January 2024, London: The speaker programme at Workspace Design Show (27 -28 February 2024, Business Design Centre, London) has been an integral part since the event’s inception in 2021and this year is no exception with over 120 speakers featuring across four key elements of discourse. The Workspace Design Talks programme,
Platform Housing Group, the largest social landlord in the Midlands, have announced they will be part of this year’s UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May. The housing association is hosting a discussion on redefining partnership working and how it can help solve the housing crisis on
Veriforce CHAS, the supply chain risk management expert, is encouraging employers to make a habit of addressing mental health in 2024 as new figures indicate that stress, depression or anxiety now account for almost half (49%) of all cases of work-related ill health. According to the latest data from the HSE,
The new $30 million facility in Warrington, UK, is expected to open in 2025 creating 50 new jobs Warringtonfire, a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), has announced plans to open a new facility in Warrington, UK. Expected to open in 2025, the new facility will be
Whilst large swathes of the UK construction industry continue to demonstrate a ‘head in the sand’ attitude by failing to adopt more performance and energy efficient ways of building, surely now it’s only a matter of time before they radically rethink things. Enter the recent changes to the all-important Part
Last week, housebuilding SMEs were invited to a Future Homes Hub (FHH) event, hosted by leading housebuilder Redrow, at its Stone Hill Meadow development. Leaders from across the industry gathered at the site, which was the first to launch since Redrow committed to install Air Source Heat Pumps across all
Berkeley Group – one of the largest home builders in the UK – has reaffirmed its support for the newly updated Consumer Code for Home Builders (‘the Code’) as part of its continued focus on customer satisfaction. This ongoing commitment will see thousands of home buyers benefit from additional protection
Panics come and panics go in the pragmatic world of engineering. It is part of the job to identify potentially intractable problems – and then bend the collective mind to creating a practical solution to them. That is why the current disquiet over RAAC in a number of public buildings
This month SKArating is announcing an exciting change in its leadership and governance, as well as new plans to scale up to support the growing need to reshape sustainability in the fit-out world. Developed in 2008 to help landlords and tenants systemise sustainability and assess fit-out projects against a practical
Architects and designers face a significant challenge in the ever-changing world due to climate change. They play a vital role not just in creating visually appealing structures but also in ensuring resilience and adaptability to environmental shifts. Rising temperatures, heightened extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are becoming more
January 2024, London: The speaker programme at Workspace Design Show (27 -28 February 2024, Business Design Centre, London) has been an integral part since the event’s inception in 2021and this year is no exception with over 120 speakers featuring across four key elements of discourse. The Workspace Design Talks programme, which will take place in a dedicated space, the Design Talks Lounge, designed by global design and architecture firm Gensler, will feature inspiring sessions from leading industry professionals over the event’s two days. Speakers include Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR, Sheppard Robson; Alan Bainbridge, Director of BBC Workplace; Naomi Sakamoto, Principal, Gensler; Matt Jackson, CEO, BDG architecture + design and Grant Kanik, Partner, Foster + Partners. The latter will be speaking as part of a panel entitled ‘Insights and perspectives on the convergent future of workplace’ which also features panellists Yasmin Al-Ani Spence, Director, WilkinsonEyre and Nicola Gillen, EMEA Lead, Total Workplace, Cushman and Wakefield, chaired by workplace design journalist and author Helen Parton. Sustainability Works returns for 2024 and is held on 27 February, once again bringing together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives and projects. Curated by Mick Jordan, Editor of Works magazine confirmed speakers include Golnaz Ighany, Sustainability Director, BDP; Gurvinder Khurana, Director, M Moser; Pernille Bonser, CEO, Resonate Interiors and Mario Viera, Head of Sustainability, Scott Brownrigg. The Occupiers Forum, held on 28 February, is the complete ‘The View from HQ’. Located in the Insights Lounge, it willprovide unique insights into what employers are doing to create an engaging workplace experience. The Forum’s speakers include Steve Wright, Director of Workplace Design & Change Management, GSK; Sarah Murdoch, Corporate Real Estate Director, Visa; Sue Glew, Programme Director, The Better Workplace Programme, BT and Kate Smith, Executive Director, Occupier Consulting UK, CBRE. Both the Sustainability Works session and the Occupiers Forum will be held in the Insights Lounge designed by BDP. Also returning for this year across both days of Workspace Design Show is the FIS Conference, a crucial in-person gathering for the not-for-profit representative body of the finishes and interiors sector in the UK. Sessions held on both 27 & 28 February will provide a platform for the latest industry thinking, supporting the organisation’s aims of improving safety, minimising risk, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation in the sector. The conference will include professional insight from the likes of Chris Webb, Head of Sustainability, tp bennett; Helen Gawor, Group Director of Strategy & Innovation, ISG; Vidhi Sharma, Creative Director, Modus Workspace and Ana Rita Martins, Sustainability Lead, MCM. Once again, Workspace Design Show will gather together leading architects, designers, real estate professionals, tenants and other industry experts to exchange their insights around the world of workplace design. Online registration is free for all visitors, and includes access to all four conferences, show features and the networking party. Register now to attend Workspace Design Show. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Platform Housing Group, the largest social landlord in the Midlands, have announced they will be part of this year’s UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May. The housing association is hosting a discussion on redefining partnership working and how it can help solve the housing crisis on the opening day of the three-day event in Leeds, starting on May 21st. The forum is expected to attract over 10,000 developers, investors, occupiers and local authorities attending various sessions centred around the built environment. Executive Director of Growth and Development Gerraint Oakley will lead the discussion, alongside hand-picked guests to explore the issues surrounding the barriers currently experienced in development. Mr Oakley said, “We’re delighted to be returning to UKREiiF following the success of our participation in the 2023 event. Our partnership work is going to be crucial in succeeding in providing affordable housing in the next 12 months and beyond and the forum will be a key part of our engagement with the sector. All the indications are that there will be even more people attending and that can only mean more important conversations and ideas-sharing that will benefit the built environment.” Keith Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of UKREiiF, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Platform Housing Group will be joining us at the third annual UKREiiF event! Their dedication to excellence in housing and community impact perfectly resonates with our ethos of fostering industry advancement and impactful partnerships. We eagerly anticipate their bespoke session, enriching our discussions and contributing to the event’s success.” Led by the UK’s leading property events company Built Environment Networking and supported by some of the biggest UK property and infrastructure companies, the third annual UKREiiF event will be held in Leeds on 21-23 May 2024. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Veriforce CHAS, the supply chain risk management expert, is encouraging employers to make a habit of addressing mental health in 2024 as new figures indicate that stress, depression or anxiety now account for almost half (49%) of all cases of work-related ill health. According to the latest data from the HSE, during the 2022/23 period, approximately 875,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, resulting in 2,590 cases per 100,000 workers and an estimated loss of 17.1 million working days. Underscoring the need for businesses to proactively address mental health concerns in 2024, Veriforce CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon comments: “The latest HSE statistics on workplace ill health shows mental health issues continue to loom large, which is why we are encouraging businesses to make a habit of addressing mental health in the coming year. “We urge businesses who haven’t already done so to sign the Causeway mental health pledge and commit to promoting good mental health as a routine part of their business operations.” The good news is that there are a range of free workplace mental health resources that can support businesses in this aim. Find out more in the Veriforce CHAS FREE Mental Health Resources Guide for Businesses. Prepare for new standard Taking action around mental health now will help businesses prepare for a future where mental health assessments become a standard component of the prequalification process. Veriforce CHAS is working to contribute to this shift by launching a dedicated mental health accreditation in 2024. This initiative aims to set benchmarks for how businesses and their supply chains address mental health, fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment. Ian adds: “At Veriforce CHAS, we have a long history of setting compliance benchmarks and raising health & safety standards, and we are resolved to use this influence to drive improvements in workplace mental health in 2024 and beyond.” Find out more about CHAS at: http://www.chas.co.uk/ or call 0345 521 9111. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new $30 million facility in Warrington, UK, is expected to open in 2025 creating 50 new jobs Warringtonfire, a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), has announced plans to open a new facility in Warrington, UK. Expected to open in 2025, the new facility will be the largest in the UK and provide fire testing, technical and certification services. Customer demands for Warringtonfire’s product testing are set to continue to grow significantly, due to increasing regulatory requirements, the introduction of additional standards, the rising importance of third-party certification and product assurance as well as the need for shorter testing lead times. The new facility will meet this increased demand; it will represent an almost 80% increase in size over its existing facility in the region and is expected to triple Warringtonfire’s testing capacity in the medium term. The new facility, which is being built at Birchwood Park near Warrington, will add unique capabilities including eight state-of-the-art fire resistance testing furnaces, comprising three horizontal and three vertical furnaces (designed to evaluate the fire performance of different products or assemblies built either horizontally or vertically), and two indicative furnaces (which provide a very focused testing method to quantify the ability of a material or assembly to withstand exposure to high temperatures). The new facility will also provide larger preparation areas to improve workflow as well as higher quality and more accessible customer reception and viewing areas. In line with the commitment to be more sustainable, the new facility will implement extensive measures to reduce energy use, maintain air quality and potential environmental impacts, including built-in recycling systems, energy-efficient fans, plus smoke & odour capture and treatment. The new facility will create over 50 new jobs in the Warrington region, with a commitment to training and upskilling new and existing employees. The 200 strong team will be one of the world’s largest teams of fire technical experts. Jason Dodds, VP of Warringtonfire, said: “Our new fire testing facility in Warrington is a major investment in the region and a statement of our ambition for the business. We are excited to be expanding into Birchwood Park and undertake our essential product testing in this state-of-the-art business park. “The new facility will significantly improve Warringtonfire’s testing offering for our customers, providing a faster and more wider ranging service, as well as expanded access to technical excellence delivered by the foremost experts in the fields of fire testing and certification. It will solidify our position as the go-to partner for fire testing and related services and broaden our ability to serve customers across the value chain. Using best in class building design and new technology, we will also be able to greatly improve our environmental footprint, which is incredibly important to us as a company and is becoming increasingly important for our customers.” Warringtonfire’s existing facility will continue to operate at full capacity while the new facility is under construction. Following the transfer of fire resistance testing to Birchwood Park, part of the existing facility will be used to create a center of excellence for reaction to fire testing, which are smaller scale tests including spread of flame and heat release. Construction of the new 101k sq. ft. facility has begun and is expected to be completed in 2025. The total investment in the new facility will be circa $30 million. The designers were TP Bennett Architects and Hoare Lea and construction is being managed by Arcadis with Tilbury Douglas as the principal contractor carrying out the works. Warringtonfire specialises in providing comprehensive testing and certification services related to infrastructure, with a portfolio of services including fire resistance and reaction to fire testing, security, durability and weather testing, product certification and inspection. Warringtonfire works with key stakeholders at every stage of the project lifecycle, from architects and designers to contractors and developers, planning and local authorities, building owners and operators and product manufacturers. The new enhanced facility will be of particular use for product manufacturers for their R&D development for bringing a product to market or for achieving certification.
Whilst large swathes of the UK construction industry continue to demonstrate a ‘head in the sand’ attitude by failing to adopt more performance and energy efficient ways of building, surely now it’s only a matter of time before they radically rethink things. Enter the recent changes to the all-important Part L of the building regulations. Having come into force in June of last year, the period for compliance is now firmly behind us, with the overall industry heading beyond what is an interim step to more stringent legislation that will come under the Future Homes Standards in 2025. Based against a background that provides a further uplift to existing energy efficient standards and carbon emissions for homes, the new regulations apply to anyone involved in designing, constructing or renovating buildings in England, including architects, builders, developers, engineers, and other building professionals. Whilst the latest Part L updates precede all new homes having to be produced with 75% – 80% fewer emissions from 2025, let’s first look at what is required to comply with the new measures, which include a mandate for new energy efficiency targets and alterations to assessment methodology. Part L Update – The Key Components Separated into four volumes to include new dwellings, existing dwellings, new buildings other than dwellings, and existing buildings other than dwellings, a fabric-first approach features strongly in the latest updates. This is not surprising given that this has long been considered a cost-effective way of saving carbon and delivering energy efficiency over the whole life of a building. Key considerations here centre on construction techniques that deliver maximising airtightness, optimising insulation and eliminating thermal bridging. Obviously using more energy-efficient walls, floors, windows and roofs can help reduce the dependence on secondary technologies and their associated energy costs. And what about all-important U-values? These are the main changes that need to be met under the Part L regulations: Who Will Be Impacted By The Changes? Obviously the new standards need to be considered from the very early design stages to ensure compliance. And whilst architects will need to work closely at overall building design efficiency, it is traditional builders that will feel the biggest force of the change through the need to adapt to newer energy-efficient designs, materials and construction methods. In essence, they must ensure that the building envelope is well insulated to reduce heat loss and minimise thermal bridging. This is likely to necessitate the use of thicker insulation materials and the introduction of more adequate airtightness measures, such as vapour barriers, tapes and sealants. As for other trades, then plumbers and HVAC technicians will be looking to install more efficient heating and ventilation systems and increase the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, thermal or heat pumps, whilst electricians will focus on more efficient lighting systems that minimise unnecessary energy use. They will also be increasingly involved in installing renewable energy sources such as PV panels and wind turbines. Other Key Compliant Considerations Whilst all elements of the regulations need consideration, understanding and planning that starts at the design stage, builders and developers also need to keep detailed records of the materials and systems used in construction, along with step-by-step photographic evidence. Failure to do so may result in potential rework, build delays, and possible financial penalties. The Solution Obviously reducing the carbon footprint and maximising the energy efficiency of any building is a task for everyone. So it will be imperative that those in the industry work collaboratively to ensure the necessary measures are implemented and complied with effectively. Indeed the overriding solution is not new! It’s not about reinventing the wheel but encouraging builders and contractors to adopt new ways and means of building using proven off-site and MMC system solutions such as those provided by the likes of Excel Group. Whilst many builders still see MMC and off-site building as purely timber frame, this couldn’t be further from the case. The focus should be on the specific needs of the project and this is where the Excel approach differentiates themselves in the marketplace. Standing as a specialist sub-contractor and having developed relationships with dedicated and sustainable supply chain partners across a range of component manufacturing disciplines, on offer is a range of off-site solutions (SIPs, timber frame, CLT and light gauge steel). After all, one size doesn’t fit all! In support of each solution, Excel has engaged software from industry specialists, FONN that captures all relevant details, dates and time steps making Part L assessment easier, while providing full transparency to the ERC assessor and end user. FONN also provides the opportunity for highly efficient project management workflows benefiting all project stakeholders. In addition, Excel Group operates a proven window and door business in partnership with leading global brands to offer a complete sustainable glazing solution – either stand alone or as part of an offsite structural package. Further expansion into SFS infill and external cladding systems has also facilitated the offer of bespoke packages for customers, developers and contractors to suit specific needs. So for any builders or contractors unsure, sceptical or lack the confidence and knowledge to embrace MMC and all that off-site construction has to offer, Excel can provide an initial system agnostic consultative discussion that serves to build trust on the basis that it is never going to be a single solution offering. Surely adopting building solutions that already exceed the requirements of Part L makes sense, as is the case with many of today’s off-site construction solutions? And for those who remain uncertain, then the further profound implications that Future Homes Standards of 2025 are set to bring, must be an eye-opener and catalyst to start considering other, more sustainable ways of doing things. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last week, housebuilding SMEs were invited to a Future Homes Hub (FHH) event, hosted by leading housebuilder Redrow, at its Stone Hill Meadow development. Leaders from across the industry gathered at the site, which was the first to launch since Redrow committed to install Air Source Heat Pumps across all its new, upcoming developments. Stone Hill Meadow is a prime example of Redrow’s eco-electric homes with underfloor heating and other energy efficient features fitted as standard. The Future Homes Hub has been focusing on driving greater collaboration to support successful delivery of the Future Homes Standard alongside other priorities in meeting the sector’s climate and environmental goals such as water efficiency improvements, biodiversity net gain and improving sustainability metrics. The event was organised by the FHH Implementation Board, which is Co-Chaired by Redrow CEO Matthew Pratt, as part of the collaboration efforts and to promote knowledge sharing within the industry ahead of the Future Homes Standard being implemented in 2025. Matthew Pratt, CEO of Redrow and Co-Chair of the FHS Implementation Board, said: “SMEs are a vital part of the industry transition to new, low carbon forms of energy. Having started out as a small business ourselves, nurturing new SME’s and offering a helping hand will always be at the heart of our culture. As housebuilders, we must work together to offer customers the best homes possible, that are fit for the future and for the planet. Redrow will continue collaborating and sharing knowledge to achieve these goals, through more events as well as online tools and webinars.” MD of Carr & Carr (Builders) Ltd and National President of the Federation of Master Builders commented: “These events are so important for SMEs like us who don’t have the technical departments, facilities and expertise of volume housebuilders. Redrow’s willingness to open their doors, collaborate and share learnings within the industry, when it comes to sustainability, energy efficiency and the implementation of the Future Homes Standard, will be pivotal in facilitating a level playing field for SMEs like us, as we move towards the 2025 goals.” Ed Lockhart, CEO of the Future Homes Hub, said: “Visiting Redrow’s Stone Hill Meadow development provided a very engaging way, particularly for SMEs who attended, to understand some of their learnings since launching heat pumps as standard across their business. By launching at scale, well ahead of the Future Homes Standard implementation deadline, they’ve been able to collate an enormous amount of learnings across the technical, design, supply chain and commercial aspects of the net zero transition. We know that sharing these learnings with SMEs is absolutely vital, and we’ll be encouraging other housebuilders to do the same, as well as implementing more tools to make these learnings accessible to everyone within the industry.” The Future Homes Standard 2025 (FHS) represents a significant and early milestone in England’s pathway to net zero, with substantial implications for how new homes are built. Successful implementation is therefore critical both for the homebuilding sector and more widely government and society. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Berkeley Group – one of the largest home builders in the UK – has reaffirmed its support for the newly updated Consumer Code for Home Builders (‘the Code’) as part of its continued focus on customer satisfaction. This ongoing commitment will see thousands of home buyers benefit from additional protection introduced following an independent review of the Code. The revised Code (fifth edition), effective from 1 January 2024, provides enhanced protection for consumers, with additional requirements and guidance for builders to help improve customer service. Berkeley Group has sought to operate in line with Code requirements since the Consumer Code for Home Builders was first launched in 2010, and latest research shows 97.5% of its customers would recommend Berkeley to a friend[1]. The Group is now preparing for the additional requirements contained in the updated Code. Rob Perrins, CEO of Berkeley Group, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’ve always been supportive of the Consumer Code for Home Builders. The Code provides clear requirements, with supporting resources and training, which help our colleagues across the business maintain consistent, high quality customer service. “We particularly value the experienced, independent feedback provided by the Code through a combination of site audits, adjudicator decisions and industry-wide learning. The Consumer Code for Home Builders is ideally placed to provide us with credible, experienced, and sometimes challenging feedback, that supports our commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.” Noel Hunter, Code Chair, said: “We are delighted that Berkeley Group has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the Consumer Code for Home Builders. Our revised Code builds on over ten years of enhanced protection for new-build home buyers. It’s extremely encouraging to see the additional requirements and consumer protection we’ve built in, being welcomed by the industry.” A free ‘Transition Pack’ is available to help home builders comply with the revised Code and can be downloaded from the Code’s Home Builder Resources Page alongside other useful documents. 1Based on customer feedback surveys independently collected by In-house Research FY 2023 [1] Based on customer feedback surveys independently collected by In-house Research FY 2023 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panics come and panics go in the pragmatic world of engineering. It is part of the job to identify potentially intractable problems – and then bend the collective mind to creating a practical solution to them. That is why the current disquiet over RAAC in a number of public buildings throughout the UK needs to be kept in perspective. If you subsisted only on a diet of mainstream media, you could be forgiven for thinking the entire built estate was on the point of imminent collapse. For clarity, this is not the case. Yes, RAAC – Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete – exists in a number of buildings, but the number is small in comparison to the totality of schools (more than 20,000 in England), hospitals and other public buildings, and most closures are precautionary, rather than evidence-based. But first of all, what is RAAC? It is an aerated lightweight cementitious material with no coarse aggregate, looking in cross-section a bit like the inside of an Aero bar. When it was introduced to the UK from Scandinavia in the reconstruction period after the war, it was hailed as an innovative wonder material. In fact, if RAAC planks – the technical name for the concrete panels – in a building are properly protected, there is a maintenance schedule and there is no sign of water ingress, the roof will likely be fine and the facility can continue to be used. According to construction and engineering materials expert Professor Chris Goodier of Loughborough University, RAAC is still manufactured and installed all over the world and can be an appropriate construction material if properly designed, manufactured, installed and maintained. The problems arise in situation where maintenance has been neglected over the course of years, or indeed decades. In buildings from the fifties, sixties and seventies, when RAAC was used freely, maintenance regimes were not as comprehensive as they are now and users did not know what to look for or what to do. Given that the material was lightweight and economical, it is hardly surprising that many manufacturers were happy to supply it – with the best of intentions and with no foreknowledge of the issues which would rear their heads further down the line. Although local authorities have been aware of RAAC in their buildings for some time, things came to the boil a year ago when the Office of Government Property sent a Safety Briefing Notice to all Property Leaders, regarding the dangers of RAAC, stating that “it is now life-expired and liable to collapse”. It put the onus squarely on those responsible for the management, maintenance or alteration of central and local government buildings to know whether their buildings contain RAAC and, where they do, to act appropriately to ensure that such buildings are deemed safe. How can those concerned go about this? The first step is inspection, either by a surveyor or a structural engineer. Both are professionals who will act in the client’s interest, the difference being that the former will identify problems while the latter will also propose manageable solutions. Inspection is eased by the fact that most RAAC planks are in flat roofs on single-storey buildings. Drones can give a clear picture of the roof covering and heat sensors can check if water has penetrated. If there is water ingress, then as far as RAAC is concerned it is game over. There is no remedial solution and use of the building has to be immediately stopped. However, RAAC planks can be replaced with traditional roofs with timber joists or a dual-pitch roof truss. The good news is that RAAC does not affect residential buildings. The bad news is that, like a previous panic – asbestos, many owners or operators of public or commercial properties do not know that they are, or might be, affected. The issue is not going to go away. But there are answers to it, and prudence would dictate more regular monitoring and inspection regimes – something that will almost certainly be factored in by insurance companies at renewal time. However, It’s not a case of RAAC and ruin. Professional advice and guidance can alleviate the understandable instinct to panic. Alan Ferns is Director – Structural Engineering at Dougall Baillie Associates Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This month SKArating is announcing an exciting change in its leadership and governance, as well as new plans to scale up to support the growing need to reshape sustainability in the fit-out world. Developed in 2008 to help landlords and tenants systemise sustainability and assess fit-out projects against a practical sustainability rating system, SKA is unique in that it is driven exclusively to make a positive impact. At the heart of SKA is a toolkit and assessment criteria that is free to use – costs are covered via training and certification. The scheme has now supported more than 12,000 fit-out projects to make responsible decisions. SKArating was initially developed by a group of industry professionals led by Skansen and supported by RICS and AECOM to focus on sustainability in fit-out, primarily in the commercial office, higher education, and retail space. The underlying philosophy of SKArating has always been to encourage all in the supply chain to make small changes in a practical way today. To establish SKArating in the market, RICS provided a platform to incubate the scheme, host information, and support the rating and certification process. The changes announced this week will see SkArating trade as an independent “not-for-profit” business. The new board is formed from people with a long-standing association with the scheme. Elina Grigoriou has chaired the SKArating Technical Committee since the scheme was first launched in 2008, and served on the SKArating Development Board as well as delivering the training of SKArating assessors. She is joined by Joe Croft, Charlie Law and Dave Wakelin who have been members of the Technical Committee for many years, and Iain McIlwee who has joined the board, cementing the Finishes and Interiors Sector’s strong association with the scheme. The Board has supported SKArating through its incubation with RICS and provides continuity as the scheme takes its next steps. SKA provides: The way SKArating operates will not be affected. Assessments will continue to be certified as they were under RICS’s stewardship. Assessors will continue to receive the same technical support that they have previously enjoyed through RICS, with updated processes for assessor accreditation and CPD. However, the board has plans to update the SKArating schemes to respond to an increasingly climate-aware fit-out industry, and to expand the sectors that SKArating can be used in. The board will be reaching out to industry experts, SKArating users, assessors, and clients to help develop the next iteration of the tool and the various schemes. Chairperson of the new SKA Board Elina Grigoriou stated: “This is an exciting time in the evolution of SKA. After 15 years developing the product and building awareness, we are now ready to step out on our own and work with our amazing community to take this scheme to the next level. With SKA now firmly established, it is time to take the next step and RICS has supported the leadership group to establish SKA as an independent social value business. “All of us on the new Board and our Technical advisors are passionate and committed to remaining true to the SKA values for its future direction. SKA will remain owned by the industry and run as a “not-for-profit” ensuring it is always acting in the best interest of the market.” Commenting on the changes, Janine Cole, Sustainability & Social Impact Director at Great Portland Estates plc stated: “GPE have used SKArating for several years and has supported the business in improving the sustainability performance of our smaller refurbishment projects. The flexible nature of the scheme makes it ideal for this type of project, as a result, it was recently included within “Our Brief for Creating Sustainable Spaces” as a requirement for our on floor fit out schemes. We look forward to working with the SKArating Board as they develop the scheme.” Ben Stubbs, Head of Sustainability (Built Environment) at UCL added: “At UCL, all our project teams are accountable for their impacts across a broad range of sustainability indicators. We recognise Ska’s potential to help us further reduce our impacts as we continue to update our institutional targets.” More details on the SKArating is available here: www.skarating.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architects and designers face a significant challenge in the ever-changing world due to climate change. They play a vital role not just in creating visually appealing structures but also in ensuring resilience and adaptability to environmental shifts. Rising temperatures, heightened extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are becoming more evident and impactful. To address the global impact of climate change on our surroundings, architects’ and designers’ responsibility should also go beyond aesthetics. Designing for Resilience In architecture, resilience pertains to a structure’s capability to withstand and recover from unforeseen events. Amidst climate change, this entails constructing buildings that can withstand extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, floods, and heat waves. Key principles to consider include: Site Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the building site, considering historical weather patterns and anticipated climate changes to inform design decisions. Elevated Foundations: In flood-prone areas, contemplate elevating the building above potential water levels—providing protection from flooding and enhancing ventilation. Natural Ventilation and Cooling: Integrate natural ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on energy-intensive mechanical systems. Passive cooling techniques, such as shading and reflective surfaces, contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment. Durable Materials: Opt for materials capable of withstanding climate change impacts, such as high winds, heavy rainfall, and temperature fluctuations—enhancing the building’s lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Adapting to Evolving Conditions Adaptability is another crucial element in designing commercial structures amid climate change. A building’s ability to adapt to changing conditions ensures its longevity and relevance. Strategies for creating adaptable systems include: Flexible Spaces: Design spaces that can easily adapt to changing needs, employing flexible floor plans and modular designs to facilitate adjustments without major renovations. Green Roofs and Access Doors: Integrate green roofs and access doors like the XPA exterior flush access panel for easy access to maintenance, reduced heat absorption, and biodiversity promotion—contributing to energy efficiency and natural buffers against extreme temperatures. Smart Building Systems: Incorporate smart building technologies responsive to real-time environmental conditions, optimizing energy usage for heating, cooling, and lighting based on the current climate. Water Management: Implement efficient water management systems to address shifting precipitation patterns, incorporating rainwater harvesting, porous surfaces, and sustainable drainage solutions to mitigate heavy rainfall impacts and prevent flooding. Collaboration and Innovation Constructing resilient and adaptive commercial structures requires collaboration and ongoing innovation within the architectural and design community. Sharing best practices, learning from previous projects, and staying abreast of emerging technologies are crucial in addressing climate change challenges. Key considerations include: Professional Networks: Active engagement in professional networks and industry conferences enables architects and designers to exchange ideas and experiences, learning from peers’ successes and failures to inform better design decisions. Research and Development: Allocating resources to research and development fosters the exploration of new materials, construction methodologies, and technologies. This investment aims to enhance a building’s resilience, ensuring a proactive stance in an ever-evolving field. Challenges in Designing Resilient and Adaptive Commercial Structures for Climate Change Architects and designers face many challenges that encompass the realms of design, construction, and maintenance—all integral to developing buildings capable of enduring the impacts of a shifting climate. Budget Constraints Designing and constructing resilient structures often comes with additional costs. Using durable materials, advanced technologies, and sustainable features may require a higher initial investment. Striking a balance between creating a resilient building and staying within budget constraints is a continuous challenge for architects and designers. Regulatory Hurdles Navigating complex and ever-evolving building codes and regulations can pose a significant challenge. These codes may only sometimes align with the innovative and adaptive design strategies needed to address climate change. Advocating for and influencing regulatory changes to accommodate sustainable and resilient practices is an ongoing struggle. Limited Data and Predictions Climate change brings uncertainties and challenges related to predicting future weather patterns accurately. Architects and designers often need more data on the long-term effects of climate change in specific regions, making it challenging to anticipate the exact environmental challenges a building may encounter over its lifespan. Educating Stakeholders Convincing clients, developers, and other stakeholders of the long-term benefits of resilient design can take time and effort. The immediate costs and benefits often take precedence over the future-proofing aspects of a building. Architects must effectively communicate the value of resilient and adaptive features to gain support and approval. Integration of New Technologies Rapid advancements in technology offer promising solutions for creating resilient structures. Yet, seamlessly incorporating these technologies into building design and construction practices requires time and effort. Architects and designers must stay updated on technological advancements and devise effective strategies for their implementation. Project Scale and Complexity The scale and complexity of commercial projects can pose significant challenges in achieving resilience. Large-scale structures, such as shopping malls or office complexes, may require extensive planning and coordination to implement resilient features across the entire property. Coordinating various systems and components to work harmoniously can be a logistical challenge. Long-Term Maintenance Resilient design is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing maintenance and adaptation. Ensuring that building owners and operators understand the importance of maintenance for the longevity of resilient features can be challenging. With proper upkeep, the effectiveness of these features may remain high over time. Balancing Adaptability and Aesthetics Striking a balance between creating aesthetically pleasing structures and incorporating adaptive features can be challenging. Some resilient design elements, such as elevated foundations or protective barriers, may impact the visual appeal of a building. Architects must find creative ways to integrate adaptive features seamlessly into the overall design. Global Collaboration Climate change is a global challenge that must have collaborative efforts. Architects and designers must collaborate across borders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Overcoming logistical and cultural differences to create a unified approach to resilient design is an ongoing challenge. Conclusion As architects and designers, the responsibility to create resilient and adaptive commercial structures in the face of climate change is significant. By integrating principles of resilience and adaptability into design practices, construction professionals can contribute significantly to a sustainable and enduring
