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
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
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
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
