Clowes Developments have further strengthened their team through the appointment of Jenny McCrea, a graduate from Nottingham Trent University. Jenny applied for the Graduate Surveyor position at Clowes in line with finishing her degree in Property Development and Planning where she obtained a 2:1. Jenny will be working with the
Mitie has released its 2024 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, highlighting significant strides towards its sustainability objectives. The leading facilities management provider achieved or surpassed 13 ambitious targets for the past financial year (FY24), underscoring its dedication to its core social value pillars: Environment, People, Communities, and Responsible Supply
elementalLONDON is delighted to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to help support its membership in the development of construction projects. Reflecting and enhancing the success of the elemental digital platform, elementalLONDON will have the ethos of Advancing the efficiency of buildings at
An apartment used as a ‘home from home’ by the parents of children undergoing treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has been given a facelift by the developer which built the property. Staff from Countryside Homes have carried out a full redecoration of the one-bedroom home at its Aura development
Specialist utilities services provider, Ipsum, has announced its acquisition of Stoke-on-Trent based electrical installation and maintenance contractor, Site Energy Limited, together with its associated training business SES Training Solutions. It marks the seventh acquisition in its Power division and ninth overall. The addition will complement Ipsum’s existing capabilities of electrical and
Two Principal Planners become Associate Directors and one team member is promoted from Assistant Planner to Planner DPP, one of the UK’s leading independent planning consultancies, has made key promotions at its offices in Cardiff, Leeds and Newcastle. Tom Molyneux Wright, Principal Planner at DPP’s Cardiff office, has been promoted
Wrenbridge and Buccleuch are delighted to have achieved a UK first, with their recently completed BREEAM Outstanding scheme, forward committed by IM Properties, scoring 100% in the final BREEAM Certificate, making it the highest UK certified assessment. Strategically positioned in a prime location, Nova is close to two of Oxford’s
Enthusiasts of antique Caterpillar® machines were given a tour of the latest Cat® machinery – and a chance to see a rebuild project in action when they were invited to Finning recently. The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) was welcomed to the Staffordshire headquarters of Finning UK & Ireland,
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the introduction of a British Standard that sets out energy rating classifications for industrial thermal insulation applications. BS EN 17956:2024 is applicable to technical insulation systems of operational installations in industry and building services. Using the recognised A to G energy rating
Latest findings show an uptick in Net-Zero projects and sustainability success NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has discovered steady growth in the sector’s efforts towards sustainability, showing that the number of Net Zero projects and those achieving environmental targets is on the rise.
Clowes Developments have further strengthened their team through the appointment of Jenny McCrea, a graduate from Nottingham Trent University. Jenny applied for the Graduate Surveyor position at Clowes in line with finishing her degree in Property Development and Planning where she obtained a 2:1. Jenny will be working with the Land and Planning and Development team in a hybrid role giving her a unique insight into both departments. Tom Morley, Surveyor in the Land and Planning team, commented on Jenny’s appointment, “We are delighted to welcome Jenny to the team. Jenny will be supporting two departments which are closely linked in the lifecycle of a typical Clowes project. Namely, she will be assisting on the delivery of a brand-new site, Pleasley Hill in Mansfield, Nottingham along with progressing existing sites through planning and onwards. Jenny added, “As a local graduate, I wanted to find a company where I would fit in and feel part of a team. I took a look at the website and noticed Clowes have a healthy mix of employees and a culture which would allow someone like me to thrive and grow as a young surveyor. The head office at Ednaston Park is beautiful, who wouldn’t want to work in that environment? Additionally, I noticed some great opportunities which most graduates could only dream of being involved in. Fairham is an exciting project, 606-acres of mixed-use development opportunities and a desire by Clowes and Homes England to nurture a brand-new neighbourhood from scratch. It’s a relatively small team at Clowes, so it’s all hands-on deck, that really appealed to me.” Jenny has aspirations to complete her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) in Planning and Development whilst working at Clowes. With a whole host of opportunities ahead of her, this will surely be a realistic goal for the new graduate. Clowes Developments are celebrating 60 years in business, they are one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a lasting legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper. The Derbyshire-based property group presented their strongest numbers in its history with turnover of £253.2m and operating profit of £43.4m for the financial year 2022-23. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mitie has released its 2024 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, highlighting significant strides towards its sustainability objectives. The leading facilities management provider achieved or surpassed 13 ambitious targets for the past financial year (FY24), underscoring its dedication to its core social value pillars: Environment, People, Communities, and Responsible Supply Chain. Key highlights from the report include: Environmental Leadership As part of its ‘Plan Zero’ initiative, which aims to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025, Mitie has successfully reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 5%. Major contributors to this reduction include the installation of low-carbon heat pumps across its sites and the ongoing transition to electric vehicles (EVs). With the introduction of its 5,000th EV, two-thirds (66%) of Mitie’s fleet is now fully electric, making it one of the largest electric fleets in the UK. In recognition of these achievements and its ongoing environmental efforts, Mitie received an ‘A’ grade for its carbon reduction strategy and reporting from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), placing it in the top 2% of organisations evaluated annually. Beyond reducing its own environmental impact, Mitie has also leveraged its expertise in green solutions, such as solar power and biodiversity, to assist its clients in reaching their net zero goals. Notable achievements in FY24 include increasing recycling rates at London Euston station from 10% to 81% through the introduction of an on-site recycling facility and installing 2,000 solar panels at the Associated British Ports site in Southampton, reducing carbon emissions by 235 tonnes annually. Empowering People Through Skills Development Mitie has continued its investment in training and development to foster long-term, fulfilling careers for its employees. Over FY24, the company supported over 1,200 apprentices at any given time, offering 90 apprenticeship courses. This includes the new Professional Security Operative Level 2 apprenticeship, which Mitie helped to develop to create more career progression opportunities within the security industry, and a heat pump engineer apprenticeship to support the growth of the UK’s green workforce. In April, Mitie reached a significant milestone by surpassing £2 million in Apprenticeship Levy gifting pledges. Through this initiative, Mitie has enabled over 25 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local community services across the UK to fund apprenticeship schemes. Making a Positive Impact in Communities Mitie has exceeded all its goals under the Community pillar, maintaining its commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves. This includes nearly 25,000 hours of volunteering for local causes, supported by Mitie’s initiative to offer employees ten hours of volunteer time each year. Mitie’s independent charity, The Mitie Foundation, which aims to support disadvantaged groups in securing employment, celebrated its tenth anniversary. Over the past year, the foundation helped recruit 418 individuals, while Mitie continued its support for the Armed Forces community by welcoming 790 forces leavers. Promoting Sustainability Through the Supply Chain Mitie takes pride in being a responsible business, with nearly half (47.7%) of its supply chain spend directed towards SMEs and £3.3 million allocated to voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), surpassing its target by 46%. The company also achieved a 12% reduction in supply chain emissions compared to FY23, marking the completion of a three-year supply chain transformation programme focused on enhancing sustainability through procurement. Peter Dickinson, Chief Legal Officer at Mitie, commented: “As one of Britain’s largest businesses, we are committed to making a positive impact on our people, communities, and the environment. With our 2025 net zero targets fast approaching, it’s encouraging to see that we have exceeded so many of our goals this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
elementalLONDON is delighted to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to help support its membership in the development of construction projects. Reflecting and enhancing the success of the elemental digital platform, elementalLONDON will have the ethos of Advancing the efficiency of buildings at its core. It will deliver an exhibition and content programme created around the wants and needs of its audience that combines deep insight with practical understanding of the challenges faced by building owners and operators, and the entire supply chain, across commercial and residential projects. The partnership will facilitate the delivery of information to the CIAT membership and give elementalLONDON visitors the opportunity to connect with the Institute’s team and understand more about architectural technology as a discipline. (pictured) Adam Endacott, Head of Creative & Communications, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, comments: “CIAT is excited to be working with elementalLONDON for this all-new show aimed at specifiers. It is an ideal opportunity for Architectural Technologists to broaden their knowledge development, explore products and processes and gain essential CPD. We look forward to this show becoming a staple part of the built environment exhibition calendar.” Rebecca Pearce, elementalLONDON Event Director, adds: “We’re delighted to have agreed this partnership with CIAT. We look forward to being able to share our plans and vision with the Institute’s members in the coming months, and welcoming them to ExCeL London in 2025 and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An apartment used as a ‘home from home’ by the parents of children undergoing treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has been given a facelift by the developer which built the property. Staff from Countryside Homes have carried out a full redecoration of the one-bedroom home at its Aura development in Trumpington as part of the company’s ongoing support of the Rhys Daniels Trust. The charity, which provides free accommodation for families close to specialist children’s hospitals across the UK, bought the apartment at Aura – just a five-minute drive from Addenbrooke’s – four years ago Countryside, which is now part of the Vistry Group, agreed to help maintain the property for 10 years, including carrying out regular redecorations and other essential works. The latest redecoration took place earlier this year after Nicky Brody, manager at the Trust, reached out to Vistry to see if they could help. Chris Overton, customer service director at Vistry Central Home Counties, said: “Nicky called the customer service team in the year and asked if we could do a few bits of touching up, but we said it would make more sense for us to carry out a full redecoration as it would look better for new guests for the year. “We’ve kept to the original colour of white as it does not age and we hope this will create a more welcoming and relaxing environment for parents at what must be an incredibly stressful and difficult time of their lives. “Nicky and the team don’t like to ask, but we are here to help should they need us. The Rhys Daniels Trust is such an incredible charity and one we’re extremely proud to support. Painting a few rooms may seem like a small thing to us but it can make a huge difference to the families who stay here while their child is undergoing treatment.” Nicky Brody, Manager at the Rhys Daniels Trust, said: “For the past four years, since the Trust purchased the flat at the Aura development in Trumpington, the team at Countryside Homes has been very supportive of what we do here at the charity. Right from the start they signalled their support by furnishing the apartment free of charge, which was a huge help. “The team has been providing maintenance services at the flat since we have been here, ensuring that the families that stay here are at their most comfortable, to help make it as stress-free as possible for them. “We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and would not be able to be here without the support of some truly wonderful companies. On that note, we would like to say a big thank you to Countryside Homes for its continued support which helps us to carry on providing our free ‘Home from Home’ service for families.” The Trust, which is based in Essex, also provides a free ‘home from home’ property for families whose children are being treated at King’s College Hospital in London, Bristol Royal Infirmary and the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. Countryside Homes is part of Vistry Group, which also includes Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. Vistry is building under its Countryside Homes brand at the St Michael’s Hurst and St James’ Park developments in Bishop’s Stortford. For more information, visit countrysidehomes.com. Further details about the Rhys Daniels Trust can be seen at www.rhysdanielstrust.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist utilities services provider, Ipsum, has announced its acquisition of Stoke-on-Trent based electrical installation and maintenance contractor, Site Energy Limited, together with its associated training business SES Training Solutions. It marks the seventh acquisition in its Power division and ninth overall. The addition will complement Ipsum’s existing capabilities of electrical and mechanical design, installation and maintenance of low and high voltage installations across the UK. The acquisition of the training facility also shows Ipsum’s commitment to developing its existing and new employees, while continuing to provide high quality training to the wider industry. Richard Thomas, CEO at Ipsum, said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Site Energy Limited and SES Training Solutions. Not only does it broaden our capabilities and geographical reach in the Power industry, but it also allows us to support the development of current and future talent. We warmly welcome our new colleagues to Ipsum, and we look forward to working with Simon and Carl who are remaining with the business.” Simon Blundred, MD at Site Energy Limited, said: “We’re looking forward to this new and exciting period. We have been working closely with Ipsum over the last few months to ensure a seamless transition so that we can continue to deliver for our customers. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to further enhance our offering and tap into Ipsum’s delivery at scale.” Carl Thompson, MD at SES Training Solutions, continued: “The acquisition will allow us to further tap into the Power sector and work with some key players in the industry to provide essential training to the current and new workforce. Times are challenging and Power as an industry is facing the mammoth task of attracting new talent, however the acquisition presents a great opportunity to engage with people across the UK and show them how exciting it is to be in this sector.” Ipsum is a leading provider of specialist utility and infrastructure services. It works in partnership with customers across regulated and non-regulated environments to optimise asset performance, supporting the security, resiliency of critical networks. Read more here. The transaction was advised upon by Luke Rae, Corporate Deal Executive at KBS Corporate, the UK’s No.1-ranked mid-market company sales adviser (source: LSEG). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two Principal Planners become Associate Directors and one team member is promoted from Assistant Planner to Planner DPP, one of the UK’s leading independent planning consultancies, has made key promotions at its offices in Cardiff, Leeds and Newcastle. Tom Molyneux Wright, Principal Planner at DPP’s Cardiff office, has been promoted to Associate Director, as has Oliver Corbett, who will be stepping up as Associate Director at its Leeds office. Assistant Planner Joe Kirtley, who is a member of DPP’s Newcastle team, has been promoted to Planner. Tom is a graduate of the University of West of England and relocated from a planning consultancy in Bristol in 2018 to join DPP as a planner. He worked his way up the ladder and has now been recognised by his peers within the consultancy and has been promoted to Associate Director. Tom is as a Corporate Member of the RTPI Cymru Executive Committee, helping inform and shape planning policy in Wales. Tom works on a range of sectors on projects across Wales and Southern England, recently securing consent at appeal for a 419-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Beeston, as well as the zero carbon in operation West Coventry Academy. Oliver Corbett is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University where he studied Town Planning. He worked at Kirklees Council as a graduate planner before joining DPP as a planner in 2018. Several promotions later, Oliver has now been named as one of DPP’s new Associate Directors. He also sits on the committee of Forum for Tomorrow (fft)Leeds, the young professional’s branch of the Forum for the Built Environment (fbe) Leeds construction industry networking group, where he organises various networking and CPD events throughout the year. Oliver works across many sectors at DPP and is currently working on major education redevelopment projects across the country. He is also leading on the regeneration of the Rheola Estate in the Neath Valley, South Wales, which includes three Grade II listed buildings and a Registered Park and Garden designed by renowned architects John Nash and George Stanley Repton. Joe Kirtley studied Urban Studies and Planning at The University of Sheffield and after graduating in 2021 went on to join firm of chartered surveyors as a graduate planner, before joining DPP as an Assistant Planner in August 2022. He is also a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute North East Young Planners Committee. Based out of DPP’s Newcastle office, Joe works across many sectors including education, residential, retail, leisure and health. He has worked on projects such as Culture House in Sunderland, Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe and a major residential development in Easington Lane, Sunderland Gareth Hooper, CEO of DPP Planning, said of the promotions: “There is nothing I like better than seeing colleagues thrive at DPP and that’s just what we have witnessed with Tom, Oliver and Joe. “Being able to nurture talent is part of our DNA at DPP and seeing our younger staff members progress and contribute so much to not only us as a business, but also to our client’s work is so rewarding.” Gareth added: “At DPP we recognise that we need the best in the business on our team to win and work on the best projects. We are fiercely independent and so we are committed to succession planning and creating a culture of excellence in a supportive and fulfilling working environment.” More information about DPP can be found at https://dppukltd.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrenbridge and Buccleuch are delighted to have achieved a UK first, with their recently completed BREEAM Outstanding scheme, forward committed by IM Properties, scoring 100% in the final BREEAM Certificate, making it the highest UK certified assessment. Strategically positioned in a prime location, Nova is close to two of Oxford’s most influential science areas – Oxford Science Park and Arc Oxford. The BREEAM Outstanding certification demonstrates the ongoing commitment of all parties to bringing forward market- leading, highly sustainable developments, by attaining a perfect score. For Wrenbridge and Buccleuch, who have delivered multiple developments over a decade of business together, this is another proud milestone. For IM Properties, it underlines its belief in their ambitious plans to transform the site into a new best in class, state of the art 45,000sq/ft facility for mid-tech, R&D and lab use, bringing the site back into economic use. Wrenbridge and Buccleuch partnered up a couple of years ago to acquire the former gas holder site from SGN, in a prime location on the outskirts of Oxford. The gas holder was decommissioned and demolished and delivering their vision began. Due to the former use and challenging nature of the site, Wrenbridge engaged with the Local Authority right from the project’s outset, working collaboratively with the land contamination officer as well as the EA. Planning permission and funding by IM Properties followed and construction then commenced in the summer of 2023, with Parkway (Main Contractor) achieving Practical Completion in March 2024. Alistair Dunsdon, Director of Wrenbridge comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have turned our ambitious vision into a reality, through this landmark development. To be recognised as the first ever scheme to achieve a 100% BREEAM certificate is remarkable and something we are extremely proud of. This achievement was made possible by the innovation, commitment and collaboration with our trusted partners Buccleuch, our BREEAM consultant – Eight Versa, our Main Contractor – Parkway and the whole design team, they have all been sensational!” James Feltham, Director of Wrenbridge adds: “We are constantly pushing ourselves to provide the best possible buildings to suit occupiers’ requirements with a keen focus on sustainability, this achievement is testament to that. We hope that this sets the benchmark going forward and that we can continue to improve our product along with our trusted and valued design team and contractors.” Sandy Smith, Development Director at Buccleuch Property comments: “We are so pleased to have delivered another successful project with Wrenbridge, and in doing so, transforming what was a redundant gas holding tower into the UK’s highest scoring BREEAM project ever. Working collaboratively with all stakeholders has really helped deliver the vision that we and Wrenbridge had for this asset, and we are delighted to have funded another deal with IM Properties.” Nova adds to its green credentials with on-site renewables, 46 cycle parking spaces and 25 percent of its 50-space car park allocated for electric vehicles. It’s sustainable design and attractive setting within a wildlife garden with pond and landscaped breakout and amenity space, also puts social responsibility and employee wellbeing front and centre. Agents acting on Nova, available for immediate occupation include Carter Jonas and Colliers International. SUPPLEMENTARY/TECHNICAL SUMMARY In addition to achieving BREEAM Outstanding and 100% on the final stage certificate, the scheme also achieved an EPC rating of A+, making it truly ‘best-in-class’. The building maximises sustainable travel with green-roofed cycle shelters (which also act as a haven for birds and insects), electric charging points for bikes and cars, shower, locker-room and change facilities, with a number of car parking spaces being dedicated for ‘car sharing’ users only. The team also worked collaboratively with the LA, to make improvements to the surrounding pedestrian and cycle routes. Occupiers can take advantage of the external breakout spaces and seating areas in the high-quality landscaped garden, which surrounds the building and includes a wildlife pond. Furthermore, ecological enhancement and biodiversity was maximised – the project achieved significant net gain. A number of low and zero carbon technologies are installed on site, including a substantial provision of roof mounted PVs, which generate significant energy savings for the occupier. Air Source heat pumps provide an efficient method for cooling and heating the building. The building is dressed in a brise soleil structure which acts as an architectural feature and a solar shading system, to control the amount of sunlight and solar heat that enters the building. Thermographic surveys were also carried carried out to determine if there was any heat leakage, but no remediation was required, due to the high performance of the building. Through the ventilation design, the building achieves good internal air and reduces the risk of external pollutants 15% of the warehouse roof is covered with rooflights and a generous amount of natural light floods into the office/reception, which prevents the need for artificial lighting and improves wellbeing. PIR lighting is installed throughout the office and switches off automatically when that area of the building is not in use. Best practice internal acoustic performance standards are achieved. Water efficient fittings and leak detection is installed, to prevent water wastage and ensure a 50% improvement over the BRE baseline for water consumption. Flood risk attenuation minimises run-off from site and minimises watercourse pollution. Materials were procured with a high level of responsible sourcing certification and EPDs. The maximum number of waste credits were achieved through good waste management, low waste consumption and high levels of recycling during the construction phase. Project team: BREEAM Consultant: Eight Versa Architect: CMP Architects QS and EA: KAM M&E Engineer: MBA C&S Engineer: Sweco Planning and landscape: Stantec Environmental Services: TRC Transport: SLR Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Enthusiasts of antique Caterpillar® machines were given a tour of the latest Cat® machinery – and a chance to see a rebuild project in action when they were invited to Finning recently. The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) was welcomed to the Staffordshire headquarters of Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and services, to host its annual meeting. Founded in 1991, ACMOC has thousands of members from around the world with an avid interest in the history of Caterpillar machinery. Along with taking part in the annual meeting, members enjoyed a tour of the Finning site including an impressive display of static machinery including a Cat 395 hydraulic excavator, a Cat 770 off-highway truck, Cat D6 and D3 dozers, a Cat 14 motor grader and a Cat 986 wheel loader. The visitors were also able to get hands-on with the machinery in a challenge at the Cat Compact Store supported by Alex Clarke, CDI Qualified Operator Trainer and Graham Knighton, Senior Machine Demonstrator, who is also a member of ACMOC. Hayley Brown, Brand and Events Marketing Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “The group all have a shared passion for Cat machines – old and new. While many of the members are collectors of antique machines, there are current owners and operators in the club too, including Tom Balls from J.C. Balls & Sons. “During their visit we took the members on a tour around the Cannock site and workshops. As part of this, the visitors were able to see a Cat 345C hydraulic excavator rebuild in action, which the group was impressed to see. “Engineers explained the rebuild process and how the machine would then proceed to the final paint stage before being handed over to the customer in early June. This was of particular interest to the group as they were able to see first-hand that Cat machines can be rebuilt to have many new lives.” ACMOC President Bodie Hunter said: “We are so grateful to Finning for inviting us to host our AGM at the Cannock site and making us all feel so welcome. It was impressive to see the site in action and share this with our members, who are all huge Caterpillar enthusiasts.” Finning and ACMOC also raised money via a raffle during their visit, splitting the funds raised between chosen charities – the East Midlands Air Ambulance, and Mind UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the introduction of a British Standard that sets out energy rating classifications for industrial thermal insulation applications. BS EN 17956:2024 is applicable to technical insulation systems of operational installations in industry and building services. Using the recognised A to G energy rating system, it specifies methods for the energy classification of insulation systems for components such as pipes, ducts, vessels, and equipment with an operational temperature range of −30 °C up to 650 °C. Research undertaken by the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF) found that the UK could save 1.183 kilotonnes in energy and reduce carbon emissions by 3.480 kilotonnes by improving insulation efficiencies in the industrial sector alone. These potential savings are equivalent to the annual energy consumption of more than 830,000 households or 1.7m cars. The EiiF has aligned its Technical Insulation Performance Check (TIPCHECK) system with BS EN 17956:2024. The standardised thermal energy auditing tool evaluates the performance of industrial insulation systems and has already helped thousands of clients on the continent reduce both carbon output and energy costs. As an EiiF member, TICA has access to TIPCHECK, and the trade body is already preparing the UK thermal insulation sector to become a key enabler of industrial decarbonisation. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Director, said: “Trying to get either government or industry to recognise the gaping hole that exists in our national Net Zero Strategy deployment, due to uninsulated or badly insulated pipework, has proven challenging. “Anything that makes the specification of energy saving thermal insulation easier to understand and enact for clients is most welcome. I think the UK thermal insulation market will need to undergo a period of adaptation before the benefits of BS EN 17956: 2024 can be deployed at a national scale, but the conversations with Net Zero policymakers needs to start now. “At our national training centre, we are already training thermal insulation apprentices on the fundamentals of thermal imaging, so they understand the importance of pipe insulation as a means of reducing energy losses. We are also working with the EiiF to upskill the next generation of UK-based TIPCHECK experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Latest findings show an uptick in Net-Zero projects and sustainability success NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has discovered steady growth in the sector’s efforts towards sustainability, showing that the number of Net Zero projects and those achieving environmental targets is on the rise. The ‘green gains’ were found in NBS’ Sustainable Futures Report, in association with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Now in its fourth iteration, it shows the number of Net-Zero projects being commissioned is increasing. Six in ten industry professionals (64%) have worked on a Net Zero project in the past year – a sign of the sector’s growing focus on low-carbon construction. This is compared with around half of all respondents in 2022 (49%). The study, which surveyed almost 600 people working within the built environment, aims to understand sustainability attitudes and protocols in the construction sector. Since launching in 2022, it has provided an industry benchmark for evolving views and opinions, shaping best practice guides on the journey to Net-Zero. Figures on the number of people who had ‘accomplished sustainability’ were also included. 43 percent or around four in ten said they had been successful (vs a third back in 2022). Interestingly, this sentiment was felt most strongly amongst clients but was slightly lower for architects (35%). In addition to reducing the sector’s environmental impact, these stats could show that target-based construction is making a difference. This is alongside other factors such as product availability, and the increasing use of building product data – which is crucial for architects to ascertain the ‘greenest’ product or material. However, despite the optimism, barriers to sustainability persist. The primary reason is now cost, whereas in previous years it was due to a lack of client demand. This is unsurprising given recent external forces such as a stagnating economy, cost of living crisis, and price surges for building products and materials. Though clients are clearly starting to see the downstream value of sustainable assets, which is also backed up by the increase in certification to BREEAM within the commercial sector. Another notable difference is the number of organisations measuring their carbon footprint. Seven in ten firms now measure emissions (70%) compared with just five in ten (54%). Those setting carbon reduction goals have also risen by fourteen percent (76% up from 62%) as did the number of companies choosing to offset carbon. Over half of firms now have carbon offsetting strategies in place (53%) while in 2021 this figure was much lower, at just over a third (38%). There were also some surprises in terms of the sustainability ‘priorities list’. ‘Embodied carbon’ ranked fourth, with ‘Net zero operational carbon’ taking the top spot. However, this is likely due to legislation covering operational efficiency but not embodied carbon. When asked to rank the importance of the life cycle analysis stages from environmental product declarations, embodied carbon took first place. The report also touched on the role manufacturers play in helping architects achieve low-carbon outcomes. Nine in ten (93%) agreed that robust specification is important for achieving sustainable outcomes. Within that, nearly all architects (94%) agree that manufacturers should supply digital information on the green credentials of their products to boost their chances of specification. Dr. Lee Jones, Head of Sustainability at Byggfakta Group, NBS’ parent company, said: “The construction industry’s green momentum is building, with NBS reporting a small boost in net-zero projects and environmental targets being met. These are welcome figures and show that, whilst much more must be done, the sector is progressively aiming for a sustainable future. “Certainly, I’d expect to see new significance given to areas like sustainable land use and biodiversity, especially given the recent introduction of new legislation as part of the 2021 Environment Act. “Going forward, I would like to see legislation around net zero building practices going further, covering embodied carbon as well as operational efficiency. For the industry to truly achieve sustainable outcomes, it needs the Government to take a stronger lead, supporting with policy and incentives.” Dr. Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, said: “Research studies like the NBS Sustainable Futures Report are invaluable in guiding our industry toward a greener future and understanding our progress on the path to net zero. Yet it’s only by leveraging robust construction data, that we collectively drive the progress needed to meet our environmental goals and build a more sustainable world.” To download the NBS Sustainable Futures Report 2024, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
