As the heating industry moves towards a more sustainable future, there is pressure for developers and specifiers in the new build sector to deliver future-proof and highly energy efficient housing. Tom Murray, Specification Director Commercial and Residential at Baxi Heating, discusses the SAP energy boosters currently available and how specifiers
Metso Outotec is proceeding with its program to consolidate its warehouse locations and transportation processes for spare and wear parts and related services globally. An efficient and optimized network will increase availability, improve customer service and decrease CO2 emissions. The optimization of logistics is included in the company’s EUR 120
Relayr and learnd have joined forces to provide businesses across the UK with an innovative new concept that transforms the way systems within a building are managed and maintained. Learnd, which launched its ‘Building Performance as a Service’ offering in early 2020, will integrate relayr’s capability with its own extensive
The game will be the first time the reigning Playoff champions have featured on Sky Sports since coverage got underway last week. The club are delighted to welcome Glencar Construction to the Riders family as an official game night sponsor for the first game on the channel. “The Leicester Riders
Accelerated online learning is fast becoming the preferred choice by students and professionals. Education allows you to prepare yourself for your future career. You can also improve your skills and advance your career with the help of an accelerated online degree. It’s an excellent investment for your future. Accelerated online
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, is set to Go Beyond Net Zero Carbon, Generate Zero Waste and Positively Impact More than 1 Million People by 2040 across its UK, US and Hong Kong operations through its refreshed Sustainability strategy, “Building New Futures”, which launches today. Balfour Beatty has long
Futureal Group’s logistics megaparks can contribute significantly to the country’s competitiveness In the eastern agglomeration of Budapest, next to the M0 ring road, HelloParks continues its expansion with a new development in Maglód. As a member of Futureal Group, the company has started preparations for the implementation of HelloParks Maglód’s
The idea is as ingenious as it is unique and has the potential to become a global role model: the Bunhill Heat and Power Network (BHPN) project in central London. By using waste heat from the London Underground network, 1,350 homes, a school and two leisure centers in Islington are
Those in the public sector working on procurement will need to radically adapt and change the way they work to support change in the construction industry and respond to the challenges faced by the country. So says LORD KERSLAKE, non-executive chairman of framework provider Pagabo. “Today’s government guidance on sourcing
Building works have started on ‘Forest Park’; an exclusive 45-home development in Nottinghamshire, by property developer Taggart Homes. Located in the sought-after village of Annesley, in the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire, the development has a prime position on Derby Road in the heart of the village and only a five-minute
As the heating industry moves towards a more sustainable future, there is pressure for developers and specifiers in the new build sector to deliver future-proof and highly energy efficient housing. Tom Murray, Specification Director Commercial and Residential at Baxi Heating, discusses the SAP energy boosters currently available and how specifiers and developers can use them to contribute to the overall efficiency of heating and hot water systems. Linked to the Building Regulations Approved Document L consultation in 2019, the tenth version of the supporting Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP 10.2) is now on the horizon. What we know so far is that proposed changes to Building Regulations look set to mandate tighter targets for new dwelling emissions. Once the imminent Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) consultation response is released and the implementation date for changes is confirmed, there will be more onus on new build developers to drive low carbon development. Further recent developments revealed in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan include possible changes to when the Future Homes Standard will be enacted. According to the plan this policy, which seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of new build homes by mandating low carbon heating in all new build houses, may be enacted in 2023, sooner than the 2025 deadline originally intended. The 2023 date was subsequently removed from official supporting documents, although it is expected that the ambition is still to bring this forward, subject to further industry consultation. What this all points to is that specifiers and developers will need to be reliant on electricity-powered heating and hot water system technologies like cylinders and heat pumps. However, while gas boilers are still being specified for new-builds prior to the Future Homes Standard, extra measures and design considerations will need to be made to ensure compliance with emissions targets.. SAP Boosting Measures The good news is that there are a number of energy efficiency boosting additions that can be specified to improve the SAP rating of a dwelling including a gas boiler, such as weather compensation, load compensation, smart controls, and heat recovery systems. These systems are often combined to deliver the best results and some even deliver 2-in-1 benefits, like smart controls which often include features such as load compensation functionality along with time and temperature control. These devices measure the gap between what the internal temperature is and what the user wants it to be and modulates the boiler so that it only uses as much fuel as necessary to close the gap. Weather compensation devices, monitor outdoor conditions and tell the boiler when to adjust its flow temperature. This leads to fuel savings and a more consistent environment. When paired with smart controls, weather compensation is a cost-effective way to raise energy efficiency and lower emissions. Flue Gas Heat Recovery (FGHR) recycles the heat from the flue gases which would normally be expelled into the atmosphere. The recovered heat is then used to pre-heat water coming into the boiler from the cold mains supply, significantly reducing the amount of gas required by the boiler to heat the water. Likewise, Shower Heat Recovery Units (SHRU) save energy by recycling residual heat from waste shower and bath water via a heat exchanger. When working to peak efficiency, it can recover up to 63% of heat that would otherwise be lost. SHRUs can boost SAP ratings by 5-6%. Getting it right Getting building services system design right and knowing how best use to these technologies in the wider context of the building is a science. It involves careful selection of components in order to meet both customer needs as well as emissions considerations. This among other factors such as how the fabric, area and volume of the building will impact heat loss and the overall performance. In order to better support the new-build residential sector to meet the SAP challenge, Baxi Assure offers developers and specifiers a quality range of boilers, cylinders, air source heat pumps and energy booster accessories as part of a complete home service. This includes a fully indemnified Design Service with qualified SAP assessors who can advise on the most cost-effective and efficient hot water and heating solution for new build properties. Knowing the landscape While the future of the heating industry is set to change vastly in the coming years, it remains important to consider the challenges facing professionals now. Demand for new housing will continue to rise, and with it the requirement for efficient, low-carbon heating. As the regulatory landscape continues to adapt, so too will specifiers and developers in the new build space. The housing industry must work together on this journey to net-zero. This is where Baxi Assure is well-positioned to provide a full spectrum of low-carbon heating technologies, design, specification and SAP assessment support, together with useful system add-ons to boost efficiencies such as FGHR and smart, easy-to-use comfort controls. This period of change in the new build housing sector will be challenging, but is necessary to tackle climate change and meet the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Being prepared by keeping up with legislation and taking advantage of the products and services designed to support this transition is the best way for developers and specifiers to succeed. To find more information about the Baxi Assure services and SAP energy booster accessories please visit www.baxi.co.uk/assure and follow Baxi Assure on social media linkedin/baxiassure
Metso Outotec is proceeding with its program to consolidate its warehouse locations and transportation processes for spare and wear parts and related services globally. An efficient and optimized network will increase availability, improve customer service and decrease CO2 emissions. The optimization of logistics is included in the company’s EUR 120 million cost synergy target, it accounts for more than EUR 20 million. The combined Metso Outotec network has covered more than 40 distribution centers. Once the network is optimized, the company will have 18 warehouses or distribution centers located in all main customer markets. The new operating model is utilizing strong partners who have recognized global capabilities in providing competitive warehouse services. Major warehouse opened in Phoenix, Arizona Consolidation work in Asia, Africa, China and Europe will be concluded in the near future. Metso Outotec already announced that warehouse operations in Finland will be consolidated and outsourced, and a new warehouse will be established to Helsinki. Simultaneously, the current spare and wear parts warehouse in Tampere will be closed. The new model will be fully implemented by the end of the first half in 2021.“Our target is to enable world-class logistics with easily scalable operations. Flexible, state-of-the-art warehouse operations will allow orders to be collected and dispatched to customers directly from central warehouses. The new model enables considerable savings in the end-to-end freight costs, streamlines transportation, and significantly reduces CO2 emissions,” says Jarkko Aro, Senior Vice President of Customer Logistics at Metso Outotec. The new center in Phoenix, Arizona, represents one of the Metso Outotec’s largest warehouse operations globally. CO2 emissions down by 7% in 2020, with 20% reduction target by 2025 “By the end of the third quarter of 2020, we already achieved a 7% reduction of CO2 emissions in our logistics compared to 2019. We are extremely happy to be at the forefront with our CO2 reduction targets,” says Jarkko Aro. Metso Outotec has announced that it is targeting a net positive impact on the planet with a commitment to the 1.5 °C journey. This will be implemented through sustainable offering, innovations and actions, and be measured by Science Based Targets aiming at a 50% reduction of emissions in own operations by 2030 compared to 2019, and a 20% reduction of logistics emissions by 2025.
Relayr and learnd have joined forces to provide businesses across the UK with an innovative new concept that transforms the way systems within a building are managed and maintained. Learnd, which launched its ‘Building Performance as a Service’ offering in early 2020, will integrate relayr’s capability with its own extensive domain expertise to create better buildings for customers – and it’s a pledge which is backed up by powerful insurance partner HSB. For example, through partnership with relayr and HSB, learnd will be able to guarantee retail customers that their stores are offering maximum shopper comfort or guarantee a hospital that the conditions on its wards are optimised for patient care. “At HSB, we’re excited to be part of bringing this level of assurance, guaranteeing peak performance, to commercial property owners and occupants,” says John B. Riggs, Senior Vice President of HSB Applied Technology Solutions. Learnd’s Building Performance as a Service offering is suitable for any sector that operates commercial premises including critical infrastructure, healthcare, retail, education, government and business offices. relayr’s expertise in the digitisation of assets will provide the support for learnd’s capabilities by adding data processing and data analytics, combined with business enablement. CEO and learnd co-founder, John Clifford, explains: “Our partnership brings together the best IoT solutions from relayr, insurance products from HSB and our market-leading subject matter expertise within buildings, to achieve something that has never been done before. “Learnd’s customers will have absolute certainty that their buildings will perform as they need them to, whilst actually spending less over the long term. The guaranteed outcomes approach means organisations can focus on their core activities – whether that’s teaching children or healing people, 100% confident that learnd will make their buildings better.” Josef Brunner, relayr CEO, adds: “This partnership between relayr and learnd is a visionary yet highly practical move, combining relayr’s digitisation skills and learnd’s experience in industry. It allows learnd to deliver their innovative ‘Building Performance as a Service’ offering – driving a step change in the buildings industry that is long-overdue.” Relayr’s manufacturing customers are already using relayr’s solutions to build pay per use business models, now more businesses and more industries can follow in their footsteps. For more information visit: www.relayr.io and www.learnd.co.uk
The game will be the first time the reigning Playoff champions have featured on Sky Sports since coverage got underway last week. The club are delighted to welcome Glencar Construction to the Riders family as an official game night sponsor for the first game on the channel. “The Leicester Riders young player pathway and community development programme has contributed massively, not only to the success of the team on the court, but also off the court in terms of providing young people with opportunities to grow, develop and be part of a success story” commented Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy. “Basketball is an integral part of community sport and actually one of most played sports in the U.K. amongst young people. Glencar are very happy to partner with one of The British Basketball League’s leading teams who share our core values in investing in young people, education and community development.” Glencar Construction is a contractor specialising in the creation of high-quality turnkey facilities in partnership with some of the UK’s leading developers, occupiers, retailers and logistics businesses. “We are extremely excited to be working alongside a company such as Glencar which clearly shares our core values and sense of community,” said Leicester Riders’ Managing Director Russell Levenston. “Like with our recent success on court it’s a chance for us to help celebrate Glencar’s recent successes off court, after being awarded top spot in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table.” Riders have made a great start to the 2020-21 season having qualified for the BBL Cup quarter final against Glasgow Rocks and opened their league campaign with a victory over Surrey Scorchers. Jamell Anderson, who was a standout versus Surrey added: “Leicester is a club that’s synonymous with leading the way in British Basketball as well as its work in local community so the partnership with Glencar is a great fit. “Everyone is looking forward to playing back in front of the Sky Sports cameras.” Sky Sports have also confirmed that Leicester will also feature on the channel on Friday 26 February when they host Worcester Wolves.
Accelerated online learning is fast becoming the preferred choice by students and professionals. Education allows you to prepare yourself for your future career. You can also improve your skills and advance your career with the help of an accelerated online degree. It’s an excellent investment for your future. Accelerated online learning is a term used to describe what many people refer to as ‘enhanced e-learning.’ Many people believe that they can take classes in an online environment, so they don’t need to be physically present. While some colleges also offer on-campus accelerated online learning, most people take virtual classes because the only requirement is a stable Internet connection. In a traditional classroom, individuals are required to be physically present because that’s how the classroom system works. Students are taught by a teacher, who’s in a classroom with them, listening to questions and guiding them through the lessons. When students are unable to attend classes physically, it’s extremely difficult to continue learning. This is where online courses or virtual classrooms become useful. With the help of a computer, a person can take a class via the Internet and not have to attend class in a physical classroom. As a result, students learn at a much faster rate because they have a great deal of control over their learning environment. Another benefit of choosing online classes is that many people find that they can complete the classes on their own schedule and at their own pace. It means students can work out a schedule that allows them to work and study at the same time. Online Courses Versus Accelerated Online Learning Enrolling in online classes and taking up accelerated online degree programs have similarities and differences. Both methods allow an individual to take lessons through an e-course. While there are degree courses that can be done online, some may opt for e-books or modules delivered through e-mail. To access an e-course, the student goes online and logs in to a knowledge management system or other platform assigned by the service provider. Aside from sharing the same mode of instruction, which is over the Internet, both offer a convenient and hassle-free way to learn. Here are the benefits of online learning: Flexibility: When you are taking a course online, you can fit your busy schedule around it. Instead of having to plan your vacation or school breaks to help accommodate traditional classes, candidates can opt to study when they want to. Individuals who work long hours can use the flexible schedule to take classes when they have free time. Accessible: Students taking online courses can attend their classes from wherever they are. Online education allows students to take classes in the comfort of their own homes There is no travel time required to commute to and from school. You cannot obtain this flexibility from a traditional school. Lower expenses: Taking online classes means lower fees since you’re not going to use any of the physical facilities or structures of the school. You need not worry about spending on transportation or meals, just like when attending your classes in a traditional school platform. Equal opportunity: Technology has made it easier for everyone to pursue an education no matter one’s social and financial status. So, now that you know the benefits you’ll reap from online learning, you may be wondering what accelerated online education is. To make an informed and educated decision, first, you need to understand what accelerated online learning is. Second, its best to understand what differentiates accelerated online learning from the typical online courses. Third, you will learn the various factors that you should consider in choosing an accelerated online learning course and provider. What Is Accelerated Online Learning? Online learning has gained popularity recently as an alternative method to traditional education. It allows you to complete your degree program from a distance, and at the same pace as you would if you’re attending an on-campus program. Accelerated online learning programs have several advantages over traditional programs. First, accelerated online degrees can be completed in as little as two years, compared to a typical four-year degree program. It translates to not only time saved, but also reduced expenses since you won’t need to pay for transportation fees going to and from your classes. Also, the cost of textbooks and other supplies will be greatly reduced, making your educational experience affordable. Second, accelerated online courses are a lot easier to take than traditional courses. Students who can’t get their work done on time because of their busy lives will appreciate this type of learning. You can complete the course in between work hours and on weekends, which means you won’t miss a day of class or, worse, an entire semester. As long as you pass the exams, you’ll finish your degree in less than two years. This is comparable to the time that it takes to finish the same course through a traditional on-campus college. Third, because these types of classes do not require physical presence, students who are busy working and raising a family can still finish their degrees while keeping a job. Those who work outside their homes will appreciate this convenience since they don’t need to go to an actual campus to complete their degrees. It gives them a chance to spend more quality time with their family, as well as have more free time to pursue other goals and passions. A benefit like this may make those who already have jobs a bit more open to the idea of an accelerated program. Fourth, accelerated online learning promotes increased job security in the workplace. In today’s economy, there is a growing demand for qualified people to fill available positions. By investing in accelerated online learning, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including competitive pay, more job security, increased productivity, and career advancement opportunities. Accelerated courses give students a real-world understanding of their chosen careers. They can increase job opportunities for you by offering training in key areas, such
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, is set to Go Beyond Net Zero Carbon, Generate Zero Waste and Positively Impact More than 1 Million People by 2040 across its UK, US and Hong Kong operations through its refreshed Sustainability strategy, “Building New Futures”, which launches today. Balfour Beatty has long been at the forefront of sustainability, having launched its first Group-wide strategy in 2009. Building on the significant progress already made across the company, the new strategy recognises the importance of embracing and embedding more sustainable practices across the Group, setting clear global targets and ambitions. Available to read in full here, the strategy focuses on three core areas – the Environment, Materials and Communities – with each assigned a bold 2040 ambition. To guide the company in its journey to achieve these ambitions, Balfour Beatty will be reporting annually on its progress and against clearly defined 2030 targets to ensure the Group stays on track. Commenting on Balfour Beatty’s strategy today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said: “Fantastic to see yet another leading British business set out both an impressive Net Zero target and the necessary short-term action to meet it. Working with Government, it is our brilliant private sector that will create the new clean jobs that will help us build back greener from the pandemic.” Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “As we emerge from 2020 and the impacts of COVID-19, we are presented with an opportunity to build back better – smarter, faster and greener. “Our new Sustainability Strategy, Building New Futures, recognises the widespread benefits that construction and infrastructure can generate; not just in sustainable lower carbon and greener infrastructure, but in a smarter supply chain, with a more diverse and inclusive workplace, in supporting communities and in stimulating national and local economic growth. “At Balfour Beatty, we’re committed to playing our part in this global challenge, moving our business forward, sustainably, and in doing so, helping to build a better future for everyone”.
Futureal Group’s logistics megaparks can contribute significantly to the country’s competitiveness In the eastern agglomeration of Budapest, next to the M0 ring road, HelloParks continues its expansion with a new development in Maglód. As a member of Futureal Group, the company has started preparations for the implementation of HelloParks Maglód’s first 46,000 sq m facility being built in the first phase, on a 46 ha site located in the vicinity of M4 and M5 highways and Liszt Ferenc International Airport. The industrial and logistics centre will include a range of facilities exceeding a total area of 193,000 sq that meet the requirements of the BREEAM sustainability standard. The announcement of the investment in Maglód follows the company’s recent purchase of its first 76 ha site, also situated next to the M0 highway in Fót, where HelloParks Fót logistics megapark is under development. HelloParks continue its development activities in Maglód, the fastest growing industrial area of the eastern agglomeration of Budapest, an ideal location for production companies and logistics service providers. Preparations for the implementation of a 46,000 sq m facility being realised in the first phase, have already begun on the 46 ha site that is close to the M0 ring road, near the M4 and M5 highways, and Liszt Ferenc International Airport. The first building is expected to be handed over by the end of 2021, the value of this investment exceeds 40 million euros (14.4 billion forints). Prior to its Maglód project, HelloParks recently announced the development of one of Hungary’s largest industrial and logistics centres called HelloParks Fót on an area of 76 ha in Fót providing a total of 330,000 sq m of warehouse and industrial space. “HelloParks aims to increase Hungary’s regional competitiveness with highly competitive and efficient megaparks that also focuses on sustainability. The developments can strongly support Hungary in becoming a real logistics centre, as these facilities can attract new customers with regional outreach to the domestic market,” said Rudolf Nemes, CEO of HelloParks. HelloParks intends to build a total of 193,000 sq m of warehouse, light industrial and office space on the Maglód site. Several hall buildings will be developed in the area with different sizes – depending on the needs of tenants – between 26 000 and 90 000 sq m. The minimum leasable area in the first facility is 3,200 sq m. For smaller tenants the second building can offer rental properties of 500, 1,000 or 2,000 sq m. Similar to HelloParks Fót, the HelloParks Maglód facilities will also meet the requirements of the BREEAM sustainability standard, due to smart solutions that ensure energy efficiency and environmentally friendly operation. As a sustainability feature, electric golf carts will be available for tenants within the park’s area. “The importance of the eastern agglomeration of Budapest has highly increased in recent years, as several international production and distribution companies had settled here that has significantly reduced the size of the available areas. We expect that a similar development will take place in this region as it has happened in the western and southern sectors of the M0 ring road. By the preparation of the development in Maglód, we have thus taken another important step towards HelloParks’ aim to become one of the key players in the dynamically growing industrial and logistics market, first in Hungary and later on in the region. The rapid development of e-commerce and the relocation of production capacities have started a new trend of establishing regional EU centers. In line with this trend HelloParks’ megaparks will serve regional and urban logistics needs. We are constantly exploring further expansion opportunities in the Budapest agglomeration as well as the catchment area of large rural cities,” added Rudolf Nemes. HelloParks can build on Futureal Group’s decade-long property development and investment experience. Futureal is one of the leading real estate developers and investors in Central and Eastern Europe and is among the top 10 largest real estate developers in Europe. Since its foundation Futureal Group’s portfolio has included more than 180 real estate projects with a total value of over EUR 5 billion and an area of 3 million square meters.
The idea is as ingenious as it is unique and has the potential to become a global role model: the Bunhill Heat and Power Network (BHPN) project in central London. By using waste heat from the London Underground network, 1,350 homes, a school and two leisure centers in Islington are now heated and supplied with hot water as part of the council’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve CO2 neutrality by 2030. In partnership with main contractors Colloide Engineering Systems, global technology specialist GEA supplied a purpose built heat pump solution for this flagship project, the first of its kind in the world. Bunhill 2 Energy Centre represents a real blueprint for the use of waste heat from public facilities, taking advantage of state-of-the-art technology on the site of the former City Road London Underground station which was decommissioned almost 100 years ago. The remains of the station have now been converted into a huge underground air extraction system that draws warm air from the tunnels underneath, still used by the London Underground’s Northern Line. In close cooperation with Islington Council, Transport for London (TfL) and Colloide, GEA installed a 1000 kW ammonia heat pump, housed within a container at street level. The heat pump extracts the energy from warm exhaust air from the underground tunnels. The slightly cooler air is vented to the ambient and energy is used to heat up water by the heat pump, which is pumped through a 1.5 km network of district heating pipes to the buildings in the neighborhood, where it is finally used to heat the buildings. The heat pump developed and manufactured by GEA for the system consists of a combined evaporator/separator, three compressors and four heat exchangers in the heating circuit. The heat exchangers optimize the heating circuit according to criteria based on the return of heating water at 55 degrees Celsius and the supply up to 80˚C. According to Kenneth Hoffmann, Product Manager for Heat Pumps at GEA Refrigeration Technologies, there were many challenges in the design of the system during the project. These included extensive testing to ensure that dust and dirt sucked into the ventilation air would not clog the heat exchanger coil. Kenneth Hoffmann explained: “Since the project was located next to a residential building, the installation also included a scrubber technology to filter the ventilation air from the plant room. In the very unlikely event of a small amount of the natural refrigerant ammonia escaping into the plant room, the local residents would not be exposed to the ammonia in the air, as it would be absorbed in the scrubber before being vented to ambient. The use of heat pumps is much more environmentally friendly than the use of gas boilers, especially in big cities, as they do not emit nitrogen oxides (NOx). Heat pumps therefore lead to cleaner air in cities and pay off financially. Moreover, ammonia is a natural refrigerant that does not contribute to global warming.” Paddy McGuinness, Managing Director of Colloide Engineering Systems, added: “Colloide have been involved in a large number of renewable energy projects. Colloide partnered with GEA Refrigeration UK Ltd on this project for their knowledge of ammonia refrigeration and heat pump technology. Based on GEA’s experience, 95% of the industrial refrigeration plants installed over the last 10 years have been ammonia based. With the increasing pressure on end users to reduce energy bills, this has brought about a big increase in the interest of ammonia heat pumps.” The Bunhill 2 Energy Centre adds a further 550 homes and a primary school to the existing Bunhill Heat and Power district heating network, originally launched by Islington Council in 2012. The heating costs for residents connected to the network will be cut by 10 percent when compared to other existing communal heating systems, which themselves cost around half as much as standalone systems heating individual homes. So, a real benefit to the environment, to residents and to Islington with the aim of ending fuel poverty. The heating system is particularly environmentally friendly as it reuses heat that would otherwise be wasted. Supplying the connected households and public facilities with the upgraded waste heat will help to reduce CO2 emissions in the Islington Borough by around 500 tons per year. Shaun Hannon, Contracts Manager at Colloide, commented: “Thanks to the cooperation of all involved, this is a ground-breaking district heating scheme. The main technology used is the ammonia heat pump and as a result, this project provides cheaper, greener energy for the local community.” Iain Eckett, Technical Sales Manager, Refrigeration Technologies, GEA UK, concluded: “This was a very ambitious task. But we have shown that GEA has the knowledge, the technology and the ability to successfully implement innovative projects to generate cleaner and cheaper heating. We offer the most efficient solution at an attractive price.” The principle of heat recovery using heat pumps can be applied in London and in underground networks all around the world. London alone has more than 150 ventilation shafts where waste heat could potentially be recovered. GEA heat pump technology, coupled with the experience gained from groundbreaking projects like the Bunhill 2 Energy Centre in Islington, has made GEA a trusted and preferred partner for waste heat projects globally. Further information is available at www.gea.com
Those in the public sector working on procurement will need to radically adapt and change the way they work to support change in the construction industry and respond to the challenges faced by the country. So says LORD KERSLAKE, non-executive chairman of framework provider Pagabo. “Today’s government guidance on sourcing and contracting public works projects and programmes has been published at a crucial time – when the UK is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19 and as it moves to a new relationship with the European Union. “The Construction Playbook is a positive and powerful document with great information on how we can together create a transformation of the construction sector. This document is really important and bigger than people realise – given the size of the construction sector in this country and that it makes up 10 per cent of our economy. “The report has some particularly positive things in it in terms of health and safety and its primacy in construction and the way it innovates. The report also acknowledges the huge importance of social value and the need to assess projects in terms of their whole life costs and procure for value. Thirdly, and crucially, the importance of digital in construction. “The report itself features an in-depth analysis on how we move forwards as an industry and how we will take on board these really important issues. “This is going to involve as much of a change on the procurement side in the public sector as it a change in the construction sector. “This means a radical change in the process of procurement within the public sector to encourage and support the sector itself changing. There will therefore be the huge task of investing in training and development of the public sector here. And if that doesn’t happen, there is a risk that the sector looks to change but then finds the procurement isn’t changing to keep pace with that. It is vitally important therefore, but both construction and procurement need to work together. “We need to ensure that the principles of the document are followed through in practice so when we talk about social value it is not a theoretical thing – but is real delivery of social value. Which means that you have to ensure that social benefits are maintained when the contract has started – not just calculated at the beginning. “Digital technology and digitally enabled procurement and delivery could be enormously helpful in ensuring that the rest of the principles are achieved in practice. I think that the things that Pagabo has done with its Future of Construction initiative anticipates many of these issues and it fits very well with the approach that Pagabo has taken to try and change its business. “One issue that I couldn’t see as much about creating a diverse industry. “The playbook talks about delivery but more work needs to be done and more thought needs to be given to how this is done across the public sector – a huge and diverse set of organisations. “The playbook is important post COVID. COVID has been the focus in the construction sector and within local organisations – and of course, the ‘here and now.’ This has almost certainly crowded out the longer term thinking by government. “But what I do see are welcome documents such as this playbook, as well as the government’s Fairer, Faster, Green document on infrastructure and the prime minister’s ten-point plan on zero carbon. It’s all part of the ‘building back better’ agenda and now is the right time to be thinking about all of these aspects. “The construction industry is vital to the UK’s economy and this playbook acknowledges that – and it encourages collaborative work across the public sector and private sector. It also notes that the principles and polices in the playbook aim to transform how we assess procure and manage public works projects and programmes. “The document is a good guide for how the UK can deliver beyond COVID. But now we need to deliver together – and procurement is at the core of that delivery.” For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/.
Building works have started on ‘Forest Park’; an exclusive 45-home development in Nottinghamshire, by property developer Taggart Homes. Located in the sought-after village of Annesley, in the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire, the development has a prime position on Derby Road in the heart of the village and only a five-minute drive to junction 27 on the M1. Previously the site of a welfare club which has been vacant since 2009, the development will inject new life into the disused land and is due for completion by winter 2021. Forest Park will feature seven different property types including semi-detached and detached homes. The homes will have a sale value starting at £245,000, going up to £260,000 – all finished to the finest quality with high-spec fixtures and fittings and landscaped gardens, as expected from leading home builder, Taggart Homes. The much-needed homes will appeal to a varied demographic with all properties to fall within the Help to Buy Scheme. The development site is prominently situated towards the east of Derby Road which runs north to south through the village, giving easy access to both Mansfield, just four miles away, and Nottingham, 11 miles away. It is also within easy reach of Sherwood Park Enterprise Zone; home to over 70 established businesses. Annesley is a vibrant village with many amenities including primary schools, a supermarket, a library, sports fields and historic sites such as Annesley Hall. Chief executive officer of Taggart Homes, Michael Taggart, said: “Forest Park is an exciting new development that will bring forward sought-after homes in an excellent location. “We build beautifully designed and well-planned developments for the ultimate in modern living and go the extra mile to include high-quality features that home owners desire as standard. “We are pleased to be progressing with Forest Park which will reinvigorate and breathe new life into an unused area in Annesley, in a wonderful, central location in the village.” Sole marketing agent of Forest Park, Tim Downing, director at Pygott & Crone in Nottingham, said: “Our Nottingham office is really looking forward to marketing this fantastic new development of much needed houses in the area. The quality of Taggart Homes’ offering will set a new benchmark in the region of how new homes should be built. We already have a large number of interested parties looking to reserve. Taggart Homes is working alongside Core Architects and Ashfield District Council to deliver this scheme. Interested homebuyers can now register their interest with Pygott & Crone on 0115 896 5072 and the Forest Park brochure will be launched on the 2nd December, with reservations now being taken.