Two proposed reservoir schemes by Anglian Water in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire have officially been designated as nationally significant infrastructure projects, allowing them to bypass the local authority planning system and seek direct approval from the Planning Inspectorate. The move means both schemes will now be subject to a Development Consent
HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real
Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for New City Centre Neighbourhood of 168 Homes at Historic Site Artisan Real Estate is to progress with the homes-led transformation of the former Caledonian Brewery in Shandon, Edinburgh following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025. Acknowledging organisations that have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK, The Momentum Group is one of 187 medium sized businesses in the UK to
HEM is the new government methodology for assessing energy performance of UK homes Sustenic, in partnership with Quidos, has been awarded a high-profile contract by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to develop and maintain the core software engine for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new
By Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar The stark truth is, as it stands, there’s nowhere else for us to go. This isn’t just an environmental rallying cry, but a fundamental principle that underpins increasingly rigorous regulations to mitigate impact on the delicate balance of our planet. The upgraded Part
Marks & Spencer is pressing ahead with a major expansion of its food retail footprint by transforming 12 former Homebase units into modern grocery stores. The move is part of the retailer’s broader store rotation and renewal strategy, which is focused on opening 420 larger food outlets and developing a
Two proposed reservoir schemes by Anglian Water in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire have officially been designated as nationally significant infrastructure projects, allowing them to bypass the local authority planning system and seek direct approval from the Planning Inspectorate. The move means both schemes will now be subject to a Development Consent Order (DCO) process, with final approval resting with the relevant Secretary of State, rather than local planning committees. Despite headlines from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs suggesting that the government is “stepping in to build the first major reservoirs in 30 years”, it’s important to note that the schemes will remain under the control of Anglian Water and its delivery partners. In fact, the Havant Thicket Reservoir, currently under construction by Portsmouth Water in Hampshire, is already underway—making the department’s claim somewhat misleading. Anglian Water’s Lincolnshire Reservoir is proposed for land south of Sleaford, with a target operational date of 2040. It is designed to deliver up to 166 million litres of water daily, supplying around 500,000 homes. Meanwhile, the Fens Reservoir, a joint venture between Anglian Water and Cambridge Water, is planned for a site between Chatteris and March, aiming to come online by 2036. It will deliver up to 87 million litres of water per day to support around 250,000 homes. These developments are especially critical given the location—eastern England is the driest region of the UK and under growing pressure from climate change, population growth, and agricultural demand. Both projects are now moving into the consultation phase, where feedback will be gathered from local communities, stakeholders, and environmental groups to help shape final proposals. Sian Thomas, Anglian Water’s Director of Strategic Asset Management, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a great first step in recognising the scale and importance of these major infrastructure builds. But it will require even further innovation and change in regulation to deliver major infrastructure on the scale needed for the UK—for example, developing appropriate infrastructure financing, funding, and procurement models, further reviewing planning reform, and achieving greater regulatory alignment.” The reservoirs form part of Anglian Water’s long-term strategy to futureproof water supply across the region, improve resilience against drought, and support wider environmental goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being built at the super-hub station in West London for high-speed services. Each will be served by HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains. These are being built in advance of a further eight surface-level platforms for Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services. All six high-speed platforms are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box. They are laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks. The platforms are the first to be unveiled anywhere on Britain’s new high-speed railway and give a glimpse of what future passengers can expect when services begin running. To construct the platforms, 1.59m high walls, known as invert walls, have been poured. 1,960 pre-cast concrete slabs, measuring up to 4m by 2m, are then lifted into place on top. The platforms have a void below, allowing for services, such as electricity, to be installed within. The pre-cast concrete slabs are being made offsite by Explore Manufacturing in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, an example of how Britain’s manufacturing industry is building for the nation’s future. The station is being constructed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA (BBVS JV), which began permanent work after the Transport Secretary gave the thumbs up to the station in June 2021. The structure of the huge 850m long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000 sq/m base slab. Despite recent progress, HS2 is currently undergoing a fundamental reset led by Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, to make sure the railway can be delivered efficiently and for the lowest feasible cost. Huw Edwards, Delivery Director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways. “Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.” Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.” Later this year, HS2 will begin installation of the eight platforms that will be used by conventional rail services – the Great Western, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express. When complete, the station will be one of the best connected in the UK, with the potential to reach over 100 stations in the UK and being the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line. The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there the superstructure of the station can be built, creating the vibrant station environment. Tunnelling work to connect the station to the HS2 network is being undertaken by HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV. In the eastern section of the underground box, the team are preparing to launch two giant tunnelling machines towards Euston. In the western side of the box, the team will excavate a short tunnel connecting the station to the Victoria Road Crossover Box nearby using the sprayed concrete lining method. From there the new high speed line will run through the Northolt Tunnel. Economic research, published by HS2 earlier this year, shows that HS2 is spearheading a £10bn boost in the areas surrounding its new station site in West London. Within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common Station, HS2 will be responsible for generating over 22,00 homes, 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace, and 18,782 jobs, the research, conducted by Arcadis, found. HS2’s new station sits within the economic development zone where the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is delivering its masterplan for a new district in west London. Established by the Mayor in 2015, OPDC covers an area of 650 hectares and is working to maximise the regeneration opportunities, creating a positive legacy for communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real estate using best in class EcoStruxure™ solutions, software and services. These include EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, EcoStruxure Building Data Platform and Planon Integrated Workplace Management. The interconnectivity of these solutions will drive sustainability, resilience and efficiency as well as improved occupant experience, demonstrating how the combination of electrification and digitalisation—termed ‘Electricity 4.0’ by Schneider Electric—can transform sites into next-generation buildings. The NEST, Schneider Electric’s new office in Dubai, UAE, is over 10,000sqm, catering to more than 1,000 employees and is home to Dubai’s first Schneider Electric Global Innovation Hub, an immersive experience area, where customers can have a hands-on demonstration of EcoStruxure™ solutions. It will also host a dedicated Training Centre for customers and partners and will focus on youth empowerment by developing local talent and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to drive the region’s clear energy future. The NEST expects an energy consumption reduction of 37% compared to the previous local site and provides a targeted saving of 572 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent to the annual electrical power consumed by around 77 homes [1]. With buildings accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions, Schneider Electric is setting a benchmark by showcasing to customers and partners the intelligent, sustainable spaces its technology can create. The Impact Buildings Program will roll out across additional new sites well as existing buildings by retrofit over the next 18 months, creating a model for next-generation buildings. Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President, Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, said: “We are walking the talk and creating the vision of what’s possible by transforming our own sites to show that buildings must evolve to meet tomorrow’s business needs. Now is the time to rethink buildings. We are shaping a future where buildings don’t just stand—they intelligently adapt and seamlessly connect to your business, your people, and your purpose. With EcoStruxure™ and Planon enterprise software, we are redefining building operations.” Commenting on the building launch in Dubai, Olivier Blum, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric added: “The NEST is more than a building. It is a statement of intent. We are honored to have inaugurated this landmark project in the UAE, which demonstrates how digitalisation and electrification can accelerate national net zero goals while creating world-class environments for people to collaborate, innovate, and grow. This new Dubai hub is the first of Schneider Electric’s Global Impact Buildings program and showcases how smart, connected technologies can revolutionise the built environment, setting new standards for innovative and sustainable commercial spaces while prioritising occupant well-being.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, technology-driven solutions across CCTV, fire alarms, access control, and intruder detection systems. The acquisition will further enhance Ranger’s footprint in Scotland, while providing IRN Security with access to the Group’s wider expertise, resources, and opportunities, including opening up new cross-selling prospects and cross-delivery across all Ranger companies. IRN Security will operate alongside Motherwell-based Secureshield – which was acquired by Ranger in November 2024. A specialist in fire, security and critical services, the geographical locations of both businesses will enable Ranger to provide a broader, more integrated set of fire and security (F&S) maintenance services across the whole of Scotland. Founded in 2011, IRN Security has a strong history of providing high quality security and fire services within both the private and public sectors. It boasts a wide range of high-profile clients including hospitals and educational facilities through a growing loyal team of full-time engineers. With a hugely loyal customer base, IRN Security has high levels of recurring revenue based on maintenance contracts that align closely with Ranger’s guardrails. As part of the acquisition, the founders of IRN Security will stay in their roles and become part of the senior management team at Ranger, driving long-term strategic initiatives for the Group in Scotland. All IRN Security employees will also stay in their current roles, with the opportunity for further growth. As part of this acquisition, and as with previous businesses that have joined the Ranger Group, IRN Security will continue to operate under its current name and will work closely alongside other Ranger businesses, in particular Secureshield, to further Ranger’s mission to deliver a one-stop shop for F&S needs in Scotland and beyond. Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of IRN Security to the Ranger Group marks a significant step in the expansion of our services across Scotland. “With their strong regional presence, technical excellence, and a leadership team committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience, IRN Security is a natural fit for Ranger, complementing and improving the services offered by other Group businesses. “IRN Security’s joining the platform alongside our platform in Scotland, Secureshield, gives Ranger the unique ability to deliver high-quality, integrated fire and security solutions to customers across Scotland through our integrated cross-delivery of service model, enabling us to not only be more efficient, but to deliver an even better service for our customers.” John Hunter, Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Secureshield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome IRN into the Ranger Group. The business and team are well known to me and have an excellent reputation. I see real benefit in IRN and Secureshield working closely together across Scotland to cross-deliver services and can’t wait to formally begin working with the team”. Kenny Smith, Director of IRN Security, said: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group is a fantastic opportunity for IRN Security that will benefit both our team and our customers. “We know John and Billy Hunter from Secureshield well and, knowing their characters and approach, that was a strong pull to join the Group too. Mark and the team have made such great progress that it was an easy decision to join and between IRN and Secureshield we now have the geographical footprint and resources to offer a true turnkey solution for Scotland”. Malcolm MacDonald, Director of IRN Security, said: “IRN has a bright future and with access to an extensive network of expertise and resources, we’re well-positioned to expand our service offering while continuing to operate with the same local knowledge, trusted relationships, and high standards that have helped make us such a success to date. We look forward to collaborating with Secureshield to ensure that we are providing our combined customer bases with an even more efficient service.” The acquisition announcement builds on Ranger Fire and Security’s previous purchases of eight leading F&S businesses throughout 2024 and 2025. Together, these acquisitions have helped Ranger to enhance its offering in all key areas of fire and security services, such as fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance, passive fire and security services. Since launching in Q1 2024, with backing from the private investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the leading one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as the gender pay gap and employment levels. It shows that women’s worsening unemployment and participation in the workforce has pulled the UK to a shameful 27th out of 33 OECD’s most important economies. This is at a time when British construction is attempting to juggle the simultaneous needs of rapidly increasing output while experiencing chronic labour supply issues. If the construction sector is to move past these challenges, it must stop merely talking about the need for greater gender diversity and make concrete steps to changing the composition and culture of the sector. Last week, at UKREiiF where representatives from across the built environment industry came together to debate the most pressing issues facing the sector, sentiment suggested that the skills crisis remains the industry’s biggest and most pressing obstacle to growth. With so many highly skilled female professionals either under employed or having left the sector, urgent action in this space is needed if we are to support a thriving industry. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, an organisation supporting businesses from across the built environment to combat the skills crisis through retaining their existing female talent commented: “Businesses continue to see gender diversity as a ‘specialist’ priority – and one that can be dumped in favour of more critical issues depending on international sentiment or other market pressures. We have to wake up to the role that gender diversity has to play as a direct means of addressing the chronic skills shortage – and this has to start with businesses investing in retaining their existing female talent. Companies are spending £100,000s on staff churn and on recruiting new staff and this is money that could be better spent in keeping the women they already have.” Current statistics show that 49% of women leave the built environment sector before the age of 34 – figures that are playing into these global gender equality rankings. This talent drain also means that economy is missing out on the some £15-22bn that Blackrock calculate would be delivered through unleashing women’s full potential. Failing to focus on initiatives to retain their existing diversity means that businesses are also actively hampering their future talent pipeline: 87% of GenZ consider the DEI of a workplace. 56% will not work for a business without a diverse leadership. Ceri Moyers adds, “Our industry requires some 100,000 new roles per year for next five years to simply sustain growth. Ensuring we’re investing in keeping the diverse talent we already have must be seen as an urgent priority – not only to keep the wheels turning, but to ensure that businesses remain competitive and attractive to potential future talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for New City Centre Neighbourhood of 168 Homes at Historic Site Artisan Real Estate is to progress with the homes-led transformation of the former Caledonian Brewery in Shandon, Edinburgh following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development Sub Committee last Wednesday unanimously granted consent for Artisan’s ambitious proposals to develop the historic brewery site into a sustainable, low-carbon residential neighbourhood delivering 168 new high-quality private and affordable homes. Sitting at the western edge of Edinburgh’s city centre, the Caledonian Brewery was the capital’s last major brewery prior to the ceasing of operations in 2022. The brewery was founded in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark and its distinctive range of B-listed Victorian buildings provide an important reminder of the city’s once extensive brewing heritage. Welcoming the planning consent, Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a complex and historically important city centre site, providing a high-quality mix of new homes and affordable housing in line with the Council’s policy to help tackle the city’s housing emergency. “Artisan’s UK-wide expertise as a regeneration specialist will now deliver a sustainable new residential community in an accessible city centre location that will respect, preserve and enhance the rich history of the Caledonian Brewery. Working closely with our heritage experts, we have unravelled the different layers of history and development which have governed the evolution of the site. This has been a model design approach to a very complex and challenging site bringing together a mix of buildings developed at different stages during the last 150 years. “From the very start, Artisan placed the preservation of the site’s unique heritage right at the heart of our approach, creating a distinctive footprint which both reflects the brewery’s historical legacy whilst creating a high-quality and well-connected urban neighbourhood which promises to set new standards for city centre living.” The Caledonian Brewery’s unique heritage and character will govern Artisan’s development approach. Around one fifth of the homes will be housed in the existing listed buildings which will be preserved and repurposed. Additional development proposals will respect and reflect the original footprint of the brewery – including recreating the skyline of the maltings buildings which was demolished following a fire almost 30 years ago. Most of the listed buildings on the site date from the late 19th to early 20th century and were constructed using distinctive red brick with white brick dressings. The existing brewhouse and maltings were built in 1892 following designs by renowned Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton Paterson, who also designed the Royal Scots War Memorial in the city’s St Giles Cathedral. The brewery currently houses a vast amount of brewing equipment – including what was the last remaining direct fired ‘coppers’ to be used in the UK, which have been attracting the interest of independent breweries across the world. As part of the redevelopment plans, Artisan intends to ‘upcycle’ as much of the internal equipment as possible, allowing the Caledonian Brewery’s significant technical legacy to continue to play a part in today’s global brewing industry. Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering award-winning sensitive urban regeneration projects. This includes the New Waverley mixed-use development in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and part of the World Heritage Site, as well as completing the transformation of Glasgow’s historic A-Listed Custom House district into a thriving hotel quarter. Mr Westwater added: “Artisan Real Estate is committed to delivering high quality urban living for everyone in well-connected central areas, bringing interest, investment and life back into the heart of our cities. Building high-quality, sustainable homes in sensitive and unique urban sites such as the brewery site is a lengthy, complex and expensive process – but we are confident that our comprehensive proposals will raise the UK bar for the homes-led regeneration of historically important city centre sites across the UK.” The previous operators of the brewery, Heineken UK, invited bids for the site in 2022. A spokesperson for Heineken UK said: “The Caledonian Brewery has been an integral part of Edinburgh’s brewing history and the local community for more than 150 years. We were keen that the legacy of the brewery was maintained and contributed positively to the local community. “Having received several bids for the site, we believed that Artisan’s plans to deliver a 100% residential scheme delivered the best outcome for the community as well as meeting the Council’s ambitions in terms of delivering sustainable housing. We are pleased that the planning consent has now been granted for this exciting city centre neighbourhood to progress which is set to preserve the brewery’s legacy for future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025. Acknowledging organisations that have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK, The Momentum Group is one of 187 medium sized businesses in the UK to have made the list this year. Achieving a 90% overall wellbeing score and 88% for job satisfaction, The Momentum Group scored highly across employee satisfaction and workplace excellence. Key results include: Chris Renshaw, Co-Founder and Director of The Momentum Group, commented: “Being recognised as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work this year is a brilliant achievement for The Momentum Group. A business is only as good as its people we are committed to not only creating an exceptional team, but ensuring that everyone feels valued, empowered, and engaged in the future success of themselves, their colleagues, and the company as a whole. “To achieve this, we want to hold ourselves to account, and so securing this prestigious recognition is fantastic third-party validation of our approach, and a testament to the commitment shown by everyone in the team to making the Momentum Group a very special place to work.” Last year, saw the launch of ‘Young Momentum’, a programme to get together all team members under 30 years old to discuss their experiences working for The Momentum Group and gather ideas for the future. Hosted by the two Directors, Young Momentum meets quarterly. The recognition as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025 follows The Momentum Group’s gaining B Corp™ certification, achieved through the business’ ongoing commitment to people, places, the planet, and professionalism. The company’s commitment to the community is further supported by its philanthropic arm, the Momentum Foundation, which aids numerous local charities and The Group’s volunteering programme which has seen Momentum Build providing pro bono support to various local charities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HEM is the new government methodology for assessing energy performance of UK homes Sustenic, in partnership with Quidos, has been awarded a high-profile contract by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to develop and maintain the core software engine for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new government calculation methodology for assessing the energy performance of homes in the UK. HEM will support energy efficiency improvements in a wide range of new and existing housing types in the UK, aligning with the upcoming Future Homes Standard and reformed Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). By offering a more accurate assessment of building energy performance, it will help to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions in the journey towards net zero. Sustenic will draw on its many years of experience developing and implementing energy calculation methodologies to lead the development of the HEM engine, and maintain the underlying Python codebase. Quidos will play an important role in feature development and maintenance, leveraging its experience in developing energy assessment software and its 20 years expertise in assessing the energy efficiency of dwellings. Work will begin immediately on a consultation version of the core engine. Jose Ortiz, Director at Sustenic, said: “This contract award marks an important milestone in the evolution of building energy modelling in the UK. Our team brings unparalleled expertise in energy modelling methodologies and software development, having previously played central roles in developing SAP, SBEM, and the initial phases of HEM. We’re looking forward to working closely with Quidos, DESNZ and the MHCLG to deliver this critical project successfully and assist in the UK’s net zero ambitions.” Chris Barrington, CTO at Quidos, said: “Improving the energy performance of the UK’s homes is crucial to achieving carbon emission reduction objectives. Our established reputation in energy efficiency software and assessment will be invaluable in the development of the HEM’s core software engine, together with Sustenic’s deep methodological expertise. Together we will ensure that HEM is a reliable, user-friendly tool that supports industry professionals in delivering energy-efficient dwellings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar The stark truth is, as it stands, there’s nowhere else for us to go. This isn’t just an environmental rallying cry, but a fundamental principle that underpins increasingly rigorous regulations to mitigate impact on the delicate balance of our planet. The upgraded Part L is a strong foundation, outlining the minimum acceptable energy performance standards a new building must achieve. However, simply meeting these specified standards is no longer sufficient. Construction firms must also adhere to these regulations, and demonstrably prove compliance, directly contributing to a tangible reduction in their carbon footprint. The limitations of traditional compliance methods For far too long, the processes involved in evidencing Part L compliance have been characterised by inefficiency and potential for oversight. Reliant on nebulous paper-based documentation, manual data collection, and the inherent vulnerabilities of human error, these traditional methods struggle to provide the robust assurance demanded in today’s environmentally conscious landscape. In an era where transparency and accountability are leading priorities, this outdated approach is no longer fit for purpose. We urgently require a more streamlined, reliable, and efficient system to meticulously track and document the energy performance measures implemented on construction sites. The power of digital solutions This is where the transformative potential of digital solutions enters the equation. Construction management platforms, for instance, present an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionise and significantly strengthen the entire process of evidencing Part L compliance. Picture a scenario where every critical stage of the build that directly relates energy performance, is comprehensively documented with high-resolution photographic evidence, including: the precise installation of insulation materials, the meticulous fitting of energy-efficient windows and the accurate detailing of airtightness measures. This is then directly, and irrefutably, linked to specific locations within the building and precise project timelines. This isn’t a distant, futuristic concept, but an accessible reality that sophisticated digital platforms empower construction teams to achieve today. Building a digital audit trail of compliance By strategically using platform features like intuitive photo/video documentation, customisable digital forms, and real-time tracking, construction teams can seamlessly build a comprehensive, auditable record of Part L compliance throughout each project phase. This simplifies the often-arduous final handover process and provides a clear and organised compilation of all relevant evidence. It also offers irrefutable proof of compliance should any queries arise or inspections occur. Enhancing collaboration and communication Furthermore, these integrated digital platforms are powerful catalysts for enhanced communication and seamless collaboration across diverse project teams. Creating a centralised repository for all compliance-related information, they ensure that energy performance considerations are seamlessly integrated into every stage of the building process, from initial design specifications through to final sign-off. This helps to shape a culture of shared responsibility, ensuring all stakeholders are working from the same accurate and up-to-date information. Gaining valuable insights for future sustainability The benefits of adopting digital solutions extend beyond basic regulatory compliance. By establishing a clear, accurate, and easily accessible understanding of the specific energy-efficient measures implemented within each project, construction firms gain invaluable insights into their own operational practices. The rich data captured by these platforms can be meticulously analysed to inform future projects, enabling organisations to identify areas for potential improvement, optimise their material selection processes, and further reduce their overall environmental impact. In a market increasingly driven by sustainability considerations, data-backed energy efficiency can serve as a substantial competitive advantage, attracting eco-conscious clients and partners. A collective responsibility for a sustainable future The urgent journey towards a truly net-zero future demands a concerted, collective effort across all sectors. Part L of the Building Regulations represents a vital piece of this intricate puzzle, setting essential standards for energy performance. However, the true and lasting impact of these regulations ultimately lies with our collective ability to effectively evidence and verify compliance with accuracy and transparency. Digital solutions offer a powerful and readily available pathway to achieve this critical objective. They can equip construction firms with the necessary tools to meet current regulatory requirements and meaningfully contribute to the creation of a more sustainable built environment. After all, as there’s no planet B, embracing digital innovation within the construction industry is no longer a positive add-on, but a crucial and responsible step in safeguarding the planet. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is pressing ahead with a major expansion of its food retail footprint by transforming 12 former Homebase units into modern grocery stores. The move is part of the retailer’s broader store rotation and renewal strategy, which is focused on opening 420 larger food outlets and developing a more efficient network of 180 full-line stores. The ambitious programme aims to have half of M&S’s store estate operating under the new format by 2027/28. The first wave of openings will see new M&S Foodhalls launched in Abingdon, Cannock, Farnham, Godalming, and Northampton, with doors expected to open between late 2025 and summer 2026. Each site will be designed to meet evolving customer expectations, offering larger car parks, expanded frozen food sections, wider aisles, and new in-store bakeries. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with the stores adopting LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants. Chief executive Stuart Machin said the programme is central to the company’s wider transformation efforts: “Investing in new and renewed stores is one of our key transformation priorities. Securing these highly desirable sites in priority locations will accelerate this strategy, drive further growth in our M&S food business and most importantly give our customers the best possible M&S shopping experience.” The sites became available after Homebase, once a staple of the UK’s DIY scene, entered administration last year. Since then, several major retailers including The Range, Ikea, Sainsbury’s, and Wickes have moved to acquire key former Homebase properties. For M&S, the opportunity aligns with its ongoing effort to modernise its estate, reposition itself in the competitive food retail sector, and better serve growing demand in key regional hubs. As more locations are confirmed, the retailer is expected to continue making strategic site acquisitions to ensure it delivers on its modern retail vision across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals