Trade body Homes for Scotland has refreshed its brand, reflecting the overarching purpose of its new five-year strategy and the organisation’s clear call to action of delivering more homes for Scotland. Unveiled at its recent Annual Lunch in Edinburgh in front of a crowd of 1100 senior industry representatives and
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK) strengthens its Programme Management arm with the appointment of Darron Cox as its National Head of Programme Management as it looks to develop the service offering to a projected 30% of its UK business. Darron has over 20
Bouygues Energies & Services has been appointed by Westminster City Council to deliver a wide range of services across 160 locations including City Hall, libraries and other community facilities. The five-year contract, which has the potential to be extended, will see Bouygues Energies & Services deliver a diverse range of
Hiab, part of Cargotec, is launching a new crane for the waste collection market. The HIAB S-HiPro 230W will debut at this year’s ReinigingsDemoDagen (RDD) trade show taking place on 5 and 6 June in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Intended for use with underground refuse containers, Hiab has engineered the HIAB
THE Deanes Academy in Benfleet, Essex, expansion will be one of the first projects in East Anglia to be delivered through the Department for Education (DfE) Construction Framework. Pick Everard – the independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy – is providing full design and engineering services for the new school
TrustMark, the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme for tradespeople, is today announcing the launch of a new Business and Consumer Portal, providing a secure, free and convenient platform for businesses and their customers to communicate and be transparent with each other. The portals, which are available on the TrustMark website, are
When it comes to managing waste, proactive facilities managers can save their organisations a lot of money while also improving performance. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure – and this is as true for facilities management as any other profession. The ability to anticipate and head off
Yorkshire Water and sister company Keyland Developments Ltd have submitted a planning application to Bradford City Council to transform redundant land around the Esholt waste water treatment works in Bradford into one of the country’s leading sustainable industrial and residential developments. The 32 acre Esholt Waste Water Treatment Works site
Climate change is an issue for governments and businesses alike, with both wrestling with the problem of being competitive whilst being green and sustainable. Energy usage is a major concern as corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs. This debate is pertinent to the 16% of the
Apart from modern technology having a positive effect on our environment, online gaming and even the great introduction of NoviBet, it has also had an improved effect within the construction industry and the results have been lifesaving. The world is expanding; the need for more resources increasing and the construction industry
Trade body Homes for Scotland has refreshed its brand, reflecting the overarching purpose of its new five-year strategy and the organisation’s clear call to action of delivering more homes for Scotland. Unveiled at its recent Annual Lunch in Edinburgh in front of a crowd of 1100 senior industry representatives and guests, the refresh provides a strong new identity which clearly reflects the organisation’s main purpose to its members as well as consumers and wider stakeholders. Chief Executive Nicola Barclay said: “This bold new logo perfectly complements our organisation’s key objectives and core values as set out in our strategy. These include improving the understanding and image of the industry, influencing stakeholders and supporting a growing membership. “It adds further strength to our voice and credibility as we engage with all those who have an interest in increasing vital housing supply and bolsters our commitment to delivering more high-quality homes that meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Scotland.” Homes for Scotland’s strategy sets out the direction and prioritisation of our objectives until 2023. Our wish is that everyone with an interest in increasing housing supply can unify around our primary purpose which is: to deliver more homes. The strategy is can be accessed here.
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK) strengthens its Programme Management arm with the appointment of Darron Cox as its National Head of Programme Management as it looks to develop the service offering to a projected 30% of its UK business. Darron has over 20 years’ experience as an expert commercial leader, programme director and business consultant gained in both the private sector, for organisations including Atkins Ltd, PwC LLP and AECOM, and the UK public sector. Most recently he wasleading complex procurement and commercial programmes across Europe, Middle East, India and Africa as part of AECOM’s Management Services business. Andrew Reynolds, RLB UK and Global Board Director comments “We are delighted to welcome Darron to RLB UK as a Partner and to lead our Programme Management service, his wide range of experience is a superb addition to our team. Programme management is a significant and growing service in our portfolio that we forecast will represent 30% of our business by 2030 and Darron’s appointment further boosts our capability in this dynamic area.” Darron added: “RLB UK has an excellent reputation in delivering complex programmes and I am excited to be joining the team and building on the business’ recent growth in this area. I am looking forward to continuing this momentum and working with clients across all our sectors, strengthening our UK presence.” RLB UK’s programme management clients include the Department for Work & Pensions, McDonald’s, Sodexo and Tesco.
Bouygues Energies & Services has been appointed by Westminster City Council to deliver a wide range of services across 160 locations including City Hall, libraries and other community facilities. The five-year contract, which has the potential to be extended, will see Bouygues Energies & Services deliver a diverse range of services including mechanical and electrical maintenance, helpdesk, cleaning, and security services. Speaking about the contract award, Glynn Newby, Operations Director for Bouygues Energies & Services UK said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded such a prestigious contract developing our Local Government activity in an area where we have already a significant presence. We are proud to be working with a client who places such a strong emphasis on social value.”
Hiab, part of Cargotec, is launching a new crane for the waste collection market. The HIAB S-HiPro 230W will debut at this year’s ReinigingsDemoDagen (RDD) trade show taking place on 5 and 6 June in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Intended for use with underground refuse containers, Hiab has engineered the HIAB S-HiPro 230W to make it easier for operators to efficiently and safely perform their work in increasingly crowded and chaotic urban centres. “As more cities around the world turn to underground containers as an aesthetically pleasant and convenient solution for managing waste, we at Hiab have been listening to customers about the challenges of handling and emptying these containers. Working in traffic on congested streets, they need equipment that allows them to collect the waste quickly, without damaging the truck or posing a risk to operators and the surrounding area. In an industry with high employee turnover, they also need technology that offers simple and intuitive control for beginning operators,” says Hans Ohlsson, Director, Medium Range, HIAB Loader Cranes. Hiab designed the HIAB S-HiPro 230W with exactly these customer demands in mind, resulting in a waste collection crane that ensures stronger, simpler and safer performance. Compared to earlier generations, the new crane provides up to 30% greater lifting capacity in the positions that are most crucial for this specific application. At the same time, Hiab engineers have managed to reduce the dead weight of the crane by around 150 kg. The HIAB S-HiPro 230W comes equipped with Hiab’s advanced HiPro remote control system, which makes it easy to steer the crane with complete precision for novice operators. It also has Hiab’s unique Semi-Automatic Motion system. It simplifies crane operation which in turn increases the level of safety that the crane can offer. “With a crane that practically controls itself, operators can instead concentrate on making sure that they, the truck and the surrounding areas are safe and protected,” adds Hans Ohlsson. “We know that the main focus of fleets working in urban waste collection is to get each job done quickly and without trouble so they can carry on to the next one. As a stronger, simpler and safer crane, we believe the HIAB S-HiPro 230W will make it easier than ever to do just that. This is why we are launching it with the promise that this is a crane that will keep you moving!” Hans Ohlsson concludes. To get a first glimpse of the possibilities of the new HIAB S-HiPro 230W, attendees at RDD are welcome to visit the Hiab stand.
THE Deanes Academy in Benfleet, Essex, expansion will be one of the first projects in East Anglia to be delivered through the Department for Education (DfE) Construction Framework. Pick Everard – the independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy – is providing full design and engineering services for the new school block, including architecture, building services and structural and civil engineering, working in partnership with the project’s main contractor, Cadman Construction. Due for completion in summer 2019, the project will see a 1970s school block demolished and a new building constructed, consisting of science laboratories, art, graphics and food rooms, as well as office facilities and special educational needs and disability (SEND) spaces. Paul Darlow, regional director at Pick Everard, said: “Having had little upgrades since its initial build in the 1970s, the technology block at The Deanes Academy was identified as needing significant modernisation. Due to the block not being watertight, energy efficient or up to current regulatory standards, the decision was made to demolish the building and construct a new, state-of-the-art block in its place. “The project proposes to construct a two-storey 1,478m2 new building containing nine specialist classrooms, office and ancillary facilities with a maximum capacity of 344 students and teachers. The new building aspires to high standards of sustainable design and operation optimising passive daylight design, natural ventilation with a high efficiency thermal fabric. “In order to minimise disruption to the site, the construction team has reconfigured car parking and vehicle access to suit the proposals. The project team is working closely with the school to develop a programme of complementary learning activities while the project is on site. “School engagement will enable students to understand the complexities of building design and learn more about developing careers in building design and construction. Work is now progressing well and we look forward to seeing it complete very soon.” Stuart Cadman, framework director at Cadman, said: “There are a number of challenges to consider during this project, such as time constraints and cost efficiencies that must be met – however, we have already developed a close working relationship across the multi-disciplinary team and our collaborative approach has enabled us to fast track the initial planning stages and we are glad to see that works have started on site.” The project has been identified as one of the first jobs in East Anglia on the new DfE Construction Framework and Pick Everard’s first project on the Low Value Band under the Priority School Building Programme. For more information visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
TrustMark, the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme for tradespeople, is today announcing the launch of a new Business and Consumer Portal, providing a secure, free and convenient platform for businesses and their customers to communicate and be transparent with each other. The portals, which are available on the TrustMark website, are part of TrustMark’s commitment to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find reputable tradespeople. They will also be strengthened with advice and guidance that supports the Scheme’s Code of Conduct and Customer Charter. TrustMark Registered Businesses and consumers will now be able to exchange messages, photographs, plans and any other relevant documents through the portal, keeping all communications in one convenient place. This method will ensure total clarity on both sides regarding the nature of the work agreed, costings, delivery dates and expected outcomes. Consumers can now request a quote for work directly through their portal account. By doing so, each selected Registered Business will receive an email inviting them to log into the TrustMark Business Portal where they can view any new enquiries. When quotations have been submitted in response to enquiries, the consumer will be notified through the portal and can accept or reject the quote, or request further information. Businesses will be able to see what enquiries are new or open at any time and will be immediately notified by email if the status of an enquiry changes, for example, if a quote is accepted or a question is asked. Once a quote has been accepted and a project is ongoing, either side can track progress and request info or record updates as and when required. Registered Businesses now have the option to personalise their profile on the TrustMark website, allowing them to add company logos, photographs of previous work and highlight areas of specialism and the locations they cover. Businesses using this service will also have access to a range of free template documents such as contracts and invoices Simon Ayers, Chief Executive Officer of TrustMark, said: “The development of this new functionality of our website is part of our commitment to not only ease consumer access to reputable tradespeople, but to actively champion the businesses we know are doing the right thing. We believe this portal will make choosing to use a TrustMark Registered Business simpler than ever for consumers, and by making the quote request process as simple and barrier-free as possible, this will vastly increase the possibility of enquiries transforming into paying customers. We will retain our status as a not-for-profit social enterprise and have no intention to turn into a paid-for lead generation service – we simply want to provide a service that tangibly benefits each of our businesses and helps consumers.” The portals are part of a series of initiatives designed to help TrustMark Registered businesses and consumers improve their communications. Future releases will also include the ability to accept card payments and provide access to finance options. For further information about TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk.
When it comes to managing waste, proactive facilities managers can save their organisations a lot of money while also improving performance. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure – and this is as true for facilities management as any other profession. The ability to anticipate and head off problems before they develop into serious business issues is invaluable. Regardless of whether you are in charge of a construction site, an office block or a catering business, waste management is an area that has the potential to present significant challenges for facilities managers. But a proactive approach can make a real difference. A robust waste management plan, for example, will repay you amply in time and cost savings. Just think of the costs that organisations incur. Take the UK hospitality industry, for example. Figures from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) suggest that this sector faces a £2.5bn annual food-waste bill, with 18% of all food served in the sector wasted. According to WRAP, with more effective waste management policies, this figure could be cut to just 5%. Aside from the obvious bottom-line impact of overspending on supplies, this kind of waste also has significant consequences for the environment, with much of it ending up in landfill. From the perspective of an organisation’s corporate social responsibility, this is far from ideal – and with punishing rates of landfill tax, it can prove even more expensive. So, what are the hallmarks of an effective waste-management approach? Identify problems – and nip them in the bud Before you even hire a skip or container to handle your waste, the ideal solution would be to ensure that as little waste as possible is generated. This means that facilities managers need to understand and address the most significant causes of waste within the business. For example, is the equipment being procured by the company long-lasting and reliable? While it might appear cheaper to buy less durable equipment or materials, this could be a false economy once waste-disposal and replacement costs are taken into account. Look also at the way the business obtains its supplies – could over-ordering be avoided by making smaller but more frequent orders? Take a collaborative approach Facilities managers can also seek input from around the business to help identify potentially wasteful practices. Construction firm Carillion, for example, has expanded its Don’t Walk By programme – originally set up to encourage staff to highlight health and safety issues – to cover unnecessary waste generation. Carillion workers have an app they can use to report any instances of wastefulness or inefficient use of resources to senior management. Reuse and recycle When procuring resources, facilities managers should also give serious consideration to whether any excess materials could be used elsewhere in the organisation, for example on future projects. Facilities managers may need to work with procurement teams to make sure that purchasing decisions take into account full life-cycle costs rather than just the initial price. Work with suppliers to find the right solution The relationship between the organisation and its suppliers can also play a crucial role in managing waste. As mentioned above, it is important to strike the right balance between the size and frequency of orders. But consider also what kind of service your suppliers are offering. Will they take back unwanted stock, for example? And will they offer you the flexibility to change the size or timing of orders if necessary? Ultimately, facilities managers who want to successfully deal with waste must work proactively and anticipate problems before they have a significant impact on profitability and efficiency. If you find yourself reacting to waste issues as opposed to heading them off, much of the damage is likely to have been done already. Takeaways: A reactive approach to waste management can cost your business a considerable amount of money – and make it less efficient. Facilities managers should identify the most serious sources of waste and develop strategies to minimize them. The most successful approach will involve collaboration with other parts of the business as well as key suppliers. Source: Reconomy
Yorkshire Water and sister company Keyland Developments Ltd have submitted a planning application to Bradford City Council to transform redundant land around the Esholt waste water treatment works in Bradford into one of the country’s leading sustainable industrial and residential developments. The 32 acre Esholt Waste Water Treatment Works site sits close to both Leeds and Bradford and as a result of advances in technology, the operational footprint of the site has reduced significantly over recent years, leaving large areas of formerly operational land redundant and unused. The project team has undertaken extensive public consultation on the future of the site to ensure the views of local people have been taken into account alongside the vision to create a masterplan for an exceptional and nationally recognised development, which will repurpose the largely brownfield site to deliver a host of economic, social and environmental benefits through homes, employment and open space. The masterplan focuses on ensuring the development fits with the existing landscape and includes innovative ideas relating to Health & Wellbeing, Environment, Social Value, Long-Term Value, Sustainable Transport, Positive Resource Use and Water & Energy. The three broad categories of innovative employment, sustainable housing and community enhancements have been devised based on the economic and social needs of the locality. The innovative employment element of the masterplan details the creation of 100,000m2 of quality, sustainable work spaces to accommodate a mix of industry, with a particular focus on bio-tech businesses and other industries that can make the most of heat, power and water generated by the treatment works to maximise sustainabilty. This element of the masterplan is key to addressing the shortage of employment space in the surrounding area for growing Bradford businesses or relocating companies, with neighbouring business parks operating at full or close to capacity. The sustainable housing element of the masterplan has been led by the drive to create an exemplar residential development which will be one of the most sustainable in the UK. The masterplan outlines 150 homes, covering a wide spectrum from 1 bedroom maisonettes to 5 bedroom detached houses to allow for a diverse community. The sensitive use of local materials along with an innovative blend of technologies and intelligent energy use, landscaping, living with nature through visible water management and shared recreation spaces will result in a community that can sit seamlessly with the nearby Esholt Village. A key focus is on showing how homes and businesses can reduce their water consumption through innovative design, in a move that Yorkshire Water hopes will influence how developments in future can contribute to meeting the challenge of supplying a growing region with the water it needs, without impacting the environment. The masterplan also showcases a number of community enhancements designed to create a new community connected to nature and with a real and visible relationship with water, with shared recreation spaces as well as sustainable transport routes to encourage walking and cycling through the site. Luke Axe, Planning Manager at Keyland Developments Ltd, said; “We have always known that Esholt has the potential to be one of the most significant developments in the UK, so to be at the stage where we are submitting our plans for this innovative sustainable development is incredibly exciting. “We have worked extremely hard with our valued project team over the last few months, undertaking extensive public consultations and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the plans will enable Esholt to reach its potential and deliver far reaching social, environmental and economic benefits. This development demonstrates how sustainability can drive design and we are looking forward to being able to deliver this ambitious project.” The Esholt team comprises of; Tate Harmer, a leading UK firm of architects on sustainability and natural environments, sustainability consultants 3 ADAPT and pioneering independent integrated planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore. The Esholt project team has a collective wealth of experience delivering exceptional projects across the UK including The Eden Project Cornwall, the Natural History Museum London, the Dyson Campus Malmesbury, City Fields Wakefield and Museum of Scouting Gillwell to name a few.
Climate change is an issue for governments and businesses alike, with both wrestling with the problem of being competitive whilst being green and sustainable. Energy usage is a major concern as corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs. This debate is pertinent to the 16% of the UK not serviced by the main gas grid, which relies on alternative fuels to meet its energy needs. For the majority of off-grid operations, this means a choice between oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas) for high-volume commercial applications. But what exactly are the differences between these fuels – and what should off-grid users consider when making decisions about their energy supply? Here, business gas supplier, Flogas, take a look at the issue: Oil and climate change With the Committee on Climate Change urging the UK government to legislate as soon as possible to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the pressure is on all industries to adopt greener energy policies. What this means for off-grid businesses in practical terms is moving away from conventional, carbon-heavy fossil fuels. When considering the key features of oil, it’s not hard to see why it’s becoming an outdated off-grid option: •Increased carbon emissions: As a major contributor to climate change, the burning of oil for heating and cooking purposes releases far higher levels of carbon into the atmosphere than more efficient off-grid fuels like LPG. •Cost: Through a combination of factors such as dwindling oil reserves, environmental pressures and strained international relations, the price of oil remains volatile. This makes it difficult for businesses to forecast the cost of fuel and can cast doubts over the future of their supply chain. •Maintenance: Due to its viscous nature, machines that operate on oil often take a large amount of maintenance to ensure they are running at optimum performance. This can also mean messy repairs if anything goes wrong. Looking at LPG and LNG With so many factors now working against businesses that are still using oil, it’s no surprise that many are now looking for an alternative fuel supply. The good news is that there are viable off-grid alternatives that offer compelling economic, environmental and logistical benefits. LPG and LNG are two such fuels. So, what are they, and how do they compare to oil? •Chemical makeup – LPG is a blanket term for two types of natural gas (Propane and Butane) and is a natural by-product of gas and oil extraction (66%) and oil refining (34%). LNG is composed primarily of methane and is created by cooling natural gas to an extremely low temperature (-162°C). •Finance: Businesses can make immediate savings when switching to LPG or LNG through a reduction in energy usage. •Carbon emissions: LPG and LNG have the lowest CO2 emissions of any 0ff-grid fossil fuels: LPG emits 36% fewer than gas oil, 22% fewer than kerosene and 17% fewer than heating oil. It also emits no black carbon (a significant contributor to climate change). •Cleaner air: LPG and LNG are clean, smoke-free burning fuels, that emit fewer pollutant emissions, including NOx, Sox and particulate matter (PM). •Compliant: Because they’re cleaner, LPG and LNG help businesses to meet carbon and pollutant reduction targets set out in the Clean Growth Strategy, ULEZ, Marpol and Medium Combustion Plant Directive. •Efficiency: With a higher calorific value per tonne than other liquid fuels, an LPG and LNG flame can burn hotter, releasing energy quicker. When used in conjunction with the likes of a steam boiler this can produce even greater efficiencies. •Extensive supply: LPG and LNG are in global abundance, so business owners can rest assured that they will have a dependable source of energy when they need it most. Flogas will be significantly increasing the UK’s total LPG storage capability with its new Avonmouth storage facility – the largest of its kind. •Easy Installation: For businesses looking to switch from oil to gas, the process isn’t complicated. Specialist LPG companies can design and install a replacement heating system to meet your business’ needs. From the initial brief process to installation and even the removal of your old oil tank, with the right supplier there’s the option to have everything taken care of with minimal downtime. •Versatility: One of the main attractions of LPG is its versatility. From leisure and hospitality to agriculture and industrial heating, and even fuel for forklift trucks and fleet vehicles, LPG can be used as an energy supply for all manner of industries. A brighter future? As the cleanest, most efficient and effective fuel compared to conventional off-grid fuels like coal, oil and electricity, switching from oil to LPG (or LNG) could help businesses energy savings, ensuring compliance with government energy policies, and cutting down on maintenance time. Sources
Apart from modern technology having a positive effect on our environment, online gaming and even the great introduction of NoviBet, it has also had an improved effect within the construction industry and the results have been lifesaving. The world is expanding; the need for more resources increasing and the construction industry busier than it has ever been before. This has made it necessary for construction workers to reap the benefits of the very thing that has made it necessary for more buildings, malls, hotels and the like; modern tech. Taking a look under the hood of modern tech shows us why and how it has played a positive role within the inner workings of every scenario involving construction and buildings. Safety and Security The use of modern tech has reshaped the construction industry in terms of workers safety and security. Construction work is incredibly hazardous and workers have even been known to receive danger pay, more money for more life threatening tasks. Imagine operating from the very top of a scaffold, or imagine working on constructing the world’s tallest buildings facing severe weather conditions. Modern technology has allowed for the manufacturing of tools and equipment which have the ability to reach the same heights that humankind can. Rather than risking a life, tools can be used to do the work of men and women. Speed Unlike living in the 1800’s or even two decades ago, buildings are constructed faster than they ever have been in the past. Not only are buildings quicker to piece together but more workers can be employed and put onto a manageable payroll. Being able to manage and hire more staff reduces the time it takes to build these sites. Efficient The use of modern tech has also enables us to build more energy efficient buildings thanks to the use of solar panels and greener building. As the planet is continuously striving to improve or living conditions to benefit the environment, building demands become more necessary rather than wanted. Using Construction scheduling software also helps increase speed and risk management at your job site. With a good software package, you can achieve a 75% increase in execution certainty and a 40% increase in planning efficiency. Along with the ability to schedule and analyze your project’s risk in real-time and better understand the possible outcomes of the project, you’ll be armed with everything you need for the most efficient construction project you’ve been involved with yet. Software and Mobile Applications The software solutions that have been developed for the intended purpose of building developments and construction includes mobile accessibility which allows users to garner a better understanding of what is required for the project. For example, preconstruction and scheduling can be streamlined into a productive projection which is necessary to determine the length and the difficulty of constructing modern and efficient buildings. Being a mobile application, users are usually allowed to edit and change docs with all changes being made in real time for a more accurate prediction of what is to be expected in terms of constructing what is desired. As modern tech progresses and changes, we know it is heading into a more positive era than it currently stands in today. This gives many something to look forward to while benefiting from the positive aspects of this tech. Construction and building is necessary to keep our economy efficient, but we need to keep our environment safe also and modern tech allows for this.