Kenneth Booth
1 Undershaft: The Tower Set to Redefine London's Skyline

1 Undershaft: The Tower Set to Redefine London’s Skyline

The City of London Corporation has officially given the green light to plans for 1 Undershaft, a landmark skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most iconic structures in the UK. The towering development will rise to an impressive

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McLaughlin & Harvey hands over keys for Eden Campus

McLaughlin & Harvey hands over keys for Eden Campus

McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October

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Optimism prevails at major retrofit gathering

Optimism prevails at major retrofit gathering 

MORE than 150 leaders in the energy efficiency sector met this month for the annual National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and National Insulation Association (NIA) Parliamentary Reception, hosted in the historic House of Lords Cholmondeley Room and Terrace by Lord Best.   Members of both groups were in the esteemed company

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Construction Hailed 2024’s Rising "Nature Positive" Industry

Construction Hailed 2024’s Rising “Nature Positive” Industry

The construction sector has become a rising player in global efforts to become “Nature Positive” according to UK-based biodiversity consultancy, Biodiversify. Recent reports show that the built environment sector is responsible for up to 30 percent of global biodiversity loss. However, some leading construction businesses have made significant progress in

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Study Inn Completes Its Hat Trick at Wembley

Study Inn Completes Its Hat Trick at Wembley

2024 has been a landmark year for Study Inn, with the company winning three prestigious awards across the student accommodation sector, cementing its reputation as a leader in the industry. At the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards held at Wembley, Study Inn won Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative Award. The

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Encouraging signs but big decisions still to come

Encouraging signs but big decisions still to come

The Passivhaus Trust responds to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent announcement The Scottish Government yesterday laid amendments to the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations to enable the implementation of the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard. This meets the commitment made by Ministers in December 2022 to give effect to Alex Rowley

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Kenneth Booth

1 Undershaft: The Tower Set to Redefine London's Skyline

1 Undershaft: The Tower Set to Redefine London’s Skyline

The City of London Corporation has officially given the green light to plans for 1 Undershaft, a landmark skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most iconic structures in the UK. The towering development will rise to an impressive height of 309.6 metres (1,015.8 feet), matching The Shard as the tallest building in the country. Located in the heart of London’s financial district, 1 Undershaft will stand proudly between two of the city’s most famous landmarks—the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building—solidifying its place in the city’s iconic skyline. A Monumental Addition to the City’s Landscape 1 Undershaft will offer approximately 1.7 million square feet (158,000 square metres) of state-of-the-art office space, attracting businesses from across the globe and further cementing London’s reputation as a world-leading financial hub. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Eric Parry Architects, the skyscraper will feature cutting-edge design, offering both modern aesthetics and practical functionality. The building’s distinct cylindrical form and glass façade will set it apart from its neighbours. A significant feature of the development is its commitment to sustainability, with the project expected to achieve high environmental performance standards. 1 Undershaft will be equipped with an innovative low-carbon heating and cooling system, along with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the ongoing trend towards eco-conscious construction in the capital. Public Spaces and Views Like Never Before One of the standout features of 1 Undershaft is its dedication to public access. The building will include a stunning, free-to-access public garden on the 11th floor, offering visitors panoramic views of the city. The garden will feature a wide range of plants, providing a lush, green space that contrasts with the urban environment below. At the very top of the skyscraper, visitors will be able to take in breathtaking views from Europe’s highest publicly accessible viewing gallery. This will not only be a great attraction for tourists but will also serve as a unique space for Londoners to experience the city from a new perspective. Additionally, the tower will be home to a dedicated cultural space, located on the 72nd and 73rd floors, which will house an exhibition curated by the London Museum. This space will highlight the rich history and heritage of London, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors to learn more about the city’s fascinating past. Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward The development of 1 Undershaft has not been without its challenges. The City of London Corporation’s planning applications sub-committee approved the project with 16 votes in favour and 7 votes against, after a number of revisions were made to address concerns from local residents and organisations. In particular, objections were raised about the loss of public space at nearby St Helen’s Square, with critics arguing that the new development could overshadow this area. However, the revised plans included design changes that reduced the impact on St Helen’s Square and enhanced the public realm, leading to the approval of the project. This compromise highlights the city’s commitment to balancing modern development with the preservation of open public spaces. Looking to the Future With construction set to begin soon, 1 Undershaft promises to be a true testament to the City of London’s ambition and innovation. Once completed, it will not only redefine the skyline but also offer an array of opportunities for businesses and the public alike. The building’s blend of advanced technology, sustainability, and dedication to open spaces will ensure it becomes a defining feature of London’s ever-evolving cityscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Net Zero on hold: New trade body study finds retrofit skills gap is stalling progress

Net Zero on hold: New trade body study finds retrofit skills gap is stalling progress

Retrofit skills lagging, say industry body A new study from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has found that retrofit training gaps are stalling Net-Zero progress in UK construction. The research surveyed 500 construction professionals and revealed that there is a low sector-wide understanding of retrofit technologies and approaches, creating a potential bottleneck in the UK’s plans to decarbonise. Four in ten professionals stated that the level of training available to them was insufficient and that industry knowledge and understanding of retrofit techniques are currently ‘lacking’. However, many professionals see retrofitting existing buildings as a more effective path to reducing carbon emissions compared to constructing new. Nearly two in three (62%) believe retrofit projects provide greater benefits for achieving net zero than new-build homes. Another area of the study examined how professionals measure the impact of applied retrofit measures. Just two in five professionals (43%) measure building performance after envelope changes, highlighting a concerning ‘do-it-and-dash’ trend that skips energy, carbon, and comfort evaluation. An approach that can lead to suboptimal results. These findings come at an important time for the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. Back in July, the Climate Change Committee warned that the UK could be at risk of missing Net-Zero targets. In early November, ministers also put £30 million more into a grant scheme to encourage the uptake of heat pumps. The research also revealed surprising doubts about the value of large-scale retrofit measures, with one in four professionals unconvinced of their long-term effectiveness over the next 20 years. This was particularly true for sole traders and those in the repair sector – just half (55% and 56%, respectively) thought retrofit measures were worth the investment. This could suggest a need for more advanced training on the performance benefits of retrofit technologies. The study also flagged an interesting area of debate – what constitutes ‘comfort’ within Net-Zero spaces. Professionals remain divided – two in five identified it as air quality and ventilation, while just over half (52%) said thermal comfort was the most important factor. Natural lighting closely followed (50%) and then acoustic comfort (40%). In context, these stats show variations in which retrofit measures take precedence. It also highlights a growing need in the industry to define a standardised approach to retrofit assessments, such as the new BS 40104 standard. Tom Garrigan, Technical Director at BSRIA said: “The results of this study show a snapshot of the industry’s approach to retrofitting. There’s a clear need for detailed pre- and post-retrofit assessments. Understanding a building’s condition, possible defects, and energy performance is an essential step but one that appears to be lacking. Without high-quality testing, building owners will never know the true value of retrofit investments.” Lisa Ashworth, CEO at BSRIA said: “Retrofitting 29 million homes by 2050 is an ambitious goal for the UK. To achieve it, we must upskill the construction workforce on the value of retrofitting and the need for a meticulous approach to every property. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t test what you don’t measure’—a mindset the entire industry must embrace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaughlin & Harvey hands over keys for Eden Campus

McLaughlin & Harvey hands over keys for Eden Campus

McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October 2022. Building A, an eight-storey office building with a basement is located on Eden Street and has a strong architectural identity, continuing the curved profile of Eden Street. Building B, a second, complimentary ten-storey office building with a basement, is located on Brook Street. The two offices are fully integrated and designed for long-term flexibility. The joint entrance off Brook Street creates a welcoming approach at ground level whilst defining the main reception area. This will also reinforce the new public realm being created nearby. A connecting bridge at the sixth-floor level creates a seamless internal transition to the proposed social and communal spaces on the sixth-floor of Building A. The multi-storey car park on St James Road can accommodate 350 cars and 490 bikes. It has full electric charging infrastructure and changing facilities to facilitate sustainable commuting. It also has a landscaped roof garden. At completion, Eden Campus achieved an Excellent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment) rating, recognising McLaughlin & Harvey’s commitment to net zero by designing and delivering projects that are highly energy efficient, perform as designed when occupied, minimise carbon emissions and cost of ownership, and improve people’s health and wellbeing. Following the practical completion and key handover, Jonathan Lawes, Director at Cube Real Estate, said: “We are incredibly proud to have completed Unilever’s new UK headquarter campus. It is not just about the physical structure but more about the dreams, aspirations, and collective effort that have gone into making this project a reality. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a group of talented individuals comes together with a shared vision and determination.” Reflecting on the project, Michael Kieran, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “We are delighted to have reached Practical Completion of the Eden Campus project and hand over the keys to our Client, Cube Real Estate. The success of this exceptional project is a testament to the collaborative approach adopted by our design team, supply chain partners, project delivery team and the employer’s agent. We are extremely proud of the completed project and wish Unilever good luck as they embark on their fit-out.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Optimism prevails at major retrofit gathering

Optimism prevails at major retrofit gathering 

MORE than 150 leaders in the energy efficiency sector met this month for the annual National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and National Insulation Association (NIA) Parliamentary Reception, hosted in the historic House of Lords Cholmondeley Room and Terrace by Lord Best.   Members of both groups were in the esteemed company of Bill Esterson MP, Labour MP for Sefton Central and chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, as well as Selvin Brown, director of net zero buildings – domestic at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).  Talks reflected on the significant strides forward in decarbonisation of the UK’s housing stock over recent years and the bold ambitions for the future shared by the government, public and private sectors. With the new Labour government’s commitments to energy efficiency now laid out, it was a crucial time for both organisations to come together and discuss how to turn plans into reality. NHDG members had also met earlier in the day for its latest forum, with attendance from DESNZ, Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).   Derek Horrocks, chair of both the National Home Decarbonisation Group and the National Insulation Association, said: “It is a hugely exciting time to be involved in energy efficiency, and the ongoing cooperation between key stakeholders reveals a strong sense of optimism. The challenges we face have been identified, but there is confidence and trust that the rising investment in retrofit measures and clean energy will be effective in improving the lives of millions of people.   “Events such as the recent Parliamentary Reception are always used to highlight the issues caused by cold, damp and mouldy environments that people are unfortunately still occupying. However, the collective drive among members of the NHDG and NIA can create lasting change that will regenerate communities and ensure our housing stock meets much higher standards than are currently common.   “I must thank our guests Bill Esterson MP and Selvin Brown for their attendance and engagement, not only at the recent event but day to day too as the sector moves forwards. Having the government’s attention and financial support means that the private sector can sustain the necessary resources and influence greater policy, innovation and skills development.”  Members of the NHDG and NIA specialise in retrofit decarbonisation and insulation respectively. Both organisations aim to drive and demonstrate best practice in an effort to raise standards, which will help to tackle critical societal issues, including the five main crises of today – health, cost of living, housing, energy security and climate.    Gary Lawson, managing director at headline sponsor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, said: “The NHDG is very unique. Being a member means that we can contribute to collective growth in scale of energy efficiency works. There are economies of scale that are not yet being achieved to the extent that is possible, but we’re making an effort to change this alongside our fellow members who are equally committed to collaboration. It is clear that self-interests are being put to one side so that the leading experts in energy efficiency can improve overall retrofit delivery and results.”  The Parliamentary Reception event was also sponsored by Axis Europe, InstaGroup, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Smart Energie and CoreLogic.   To learn more about NHDG, its aims and its members, please visit the website at: https://www.nhdg.org/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction Hailed 2024’s Rising "Nature Positive" Industry

Construction Hailed 2024’s Rising “Nature Positive” Industry

The construction sector has become a rising player in global efforts to become “Nature Positive” according to UK-based biodiversity consultancy, Biodiversify. Recent reports show that the built environment sector is responsible for up to 30 percent of global biodiversity loss. However, some leading construction businesses have made significant progress in mitigating the impact of their operations on nature. For example, building material company Holcim became one of three companies globally to publicly adopt the science-based targets for nature in October 2024, showcasing that ambitious and credible action for nature is achievable within the building materials sector. BAM, a signatory of the Nature Positive Business Pledge and an early member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, has also made significant strides in integrating biodiversity considerations across its entire supply chain. Biodiversify reported a marked increase in construction companies seeking expert advice to embed Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) into their projects, particularly during the development of offices, depots, and manufacturing facilities. The boutique consultancy has praised the industry for starting to scrutinise its supply chain, tracing the origins of raw materials such as aggregates and timber, and leveraging certification standards to make informed sourcing decisions that support biodiversity. This emerging focus is aided by the recent work of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and Supply Chain Sustainability School to promote the business imperatives of sustainable procurement. Biodiversify is currently undertaking groundbreaking work with the UKGBC to address the embodied ecological impacts that are caused by the resource extraction and manufacturing process, such as the production and transportation of raw materials and the disposal of unused materials. This work builds on the insightful 2023 report published by Expedition Engineering on ‘The Embodied Biodiversity Impacts of Construction Materials’. Voluntary frameworks, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN), have also played a pivotal role in encouraging the construction sector to assess its relationship with nature, aided by legislative drivers including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Daniel Oldham, Principal Consultant at Biodiversify, said: “The construction sector has made impressive progress in addressing its impact on nature, demonstrating its capacity for meaningful change. “Voluntary nature frameworks have played a key role in helping the industry adopt robust methodologies for assessing impacts and dependencies on nature, enabling more informed and effective strategies. Many organisations are now wanting to align with science-based targets for nature, inspired by early adopters.” “Legislation like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are providing a strong foundation. However, the construction industry can make an even greater impact by fully embracing science-based frameworks and integrating biodiversity considerations across its entire value chain.” Biodiversify predicts that the momentum within the construction sector will continue to grow in 2025, spurred by legislative requirements and an expanding awareness of biodiversity’s critical role in business resilience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Leicester College to open new Green Technology Hub at Freemen’s Park Campus

Leicester College to open new Green Technology Hub at Freemen’s Park Campus

Will showcase a range of emerging green technologies to help students and employers learn green leadership skills and practical expertise Leicester College is set to open a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus in March 2025. The Hub will feature state-of-the-art green tech equipment including air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations. This will enable students, staff and employers to gain hands-on, practical experience with the latest green technology. The Green Technology Hub will support a range of Leicester College courses from Level 2 to Level 4, focused on renewables and green technology including: The Hub is funded by the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund and will be fitted out by Quantum Training, a UK renewable training provider, which will also train Leicester College staff on the equipment. Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College said: “The UK currently faces a large green skills gap so the development of our Green Technology Hub represents a step in the right direction by helping to provide a new generation of skilled workers who can take advantage of the career pathways in the rapidly-growing UK green technology sector. “As well as being the cornerstone for our new green tech courses, this new Green Technology Hub development will provide an excellent opportunity for our current students, adult evening learners and for local employers who are looking to upskill their workforce.” Maria Gonella, Managing Partner at Quantum added: “The government’s Net Zero Strategy has targets of supporting 440,000 green jobs by 2030. This new job market has evolved and continues to evolve rapidly. Leicester College students will be among some of the first in the country to gain hands-on experience with green technologies, gaining a sound practical foundation in the basic principles of cleaner energy generation and energy saving technology.” Leicester College, along with its partners Loughborough College, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College and SMB College Group, was successful in bidding for funding through the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund. The College has successfully been awarded funds to develop training programmes to meet local employers’ skills needs in key industries including the green sector. These programmes support four key aims: decarbonising transportation; green leadership skills; digital upskilling; and employer skills training. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Study Inn Completes Its Hat Trick at Wembley

Study Inn Completes Its Hat Trick at Wembley

2024 has been a landmark year for Study Inn, with the company winning three prestigious awards across the student accommodation sector, cementing its reputation as a leader in the industry. At the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards held at Wembley, Study Inn won Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative Award. The judges praised the company’s pioneering approach to student wellness, highlighting the introduction of wellness spas in its properties as a sector first.  “Your innovative approach to prioritising student health and wellbeing is nothing short of groundbreaking. By creating spaces where students can relax, recharge, and focus on their overall wellbeing, you’re setting a new standard for the industry”, the judges noted. Earlier this year, Study Inn celebrated an notable achievement at the StudentCrowd Voice Awards, receiving ‘Best Student Accommodation’ accolades in every city it operates in—Bristol (1st), Leeds (1st), Loughborough (1st), Exeter (2nd), Leicester (2nd), and Nottingham (3rd). These awards are especially meaningful as they are based on direct feedback from resident students. Study Inn also secured Best Student Broadband Award at the Global Student Living Awards, another student-voted recognition award, that reflects over 100,000 student voices across the UK and Ireland. The company also celebrated its Gold Certified Operator status for the second consecutive year, a testament to its ongoing operational excellence with a net promoter score of +34, 2.6x the benchmark for private halls. Since its inception in 2009, the luxury student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, has been dedicated to putting student wellbeing first, offering an all-inclusive, hotel-like service that sets it apart. From housekeeping, concierge, and 24/7 on-site staff to superfast Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art amenities including wellness spas, yoga studios, bowling lanes, cinema rooms, and study areas, Study Inn delivers an unrivalled experience for its residents. Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations, commented: “Winning these awards is an endorsement of our product and level of service and reflects the hard work of our entire team. From day one, we’ve been committed to creating spaces where students feel supported, inspired, and cared for. It’s great to see our efforts recognised on such a prestigious scale, and we’re excited to continue raising the bar for student accommodation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lloyds Living and Hill Group Break Ground on Exciting Build-to-Rent Project

Lloyds Living and Hill Group Break Ground on Exciting Build-to-Rent Project

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has taken a significant step into the thriving Build-to-Rent (BtR) market by securing its first forward funding deal with Lloyds Living. This landmark partnership marks a major milestone for Hill Group as it ventures further into this expanding sector. The inaugural project involves the creation of 264 rental apartments in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It represents a key phase of a larger masterplan, led by Hill, to deliver 576 apartments in Stevenage town centre. Designed to meet modern living demands, the one and two-bedroom apartments will be spread across three state-of-the-art buildings and offer residents exclusive amenities such as an on-site concierge, gym, co-working spaces, and parking facilities. Lloyds Living, the rental and shared ownership housing division of Lloyds Banking Group, is providing forward funding for the project and will oversee the management and leasing of the properties upon their scheduled completion in 2026. Expanding Hill Group’s BtR Footprint Building on its reputation as a trusted partner in the housebuilding industry, Hill is actively exploring BtR opportunities in collaboration with investors and partners. These initiatives include forward funding, forward commit, and joint ventures. The Stevenage development complements Hill’s growing pipeline of large-scale BtR projects, including flagship schemes in Coventry and Wembley. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, shared his enthusiasm for the venture: “We are thrilled to announce our first Build-to-Rent deal, underscoring our commitment to this dynamic market. By combining our expertise in creating vibrant living spaces with Lloyds Living’s proven track record as a funder and operator, we are confident this Stevenage development will set a benchmark for quality rental homes. With its prime location and excellent amenities, this project is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of the growing number of professionals seeking rental properties in the area.” Meeting Housing Demand with Lloyds Living Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Lloyds Living, highlighted the significance of the Build-to-Rent sector: “BtR plays a crucial role in addressing the UK’s housing needs. Partnering with Hill on projects like this enables us to deliver high-quality homes for rent in areas where they are most needed, alongside the facilities that modern renters prioritise.” Looking Ahead The Stevenage project exemplifies the potential of Build-to-Rent to transform urban living by providing professionally managed rental properties in vibrant, well-connected locations. With both Hill Group and Lloyds Living focused on quality and community, this partnership is poised to deliver homes that meet the evolving expectations of today’s renters while contributing to the regeneration of Stevenage town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Encouraging signs but big decisions still to come

