Brymec has supplied the cast iron drainage package for White City Living Phase 4, a 28-storey residential development in west London. Amendments to Approved Document B, coming into force this September, are prompting a wider reassessment of material selection on high-rise residential schemes. Non-combustible performance is now a specification requirement
Heat pump manufacturer Navien and heating technology company Passiv UK have partnered to offer an integrated heat pump and smart control offering to homeowners and tenants across the UK. Customers can now install the Passiv Smart Thermostat with Navien’s PEM750 air source heat pump. Designed to optimise heat pump operation,
SUPPLIERS have been announced by leading digital procurement specialist Pagabo for the £4.29bn National Framework for Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Enabling Works 2026, its largest infrastructure procurement offering to date. Among the 111 suppliers’ appointed to new framework across 13 lots are industry-leading names such as Balfour Beatty, Costain, GRAHAM,
Valleys to Coast Group announces the appointment of James O’Connor as its new Executive Director of Finance and Transformation. James’s appointment comes at an important moment for the group as it launches its new Corporate Plan for 2026–2031 and enters an exciting period of growth. James joins from Codi Group,
Construction is set to begin on a long-awaited Liverpool residential development after Bentry Capital secured Gateway 2 approval for the first phase of its £87 million Abbey Row scheme. The approval clears the way for Bentry Capital’s in-house contractor, Mellior Construction, to begin principal construction works on the 241-home first
centre:mk today affirms its position as one of the UK’s top 10 prime regional destinations, as it announces that the high-street fashion giant, River Island, has chosen the centre to debut its newest store concept. The new 12,800 sq ft store, which spans over two floors, welcomes a major transformation
Karbon Homes has appointed three construction contractors to a new £208m, multi-supplier construction framework, supporting the delivery of much-needed extra care and supported housing developments across the North East and Yorkshire. Robertson Group, Caddick Construction and Esh Group have secured places on the framework agreement for Principal Contractor services, which
New guide, developed with BRE, shows how structured, data-rich specification builds the evidence trail BREEAM demands NBS has released A Specifier’s Guide to BREEAM, a practical resource that shows design teams how everyday specification decisions connect directly to sustainability targets and certification success. Developed in collaboration with BRE, the guide covers
OP has completed the transformation of the ground floor reception and communal areas at One Penrhyn in Kingston for Swiss Life Asset Managers UK, creating a vibrant 3,000 sq ft student destination designed around connection, flexibility and belonging. Located just four minutes’ walk from Kingston University, the seven-week refurbishment has
MILWAUKEE® Tools new ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper for MX FUEL™ sets out the environmental, health and financial case for replacing petrol-powered light equipment with MX FUEL™ battery-powered alternatives across EMEA: Petrol-powered equipment is a significant and overlooked source of air pollution, health risk and compliance liability on construction sites. New
Brymec has supplied the cast iron drainage package for White City Living Phase 4, a 28-storey residential development in west London. Amendments to Approved Document B, coming into force this September, are prompting a wider reassessment of material selection on high-rise residential schemes. Non-combustible performance is now a specification requirement at every stage of design, including drainage. At 28 storeys, White City Living Phase 4 falls within scope. The project is being developed by St. James Group, part of Berkeley Group. The scheme comprises 503 apartments across three residential blocks, with completion expected in December 2027. Berkeley Group PLC is the main contractor and A&J Ryan Mechanical Services Ltd is the MEP contractor. Cast iron drainage was specified for its fire performance, durability, acoustic properties and long operational lifespan. Brymec’s system is rated non-combustible and achieved an A1 fire classification when tested to BS EN 13501-1 as a system. Brymec was subsequently appointed to manufacture, supply, and deliver the cast-iron drainage package, following a technical submittal process. Installation began in December 2025, with Brymec supplying 642 metres of cast iron pipe to site across more than 30 deliveries to date. Once installation was complete, Brymec’s Specification Director inspected the work on site and provided A&J Ryan with a formal quality assurance report for Berkeley Group. Jeremy Douglas, Specification Director at Brymec, said: “On a building of this height, the drainage system has to perform as one certified system, not a collection of individually tested components. Cast iron’s A1 fire rating and its acoustic and durability credentials made it the right specification for White City Living. We documented the technical case from the design stage, so the project team had the assurance they needed throughout.” Gary Thorp, Projects Manager, A&J Ryan Mechanical Services Ltd, said: “Berkeley Group’s standards on this development are exceptionally high, which demands the same standard from every supply chain partner involved. Brymec provided a well-supported technical solution from the outset and has delivered consistently throughout the project.” For more information, please visit Brymec. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heat pump manufacturer Navien and heating technology company Passiv UK have partnered to offer an integrated heat pump and smart control offering to homeowners and tenants across the UK. Customers can now install the Passiv Smart Thermostat with Navien’s PEM750 air source heat pump. Designed to optimise heat pump operation, the Passiv Smart Thermostat intelligently adjusts flow temperatures and automatically takes advantage of smart tariffs and excess solar generation to reduce heating costs. Its smart heating feature, ecoHeat, has been independently verified by the Energy Saving Trust to improve heat pump efficiency by 17% and can reduce heating bills by up to 30%. The Passiv Smart Thermostat works with Navien heat pumps out-of-the-box, requiring no additional hardware. Installers can now avoid the complexity and challenges of setting static weather compensation curves, while end customers avoid the headache of trying to optimise heating and hot water schedules to time-of-use tariffs and solar generation. Ian Rose, Managing Director at Passiv UK, said: “Heat pumps shouldn’t require homeowners to become energy experts. The technology should do the hard work in the background – keeping the home comfortable, responding to electricity prices and making the most of renewable energy when it is available. Our partnership with Navien brings that intelligence together from the outset, making smart heat pump ownership much simpler.” Navien is headquartered in South Korea and is the world’s fourth-largest gas boiler manufacturer. Greg Banham, Commercial Director at Navien UK, said: “By working with Passiv, we can bring together Navien’s heat pump technology with intelligent controls that can automatically take advantage of cheap electricity available from time-of-use tariffs, or free electricity available from rooftop solar generation, to help customers minimise their heating bills.” Installers will have free access to remote heat pump monitoring and diagnostics through the Passiv Portal, while the system also gives homeowners the ability to control how and when their heat pump uses electricity. End customers will also be eligible to sign-up to Passiv’s Greener Grid Payment scheme, which rewards households for allowing their heat pump to intelligently flex its operation during periods when electricity demand and supply on grid networks is constrained. Passiv delivers flexibility services without compromising household comfort, helping accelerate the roll-out of renewable generation and adoption of low-carbon heating and transport in the UK. The Navien and Passiv integrated solution is available through Ultimate Renewables Supplies, UKPS and select merchants. For a limited time, to celebrate the launch of the partnership, Installers receive a £100 discount on the Navien PEM750 and Passiv Smart Thermostat when they purchase the kit bundle through participating merchants. For more information, visit www.passivuk.com and www.navien.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SUPPLIERS have been announced by leading digital procurement specialist Pagabo for the £4.29bn National Framework for Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Enabling Works 2026, its largest infrastructure procurement offering to date. Among the 111 suppliers’ appointed to new framework across 13 lots are industry-leading names such as Balfour Beatty, Costain, GRAHAM, Kier, M Group, Rhodar and VolkerFitzpatrick. The new framework will run for a term of four years, with the framework agreement available for use by sectors including central and local government, NHS, blue light, housing and education. Compliant with both the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, the framework has been created to connect public sector bodies and private organisations with appointed contractors that will collaboratively deliver quality service and value for money outcomes. The new offering will combine the scopes of the National Framework for Civils and Infrastructure and the National Framework for Demolition and Land Preparation, both of which supported Pagabo in establishing its presence in the infrastructure sector and helping public sector organisations with procuring transformational schemes. David Llewellyn, construction and infrastructure director at Pagabo, said: “This new framework offers significant procurement opportunity for both the appointed suppliers and the public sector organisations it will support. From civil engineering, infrastructure, enabling works and beyond, the scope is extensive and is evidenced by the interest we’ve had since the invitation to tender earlier this year. “As with all of the frameworks we manage, compliance, transparency and impact play vital roles within its makeup, and it is a vital procurement offering for UK infrastructure. Our longstanding commitment to SME inclusion serves to provide avenues for clients to access suppliers of all sizes across the country, increasing access to the best fit for their projects, enabling competition, and prompting good economic growth. “Bolstered by our digital-first approach, the 111 suppliers appointed have the opportunity to grow work pipelines while also ensuring effective social value for communities across a range of project possibilities. This could include new roads and rail routes through to energy supply transformation and brownfield regeneration.” This framework is one instalment in a series being brought to market by Pagabo and YPO in 2026, following the formation of a 10-year strategic delivery partnership that will see resources, reputation and expertise combined. YPO is the centralised procurement authority for the framework, while Pagabo is the framework manager responsible for design, delivery and ongoing management. Pagabo’s central platform Pagabo+ will be available to suppliers as part of the procurement specialists digital-first, end-to-end delivery model. The single environment will play host to information on and management of new opportunities, call-off activity, performance monitoring and reporting, as well as compliance assurance. Appointed suppliers will also have access to Pagabo Group’s other digital software offerings, including contract management platform Sypro, supporting with enhancing the full lifecycle of procurement and project delivery. To learn more about Pagabo, visit www.pagabo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Valleys to Coast Group announces the appointment of James O’Connor as its new Executive Director of Finance and Transformation. James’s appointment comes at an important moment for the group as it launches its new Corporate Plan for 2026–2031 and enters an exciting period of growth. James joins from Codi Group, where he served as Director of Corporate Finance and Sustainability, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and expertise in strategic change, financial governance, and organisational improvement. In his new role, James will oversee the group’s financial strategy and lead a transformation agenda. He will focus on building financial strength, modernising systems, and ensuring resources are used effectively to enable reinvestment into Valleys to Coast’s homes and communities. His arrival aligns with the launch of the group’s Corporate Plan 2026–2031, which sets out an ambitious strategy to move from traditional ways of working to progressive, data-driven practices. By expanding its reach across South Wales and launching a new development subsidiary, Sylfaen, Valleys to Coast Group is strengthening its financial foundation to deliver more high-quality, safe, warm, and dry homes. Joanne Oak, Group Chief Executive, said:”We are thrilled to welcome James to our team. We are entering a transformative chapter as we roll out our new Corporate Plan. James brings experience, energy, and fresh thinking that will help us build our financial strength. Most importantly, he shares our wholehearted commitment to our people and to making a lasting, positive difference in the communities we serve.” James O’Connor said:”I am delighted to be joining Valleys to Coast Group at such an exciting time. Their ambition has a clear, heartfelt commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives and communities. I look forward to working alongside the team to build on their strong foundations, drive innovation, and help guide the organisation through its next chapter of growth and service excellence.” As Valleys to Coast Group prepares to move its new office to Wyndham House in the heart of Bridgend town centre, James’s leadership will be central to guiding the team through this period of growth and positive change. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is set to begin on a long-awaited Liverpool residential development after Bentry Capital secured Gateway 2 approval for the first phase of its £87 million Abbey Row scheme. The approval clears the way for Bentry Capital’s in-house contractor, Mellior Construction, to begin principal construction works on the 241-home first phase next month. The site has already been cleared and initial subcontract packages have been secured, enabling the project team to move directly into the main construction programme following the regulatory milestone. Formerly known as Islington Quarter, the development was originally brought forward for planning in 2018 but subsequently stalled. Bentry Capital has since reassessed the proposals and progressed the project through the current building safety regulatory framework. The wider Abbey Row development will ultimately deliver 365 apartments across three architecturally distinctive buildings, transforming a prominent site at the gateway to Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter. Phase one will provide 241 new homes, with Block C scheduled to reach completion in 2028 and Block A following in 2029. Securing Gateway 2 represents a particularly important milestone for the project. Under the strengthened building safety regime, higher-risk residential developments must receive approval from the Building Safety Regulator before relevant building work can commence, placing greater emphasis on demonstrating compliance before construction begins. Steven Hughes, Operations Lead at Mellior Construction, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval represents the culmination of a detailed and collaborative design process and allows us to move into the principal construction phase with the building-safety requirements embedded throughout our delivery strategy.” The development is also entering construction with significant sales momentum, with more than 70% of homes within the first phase already pre-sold. David Ronson, National Sales and Marketing Director at Bentry Capital, said the developer had acquired the site with a clear belief in both its potential and Liverpool’s long-term strength. He added that the team had focused on reassessing the scheme, navigating the current regulatory environment and creating a development that is both deliverable and relevant to the city today. With Mellior Construction now preparing to mobilise for the principal works, Abbey Row will bring a previously stalled development back into active construction while delivering a substantial addition to Liverpool’s residential pipeline. The £87 million investment will also contribute to the continued regeneration around the Knowledge Quarter, an important part of Liverpool’s wider growth strategy encompassing residential development, education, science, innovation and employment. After several years in the planning and development process, Gateway 2 approval marks a decisive step forward for Abbey Row, with work now set to turn the long-standing proposals into 365 new city homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
centre:mk today affirms its position as one of the UK’s top 10 prime regional destinations, as it announces that the high-street fashion giant, River Island, has chosen the centre to debut its newest store concept. The new 12,800 sq ft store, which spans over two floors, welcomes a major transformation designed to deliver a more elevated, engaging and customer-centric shopping experience. The brand’s reinvestment in centre:mk unveils the first of its kind, a new store concept which will be rolled out across the River Island brand. It features an enhanced exterior, designed to attract and engage guests, whilst internally, it homes the brand new “River-Runway” installation, an immersive visual feature that exhibits runway-inspired looks and the latest trends, in addition to a new denim department that showcases an expanded selection of silhouettes and washes. To encourage an elevated and seamless shopping journey, the new centre:mk store brings modernised, spacious fitting rooms for a premium experience, whilst a thoughtfully designed layout and debut technology aim to further enhance the customer journey for a quick and convenient trip. The technology includes weight-sensing self-service checkouts which use radio frequency identification technology, and WW Smart Fitting Rooms, whereby guests can request alternative sizes and products without leaving the fitting room cubicle. The result is an even more seamless and accessible shopping experience. Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at centre:mk, comments: “The debut of River Island’s new concept store at centre:mk brings something fresh to the destination’s existing quality line up of fashion retailers. Our wide catchment values quality concepts, and we’re delighted that centre:mk can be the first to bring this new concept to market. It really affirms the scheme’s position as a best-in-retail destination” Mel Aucott, Retail Director at River Island, adds: “Debuting our new store concept to centre:mk represents an important step change in River Island’s bricks-and-mortar presence. The top 10 prime regional destination offers a wealth of quality fashion retailers, a highly engaged and loyal customer base and clear ambition to deliver quality experiences, all of which perfectly mirror River Island’s approach and new store concept. We are excited to reveal our enhanced store offering to our customers and look forward to expanding this vision further.” The major reinvestment from River Island comes shortly after the premium Swiss chocolatier, Lindt, signed for a 1,670 sq ft unit on Silbury Arcade, bringing its boutique format and exclusive ranges to centre:mk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Karbon Homes has appointed three construction contractors to a new £208m, multi-supplier construction framework, supporting the delivery of much-needed extra care and supported housing developments across the North East and Yorkshire. Robertson Group, Caddick Construction and Esh Group have secured places on the framework agreement for Principal Contractor services, which will support the development of specialist extra care housing schemes, including facilities ranging from 80 to 150 apartments, alongside associated residential and housing projects. The framework appointments come at a time when Karbon is increasing its investment in extra care housing, helping meet growing demand for affordable homes that enable people with additional support and care needs to live independently for longer. Sarah Robson, Executive Director of Development and Asset Management at Karbon Homes, said: “The establishment of the framework and appointment of Robertson, Esh and Caddick is an important step in supporting our plans to deliver more extra care housing across the North East and Yorkshire.” “Demand for specialist housing continues to grow and we are committed to investing in affordable, high-quality homes that help people live independently for longer. We have appointed trusted partners who share our commitment to quality, value and meeting the needs of our communities, enabling us to accelerate delivery of these important developments.” Extra care housing combines independent living with access to tailored care and support services, helping residents maintain their independence while benefiting from a safe and supportive environment. The framework has been designed to create a streamlined and flexible approach to procurement, enabling projects to be delivered efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality, value, and sustainability. Developments delivered through the framework will contribute to a pipeline of future projects, increasing the supply of in-demand specialist accommodation across the region. Karbon is already underway with a number of new extra care schemes across the North East, working with local authority partners to help address the lack of specialist affordable accommodation options in different boroughs. Two new projects in South Tyneside, a 95-apartment scheme in Hebburn and a 124-apartment scheme in South Shields both delivered by Robertson Construction North East, part of Robertson Group, are progressing well with first completions due by the end of 2027. And an 84-apartment scheme in Morpeth, delivered in partnership with Northumberland County Council, is set for completion in the new year. All three projects are providing modern, energy-efficient homes designed around the needs of older people and those requiring additional care and support. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Securing a place on the new framework further strengthens our relationship with Karbon Homes. We are currently the delivery partner of choice for them on two state-of-the-art extra care schemes, adding to our extensive experience in the sector across England. “Our commitment to community wealth building means we are supporting the local economy and helping local people into work and training while delivering a final product that supports independent living. We look forward to continuing to work with Karbon Homes to provide quality schemes with people and communities at their heart.” Framework contracts are due to start later this month and will be for an initial five-year period to September 2031, with the option to extend for up to a further two years. Stephen Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive at Esh, said: “Extra care housing continues to play an increasingly important role in meeting housing needs across the region. We look forward to working collaboratively with Karbon Homes to deliver high-quality homes, creating lasting social value through local job creation, supporting people into employment, and delivering positive outcomes for communities across the North East and Yorkshire.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, commented: “Framework procurement plays a vital role in enabling housing providers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective schemes efficiently and at pace, ensuring projects bring long-term value to local communities. “Our appointment to Karbon Homes’ Extra Care Framework builds on Caddick’s extensive experience in delivering specialist residential and later living developments, and we look forward to working closely with Karbon Homes to support their vision for delivering high-quality extra care housing across the North East and Yorkshire.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New guide, developed with BRE, shows how structured, data-rich specification builds the evidence trail BREEAM demands NBS has released A Specifier’s Guide to BREEAM, a practical resource that shows design teams how everyday specification decisions connect directly to sustainability targets and certification success. Developed in collaboration with BRE, the guide covers BREEAM UK New Construction V7 and sets out how structured, fully classified specification content can help build the evidence trail needed for environmental assessment. What BREEAM New Construction V7 asks of specifiers The construction industry is under growing pressure to deliver buildings that are efficient, resilient and net-zero ready. BREEAM has assessed building performance in the UK for over 30 years, and its latest version, BREEAM New Construction V7, raises expectations across energy, water, materials and ecology. With an updated focus on whole life carbon, embodied impacts, operational performance, and biodiversity, it reflects the latest insight into what buildings need to achieve national and global net zero targets. Whole life carbon is now assessed across the full building lifecycle, so specifiers need reliable embodied carbon data at the point of specification, not after decisions are made. Materials must be responsibly sourced, with robust environmental and social credentials throughout their supply chains, and all project timber must be legal and sustainable. Design decisions have to be evidenced across nine environmental categories, from energy-efficient systems and water conservation to responsible sourcing and ecology. For specifiers, that means providing a clear, traceable ‘golden thread’ of information from early design stages through to project delivery. Dr Lee Jones, Head of Sustainability, Hubexo, said: “The construction industry has entered a new era of change. Climate action, tougher regulations, and rising client expectations are reshaping what “good” looks like in modern building design. Sustainability and decarbonisation are no longer box-ticking exercises; they are powerful drivers of value, innovation, and competitive advantage. For specifiers, every decision is now an opportunity to deliver smarter, greener, future ready buildings.” Jennifer Dudley Lead Product Manager, BREEAM said: “Proven to help access green finance, retain asset value and support increased occupant satisfaction, BREEAM New Construction helps clients and design teams holistically navigate sustainability needs of today, and anticipate those of the future when designing and constructing new buildings.” How structured specification builds the BREEAM evidence trail BREEAM New Construction addresses the full scope of whole life carbon. Including embodied and operational carbon. Embodied carbon data is increasingly influential in specification. Manufacturers can control it in their processes, providing accurate data to inform specification choices and comparisons.The guide explains how NBS Chorus, using Uniclass and CAWS classification, gives specifiers a consistent way to record and prove decisions with a ‘golden-thread’ of information from design through to certification. NBS Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA), gives teams access to over 10,000 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and helps quantify upfront embodied carbon as projects develop. Together, these tools help design teams make informed carbon decisions early. The guide positions certification not as a compliance hurdle but as a competitive edge, giving teams a repeatable way to demonstrate performance and win work. A Specifier’s Guide to BREEAM is available now to download from the NBS website: A specifier’s guide to BREEAM | NBS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OP has completed the transformation of the ground floor reception and communal areas at One Penrhyn in Kingston for Swiss Life Asset Managers UK, creating a vibrant 3,000 sq ft student destination designed around connection, flexibility and belonging. Located just four minutes’ walk from Kingston University, the seven-week refurbishment has transformed a previously dark and compartmentalised common room into an open, welcoming environment where residents can study, relax, meet and socialise. With approximately 80% of residents coming from overseas, creating an inclusive home-from-home that could help students connect and feel part of a community was central to the brief. OP opened up the common room and created three complementary zones: Relax, Connect and Watch. A quieter area with acoustic ceiling treatments and a large shared table supports study and group projects, while the central teapoint provides a café-style setting with a bespoke refreshment area. The entertainment zone features a large screen and gaming console for movie nights, gaming and social events. Flexibility is built into the design, with modular sofas that can be moved and regrouped and bespoke storage housing 12 pull-out stools for larger gatherings. This gives students greater ownership over the space and allows it to adapt throughout the day. Running through the scheme is a continuous feature rope light, developed as a visual representation of connection and community. During evening events, the main lighting can be reduced and the softer feature light used to create a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere. The concept continues through the building’s graphics and arrival experience, with new external imagery, signage and lighting strengthening One Penrhyn’s street presence. A community display area gives residents somewhere to share artwork, photographs, notices and upcoming events, helping the space evolve with the people using it. Natural finishes and muted base tones provide a calm backdrop, with brighter colour introduced through artwork, accessories and selected furniture. The completed scheme brings a previously underused common room back to life as a flexible and comfortable student destination. By combining spaces for quiet focus with opportunities to socialise, play and gather, One Penrhyn now provides an environment where students can spend time together and build relationships naturally. ”This project was about creating a genuine sense of belonging for students from all over the world. The graphic identity and flexible furniture work together to deliver a space that brings people together, whether that’s a large group watching a match or one person studying quietly.” Alannah Laud, Senior Designer at OP “We want to create a space where students genuinely want to spend time together. The design captures everything we’re looking for – a flexible, welcoming environment that feels like home for students from all over the world, and a unique, modern space that distinguishes One Penrhyn from the local competition.” Jake Berry, Investment Associate at Swiss Life Asset Managers UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® Tools new ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper for MX FUEL™ sets out the environmental, health and financial case for replacing petrol-powered light equipment with MX FUEL™ battery-powered alternatives across EMEA: Petrol-powered equipment is a significant and overlooked source of air pollution, health risk and compliance liability on construction sites. New MILWAUKEE® research across more than 2,000 professional users in EMEA makes the case for accelerating the transition to battery power. The hidden cost of petrol on the construction site Petrol-powered equipment contributes to more than 108 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, with air pollution costing the EU around €600 billion a year, equivalent to 4% of GDP. WHO Europe and the European Respiratory Society report that respiratory diseases account for more than €17 billion in annual productivity losses. The human cost One in three construction workers is exposed to harmful fumes three to five days per week. On urban sites, petrol-powered tools also release harmful PM2.5 particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Prolonged exposure to harmful fumes is linked to asthma, COPD, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. The shift to battery Three in four respondents to MILWAUKEE®’s survey rate their cordless experience as good or excellent. Four in five believe battery systems can serve as true petrol replacements, with noise reduction (31.8%), environmental benefits (21%) and health improvements (16%) cited as the primary motivations. As the ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper reveals, on total cost of ownership, the numbers make a strong case for battery power adoption. The MX FUEL™ Cut-Off Saw delivers more than €240 in annual savings over its petrol equivalent; the Breaker saves around €1,700 per year; the Tower Light saves approximately €1,800 per year. Battery equipment also eliminates recurring costs for spark plugs, filters, carburettors, air filters, drive belts and starter cords. Real-world proof Skanska Rental in Sweden ran a two-year trial before committing to full MX FUEL™ adoption. Mirza Palislamovic, Product Manager at Skanska Rental, Sweden, said safety was central to the decision. “For Skanska, safety is number one and always has been. So, if we have a product with better safety features like MX FUEL™’s AUTOSTOP™ feature, then of course it’s a big plus.” The direction of travel is clear. Palislamovic added, “By 2027, we will have all battery machines instead of petrol. So, I don’t see any problems in going from petrol to battery power.” The path forward California has banned new petrol-powered tools in built-up areas. More than 100 US municipalities have enacted restrictions, and Stockholm and Oslo have established no-emission zones. European regulators are watching closely. The ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper outlines the priorities the industry should champion: supporting the expansion of civic no-emission zones, educating end users on the full benefits of battery power, investing in charging infrastructure and demonstrating battery performance in real working conditions. MILWAUKEE® Jobsite Solutions (JSS) team are available to work directly with end-users, providing hands-on demonstrations across the MX FUEL™ range to help teams understand performance, runtime and total cost of ownership in the context of their own operations. To download the Room to Breathe (MX FUEL™ edition) whitepaper, click here. To find out more about MILWAUKEE®, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals