The LABC will be hosting its next technical roadshow in 3D later this month – with Actis sharing part of its RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD with delegates from across the West of England. The CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of
A free-to-access embodied carbon database has been launched by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) with a rallying cry for the industry to unite behind it. The first data repository of its kind, the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) is designed to help drive down carbon emissions by enabling users
This week, the UK’s first ever International Retrofit Conference is taking place as part of BE-ST Fest, a two-day industry summit focused on zero carbon construction and organised by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST). BE-ST Fest is the culmination of a month-long festival for the sustainable built environment, bringing together
November 2023, London: Following on from successful shows in both the UK and the Netherlands this year, Workspace Design Show is pleased to announce the first names to be added to the speaker programme for its London 2024 show. Held from 27-28 February 2024 at the Business Design Centre, Islington,
The Building Centre in London is holding a free workshop with panel debates and talks led by experts across the construction industry on 15 November 2023. With the industry under more scrutiny than ever to make sure that greener practices are followed, it is important that commercial plumbing looks towards
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through
The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is inviting voices from across the industry and public sector to have their say on its draft Transformation Action Plan. The collaboration between Government and industry is urging fellow industry figures and businesses to help shape the future of the sector by taking part in its
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced changes to continuing professional development (CPD) for its chartered members. 1 January 2024 will see the introduction of simplified rules – removing the need for members to assign points or learning levels to their CPD activities – and more robust compliance.
Coventry University has been ranked as a Gold Tier University thanks to its green credentials which include renewable installations on campus, such as solar panels, solar thermal, and a ground source heat pump. The Uswitch Green University Report 2023 considers Coventry University to be a leader in sustainability, with the
PRESSURE on public sector buildings has been dominating the news over the past six months, with a report analysing whether modern methods of construction (MMC) are helping or hindering projects reach successful outcomes. In a survey conducted by leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, key questions were
The LABC will be hosting its next technical roadshow in 3D later this month – with Actis sharing part of its RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD with delegates from across the West of England. The CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Wednesday November 22. Delegates and presenters can meet face-to-face at the free event, which takes place at The Players Golf Club in Bristol – and may even get to eat cupcakes, used to illustrate key points in the CPD. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. The club, which like many of its ilk acts as a conference centre and wedding destination, as well as offering fishing, will provide an excellent location in which builders, specifiers, architects and building control officers can benefit from three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform. Actis’ contribution will focus on insulation to meet the new tighter Building Regulations Part L requirements, while other experts will talk on issues such as warranty defects. Doors open at 8am and close at 11.30am. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A free-to-access embodied carbon database has been launched by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) with a rallying cry for the industry to unite behind it. The first data repository of its kind, the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) is designed to help drive down carbon emissions by enabling users to both submit data to, and download data from it, to facilitate consistent carbon estimating and benchmarking. It has been funded and developed by BCIS in collaboration with a range of leading organisations and professional bodies from across the built environment over the last three years. BCIS CEO James Fiske, who chairs the BECD steering group said: “The built environment industry has a moral and ethical responsibility to take action. “In the absence of the government taking a lead and mandating carbon assessments, it’s really up to us as an industry to drive this forward. “About 40% of global greenhouse emissions come from the built environment and, if we don’t do anything about it, that’s predicted to double by 2050. “We have to ensure that, regardless of what job we’re fulfilling in the industry, we all influence the reduction of carbon emissions in one way, shape or form.” During the live launch of the BECD, a webinar with an audience of almost 800 people, representing the breadth of the construction industry, attendees were polled on their perceptions of and current practices around carbon measurement and reporting. Encouragingly, 76% said they, or their organisation, would not scale back their own approach to carbon reduction in light of the government’s recent change of net zero strategy, though 19% said they didn’t know if they would. Most attendees (84%) said they did not support the government’s new strategy. The majority of respondents said whole-life carbon assessments should either already be mandatory for all UK construction projects (44%) or be made mandatory within 12 months (20%). The lack of decreed reporting in the industry is apparent in current practice, especially where there is inconsistency in methodology and varying levels of commitment to reducing emissions, from clients and investors, among other stakeholders. Out of 436 respondents for whom it was relevant to their role, only 27% said they always report on embodied carbon, while 42% said they occasionally do, if asked. One-quarter said they never do, but would like to. When asked if they felt adequately trained and supported to be able to calculate and report carbon emissions, 41% said ‘somewhat, but could use some help’ and 30% said ‘yes, but I wish it was easier’. Only 16% said yes confidently, and 14% said ‘no, it’s all too confusing’. With many attendees reporting less than sufficient training and support, having a skilled workforce able to carry out the work is crucial, a is the need for an agreed set of rules, provided by the recently updated RICS Professional Standard on Whole Life Carbon Assessment, and compliant software that can work alongside the BECD. Fiske added: “There are dozens and dozens of carbon calculators out there in the industry, all working in different ways, some including and excluding things that others aren’t. These are great to start making the right decisions, but they won’t get us all the way there. Some aren’t compliant with the RICS Standard, which makes it much more difficult to compare outputs and learn from each other. “The BECD is step one. It’s an opportunity to make the industry consistent, but it’s use it or lose it. We desperately need to reduce emissions in the built environment and the BECD is our best chance at sharing our experiences for everyone’s benefit. I implore everyone to use it and not to let it become another footnote in the history of things we could have done to combat climate change, but let the opportunity pass us by.” The BECD consists of two databases for carbon assessments, for assets – at a building or project level – and products, typically from EPDs (environmental product declarations). Projects can be added, with either full visibility to other users or anonymously, with different assessments covering the stages from design through to operation. The BECD is being launched with more than 34,000 data entries from EPDs, with users urged to add data from their own projects. Find out more about the BECD at www.becd.co.uk As the BECD grows, BCIS is also launching a free Carbon Newsletter, which will keep subscribers informed about new developments and provide commentary on the latest carbon news in the built environment. For more information about BCIS, visit the website at www.bcis.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This week, the UK’s first ever International Retrofit Conference is taking place as part of BE-ST Fest, a two-day industry summit focused on zero carbon construction and organised by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST). BE-ST Fest is the culmination of a month-long festival for the sustainable built environment, bringing together hundreds of professionals in construction and related sectors to showcase best practice and highlight emerging opportunities. In this interview with BE-ST, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s CEO Smith Mordak digs into some pressing questions to set the scene ahead of their keynote address. What is the role of individuals, industry, and government in shifting mentalities to bring about change? We all have a role to play. We each have valid perspectives, agency, and responsibility to use whatever skills, power, and tactics we can. We also each form the context for each other. We all contribute to the wider sense of possibility. Industry can demonstrate to individuals and governments that we have the capacity and appetite for more ambitious regulation. Individuals can collectively show governments that action on the climate and biodiversity emergencies is electorally popular. Governments can show leadership both with legislation and the way they steward the public estate. This positive feedback loop can be broken when trust is broken through fragmented or stop-start legislation, or when uncertainty and scarcity make long-term thinking difficult. As with all relationships, a commitment to ongoing, honest, and transparent communication can help repair and maintain trust between us all. We can all do our part to uphold communication and trust. You’ve previously been critical of international forums and events like COP. But why do you think it’s important to continue to come to events like BE-ST Fest and the Retrofit Conference to speak? Despite some controversial noises this year, COP remains a unique gathering when our two key audiences – governments and businesses – get together to make decisions and build momentum for decarbonisation. Apparently, this is from the tv show the ‘West Wing’, but I think it holds up that “Decisions are made by those that show up”. This is why we’ll be at COP28 and BE-ST Fest and other national and international events. How do we make sure these events are focussed on progress, solutions, and acceleration, rather than barriers? We need to get into the uncomfortable conversations, to find the points where there isn’t yet consensus. We may broadly agree as a civilisation that climate change is real and needs tackling, but how this should be done, and how big the changes are that we need to see, are still far from agreed upon. We all need to show up with curiosity and willingness to approach the difficult and confronting decisions with kindness and openness, both as individuals and institutions. What is your call to action for the audience at the International Retrofit Conference? At UKGBC we are launching a major campaign, Upgrading Britain’s Homes, focused on persuading political parties to step up the investment we need to fix leaky, draughty homes across the UK. With an election around the corner, we’ll be championing the opportunities of a national retrofit campaign not just to net zero but to regeneration, the housing crisis, and health and wellbeing. I’m hoping to open a conversation about how we tackle the retrofit crisis directly, not simply through economic tools that we assume will work. In my keynote address, I’m using an analogy about how experiments attempting to detect life on earth from space have failed to demonstrate the existence of organic life, only evidence of technology. I wonder whether this is to do with the detecting equipment used and whether we’re suffering similar biases with the retrofit challenge. It will be an interesting conversation! Smith will be exploring their perspective on the retrofit challenge further during their keynote speech at the International Retrofit Summit alongside other speakers including BE-ST’s Head of Retrofit, Caitriona Jordan, Rachel Owens, Co-Director of the National Retrofit Hub and Robert Deegan, Principal Officer for Residential Energy Efficiency, Government of Ireland, among others. Find out more: http://www.be-stfest.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
November 2023, London: Following on from successful shows in both the UK and the Netherlands this year, Workspace Design Show is pleased to announce the first names to be added to the speaker programme for its London 2024 show. Held from 27-28 February 2024 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, the event will feature an impressive mix of senior professionals from architects and designers to developers and end users, who will come together to discuss the most pressing issues facing the workplace design community now and into the future. Confirmed speakers so far include Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR, Sheppard Robson, Golnaz Ighany, Sustainability Director, BDP, Collin Burry, Design Principal, Gensler and Oliver Hall, Partner – Architecture and Sustainability at Make Architects. Representatives from occupiers include Louise Sheppard, UK Head of Workplace Services & Social Sustainability, Zurich and Sue Glew, Programme Director, The Better Workplace Programme, British Telecom, and Neil Usher, VP Places, Sage, with other highly-experienced industry professionals including Guzman de Yurza, Global Head of Workplace Strategy Capability, JLL and Sally Marshall, Director, Turner & Townsend. The speaker programme will delve into the most urgent topics confronting the sector. These include The Holy Trinity of Culture, Space & Opportunity; Exploring the reality of neurodiversity, inclusivity and equality; AI or die? Using AI in workplace design to enhance creative output and generate innovative ideas; and Designing a workplace that meets cross generational needs. Workspace Design Show 2024 will again feature four different talks programmes, featuring 120 speakers. The Workspace Design Talks will be exploring the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy and culture, while the Sustainability Works programme will also return for next year’s edition. This stream of discussion will again bring together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives, projects and product developments. The FIS Conference, a not-for-profit representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, will once again take place at Workspace Design Show, providing a platform for the latest industry thinking from the finishes and interiors sector. The Occupiers Forum, meanwhile, will provide ‘The View from HQ’, giving that crucial perspective from the occupier side of the workplace design equation, as well as providing insights into what employers are doing to create an engaging workplace experience. 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. Workspace Design Show 2024, 27-28 February 2024, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH workspaceshow.co.uk For further information contact Nova Joseph, nova@workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Centre in London is holding a free workshop with panel debates and talks led by experts across the construction industry on 15 November 2023. With the industry under more scrutiny than ever to make sure that greener practices are followed, it is important that commercial plumbing looks towards the future to find efficient and productive ways of reducing its carbon footprint. Potential methods of which include the use of bio-based polymers and new pipework materials. Visitors to the event, titled ‘The Future of Sustainable Plumbing’, will be able to network and discuss ways that the industry can continue to strive for a sustainable future. Alongside this, expert speakers will be discussing many of the current hot topics that are currently important within the space. These expert speakers will be covering a wide array of topics, including Laing O’Rourke’s Jim Jaffa and Christos Pavlou highlighting the latest design trends in piping installations that are striving to make products more efficient. Franz Huelle from REHAU will be discussing the latest innovations in pipework solutions in the industry, whilst Andreas Frank from Borealis will present about renewable feedstock for polymers, which sees vegetable oils being used as a bio-based polymers feedstock. Alongside this, Julia Torrubia and Margarita Kobrina from Atelier Ten will be talking about the impact of plumbing on the whole life cycle of carbon, an important part of the wider picture of sustainability. Other speakers at the event include Lucy Sherburn from Fairheat, who will give an overview of the new technical requirements set to be introduced under upcoming heat network regulations and Hydrotec’s Amar Lakhani will discuss the chemical-free disinfection of plumbing pipework. Located within the Building Centre in Central London, REHAU’s hub will play host to the event, with a variety of products and solutions on show. There will be an opportunity to experience some of these solutions for today’s challenges being faced in the commercial plumbing industry right now. The event is completely free to attend and looks set to be an insightful meeting of many key industry people and companies, who can look to come together to help guide the commercial plumbing industry into the future. To register for the event, CLICK HERE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through to acoustic regulations, Eurocode 5 principles, embodied carbon, and sourcing timber sustainably. Developed with experts from Edinburgh Napier University, and TDUK’s unrivalled membership network of supply, manufacture and design professionals, these 50+ knowledge sheets are the first batch of a planned 140 to help support the industry to build better with wood. TDUK chief executive, David Hopkins says: “Following the merger between the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA last year, we promised to connect the timber supply chain, lead best practice, and accelerate a low-carbon future. “Our Timber Knowledge Sheets are another example of us doing exactly that – and represent a big step towards our vision of the UK as a country where timber is the number one material choice for all construction projects. “Amidst a climate emergency, changing how we build is crucial – as it represents a major portion of our carbon footprint. The material and design choices we make today will shape the future we have tomorrow. “Timber is an existing, proven solution to how we construct a low-carbon future, with independent studies showing that methods such as timber frame have up to 20% lower embodied carbon than traditional masonry.[1] “Fundamentally, trees absorb carbon, and when turned into long term construction products, can store it for decades if not millennia. Most other materials you find on building sites do the exact opposite – spewing tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. “Taking on climate change requires collective action, so a big part of TDUK’s mission is to make sure that everyone in the timber supply chain has the opportunity, the tools, and the knowledge to succeed. “These sheets, released today, add considerable depth to our online library, which is already the largest, most comprehensive source of timber knowledge in the UK. This will support all to build better with wood.” These new Knowledge Sheets touch on all topics timber, so whether you are an architect, engineer, designer, builder, installer, contractor, or merchant, or any other member of the timber supply chain, you’ll find a wealth of information packed within. Between pages, you will find introductions to all kinds of timber components and methods of timber construction – all described in an accessible and easy to understand fashion – from Lightweight Timber Frame Construction to Modern Methods and Offsite Timber Construction. The Knowledge Sheets also contain plenty of regulatory guidance, ‘best practice’ information for working on site, as well as practical introductions to working with timber in challenging contexts such as flood-prone areas. Everything from the day-to-day (such as Loft Conversions or Timber Flooring) to the more specialised (Upgrading Doors for Fire Resistance) is covered, along with all aspects of sustainability – from Carbon Cycle and Storage through to Trees and Timber. These Timber Knowledge Sheets follow hot on the heels of the recently published Span Tables for C16 and C24 timber, which have already proven incredibly popular. TDUK members have access to our entire Knowledge Library, which along with these 50+ Timber Knowledge Sheets, includes briefs, case studies, research summaries and more. A further 90 Timber Knowledge Sheets are to be published imminently. While most Timber Knowledge Sheets are members only, anyone can access and download Timber Sizes & Tolerances, Timber and Embodied Carbon, or Construction Site Timber Best Practice with a free user account (register here) To get started on your new timber journey, simply go to www.timberdevelopment.uk, whether you are just beginning or a seasoned expert. If you work with wood, you already belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is inviting voices from across the industry and public sector to have their say on its draft Transformation Action Plan. The collaboration between Government and industry is urging fellow industry figures and businesses to help shape the future of the sector by taking part in its consultation on the new plan. The CLF says the feedback will help them define action to deliver in key areas where transformation is needed most – including digital technology, net zero, modern methods of construction, fair work and procurement reform. Richard Lochhead, Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, said: “This Plan will accelerate change and drive continuous improvement across Scotland’s construction sector, which is at the forefront of our move to net zero. “It has been co-developed by industry and public sector representatives who have set ambitious goals in areas such as skills, fair work and procurement, while working towards the wider aims of growing the green economy. “My thanks to all partners for their work on the Plan. I encourage industry to engage with the consultation and have their say on shaping this vital sector for the future.” Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group and member of the CLF, said: “In addition to be being a vital contributor to the economy, the construction industry has always embraced new ways of working and adopted innovation as a way to increase and sustain productivity and efficiency. “For the industry to continue to evolve and meet the transition to net zero and a wellbeing economy, it is widely recognised that further progression is required. The Transformation Action Plan is a result of the work undertaken by the working sub groups within the CLF, and I would encourage all leaders across our sector to take the opportunity to have their say in defining what transformation looks like for them. There is great value to be added to the plan by those in our sector who are working hard to deliver transformation. “The consultation on the plan provides a great starting point for discussion and the combined participation of the public and private sectors in the process can result in a document that unites us to deliver real sustainable transformation across our complex and diverse industry.” Morag Angus, Head of Property and Construction and Chief Surveyor at Scottish Government and co-chair of the CLF’s Transformation Board, added: “Partnership and collaboration have been at the core of developing this Plan. 48 businesses and 39 public sector bodies have already contributed to its development. We want to be sure that we have robust plan that reflects the needs of industry and that is why this consultation is so important. The challenges we face require all of us to work together for the good of our industry and our country.” The Transformation Action Plan will deliver the commitments at the heart of the CLF’s Scottish Construction Accord, which was launched in October 2022 and is a shared vision between the industry and the public sector to create a thriving and high-performing construction sector. Once finalised, the Plan will be published on CLF’s website, with the programme project managed by the Scottish Futures Trust. The draft Transformation Action Plan can be viewed in full here with feedback to be provided by Friday 17 November. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced changes to continuing professional development (CPD) for its chartered members. 1 January 2024 will see the introduction of simplified rules – removing the need for members to assign points or learning levels to their CPD activities – and more robust compliance. While members are already required to undertake and record CPD, RIBA will now check that every member has an up-to date online record, rather than auditing a random sample. Alongside the new rules, exemptions will be introduced – on request – for members on maternity, paternity, carer or adoption leave, or away from practice due to long term illness. The changes, which coincide with updates to ARB’s CPD requirements, are aimed at ensuring and demonstrating that RIBA members meet the highest professional standards and are equipped with expertise in crucial areas such as building and fire safety, climate literacy, legal and regulatory compliance, and inclusive design. RIBA has published information and guidance for members, available via its website. Executive Director for Professional Knowledge at RIBA, Adrian Dobson, said: “RIBA chartered membership represents a gold standard in architectural practice, and today the expectations and demands on architects have never been greater. Societal issues, such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the climate crisis, have led to significant shifts in the wider industry, requiring architects to demonstrate competence across a broad range of areas. The forthcoming changes to RIBA’s CPD requirements will it make easier than ever before for our members to develop and maintain the sophisticated knowledge and expertise they need. This will ultimately ensure that we uphold the highest standards in architecture, and that the profession remains commercially resilient and at the forefront of addressing society’s most pressing issues. Our focus remains better and safer buildings and places, stronger communities, and a sustainable built environment. We are here to support our members with the changes and advise them on their CPD needs. Alongside resources which are free for members – including digital content, events and articles – we offer structured and informal CPD at every level and price.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Coventry University has been ranked as a Gold Tier University thanks to its green credentials which include renewable installations on campus, such as solar panels, solar thermal, and a ground source heat pump. The Uswitch Green University Report 2023 considers Coventry University to be a leader in sustainability, with the Gold Tier standard reserved for excellent performing universities. Coventry University boasts 14 electric vehicles as part of its fleet, including 13 electric vans and one car and is also on a renewable energy tariff for its electricity. Ian Marshall, Coventry University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is very pleasing to be ranked as a Gold Tier University as it reflects the sustained and ongoing effort of our staff and students. “While it can be challenging given the age of some of the campus and the distribution of university buildings in mainly city centre locations, being a sustainable campus is something we are passionate about and we have recently completed a substantial planning exercise to look at what would be required to move to a net carbon zero institution by the end of the current planning period of 2030. “As part of this plan we have identified the key elements required to achieve net carbon zero and to improve sustainability while making a greener environment for staff, students and stakeholders.” The university also employs a team who are responsible for managing and coordinating sustainable development across the campuses and someone to oversee the implementation of green practices. The university offers sustainability workshops to both students and staff and runs eco-friendly initiatives such as biodiversity. Ben Gallizzi, Uswitch.com energy expert, said: “From simple measures, such as choosing to receive their energy through renewable energy tariffs and offering recycling facilities, to implementing their own electric car fleets and installing renewable energy sources on campus. UK universities are approaching a greener way of being in a multifaceted way, understanding that every little helps when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.” This is not the first time Coventry University has been recognised for its positive steps towards reducing carbon emissions as it recently won the prestigious Bees’ Needs Champions Award for its dedication to creating a biodiverse campus which consists of “bug hotels”, and bird, and bat boxes, among other measures. About Coventry University Coventry University is a global, modern university with a mission of creating better futures. We were founded by entrepreneurs and industrialists in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design and we continue to work with businesses to ensure we provide job-ready graduates with the skills and creative thinking to improve their communities. With a proud tradition of innovative teaching and learning, Coventry University is now one of the largest in the UK and has world-class campus facilities, the UK’s first standalone 5G network and a digital community of learning. Our students are part of a global network that has 50,000 learners studying Coventry University degrees in more than 40 different countries and partnerships with 150 higher education providers worldwide. Over two centuries, we have flourished in our home city and Coventry University Group now also delivers access to our range of high-quality services and partnerships through bases in London, Scarborough, Belgium, Poland, Egypt, Dubai, Singapore and Africa. From September 2023, we will be teaching students at a new campus in China in a joint institution with Communication University of China. We have greatly increased our research capacity and capability with a focus on impactful research, delivered for and with partners to address real-world challenges and support the sustainable growth of business and communities. The depth and breadth of our rapidly growing research portfolio was validated by the latest UK research assessment, which saw us jump 22 places in the research power rankings. We were awarded a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, proving we deliver excellence in what students care most about – teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies. In 2022, we were honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade, the UK’s most prestigious business award. In recent years, we have won many awards and vastly improved our rankings in the league tables that matter to students – but what matters to us is delivering transformational change for our students, partners and communities around the world as we continue to evolve into a global education group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PRESSURE on public sector buildings has been dominating the news over the past six months, with a report analysing whether modern methods of construction (MMC) are helping or hindering projects reach successful outcomes. In a survey conducted by leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, key questions were put to its multi-disciplinary connections including clients, consultants and contractors around their experiences with MMC. The uptake of such practices is clear, with 85% of those surveyed having actively used a modern method as part of a project, and 80% also expecting to see utilisation to increase over the next five years. Highlights of the Q4 Market Intelligence Report also revealed the potential impact of the new Building Safety Act Gateway 2, which came into effect in October 2023. 80% of contractors have reported they see it as either ‘affecting’ or ‘maybe affecting’ programmes and procurement for MMC builds. Kieran Bradley, director at Pick Everard, said: “By giving a voice to the construction industry through this survey, we have been able to supply insight around how MMC is viewed directly from those actually utilising such methods. It’s clear there are huge benefits particularly when addressing the challenges of the public sector, such as overcrowded prisons and aging schools and other public buildings that have become structurally unsafe due to RAAC – but is it always the right option? “An interesting breakdown in the results relates to improvement in the quality of buildings using MMC. There is a marked different between the views of contractors, with 92% citing an overall improvement, compared with a lower figure for consultants (72%) and clients (67%).” “This may be attributable to these parties’ specific roles in delivering projects. In some instances, MMC can prove to be too complicated, or the site might just be too small to use cranes. In other cases, it can be down to the actual scheme. Add to this the need to pay an upfront fee and immediate design approvals puts many at a significant disadvantage if changes need to be made later on.” In addition, the report also explores the ongoing inflation and interest rate situation and the impact on the construction sector regarding demand for work, wages and skills shortages. Gavin Mason, director at Pick Everard, said: “Despite the figures falling, we are also still facing high inflation rates, which is only adding to the pressure for our public sector clients and how we respond to that from our industry. The government has pledged to halve inflation by the end of the year, from when it peaked at more than 11% at the end of 2022. While there is promising movement in some regions, nationally demand is still in decline. “From our construction survey, we predict construction inflation will slow to a rate of 2.5% per annum, based on current demand in the property sector for new work and an assessment of capacity within the industry. When asked about what the biggest contribution to inflation has been, we found the majority (45%) of participants believe wage inflation has been the main factor. We can therefore see where part of the challenge lies when looking at the labour gap, with a shortage of around 45,000 skilled workers according to the, which we believe vocational training is essential in combatting.” Factoring this in when looking at the potential for MMC is potentially where some of the results came from regarding the downsides to its utilisation. In addition to the increased upfront costs (32%), and programming issues (24%), the market research has found that future flexibility and design change (31%) to be the biggest challenges of using MMC. Interestingly, design compliance (13%) and quality of the finished article (0%) weren’t seen as so challenging (graph 3). However, the report also aims to look ahead to how MMC could be improved, and more opportunities revealed for the sector to make the most of its advantages. Kieran added: “When we asked people what one change to MMC would improve its uptake, three key themes were returned; education, early integration and flexibility. Enhancing a more rounded understanding of the process and the appropriate use for MMC was a view held by the majority of respondents and one that we echo. “Supporting the sector through knowledge sharing, such as this report, is integral to our goals of a collaborated approach and supporting the sector through the next quarter and throughout 2024. We feel positive inflation rates will level out over the course of the next year, and hopefully bring back more investment and opportunity for our industry.” Pick Everard employs more than 650 staff across its 15 offices, providing a range of project, cost, and design consultancy services. To read the Q4 2023 Market Intelligence Report in full, visit https://landing.pickeverard.co.uk/Downloads/Pick-Everard-Q4-2023-Market-Intelligence.pdf Further details on Pick Everard can be found at: http://www.pickeverard.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