Encouraging signs but big decisions still to come

The Passivhaus Trust responds to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent announcement The Scottish Government yesterday laid amendments to the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations to enable the implementation of the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard. This meets the commitment made by Ministers in December 2022 to give effect to Alex Rowley MSP’s final proposal for a proposed ‘Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill’. Scottish Building Standards has issued an accompanying statement, outlining the next steps for the implementation of the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent policy.  The Passivhaus Trust welcomes the following: The Passivhaus Trust notes that the legislative amendments announced today are quite minimal in scope,  as many of the changes needed to implement a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy are already possible within existing building standards and do not require substantial legislative changes. Scottish Building Standards has explained this further: “…our current regulations and mandatory standard which address energy and environmental performance already provided the means to deliver the improvements which are currently sought. However, changes were needed to The Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 to enable more effective reporting of evidence that compliance with relevant standards is achieved”. The Passivhaus Trust understands that the fine details of the policy are still to be revealed over the next few months. The outcome of the 2024 consultation process has yet to be announced and a further consultation in 2025 will determine the specific changes to performance targets and supporting compliance processes. The Scottish Building Standards team has stated that its consultation analysis report and Scottish Government response will be published shortly on the consultation webpage. In the next stage of proposals the Passivhaus Trust would like to see : Sarah Lewis, Research & Policy Director of the Passivhaus Trust said:“Today’s announcement by the Scottish Government is an important first legislative step but we are still awaiting the fine details of what that policy will look like. We are hopeful that the recommendations we put forward in our consultation response will have been taken on board so that Scottish building standards have the accurate tools and absolute energy targets that would be essential for any standard aiming to be a Passivhaus equivalent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Women in construction event inspires students to 'dream bigger than ever before'

Women in construction event inspires students to ‘dream bigger than ever before’

A Christmas lunch attended by more than 200 women across the region’s construction sector has looked to ‘bridge the gap between education and industry’. The Women in Construction Anglia event, at Ipswich Town Football Club on December 10, aimed to inspire the next generation of women to take up a career in the sector, while giving students the opportunity to meet female role models in the industry. Organised by Clare Friel, Managing Director of marketing agency Friel and founder of Construction Anglia, the event also sought to create a supportive community of women in a wide variety of construction roles across East Anglia. Clare said: “I created Women in Construction Anglia so that people could form new connections, and students studying on construction-related courses could see the opportunities in the industry. “The biggest thing that came out from our first event in October was role models – the fact our panellists didn’t have them when they came into the industry, but the students that attended now do. “We can’t get more women into the industry if they don’t know the opportunities that exist.  “That’s why it’s a priority for me to not only mix industry with education but to mix students together from different colleges.” The event was attended by staff and students from West Suffolk College and Suffolk New College and hosted by Siu Mun Li, CITB’s Most Influential Woman in Construction 2023 and Director at Temporary Works Forum. Averil Young, lecturer at West Suffolk College, said: “These events offer a unique and inspiring chance to bridge the gap between education and industry, providing my students with an invaluable window into the exciting and rewarding careers that could be part of their futures.  “Meeting powerful role models—women excelling in roles across the industry, from hands-on trades to senior leadership—has an immeasurable impact, showing my students what’s possible and inspiring them to dream bigger than ever before.” The event was sponsored by DPL Group, LDD Construction, KLH Architects, Howard Construction, Breheny, TRU 7 Group and Hudson Group. Kaleigh Norris, Head of Careers and Employer Engagement at Suffolk New College, attended the event along with a group of female electrical students. She said: “For our learners to be able to hear stories about the industry directly from employers and to hear how passionate they are about the sector helps them feel pride in what they are studying and excited to go into this industry in their future careers.” For more information on Women in Construction Anglia and upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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