The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered how we live, work, and do business. With health protocols requiring work-from-home schemes and social distancing requirements for office environments, conducting training can be quite tricky as you need to ensure competencies are met without compromising the health of the participants. Safety training becomes
The real estate industry is one of the best performing businesses in the world today. Part of this success has been due to the adoption of technology in the industry. The constant advancement of technology has forced almost everyone to adapt, changing how the real estate industry operates. In the
An air compressor is a machine that takes in normal air and converts it into a denser, high pressurized output. Compressed air is the air that is at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Air compressors are applied in various industries, construction, mining, manufacturing, automobile, and even DIY or
The future is here as Merchant Square positions NI as a global centre of innovation Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a groundbreaking project which will help position Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for innovation and business. The award-winning company was appointed as fit-out
Lendlease has announced plans to eliminate the use of diesel on its construction sites in Europe and ensure that all the electricity the company procures is from clean renewable sources. The international property and investments group has set itself challenging environmental targets, including a commitment to becoming a 1.5°C aligned company
Building firm J.G. Hale Construction has officially handed over the keys to a £4.3 million innovative housing development on De Clare Drive (Cwrt Idris) in Radyr, Cardiff, to its partner on the project, Taff Housing Association. The innovative development, built by J.G. Hale Construction in partnership with Taff Housing Association, comprises of 36
Development of a major new employment scheme in Skipton is beginning to take shape, with enabling works now well underway and progressing quickly. Wyvern Park is a 58-acre scheme being brought forward by property developer HBD, providing 250,000 sq. ft. of industrial and office space, 188 new homes and creating
PAGABO has announced the awards for its £47 billion, five and a half-year developer-led framework, which goes live today (Tuesday 15 December). Acting on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, national framework provider Pagabo has established a framework of 29 development companies capable of providing developer-led
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, the global professional body for supply chain management has launched the new Construction Procurement Competence Tool after the development of a national suite of procurement competence standards following the Grenfell enquiry. In response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future report, it
The planet is warming, and governments around the world are recognising the need more for energy efficiency in the long term. This concern has resulted in net-zero targets that are affecting the way architects design homes and how they are built. From the outset, there need to be careful design
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered how we live, work, and do business. With health protocols requiring work-from-home schemes and social distancing requirements for office environments, conducting training can be quite tricky as you need to ensure competencies are met without compromising the health of the participants. Safety training becomes even more challenging since it sits right in the intersection between necessary and potentially delayed due to the pandemic. But fires are still dangerous, and regulations in place to preserve safety must continue, so the need for fire evacuation drills can’t be put on hold. The use of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), serves to address this imperative and poses many advantages in line with existing measures against the virus. Virtual Reality in Fire Safety Training Fire evacuation drills often entail convening people to a designated venue so that social distancing can be problematic if not impossible. Aside from this, additional training regarding fire safety can be hampered considering the implementation of work-from-home arrangements and restricted hours in the office. The conduct of routine fire safety training may even become a burden to a small skeletal building workforce or completely inaccessible to those who are working in other regions. Virtual reality training, like SafetyNet VR offered by AK Preparedness, can address these concerns. Its technology allows for practice to continue despite everyone not being in the same location. VR fire safety drills can act as a tool in continuing fire safety for establishments as it only requires, at minimum, smartphone and internet capabilities to simulate fire scenarios. The above-mentioned benefits of immersive technologies can be readily transplanted into fire safety education to produce the same outcomes. VR fire drills allow businesses to conduct fire safety education by ensuring that employees are given first-hand education not just in where to go but become well-versed in using fire alarms and fire extinguishers. In the simulation, users can click on life safety equipment as well as hear instructions for evacuation while navigating the building. The safety drill can be accessed anytime and anywhere that time and location are not hindrances to continuing fire safety education. SafetyNetVR also serves as a cost-effective tool that not only provides means for employees to gain essential information in the event of a fire, but also to heighten their response in case of an emergency. The use of VR fire safety drills is not only beneficial to employees and office personnel—this can also be used to educate residential building occupants without requiring them to step out of their units or calling them to gather at a specific location. Given the changes that will continue in construction and high-rise living spaces that call for more people living in ‘denser environments,’ technologies such as VR fire safety training can provide due rewards for both tenants and building owners. Advantages in VR Fire Safety Training Virtual reality allows participants to gain first-hand experience in real-life situations. It is multi-sensory and accurate, making it a remarkable experience. Studies on this immersive technology have also shown its benefits for the corporate world, most notably in delivering fire safety training because of the following advantages: Creates an engaging learning environment: fire safety drills that use immersive technologies employ real-life situations and engage actual emotions and responses. It serves to inform employees and occupants of the fire evacuation plan as well as allow them to navigate their way and use fire prevention tools for safety. Accounts for all possible scenarios: simulations not only portray ordinary fire circumstances, but they also allow for ‘impossible’ situations to prepare participants in the occurrence of such disaster. Practical hands-on training: VR fire safety training operate with the hands-on principle by teaching personnel how things are actually done. Allows mistakes without suffering consequences: mistakes can be costly in real-life fire situations as it can cost lives and severe property damage. Virtual reality settings allow trainees to commit errors and encourage them to learn from them without causing injury. Improve employee performance: fire safety training operates on a series of levels that can be unlocked whenever a task is accomplished. It also has built-in metrics to measure the depth of learning and response of every participant. Reduce training costs: virtual reality training do away with expensive locations and equipment, resulting in more significant savings. Remote implementation: training can be accessed with minimal smartphone and internet capabilities and can be accessed at the user’s convenience. Safety: perhaps the greatest advantage of VR is that of long-term safety—not only in preventing risks that may come from actual demonstrations, but also to the health of its learners. VR as an Emerging Trend in Fire Safety Education Virtual reality is an innovative way of offering continuing education at this crucial time. It has found relevance in training employees despite restrictions on health and movement—those engaged in ensuring office safety would do well to include virtual reality training as part of their occupational safety plan. Virtual reality fire safety drills are not only applicable to workers. It can also be integrated into familiarization tours with tenants and occupants of high-rise buildings to ensure that everyone is knowledgeable in case a fire occurs. VR training is both time and cost-efficient, making them a welcome addition to an existing fire safety plan for any business. As an integral part of a new mode of training brought about by the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, virtual reality allows for participants to undergo fire safety training without sacrificing their well-being and other’s health. Immersive technologies enable learners to engage in a realistic setting that not only familiarizes them with actual fire scenarios, but it also allows for measuring individual performance in accomplishing tasks that can spell the difference between survival and fire casualty.
The real estate industry is one of the best performing businesses in the world today. Part of this success has been due to the adoption of technology in the industry. The constant advancement of technology has forced almost everyone to adapt, changing how the real estate industry operates. In the real estate industry, we have all processes taking place through technology. For instance, when one starts a home search, getting the home, closing the deal, and even making payment. All these processes have been reshaped by technology trends in the real estate industry. APIs in the Real Estate Industry APIs are the biggest contributors to the changes discussed above. They are software intermediaries through which applications communicate and share data. APIs help developers, real estate agents, product managers, and other real estate professionals to extract rental, mortgage, and housing data for use in the daily operations of their businesses. Google Maps is one of the most important tools in the real estate industry. In this article, we will discuss a number of ways through which Google Maps can be used in the real estate industry. 1. Google Maps API Most real estate agents have a website or an application for showing their listings. To complement this and make it better, they use real estate APIs such as the ones listed on Rapid API. This creates exceptional experiences for their customers when using the applications. The Google Maps API can also be implemented on the websites and applications to give customers a chance to search and browse the listings using features from Google Maps. They can see exact locations, the neighborhood, any amenities around, and directions directly from the website or the application. 2. Showing Properties with Street View Google Maps comes with a street view feature that allows property owners to employ another perspective when showing their properties. Customers are able to see photographs of various places that Google has added to their maps application. Street View also allows customers to see the neighborhood and any amenities near the property. This way, real estate professionals are able to give their customers an insight into where their properties are, how the neighborhood looks like, and what to expect if they are to buy the properties. 3. Building Custom Maps Google Maps allows one to build custom maps for their applications. Real estate agents can use this feature to build custom maps that show all the listings that their customers might be interested in and to create a timetable for their showings. When building custom maps, you can use polygons, lines, and icons to define specific neighborhoods and regions. You can also invite your customers and colleagues to make sure that everyone is involved. 4. Getting Found on Local Searches Google has integrated Google Maps with their local searches making it possible for real estate agents to market their properties and appear on searches. Your properties will appear automatically on Google Maps provided that you have claimed and verified them using Google Places. After verification, you can add more information such as contact information, pictures, and hours of operation to make sure that customers that find you on Google Maps have everything they need to initiate a transaction. Finally, make sure that you give your customers an exceptional experience, whether they found you on Google or not. To prove to your potential clients that you are capable of offering what you claim to offer, encourage those that found you on Google Maps to leave reviews of their experience while transacting with you. This way, you might end up getting more positive reviews that might persuade a potential client to transact with you.
An air compressor is a machine that takes in normal air and converts it into a denser, high pressurized output. Compressed air is the air that is at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Air compressors are applied in various industries, construction, mining, manufacturing, automobile, and even DIY or home projects. Air compressors are highly useful on the construction site as workers use them to generate power for other on-site tools like drills, saws, air guns, power hammers, amongst others. The most common drawback of air compressors is the noise, which fortunately can be avoided by acquiring low noise air compressors, which we will look at shortly, amongst other air compressors. How To Choose The Right Compressor? If you want to get an air compressor, you must consider a few factors before deciding. Does the compressor work with or without oil? Can it use natural gas? What of its portability? These are all questions you need to get answers to. So, before you decide, let’s take a look at these characteristics of compressors. Oil-Free Compressors Compressors that use oil to lubricate their internal mechanisms are the most common. Still, the oil usually gets into the actual compressor contaminating the released air because of the sealing style. This creates an obvious problem for clean manufacturing environments. Though oil-free compressors are generally more expensive, their use mitigates the problem of contaminated air and is a better choice for facilities that promise clean manufacturing. Energy Efficiency Energy-efficient compressors may cost more initially, but this pays off in the long run, especially for long-term projects. There are two options when it comes to this characteristic of compressors. Fixed Speed Compressors These have a constant working speed that is fine while the unit is in use, but as it tries to power down, the motor continues to run, consuming energy but having no output. Variable Speed Compressors On the other hand, variable speed compressors can reduce or increase output as required. Hence, saving energy, and by extension, money. Portability Regardless of size, energy output required can still be delivered by compressors of small, compact builds. This is especially useful if you will be transporting your equipment over different locations. Though they might not produce as much energy as big, powerful compressors, they are still sufficient for small projects. Natural Gas Usage Air compressors that use natural gas are generally more efficient and more energy-saving, although they might be more suited to industrial use. If your goals are to cut energy costs, these air compressors might be the ones for you. Why Are Air Compressors So Loud? Compressors usually produce noise of about 40-92 decibels; 80 and above is unsafe for our ear health. For the sake of worker’s safety and health, construction engineers and supervisors often seek more silent air compressors. If we take a moment to understand how air compressors function, we can pinpoint the factors that contribute to the noise air compressors produce and if there can be a quiet air compressor. Friction Most methods of compressing air require the compressor to have many moving parts. As they make contact with each other, a great deal of friction is created. You will most likely find that quieter compressors are generally more expensive than noisy counterparts. Power Source The power source also influences decibel output. Gas-powered compressors make more noise because of the engine. Electric compressors are generally the quietest. Type of Compressors With the variety of compressors out there, finding the one that fits your needs might still be a hassle. Yes, electric compressors are quieter than gas-powered ones, but that still leaves many compressors to pick from. Reciprocating Piston These have regular pumps that use the same pistons you would see in an engine chamber, rotating to compress air. There are the most common compressors broken down into single-piston and dual or duplex piston. These are typically found at smaller work sites such as garages and home construction projects. The single-piston models tend to be louder than the duplex as the duplex requires fewer revolutions to produce more air. Dual-pistons also have a higher tolerance and allow for better cooling. Rotary Screw These compressors are much quieter than their reciprocating compressor cousins because their helical screws touch each other while working. Unlike the reciprocating piston, the rotary screw is suitable for more prolonged usage. A considerable benefit of this characteristic is that rotary screws can be installed close to workplaces without requiring hearing protection. As discussed earlier, the oil-free ones are more expensive than the oil-injected types. Still, they are of superior quality and are usually a requirement in the food and medical industries. Scroll Scroll air compressors are the most efficient and silent air compressor. Their mechanism employs two spiral-shaped metal pieces, one stationary while one moves over the other to create compression. Scroll air compressors are designed to run all day. They are employed in various industries, including pharmaceutical, food, medical, laboratory, electronics, textile, and production facilities, amongst others, with the only drawback of unlimited, clean air.
The future is here as Merchant Square positions NI as a global centre of innovation Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a groundbreaking project which will help position Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for innovation and business. The award-winning company was appointed as fit-out contractor at Merchant Square, a £14million project which will see the creation of 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over nine floors. The offices, which are exclusively let by PwC, will accommodate up to 3,000 employees at the former Oyster and Royston buildings, in the heart of Belfast’s business district and adjacent to the City Hall. Belfast’s future as a global centre of innovation is cemented as Merchant Square is set to become one of the most advanced digital spaces in the city. The landmark building will incorporate technology-enabled client collaboration and event spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art digital hub that will provide the infrastructure and environment to inspire and support innovation. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director Ray Hutchinson said the company is delighted to be working on one of the most prestigious projects to be undertaken in Belfast in recent years. He said: “It is always great to be working on a landmark building in our home city of Belfast, but this is extra special as Merchant Square really will be a leader on the international stage. We have been working with excellent local partners to bring this stand out fit-out project to life, with advanced logistical planning and management during what has been a challenging year for many industries, including construction. “Earlier this year we completed our new £5million headquarters at Boucher Place in the city which was a very proud moment for Gilbert-Ash and it is a privilege to follow it up with this project which has the power to be transformative for the city, in terms of helping to position Belfast on a global stage as a centre of innovation. “The designs for Merchant Square are a celebration of Belfast’s industrial and linen heritage as well as a number of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Harland & Wolff cranes. The themes running throughout the building will give nods to the city’s ship building and aviation industries as well as Belfast’s history as a centre of the linen industry. “The building will also reflect the geography of Belfast with the River Lagan and Botanic Gardens incorporated into designs. “This will be a building which will help foster an excellent working environment and help inspire and attract the best people to work in Belfast.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com
Lendlease has announced plans to eliminate the use of diesel on its construction sites in Europe and ensure that all the electricity the company procures is from clean renewable sources. The international property and investments group has set itself challenging environmental targets, including a commitment to becoming a 1.5°C aligned company and achieving Absolute Zero Carbon by 2040. Today (15 December) the company released its Roadmap to Absolute Zero Carbon, which sets out how the business will achieve those targets in Europe. Sustainability has always been at the heart of Lendlease’s approach to its business around the world. And as the company operates an end to end business model, which encompasses Development, Construction and Investments the company’s carbon commitments span the entire property lifecycle. The roadmap released today details some major interventions that Lendlease will make across its business in Europe. They include: Eliminating the use of diesel on Lendlease construction sites and trialling alternative technologies and fuels. Ensuring that all the electricity Lendlease procures is REGO-backed (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates) from clean renewable sources (e.g. solar, tidal, wind, not energy from waste). Working in partnership with the Lendlease supply chain, from material extraction through to manufacturing and delivery, and delivering a sustainability focused supply chain conference. Developing a new generation of ‘green leases’ across the company’s commercial, retail and residential operations. Lendlease’s Chief Executive Officer in Europe, Neil Martin, said: “Setting targets is important, but it is how we deliver against those targets that really matters. In our roadmap to absolute zero we recognise that this is not going to be an easy task and that we don’t yet have all the answers, but it is vital that we take action and we are committed to doing so.” The United Nations has described climate change as the defining crisis of our time and no corner of the globe is immune from its devastating consequences. Rising temperatures lead to environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity and economic conflict. The built environment is responsible for contributing approximately 40 per cent of global carbon emissions and Lendlease has recognised that, in order to minimise the impact of climate change on livelihoods and ecosystems around the world, global temperatures must be prevented from rising above 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial times. The company has already taken a number of steps to prioritise action to address climate change across its business. In 2019 Lendlease Europe signed the Better Buildings Partnership’s Climate Change Commitment. And this year Lendlease has already become one of the first companies to join SteelZero, a global initiative aimed at driving market demand for net-zero steel. Lendlease Europe also signed up to the World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, challenging businesses to reach net zero carbon in operation for buildings under their control. The Chief Executive Officer of the Better Buildings Partnership, Sarah Ratcliffe, said: “ The global business of Lendlease has committed to make the business absolute zero carbon by 2040 and the establishment of a Group wide Decarbonisation Investment Group certainly provides an indication of how serious the business is about meeting that target. As one of the signatories to the BBP Climate Commitment, it is therefore fantastic to see this roadmap for Lendlease Europe detailing how they intend to deliver this across all areas of the business with short term targets that cover Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions together with a clear action to address embodied, operational and whole life carbon.” Julie Hirigoyen, the Chief Executive Officer of the UK Green Building Council, said: “It’s really encouraging to see Lendlease set an absolute zero carbon target for 2040, and map out how it intends to achieve this stretching goal. Without all the solutions at our fingertips yet, we need the vision and determination of industry leaders to set the bar high and collaborate to deliver it. By publishing this roadmap Lendlease is doing just that.” The Lendlease Europe Roadmap to Absolute Zero Carbon is attached and can be downloaded here: https://www.lendlease.com/better-places/roadmap-to-absolute-zero-carbon/
Building firm J.G. Hale Construction has officially handed over the keys to a £4.3 million innovative housing development on De Clare Drive (Cwrt Idris) in Radyr, Cardiff, to its partner on the project, Taff Housing Association. The innovative development, built by J.G. Hale Construction in partnership with Taff Housing Association, comprises of 36 units: 18 one-bedroom apartments, 10 two-bedroom apartments and eight three-bedroom homes. Aspects of the development have been designed specifically to cater for the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, with four of the homes suitable for wheelchair users. As there is a shortage of affordable housing in South Wales, the Welsh government aims to deliver 20,000 affordable homes in its current term, which ends in 2021. As well as helping to address this problem, the development will create local jobs, as well as several apprenticeships. J.G. Hale Construction is a Wales-based firm recognised for its commitment to innovative, eco-friendly design, quality materials and finishes and sustainable building practices. The company is committed to using local sub-contractors and suppliers. Taff Housing Association is responsible for over 1,500 homes across Cardiff and provide specialist support services to people across four local authorities in South East Wales. As well as delivering reliable services and building and maintaining quality homes, Taff work with local communities to create great places to live. Helen White, Chief Executive of Taff Housing Association, said: “We are thrilled this development is now complete. It will make a much-needed contribution towards addressing the serious shortage of affordable housing in Cardiff” John Taphouse, Interim Director of Property Services at Taff Housing said: “We are delighted to be able to provide these high-quality affordable homes in Radyr. Thanks to J.G. Hale Construction and others involved in delivering this project.” J.G. Hale Construction’s Contracts Manager, Tom Bevan, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this project working in collaboration with Taff Housing Association, to improve the lives of those needing housing support in our communities…. “As a company, we constantly strive to deliver projects that will successfully accommodate each specific individual, whilst also engaging and supporting the local community. By including aspects which explicitly address the needs of people with physical disabilities, as well as homes for people who need them in the Radyr area, we believe this scheme has certainly achieved those aims.”
Development of a major new employment scheme in Skipton is beginning to take shape, with enabling works now well underway and progressing quickly. Wyvern Park is a 58-acre scheme being brought forward by property developer HBD, providing 250,000 sq. ft. of industrial and office space, 188 new homes and creating up to 800 new jobs. Units will range from 1,180 – 50,000 sq. ft., providing a wide range of options for SMEs and each designed to suit occupier requirements. Esh Construction is completing the enabling works on behalf of HBD, which includes a new crossing connecting Carleton Road with the A629 Skipton bypass. A new roundabout on the A629, providing access to Wyvern Park, is already nearing completion, while landscaping and new open green space – including a new play area – will also complete in the coming months. New access roads will allow Bellway to begin construction on the new homes. Andrew Milne, Senior Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Wyvern Park is an important scheme for Skipton, providing much-needed employment space for businesses looking to grow – we’ve seen a lot of interest from local companies as well as new firms considering relocating to Skipton, which is really positive. “We’re on track to complete the infrastructure works by Spring 2021 and development of the new employment units will begin shortly afterwards.” The agents on the scheme are Richard Harris of JLL and Mike Atkinson of Atkinson Associates.
PAGABO has announced the awards for its £47 billion, five and a half-year developer-led framework, which goes live today (Tuesday 15 December). Acting on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, national framework provider Pagabo has established a framework of 29 development companies capable of providing developer-led schemes within the UK for the UK public sector. The framework features nine lots covering three contract structures: Property Development via Joint Venture and Special Purpose Vehicle, Long Income Lease and Lease Back, and Property Development Single Site by Development Agreement. These lots cover a huge variety of development sectors, covering single and multi-occupancy residential and student accommodation, commercial buildings, transport infrastructure and car parks, prisons and high security buildings, education, healthcare, care homes and extra care buildings, and mixed-use schemes. Each contract structure is separated into three value bands as well as on a sector and regional basis to make sure the relevant developers are available to clients for the right size of project. The value bands are split into three increments and cover developments of up to and above £100 million. In order to provide greater choice for clients, Pagabo allowed up to six core companies for each development sector under each lot in every geographical region. In addition to these core companies, three reserve companies have been named to supplement the procurement process in each segment. The 29 development companies that have been awarded a place on the new framework (in alphabetical order) are: Argon Property Development Solutions Ltd Bruntwood Capital and Centric Community Development Partnerships EDAROTH ENGIE Regeneration Equitix Geoffrey Osborne Godwin Developments Goldbeck HBD Heron Bros Ion Developments GRAHAM Cityheart Kajima Genr8 Kier Property Developments Lindum Group LinkCity McGoff Construction Morgan Sindall Consortium Prime Queensberry Real Estate Seddon Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Summerhill VINCI UK Developments Vistry Partnerships Willmott Dixon Yondr Group Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “We have been blown away by the phenomenal interest to this new framework from the industry, which speaks to its uniqueness and potential. It will not only save time and effort when procuring a developer but will also save developers a lot of money on opportunity bidding as well – which for some larger development schemes can be more than £1 million. “It’s been clear from recent months that government sees the construction industry as really important to our ‘return to normal’ recovery – particularly when it comes to complex development projects. This new framework will allow developers the ability to procure works through a compliant and simple to use framework, and to support the public sector with vital expansion plans, and to create a more robust sector all round.” The framework, which launches today, will run for four years with the option to extend for a further 16 months, and is Pagabo’s first framework dedicated to developers. It is available to all public sector bodies including schools, universities, local authorities, police and emergency services, NHS organisations, health and social care providers, and housing associations, as well as central government departments and the Ministry of Defence. Jonathan Parker, framework manager at Pagabo, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be bringing this new developer-led framework to market, which will give Pagabo a unique procurement route for clients to the development market. As with all of our frameworks, the developer-led procurement option is rooted in compliance, giving our clients complete peace of mind and security, as well as the simplicity of process, speed and support we are known for. “A unique element of this framework is the implementation of legal documents. All too often in the development market, ensuring the compliance and accuracy of documentation can significantly complicate process and make things take longer, so we have worked closely with a leading legal practice to create standard documents for clients to use as a basis to help further speed up the process. “A great deal of our procurement success is down to our client-focussed approach. With all our frameworks we aim to simplify the whole process, ensure flexibility and provide greater choice for clients, all packaged up with OJEU compliance – and this new framework is no different in that respect. It will form another crucial part of our Pagabo’s overall portfolio, and it’s clear from the highly competitive process that our collaborative approach and market engagement has resonated with developers. This is an excellent way to round out the year, and we very much look forward to progressing the first projects via the framework over the coming months.” In order to be considered for the framework, providers were required to go through a rigorous OJEU compliant tender process, prove financial suitability and relevant experience. As well as this, providers on Pagabo frameworks are required to share the company’s passion for social value and technology. This framework launch rounds off a successful 2020 for Pagabo, with the framework provider recently surpassing £3 billion in social value enabled via its suite of frameworks, and the launch of the second iterations of its highly successful Major Works and Professional Services frameworks earlier in the year. For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, the global professional body for supply chain management has launched the new Construction Procurement Competence Tool after the development of a national suite of procurement competence standards following the Grenfell enquiry. In response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future report, it was recognised that poor procurement practices can lead to decisions that compromise all aspects of building and life safety, and across the sector there was a desire to improve the competence of people involved in procurement activities so that better decisions are taken at all levels of the construction supply chain. The free tool allows users to benchmark themselves and other individuals against the recommended competency framework to understand the level of competency or additional training and skills required to meet these more rigorous standards. Users select their job role, such as building safety manager, principle contractor, or procurement leader followed by job competencies set against RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stages 0-7 with the required level indicated against each stage. The stages cover definition, capabilities and knowledge which are matched to levels in the CIPS global framework highlighting skills and capabilities required in various job roles. The user then receives a summary of skills and competencies and where there are gaps for improvement. The tool is designed for use by individual contractors and construction professionals, companies and project managers. CIPS chaired Working Group 11, one of the 13 groups appointed as part of the Competency Steering Group (CSG) following the Hackitt report. The CSG was tasked with the development of a national suite of procurement competence standards required not just amongst builders but associated professions such as architects and surveyors when working on higher risk buildings. Organisations can map what procurement competency levels are required at each stage of a build, identifying key roles and levels of understanding to support enhanced safety aims. Whole teams can go through the process of assessment. Duncan Brock CIPS Group Director and chair of the procurement working group, said, “The free tool is a result of a collaborative project to help support the construction sector to combat its common challenges and reach a balanced approach as the pressures of price, margin and safety remain. We hope it will give the sector more confidence and knowledge about procurement and build a better future for residents of higher risk buildings. “The Grenfell tragedy will stick in our minds for many years to come and CIPS is proud to have been part of the work to improve standards to increase competence and ultimately ensure the safety of citizens in their homes.” More information about the tool.
The planet is warming, and governments around the world are recognising the need more for energy efficiency in the long term. This concern has resulted in net-zero targets that are affecting the way architects design homes and how they are built. From the outset, there need to be careful design considerations, not only to construct the best possible net-zero building today, but to allow future innovations to be easily applicable. Energy-Efficient Design The construction industry is rightly concerned about creating a net-zero standard. It is not only beneficial for the planet and a requirement of governments, consumers are ready to invest in these progressive capabilities. Some technologies for developing energy-efficient designs are already being deployed in new builds, such as carbon-neutral structures; others are emerging and still require specialised techniques to implement. Although architects and designers are awaiting these progressive technologies there is much that can be done with today’s capabilities. The design stage is crucial. Making the right choices means the project is well-planned and capable of contributing to the net-zero ambitions. This means using better insulating materials and developing structures capable of onboarding energy-saving technologies in the future. Green Construction Technology Net-zero construction must implement the latest in green technologies to be successful. To design a building for the future architects and designers, such as peter blacker & associates need to model the building carefully in the planning stage and assess the needs and possibilities of the construction. This modelling technique allows designers to visualize the building and make strong decisions. These might involve using prefabricated construction technology to create more energy-efficient homes. Some buildings may call for different materials and structures to fit with budgets and still meet net-zero targets. The modelling software can effectively assess what is required for a highly energy-efficient home and what materials or devices will work with the project. For instance, the modelling software can efficiently analyse different pumps, and heat pump and an air pump, then tell the builders which is more energy-efficient. Net-Zero Insulation Methods One of the most effective and cost-efficient ways of achieving net-zero emissions is to construct buildings with excellent insulation. The process of super-sealing refers to the practice of air-sealing building to prevent excessive heat loss. More and more, super-sealing is being used in modern construction as a way to make building more efficient and achieve government targets. Super-sealing allows buildings to store the heat generated for longer and improves their energy rating. There are various types of insulation that can be used such as SIP panels which are excellent for sealing a building. Even so, super sealing can still be used to further insulate the building. A super seal is applied continuously throughout the building and is very effective for reducing energy consumption. A super sealed building does not only prevent heat loss, it also provides optimal cooling within the building during hot dry spells. The Power of Renewable Energy To create the net-zero home of the future architects and designers will not only consider the material structure of the buildings, but they will also have to think about the type of energy used to heat homes. Solar power was once the best and most viable option for clean energy, although it is somewhat impractical. Today there are several clean energy options. Some are more efficient than others, but it’s likely a combination of sources is needed. Homes built today with net-zero aspirations will use insulation, solar power, wind power, and possibly new technologies such as geothermal heating. Geothermal heating involves boring a hole deep into the earth where the temperature is a constant 45 degrees. This heat can be tapped and used for the home indefinitely, and without emitting harmful carbon into the atmosphere. Energy-Efficient Systems and Appliances Architects and designers can work tirelessly to create the perfect net-zero home, but sometimes efforts also need to be made by those living in the buildings. What use is insulation if doors and windows are left open so the heat escapes? Similarly, what good is solar power if the building is still using fossil fuels? The long-term success of net-zero homes will require a collaboration between builders and owners. As technology improves and new possibilities open up, building owners need to be willing to upgrade as necessary. Heat pumps, water pumps, and geothermal systems might be expensive to install at first, but they also present huge benefits and excellent savings to homeowners. Once installed these new technologies will make a noticeable difference in temperature and offer significant annual savings over the long term.