Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment announces the launch of “Project Spur”, a single family Built to Rent (“BTR”) portfolio of around 1,200 homes across 10 of its development sites. Harworth is today publishing marketing materials for the scheme, which represents
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the £47.35 million refurbishment of London South Bank University’s (LSBU) London Road Building. The national fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has redeveloped the university’s learning environments as part of one of the biggest transformation programmes in its history. The new learning hub features modern workspaces,
Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship
The London Construction Awards is an evening to celebrate all of the success, development and innovation of the construction industry over the last year. And a chance to celebrate all the different parties that make the industry what it is today from solution providers to architects to local authorities. With
SEGRO – the leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property – and Groundwork – the federation of charities focused on mobilising practical community action – have worked in partnership to create a new outdoor green community space in Willenhall, Coventry The scheme has also provided support
New £20M 113,000 sq ft robot led HQ/Warehouse Facility under construction for fast-growing pharmacy chain Peak Pharmacy at new Horizon 29 development. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration and its joint venture partner ALMCOR has announced that
A BRAND-NEW cross-specialism group has been formed to bring together the brightest young minds across the construction industry. Looking to harness the power of collective innovation, the Future Innovation Group aims to tackle construction’s biggest issues and create a springboard for change, with new thinking from the leaders of tomorrow.
Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, is to retire this week after 37 years working in Further Education and vocational skills training. From teenage Keighley carpentry and joinery apprentice to leader of the UK’s only General Further Education College that specialises in construction, Derek has spent decades
WWF and ScottishPower report also shows combined technologies could increase house prices by an average of £10,000 Financial incentives, clear advice and support urgently needed from UK governments to make the shift a reality New analysis from WWF and ScottishPower has found that a combination of green technologies could reduce
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “During the first few months of the pandemic, the job security of construction workers was thrown into serious doubt, and sadly tens of thousands of employees lost their jobs. However, the latest ONS data shows that the situation has really turned
Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment announces the launch of “Project Spur”, a single family Built to Rent (“BTR”) portfolio of around 1,200 homes across 10 of its development sites. Harworth is today publishing marketing materials for the scheme, which represents a unique forward funding and long-term investment opportunity for a prospective partner. Harworth announced plans to develop a single family BTR product in September 2021, as part of its strategy to grow its business to £1bn of EPRA NDV1 over five to seven years. This new product will be complementary to Harworth’s existing Build to Sell products developed by housebuilders at its residential sites and will support the Company’s ambition to double its residential plot sales to around 2,000 plots per annum over its strategic plan period. Project Spur will be an opportunity to acquire a single family housing portfolio of significant scale across 10 established sites in Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West. The sites are in strong locations which are in close proximity to major conurbations and employment centres, as well as local amenities and transport connections. The sites have also benefited from Harworth’s investment, as well as its masterplanning and placemaking expertise, which have delivered extensive green space, recreational facilities and a well-deigned public realm. The introduction of the BTR product is expected to further add to the vibrancy and attractiveness of these communities. The housing type composition for the portfolio has been optimised for the single family BTR market, with a focus on two- and three-bedroom homes, all built to a high-quality design which is centred on sustainability. The project has an anticipated delivery timeline of three years, with phased handovers of the sites during this time. There will be the potential, subject to further agreement, for the partner to work with Harworth to introduce the single family BTR product to additional sites as part of future phases of development. Project Spur is being marketed by Allsop on behalf of Harworth. 1 European Public Real Estate Association (“EPRA”) Net Disposal Value: an adjusted net asset value metric that is one of Harworth’s Key Performance Indicators. “Harworth’s extensive portfolio is particularly well suited to delivering institutional quality single family rental homes at scale. Project Spur is part of our strategy to accelerate the development of our residential sites, providing a range of homes for local people and enabling diverse communities. We look forward to working with partners aligned to our purpose and ambitions, to continue delivering places where people want to live and work.” Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group “Project Spur is a rare opportunity to partner with one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration specialists. Located in suburban communities across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West, these units provide a diverse and defensible portfolio of properties that benefit from close proximity and strong transport links to nearby employment and amenity centres.” James Crow, Head of Mixed Tenure, Harworth Group
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the £47.35 million refurbishment of London South Bank University’s (LSBU) London Road Building. The national fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has redeveloped the university’s learning environments as part of one of the biggest transformation programmes in its history. The new learning hub features modern workspaces, amenities and technology, designed to support individual learning needs and create new and different ways of engaging students. LSBU staff and students will benefit from 191,000 sq ft of dedicated learning spaces, including a new state-of-the-art library and learning resource, as well as improved Academy of Sport facilities, with a fully equipped gymnasium. There are new open access computer rooms with updated equipment, private rooms for group work and study, additional lecture capacity and new and improved places to eat. The transformation has also completely overhauled the arrival experience at the London Road Building, with a new entrance lobby, staircases and lifts greatly improving accessibility. Willmott Dixon Interiors has delivered the BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rated space to maximise natural daylight, removing existing facades and installing skylights in the library and concourse areas. It features a new building management system to support the efficient use of energy and uses LED lighting throughout. Sustainably sourced natural materials are a feature of the design, including a birch plywood feature wall showcasing a large fabric artwork, which injects colour and vibrancy into the building. Externally a new blue roof system and rain attenuation tank have been installed to attenuate and manage stormwater. The project used BIM Level 2 methodology, with works delivered by Willmott Dixon Interiors and its supply chain partners during the pandemic and within a live campus environment. It is a key part of LSBU’s wider redevelopment project at its campus at Elephant and Castle, which aims to consolidate its position as a leading modern university, and provide benefits to students, staff and the wider community. Graham Shaw, managing director of Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “This is a bold and exciting project that realises LSBU’s vision for revolutionising the student experience. It has made best use of space across the entire campus, delivering dedicated learning zones and the capacity and facilities to serve students, staff and the wider community for many years to come. “We have a substantial presence in the university sector and have built a deeply collaborative relationship with LSBU during the course of the project. It has provided us with the opportunity to showcase our full range of capabilities in structural refurbishment, interior fit out and working in a busy campus environment.” The project was delivered by Willmott Dixon Interiors and a team including Wilkinson Eyre Architects, Eckersley O’Callaghan as structural engineers, BDP as services engineer and Fulkers LLP as project manager and cost consultant.
Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship of using SITECH machine control systems spanning over 15 years, so when an influx of new operators and a transition from the Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks meant they needed training support they approached the team at SITECH. Story Plant carry out works with multiple clients across the UK, and they are now growing their customer base within the Midlands which has led to an increase in their fleet and number of operators. Mark Bruce, head of technical development at Story Plant, said: “We rely heavily on our machines and the Trimble system to get things right and we currently have six dozer machines configured with the tech. “We found that different clients want to use different configurations of the Trimble system, often our operators would only use one system for a period of time and would then require a refresher when they needed to switch to a different configuration. “Solving that skill fade was important because we need our teams to have confidence in the system they’re using. Working within the rail industry you must get the work done right first time, because timescales are tight and as there’s a closure on the rail network there are severe consequences for delays. “As well as meeting tight timescales, we place significant importance on carrying out our work safely. This involves working in areas with restricted space, such as tunnels and viaducts, so having confidence in the systems they are using allows our teams to focus on safe delivery.” “We’re also in the process of transitioning from the old Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks, so we approached SITECH to see if they could create a series of quick reference videos as refreshers for our operators on things like setting up the system and simple fault fixes, which they can watch on their tablet or mobile phone. “The training videos are just one example of our good relationship with the team at SITECH, as they also supported us earlier this year when we bought a Caterpillar D6K2 dozer, the largest dozer on the UK rail infrastructure. Because of the restricted space it operates in, it has a unique folding blade fitted which the SITECH team analysed to ensure the mast is located in exactly the right position when the Trimble system is in use.” To find out more about the construction technology, software and services SITECH UK & Ireland offers, visit the website https://www.sitechukandireland.com.
The London Construction Awards is an evening to celebrate all of the success, development and innovation of the construction industry over the last year. And a chance to celebrate all the different parties that make the industry what it is today from solution providers to architects to local authorities. With a record number of entries this year, we are delighted to announce that after a preliminary round of voting, we have been shortlisted for both Supplier of the Year and Fire Safety Solution of the Year categories. Supplier of the Year While Quelfire is a relatively small company, what makes us stand out is the unwavering passion that everyone, from management to production, has for what we do: Protecting People & Property. We manufacture our core product range in our purpose-built premises in Sandbach, UK, working in strict compliance with factory control procedures. We have an extremely enthusiastic manufacturing team who are dedicated to making sure our products are of the highest standard. Annually, we put in a significant proportion of investment into our research and development. By providing firestopping solutions for real-life scenarios, based on feedback and trends on the market, this ensures there is a tested solution for the most used, and even some less common, service penetrations. We have never felt prouder of how far we have come in terms of testing; however, we would not be affectionately known as ‘Team Orange’ without our value-added services. Our first-class customer service is a prime example of the core values that we have at Quelfire. Our team is friendly, honest, and approachable, and is always willing to help with any challenges faced in the industry. Further to this, we provide extensive technical support from planning through design to installation and aim to answer any queries within one working day – although we almost always reply a lot quicker! We have recently launched the QuelSelector tool which is a simple way that customers can easily stay up to date with the latest details and ultimately, work to build a safer future. We go above and beyond when educating the industry about the importance of fire safety and use every platform available to us; should it be panel discussions at exhibitions, CPD accredited webinars, or one-to-one consultations about early engagement in firestopping. We also offer Toolbox Training which is an opportunity for trades to get specific help on the installation of products. Fire Safety Solution of the Year For this category, we nominated the QuelStop Firestopping System as our solution. This has become more than just a group of products, but a great source of pride and something much bigger than profit! Though it may just seem like any other firestopping system as the ones offered by competitors, what makes the QuelStop System special is the wide range of tested details offered; our value-added services; and the early engagement approach that we use to help clients design and install the system in a compliant way. As mentioned previously, we have a robust testing programme and now over 300 tested details which ultimately provide the industry and a building’s occupants with peace of mind. As well as our unparalleled technical department, we have an extensive library of tested details that is readily available for anyone who wishes to use it. In addition to our tested details, we have other documentation to support design and specification: NBS specifications, BIM models, tested detail drawings and product datasheets, and provide installation guides and educational videos. Furthermore, our early engagement process supports all parties involved from design to installation: main contractors, architects, specialist engineers, firestopping contractors and other trades. At Quelfire, we offer that end-to-end support in order for the firestopping system to be designed and installed as per the test evidence, ultimately contributing to safer buildings. Through decades of unwavering dedication to fire safety, we have built a community based on tested solutions, expert technical support, outstanding customer support and training. We feel extremely honoured to have been shortlisted for both categories, alongside many other deserving nominees. Team Orange looks forward to the reveal of the winner on the 23 September 2022!
SEGRO – the leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property – and Groundwork – the federation of charities focused on mobilising practical community action – have worked in partnership to create a new outdoor green community space in Willenhall, Coventry The scheme has also provided support for 10 unemployed people from the area. The project was launched at Willenhall Education, Employment and Training Centre, and marks the first initiative delivered through SEGROs national charity partnership with Groundwork UK and the first project delivered as part of SEGRO’s Community Investment Plan for Coventry. The new outdoor green space that has been created in Willenhall, is boosting local biodiversity and presenting new opportunities for community engagement initiatives. The space will be used by a range of community groups including the on-site nursery, on-site adult education group for individuals with additional needs, a community men’s group, and for community family open days. The project has supported 10 unemployed adults from the local area for two days a week over the six-week project. The programme has enabled them to gain practical green skills including path laying, raised bed building, planting and orchard creation; receive employability support including CV writing and interview skills and job searching; gain qualifications in Healthy and Safety and Carbon Literacy; and develop their skills in teamwork, communication, planning and leadership. Willenhall was selected for this project due to its close proximity to SEGROs new development in Coventry, and the benefit that the community will see by providing a new green space in the town. Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to see this fantastic new green space project that will go a long way to help the local community connect with nature as well as supporting people towards a career in the green jobs sector. “We look forward to seeing the results of future projects to come from our exciting partnership with SEGRO.” Paul Dunne, Director of Group Operations at SEGRO, said: “At SEGRO, we aspire to be a force for environmental and social good. This project will make a tangible difference to people in Willenhall and the wider area, providing skills and opportunities to access jobs, and crucially, delivering on our commitment to enhancing biodiversity and the local environment.” This is the latest initiative delivered as part of the company’s Responsible SEGRO commitments, which includes the creation and implementation of Community Investment Plans in all of SEGRO’s key operational areas by 2025. Over a ten-year period, SEGRO has set the target of achieving the following outcomes for its Coventry Community Investment Plan: 700 local unemployed residents to benefit from SEGRO’s Skills, Training and Employment programme 15 ‘environmental’ community projects that revitalise outdoor space and enhance biodiversity and community wellbeing 3000 young people to benefit from SEGRO’s Schools Programme – inspiring the next generation of workers through insight visits, career talks and mentoring SEGRO’s Community Investment Plans include national partnerships with Groundwork, which focuses on delivering skills programmes to support routes into employment through practical real-life experience, particularly via working on local green space projects and Shaw Trust – a social purpose organisation focused on breaking down barriers to enable social mobility.
New £20M 113,000 sq ft robot led HQ/Warehouse Facility under construction for fast-growing pharmacy chain Peak Pharmacy at new Horizon 29 development. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration and its joint venture partner ALMCOR has announced that it has officially broken ground on a new 113,000 sq ft robot led HQ/warehouse for fast growing Chesterfield based Pharmacy Chain Peak Pharmacy at its much sought after Horizon 29 industrial development site at Bolsover, North Derbyshire. Works on the £20M ultra-modern headquarters and facility commenced at the start of June and are accelerating rapidly. The new facility will use state of the art robotics and automated systems to support staff handling over 400,000 medicines and other prescribed items every month, equating to 20,000 a day, more than 40 every minute. The new Pharmacy Service Centre will handle prescriptions and dispatch medicines for the firm’s 150 community pharmacies across England. Prescriptions will be assembled for individual patients, then either delivered to local pharmacies for collection the next day, or direct to patients’ homes. The new hub is expected to take 9 months to build and due to open in April next year. It will house up to 100 staff, with the potential to grow into a 24-hour operation in future. MCS Construction has been appointed as the main building contractor. St Francis Group also acknowledges the support of the Northeast Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire County Council and the D2N2 LEP in bringing this development forward. Speaking about the start on site Gareth Williams, Development Director at St Francis Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have formally marked the start of works onsite and to be building this fantastic new facility for fast-growing customer Peak Pharmacy with the team onsite already having made significant progress. This new facility serves as the first unit to be built at Horizon 29, welcoming our first occupier. Since we commenced the extensive remediation of the site interest in the scheme has been extensive and the recent sale by the JV of 80 acres of land to BentallGreenOak for the speculative development of 1.2 million sq ft of warehouse and logistics space speaks to that. We look forward to working with the team at Peak Pharmacy and delivering a first-class facility next year.” Also in comment Joe Cattee, the Managing Director of Peak Pharmacy, said: “These are ambitious plans for our company, staff and customers – in the face of a rapidly changing pharmacy landscape. This new facility will be truly transformational for us. We’re investing now to future-proof our business, so that we can continue to provide great local customer service which means so much to us. We are very pleased to be working with St Francis and ALMCOR and the full project team and look forward to seeing the development rise out of the ground as it happens.” For further information on the development visit: www.horizon29.com
A BRAND-NEW cross-specialism group has been formed to bring together the brightest young minds across the construction industry. Looking to harness the power of collective innovation, the Future Innovation Group aims to tackle construction’s biggest issues and create a springboard for change, with new thinking from the leaders of tomorrow. Led by a steering group of placement students, the initiative is open to young people in any construction-related business sector – from contractors to marketeers – and is backed by industry-leading companies including Morgan Sindall and Pagabo, Pick Everard, Wates, ISG and Faithful+Gould. Statistics show that the construction industry struggles to attract and retain people at early-stage career level, so the group is aiming to identify the reasons for this and rectify these points to build a more attractive and diverse sector. It will also look to harness the power of information, working towards making the sector more data driven. To signal the group’s focus on innovation and operating in a data-first manner to attract young talent, the group’s first major event will be an industry-wide hackathon, featuring work sessions and talks from industry leaders. Rebecca Rennie, placement engineer and site manager at Morgan Sindall, is on the group’s leadership panel along with Jamie Davison and Abi Riddle, also of Morgan Sindall. She said: “Our main goal in launching the Future Innovation Group is to bring likeminded young people from any area within the construction industry together, to discuss how we can make it a more attractive place for future generations. “We hope the group will be a springboard for change, identifying why junior recruitment has become such a pervasive issue, and how we can rectify it to build a better industry for all stakeholders. We would like to express our gratitude to the industry for supporting us in our new venture and look forward to working with the construction leaders of today to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.” National framework provider Pagabo has put its weight behind the initiative, helping to bring people together from across its expansive ecosystem. Gerard Toplass, CEO of The 55 Group, which is Pagabo’s parent organisation, said: “Only 25% of the 40,000 people starting qualifications complete the process and stay in the construction industry – showing a 75% drop off rate which suggests the courses are unappealing to young people. This is an alarming statistic and a great cause for concern regarding the future of our workforce as we need to adapt in order to suit the requirements of tomorrow – and thus far have been too slow to do so. “The Future Innovation Group will bring much-needed diversity to the industry and I applaud the work of founders Rebecca, Jamie, Abi, and everyone involved in driving the change needed for a better future for those in entry-level positions.” The FIG’s first hackathon will take place across two days (28-29 July) at the Hilton Hotel in Hull, bringing together 50 attendees from across the industry. The event will feature business sponsors from senior leaders of some of construction’s biggest names, including the group’s Morgan Sindall and Pagabo backers. The group’s leadership will pass on to the next generation of young people in September as the 2022 cohort return to university this autumn. If you would like to get involved with the Group, contact: Jamie Davidson, Abigail Riddle or Rebecca Rennie.
Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, is to retire this week after 37 years working in Further Education and vocational skills training. From teenage Keighley carpentry and joinery apprentice to leader of the UK’s only General Further Education College that specialises in construction, Derek has spent decades training and leading the next generation of builders, engineers, and construction-craft professionals. Derek began hiseducation at Ingrow School, Bronte School, and Oakbank Grammar school in Keighley. From a young age, he excelled at craft skills and thrived in woodwork and metalwork. Derek cites a local teacher who changed the course of his life after recognising Derek’s potential. Derek said: “I always preferred hands-on learning, and it was a teacher at Oakbank – David Carter – who told me I had a knack for passing on my knowledge and passion for the subject, even at age 16. I was always in the workshop after school and would help other students where I could, especially if the woodwork teacher wasn’t available. “David stretched me, pushing me to try more complex techniques. I made various furniture items, learnt to French polish, and even turned rosewood handles for a bedside oak cabinet that my parents still have to this day! He sowed the seed that I should teach others too, even though I tended towards being more practical than academic.” Derek left school at 16 and joined the construction industry as Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner at Norman Hollins Ltd and then JSD Hamilton (Construction) Ltd. He gained a fantastic grounding in bespoke joinery products, new build housing, renovations, and shopfitting projects. It was a great platform to learn broader construction skills too.Yet, despite becoming a qualified construction worker, Derek’s experience at grammar school reinforced his desire to teach. Derek’s first teaching job was in 1985 at Keighley College’s Carpentry & Joinery Department, where another lecturer (Peter Hakes) mentored him. It wasn’t long before Derek enrolled at HollyBank to study professional Teacher Training qualifications, followed by Bradford College to attain a teaching degree. Derek was then promoted to Section Leader for Timber Trades before leaving Keighley for a role at Bolton College as a Senior Lecturer. After that, Derek became Head of Construction and led self-assessment quality assurance across Bolton College. By the time Derek left Bolton, he was responsible for the Construction & Engineering faculty. He returned to Keighley College, this time as Head of Construction & Engineering. Then in 2004, Derek interviewed for Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality at Leeds College of Building and was selected for the role.Derek said: “Getting the post at LCB was such a fantastic accolade, especially with it being the only General Further Education College nationally that specialised in construction and the built environment education & training. I felt like I was back to my roots – where industry training moulds individuals into construction specialists. I am a massive advocate for vocational skills training and the vast opportunities this can unlock. “I loved working at the College so much that I continued in this role before becoming Principal & CEO. I have fully enjoyed all 18 years that I have spent at Leeds College of Building. I’m delighted to be leaving the College in such good shape. Inspections now show quality at ‘good or better’, our HE meets all UK standards, we achieved ‘good’ in our most recent Ofsted inspection, the ESFA gave us a ‘good’ rating too for our healthy financial position. Leeds College of Building now trains around 5,500 students from across the UK, covering 16-18 full-time study programmes, adult provision, HE courses, and bespoke programmes for employers. Over half of these students (around 2,800) are enrolled on apprenticeship training across all areas of the College’s provision, from Level 2 up to degree apprentices. Derek continued: “I’m extremely glad my teacher showed me how vocational training – such as apprenticeships – can lead to various careers and job roles. Schools play a critical role in showcasing vocational training as a viable, alternative route to reach the same endpoint as academic qualifications. These skills can lead to jobs at all levels and involve travel and an extensive variety of work, with lasting legacy projects. “It’s so gratifying to see former students running successful companies themselves, as well as attracting a more diverse cohort of students to the sector today. We have come such a long way. So, this seems the right time for me to step down. “I have lots of plans with my wife Heather (who retired from her role as Principal at Keighley College a few years ago). We hope to travel and see friends. We’re very active so enjoy walking and spending time with family. I have lots on my bucket list! I met my wife at Keighley College, and like me, she came from a vocational background as an apprentice too (Hair & Beauty in her case). Our families were thrilled when we became lecturers, so both progressing to the top of FE institutions was a very proud moment. “I have never lost a love of construction after all these years. Although Further Education is a challenging sector, to help students develop skills that can make a transformative difference to their future and society is an absolute privilege. It is the accomplishment of which I’m most proud. “I would like to give a special thank you to all employers and stakeholders who have supported the College, students, and me personally, over the 18 years I’ve been here. I trust the commitment and dedication will continue with my successor, Nikki Davis. Leeds College of Building is a fantastic organisation to lead, and I know it will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish the College, our stakeholders, my amazing colleagues and friends, and Nikki all the very best.” Nikki Davis, current Leeds College of Building Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality, will take up the role of Principal & CEO in August and becomes the first woman to hold the post in the 60-year history of the
WWF and ScottishPower report also shows combined technologies could increase house prices by an average of £10,000 Financial incentives, clear advice and support urgently needed from UK governments to make the shift a reality New analysis from WWF and ScottishPower has found that a combination of green technologies could reduce energy bills by up to £1,878 a year. The new report, Better Homes, Cooler Planet, also found that installing these low carbon technologies in homes could cut harmful emissions from energy by over 95%[1] over the technologies’ lifetime and increase property values by an average of £10,000. As nearly 90% of the current increase in energy bills comes from the rising cost of gas, investment in low-carbon technologies can help to tackle the cost of living by cushioning householders against volatile energy prices .[2] Solar panels, already increasing in popularity to combat rising energy prices, could boost householders’ finances by £586 a year, in electricity savings and selling any surplus back to the grid. The report also emphasises the need to invest in energy efficiency to insulate homes, to not only cut bills but maximise the benefits of other green technologies. The report analysed five million house sales in England and Wales – one of the largest assessments of its kind – and found that: Installing an air-source heat pump could increase the sales value by around £5,000-£8,000; Solar panels could increase it by around £1,350-£5,400; An EV charge point could increase it by around £5,000; In combination, the value of a house could be boosted by an average of around £10,000 as a result of installing a combination of these technologies. This suggests that buyers may be willing to pay more for these homes and sellers who have invested in them should benefit when they put their homes on the market. Shifting to low carbon technologies in this way could also reduce a home’s lifetime carbon emissions from energy by up to 91 tonnes of CO2e or over 95% – the equivalent of taking 42 cars off the road per household.[3] Approximately one fifth of the UK’s carbon emissions currently comes from our homes with a further 15% from cars. To achieve net zero, these emissions will need to be reduced to zero in less than 30 years. To make this a reality, Better Homes, Cooler Planet recommends support and policy change from all UK governments to help reduce the up-front and running costs of low-carbon technologies, including funding for homeowners and tax incentives for private landlords to install them, as well as strengthening consumer protection and advice. It also urges the UK Government to consider an energy saving Stamp Duty incentive, as well as calling for financial institutions to introduce innovative products such as green mortgages and for estate agents, property listings websites, and surveyors to highlight the presence and value of green technologies to house buyers. Isabella O’Dowd, Head of Climate at WWF-UK, said: “Accelerating the rollout of low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency is the best way to ensure the UK’s energy security, shield homeowners from the high price of fossil fuels, and protect the planet. “To ensure that a wide range of people benefit, government must improve incentives for installing low-carbon technologies and provide more financial support and advice to homeowners and landlords.” Rob McGaughey, Head of Smart Heat at ScottishPower, said: “As a company that already generates 100% green electricity, we know that decarbonising heat and transport is next. At ScottishPower we believe that home installations of heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers can help both move the country away from its reliance on fossil fuels and address the climate crisis. Not only that, but the ‘Better homes, Cooler Planet’ report findings also demonstrate that installing a combination of these renewable technologies can be a smart investment for homeowners and landlords, increasing home equity value by an average of around £10,000 and significantly reducing energy bills.” [1] By installing a combination of low-carbon technologies, a home could reduce its carbon emissions from energy use by 96.8% over the 30-year lifetime of the technologies, when compared to a poorly insulated home with an old gas boiler or by 95.9% with compared to a poorly insulated home with a modern gas boiler. Further details can be found on p.40 of the report. [2] Source: Carbon Brief Analysis https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-cutting-the-green-crap-has-added-2-5bn-to-uk-energy-billsI [3] Source: Calculation based on p.54 – Impact assessment: measures for introduction of E10 petrol (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “During the first few months of the pandemic, the job security of construction workers was thrown into serious doubt, and sadly tens of thousands of employees lost their jobs. However, the latest ONS data shows that the situation has really turned around. “At its peak in summer 2020, almost 30,000 workers were made redundant over a three-month period (July-September). “In contrast, the data released this month shows that just 3,000 people in the industry lost their jobs between March and May. While this is obviously still 3,000 too many, it shows a significant improvement. “In fact, 3,000 is the lowest that this figure has ever been, since records began thirteen years ago in 2009. “Elsewhere, average wages are on the rise, which, in the context of a major cost of living crisis, will be a welcome relief to many, albeit slight. Typical weekly earnings rose by £20 to £714, which is the second highest average ever recorded. “It’s really good news that redundancies are on the decline, and pay is increasing, but this pattern will have to continue in the coming months in order to offset the financial hardship that the country is currently experiencing.” For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/ References: