As part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM, and the design completed by Ramboll. The station is a major hub for international science in Antarctica, and this significant achievement is a
Headline numbers: New analysis shows that building and construction manufacturers have rebounded from the supply chain challenges of 2022, with a jump in profitability. Mid-sized firms in the sector have benefitted from demand for products and stabilising supply chains, according to the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index, compiled quarterly by inventory management software brand
Nathan Emerson, CEO Propertymark comments… Propertymark are extremely concerned to see reports within the news of a rumoured £300m attack on landlords within the budget, all at a time when many have already left the sector and many more are just about holding on. Just like traditional homeowners, inflation and
Network Rail is actively seeking construction and engineering partners for its ambitious £1.4 billion Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, a transformative project poised to reshape rail travel in the heart of England. Embark on a journey into the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, an extraordinary initiative set to revolutionise rail connectivity and
The UK’s leading manufacturer of ladders and access towers, WernerCo, has designed a new BoSSCamlock Advanced Guard Rails (AGR) frame to be used with the brand’s market-leading AGR towers. The AGR frame has been especially designed to give contractors complete ease-of-use. The frame is entirely foldable, meaning it can be
Worst possible decision at worst possible time An open letter in today’s Daily Record is urging the First Minister to think again about the cuts being proposed to the 2024-25 budgets for housing and planning. The call comes the day before the Scottish Parliament votes on the draft Scottish Budget
£3.5 million is being awarded in Round 4 of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to 20 local authorities, housing associations, NHS trusts, universities and private sector organisations. The funding aims to improve the performance of heat networks, so they provide better services to their customers, increased efficiency and
By Eve Pope, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx In a world with a growing population and a rapidly expanding construction sector to match, how do we prevent building homes from damaging our climate? Concrete is the second most consumed material on Earth, but its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for 7%
Specialist UK Development Manager, Bankfoot APAM, has appointed Beard Construction as the Main Contractor for the transformative £24.5M redevelopment of Bristol’s One Friary building. This flagship project is being delivered on behalf of Britannia Invest A/S and is set to commence in April 2024. Once complete, it will provide 80,000
Yesterday, Perega, one of the UK’s leading structural and civil engineering consultancies, launches its innovative CO2 accounting tool: The Carbon Calculator. Affirming its commitment to sustainable construction, this evolutionary platform empowers Perega’s clients to assess the whole carbon footprint of their projects, from inception to completion. Importantly, it enables them to
As part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM, and the design completed by Ramboll. The station is a major hub for international science in Antarctica, and this significant achievement is a pivotal moment for BAS and the UK’s future polar research capabilities. Originally constructed in 1990, the runway is important infrastructure that enables the delivery of science in the deep-field of Antarctica. The newly resurfaced runway and new runway lighting delivers improved safety features for aircraft using the infrastructure with the project being completed over the course of two Antarctic seasons. This is a result of collaborative planning between the AIMP partnership and BAS’ Operations teams to manage the associated impact and enable its successful delivery within the planned timescales. In support of effective ongoing operations and maintenance at Rothera, measures were introduced to improve drainage performance along the runway. A turning circle has been created at the South end to improve overall efficiency. In keeping with BAS’ longer-term net zero and sustainability aims, the runway was resurfaced using existing materials, preventing the need to import materials and their associated carbon impact. It has since been used to facilitate trials of pilotless planes in support of scientific research and exploration, which will contribute to a future reduction in carbon emissions. Elen Jones, AIMP Programme Director, British Antarctic Survey, said: “The completion of the runway resurfacing and lighting project at Rothera Research Station is an important milestone in the delivery of AIMP and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our collective teams across two seasons in Antarctica. The enhancements delivered will greatly support our strategic aim to provide and operate world-leading research infrastructure enabling scientists from the UK, and colleagues from other nations, to work safely and effectively in the polar regions.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “Congratulations to the team for completing such a milestone project at Rothera. The upgrades to the runway’s surface and lighting will be greatly beneficial to how Rothera operates going forward. Through the increased drainage, the new surface will reduce the risk of floods and ice build-up. This will in turn lessen the time to clear the runway surface in preparation to accept aircraft.” Graham Hopper, Project Director, BAM, said: “The benefits of the project have a wider impact than operations; safety has been enhanced on the runway for precision landing approaches. The energy efficient end lighting will clearly define the runway location in relation to sea ice, which will increase assistance to pilots. We have also built in additional ducting capacity beneath the runway for future infrastructure requirements where a runway crossing may be required such as for the Rothera Renewable Energy Project, part of our strategy towards net zero carbon.” The AIMP is a long-term programme to support the UK’s polar research capabilities. Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), AIMP will enable the UK to continue to deliver cutting-edge climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in Antarctica. AIMP is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco. Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, AIMP represents the largest Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s. Find out more: https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/antarctic-infrastructure-projects/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Headline numbers: New analysis shows that building and construction manufacturers have rebounded from the supply chain challenges of 2022, with a jump in profitability. Mid-sized firms in the sector have benefitted from demand for products and stabilising supply chains, according to the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index, compiled quarterly by inventory management software brand Unleashed. The report reveals data on GMROI (gross margin return on inventory) – a measure of the profits made on inventory costs – across 16 manufacturing categories. Manufacturers were also surveyed to gain first-hand insights into the specific challenges and opportunities they face. Building and construction made an average of £2.51 for every pound invested in inventory, up from £1.80 in the previous quarter. Like most of the manufacturing categories analysed, it achieved a higher GMROI compared to Q4 2022 when it stood at £1.76. The index shows it lagged behind industrial machinery, raw materials and equipment manufacturers, which generated £2.72 for every pound invested in inventory in Q4 2023. But this category only saw a marginal gain of 0.11p between Q3 and Q4. Jarrod Adam, Head of Product, at Unleashed, said: “Manufacturers in the buildings and construction sector performed well in the final quarter of last year. Although this category appeared in the bottom half of our table – 10 out of 16 – the year-on-year, and quarter-on-quarter, improvements are a sign that firms are on a more stable footing for the year ahead. “Overall, the businesses we surveyed across different manufacturing categories were optimistic about 2024, with almost three-quarters saying they expect demand to grow this year.” Bigger picture: manufacturing sector returns to health Overall, the report showed that the UK’s manufacturing sector has made a dramatic recovery – recording its best performance in more than two and a half years during the final quarter of 2023. Firms made an average of £2.33 for every pound invested in inventory, up from £1.98 the previous quarter and £2.05 in the same period of 2022. All but four of the manufacturing categories analysed saw an uplift in profitability during Q4, with clothing manufacturers and the energy chemicals sector storming ahead with £4.53 and £3.30 respectively. At the other end of the scale, the most dramatic fall was in plastics and rubber, which saw its profits on inventory drop to £1.16 from £2.65. Health and medical manufacturers, and cosmetics and personal care were both down by 16p and 8p. Industry category Gross Margin Return on Inventory, Q3 2023 Gross Margin Return on Inventory, Q4 2023 Clothing, Footwear, Accessories £ 2.85 £ 4.53 Energy, Chemicals £ 2.15 £ 3.30 Furniture, Fixtures, Home Furnishing £ 2.50 £ 2.77 Office Equipment and Supplies £ 1.72 £ 2.73 Industrial Machinery, Raw Material and Equipment £ 2.61 £ 2.72 Electronics, Telecommunication £ 1.54 £ 2.69 Electrical and Electronic Components £ 1.85 £ 2.68 IT Products and Services £ 2.18 £ 2.63 Cosmetics & Personal Care £ 2.64 £ 2.56 Building and Construction £ 1.80 £ 2.51 Health, Medical Supplies and Equipment £ 2.29 £ 2.13 Sport, Entertainment, Recreation £ 1.64 £ 1.69 Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) £ 1.40 £ 1.51 Automotive and Automotive Supplies £ 0.94 £ 1.47 Food £ 1.44 £ 1.44 Plastic and Rubber Products £ 2.65 £ 1.16 “The improvements in profitability show how well mid-sized manufacturers in the UK have rallied following the seemingly endless economic and supply chain uncertainty of the past few years,” said Adam. “In navigating the supply chain and economic challenges they’ve faced, many firms have embraced technology to refine their inventory management processes, enabling them to achieve better margins on their inventory spend.” For more information and for the full research, visit: www.unleashedsoftware.com/industry/manufacturing-inventory-management/manufacturinghealthindex Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nathan Emerson, CEO Propertymark comments… Propertymark are extremely concerned to see reports within the news of a rumoured £300m attack on landlords within the budget, all at a time when many have already left the sector and many more are just about holding on. Just like traditional homeowners, inflation and interest rates have hit landlords with force and there needs to be recognition from the UK Government that to provide high quality homes, whether they be short term lets or longer-term housing, the system must be workable. It is unacceptable there is constant aim being taking at landlords to the point the viability of the entire system is becoming seriously questionable for both existing landlords and future investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail is actively seeking construction and engineering partners for its ambitious £1.4 billion Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, a transformative project poised to reshape rail travel in the heart of England. Embark on a journey into the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, an extraordinary initiative set to revolutionise rail connectivity and economic prosperity across the region. Explore the key advancements and innovations that promise to bring unprecedented efficiency and growth. Picture a future where the pulse of England resonates with the smooth glide of trains along modernised tracks, fostering connectivity and driving economic expansion. Network Rail is set to realise this vision through a monumental £1.4 billion project that aims to overhaul the railway infrastructure in the Midlands. The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance represents a pivotal moment in the region’s transportation evolution, heralding an era of elevated connectivity and economic advancement. A Revolutionary Partnership More than just an infrastructure endeavour, the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance is a bold initiative reshaping the future of rail travel in the Midlands. Network Rail, in collaboration with a consortium of multidisciplinary partners, leads this ambitious venture. Together, they are crafting a series of enhancements, including new platforms and sidings, the introduction of up to two new chords into Birmingham Moor Street, and the expansion of an existing viaduct. But the transformation doesn’t end there. Upgrades to the power supply, new freight loops, and the implementation of new overhead line equipment (OLE) are also on the agenda. These changes, coupled with comprehensive signalling works, promise to optimise operations like never before. Innovative Collaboration through Alliance Contracts At the heart of this monumental undertaking is a commitment to collaboration and efficiency, epitomised by the use of a modified NR35 alliance contract. Built on the NEC4 alliance contract framework, this strategic move aims to cultivate a sense of cooperation and shared responsibility among all involved parties. By entering into a single alliance contract, Network Rail and its partners commit to working together, ensuring precision and harmony in every aspect of the project. This innovative approach not only sets a new standard for project management but also underscores the collective dedication to achieving a common goal: a revitalised and thriving Midlands rail network. Navigating Towards Progress As the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance gains momentum, the project’s impact extends beyond the tracks. This endeavour is about more than just enhancing railway infrastructure; it’s about unlocking the region’s full potential. Improved connectivity signifies more than just reduced travel times; it represents strengthened local economies, increased accessibility for communities, and a greener, more sustainable mode of transportation. By laying the foundation for a modernised rail system, Network Rail and its allies are not just reshaping the Midlands landscape; they’re paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future. The road ahead is marked with challenges and opportunities, but one thing is certain: the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance serves as a beacon of progress and innovation. As we gaze towards the horizon, the commitment to a revitalised rail network inspires hope and anticipation for the transformative future that lies ahead. For more details on this groundbreaking project and its mission to redefine travel in the Midlands, please visit the official Network Rail website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading manufacturer of ladders and access towers, WernerCo, has designed a new BoSSCamlock Advanced Guard Rails (AGR) frame to be used with the brand’s market-leading AGR towers. The AGR frame has been especially designed to give contractors complete ease-of-use. The frame is entirely foldable, meaning it can be easily stored and transported, affording users ultimate convenience, and taking up minimum space when in storage or transit. Manufactured in premium quality aluminium, the AGR frame delivers users complete peace of mind as a durable, hard-wearing solution suitable for use in a variety of applications. Carolina Marino, UK Product Manager for BoSS, said: “Launching a new AGR frame is an important step forward for BoSSand further bolsters the enviable safety credentials of our complete working at height offering. “Indeed, safety is always the top priority when working from height and our AGR towers, certified to EN 1004: 2020, are built with safety at the fore. “Ease of use is also a must for professional users that are using AGRs from day-to-day, that’s why we are happy to announce that this newly designed frame offers easier transportation and storage between jobs than ever before.” The new AGR frame is compatible with the BoSS Ladderspan, the market-leading tower system for professional users, featuring integral ladders which provide safe access when climbing and descending. The AGR frames have also been updated to the BoSS Staircase and BoSS Clima range of towers and are fully certified to the latest EN 1004:2020 safety standard for Towers. To find out more about WernerCo and its comprehensive range of BoSS access towers, visit www.bossaccesstowers.com/uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Worst possible decision at worst possible time An open letter in today’s Daily Record is urging the First Minister to think again about the cuts being proposed to the 2024-25 budgets for housing and planning. The call comes the day before the Scottish Parliament votes on the draft Scottish Budget for the year ahead and follows the findings of independent research showing that 693,000 Scottish households are facing some form of housing need. It also comes in the context of three Local Authorities having already declared housing emergencies and others considering similar action. The letter has been signed by housing organisations Homes for Scotland (HFS), the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and the Chartered Institute for Housing together with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. SFHA Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “Parliament will tomorrow decide whether to approve the Scottish Government’s budget – a budget that proposes to slash the money available to build social homes by more than a quarter. “Almost one in twenty people in Scotland are on a waiting list for a social home, 30,000 are homeless and nearly 10,000 children are growing up in temporary accommodation. We just aren’t building the homes that Scotland needs. “The budget proposals represent the worst possible decision at the worst possible time and are a hammer-blow to the First Minister’s priority of reducing poverty.” HFS Chief Executive Jane Wood said: “At a time when 693,000 Scottish households are facing some form of housing need, all the data shows that the chronic undersupply of housing in Scotland is intensifying. This not only threatens the country’s social wellbeing by perpetuating housing inequality but also risks its economic success and the transition to net zero. “As we consistently highlight, private and affordable housing delivery are interconnected. With 30 per cent of affordable housing generated by the private sector through developer contributions, the more homes for sale that can be built, the more affordable homes will be delivered as a result. Given the planning system is already on its knees, the 43 per cent funding reduction being proposed will serve only to increase delay and cost, and do nothing to encourage crucial private sector investment. “We hope that the First Minister will think again about his government’s proposals and that all MSPs will carefully consider the housing needs of their constituents as they vote tomorrow.” CIH Scotland National Director Callum Chomczuk said: “Scotland is in the midst of a housing crisis, with three local authorities already declaring housing emergencies and up to a dozen more on the brink of doing so. “We all know what the problem is, a failure to build enough affordable homes, and yet the most recent budget exacerbates the crisis by taking almost £200m out of the housing supply budget. But it is not too late to make changes. “Even at this late stage, the Scottish Government can restore the budget and work with the sector on developing a response to deal with the housing emergency. We hope they take the chance to make addressing Scotland’s housing crisis a political priority.” Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “There is still time for the First Minister to do the right thing and reverse this massive cut to the affordable housing supply budget. To fail to do so would be baffling in the face of spiralling homelessness and use of temporary accommodation, never mind the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to poverty reduction. Low-income tenants will face increasing rents and insecurity as the supply of affordable housing stalls. As a result of this cut to housing, this budget risks being a poverty causing budget rather than a poverty solving budget, and in the face of looming child poverty reduction targets is difficult to understand and even harder to defend.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£3.5 million is being awarded in Round 4 of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to 20 local authorities, housing associations, NHS trusts, universities and private sector organisations. The funding aims to improve the performance of heat networks, so they provide better services to their customers, increased efficiency and reduced energy costs. This latest announcement of £3.5 million will positively impact 25 heat networks across England and Wales, benefiting 5,700 residents, including students, hospital patients, and other private and public sector occupants. This brings the total funding awarded under HNES to over £28 million. Notably, the news comes as the scheme celebrates its one-year anniversary since opening for applications in February 2023. Furthermore, capital grant funding will result in annual carbon savings of over 422 tCO2e per year over the next 40 years, equivalent to removing the annual emissions of 172 diesel-powered cars, or 6,883 across 40 years. Revenue grant funding will also enable optimisation studies, identifying opportunities for additional carbon savings in the coming years. Swan Housing, an East London and Essex-based housing association, is among the recipients, being awarded almost £700,000 from HNES for the Bow Cross Estate heat network in Tower Hamlets. The funding will benefit 543 residents, enabling improvements to the network’s efficiency levels. HNES support aims to reduce heat losses, providing greater comfort and improved resilience, particularly for low income, vulnerable residents and those at risk of fuel poverty. HNES is an integral part of the Government’s broader Heat Network Transformation Programme (HNTP), focusing on developing new heat networks and improving existing ones. This will aim to encourage further investment in the sector and ramp up the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. The scheme provides both capital and revenue funding to optimise inefficient heat networks, enhancing overall performance for the benefit of residents, and ensuring they are futureproofed. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, has welcomed today’s HNES funding announcement: “Customers living on heat networks need to get the regular, reliable heating and hot water they are entitled to. This important funding will help upgrade inefficient systems, preventing breakdowns and using less energy, while allowing customers to reduce their energy bills and keep their homes warm. It’s part of our plan to ensure every home in the country can cut their energy use and save money on their bills.” Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv, added: “We’re pleased to announce the success of Round 4, with a significant funding allocation of £3.5 million, just as we celebrate the scheme’s one year anniversary. The diverse range of projects funded in this round is something we are particularly proud of, with the funding set to deliver heightened heat network efficiency for residents in social housing, those within the NHS and students at universities across England and Wales. Funding delivered under HNES plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of older heat networks into resilient, low carbon heating solutions, strategically preparing for upcoming sector regulations in 2025.” Below is a summary of the projects which have successfully secured HNES funding in Round 4. Capital Grant Funding Capital grant funding will go directly towards covering the cost of operational works to improve the efficiency of existing heat networks. In this round, over £3 million will directly improve the efficiencies of heat networks serving 3,101 residents. Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Bow Cross Estate Swan Housing Association has been awarded £686,296 for improvements works on the Bow Cross Estate heat network. This funding will be matched with significant additional investment by Swan Housing Association. It will support upgrading the primary heat network pipework and the distribution pumps and control systems at the energy centre. Taken together, these works will mitigate heat losses, enhance network efficiency, and improve overall system resilience, benefitting residents. Local Authorities Philpot Square Heat Network The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has been awarded £754,609 for the Philpot Square heat network. The project involves a full upgrade of the network covering the plant room, distribution systems and apartments. New inverter driven pumps, a pressurisation and expansion system, a plant room buffer vessel, new distribution pipework with improved insulation, Heat Interface Units and Thermostatic Radiator Valves will be installed. This will eliminate service interruptions, improve efficiency levels and allow residents to be billed based on usage rather than a fixed fee. Spedan Close Heat Network The London Borough of Camden has been awarded £659,641 for the Spedan Close Heat Network. The project involves a complete upgrade of the whole network to address extremely high numbers of service interruptions. Work will cover the plant room, distribution systems and dwellings, including the installation of inverter driven pumps, distribution pipework with improved insulation, Heat Interface Units and Thermostatic Radiator Valves. This will improve efficiency levels and ensure residents only pay for the heat they use. Private Sector Greenwich Millennium Village Switch2 has been awarded £773,178 for the Greenwich Millennium Village (West) heat network to install 435 new Heat Interface Units, as well as to upgrade insulation on part of the primary network and replace automatic air release valves. This will reduce unplanned outages, improve network performance as well as reduce maintenance costs. First Central First Central Heating Company Limited has been awarded £192,562 for the First Central heat network. Funding will support the introduction of an improved control strategy across the network, replacement of the degasser and pressurisation systems and distribution pumps. It is expected that these works will improve system reliability, reduce heat losses and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Revenue Grant Funding Projects across England and Wales in Round 4 have also been awarded over £413,000 of revenue grant funding to undertake optimisation studies to review the performance of their heat networks and identify areas for improvement. The following organisations have been awarded revenue grant funding for optimisation studies: Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, for the Hollyhedge Court Road heat network. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Limited, for The Strand Community Hub and social housing heat network. Thirteen Group Limited, for
By Eve Pope, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx In a world with a growing population and a rapidly expanding construction sector to match, how do we prevent building homes from damaging our climate? Concrete is the second most consumed material on Earth, but its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for 7% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The answer could come from thin air – CO2-derived building materials. The new IDTechEx report “Carbon Dioxide Utilization 2024-2044: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players” explores many ways to valorize captured carbon dioxide to create useful products. Among these, CO2-derived building materials showed particular promise due to performance improvements and cost-competitiveness, as well as sustainability benefits. IDTechEx forecasts over 170 million tonnes of captured CO2 will be utilized in building materials by 2044. Carbon dioxide can be utilized in concrete production in three different ways: injection of CO2 during curing of precast concrete, injection of CO2 during mixing of ready-mixed concrete, and formation of carbonate aggregates/additives Unlike some other carbon dioxide utilization pathways, such as the conversion to e-fuels, which requires large amounts of energy and green hydrogen (often prohibitively expensive), the basic mineralization chemistry underpinning the uptake of CO2 during concrete manufacturing is thermodynamically favored and less energy-intensive because stable metal carbonates are formed. These carbonates represent effectively permanent sequestration of CO2, so CO2-derived building materials double up as simultaneous carbon dioxide utilization and carbon dioxide storage. The process is compatible with many different sources of CO2. Valorizing waste In addition to waste CO2, solid waste streams can also be repurposed into new concrete using CO2 mineralization chemistry to form carbonates. For example, CO2-derived concrete players include Swiss company neustark, who uses the reaction of CO2 with demolished concrete to store carbon dioxide and produce concrete aggregate. Another aggregate producer, UK-based O.C.O Technology, instead uses CO2 and waste materials from industrial thermal processes. Meanwhile, building materials giant Heidelberg Materials has ongoing R&D into recycling concrete using CO2 to form a cement substitute. Steel slag is being explored by companies including Carbonaide and CarbiCrete as a cement replacement during CO2-aided curing. Additional revenue can be generated through waste disposal fees, with some CO2-derived concrete players reporting to having already achieved price parity with incumbents. Accelerating adoption Concrete production is typically low-margin, and willingness to pay a green premium is low. Therefore, widespread deployment of CO2-derived concrete will rely on CO2 utilization technology players, creating easy-to-adopt solutions that are minimally disruptive to existing manufacturing processes. In CO2-aided curing, some players have targeted retrofittable curing chambers. Elsewhere, plug-and-play and mobile unit solutions are also being commercialized. 2023 saw the release of several ASTM standards around CO2-aided curing, improving confidence in the safety and quality of CO2-derived precast concrete. While many CO2-derived building materials have yet to achieve price parity with conventional concrete, some customers are willing to pay a premium due to enhanced performance (such as higher strength and improved aesthetics). Going beyond net-zero The direct uptake of CO2 into concrete can be a net-zero process if the carbon dioxide is sourced from a fossil point source (such as a coal power station) or a net-negative process if biogenic or direct air-captured CO2 is used. In 2023, a collaboration between direct air capture (DAC) company Heirloom and CO2-derived concrete player CarbonCure stored CO2 captured from the ambient air into concrete for the first time. But is CO2-derived concrete still net-negative when considering the CO2 released during cement production? The formation of metal carbonates during CO2 mineralization can increase concrete strength and reduce the amount of cement needed. Alternatively, some carbonate additives can act as supplementary cementitious materials and replace cement. Therefore, according to IDTechEx’s analysis of players, several can produce carbon-negative concrete products. The permanent storage of CO2 into concrete enables players to sell high-value carbon dioxide removal credits on the voluntary carbon market. The way forward Although the production of CO2-derived concrete is more expensive than conventional concrete, revenue can be generated through waste disposal fees and carbon credit sales, with some players already reporting to achieve price parity. In the future, stronger regulatory support (for example, increased carbon pricing) will accelerate uptake further, with IDTechEx forecasting over 170 million tonnes of captured CO2 will be utilized in building materials by 2044. With carbon capture solutions for cement kilns continuing to develop, CO2 could be sourced from cement production, creating a circular solution. To find out more about the new IDTechEx report “Carbon Dioxide Utilization 2024-2044: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players”, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/CO2U. For more information on IDTechEx’s CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) market research portfolio, please refer to the IDTechEx “Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Markets 2023-2043” and “Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Markets 2023-2040: Technologies, Players, and Forecasts” reports Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist UK Development Manager, Bankfoot APAM, has appointed Beard Construction as the Main Contractor for the transformative £24.5M redevelopment of Bristol’s One Friary building. This flagship project is being delivered on behalf of Britannia Invest A/S and is set to commence in April 2024. Once complete, it will provide 80,000 sq. ft. of best-in-class office accommodation in the heart of Temple Quay. One Friary, a well-established office building situated opposite Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station, will undergo a comprehensive redevelopment, adding three new floors on top of the existing structure and introducing a new high-performance GRC façade. Beard Construction, who are a leading regional contractor, have been appointed as Main Contractor to deliver the project. Chris Moore, Managing Director of Bankfoot APAM, emphasised the company’s commitment to modern, flexible and sustainable workspace, stating, “One Friary is a prime example of our dedication to delivering sustainable workplaces, with One Friary in Bristol being one of a number of highly sustainable development schemes being delivered across the UK. We are hugely excited about the project and we believe it will be one of the best buildings to work in Bristol once finished.” Matt Cooper, Beard’s Bristol Director, said “This exciting flagship project puts sustainability front and centre – the carbon savings through the reuse of the building’s existing structural frame will be significant. Drawing upon our extensive track record in sustainable redevelopment and our modern construction management skills, we are perfectly placed to deliver this project with Bankfoot APAM.” The redevelopment focuses on maximising sustainability by reusing 99.5 per cent of One Friary’s existing structural frame, supporting Bankfoot APAM’s ethos of delivering sustainable, forward-thinking real estate solutions for the next generation of working environments. Patrick Vincent, Senior Development Manager for Bankfoot APAM, outlined their methodology, “We aim to reuse as much of these existing buildings as allows, future-proofing the underlying asset while aligning them to a forward-facing investment strategy. This work happens at every stage of the project and is a key factor when it comes to creating long-term successful outcomes. Once redeveloped, One Friary will offer grade-A office space and premium amenities, including a roof terrace and high-quality end-of-journey facilities.” The project is set to achieve BREEAM Excellence, as well as NABERS and WELL certification evidencing Bankfoot APAM’s commitment to creating environmentally conscious and occupant-friendly spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday, Perega, one of the UK’s leading structural and civil engineering consultancies, launches its innovative CO2 accounting tool: The Carbon Calculator. Affirming its commitment to sustainable construction, this evolutionary platform empowers Perega’s clients to assess the whole carbon footprint of their projects, from inception to completion. Importantly, it enables them to make greener material choices to faster, and better, achieve a more sustainable built environment. The calculator has been developed by the firm’s dedicated, in-house Net Zero Carbon Group and uses a sophisticated algorithmic framework, analysing material emissions data to achieve lower-carbon outcomes. Harnessing the power of the latest digital technology, the calculator seamlessly integrates within the Revit model, offering a comprehensive carbon impact assessment. Key features of the Perega Carbon Calculator include: Commenting on the impact and efficacy of the tool, Perega’s Digital Engineering Lead, James Washbourne, says, “With the built environment responsible for 40% of global emissions, the imperative for lower-emission practices has shifted from optional to essential. Our Carbon Calculator makes another step towards achieving more sustainable projects. Moving away from manually crunching static spreadsheets to a predominantly automated process means better pinpointing of carbon hotspots and empowering our clients to make correct material substitutions during the design phase, without compromising on quality. “Ensuring user-friendliness was crucial, our clients are incredibly busy and need to be able to read and understand the data quickly to make informed decisions. As such, we developed the calculator to deliver clear and simple comparisons for effective decision-making”. For further information about Perega and its groundbreaking carbon accounting tool, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals