A junior football club which is linked to a Southwark charity designed to improve the lives of local youngsters has hit the back of the net. The Bosco FC under 12 team has received a £3,000 donation from leading builders merchant Selco Builders Warehouse towards running costs for the team,
Bennetts Cranes, a leading specialist tower crane hire company, has erected the first Potain MR 309 crane in the world – the manufacturer’s latest luffing jib model. The Potain MR 309 crane has been erected at a landmark site in Westminster, in the heart of London, where two eight-storey office
The economic slowdown in China and rise in nearshoring activities worldwide are opening up new construction opportunities for key emerging markets in Asia with Malaysia, Indonesia and India all benefitting. The international trend of nearshoring, friend-shoring and reshoring is stimulating construction demand for local manufacturing bases in Asia to reduce
Urban logistics property developer and asset manager Chancerygate and real estate investor Mitiska REIM, the leading specialist investor in European convenience real estate, have announced a strategic joint venture (JV) to develop multi-let light industrial parks in Portugal. The JV has completed its first acquisition, which is a 6.67-acre (2.7-hectare) brownfield site located 20 minutes’ drive
Regional housebuilder Beal Homes has secured planning approval for a £105m development bringing more than 500 high-quality new homes to a growing community on the south bank of the Humber. The development on a 57-acre-site in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, will provide much-needed new two, three and four-bedroom homes for
Work has started on the next two phases of construction at Vistry The Gateway location in Bexhill-on-Sea, which will provide a range of housing options for local people. The homebuilder is already building 200 homes on the outskirts of the seaside town under its Bovis Homes brand, in the first
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to
In 2024, GAP Hire Solutions proudly marks 55 years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and excellence in the industry. Since our inception in 1969, we have continuously set the standard for superior service and reliability in the hire solutions industry. Built on Trust For over five decades, we’ve stood as a
For nearly three decades, Graham Lowe has been a guiding force in fire safety, serving as Managing Director of Hochiki Europe. Now, as he steps into retirement, Lowe offers a unique perspective on the remarkable transformations within the fire detection industry and how Hochiki Europe has strategically adapted to stay
A groundbreaking report, “Responsible Sourcing of HVO – A Comprehensive Guide,” has been released, aiming to accelerate the global transition towards sustainable energy. Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, this report is a vital resource for organisations committed to environmentally responsible practices in the procurement of
A junior football club which is linked to a Southwark charity designed to improve the lives of local youngsters has hit the back of the net. The Bosco FC under 12 team has received a £3,000 donation from leading builders merchant Selco Builders Warehouse towards running costs for the team, as well as a new strip. Bosco is a small charity-based college which also has a nursery on-site and offers a youth club open for extra-curricular activities after school. In addition, it runs a football academy for children aged from two to 14 and has nine teams operating from under sevens through to an adult team. Robert Rosier, club secretary for Bosco FC, said Selco’s donation is making a huge difference to the club. He said: “What sets us apart from other football clubs in the area is our charitable aspect. “We rely on support from the local community to create opportunities for young players who demonstrate commitment and talent to fulfil their potential. “We understand that the rising costs of recent times is posing huge challenges for families so Selco’s donation is having an incredibly positive impact on the local community. “The donation is covering the cost of our under 12s for a whole season, ranging from training sessions, kit and the funding of league matches, so everyone involved with the club is hugely grateful for Selco’s support.” Bosco’s junior teams play in the South East London and Kent Youth Football League. Alison Wong, head of communications and sustainability for Selco Builders Warehouse which has branches on Old Kent Road and in Canning Town and Charlton, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Bosco Football Club and the wider charitable aspects of the organisation. “It’s a unique offering which brings opportunities on and off the football field to hundreds of youngsters in the deprived area. “We are following the progress of the club with great interest.” With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 75 UK branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver and Click & Collect services and a new app – as well as a ‘Dial & Deliver’ telephone service – to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople. For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bennetts Cranes, a leading specialist tower crane hire company, has erected the first Potain MR 309 crane in the world – the manufacturer’s latest luffing jib model. The Potain MR 309 crane has been erected at a landmark site in Westminster, in the heart of London, where two eight-storey office buildings are being redeveloped. This new model from Potain has many new, improved features that will benefit the construction of this site, including, a simpler tower crane erection, upgraded load charts, a short out-of-service radius (9.5m on a 55/60m jib), and less collars and ties for taller heights and to increase lift capacity. The crane is equipped with a Potain Crane Control System (CCS) which helps with faster set-up and unparalleled control, as well as Potain’s CONNECT telematic to optimise fleet management and uptime. The new features make this crane model ideal for high-rise buildings and congested urban sites. To further avoid any collisions or oversailing on this site, Bennetts also installed the crane with AMCS zoning technology. Edward Seager, Managing Director at Bennetts Cranes, said: “We’re pleased to have supplied the first Potain MR 309 in the world. The MR 309 was best the crane for this site in London as it has a 25-tonne maximum capacity that met the site lifting requirements. “The crane needed to have exceptionally low base loads so it could be bolted to the core of the building and the limited power supply on-site meant that adjustable power supply was essential. This requirement was fulfilled by the Potain Power Control function which enables the crane to reduce its power up to 50%. Plus, the short out-of-service radius ensures the crane remains within the site boundaries at all times.” The redevelopment of the two eight-storey office buildings will provide approximately 115,000 sq ft of new high-quality accommodation. As well as a restaurant and a retail unit. The scheme was designed by Allies and Morrison to replace dated buildings with attractive accommodations that will enhance the historic character and streetscape. This crane is estimated to be on site for 50 weeks. Watch how the Bennetts Cranes team erected the Potain MR 309 here – https://www.tower-crane.co.uk/bennetts-cranes-erects-world-first-potain-mr-309-in-london/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The economic slowdown in China and rise in nearshoring activities worldwide are opening up new construction opportunities for key emerging markets in Asia with Malaysia, Indonesia and India all benefitting. The international trend of nearshoring, friend-shoring and reshoring is stimulating construction demand for local manufacturing bases in Asia to reduce reliance on cross-border trade. Meanwhile, as developed markets in the region adjust to both macroeconomic and domestic challenges, Hong Kong re-enters the top 10 list of most expensive markets to build in globally, in ninth place, with an average cost of US$4,500 per m2, followed closely by Macau in 12th with an average cost of US$4,269 per m2. The International construction market survey (ICMS) 2024 report, from global professional services company Turner & Townsend, shows that while construction still faces challenges, inflationary pressure is softening, and stabilising costs are allowing investment flow in key global growth sectors such as data centres, healthcare and manufacturing. From a survey of 91 global cities, with the exception of Hong Kong and Macau, all Chinese markets languish near the bottom of the overall cost table. China’s GDP growth is forecast to slow to 4.6 percent in 2024 from 5.2 percent last year1 as the country’s abundant labour force continues to keep costs low across its mainland markets. Japanese cities, stalwarts in the top ten most expensive cities to build in globally for the past two years, have slipped out of the top rankings this year. Tokyo, ranked fifth, and Osaka, sixth, in 2023 are now the 13th and 17th most expensive markets to build in worldwide at US$ 4,127 per m2 and US$3,985 per m2, respectively. Strong global inflation, moderate post-pandemic economic growth, and a significant devaluation of the Yen to a 34-year low, are key factors behind Japan’s lower overall construction costs this year. The weakened Yen, however, has spurred foreign investment into sectors such as data centres, advanced manufacturing and urban developments, all of which are experiencing high growth. Osaka, in particular, is seeing a major development boon as it prepares for World Expo 2025. India has seen strong industrial investment as it strengthens its economic drivers – particularly in advanced manufacturing – as it looks to overtake China. This is seen in Bangalore, where advanced manufacturing construction costs are now US$1,861 per m2, compared with US$568 per m2 in Shenzhen. Malaysia and Indonesia are also seeing high growth in manufacturing as part of this shift, and in Jakarta, the cost of advanced manufacturing construction has sharply risen. A significant factor driving inflation worldwide is a scarcity of skilled labour. A staggering 79.1 percent of markets, representing 72 individual markets, reported skill shortages. This stands in stark contrast to just 9.9 percent, or 9 markets, with a labour surplus. The remaining 11 percent, or 10 markets, indicated a balanced labour market. This imbalance between supply and demand for skilled workers is putting continued upward pressure on construction costs globally. Overall, the data points to lowering construction price inflationary pressure globally. Turner & Townsend has modestly reduced its 2024 construction cost inflation forecasts compared to last year. Construction cost inflation in most markets is driven by a backlog of projects, which are gradually moving forward as construction costs stabilise. Sumit Mukherjee, head of real estate, Asia, at Turner & Townsend, comments: “In 2024 we’re seeing consistent trends across Asia in response to the impact of China’s economic slowdown. The shift to nearshore more manufacturing, to neutralise the impact of China’s slowdown, is creating significant growth and opportunities as other Asian markets invest in sectors like advanced manufacturing. Other growth areas are being fuelled by Asia’s increasing population and wealth – with much greater demand for leisure and hospitality construction as well as investment in new education and healthcare facilities. “In the context of this growth and opportunity – clients need to keep an eye on labour. Traditionally Asian labour markets are known for high availability and low wages – but as demand grows for specialist construction such as advanced manufacture and data centres, there may be bottlenecks of high-skilled workers in these sectors. Keeping close to supply chains and regularly assessing local development pipelines is essential to avoid potential issues.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban logistics property developer and asset manager Chancerygate and real estate investor Mitiska REIM, the leading specialist investor in European convenience real estate, have announced a strategic joint venture (JV) to develop multi-let light industrial parks in Portugal. The JV has completed its first acquisition, which is a 6.67-acre (2.7-hectare) brownfield site located 20 minutes’ drive northwest of Lisbon within the municipality of Sintra. The site is situated close to the N9 and N250-1 access roads and the A37 and A16 motorways connecting Lisbon to Sintra, providing convenient access to both the Lisbon city centre and Humberto Delgado Airport. Chancerygate and Mitiska REIM will submit plans for a high specification and sustainable multi-let light industrial and urban logistics development at the JV’s newly acquired site in Sintra in the near future. All units at the proposed development will be constructed from high-performance building materials and the scheme will target an EPC A and BREEAM Very Good rating as a minimum. The JV’s initial objective is to acquire five sites to deliver multi-let developments in the Lisbon and Porto districts. Mitiska REIM has been active in the Portuguese market since 2017 and its local team based in Lisbon has to date acquired or developed eight retail park and mixed-use assets in Portugal, that currently manage more than 1.61m sq ft (150,000 sq m) of gross leasable area spread throughout the country. Over the next 18 months it’s scheduled to open two further developments, one in the Algarve and to conclude a final phase of construction of Salinas Park in Alverca. Mitiska REIM has acquired this latest site on behalf of the MEREP 3 fund. Commenting on the JV, Chancerygate managing director, Richard Bains, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Mitiska REIM in Portugal and continue our expansion into Europe. We are complementary partners who bring compatible experience to the relationship. “Over the course of almost 30 years in the UK, Chancerygate has earnt a reputation for the consistent delivery of a product which is highly attractive to institutional investors and a wide range of occupiers. “We are excited by the opportunity to do the same in Portugal in a strategic joint venture partnership with Mitiska REIM. “This news follows soon after we have opened our Madrid office. We are gathering momentum across Iberia and with our stated intention to expand across Europe.” Chancerygate European director, Jason Sharman, added: “Our recently purchased brownfield site in Sintra is an ideal location for our JV with Mitiska REIM to make its debut within Portugal. “It has excellent transport connectivity and, subject to planning being granted, will showcase our high quality, high specification, sustainable product to prospective occupiers and investors.” Enzo Guidez, Mitiska REIM’s investment manager in Portugal, commented: “The Portuguese market is currently underserved with modern and sustainable multi-let light industrial and last-mile urban logistics space. The combination of high demand from businesses for Class A units and the current low vacancy rates in existing stock makes this an exciting market opportunity for our new JV to expand in this sector.” Jan Du Bois, Mitiska REIM’s managing director for Belgium, Spain and Portugal, added: “This JV brings together Mitiska REIM’s on-the-ground presence, strong local network and expertise in sourcing off-market deals with Chancerygate’s significant experience and track record in the industrial and urban logistics sector. We look forward to working in partnership with the Chancerygate team to grow our portfolio in Portugal.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate currently has around 1.16m sq ft (107,000 sq m) of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across ten sites in the UK ranging from Edinburgh to Croydon. The company also manages in excess of £310m (~€363m) of assets across more than 2.5m sq ft (230,000 sq m) of commercial space in over 340 units. Chancerygate currently has offices in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Lisbon and Madrid, with additional offices expected to be opened this year. For more information on Chancerygate visit www.chancerygate.com, for Mitiska REIM www.mitiska-reim.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regional housebuilder Beal Homes has secured planning approval for a £105m development bringing more than 500 high-quality new homes to a growing community on the south bank of the Humber. The development on a 57-acre-site in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, will provide much-needed new two, three and four-bedroom homes for the town. Having secured planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council, subject to conditions, the family-owned housebuilder is now accepting registrations for the forthcoming launch of the development, which will be called Highfields. The development will complement investment into the area from other major businesses, driven by the Humber region’s growing status as the UK’s Energy Estuary. Chris Murphy, Land Director of East Yorkshire-based Beal, said: “We’re delighted to have gained planning approval so we can move forward to delivering these much-needed homes in North East Lincolnshire. “We would like to thank the members of the Planning Committee who voted unanimously to approve the plans and were complimentary about the quality of the development as well as the amount of open space we have incorporated into it. “This development is a major vote of confidence in the area which has a strong pent-up demand for new homes as well as potential for further growth, driven by major investment on the south bank of the Humber.” Reflecting local demand and catering for a broad range of homebuyers, Highfields will feature an extensive range of property types from two-bedroom townhouses, ideal for first-time buyers, to three and four-bedroom homes, perfect for growing families. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has started on the next two phases of construction at Vistry The Gateway location in Bexhill-on-Sea, which will provide a range of housing options for local people. The homebuilder is already building 200 homes on the outskirts of the seaside town under its Bovis Homes brand, in the first phase of the scheme. Now it is starting work on another 447 properties across two new phases under its Linden Homes and Countryside Homes brands, which were approved by Rother District Council in November 2023, with 300 of these available as affordable homes, shared ownership homes or for private rent. They will be part of a much wider neighbourhood which has outline planning permission for up to 1,050 homes, a new primary school and nursery, community and sports facilities, public open space, and landscaping. Mary McHutchison, regional sales and marketing director for Vistry Kent, said: “This project is a landmark development for the area, providing high-quality homes in a well-designed new neighbourhood. To be starting work on the next two phases is an important milestone. “Hundreds of these new homes will be accessible to people who might not have the budget to buy a full price new-build property because we have various rental and shared ownership opportunities here. “These include homes above and beyond the affordable housing provision set out in the planning agreement for the development, and this is very much in line with our values at Vistry. We are pleased to be making high-quality homes available to all, and to be working with investment firm CBRE, Sage Homes and Leaf Living on this.” The first of the next two phases was launched under the Linden Homes brand on Saturday 15 June and includes 92 homes. Vistry is due to release the first homes under its Countryside Homes brand at the development – comprising 264 homes in autumn. Across the two new phases, there will be 153 affordable homes which Vistry committed to as part of the planning agreement for the development. These have been purchased by CBRE and will be managed by Pinnacle Spaces. In addition to this, there will be 73 shared ownership properties built for Sage Homes by Countryside Homes within its part of the development, while a further 74 homes will be available to rent through Leaf Living. There’s a mix of three, four and five-bedroom Bovis Homes properties currently available to reserve at The Gateway, with prices starting from £389,995. For more information on The Gateway, visit bovishomes.co.uk, lindenhomes.co.uk and countrysidehomes.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to undergo extensive refurbishment and structural alterations to the existing office into Cat A and B workspace. RED Construction’s London team will carry out the works, implementing new structural walkways, rooftop terraces, a new main entrance, reception area and new lifts. Designed by architects, Anomaly, Curtain House will be refurbished with a key focus on sustainable practices, aiming for BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Set to complete in Q3 2025, the project will see the RED team undertake considered external masonry and window restoration, a refurbishment of the existing timber floors, and repair of internal brickwork and steel columns. The works are set to complement the rich history associated with the building, whilst transforming the office facilities for the modern-day tenant. Dave Osborne, Group Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Our appointment to work on such a historic building in the capital is a testament to RED Construction London’s extensive track record with considered refurbishment. The team’s experience working with heritage-rich sites and implementing new-age sustainable practices make RED the ideal partner for Aviva Investors’ plans to preserve and progress Curtain House.” RED Construction Group’s partnership with Aviva Investors has developed throughout the project’s PCSA period, with the companies aligning on their values to give back to the community. Working with the Black Girls in Property Programme at The Land Collective, an organisation aiming to bridge the gap between ethnically diverse youth and the built environment industry, the Curtain House project team welcomed 20 girls for a site visit and talks from expert speakers. RED Construction Group’s active contribution aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry, emphasising the significance of social value and the importance of leaving a positive legacy. The news follows RED Construction Group’s completion of comprehensive refurbishment works at Hines’ £36.6m flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme at 80 New Bond Street, working alongside award-winning architecture firm Orms to transform the 37,414 sq ft space in the heart of London. RED Construction Group continues to be the contractor of choice for sustainable redevelopment and refurbishment projects, and delivering on historic inner-city London sites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In 2024, GAP Hire Solutions proudly