Integritas Property Group (IPG), one of the fastest-growing property developers in the North West of England, has announced the opening of a new office in Dubai. The move is aimed at bringing foreign investment into the region, which is seeing a regeneration boom. The new office, located in Business Bay,
Guide supports the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038 Greater Manchester Combined Authority has partnered with CBRE’s ESG Consultancy team to create a new commercial Occupier Retrofit Guide to support the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038. The collaborative guide aims to help commercial
Mapei UK’s first Mapecrete jointless floor system has been installed at P1 The Plasterers One Stop Shop & Plastering Superstore, in Cheltenham. The seamless finish was installed over the 440m2 floor area, which will be used as new warehouse space. Concrete was supplied by Flowmix and pumped by Max-Pump. Suitable
Three family businesses have merged to create one of Derbyshire’s largest independent property brands, cope&co. Husband and wife team, Daren and Susan Cope, alongside their son and daughter James and Annie, are bringing their two estate agencies, James Cope Homes and Amber Homes, under the same roof as their residential,
The LABC will be hosting its next technical roadshow in 3D later this month – with Actis sharing part of its RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD with delegates from across the West of England. The CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of
UK-based smart technology and digital specialist Connexin is making huge strides in becoming the leading provider of LoRaWAN® infrastructure in the UK, announcing that its Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) now reaches 4.8 million homes. A significant milestone in the company’s mission to ‘Connect the real world with the digital world
November 2023, London: Following on from successful shows in both the UK and the Netherlands this year, Workspace Design Show is pleased to announce the first names to be added to the speaker programme for its London 2024 show. Held from 27-28 February 2024 at the Business Design Centre, Islington,
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has awarded its first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer (CIE) title to Chris Landsburgh, a Decarbonisation Director at infrastructure consulting firm AECOM. Chris has been involved in the infrastructure sector for over 10 years and specialises in decarbonising infrastructure. He provides advice on net zero plans,
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced changes to continuing professional development (CPD) for its chartered members. 1 January 2024 will see the introduction of simplified rules – removing the need for members to assign points or learning levels to their CPD activities – and more robust compliance.
The employee-owned Cragg Vale-based business, Craggs Energy is delighted to have won two awards at the most recent Calderdale Business Awards. The company, known for its excellence in fuel distribution, has been honoured with the titles of Employer of the Year and Business of the Year, solidifying its position as
Integritas Property Group (IPG), one of the fastest-growing property developers in the North West of England, has announced the opening of a new office in Dubai. The move is aimed at bringing foreign investment into the region, which is seeing a regeneration boom. The new office, located in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s central business and commercial hubs, will serve as a base for IPG’s existing investors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East regions. From working with first-time to seasoned investors who want to explore diversifying into the UK real estate market and ultra-high net worth investors for Joint Venture Partnerships, IPG’s new Dubai office will be a base for IPG to expand across Middle East. Leah Higginson and Lori Driscoll, who both have extensive experience in global investment management, have been recently appointed to manage this new venture. With over a decade of experience in the property industry, Leah Higson has cultivated robust relationships with industry leaders with extensive expertise spanning a wide spectrum of areas, including residential and commercial investments, portfolio management, and comprehensive research and analysis of the UK property market. Lori Driscoll brings more than a decade of multifaceted real estate experience, garnered in both the UK and the Middle East. Her expertise encompasses various aspects of the real Commenting on the opening of the new office, CEO & Founder of IPG, Mitchell Walsh, said: “We are excited to be expanding our international presence with the opening of a new office in Dubai. Over the last 18 months, we have seen an increasing demand from our Middle Eastern investors and wanted to ensure that we were able to offer them the best possible service.” Leah Higginson, Global Investment Manager, continued, “IPG’s Dubai office will showcase the immense potential of the UK’s property market, which has consistently attracted a diverse array of property investors, including those from overseas. “The UK’s property market offers stability in the economy, a secure and well-regulated legal framework for property investment, currency hedging against fluctuations in the GCC currencies alongside a consistent track record of performance in terms of rental yield and capital appreciation. Liverpool, the home of IPG, is an emerging hot spot for landlords, with annual apartment rental rates experiencing an impressive surge, surpassing the national average rental increase, 10% signifying a significant upturn in the city’s real estate sector. IPG will initially promote its Sovereign Point development, situated in Liverpool, UK, while actively seeking investment opportunities for Dubai investors within its other units across all its developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Guide supports the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038 Greater Manchester Combined Authority has partnered with CBRE’s ESG Consultancy team to create a new commercial Occupier Retrofit Guide to support the city-region’s ambitious drive to be carbon neutral by 2038. The collaborative guide aims to help commercial occupiers understand the actions they can take to play their part in delivering the Greater Manchester’s carbon neutral ambitions and wider sustainability strategy. To achieve this target, Greater Manchester has taken steps to tackle emissions across multiple sectors, especially in buildings and transport, where emissions are the highest. The scale of mitigation activities is increasing year on year, however there is much more to do. Commercial buildings account for 6% of Greater Manchester’s total carbon footprint. Councillor Tom Ross, Greater Manchester Lead for Green City-region, said: “To achieve our ambitious environmental aims, we must not only build better, greener buildings, but must also improve the quality of our many existing buildings across the city-region. Local Authorities are already leading by example, with 240 public buildings having been fitted with energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating systems over the last four years. “But improving public sector buildings will only get us so far – we need to encourage commercial building owners and occupiers to do the same. This new guide will provide examples of good practice to help them do just that, all whilst supporting our wider sustainability strategy, which includes increasing the energy efficiency of fuel poor homes, installing more local renewable energy generation and improving public and active transport.” The purpose of the guide is not only intended to steer occupiers towards what to look for, but to help them understand the associated benefits linked with effective retrofit. It focuses on two areas including best practice certification, giving an overview of current market certifications and the benefits related with each; as well as guidance on landlord engagement and green leases, with advice on how to maximise the impact during the term of a contract, and energy provision and management. Part two of the guide expands on circular economy solutions, covering design principles for the future based on the dynamic of reduce, reuse and recycle. It helps to crystalise the direct benefits to organisations, such as direct cash impacts through lower energy bills and reduced operating costs; enhanced strategic and corporate alignment through ESG strategy compliance and ESG messaging to stakeholders; and ultimately improved wellbeing and talent retention through a healthier work environment, and better employee facilities. Lucinda Lay, Associate Director, ESG Consultancy, CBRE, said: “Greater Manchester has one of the most ambitious targets in relation to the climate emergency. By collaborating with the team on this project we can play an important role in helping them realise the city region’s ambitious plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2038, with the role of retrofit playing a significant part in its push. “Sustainability and real estate trends are accelerating. We have investor demands expanding, increasing sustainability and climate change regulation and we have tenant demands evolving. It’s all coming together to actually need greater consideration of ESG and sustainability in the built environment. That’s why guides such as this commissioned by the Council are crucial to get ahead of the climate curve.”
Mapei UK’s first Mapecrete jointless floor system has been installed at P1 The Plasterers One Stop Shop & Plastering Superstore, in Cheltenham. The seamless finish was installed over the 440m2 floor area, which will be used as new warehouse space. Concrete was supplied by Flowmix and pumped by Max-Pump. Suitable for all environments – from commercial and industrial to residential – the Mapecrete system provided benefits including enhanced durability, reduced maintenance and a fast-track installation. Fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) jointless slabs represent a significant advancement in concrete technology, offering numerous benefits over traditional reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The Mapecrete FRC jointless system is based on a shrinkage compensated concrete technology where contraction is compensated by restrained expansion through structural reinforcement. The modular system consists of four Mapei products which work in synergy to create a jointless finish: they include Dynamon XTend W300 N, Mapecure SRA 25, Expancrete, Mapefiber ST42 and Mapecure E30. Whilst RC slabs are jointed to assist in controlling cracking, FRC jointless slabs contain fibres within the concrete mix to enhance performance and reduce cracking and spalling. The slab’s increased durability provides increased load-bearing capacity and greater ability to withstand heavy loads and high traffic. As well as reduced maintenance, further cost savings result from reduced downtime and repairs, and from a less labour-intensive installation. The jointless system is also more resistant to environmental factors, such as freeze-thaw cycles. “The Mapecrete system provided a multitude of installation and performance benefits, as well as a safer working environment. The FRC jointless slab system eliminates the need for steel mesh and greatly reduces labour days. Installation was also far easier, compared to traditional RC slabs, creating a seamless floor. Further down the line, we’ve also eliminated the issues that can arise from having joints every 5-6 linear metres. It’s a fabulous innovation and we’re delighted with the finish achieved in the superstore, ”commented Andrew Hill, Managing Director at Plastering Superstore. For more information about Mapei products and applications, please contact: info@mapei.co.uk or visit www.mapei.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three family businesses have merged to create one of Derbyshire’s largest independent property brands, cope&co. Husband and wife team, Daren and Susan Cope, alongside their son and daughter James and Annie, are bringing their two estate agencies, James Cope Homes and Amber Homes, under the same roof as their residential, sales and property letting business, Professional Properties. It is the first time the company, which has its HQ in Canterbury House on Stephensons Way, has undertaken a major merger and rebrand since it launched nearly 25 years ago. James, the company’s Sales Director, and Annie, who is Operations Director, will be taking a much more prominent role moving forward after dedicating their time to Professional Properties, James Cope Homes and the recently acquired Amber Homes in Alfreton. Susan Cope, the company’s Managing Director, said it was time for the family-run business to reflect on a key milestone in its own history, blend the trio of successful businesses and celebrate the company’s growth. She said: “We want to bring all the strings of our business together and now is the time to do it. Daren and I have worked tirelessly to build the company and we decided that coming together, under one brand, was the way to progress. “Family means everything to us, and we are proud that James and Annie will work as hard as us to grow cope&co. “What they are achieving is phenomenal and we can’t wait to continue celebrating their successes.” The new cope&co brand launches this month with an exciting new website and look and feel, which will become a regular sight across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. Under its new identity cope&co is one of the largest independent letting and estate agents in the local area offering bespoke lettings and property management services, residential sales, as well as selling current investment properties to investors. A new block management service will also be launching next January as part of the exciting new merger. Marketing Derby Bondholders, Daren and Susan Cope launched Professional Properties almost 25 years ago and started from a small office in Derby’s Old Blacksmith Yard, just off Sadler Gate. The business rapidly grew as the couple ploughed their time and energy into building one of Derby’s most successful businesses within the property industry. Susan said: “As the business developed, we moved around to accommodate the growth in staff. It soon became clear that our customers liked the way we worked, and we became business leaders in lettings and property management. “Right now, we are one of the largest, independent letting agents in the area and I think it’s because we are so passionate about what we do. “We have strong family values, and every member of the team works in the same way. James and Annie, share our ethos and drive and they are hugely knowledgeable in the property sector.” The business has already launched its new website at www.copeandco.co.uk and will celebrate its official launch with an open day early in January, 2024. Daren, the company’s Finance Director, said: “Our new brand is a reflection of our amazing journey so far as a family, but it also marks our aspiration to continue growing as a business. “We are proud of our family name – so why not celebrate it? “It has been a real team effort. We are delighted with the outcome, and we now welcome people to cope&co, the new name in property in Derbyshire.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The LABC will be hosting its next technical roadshow in 3D later this month – with Actis sharing part of its RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD with delegates from across the West of England. The CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Wednesday November 22. Delegates and presenters can meet face-to-face at the free event, which takes place at The Players Golf Club in Bristol – and may even get to eat cupcakes, used to illustrate key points in the CPD. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. The club, which like many of its ilk acts as a conference centre and wedding destination, as well as offering fishing, will provide an excellent location in which builders, specifiers, architects and building control officers can benefit from three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform. Actis’ contribution will focus on insulation to meet the new tighter Building Regulations Part L requirements, while other experts will talk on issues such as warranty defects. Doors open at 8am and close at 11.30am. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK-based smart technology and digital specialist Connexin is making huge strides in becoming the leading provider of LoRaWAN® infrastructure in the UK, announcing that its Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) now reaches 4.8 million homes. A significant milestone in the company’s mission to ‘Connect the real world with the digital world to improve the way we live’. Connexin’s industry leading LoRaWAN is a low powered, wide-area network designed to seamlessly connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors over long distances while consuming minimal energy. The network is live and passes over 4.8 million homes. Making a splash in the utilities landscape, Connexin is set to expand the network even further with plans to connect an additional 400,000 IoT sensors to make UK water smarter. Connexin’s impressive track record of deploying large-scale LoRaWAN infrastructure for smart water metering really demonstrates its expertise in the sector, alongside successful partnerships with industry leaders such as Severn Trent Water and Yorkshire Water. By revolutionising the smart water network, water utility companies can now give people a crystal-clear view of their water consumption patterns through real-time insights on water usage, swiftly spot leaks and burst pipes, and ultimately reduce water loss. This brings enormous benefits to the environment. By cutting down on water waste through smart metering and improved management, Connexin is helping to reduce energy consumption linked to water treatment and distribution, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions for the nation. Dan Preece, Vice President of IoT at Connexin explains: “Our growth in the IoT and digital infrastructure space over the past year has been off the charts. We continue to invest significant resources into boosting our LoRaWAN infrastructure, ensuring top-notch coverage and rock-solid reliability to cater to the ever-expanding needs of the many businesses and communities embracing IoT applications.” Connexin’s growth in building smarter cities and places has been accelerated with an £80m investment from PATRIZIA; one of the world’s largest independent infrastructure funds. Phoebe Smith, Senior Director at PATRIZIA Infrastructure, said: “PATRIZIA is proud to support Connexin’s growth journey in the UK digital infrastructure space. During a time when sustainability and reducing unnecessary impact on the planet are more important than ever, we are excited to partner with such an innovative and forward-thinking company.” LoRaWAN® technology is a game-changer for the environment and supports a vast array of applications that touch nearly every aspect of day-to-day life. With the deployment of LoRaWAN-enabled sensors, service providers such as water utility companies and local authorities can keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. From continuously monitoring elements such as temperature, humidity, water patterns and air quality to maintaining comfortable living spaces can all be achieved to ensure good health. The versatility and connectivity of LoRaWAN make cities and communities smarter, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.
November 2023, London: Following on from successful shows in both the UK and the Netherlands this year, Workspace Design Show is pleased to announce the first names to be added to the speaker programme for its London 2024 show. Held from 27-28 February 2024 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, the event will feature an impressive mix of senior professionals from architects and designers to developers and end users, who will come together to discuss the most pressing issues facing the workplace design community now and into the future. Confirmed speakers so far include Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR, Sheppard Robson, Golnaz Ighany, Sustainability Director, BDP, Collin Burry, Design Principal, Gensler and Oliver Hall, Partner – Architecture and Sustainability at Make Architects. Representatives from occupiers include Louise Sheppard, UK Head of Workplace Services & Social Sustainability, Zurich and Sue Glew, Programme Director, The Better Workplace Programme, British Telecom, and Neil Usher, VP Places, Sage, with other highly-experienced industry professionals including Guzman de Yurza, Global Head of Workplace Strategy Capability, JLL and Sally Marshall, Director, Turner & Townsend. The speaker programme will delve into the most urgent topics confronting the sector. These include The Holy Trinity of Culture, Space & Opportunity; Exploring the reality of neurodiversity, inclusivity and equality; AI or die? Using AI in workplace design to enhance creative output and generate innovative ideas; and Designing a workplace that meets cross generational needs. Workspace Design Show 2024 will again feature four different talks programmes, featuring 120 speakers. The Workspace Design Talks will be exploring the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy and culture, while the Sustainability Works programme will also return for next year’s edition. This stream of discussion will again bring together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives, projects and product developments. The FIS Conference, a not-for-profit representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, will once again take place at Workspace Design Show, providing a platform for the latest industry thinking from the finishes and interiors sector. The Occupiers Forum, meanwhile, will provide ‘The View from HQ’, giving that crucial perspective from the occupier side of the workplace design equation, as well as providing insights into what employers are doing to create an engaging workplace experience. Once again, Workspace Design Show will gather together leading architects, designers, real estate professionals, tenants and other industry experts to exchange their insights around the world of workplace design. Workspace Design Show 2024, 27-28 February 2024, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH workspaceshow.co.uk For further information contact Nova Joseph, nova@workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has awarded its first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer (CIE) title to Chris Landsburgh, a Decarbonisation Director at infrastructure consulting firm AECOM. Chris has been involved in the infrastructure sector for over 10 years and specialises in decarbonising infrastructure. He provides advice on net zero plans, whole life carbon accounting, and sustainability strategies for governments and businesses. Already a Chartered Environmentalist, he was formerly an ICE President’s Future Leader under past president Paul Sheffield, is an ICE Carbon Champion and was involved in creating the PAS 2080 standard for carbon management in infrastructure. The CIE title is the first new title to be awarded since 1923 when the first Chartered Engineer titles were awarded. What is a Chartered Infrastructure Engineer? The CIE title was acquired by the ICE in response to the recommendations made by Professor John Uff in his 2016 review of UK engineering. Professor Uff observed that a significant number of academically qualified, practising engineers were operating outside the Professional Engineering Institution structure. In the report he recommended these engineers become professionally qualified to help assure the public that the engineers who are delivering the infrastructure they use daily are current, credible, and competent. The CIE title, the introduction of which was approved by members in 2022, allows the ICE to professionally qualify engineers involved in all aspects of infrastructure delivery and welcome them into its membership. The introduction of this new title acknowledges the changing needs of an industry which has been transformed by innovation, new technologies, and a desire to build a more inclusive and sustainable world through multi-disciplinary collaboration. How does someone become a Chartered Infrastructure Engineer? CIE candidates must participate in a similarly rigorous process as Chartered Civil Engineer candidates. The same assessment standard and methodology is applied but tailored towards the CIE candidate’s specialism. This process includes submitting documentary evidence of competence and professional commitment, passing a written communication task and interviewing with at least two professional qualified reviewers. One reviewer is a civil engineer, the other has knowledge of the CIE candidate’s specialism. Chartered Infrastructure Engineers will help society meet engineering challenges Chris Landsburgh said,‘The ICE has been a professional home for several years, and becoming the first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer is an honour. ‘This new title fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration and reflects the industry’s commitment to evolve. ‘Drawing on the collective knowledge of many disciplines will set the industry and society up well to navigate the challenges we’re facing such as climate change and the need to decarbonise infrastructure’. ICE President Keith Howells said, ‘I’m delighted to conclude my tenure as ICE President with the announcement that Chris Landsburgh has become the institution’s first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer. ‘Awarding this new protected title follows years of discussion about modernising and broadening the ICE to become a professional home for all those working in infrastructure. ‘The Engineering Council, HM Privy Council and others all required assurance that this new title was needed and that the highest standards of professional review would be met. ‘All believed that introducing the title aligned with the ICE’s mission to ensure that the world has the infrastructure it needs to thrive.’ ‘I look forward to welcoming many more like Chris in the future’. AECOM’s chief executive for Europe & India, Colin Wood said, ‘I know I speak for many in our industry in warmly welcoming the new title of Chartered Infrastructure Engineer. ‘As we collaborate to solve the important challenges of our time, such as decarbonisation and resilience, it is right that we recognise the valuable expertise and experience of our colleagues who haven’t specifically taken a civil engineering route, but whose professional capability is instrumental to the outcomes we are working to achieve. ‘Huge congratulations to Chris on this achievement’. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced changes to continuing professional development (CPD) for its chartered members. 1 January 2024 will see the introduction of simplified rules – removing the need for members to assign points or learning levels to their CPD activities – and more robust compliance. While members are already required to undertake and record CPD, RIBA will now check that every member has an up-to date online record, rather than auditing a random sample. Alongside the new rules, exemptions will be introduced – on request – for members on maternity, paternity, carer or adoption leave, or away from practice due to long term illness. The changes, which coincide with updates to ARB’s CPD requirements, are aimed at ensuring and demonstrating that RIBA members meet the highest professional standards and are equipped with expertise in crucial areas such as building and fire safety, climate literacy, legal and regulatory compliance, and inclusive design. RIBA has published information and guidance for members, available via its website. Executive Director for Professional Knowledge at RIBA, Adrian Dobson, said: “RIBA chartered membership represents a gold standard in architectural practice, and today the expectations and demands on architects have never been greater. Societal issues, such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the climate crisis, have led to significant shifts in the wider industry, requiring architects to demonstrate competence across a broad range of areas. The forthcoming changes to RIBA’s CPD requirements will it make easier than ever before for our members to develop and maintain the sophisticated knowledge and expertise they need. This will ultimately ensure that we uphold the highest standards in architecture, and that the profession remains commercially resilient and at the forefront of addressing society’s most pressing issues. Our focus remains better and safer buildings and places, stronger communities, and a sustainable built environment. We are here to support our members with the changes and advise them on their CPD needs. Alongside resources which are free for members – including digital content, events and articles – we offer structured and informal CPD at every level and price.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The employee-owned Cragg Vale-based business, Craggs Energy is delighted to have won two awards at the most recent Calderdale Business Awards. The company, known for its excellence in fuel distribution, has been honoured with the titles of Employer of the Year and Business of the Year, solidifying its position as a standout contributor to the local business landscape. Matthew Crockett, Managing Director at Craggs Energy comments: “We are honoured to have received both the award we were nominated for and the prestigious Business of the Year award. This recognition stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team, of which I couldn’t be prouder. At Craggs Energy, we believe that our employees are our most valuable assets, and we are committed to empowering our workforce. This accolade reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive and thriving workplace. We place high value on our employees, customers, and the community we serve. Not only this but winning the Business of the Year award highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation within our industry. Our sustained growth, relentless pursuit of quality, and dedication to customer satisfaction drive us to continue providing reliable and renewable fuel solutions for our Calderdale community for years to come.” Emily Yates, Transport and Operations Planner said: “We had a fantastic evening at the awards ceremony and we were blown away to be recognised for two awards. Over the past twelve months, we have seen lots of improvements within the business including the introduction of a dog-friendly office, revamped breakout areas, internal awards and recognition and more regular staff incentives including meals and team nights out. I feel privileged to be working with such an amazing team and to share in the growing success of our one hundred per cent employee-owned business. The continued incentives and benefits that are introduced keep the team motivated and feeling valued. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.’’ Craggs Energy’s impressive double victory at the Calderdale Business Awards 2023 is a testament to their enduring commitment to their colleagues, community, and industry. As they continue to grow and evolve, their presence in the energy sector remains influential and their dedication to excellence is unwavering. The Employer of the Year and Business of the Year titles are not just accolades but a testament to the values that define Craggs Energy as a pillar of the Calderdale business community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals