We are delighted to announce that Rachel Maclean, housing and planning minister is set to join us at HOMES UK and Unlock Net Zero Live this November at ExCeL, London. This year, housing providers face increased obligations to simultaneously: improve housing standards and tackle disrepair, empower tenants, meet net zero
Stand 206 Groupe Atlantic companies Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK will be exhibiting together at this year’s CIBSE Build2Perform Live event, 5-6th December at London Excel, on stand 206. As part of their Experts Together campaign, both companies will be showcasing their range of commercial heating and hot
Commenting on the passing of Second Reading of the Renters (Reform) Bill, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, said: “It is clear that more needs to be done to get the balance right for landlords, agents and tenants. Outstanding questions need to be answered about the role
By Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20, recognised as the industry standard for building maintenance specifications… As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the construction industry has a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions. In the UK, buildings contribute to 33% of the greenhouse gas
This Recycle Week (16-20 October) First Mile is proud to celebrate the five-year anniversary of its RecycleID initiative – incorporating QR codes on 40 million recycling sacks across the UK and working together with its customers to tackle recycling contamination, boost recycling rates and reduce businesses’ carbon footprint. Each First
The Built Environment Technology Association (BETA) has partnered with executive search consultancy, Beaumont Bailey, to create an EcoSystem Map of the world’s leading construction technology businesses. With the support of Procore, Build UK, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and SEKTOR, the four distinct papers focus on different areas
Building a Safer Future has announced The Casey Group Ltd – a main contractor based in the northwest of England – as the tenth organisation to complete its Champion assessment process and be awarded BSF Champion status. It joins the existing tranche of Champions in taking a leadership role in
A new community of practice* has been formed by Sodexo’s Corporate Services division aimed at bringing together sustainability heads from some of the UK’s leading organisations to be change-makers through collaboration. In today’s rapidly changing world, sustainability is a topic that concerns not just professionals in the field, but also
More than one hundred organisations around the world have demonstrated they are the ‘best of the best’ in the past year and been named winners of the prestigious Sword of Honour and Globe of Honour awards by British Safety Council. This year’s winning organisations come from a broad range of
A Spanish-Norwegian consortium, supported by a large group of industry stakeholders, will conduct a feasibility study on an EU database defined in the Construction Products Regulation. The objective is to define a system for a digital product passport which considers the digital information needs of regulators, manufacturers and other actors
We are delighted to announce that Rachel Maclean, housing and planning minister is set to join us at HOMES UK and Unlock Net Zero Live this November at ExCeL, London. This year, housing providers face increased obligations to simultaneously: improve housing standards and tackle disrepair, empower tenants, meet net zero targets, address building safety and increase housing supply. HOMES UK and Unlock Net Zero Live may be the last largescale and free* to attend housing event in which you will be able to hear from government before the next general election. Take your opportunity to be part of this incredibly important conversation and ensure you have your questions at the ready. Register for your free* ticket today >> https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=HUKB3Visitor&PageNo=39&TrackingCode=BDC In the face of limited resources it is now more important than ever to collaborate and find complementary strategic goals to achieve more together. 2 days | 4500+ attendees | 150+ exhibitors and sponsors | 275+ speakers | 70+ hours of CPD | 6 theatres | 15 networking events We look forward to seeing you there. HOMES UK and Unlock Net Zero Live team *Free to housing associations, local authorities, public sector, housebuilders, master developers, funders, architects, planners and BTR landlords, student accommodation, retirement living and extra-care providers. Fees will apply to other commercial organisations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stand 206 Groupe Atlantic companies Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK will be exhibiting together at this year’s CIBSE Build2Perform Live event, 5-6th December at London Excel, on stand 206. As part of their Experts Together campaign, both companies will be showcasing their range of commercial heating and hot water solutions and will be presenting a new CIBSE accredited CPD – ‘Low carbon systems: appliances and applications using heat pump technology’. The new CPD is the first one to be developed jointly between Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK and follows on from the recent announcement of a £60m investment programme at Groupe Atlantic’s manufacturing site in Hull to further its development of innovative low carbon technologies. As well as covering the principles underpinning the mechanics and operation of a heat pump system, the new CPD will also look at how commercial monobloc air source heat pumps can be best used with other technologies including direct electric. For those not able to attend the CPD presentation at Build2Perform Live, it can be booked through https://idealcommercialboilers.com/cpd-courses and delivered online or in person. Visitors to Build2Perform Live can not only benefit from the CPD, but also see Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK products up close. The ECOMOD range of commercial monobloc air source heat pumps will take centre stage for Ideal Heating. These heat pumps, which are available in six outputs from 14kW to 70kW, offer highly efficient COP performance with low environmental impact, thanks to the use of R32 refrigerant. POD Heat Interface Units (HIU), designed to meet all the requirements of the heat network installer, operator and end user, will also be displayed, alongside Ideal Heating’s market leading condensing boilers. The Evomax 2 – the UK’s number 1 selling wall hung commercial boiler – will be shown in cascade to clearly demonstrate its space saving footprint, whilst still able to deliver up to 900kW. Sitting alongside Ideal Heating, ACV will be exhibiting some of its most popular products including the WaterMaster Evo gas fired stainless steel condensing water heater with tank-in-tank technology. Also utilising tank-in-tank technology, ACV’s SMART ME range of stainless steel indirect cylinders will be on show. These have been designed for use with multi-energy sources – including heat pumps – to produce domestic and commercial hot water. Lastly, visitors to the event can also see the E-Tech W wall hung electric boiler range from ACV. Available in seven models, single or three-phase, the range provides an easy to integrate back-up or top-up to heat pumps. With this year’s Build2Perform Live theme addressing delivering Net Zero and adapting to climate change, experienced Specification Managers from both ACV and Ideal Heating will be on hand at the show to not only take visitors through the product ranges, but also provide advice on the most cost-effective means of decarbonising commercial heating. For more information on CIBSE Build2Perform Live, plus to register for free attendance, go to www.build2perform.co.uk. For more information on Ideal Heating – Commercial Products, visit https://www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk/ and for ACV UK go to www.acv.com/gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the passing of Second Reading of the Renters (Reform) Bill, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, said: “It is clear that more needs to be done to get the balance right for landlords, agents and tenants. Outstanding questions need to be answered about the role of a reformed judicial system. The UK Government have failed to take seriously the potential impact and the unintended consequences of the removal of Section 21 and the impact this could have on landlords exiting the market, which will do nothing to tackle the demand crisis in the private rented sector. It is important that the details are published and shared. “The UK Government has listened to the concerns of our members with the need for special requirements for the student market, which is welcome, and many MPs outlined how the Bill can be strengthened through a review and reversal of recent tax changes, raising the Local Housing Allowance and local authority capacity to enforce legislation – issues that Propertymark has consistently raised. “Propertymark will engage further at Committee Stage to ensure the Bill is evidence based and the role of property agents is incorporated fairly within the introduction of a new Ombudsman for landlords, and agents can play a full role in increasing property standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20, recognised as the industry standard for building maintenance specifications… As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the construction industry has a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions. In the UK, buildings contribute to 33% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40% of the global energy consumption. This article explores the concept of carbon-neutral buildings, current trends, future predictions, and the role of sustainable building practices in achieving carbon neutrality. Understanding Carbon-Neutral Buildings In a carbon-neutral building, energy efficiency is paramount. Architects and engineers use principles such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and high-efficiency insulation. In addition to energy-efficient design, carbon-neutral buildings also use renewable energy technologies to generate electricity. This can include solar panels, wind turbines, and in some cases, geothermal systems. The electricity generated by these systems can be used to power the building’s lighting, heating, and cooling systems, as well as any appliances or equipment in the building. Current State of Carbon Emissions in the Construction Industry In the UK, the construction industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. The embodied carbon of a building, which includes the carbon emissions associated with the extraction, production, and transportation of construction materials, as well as the carbon emissions from the construction process itself, can be equivalent to 20 years’ worth of its operational carbon emissions. Trends in Carbon-Neutral Buildings The drive towards carbon-neutral buildings is gaining momentum, with several key trends shaping the future of the built environment. These trends reflect a growing commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and technological innovation. Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming a common sight on buildings across the UK. As the cost of these technologies continues to fall, they offer long-term cost savings, making them an increasingly attractive option for building owners and operators. Architects and engineers are using principles such as passive solar design and high-efficiency HVAC systems to minimise energy consumption. Passive solar design takes advantage of the sun’s energy for heating and cooling, while high-efficiency HVAC systems use less energy to provide the same level of comfort. These materials, which include recycled or reclaimed materials, can significantly reduce a building’s embodied carbon – the carbon emissions associated with the production, transport, and disposal of building materials. By choosing sustainable materials, builders can reduce the environmental impact of their projects while often also improving the performance and aesthetics of their buildings. Smart thermostats, energy management systems, and other technologies can optimise a building’s heating, cooling, and lighting systems, further reducing energy consumption. These technologies can also improve comfort and convenience for building occupants. Future Predictions The landscape of the UK’s built environment is set to undergo a significant transformation. The drive towards carbon neutrality is expected to accelerate, spurred by technological advancements, evolving government policies, and heightened public awareness of climate change. The government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution and Net Zero Strategy provides a roadmap for this transition, outlining strategies for improving energy efficiency, promoting low-carbon heating solutions, and encouraging the construction of energy-efficient new homes. Moreover, the decarbonisation of the UK’s electricity grid and the development of a low-carbon hydrogen sector are set to make it easier for buildings to reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, investments in carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) technologies could further help offset emissions from buildings and industrial processes. Beyond government initiatives, we anticipate a growing number of businesses and individuals investing in carbon-neutral buildings. As energy prices continue to rise, buildings that generate their own green electricity can offer a financially attractive proposition. The public sector is leading by example, with the government committed to achieving net-zero emissions from its operations by 2050. This sets a precedent for the private sector, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of carbon-neutral buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This Recycle Week (16-20 October) First Mile is proud to celebrate the five-year anniversary of its RecycleID initiative – incorporating QR codes on 40 million recycling sacks across the UK and working together with its customers to tackle recycling contamination, boost recycling rates and reduce businesses’ carbon footprint. Each First Mile customer has a personalised QR code, which is printed on its recycling sacks and scanned on both drop off and collection by First Mile. Customers can also scan their QR code using First Mile’s Smart Cities App to access their account and information. This is particularly useful for businesses with complex waste management needs, such as multi-tenanted housing and shopping centres. This technology has revolutionised the recycling process, enabling customers to access real-time data about the recycling’s end location, ensuring complete transparency and accountability. It also gives customers the opportunity to access their individual recycling statistics, enabling accurate carbon data and recycling reporting. As each code is specific to a customer, the technology also means that any contamination issues – such as food waste being put in a dry mixed recycling sack – can be identified. First Mile’s app sends a picture which is then emailed to the customer, alongside advice on how to resolve the issue. Since 2018, First Mile has sent 200,000 contamination emails to customers, working with them to educate and support them in ensuring that the right items are being placed in the right sacks, fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards the environment. First Mile founder and CEO, Bruce Bratley, says: “Since its inception, First Mile has been committed to promoting environmental sustainability and the introduction of QR codes on recycling bags in 2018 marked a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener future. These QR codes have empowered our customers to gain valuable insights in their business recycling activity and they have embraced this technology wholeheartedly, with around 40 million bags being scanned and tracked to date. This achievement is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainability and our customers’ dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.” QR codes form part of wider focus for First Mile to empower businesses to improve their sustainability through data and education on their waste management, offering free waste audits, workshops and webinars, and help in setting up their recycling stations. For more information visit thefirstmile.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Built Environment Technology Association (BETA) has partnered with executive search consultancy, Beaumont Bailey, to create an EcoSystem Map of the world’s leading construction technology businesses. With the support of Procore, Build UK, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and SEKTOR, the four distinct papers focus on different areas of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) asset cycle. Each paper provides a thorough list of technology providers within each section of the asset cycle, a list of industry trailblazers which have been independently judged on accessibility and includes a directory of all the businesses included in the EcoSystem. George Dobbins, Founder of BETA said: “The construction sector represents one of the largest sectors globally by economic output and an area of significant opportunity for integrated technology. With numerous products and technologies available that enable sustainability targets to be achieved, improve health and safety on sites, and create more efficient processes throughout the build cycle, the BETA x Beaumont Bailey EcoSystem Map outlines the key businesses at the very forefront of construction technology. The RIBA design stages are the most widely recognised steps throughout all areas of the asset cycle. We hope this paper provides a central resource for the industry to improve the understanding, awareness and adoption of the right technologies”. The first report is set to be released in late October with the remaining reports being staggered between October and March 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building a Safer Future has announced The Casey Group Ltd – a main contractor based in the northwest of England – as the tenth organisation to complete its Champion assessment process and be awarded BSF Champion status. It joins the existing tranche of Champions in taking a leadership role in the built environment industry in committing to a journey of raising standards in building safety. The BSF Champion process gives organisations detailed insight into their existing leadership and culture around building safety and equips them with actionable data and practical tools to help review and upgrade processes and regain public trust following the Grenfell Tower disaster. Steve Elliott, Non-Executive Chair of Building a Safer Future, commented: “I want to congratulate The Casey Group for achieving Building a Safer Future Champion status. They can be commended for stepping forward to take a leadership role and taking meaningful action in committing to their building safety journey. We hope many more organisations in the industry follow the excellent example they are setting.” Chris Casey, Managing Director of The Casey Group Ltd, commented: “We are delighted to reach the Building a Safer Future Champion status. From first meeting Gary Townsend Vila, current Interim Chief Executive, through to working with Lorna Hagan, our BSF Assessor, we knew this was the right vehicle for us with Annual Action Plans and BSF Assessments driving continuous improvement throughout our business. With Leadership, Culture and Corroborating Elements core to the process, the Champion journey was strongly aligned to our value of ‘doing the right thing’ and our purpose of Improving Lives.” Building a Safer Future (BSF) is a non-profit organisation committed to raising standards in building safety and supporting required culture change in the built environment industry. Companies can apply to participate in the BSF Champions programme by visiting the Building a Safer Future website on www.buildingasaferfuture.org.uk and completing the application form**, or alternatively they can email alexander.caller@buildingasaferfuture.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new community of practice* has been formed by Sodexo’s Corporate Services division aimed at bringing together sustainability heads from some of the UK’s leading organisations to be change-makers through collaboration. In today’s rapidly changing world, sustainability is a topic that concerns not just professionals in the field, but also senior directors and decision-makers across all departments. Building a climate and nature-aware business requires an understanding of the complex world of ESG and its potential risks and opportunities. In March this year Sodexo, in partnership with FuturePlanet, launched its community of practice for sustainability leads from its clients and suppliers in both the public and the private sector. Through a programme of intentionally designed events, a dedicated online community platform and community support, the Sodexo community of practice has three intentions: Members of the Sodexo community of practice have shared a multitude of challenges, solutions and ideas that can be used to transform their organisations and achieve net zero, nature and social goals. These have been reviewed, sorted and prioritised by each of the participants. Themes and solutions shared include carbon reduction particularly scope 3, supply chain engagement assessments with a particular focus on diverse supply chains, employee and wider stakeholder engagement. Topics covered with a shared relevance across sectors also include getting buy-in from stakeholders, climate related objectives for employees and sharing best practice on how to engage and empower employees to act. With support from FuturePlanet, Sodexo’s vision is to foster a community which continually collaborates online and in person to drive ongoing impact both in the short and long term so that all can collectively achieve climate and sustainability goals to drive systemic transformation. Julie Ennis, CEO Corporate Services, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “Navigating challenges such as calculating carbon emissions, influencing policy and regulations, leveraging business spend, and balancing ambition with delivery can be overwhelming for many. Through this new community we have co-created we are able to bring many organisations together from various industries to listen and learn from each other, so we can collectively achieve our climate and sustainability goals.” Carl Pratt, Founder of FuturePlanet adds: “It is inspiring and energising to feel the potential for impact that we have when we come together, share openly and collaborate. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle in their organisation, it is through intentional community building that we can start to the amount of collaboration required to move further and faster towards out climate, nature and sustainability goals. When we do that it creates the feeling that together we can do this! Which I love.” Claire Atkins Morris, Sustainability Director for Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “We recognise that with our closest partners, we can play a role in leading adaptation, mitigation and transformation. I have thoroughly enjoyed the roundtables particularly connecting at a personal level, something so many events I have attended are missing. It is so important for change-makers to connect regularly to drive ambitious change in their respective organisations. By working together, sharing resources, co-creating solutions and amplifying our influence, we believe we can tackle the complexities of ESG, using anchor institute mentality to create impact in the communities we live, work and serve.” Comments from some of the community participants include: Justin Turquet, director of sustainability, Bunzl Catering and Hospitality division said: “I really enjoyed having a space to reflect and share with fellow professionals where we have aligned experiences and can learn from each other.” Paul Andrews, director of global energy, Smith & Nephew, said: “I feel encouraged that other businesses are ahead of us who have stories that we can learn from and use to encourage actions in our business.” Sodexo was one of the first organisations to have its UK and Ireland net zero 2040 target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In January this year, Sodexo recorded in its progress update report a 33% reduction in scope 1,2 and 3 GHG emissions for the UK and Ireland, compared to its 2017 baseline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than one hundred organisations around the world have demonstrated they are the ‘best of the best’ in the past year and been named winners of the prestigious Sword of Honour and Globe of Honour awards by British Safety Council. This year’s winning organisations come from a broad range of industry sectors in the UK, India, the Middle East and Asia, including construction, energy generation, manufacturing, hospitality, facilities management, housing, retail and transport. British Safety Council has also announced the inaugural Shield of Honour award, recognising excellence across health, safety and wellbeing. To be eligible for the Shield of Honour, applicants must have achieved five-stars in either British Safety Council’s Wellbeing Five Star audit, or five-stars in both the Health & Safety and Wellbeing Supplementary Audit, before demonstrating to an independent adjudication panel that they have a proven track record and culture of best practice for excellence in wellbeing running throughout the organisation from the shop floor to the boardroom. The 115 Sword of Honour and nine Globe of Honour winners also demonstrated to an independent adjudication panel their proven track record of excellence in managing risks to workers’ health and safety and/or to the environment from the organisations’ activities. Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said: “I am delighted that Unipart is the first winner of our new Shield of Honour award, and incredibly proud of all our Sword and Globe of Honour award winners this year. “I congratulate them all on their achievements and applaud them for keeping their workplace safe and healthy and contributing to safeguarding the environment. All our award-winning organisations share a commitment and resolve to achieve the uppermost standards, and we thank them for contributing to achieving our vision that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work.” Peter McGettrick, Chair of British Safety Council, said: “On behalf of the board of trustees and staff of British Safety Council I would like to congratulate all the award winners on achieving the highest standards of health, safety, wellbeing and environmental management. “Achieving recognition of this sort takes real dedication and absolute professionalism. We are proud to support you in your achievements and delighted we can contribute to your ongoing success.” British Safety Council pays particular tribute to four organisations which won both the Sword of Honour and the Globe of Honour. They are: The full lists of winners can be viewed here. The awards will be presented at an event held in London on Friday 24 November. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Spanish-Norwegian consortium, supported by a large group of industry stakeholders, will conduct a feasibility study on an EU database defined in the Construction Products Regulation. The objective is to define a system for a digital product passport which considers the digital information needs of regulators, manufacturers and other actors in the construction value chain. The consortium of Cobuilder, TECNALIA and UNE will deliver a technical assessment for different solutions of an EU database or system for construction products to the European Commission. This system is envisioned in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which is currently still under development. The expected changes will have both a practical and legal impact for the construction industry, through the potential implementation of Construction Digital Product Passports, as well as detailed documentation of environmental data. “The revised CPR aims to make the construction industry contribute to the digital and green transition and promote efficiency in the value chain,” says Aitor Aragón, responsible for Sustainable construction and BIM at the Spanish Association of Standardization (UNE), one of the consortium participants. A first step will be to decide on the future data infrastructure to support the changes needed. This is where the creation of an EU database for construction products becomes important for the EU market and member states. The goal is to ensure that all stakeholders in the industry across different regions can share construction product data in a standardised way. “We need to understand and decide how product data should be structured, shared and managed on a cross-industry level. The reason why we haven’t succeeded with this earlier is the fragmented nature of the construction industry and its complexity. The push and sense of urgency now coming with the European Green Deal and the need for digitalisation, will definitively take us to the next level,” says Lars Chr. Fredenlund, CEO of Norwegian tech company Cobuilder. Feasibility study for a digital product passport and registry for construction productsThe main objective of the project is to do a feasibility study on five different options for setting up a database or system at EU level, storing information regarding construction products. TECNALIA, a centre of Applied research and technological development in Spain, is the third partner in the consortium. “The study will evaluate combinations of centralised and decentralised solutions, analysing pros and cons from the technological point of view, and from the perspective of different stakeholders such as the EU Commission, manufacturers, market surveillance authorities and information consumers,” says Amaia Castelruiz Aguirre, senior researcher at TECNALIA. Industry partners on board In addition to the contracted consortium participants, the bid is supported by a broad group of industry stakeholders across Europe, including Construction Products Europe, FIEC, Construction SMEs Europe, GS1, BuildingSMART International, and more. Figuring out how a common EU database or system for construction products can be set up, how to exchange data via a digital declaration of performance (smart CE-marking), and how to use data dictionaries, represents an opportunity and an important step towards solving how ambitious legislation and regulative initiatives can be merged and implemented in practice. This will be instrumental in helping the industry to meet the European Green Deal targets. The work on the study is already underway and a start-up meeting with the European Commission has been carried out on 5 October. COBUILDER is a privately-owned international company located in Oslo with wholly-owned subsidiaries in England, France and Bulgaria. The company offers a software platform that employs all relevant international standards for data management to help the construction industry unlock the potential of product data. Fit-for-purpose and accurate product data improves quality and reduces time-use, cost and environmental footprint. Cobuilder is a major driver for the digitization in construction and is a strategic contributor to ISO, buildingSMART, CEN and CENELEC. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