marks 55 years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and excellence in the industry. Since our inception in 1969, we have continuously set the standard for superior service and reliability in the hire solutions industry. Built on Trust For over five decades, we’ve stood as a pillar of support for construction projects and industries across the nation, earning their trust every step of the way. Our commitment to providing top-quality equipment and personalised service has been the cornerstone of our success. Innovation at Every Turn From modest beginnings to becoming a leader in the hire solutions industry, we’ve embraced innovation at every turn. From day one, innovation has driven our success. We’ve embraced new technologies and approaches to meet the evolving needs of our customers with precision and efficiency, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. Gratitude & Growth As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. To our loyal customers, dedicated team members, and valued stakeholders, thank you for your unwavering support. Since our 50th celebrations in 2019, we have grown our turnover by 49% in just 5 years. This remarkable growth is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of everyone at GAP Hire Solutions. Here’s to the Next 55 Years! Join us as we celebrate 55 years of excellence and toast to the many more ahead. Thank you for your support, partnership, and trust. Here’s to the next chapter! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For nearly three decades, Graham Lowe has been a guiding force in fire safety, serving as Managing Director of Hochiki Europe. Now, as he steps into retirement, Lowe offers a unique perspective on the remarkable transformations within the fire detection industry and how Hochiki Europe has strategically adapted to stay at the forefront. In this interview, Lowe shares his insights and thoughts for the future not only for the team at Hochiki but also the broader industry. Over your tenure at Hochiki Europe, what are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed in the fire safety industry? For those in the UK fire safety industry, the single most impactful change in recent years was undoubtedly the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, or simply, the Fire Safety Order. Implemented on October 1st, 2005, this legislation established a robust framework for fire safety regulation across all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This includes workplaces and the shared areas of multi-occupied residential buildings. The Order places the onus squarely on the “responsible person” – typically the building owner, employer, or whoever has control of the premises – to ensure fire safety compliance. This marked a significant shift from the previous reliance on annual inspections by the local fire brigade. Responsible persons now have full legal accountability for fire safety within their buildings. The impact on the fire industry was immediate, and at the time we saw a surge in demand from customers during the year of implementation. Notably, there was a noticeable move away from fire detection products being sold directly over the counter. Instead, the focus shifted towards specialist fire alarm installers and integrators who possess the expertise to design and implement compliant fire safety systems. This reform transformed the industry, placing a greater emphasis on professional fire safety solutions and risk management strategies. What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time as MD at Hochiki Europe? During my tenure as Managing Director, I’m most proud of building a strong Senior Management Team. This team brings together the experience, expertise, and skills needed to propel Hochiki Europe forward. The team has an exceptional sense of teamwork, which is crucial for the company’s continued development and success. Strong communication is central to our team’s operations, and it’s reinforced by a clear mission statement and four key pillars that guide our growth: Expansion: Strategically growing our market reach and influence.Efficiency: Continuously improving our operations to optimise performance.Value Addition: Delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.Employee Engagement: Fostering a positive and motivating work environment for our team. One of the most important things we’ve done and will continue to do as a senior team is to invest in the company’s future. The acquisition of Apex House was a goal I’d been working towards for several years, and it facilitates further investment in our Gillingham production infrastructure. This will allow us to even better serve our customers in the UK, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa delivering innovative fire safety solutions. What challenges have you faced leading Hochiki Europe over the years, and how did you and the team overcome them? My tenure as MD hasn’t been without its challenges, but two major events stand out. The first was Brexit. Leaving the European Union ushered in a period of uncertainty, with new procedures and legal issues that continue to evolve. While Brexit presented its own set of hurdles, nothing could have prepared us for the unprecedented global crisis that followed: the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic had a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, with staff facing personal and professional difficulties. As a business, the most immediate challenge was the complete disruption of supply chains globally. Manufacturers around the world faced issues sourcing third-party products and group-manufactured goods to securing essential electronic components, everything was affected. Shipping delays became the norm, further complicating business’ ability to meet production demands. For Hochiki, overcoming these obstacles required a collective effort. Strong teamwork and clear communication were essential between the management team and staff. Our HR department played a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of all employees during the pandemic. However, our focus wasn’t solely internal. We understood the importance of transparency with our customers. We kept them informed of the ever-changing situation, the actions we were taking to mitigate disruptions, and when they could expect resolutions. This open communication fostered trust and helped us maintain strong relationships throughout this challenging period and indeed has established a way of working that we continue to foster today. How has Hochiki Europe adapted to meet the evolving needs of its customers across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa? Hochiki Europe is committed to providing exceptional support to our customers around the world. That’s why we made strategic investments years ago in establishing Hochiki Middle East, Hochiki India Branch Office, and Hochiki Italia. These entities allow us to deliver enhanced local support, expand our reach to new customers, and ultimately, fuel global growth. This revision highlights the positive outcomes of the investments for Hochiki Europe’s customers. It emphasises the company’s proactive approach to international support and the resulting growth opportunities. Do you have any plans to stay involved in the fire safety industry in any capacity? I have no doubt that I will retain my interest in the fire safety industry as it will be difficultafter forty years in the industry to let that association go. What advice would you give to young professionals interested in a career in fire safety? My advice to young professionals entering the fire industry is this: it’s a secure and standards-driven field with consistent demand. However, to truly thrive, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial. Consider specialising in a specific area to become an expert. That’s why Hochiki Europe is heavily invested in the future of the fire industry through the Hochiki Training Academy. The Academy provides ongoing education and training opportunities, ensuring our industry colleagues
A groundbreaking report, “Responsible Sourcing of HVO – A Comprehensive Guide,” has been released, aiming to accelerate the global transition towards sustainable energy. Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, this report is a vital resource for organisations committed to environmentally responsible practices in the procurement of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). As many organisations pursue net zero targets, the role of fuels and power is crucial. HVO has emerged as a viable alternative to fossil diesel, a shift endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in its zero diesel sites route map. However, the sustainability benefits of HVO are complex and not always straightforward. In response to these complexities, twelve Supply Chain Sustainability School Partners* have co-funded this guidance to elucidate the sustainability challenges associated with HVO. Ben Stone, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Kier Group, said: “The construction industry has a key role in supporting the UK’s transition to a lower carbon economy. This report and its recommendations shine a light on the role HVO can play, and where it can be utilised to provide a low-carbon solution. Working collaboratively with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and its Partners, we were pleased to advise on the research and development of the Responsible Sourcing of HVO report to provide clear and much-needed guidance to support the industry with procuring this fuel responsibly.” Jo Potts, Sustainability Director, Responsible Sourcing & Social Impact at Balfour Beatty said: “At Balfour Beatty, we take pride in acting responsibly, considering the full environmental, social and economic implications of our actions to ensure that we’re not solving one challenge whilst creating another. It’s refreshing to see this guide, which we are pleased to have contributed to, takes a holistic approach and moves away from carbon tunnel-vision, clearly setting out the pros, the cons and most critically, the unknowns of HVO fuels.” The guidance covers the entire lifecycle of HVO – from raw material sourcing, processing, and shipping to final use. It provides strategies for managing and mitigating potential sustainability risks and impacts within the HVO supply chain. Key highlights of the report include: · Examination of the sustainability benefits and impacts of biofuels, with a focus on HVO. · Overview of HVO availability and market size. · Analysis of potential market distortions affecting HVO. · Recommendations for risk mitigation mechanisms. The guide provides actionable recommendations to help organisations make informed decisions, manage risks, and confidently mitigate the sustainability impacts of using and procuring HVO. Dr. James Cadman, Head of Consultancy and Climate at Action Sustainability, stated: “When procuring HVO, it is essential to conduct due diligence to source sustainably from reputable suppliers, using assurance schemes like the UK’s Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS). This approach is crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels, protecting the planet, and achieving net zero targets responsibly.” By promoting sustainable procurement practices, this report marks a new era of conscientious decision-making in the energy sector. It empowers organisations to uphold environmental stewardship without compromising operational efficiency or profitability. Access the full report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals