The University of Warwick has unveiled a £700m investment in its West Midlands campus as part of its ambitious Connect Programme. This is the largest single investment in campus facilities across its entire 60-year history. The unprecedented investment will focus on the Social Sciences and STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering
Whitbread, the parent company of Premier Inn, has sold 51 of its restaurants for £56 million as part of a major restructuring plan aimed at refocusing on its more profitable hotel operations. The sale is a key element of Whitbread’s wider strategy to streamline its portfolio and improve cost efficiency.
Following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has released a briefing, offering vital guidance for professionals in architectural technology. The report examines the recommendations from the inquiry’s Phase 2 findings and aims to establish best practices in the evolving regulatory landscape. A Focus on Building
Pradera Lateral has been appointed as the new asset manager for four major shopping centres, previously managed by Global Mutual, as SGS aims to usher in a new era of growth for these high-profile retail destinations. The centres now under Pradera Lateral’s management include the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex,
NIBE Energy Systems, Europe’s leading heat pump manufacturer, has enhanced its UK delivery service by partnering with the Ziegler Group, a global logistics provider that shares NIBE’s ethos of maintaining a human, customer-focused and sustainable approach at the core if its operations. NIBE deliveries now come from Ziegler’s brand-new state-of-the-art
A new company, Steel River Power Limited (“Steel River Power”), has been created to build, own, and operate what will become the largest private wire network in the UK and deliver power to occupiers on the giant Teesworks development site, located in the Tees Valley in the North East of
FLEXI-job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures continues to lead the way in supporting construction apprenticeships, rising top of the podium at last week’s Construction Apprenticeship Awards. A division of Efficiency North Holdings, the service was named Construction Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in nurturing the next
Offsite manufacturing specialist, TALO, is expanding its transformational timber superstructure systems for low rise housing in the UK. Developed in Finland and widely used across the Nordic countries for over 40 years, TALO’s offsite manufacturing solutions can eradicate energy bills for homeowners and residents of social and affordable housing. As
Ahead of the 2025 update cycle for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its forthcoming NDC Scorecard – a tool to support the evaluation and strengthening of nation-level policy on the built environment. Today, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its new initiative: ‘NDC
Actis continues seven-year relationship with LABC by renewing CPD partner support The renewal this autumn of insulation specialist Actis’ CPD partner support with LABC marks the seventh year of a relationship between the two organisations. The renewed arrangement will see Actis specification team members take part in LABC’s monthly technical
The University of Warwick has unveiled a £700m investment in its West Midlands campus as part of its ambitious Connect Programme. This is the largest single investment in campus facilities across its entire 60-year history. The unprecedented investment will focus on the Social Sciences and STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and will facilitate an expansion in interdisciplinary education and research opportunities and new courses in both areas. The investment will also support expansion of the University’s purposeful collaboration and partnerships regionally, nationally and internationally. Today, plans were revealed for phase one of the investment, the STEM Connect Programme. This will see innovative spaces built for new state-of-the-art research and education programmes. From teaching rooms to laboratories, the facilities will enable the University to build on its innovation and research excellence and enhance its campus experience to create more learning opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, said: “The Connect Programme demonstrates how we are fostering curiosity and creativity and creating a lasting impact for years to come. We will equip our students, researchers and partners to tackle the urgent global challenges of today and tomorrow. “As we enter the first phase of the STEM Connect programme, The University of Warwick is leading the way in advancing STEM education and research, to inspire the next generation of innovators. 2025 marks 60 years of The University of Warwick and this investment reaffirms our commitment to making a better world together through our research, education and innovation. We are looking forward to further announcements about our Social Sciences Connect Programme later this year.” Professor Mark Williams, Academic Director for the STEM Connect Programme, said: “Through the STEM Connect Programme, we will firmly maintain The University of Warwick’s position as a global powerhouse for STEM, that will pave the way for groundbreaking research and education. The programme will also provide access to state-of-the-art facilities that will deliver both innovation and societal impact. “We will be creating an environment that will combine excellence with an interdisciplinary culture to create partnerships that will help address the world’s pressing challenges. This is a hugely ambitious project, and I am looking forward to working with our colleagues, students, business partners and wider community to deliver our vision.” The Connect Programme will attract and inspire the world’s brightest students and reinforce the University’s internationally recognised research and education work. For nearly 60 years, The University of Warwick has led on a vast array of pioneering research, including innovations to save lives through the early detection of skin cancer and dementia, to raising the profile of social isolation and loneliness as a human rights issue. The Connect Programme will also strengthen the economy by creating more than 1,500 construction-related jobs over the lifetime of the project, while also working with business, communities and local authorities, across the West Midlands and nationally, to enhance the UK’s knowledge base, skillset and innovation pedigree. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Investing in STEM is essential for driving innovation that boosts our economy and creates quality jobs for people across the region. Universities like Warwick that invest heavily in Research and Development and STEM activities are key to achieving this, and their investment will help ensure the West Midlands stays at the forefront of the UK’s innovation and skills-based economy, benefiting both our communities and businesses.” Cllr Jim O’ Boyle, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change welcomed the investment: “Coventry has always been a dynamic and innovative city and the University’s investment, announced today, underlines our status. Working in partnership, we are creating the skilled jobs and workforce, as well as the technology and solutions, of the future. “As part of a major campus investment, The Connect Programme will create opportunity for students and staff, but also businesses, local partners, and the public sector who will benefit from collaborative new relationships. “The Connect Programme will positively impact the entire city and region and we will continue to work together with the University and other partners to unlock its potential.” Construction for the STEM Connect Programme is expected to commence over the coming 12 months. Further announcements on the Social Sciences Connect Programme will be released later this year, including a details of a significant capital project and the launch of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread, the parent company of Premier Inn, has sold 51 of its restaurants for £56 million as part of a major restructuring plan aimed at refocusing on its more profitable hotel operations. The sale is a key element of Whitbread’s wider strategy to streamline its portfolio and improve cost efficiency. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to divest 126 underperforming Beefeater and Brewers Fayre locations, in response to changing market conditions. Alongside the sales, Whitbread plans to repurpose 112 of these restaurant sites, converting them into additional hotel rooms to drive growth for its Premier Inn brand. The sale of the 51 sites marks an important step in Whitbread’s strategy to enhance profitability, particularly within a challenging hospitality sector. The food and beverage market has seen declining demand, with a notable drop in both business and leisure travel when compared to the post-pandemic surge of the previous year. Although Whitbread reported a total revenue of £1.57 billion for the six months leading up to August 29, its pre-tax profits have dropped by 22%. This decline has prompted the company to intensify its cost-cutting measures, targeting £50 million in annual savings as part of a long-term plan that extends to 2030. Furthermore, concerns over potential increases in employer taxes could add additional pressure on profitability within the industry. Looking ahead, Whitbread is fully committed to expanding its Premier Inn brand. The company has set an ambitious target to increase its room count from the current 86,000 to 125,000 across the UK and Ireland. Additionally, Whitbread is eyeing significant growth opportunities in Germany, which boasts a hotel market 40% larger than the UK. By shedding underperforming restaurant assets and reinvesting in its core hotel operations, Whitbread aims to secure a more streamlined and profitable future amidst an ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has released a briefing, offering vital guidance for professionals in architectural technology. The report examines the recommendations from the inquiry’s Phase 2 findings and aims to establish best practices in the evolving regulatory landscape. A Focus on Building Safety After Grenfell The Grenfell Tower fire tragically exposed widespread failings in building safety, including governance, regulatory compliance, procurement, and project delivery. Phase 2 of the inquiry specifically investigated these systemic shortcomings, resulting in 58 recommendations designed to improve safety standards throughout the construction and maintenance chain. CIAT’s briefing is intended to help architectural technologists prepare for the impending regulatory changes and ensure that their work adheres to the highest safety standards. It acknowledges that the profession must evolve alongside these new expectations and that the lessons learned from Grenfell should drive a commitment to improving building safety. Preparing for Regulatory Changes The briefing highlights the Labour Government’s pledge to review the Phase 2 recommendations and implement a “generational shift” in building safety, including updates to Parliament on progress. Anticipated changes include enhanced oversight of materials, stricter building requirements, and greater responsibilities for design professionals. CIAT advises architectural technologists to stay ahead of these changes by exceeding current regulations and avoiding practices that prioritise cost over quality. This proactive approach is seen as essential to rebuilding trust in the safety of UK buildings and ensuring long-term compliance. Maintaining High Professional Standards A key takeaway from the CIAT briefing is that architects and technologists must take full responsibility for the safety and quality of their work. This includes ensuring that all project records are properly maintained, particularly the “Golden Thread” of information required by the Building Safety Act 2022, which tracks the design and realisation of high-risk buildings (HRBs). CIAT also emphasises the importance of upholding professional standards as outlined in its Code of Conduct and Professional Standards Framework. For those aspiring to become Principal Designers under the Building Regulations, CIAT stresses the need for appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfil the role effectively. A Commitment to Safer Buildings CIAT’s guidance serves as a crucial resource for architectural technologists navigating the post-Grenfell regulatory environment. By committing to the highest safety standards, professionals can play a key role in ensuring that the built environment becomes safer and more resilient in the years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pradera Lateral has been appointed as the new asset manager for four major shopping centres, previously managed by Global Mutual, as SGS aims to usher in a new era of growth for these high-profile retail destinations. The centres now under Pradera Lateral’s management include the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, Atria Watford, Victoria Centre in Nottingham, and Braehead Shopping Centre near Glasgow – all iconic shopping hubs in their respective regions. Lakeside Shopping Centre, a premier regional retail destination, spans 1.6 million sq ft and boasts over 250 shops and restaurants, along with a vibrant leisure offering. Major tenants include M&S, NEXT, Zara, H&M, Primark, and Apple. Atria Watford, situated in the heart of the town, covers 1.4 million sq ft and offers a variety of retail outlets, cafés, bars, restaurants, and a nine-screen Cineworld cinema. Its key tenants include M&S, Zara, H&M, Apple, Next, and Primark. Nottingham’s Victoria Centre, opened in 1972 after a regeneration project that transformed a former railway station, extends over 950,000 sq ft. This mixed-use development features 120 stores, including anchor tenants John Lewis and House of Fraser, along with residential flats and office space. Other notable retailers include Next, WHSmith, Boots, and EE. Braehead Shopping Centre, just outside Glasgow, spans 1.1 million sq ft and offers retail, leisure, and food spaces, alongside 7,900 free parking spaces and convenient public transport links. The centre welcomes 16.5 million visitors annually and is home to 120 UK and international brands. SGS believes that Pradera Lateral’s appointment will drive the growth of these shopping centres, particularly with the recent addition of Philip Wardle, who joined from British Land’s mall leasing team. Wardle will collaborate closely with Pradera Lateral and its new CEO, Claire Barber, to lead the next phase of development. Barry Cox, Managing Director of Pradera, expressed excitement for the future, saying: “We are grateful to SGS for placing their trust in us, and we’re eager to take this portfolio of prime shopping centres into a new chapter of growth. With ambitious plans in place, we look forward to working closely with Claire Barber and her team to realise the full potential of these centres.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NIBE Energy Systems, Europe’s leading heat pump manufacturer, has enhanced its UK delivery service by partnering with the Ziegler Group, a global logistics provider that shares NIBE’s ethos of maintaining a human, customer-focused and sustainable approach at the core if its operations. NIBE deliveries now come from Ziegler’s brand-new state-of-the-art distribution centre in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. The move to Ziegler is part of NIBE’s general growth strategy, and broadened routes to market, which also includes direct to merchant. As NIBE is solely focused on renewable technologies, reducing carbon footprints for its customers and within its own operations, Ziegler is a good fit, committed to improving sustainability, through a range of measures, including a move to zero emissions vehicles, reducing CO2, and the use of digital supply chain management solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. Paul Smith, MD for NIBE, said: “We are delighted to partner with Ziegler, the company has a proven track-record of reliability and success, and shares core values with NIBE. Ensuring the safe and ‘on time’ passage of our heat pumps and supporting equipment is essential to business growth and the satisfaction of our customers. As NIBE expands its offering and routes to market, we feel confident that Ziegler is the right delivery service provider to support our evolving requirements.” “Despite its size, the Ziegler Group is committed to a ‘family-run’ approach, with its numerous locations allowing the company to provide a local service, with great responsiveness and flexibility. This mirrors NIBE’s own values – we’re a global business with region specific operations; something we feel is essential to building customer relationships and providing the best possible service.” Logistics Manager, Darrell Noble from Ziegler, said: “Ziegler are thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with NIBE, a market leader in sustainable energy solutions. We will proudly manage NIBE’s UK supply chain, ensuring swift and efficient delivery of their innovative products to customers. It illustrates Ziegler’s progression and growth within the industry with a focus on contributing towards driving the NIBE brand forward. We’re also delighted to be partnering with a sustainability focused business, reflected in our own efforts in supporting environmental change.” The process of ordering from NIBE won’t change, orders should be placed through its Installer Care team. www.nibe.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new company, Steel River Power Limited (“Steel River Power”), has been created to build, own, and operate what will become the largest private wire network in the UK and deliver power to occupiers on the giant Teesworks development site, located in the Tees Valley in the North East of England. Steel River Power will invest upwards of £100 million, directly employ more than 20 people, and indirectly employ hundreds more to upgrade and expand the existing private electricity distribution network to accommodate the current and future needs of tenants on the Teesworks site. The scale of this direct investment in electricity network infrastructure will enable the accelerated and mission-led growth of net zero and sustainable industry on the Teesworks site. Steel River Power Limited is a 50:50 joint venture between Steel River Energy Limited (“Steel River Energy”) and North West Electricity Networks (UK) Limited (“NWEN (UK)”). Ian Smyth, CEO of NWEN (UK) said: “This is a substantial investment to build the electricity infrastructure required to achieve net zero in the UK. We are extremely excited to deliver our expertise to create the infrastructure that will generate high-value jobs and unlock sustainable economic growth. “This investment cements NWEN (UK) as a leading provider of private electricity distribution network solutions.” Chris Musgrave OBE, chairman of Teesworks Limited, said: “This is a massive step forward for Teesworks. Upgrading and expanding the private wire network will mean occupiers on the site have access to a safe and reliable electricity network with sufficient capacity to support their operations and growth. It is the backbone utility for Teesworks. “Getting a new or expanded direct connection to the National Grid can take up to ten years, but tenants on the Teesworks site can obtain a connection to the Steel River Power private wire network immediately, unlocking development in the region.” Martin Corney, director of Steel River Energy said: “Selected after a competitive process, NWEN (UK) are one of the most experienced and best performing operators of electricity infrastructure in the UK and hence tenants of the Teesworks site will benefit from their decades of expertise in the sector when it comes to designing, constructing, and operating the Steel River Power network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FLEXI-job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures continues to lead the way in supporting construction apprenticeships, rising top of the podium at last week’s Construction Apprenticeship Awards. A division of Efficiency North Holdings, the service was named Construction Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in nurturing the next generation of talent across the built environment sector. To enhance its already impressive accolades, two of EN:Able Futures’ apprentices were also recognised at the ceremony. Lauren Raynor, who is hosted by Alan Wood & Partners, was awarded Level 3 Construction Apprentice of the Year, while Liam Mansbridge, hosted by Termrim Construction, won Level 4 Construction Apprentice of the Year. These wins continue a proud tradition for the agency, as the team has previously celebrated success at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards through its apprentices, who received individual awards in 2022 and 2023. Julie Deeley, director of operations at EN:Able Futures, said: “Winning Construction Apprenticeship Employer of the Year is a testament to our apprentices’ hard work, host employers, and our team’s dedication alike to deliver opportunities that translate into job-ready skills, while steering the trajectory of our sector. “Seeing Lauren and Liam excel in their roles is what drives us to continue serving talented individuals to thrive and fast track their professional growth. Once again, we are proud to show that apprenticeships are not just an alternative path to higher education, but a powerful tool for transforming the workforce development and future of construction.” EN:Able Futures has a proven track record in creating pathways for young people across the north of England by providing routes for development along the construction industry. To date, the agency has supported more than 500 apprentices to prepare for the workforce, providing high-quality training and steadfast support while addressing the industry’s critical skills shortage. The construction industry continues to face a workforce gap, with 250,000 additional skilled workers required by 2027, according to the latest CITB figures. Apprenticeships like those facilitated by EN:Able Futures are key to unlocking opportunities that can address this shortfall. In 2023 alone, only 22,310 apprenticeships were started in the construction sector, despite the growing demand for trained professionals. EN:Able Futures has earned multiple accolades this year, to only name a few: SME Employer of the Year at the East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, and Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire and Humber regional apprenticeship and skills awards. The latter, organised by the Department for Education, has secured the service a place in the national finals, which will take place in London on 27 November. These achievements reflect the agency’s commitment to excellence and success as apprenticeship delivery provider, paving the way to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. For more information about EN:Able Futures, visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/futures Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Offsite manufacturing specialist, TALO, is expanding its transformational timber superstructure systems for low rise housing in the UK. Developed in Finland and widely used across the Nordic countries for over 40 years, TALO’s offsite manufacturing solutions can eradicate energy bills for homeowners and residents of social and affordable housing. As part of its expansion in the UK, TALO has just been awarded ICW Endorsed accreditation from ICW Group – one of the country’s largest structural insurance warranty specialists, which serves all major mortgage lenders. This certification follows a robust technical assessment of TALO’s timber superstructure system and its manufacturing processes to meet ICW’s stringent MMC requirements. The endorsement means that the TALO offsite system is now pre-approved, subject to satisfactory site audits, for use in conjunction with ICW’s structural warranties across multiple housing projects. Philip Quinn, Director of Surveying Services at ICW, said, “TALO’s commitment to quality is clear, as attested by their comprehensive technical design and robust manufacturing processes. Working with TALO has been refreshing and their approach to sustainability is impressive.” “We found TALO’s team to be responsive, technically minded and engaging professionals. We are thrilled to be working in partnership together as we look ahead to future MMC projects.” Leona Wikman, TALO’s Technical Director said, “The accreditation from ICW gives our housebuilding customers the reassurance that the TALO system meets ICW’s requirements for their structural warranties.” “We have an exciting project pipeline in place for both housebuilders and social and affordable housing providers. This certification will open the doors to more opportunities in the residential sector, as well as provide our existing customers with independent verification of the consistently high-quality standards we work to.” “ICW’s MMC team visited our offsite manufacturing centre in Finland as part of the assessment process. The depth of technical knowledge of MMC and competence of their team made the approval process very straightforward.” TALO is now working towards its first UK offsite manufacturing centre as demand increases for its zero energy housebuilding solutions in the UK. Its timber superstructure system is currently manufactured in Finland for its UK customers. Once production in the first factory nears capacity, there are plans for further manufacturing centres which will be rolled out across the UK to meet customer demand and create local jobs for local housing. This will accelerate the construction of TALO’s zero energy homes – from Scotland to the South West of England. TALO specialises in the offsite manufacture and installation of advanced timber superstructures to deliver new low-rise homes for sale, rent and social housing more efficiently. The high level of thermal efficiency of the TALO system removes the need for energy bills and snagging, and at no cost premium for the developer or housing provider. For further information, visit www.talo.co.uk, call 03301 334121 or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ahead of the 2025 update cycle for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its forthcoming NDC Scorecard – a tool to support the evaluation and strengthening of nation-level policy on the built environment. Today, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its new initiative: ‘NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings’. This tool is currently being co-developed with five pilot Green Building Councils (GBCs), alongside the GBC global network including the Global Policy Taskforce, and local stakeholders including governments, to ensure nations are being bold on buildings in their climate action plans, which are due to be updated in early 2025. Under the Paris Agreement, each country must draw up a national climate action plan (known as NDC – Nationally Determined Contribution) outlining their strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to enable the collective global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5ºC and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Current NDC commitments fall far short of this target, with current commitments on track for 2.5-2.9ºC of warming. The WorldGBC NDC Scorecard tool will allow all policymakers, GBCs and others to assess and compare their countries’ NDCs, and reveal where further action is necessary on the built environment to increase the ambition and effectiveness of their NDCs and national policies so they are putting the sector on a trajectory for 1.5ºC. The tool will also enable stakeholders to conduct a gap analysis to ensure that NDCs, national policies and implementation are all aligned so that commitments are being put into practice. “Being bold on buildings is essential if countries are to live up to the welcome ambitions signalled by the Buildings Breakthrough, the UAE Consensus and the Déclaration de Chaillot,” said Cristina Gamboa, CEO of WorldGBC. “It is absolutely critical that this next batch of revised NDCs accelerates the transition and closes the gap to 1.5ºC. This can be achieved by not overlooking the role of buildings and encouraging governments to send strong policy signals that unlock finance and enable the private sector to scale existing climate solutions.” The tool enables the evaluation of NDCs using a number of criteria, such as carbon, resilience and adaptation, circularity, water, biodiversity, health, equity and access, and finance mechanisms, and establishes if the NDC is supported by national policies and building codes to ensure implementation. Most current NDCs overlook the potential of buildings Only with strong action on the built environment, which is responsible for 37% of global emissions, can the world hope to succeed in building the transition and achieving the 1.5°C limit targeted by the Paris Agreement. Yet most country’s NDCs and policies are not currently close to meeting the challenge. According to the GlobalABC Global Status Report 2023, despite a growth in the number of adopted codes globally, over 30% of building codes have not been updated since 2015. Only three places have codes aligned with Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB) principles. Mandatory building energy codes are lacking altogether in 110 countries. And these include the places where 82% of global population growth will occur, and consequently increased building, in the period to 2030. A global pilot phase WorldGBC is working with five GBCs in different regions of the globe to develop the Scorecard. The project involves Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines. Its development process is designed to identify best-practice building policies that should be in revised NDCs and integrated into national buildings regulatory frameworks. The project will also produce tailored action plans for each of the five countries. The Scorecard tool will be developed using a collaborative process that engages the GBC network, local stakeholders and political actors from the outset, ensuring that the communities who are responsible for implementation are involved in the process. This aims to maximise the chance for better and deliverable outcomes, and drives locally-relevant action that delivers on global priorities. “It’s been encouraging to see such strong support from local stakeholders. The recent flooding and heatwaves across Nigeria are harsh reminders of how vulnerable our communities are to climate change, and they show just how urgent it is to align our building policies with climate goals. This is why the project is so timely! We believe it will be a game-changer in shaping Nigeria’s built environment and setting the stage for our 2025 NDC update.” Danjuma Waniko, President, Green Building Council Nigeria “The NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings Project can significantly influence the shaping of the Philippines’ NDC. Integrating sustainable buildings reduces emissions, enhances energy efficiency, and promotes green construction. It fosters job creation, strengthens resilience to climate impacts like typhoons and heatwaves, and improves living conditions — advancing national climate goals and driving sustainable urban development and economic growth nationwide.” Christopher Cruz de la Cruz, CEO, Philippine Green Building Council “At Colombia GBC we truly believe that the built environment can play a great role in dealing with climate change. We have been committed to work very closely with our government to integrate the built environment as part of the national agenda and as an important part of the NDC update processes. This process includes not only the impact of different policies, but also the work with the private sector to ensure an integrated approach.” Angélica Ospina, CEO, Consejo Colombiano de Construcción Sostenible (Colombia Green Building Council) “We are enthusiastic about discussing the best policies and opportunities to reinforce the green building agenda at the NDC scale. The green building movement in Brazil has influenced market behaviour towards decarbonisation, biodiversity, and resilience while guaranteeing economic results for developers and occupants. By better understanding and advancing our movement through policies and regulation, our contribution will be expanded to all.” Felipe Augusto Faria, CEO, Green Building Council Brasil “As Egypt faces increasing climate vulnerabilities and a rapidly growing construction sector, projected to expand by nearly 6% annually — the NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings Project is a crucial tool for promoting climate-resilient, sustainable development. This project will provide Egypt with a framework to assess the carbon reduction potential of our construction practices and ensure that new developments prioritise
Actis continues seven-year relationship with LABC by renewing CPD partner support The renewal this autumn of insulation specialist Actis’ CPD partner support with LABC marks the seventh year of a relationship between the two organisations. The renewed arrangement will see Actis specification team members take part in LABC’s monthly technical seminars over the coming twelve months. Key presenters include Actis regional specification managers Amaret Chahal, Jason Docherty and Elijah Peters. They will share highlights of Actis’ updated RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD with architects, specifiers, builders and building control officers, while other industry experts share information on other pertinent subjects. As in previous years, the sessions will be a mixture of regional face-to-face and online events aimed at construction professionals working across England and Wales. The roadshows, which last two hours when taking place virtually and three and a half when in real life, have provided CPD training to more than a thousand delegates over the past year. Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper said: “We’ve been running CPD training at LABC’s popular long-running roadshows since 2018 and we’re delighted to continue to support the construction community in this way. The sessions are always informative and interesting and are also great for networking and sharing best practice. The CPD partnership means we can continue to offer valuable advice which will help builders and specifiers comply with building regulations as we move towards net zero.” In addition to the 20-minute sessions it offers via the LABC roadshows, Actis has developed a number of full length CPD training courses including RIBA-approved modules on how to comply with changes to Part L and prepare for the Future Homes Standard – Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standard – andAddressing the Performance Gap with Reflective Insulation . Another of its popular CPD sessions is on Proven Compliant Systems. Actis’ Hybrid range of insulation, vapour control layers and breather membranes and its two-in-one Eolis HC have been praised by users for their cleanliness, ease and speed of installation, lack of waste, lightness and ease of transportation as well as their impressive thermal performance. Their flexibility and ability to bend around corners and be squeezed into gaps means they are excellent at counteracting thermal bridging and ensuring air tightness. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
