starting off in the industry right through to seasoned professionals keen to enhance their knowledge and skills across a variety of construction-based topics to ensure they stay up to date with the latest product developments and learn about the latest regulatory requirements. Damien Mason-Harding, Curriculum Manager of Brickwork & Roofing, at Leeds Building College, concluded: “The ongoing support we receive from ACS is phenomenal and we can’t thank the team enough for their recent donation of the 20,000 bricks – not only were our students impressed with the size of the delivery, but the bricks are making a huge difference to their day-to-day learning. Partnerships with forward-thinking suppliers like ACS helps to futureproof the building industry and we’re thankful of our longstanding relationship with the team there.” ACS is a leading manufacturer and designer of structural building components, including but not exclusive to wall ties, windposts, masonry support and brick slip systems – all essential components used for the construction of modern-day structures, large or small. The 117-strong team operate from a factory in Yorkshire. Find out more about ACS here www.acsstainless.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Masterframe Windows Ltd, founded in 1988, is an established UK manufacturer of bespoke, high-quality PVC-U sash windows. The company has maintained a 27-year relationship with the British Board of Agrément (BBA). Masterframe first sought third party certification from the BBA in 1997 and obtained Agrément certification for its windows. Since then, the company has worked with the BBA to ensure conformity, consistency and that their unique and patented sash window frames meet high-quality standards. Following the initial certification in 1997, Masterframe has maintained its Agrément Certificate to uphold these high standards, even as the company introduces product lifecycle changes, innovations, and process updates. To ensure compliance and quality, as part of the Agrément maintenance process, Masterframe receives two visits from the BBA to its premises per year for, audits and inspections. As a result, the company and its employees have maintained a strong focus on quality in their manufacturing processes, delivery and installation of their products for its high-end customer base and its expectations. The Masterframe PVC-U sash windows provide a unique alternative to traditional timber frames, offering a traditional look and feel while delivering all the benefits of a modern system. All the window frames are designed in-house and feature unique and patented technology. The Masterframe windows feature putty-line finishes, deep sills, vacuum glazing with 10mm cavity units. Although the glazing appears single glazed, it has a 1.2u value and includes all the benefits of double-glazing. The window frames look unobtrusive and offer sound proofing benefits. Carol Slade, Managing Director for Masterframe Windows Ltd, who works closely with the BBA team explained, “We recognise that the industry needs third party certification, it provides valuable assurance and trust to our customer base that what they are buying, performs as we claim. Certification can be perceived as being expensive and time-consuming, but we are committed to quality and want to maintain our standards within the market, so we see it as an important investment. We also recognise that BBA certification enhances our credibility when tendering for large commercial contracts.” The BBA Maintenance Process The team at Masterframe began the Certification process with the BBA in 1997, seeking third-party certification and testing. Masterframe chose the BBA due to their rigorous testing procedures, high standards and recognition within the industry. With expert guidance and advice on best practice, the team has worked with the BBA for many years to maintain and substantiate their claims to help demonstrate confidence in their products and assure their customers. Throughout Masterframe’s long relationship with the BBA their Technical and Compliance Director, Ray Rabett, who has been with the company for some 30 years, has continuously developed and introduced new innovative elements to the frames. These enhancements include improved aesthetics, increased longevity, and upgraded thermal performance and dimensional specifications to meet the evolving demands of their loyal customer base and changing market trends. As part of the BBA Agrément Certificate maintenance process, Masterframe’s Agrément Certificate is reviewed and updated in-line with these changes. The BBA maintenance process also ensures that Masterframe is aware of any new standards and changes in legislation, and that their products remain fit-for-purpose when things change. Ray Rabett added, “The process ensures all elements of our windows remain fit for purpose, even down to the screws being tested for conformance to the original quality plan. Our welding temperatures and tolerances are tested, checked, and scrutinized in great detail. We are 100% committed to both product and service excellence and remain completely focused on ensuring that customers receive products that exceed their expectations and are built to last. By submitting to this regular third-party testing by a well-renowned organization, we are, in a sense, offering a concrete guarantee of this ongoing commitment.” Quality, Credibility and Customer Confidence The BBA Agreement Certificate and its process clearly demonstrates that Masterframe windows continue to meet UK building regulations and have been assessed and tested to provide durability for the lifetime of each window frame they produce, provided they have been installed and maintained in accordance with the details contained in the certificate. By maintaining Certification in line with the BBA’s guidelines, Masterframe Windows Ltd has greater insight into changing industry regulations to ensure quality, credibility and customer confidence. Carol further added, “Working with the BBA has enhanced our company and employee mindset to continually strive for excellence without compromising on quality. We would highly recommend the BBA to others if they want to assure their customers that their product performs as claimed.” To learn more about Masterframe Sash Windows, go to https://www.masterframe.co.uk/ or the BBA Agrément Certification process – visit https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Malaysian engineering, property and infrastructure group Gamuda Berhad and London-based real estate investor Castleforge marked the next stage in their £1.2bn redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London, with a groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of one of London’s largest property development loans in recent years, valued at £500 million. The event was led by Dato’ Lin Yun Ling, Gamuda Group Managing Director, and Michael Kovacs, Castleforge Founding Partner. They were joined by Gus Wiseman, Global Head of Investor Relations for the UK Government and Howard Dawber, Deputy London Mayor. Over 80 attendees were present, including financiers, property agents, and a range of property development and built environment specialists. The investment is another signal of support from Gamuda for the UK property market, with the group viewing London as a key strategic destination for real estate investment. Since 2022, Gamuda has committed a total gross development value of £1.4 billion to the UK market, encompassing prime commercial office assets, residential properties and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The 75 London Wall project is the largest investment for Gamuda in the UK thus far. Complementing this is Castleforge’s commitment to delivering best-in-class workspaces that prioritise sustainability and tenant well-being which set new standards for the adaptive reuse of office buildings in the City of London. The site has received full planning consent in June 2024 and construction has begun. Upon full redevelopment expected in 2027, 75 London Wall will be a grade-A sustainable top-tier office with a net lettable area of more than 450,000 square feet with the best ESG standards – BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Core ‘Platinum’, and NABERS UK 5 Star Design. This landmark redevelopment will transform the building into a sustainable commercial hub in one of the world’s most competitive business districts. The ground floor will feature new commercial units, alongside a cultural forum space for events, performances, and public speaking, alongside open, green spaces. Dato’ Lin Yun Ling, Gamuda Group Managing Director said, “Our acquisition of this building in 2023 stemmed from the “Flight to Quality” to top grade office spaces in the real estate market. Multinational corporations are drawn to London, the epicentre of Britain’s economy and home to a huge proportion of its primary export – global services. This has driven a surge in demand for premium offices, linking quality workplaces to higher productivity. With a limited supply of best-in-class ESG spaces, rental growth remains strong, making 75 London Wall a standout investment.” Michael Kovacs, Founding Partner of Castleforge, said “We were delighted to welcome Dato’ Lin, Gus Wiseman and Howard Dawber to the site today to witness the progress being made on a project that we believe will set a new benchmark for sustainable, expertly designed office developments in London. In an increasingly competitive landscape, we know that 75 London Wall will stand out as a true best-in-class office development for those who want to attract the best talent in and around our city.” Gus Wiseman, Head of Investor Relations for the UK Government, said “We welcome this show of confidence in the UK economy by Gamuda and Castleforge. In years to come, this investment will create a busy trading floor for our world-leading financial services industry. This will create jobs in construction and at full occupancy, will house over 5,000 workers. Redevelopment projects such as 75 London Wall are vital to this Government’s mission to achieve the fastest growth in the G7.” Ravi Stickney, Cheyne Capital Managing Partner & CIO, Real Estate said “Following our £150million loan for the acquisition of 75 London Wall in 2023, we are delighted to extend our support to Gamuda and Castleforge with a £500m loan for its redevelopment. At Cheyne, we remain committed to financing the creation of productive and sustainable assets to support the growth of the UK’s vibrant economy. We are therefore thrilled with the significant vote of confidence that Gamuda has shown in London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for 2025, aiming to open between 14 and 16 new sites as part of its long-term strategy to launch 50 locations over the next three years. Accelerated Expansion Plans Building on a successful 2024 that saw the addition of 12 new gyms, the operator now manages 245 locations nationwide. To support its rapid growth, The Gym Group enlisted property consultancy Savills in April to identify and secure prime locations for its upcoming sites. Strong Financial and Membership Growth The announcement coincides with the release of the company’s pre-close trading update for 2024, which highlighted impressive results. Revenue grew by 11% year-on-year to £226.3 million, while membership numbers rose by 5%, climbing from 850,000 in 2023 to 891,000 by the end of 2024. Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory:“We have delivered strong progress and momentum in our Next Chapter growth plan, resulting in FY24 profits exceeding the top end of our previous guidance. There is plenty more still to come as we execute our plan, and we look to 2025 with confidence. “We are well prepared for our key member recruitment period in the current quarter and beyond, with our strengthening new site pipeline and our flexible, high-value, low-cost offer making gym membership more accessible for all.” Looking Ahead to 2025 As The Gym Group positions itself for continued growth, its low-cost, high-value model is expected to attract a wider audience, particularly in the current economic climate. With its robust expansion strategy and increasing membership base, the company is poised to strengthen its status as one of the UK’s leading fitness operators. The year ahead promises not only new locations but also broader access to affordable fitness options, reinforcing The Gym Group’s commitment to helping communities prioritise health and wellbeing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After two years in development, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust are well on their journey to net zero now the multi-technology decarbonisation scheme at The Christie Hospital has gone live. Delivering over £1m in annual energy cost savings and reducing the site’s carbon footprint by around 1,000 tonnes a year, this is a key project in the Trust’s sustainability aspirations, and puts them a step closer towards achieving the NHS target of net zero by 2040. The project was part funded by an £8m grant through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to support the installation of a self-funding fully integrated energy solution comprising a unique blend of renewable technologies. Vital Energi have installed two air source heat pumps, 640 solar panels, which have been installed on roofs across the hospital to generate independent electricity for the site, and a 2MW battery energy storage system (BESS), where excess electricity can be stored for use at a later time. As well as enabling the site to maximise the use of onsite generation and help the hospital avoid import electricity at the most expensive times, the BESS will provide flexibility during times of high demand and help create a smart grid from which the local community will benefit. Energy efficiency measures have also been installed, including the upgrade of 3,000 lights to LED fittings, the replacement of aged steam infrastructure heating distribution with modern high efficiency low temperature hot water distribution, and optimisation and upgrades to the existing Building Energy Management Systems (BMS). Alex Beedle, Head of Estates at The Christie, said: “We are very pleased with the decarbonisation scheme. The reduction in carbon emissions is estimated to be around 10% of the total from our site and is a big step towards achieving our ambitions for net zero in accordance with NHS targets. We will also make significant savings on our energy bill year after year.” Phil Mottershead, Project Development Director at Vital Energi, said: “We are incredibly proud to help the Trust on their journey to net zero through the installation of low carbon technologies and futureproofed energy infrastructure at The Christie Hospital, which ensures that the Trust not only meets its sustainability goals but also operates with greater efficiency in the years to come. The Christie has been Vital Energi’s charity of choice for many years, making this project particularly close to our hearts as we support their mission to support the development of cancer prevention, treatment, research and education.” The project was delivered through the Carbon and Energy Fund Framework (CEF), which has been specifically created to facilitate energy infrastructure projects for public sector organisations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 200,000 homeowners contacted Octopus Energy to enquire about a heat pump in 2024, the UK’s largest power company reports today. This marks a staggering 144% increase from the previous year, signaling a growing trend among homeowners eager to ditch traditional heating systems. The UK heat pump industry hit a new record with almost 60,000 new installations in 2024*. With the UK government’s annual target of 600,000 new heat pump installations by 2028 another year closer, Octopus’ figures show exponentially growing consumer demand. A similar growth from 2025-2026, 2026-2026 and 2027-2028 would see the UK easily hit this target. Furthermore, half (49%) of UK consumers want to invest in low-carbon heating solutions, a recent study revealed*. Thanks to the £7,500 grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the costs of getting a heat pump are now on par with a new gas boiler. Heat pumps are also cheaper to run than gas boilers with dedicated smart tariffs. Octopus’ ‘Cosy Octopus’ can save heat pump customers £315 a year on heating costs compared to gas boiler customers on an SVT**. To further drive down running costs, the government is currently considering moving environmental and social levies off electricity. Alex Schoch, Global Director of Clean Tech at Octopus Energy at Octopus Energy, said: “With over 200,000 inquiries in just one year, it’s clear that the UK is at the cusp of a heating revolution. “The appetite is there, British homeowners are hungry to go green. But the industry must step up and demystify heat pump technology to help people make informed choices.” Octopus has already invested over £75 million to speed up the rollout of heat pumps. Its proprietary ‘Cosy 6’ heat pump is designed and manufactured in the UK. Octopus also built an R&D and engineer training centre for heat pumps in Slough – the first of its kind in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
