Work is set to get underway on the UK’s largest ever energy retrofit project of its kind, that will see almost 650 homes in a Swansea community benefiting from the installation of state-of-the art renewable energy generation, energy storage and smart energy management technology. The homes, in the Penderry Ward of the
The head of Able UK has said today that its marine energy park development on the River Humber is ‘uniquely placed’ to deliver the ambition for the UK to become a world leader in wind energy set out by the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the Conservative Party conference Boris
The 33rd Industrial Agents Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the property sector on Thursday 24th September 2020. The annual luncheon and ceremony may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a virtual awards ceremony taking its place, but that did not have any impact on IM Properties
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) report released today (24 November 2020) on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Building Safety Bill. The report states that “the Government must improve on the detail if it is to demonstrate that its
Boutique property company MELT Homes is celebrating the official launch of Lime Grove; a stunning new development in Tuffley, Gloucestershire. Complying with current social distancing regulations, the MELT team is inviting interested buyers to visit the new show home to learn all about the developments’ 19 homes that are being
Grade II-listed market building reimagined for community use as a cinema, restaurants and bars Proposals to transform the Grade II-listed Former Covered Market and surrounding land in Woolwich, SE18, into a sustainable new neighbourhood with an estimated GDV of £400 million have been submitted to the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
New 12,000 sq. ft. office building to be built in South Shields will become the towns new relocated Jobcentre Plus. GMI Construction Group has announced that it has been awarded a contract by long-time customer and urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments to construct a new 12,000 sq. ft. office for
Nighttime road works and motorway improvements have increased in recent years with many road construction companies now choosing to undertake improvements overnight. While operating overnight provides clear benefits for those using the road network, minimising disruption and reducing diversions for commuters, there are serious implications for construction workers’ safety due
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened Northern Ireland’s second Nightingale Hospital in County Antrim. The new facility at Whiteabbey Hospital will ultimately have up to 100 beds available to ease pressure on the region’s Covid-19 wards in the event of further surges in cases over the winter
Euramax demonstrates how modular construction can help the country build back greener Following UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of £350 million in funding to help cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in industry, construction and transport, Yorkshire based windows and doors manufacturer Euramax explains how modular construction could help the
Work is set to get underway on the UK’s largest ever energy retrofit project of its kind, that will see almost 650 homes in a Swansea community benefiting from the installation of state-of-the art renewable energy generation, energy storage and smart energy management technology. The homes, in the Penderry Ward of the city, are owned and managed by Pobl, Wales’ largest provider of affordable housing, who have partnered with renewable energy tech and service supplier, Sero. It is anticipated that the innovative scheme, supported by £3.5m EU funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welsh Government, will see the community generate as much as 60 per cent of their total electricity requirements, reducing bills as well as carbon emissions by as much 350 tonnes per year. Pobl has been engaging with local residents in Penderry about the future of their community over the last few years, including running a smart energy pilot scheme with a small number of residents. The energy retrofit, which will kick off in the New Year, is seen as a stepping-stone to a wider investment into the Penderry area that will have a positive impact across the entire community. According to Sero MD, James Williams, the project will make a compelling case for turning existing housing stock into low carbon, generative homes, creating “properly sustainable, connected communities”, and cutting energy bills for residents in the process. “Given its scale, Pobl’s investment in Penderry will be very significant in demonstrating the positive environmental impact that low carbon technologies can have within existing housing stock” he said. The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: “The transformational nature of this project on social housing in Wales is significant and this has been recognised by the ERDF funding at a time when we need to address the Climate Emergency and create new jobs, training and innovation opportunities in our communities in response to Covid 19. “As one of the UKs largest energy retrofit projects, it shows a clear demonstration of the commitment from Pobl, local authorities and Wales’ social housing sector to reduce carbon emissions. “This innovative project in Penderry will not only make a difference to its residents but is another step to having more low carbon homes in Wales.” Sero will install individual or communal batteries for all homes that will harness power generated via linked solar panels fitted to most, so that renewable energy is generated and can be stored for subsequent use by the community. Every home will also have new smart thermostats and intelligent heating controls, managed through Sero’s digital app, to deliver energy bill savings for residents while also balancing demand from the grid so that stored energy is used at the most expensive times. The project will address new forms of inequality related to solar orientation by ensuring that all residents benefit from the energy generated by the community. The Penderry community will also benefit from large scale infrastructure upgrades, due to Western Power Distribution using this project as its national pilot to trial the positive effects on local grid infrastructure of renewable energy supplies and storage that are intelligently managed through trusted systems installed in people’s homes. Local resident Brian Mcallen participated in the pilot scheme and he welcomed news of the roll-out to the wider community, saying: “This scheme will have enormous benefits for the entire community, it allows people to really see how green energy works and how much money they can save to use elsewhere. It can be a real eye opener. “I’ve always been interested in it and thought about how we can use solar power to make a difference in this community, but there has to be an incentive for people. “ The scheme is the largest retrofit project of its kind – relating to the number of homes within one local area being retrofitted to deliver joined renewable energy benefits across the entire community. SWANSEA BAY CITY DEAL – HOMES AS POWER STATIONS PROJECT Lessons learned from the Penderry scheme will inform the wider roll-out of renewable energy technology in thousands of homes throughout the Swansea Bay City Region as part of a City Deal Homes as Power Stations project, subject to its approval by the UK Government and Welsh Government. Energy efficiency technology will be retrofitted to 7,000 homes with a further 3,300 new build homes also set to benefit as part of this regional project, which is led by Neath Port Talbot Council. Swansea Council has also already begun the revolution of creating new energy efficient homes in the city. A pilot scheme has been completed, retrofitting six bungalows with innovative energy saving equipment which has helped the properties generate their own power as well as save on energy bills. “Fuel prices and climate change are two sides of the same crisis, with people in Wales still among the most fuel-poor in the UK. We are committed to identifying new ways of making homes more environmentally and financially sustainable – and that includes our existing homes as well as our new developments. This means we need to be innovative in our approach to finding a transformative solution and we are delighted to partner with Sero. The scheme will introduce technology into our homes that will change lives and sustain communities while also looking after the planet for future generations.” Solitaire Pritchard, Head of Regeneration, Pobl Homes & Communities “This is great news for Swansea and for residents who want to live in homes which are sustainable and result in lower energy bills. Some of our own tenants are already benefitting from this type of development and it’s fantastic to know that Pobl are also ensuring those living in social housing in the city will benefit in the future. Jointly we can help reduce the risks of issues such as fuel and energy poverty.” Cllr Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Homes, Energy and Service Transformation, C&C of Swansea A pathfinder scheme of this kind has already been completed in Neath, which will also inform the Homes as Power Stations regional project being led by Neath Port Talbot Council, subject to its approval. Technology like this is important because it’ll help tackle fuel poverty and improve residents’ health and well-being, while benefitting regional supply chain businesses and further decarbonising the local and regional economies.” Cllr Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council “There is, quite rightly, a growing requirement for new homes to be created carbon neutral, and that can’t come
The head of Able UK has said today that its marine energy park development on the River Humber is ‘uniquely placed’ to deliver the ambition for the UK to become a world leader in wind energy set out by the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the Conservative Party conference Boris Johnson announced £160m to upgrade ports and factories for building turbines to help the country ‘build back greener’, create 2,000 jobs in construction and support 60,000 more. Said Able UK Executive Chairman Pater Stephenson “That the Prime Minister, even in these difficult times, chooses to focus on the burgeoning offshore wind sector is proof positive that the Government is seeing the bigger picture and wishes to grasp this singular but time limited opportunity. “Of course, the reality is that before we can talk about manufacturing and maximising UK content, we need to put the building blocks in place and the fully consented Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) is uniquely placed to deliver the ideal UK solution. Working closely with a number if Government departments we are committed to bringing this development to fruition. “We are at varying stages of negotiation with a number of manufacturers who clearly recognise the strength of the UK’s offshore wind sector and who, just as significantly, are fully embracing the need to establish a new ‘world-scale’ industrial cluster on the Humber.” “Only last month the Korean manufacturer SeAH confirmed that it had signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding with AMEP to establish what would be the UK’s first large-scale monopile production facility.”
The 33rd Industrial Agents Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the property sector on Thursday 24th September 2020. The annual luncheon and ceremony may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a virtual awards ceremony taking its place, but that did not have any impact on IM Properties celebrating being recognised with two nominations and subsequent awards. IM Properties picked up two awards, one for Deal of the Year – over 250,000 sq ft for the JLR global logistics parts centre at Mercia Park which is the largest ever UK pre-let; and they were also awarded the prestigious award of Developer of the Year which was voted for by IAS members – recognising the continued successes of the business over the last 12 months and its contribution to the industry. Amongst an incredibly difficult backdrop over the last 12 months, we are thrilled to have been recognised and awarded for our continued work to bring forward key new developments that invest in the local community, deliver key infrastructure and assist with local economic recovery. Kevin Ashfield, UK Development Director for IM Properties said: “It is fantastic to not only be recognised for the hard work and perseverance and the huge team effort that went into the Mercia Park deal which will result in something hugely significant for the region, but to be declared the Developer of the Year makes me extremely proud of the team. We always push to achieve what we set out to and deliver schemes we can be proud of. A massive thank you to the Judges and the members that voted for us.” For more information on the awards please see: awards.industrialagentssociety.com.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) report released today (24 November 2020) on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Building Safety Bill. The report states that “the Government must improve on the detail if it is to demonstrate that its new building safety proposals will drive much needed reform in the sector…and that in its current form, the draft legislation fails to provide sufficient protection against leaseholders paying the bill for work to remedy existing fire safety defects.” The CIOB formally responded to the call for evidence and are supportive of the Committee’s recommendations. It is particularly pleased to see the Committee call for more detail around the yet unpublished secondary legislation to remove any doubt on the scope of the legislation and the responsibilities on building operators. Additionally, it is positive that the Committee have acknowledged the importance of accreditation to ensure that stakeholders have the confidence in the competence of persons undertaking the new building safety manager role. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Bill drives forward reform and remedies the flaws in the existing system as identified in the Hackitt review. The Committee’s report can be accessed here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmcomloc/466/466.pdf
Boutique property company MELT Homes is celebrating the official launch of Lime Grove; a stunning new development in Tuffley, Gloucestershire. Complying with current social distancing regulations, the MELT team is inviting interested buyers to visit the new show home to learn all about the developments’ 19 homes that are being built on the former premises of Tuffley Primary School. Alternatively, house hunters can carry out a virtual viewing. With prices starting from £210,000, all of the homes benefit from the stamp duty holiday and can be purchased using Help to Buy. Having stood empty since 2014, the dilapidated building, which also briefly housed the Tuffley Resource Centre, had been in dire need of a new purpose. MELT secured planning permission to create Lime Grove; a residential community that puts particular emphasis on sustainability. Already incorporating the government’s Future Homes Standard 2025, which asks for new homes to be built without gas boilers, Lime Grove will be a completely gas-free development. In addition, all properties will utilise Ground Source Heat Pumps, a highly efficient, renewable energy source that has a low environmental impact and reduces carbon output by as much as 70%. Evan Maindonald, CEO and Founder at MELT comments: “Integrating a new residential community into an existing neighbourhood is a delicate matter. We wanted to ensure that Lime Grove’s design combines technical innovation with timeless exteriors that reflect Tuffley’s surroundings. We are delighted that the feedback during our show home launch has been extremely positive and are looking forward to welcoming our first residents in the near future.” …/ MELT’s forward-thinking and sustainable approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Most recently, Lime Grove scooped up three awards at this year’s UK Property Awards, including recognition for its architectural design and layout. Maindonald adds: “The existing structure of the school building is being protected and preserved but will benefit from a 21st century makeover to feature seven stunning two- and three-bedroom apartments. Naturally, we have named these ‘Schoolhouse Apartments’ to pay tribute to the building’s history. In addition to the apartments, we are creating 12 new family homes, using timber frames; one of the most sustainable building materials available.” Located on the surrounding grounds of the apartment building, the houses are part of either ‘The Oak’, ‘The Lime’ or ‘The London’ collection. The latter differentiates itself by consisting of four semi-detached four-bedroom houses, whereas ‘The Oak’ and ‘The Lime’ properties are detached and feature either five or four bedrooms. All family homes boast private gardens and the apartments benefit from their own outside space as well. To celebrate the school’s Victorian architecture and design, the exterior of the newly-built homes will feature a colour scheme that mirrors that of the existing building. Equal attention to detail is being paid to the properties’ interiors, which flawlessly connect each room to create a homely feel. Whilst the Schoolhouse Apartments measure between 595 to 959 sq. ft. and embrace the building’s Victorian architecture with high ceilings and spacious layouts, the family homes are spread across three storeys, ranging from 1,270 to 1,935 sq. ft. in size. Branded fixtures contribute to the residences’ high-quality feel and include stylish Paula Rosa kitchens with Siemens and Neff appliances as well as bathrooms that are embellished with elegant Villeroy & Boch suites. With the first of Lime Grove’s three building phases due to complete this winter, interested buyers are invited to visit the newly opened show home located at Grange Road, Tuffley, Gloucester, GL4 0DJ. Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm, Friday to Monday and due to COVID restrictions by appointment only. To book your time slot, please contact MELT’s friendly team on 01452 346 174, email sales@limegrovegloucester.co.uk or visit www.limegrovegloucester.co.uk
Grade II-listed market building reimagined for community use as a cinema, restaurants and bars Proposals to transform the Grade II-listed Former Covered Market and surrounding land in Woolwich, SE18, into a sustainable new neighbourhood with an estimated GDV of £400 million have been submitted to the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Preserving Woolwich’s heritage The proposals for Woolwich Exchange retain the historic Former Covered Market building on Plumstead Road. The building will become home to a new five-screen Picturehouse cinema, cafés, bars and restaurants allowing visitors to experience the expansive Lamella roof structure which was the main focus of the decision to list the building in 2018. Picturehouse, which has confirmed its commitment to the scheme despite the current challenges facing the cinema industry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, will open Woolwich’s first cinema in a generation following the closure of the Coronet in 1999. The Former Covered Market is currently closed to the public. The proposals reimagine the space and open it up for the whole community to enjoy. Extensive consultation with the Woolwich community has helped shape the plans and shown very high levels of support for the regeneration. The community requested historic elements of existing buildings were incorporated into the design, to help tie the new development’s identity to Woolwich’s heritage. As a result, several of the historic buildings on Woolwich New Road will be preserved and enhanced as part of the final plans. A sustainable development, built for the future Woolwich Exchange includes 801 homes, designed for flexible living, with space to live and work at home. 158 of the homes will be offered as affordable tenures and include a large number of much needed family-sized properties. The scheme will also provide a nursery, children’s play space, a gym and workspace. The Energy Strategy across the whole development will see savings in CO2 emissions of over 50% compared to the requirements defined by building regulations. The proposals feature new green, public spaces at the heart of the site, with extensive planting, benches and alfresco tables for cafés, bars and restaurants, offering a new, outdoor environment in the middle of Woolwich town centre, as well as promoting urban biodiversity. A well-connected site on the Elizabeth Line Woolwich Exchange is in TfL’s Zone 4 and sits between Berkeley’s Royal Arsenal Riverside development which includes the Elizabeth Line’s Woolwich Station (Crossrail), and the Woolwich Arsenal DLR and National Rail stations. With numerous bus routes passing along the edge of the site, Woolwich Exchange is superbly located to attract new residents and visitors from all over London. New pedestrian and cycle routes across the car-free development will create pleasant connections to different parts of the town centre. Creating jobs and boosting the local economy The regeneration will trigger a major boost to Woolwich’s daytime and evening economy, generating over 600 temporary jobs during the construction phase and nearly 200 permanent jobs in the retail, leisure and employment spaces that will be created. Plans for the site represent a major investment and commitment in the future of Woolwich, with the development estimated to add £60 million per year to the local economy during construction, and £10 million a year once complete. The plans have been developed by a joint venture partnership between developer St. Modwen and housing association Notting Hill Genesis, which was appointed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to deliver the scheme. Although we’ve been working on these plans over a number of years, the changes in the way people work and spend their leisure time as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have confirmed our desire to create a neighbourhood that offers it all: space to live, work, socialise and enjoy – both indoors and outdoors. Woolwich Exchange will be a place for everyone, existing residents as well as newcomers, which is why we have designed our proposals to encourage visitors and passers-by into the area. Our plans will create new connections, boost the local economy and generate new jobs, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the local community to deliver them.” Gary Morris, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen From the outset, we’ve been focused on delivering high quality and energy efficient affordable homes and facilities for the community at Woolwich Exchange. It has been great to see the positive feedback we’ve received from the community and see this shape the final plans. We believe we’ve retained and reflected the unique identity of Woolwich in this new scheme, while creating a well-designed, sustainable development that offers something for everyone.” John Hughes, Group Director of Development at Notting Hill Genesis Designed by award-winning architects Panter Hudspith and Glenn Howells, with landscape design delivered by HTA, construction could begin in 2023 if the plans are approved by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the GLA next year. For more information or to sign up for updates, visit woolwichexchange.co.uk The development team can be contacted on 020 7323 3544 or info@woolwichexchange.co.uk
New 12,000 sq. ft. office building to be built in South Shields will become the towns new relocated Jobcentre Plus. GMI Construction Group has announced that it has been awarded a contract by long-time customer and urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments to construct a new 12,000 sq. ft. office for the Department for Work and Pensions in South Shields. The contract will see construction of a new purpose-built BREEAM ‘Very good’ rated building which will serve as the town’s new relocated Jobcentre Plus. Approved by South Tyneside Council It will feature as part of the wider repurposing of South Shields town centre. The scheme will see the current branch in Barrington Street moved to the new purpose-built facility on Mile End Road. Talking about the instruction Lee Powell GMI Divisional Managing Director said: “We are pleased to have been awarded this important new build contract by Muse Developments and to continue GMI’s successful partnership and affinity with them. We are also pleased to be working with the DWP for the first time and to be delivering for South Tyneside Council. This project compliments our portfolio of completed public sector office buildings including the successful delivery of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s 200,000 sq ft state of the art civic centre and offices, as well as the award winning 33 Wellington Street office building in Leeds for our client Lancashire County Council, a building that is more noticeable as law firm Walker Morris’ headquarters. We look forward to delivering the project on time and on budget and working with the full project team.” Muse – one of the UK’s best at delivering transformational town and city centre regeneration – has been working with South Tyneside Council to deliver the council’s 365 Regeneration masterplan, which has brought forward two statement schemes; the South Shields Interchange, and the National Centre for the Written Word – The Word. David Wells, regional director at Muse Developments, said: “Everyone involved with the South Shields scheme has been working tirelessly to make sure the scheme delivers for our partners at the council and the DWP and we’re delighted to get approval for the new facilities. “This building is key to our collective ambition to deliver a new repurposed town centre. Working collaboratively with South Tyneside Council, we’ll continue to transform the town centre, driving both economic and social prosperity for all and importantly bringing a new vibrancy to South Shields. We look forward to once again working with our trusted partner GMI” The scheme is anticipated to start on site later in the year, with a 12-month build programme.
Nighttime road works and motorway improvements have increased in recent years with many road construction companies now choosing to undertake improvements overnight. While operating overnight provides clear benefits for those using the road network, minimising disruption and reducing diversions for commuters, there are serious implications for construction workers’ safety due to poor visibility and worker fatigue. Construction is a hazardous occupation and road construction is ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Research has shown that 55% of incidents occur within the work zone itself, with the majority of worker deaths and injuries involving a moving vehicle. Blind spots on vehicles are a major contributing factor to collisions and are often the main reason ground workers are killed or injured. Poor visibility, due to working overnight, dusty worksites and difficult weather conditions, all exacerbate this issue. Meanwhile, ground workers who are required to wear ear defenders cannot always hear a vehicle approaching. Vehicle safety systems are helping to address this issue. While passive systems, such as mirrors and cameras, will help assist a driver to spot objects in a vehicle’s blind spot, active systems, including operator alerts and reversing alarms, ensure that drivers receive an immediate warning that an object is present and pedestrians are aware instantly that a vehicle is nearby. Emily Hardy of Brigade Electronics, a global leader in vehicle safety systems, explains the importance of active systems for nighttime working. “Work sites present a number of challenges when it comes to visibility. Not only are they dusty and dirty places to be, but when this is combined with nighttime hours or difficult weather conditions, it can become increasingly dangerous for ground workers to be spotted by those operating moving vehicles. Active safety systems are therefore crucial to assisting drivers and enhancing safety for workers operating in these conditions. This is why we always recommend that a combination of both passive and active systems, such as cameras and alarms, are fitted to vehicles for the ultimate safety solution.” These include Brigade’s award-winning Backeye®360, which provides the driver with a complete surround view of the vehicle in real time in a single image. The system combines images from ultra-wide angle cameras, resulting in a ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the vehicle and surrounding area in real time, meaning drivers can clearly see people and objects as they manoeuvre their vehicles. Active technology like radar obstacle detection can detect stationary and moving objects even in the harshest of environments, including in darkness, giving the driver an audible and visible warning when objects are within a certain distance. Heavy duty radar systems, which are waterproof and smoke resistant, can even operate in high or low temperatures, and can easily be heard in noisy environments, making them ideal for construction sites. One construction company which has benefited from installing safety technology on its vehicles is UK-based business Day Aggregates. It fitted Brigade’s Backsense heavy duty radar sensor system onto its fleet of shovel loaders, tele-handlers and trucks. In the last few years of recording incidents, which are split by ‘damage’ and ‘near miss’, the company has reported that this technology has been key to reducing incidents and improving safety. Operator Darren Harfield agrees. He said: “It (the radar) is an extra back up when looking in numerous mirrors and using reversing aids. If you’re distracted, for example because someone suddenly asks you a question on the radio, you can be trying to take in too much at one time. The radar system prevents this. There’s an in-cab display that presents different colours and beeps when anything comes within a certain distance of the vehicle, so it’s not just visual prompts, but audible alerts too.”
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened Northern Ireland’s second Nightingale Hospital in County Antrim. The new facility at Whiteabbey Hospital will ultimately have up to 100 beds available to ease pressure on the region’s Covid-19 wards in the event of further surges in cases over the winter period. TODD Architects was appointed as architect and lead consultant to the project, working alongside Beattie Flanigan, Doran Consulting and Currie & Brown as an integrated design team. The creation of this vital enhanced rehabilitation facility was only announced in September and had the dual challenge of being delivered within a tight programme and on the site of a working hospital. Drawing on its extensive and award-winning healthcare design experience from across the UK, the healthcare team at TODD Architects oversaw the process of delivering the 100-bed scheme at Newtownabbey safely and at speed, whilst also ensuring the facilities met the strict healthcare requirements of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. The new Nightingale will generally cater for low acuity/step-down patients who are well enough to leave an acute hospital but who would benefit from a period of intensive rehabilitation. However, the scheme has been designed and delivered to provide some flexibility to step-up care when and if required. In the immediate term, it will be managed as a regional resource to support the response to Covid-19, but in choosing to remodel an existing hospital facility it also provides a valuable longer-term asset for the provision of healthcare in the region. Andrew Murray Director at TODD Architects said: “The successful delivery of this vital healthcare facility was the product of an incredible collaboration between the Design team, Main Contractor Dowds Group, the Northern Trust and CPD Health Projects on a ‘live’ hospital site. This monumental team effort has achieved the highest possible standard of healthcare services within a tight timeframe. It has been amazing to witness the whole construction industry come together with purpose to support the tireless work of the NHS in this time of crisis.” Nicholas McKee, Build Manager at Dowds Group added: “We were delighted to once again partner TODD Architects on another landmark hospital project. The works necessitated completion to an exceptionally high quality and one of the tightest build programmes we’ve faced. We are very proud of the extended site team who went over and above to do their part to contribute to Northern Ireland’s fight against Covid-19.”
Euramax demonstrates how modular construction can help the country build back greener Following UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of £350 million in funding to help cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in industry, construction and transport, Yorkshire based windows and doors manufacturer Euramax explains how modular construction could help the country build back greener, as well as better. The funding, part of the “Build Back Better” campaign, is designed to help combat CO2 emissions and restore the economy’s position following the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments include support for materials innovation, including research into steel sustainability, and £26 million to support advanced building techniques. As well as boosting the construction industry’s productivity, it’s vital that the government’s funding positively impacts its environmental status. Currently, 39 per cent of global CO2 emissions are attributed to building and construction. Broken down, 28 per cent comes from the energy used to heat, cool and light buildings, while the remaining eleven per cent is from the materials and construction processes used. Just under half of the £350 million investment is being used to fund the use of innovative materials to cut emissions in the sector. Modular construction, the process of manufacturing parts of a building, known as modules, offsite and transporting them to site for assembly will significantly support all of the environmental focuses outlined by the government. “Apart from being cheaper and quicker to build, modular construction methods also have less environmental impact compared to traditionally constructed buildings”, said Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax. “As modular builds can be completed 50 per cent faster, fewer resources are required, which also produces 90 per cent less waste. “Although glass, steel and concrete are fundamental materials in building and construction, their production is highly energy intensive, whereas 94 per cent of the materials used to construct a modular build are recyclable. All of these benefits point to a solution that is less harmful to the environment, further supporting the reduction of emissions across the sector”, added Cowley. Euramax, which supplies its windows and doors to a number of modular construction projects, has formed close relationships with modular home manufacturers Ilke Homes, for which Euramax is supplying the windows and doors for over 2,000 of its modular homes. “Modular builds are also environmentally friendlier to run because they are incredibly airtight. Energy efficiency is crucial in modular builds, and our products, which are rated A for their energy efficiency by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC), are perfect modular components. Higher energy efficiency means less power is required to heat a build, which could reduce overall emissions of the built environment.” “To “build back better”, we must actively do as much to build back greener, and investing in modular construction for this purpose is certainly a step in the right direction”. For more information about how Euramax supports modular construction go to www.euramaxuk.com.