Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which
The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may be leading to questions and concerns from clients and residents alike. RAAC is a form of lightweight
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest
On the 1st October 2023, further amendments to the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (otherwise known as the ‘FSO’ or ‘Fire Safety Order’) are due to come into force, affecting businesses and buildings across the UK under the Building Safety Act 2022. As leading fire door and passive fire protection product
Remote teams are being provided with portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits OnSite, the specialist drainage division of South Staffordshire Plc, has announced that it is making major investments in ensuring the safety of its remote teams. They will be providing portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits in
Coming in the wake of the Hackitt review, receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Building Safety Act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed
ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame
by Michael Durnin, Head of Construction, Murphy Geospatial The construction industry is facing big challenges including a shortage of skilled labour, increasing material costs, adverse weather conditions and mounting pressure to hit carbon reduction targets. These pressures not only hinder project timelines but also tighten budgets, which can put the
NBS launches new early-stage specification library incorporating cost, carbon, and lifecycle indicators provided by BCIS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and BCIS, the leading UK provider of building cost information, have announced a new partnership that will help support the industry in its
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published new evidence that shows planners are struggling to prepare for new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements expected to begin later this year. The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, will require local planning authorities to assess and seek mitigation of the
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Friday September 29. The event, aimed at LABC members in the South West, is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. Delegates drawn from building, specification, building control and architecture backgrounds will be treated to a selection of modules which between them will offer two hours of CPD training. The face-to-face options equate to three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer 20 minutes of insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform delegates. 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. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. The Zoom doors open at 12 noon and close at 2pm. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may be leading to questions and concerns from clients and residents alike. RAAC is a form of lightweight concrete sometimes referred to as panels. It was used primarily in roof planks of some public buildings built between the mid-1950s and mid-1990s. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and other government departments have set up the RAAC Industry Response Group. The group met up for the first time yesterday in early September 2023 and over the coming weeks will investigating scale and risks and developing further guidance. We are pleased to report that The Property Institute and our sector is represented on the group by Mark Snelling, our health, safety and fire consultant. Whilst further investigation is carried out into the scale and risks, and guidance for the residential sector is developed, please be assured that The Property Institute is engaging with our technical colleagues and industry peers to help shape guidance specifically for managing agents, landlords and residents, which we will share with you as soon as any is available, particularly in relation to high-rise buildings and the Building Safety Act 2022. We are also in communication with the Building Safety Regulator at the HSE on this issue, so please look out for further updates. Please ensure that, if you are undertaking any investigate or survey work, you seek advice to ensure that such costs incurred are reasonable and proportionate. It would be useful if you could inform us whether you have completed any structural surveys in relation to an HRB and if so, whether the presence of RAAC was a consideration in the survey, and whether any RAAC was found. Please email jthorburn@tpi.org.uk with your findings. There has been extensive media coverage on this issue, particularly for schools and other public premises, and whilst technical guidance is being formed, we wanted to provide you with some existing and updated sources of information and guidance from relevant and authoritative bodies and organisations, which may be helpful. GUIDANCE FROM THE INSTITUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), who are leading on the technical aspect of the Industry Response Group’s response, have issued guidance about RAAC to enable building managers and their consultants to manage the situation, established a RAAC working study group, and created a list of professionally qualified structural engineers (Chartered or Incorporated Members) who have declared their experience in providing technical solutions for managing RAAC planks. In a statement issued on the 1st September 2023 IStructE have said: “If properly designed, manufactured, in good condition and with good bearing, RAAC installations are considered safe. However, the panels can creep and deflect over time, and this can be exacerbated by water penetration. A more recent incident indicated that if they have insufficient bearing and their structural integrity is compromised, they can fracture and collapse with little or no warning.” Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK), a confidential reporting system which allows professionals working in the built environment to report on fire and structural safety issues, have recently issued a report about a RAAC assessment that was carried out by persons who did not appear to have appropriate experience, potentially putting building users at risk of harm. The Key Learning Outcomes in the report for building owners, managers, surveyors, and other persons responsible for the safety of buildings are: STRUCTURAL SAFETY GUIDANCE & REPORTS Below, we’ve collated the most informative resources and guidance on RAAC, from The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Department of Education (DfE) and Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS): Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest construction trade association said that young people gain a thorough and rigorous grounding in quality and site safety via industry recognised apprenticeships. And he said that regulation of the electrical industry and protection of title for suitably qualified electricians was also essential to maintain and improve standards and safety in consumers’ homes. Alan told listeners: “The fact is that awareness of safety starts at the very beginning, and that means with apprentices, which is why our industry has run a successful electrical apprenticeship programme for many years. “This year, we have recruited almost 900 apprentices which is testament to the businesses in Scotland who put their faith in young people and as adults they take on. That’s where safety starts. “These people go through a proper apprenticeship. It’s not one of these short apprentice programmes which lasts six months or a year. It’s four-year programme in which the apprentices attend college and receive comprehensive health and safety training.” Alan also used his appearance on the show on Sunday 10 September to outline the importance of protection of title for electricians – a campaign which SELECT has been spearheading for many years. He said people were now talking about the electrification of society through heating, lighting, cars, computers and day-to-day devices, so it was increasingly vital that work was done by qualified electricians. Alan said: “Electricians do safety-critical work and if they get it wrong it can have potentially life-ending consequences for them or the people they do the work for. It’s not overstating the situation to say that work carried out by unqualified people can be fatal. “There are some 70 protected titles, from obvious ones like teachers, dentists and nurses to other trades like farriers and nightclub bouncers. So if you want to shoe a horse in the UK, you need to have qualifications and it’s a protected title, yet that doesn’t apply to electricians. “If electricians had protection of title, people would know that if someone came to their door claiming to be an electrician then they could confirm they were qualified. “We are trying to get rid of people who have no training – it’s about protecting the public and the perception of the industry.” SELECT has been campaigning for regulation for years alongside the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and has created a Wall of Support to show the depth of support from individuals and organisations. Recent additions include Foysol Choudhury MSP, SELECT Associate Members Building Safety Group, LINIAN, Flexel and Hager andmember firms Stirling Electrical Services, RW Bell, John McNicol & Co and FT Davidson. As well as more than a third of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include the Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the and the Energy Saving Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the 1st October 2023, further amendments to the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (otherwise known as the ‘FSO’ or ‘Fire Safety Order’) are due to come into force, affecting businesses and buildings across the UK under the Building Safety Act 2022. As leading fire door and passive fire protection product experts, we’ve put together a core summary of the upcoming changes and who they affect. Add any further details and links to other sources that the readers might find relevant. What is the FSO (Fire Safety Order)? The Fire Safety Order is the fire safety legislation that applies to all non-domestic buildings across England and Wales, regulating premises and setting out responsibilities for individuals to improve fire safety.The Fire Safety Order applies to: What are the upcoming FSO changes? As of October 1st, all Responsible Persons must: You can find a more detailed breakdown of these responsibilities and everything mentioned here on the Fire Seals Direct blog. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Remote teams are being provided with portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits OnSite, the specialist drainage division of South Staffordshire Plc, has announced that it is making major investments in ensuring the safety of its remote teams. They will be providing portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits in each of their vans as well as ensuring that personnel undertake the professional training needed to use them. The decision to invest in these life-saving tools and training was based on several factors, including the increased use of heavy mechanised plant, cutting equipment (both mechanical and motorised), isolated sites, remote working and an ageing workforce. With 90% of its workforce operating in high-risk environments every day, OnSite understands the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure their safety. Working in remote or awkward locations can make it almost impossible for emergency services to respond in time to a cardiac arrest or stroke, or even a catastrophic cut. Therefore, OnSite is proud to invest in these life-saving tools and training to ensure that its personnel has the best chance of survival in case of an emergency. OnSite believes that this proactive approach to health and safety will not only protect its workforce but will also give its clients peace of mind, knowing that OnSite is committed to ensuring the safety of its teams. The company has identified sites like Darnford Moors Ecology Park (see photograph), currently being restored by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to showcase the importance of this approach through promotional projects and collateral. In the case of Darnford Moors, as a legacy gift on completion of the works OnSite will be leaving a defibrillator at an agreed location for the public to access if ever it should be required. This initiative highlights OneSite’s commitment to the health safety of its colleagues and is, in part, why it remains a top choice for customers looking for a reliable and responsible partner. Steve Brown, OnSite’s specialist first aid practitioner and operations supervisor, said, “As a company, we understand that the safety and well-being of our workforce is our top priority. We operate in high-risk environments every day and it’s essential that we take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks. By investing in portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits, as well as providing the necessary training, we are equipping our remote teams with the tools they need to respond in an emergency. This initiative is not just about meeting legal requirements, it’s about ensuring our colleagues are protected and can return home safely to their families. We are proud to be taking this important step and look forward to continuing to set the standard for safety in our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Coming in the wake of the Hackitt review, receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Building Safety Act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed to be the biggest change in building safety for over 40 years. More than a year on, with many key aspects of the act now in force, industry professionals are still grappling with the implications to ensure their operations and developments are compliant. Providing an opportunity to get to grips with the latest information and achieving building safety standards through modern methods of construction, Offsite Expo 2023, being held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20 September – is the place to go to hear direct from industry experts about achieving safe and compliant buildings. Offsite Masterclasses Chaired by Tom Mason, Director of Fire Safety Engineering at Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance – the CPD accredited Fire Protection Masterclass will shine a spotlight on building safety. David Fitzpatrick, Head of SFS, will focus on the impact of ‘the new Building Safety Act on Smoke Control Systems.’ SFS is a division of Extye Hargreaves which delivers complex engineering projects including HVAC and full mechanical and electrical systems, associated structural steelwork and civil engineering. David has worked within the building services industry for 35 years and has been a member of CIBSE for over 25 years and has had two periods on the CIBSE board. Passive fire protection specialist FSi, will be using the Fire Protection Masterclass as a platform to highlight the benefits that offsite construction can bring in the efficient installation of cavity barriers to help protect buildings in the event of a blaze breaking out. With the recent announcement that the government’s cladding safety scheme is to be expanded, fire protection measures continue to be a major consideration in all aspects of construction. Liam Blears on behalf of FSi will discuss how ‘Forward Planning is Key to Ensure Correct Sequencing in Offsite Construction’ and also how the controlled environment used to create modules supports excellence in cavity barrier installation, including the ability to carry out on-site checks. Presenting ‘The New Fire Safety Regulations and the Benefit of Offsite Construction’ – Nichola Harrison is passionate about health and safety. Assistant Director – Facilities, Fleet and H&S at Paradigm Housing Group, Nichola has had great success leading organisations in creating healthier and safer environments and improving their safety culture by making use of her diverse background in medium to high risk organisations. In the Structural Timber Masterclass, Julie Bregulla Strategic Advisor for high profile organisations such as Swedish Wood, Structural Timber Association and Timber Development UK – will introduce ‘The Timber Fire Safety Platform.’ Previously Executive Director of the Building Research Establishment – Fire and Building Technology Group, Julie has over 20 years’ experience working in academia, consulting and construction. She has been active in research, testing and certification of construction products and systems, including timber. ‘Fire Safety in Building in Cavities’ will be presented by Craig Fyall, Category Director – Walling for Permavent in the Facades & Fenestration Masterclass. Craig has over 20 years of extensive experience in roofing and construction membranes and building structure fire safety. In 2012 Craig led the design team in the specification and detailing of the first Passivhaus 56-bedroom care home in the UK. Curated by Leading Offsite Experts The masterclasses at Offsite Expo will provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective from a host of renowned experts. Delegates will experience an interactive learning environment which will actively encourage engagement with the key themes. One of the reasons Offsite Expo has experienced incremental growth year-on-year is the quality of the speaker programme. Helping the development of new skills and specialisms and a central part of the Offsite Expo experience – with over 80 confirmed distinguished speakers, Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Sessions are the place to gain insights, learn from the best and meet experts offering in-depth analysis and technical know-how in an extensive range of CPD-accredited sessions – all free of charge. For the full seminar programme visit: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/masterclasses Register To Attend Offsite construction is changing the norms for contractors, developers, architects, engineers and specifiers. There is an urgent need for construction professionals to get to grips with the latest industry innovations and building safety regulations. Offsite Expo is the place to go to take a deep dive into the emerging trends that are making the building process safer, faster and more sustainable to reach net zero goals. With the government mandating 70% pre-manufactured value (PMV) in all public sector projects and developers recognising the safety, quality and predictability benefits – offsite technology is becoming an increasingly dominant force in the world of building safety and construction. Offsite Expo will be taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20 September 2023. Entry to the exhibition, CPD Accredited Explore Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Panel Discussions – are free of charge. To book tickets go to: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/book Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Code was developed by the Construction Product Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following two years’ engagement with industry. It has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the way the construction product manufacturing industry manages and provides information on its products. Globally renowned for high quality construction solutions and with a commitment to raising industry standards, Sika is one of the first product manufacturers to have achieved CCPI verification of its first product set for Single Ply Roof systems. The company maintains a strong focus on transparency and by committing to the code it will provide further independent assurance and greater confidence in the information associated to its CCPI-verified product-set. There are 11 Clauses within the CCPI assessment which cover a wide range of matters from responsibility for product information, to transparency of performance, proof of stated claims, general information and competency. The CCPI is built around five ‘acid tests’ – product information must be ‘Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous’. The 11 clauses are underpinned by a requirement to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, ethics, leadership and culture. “We are delighted that Sika is an early adopter of the code,” said Mark Gatrell – Head of Business Unit Roofing for Sika in the UK. “The Code is aiming to drive the highest standards in product information, setting a level playing field for all construction manufacturers to ensure that the information they provide is clear, accurate, up-to- date and unambiguous. We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in product information management.” For more information visit the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
by Michael Durnin, Head of Construction, Murphy Geospatial The construction industry is facing big challenges including a shortage of skilled labour, increasing material costs, adverse weather conditions and mounting pressure to hit carbon reduction targets. These pressures not only hinder project timelines but also tighten budgets, which can put the whole project at risk. There are ways to minimise risk and increase margins despite the current market conditions. In this article I explore the top five reasons to explore geospatial data as part of your construction project and the benefits that high-quality geospatial data can provide. According to Autodesk’s research, in Europe 40% of the average organisation’s data is bad, leading to poor decision making 41% of the time, and in the UK 32% of data used by construction companies is bad leading to poor decision making 31% of the time. Data inaccuracy comes from disconnected communication channels where site data is shared, or using outdated information that hasn’t been validated. Geospatial data offers the opportunity to take live projects from build to digital reality, filling the gaps in lost data and streamlining data sharing amongst your team so that everyone has one version of the truth. Geospatial measurements are crucial during construction as it provides the framework for optimal digital delivery, multiple stakeholder collaboration, and is the cornerstone of automation. As mounting pressure to address the construction industry’s impact on climate change rises, there is a growing recognition of the potential offsite construction brings to drive sustainable development and tackle systemic challenges like fragmentation, skill shortages, and outdated construction methods. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), particularly the rise of offsite modular construction is reshaping the industry in 2023. In place of ad-hoc reworks which take place in situ, MMC has been credited with offering 20% cost savings and 50% faster project timelines*. The success of modular construction hinges on precise location data, accurate dimensions and positioning of structures which can be repeated, offering a ‘fit first time finish’ with no nasty surprises. MMC is also hailed as the method to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise conflicts, all of which hold significance for stakeholders concerned with both costs and environmental impact. Construction is entering the tech world in a big way following the huge increase in digital working. Now, the next phase of tech advancements in construction are embedding automation, using AI, machine learning, and robotics. The benefits of autonomous workflows have been shown in in Hexagon’s Autonomous Construction Tech Outlook 2023 with the report stating that 60% of industry leaders expect them to impact competitiveness, profitability, satisfaction, and sustainability. Companies using four or more autonomous workflows also report notable improvements, including 58% in sustainability, 55% in collaboration, and 52% in safety compliance. Automation’s evolution necessitates precise alignment and environmental considerations to avoid costly rework. Digital tools, comprehensive mapping, and real-time capture of site conditions all play a pivotal role in achieving successful implementation and reducing errors in the construction process. The construction industry deals with numerous inaccurate assets daily. Harnessing the power of information can reduce rework, errors, and risks. Informed decision-making, enabled by geospatial information, leads to better quality, and enhanced return on investment. The Get It Right Initiative estimates that the construction industry could save between £10–25 billion per annum simply by eliminating error. Experts recognise BIM as a tool that not only shapes the future of construction design but also serves to mitigate risk by identifying and resolving design errors at an early stage. While BIM holds the promise of fostering collaboration on construction projects, its success hinges on effective onboarding, implementation, and cross-functional data-sharing. This becomes especially critical given the persisting challenge of project data standardisation across the industry. Alongside reducing reworks necessary when an error is spotted, finding out there’s a discrepancy early on can help you reduce the need for those awkward conversations that require multiple people to gather in a room and hash out where the blame should sit. Data doesn’t lie and it offers everyone reassurance. With the use of geospatial information during builds, conflicts and errors can be identified and resolved in the digital build environment, rather than the field, reduce costs and risk and improving on quality as well as health and safety. Empowering progress through geospatial management Geospatial management extends beyond specific mapping and modelling techniques but to a collaborative process that considers the unique requirements of any given construction project. Collaboration in this approach reduces errors, leading to enhanced project outcomes and cost savings. Data-driven decision-making and accurate measurement are paramount. By adopting geospatial data and processes, projects can achieve unparalleled productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This transformation will revolutionise construction, creating a more resilient and sustainable built environment for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NBS launches new early-stage specification library incorporating cost, carbon, and lifecycle indicators provided by BCIS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and BCIS, the leading UK provider of building cost information, have announced a new partnership that will help support the industry in its drive to net-zero buildings. The partnership will incorporate robust data sets from BCIS into NBS’ specification writing platform, Chorus, providing specifiers with a powerful set of insights, helping them to make design decisions that reflect budget and sustainability aspirations. NBS and BCIS are collaborating to offer a new early-stage specification library, allowing industry professionals to start preparing their specifications at the concept design stage, pre-written clauses, drop-down values, and technical guidance. It will provide a smooth user experience and facilitate consistent sustainability discussions and decisions within project design teams. Commenting on the collaboration, Russell Haworth, NBS’s CEO, says “Our recent research at NBS has shown that specifiers are asking for better, more joined-up building information to help them make informed sustainability decisions at the project outset. “At the moment, there isn’t one company in the industry that can provide designers and specifiers with the comprehensive information they need to build sustainably – that’s why this partnership marks an important milestone, giving specifiers an additional level of insight that previously was just not available.” The partnership will also provide users with relative cost indicators from BCIS, which will allow specifiers to understand the relative financial cost in addition to the environmental cost impact of building elements. Haworth continues, “Architects and other specifiers have also made it clear that they want indicators to help with decision-making on cost and the potential future upkeep of buildings.” “Providing cost and sustainability data will allow for better decisions and enhanced collaboration across the design team, ultimately providing the built environment with the tools to build more sustainability.” James Fiske, BCIS’ CEO, adds “We know how critical decisions are at the start of a project in influencing lifetime cost and carbon emissions. We want to partner with an organisation that could help deliver our data to designers and specifiers and NBS was the perfect fit. “The data we are going to provide through NBS will link with the more detailed data sets available to users of BCIS, allowing all members of the design team to discuss design and specification options on a consistent basis. Together, we can provide a solution to help design teams make informed specification decisions earlier in the design process that support the industry drive to net zero.” NBS, along with sister company Glenigan – both part of Byggfakta Group – is also set to join the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) initiative, managed by BCIS. BECD aims to become the official UK repository of lifecycle carbon data for the built environment, providing a reliable and free-to-access platform for carbon estimating, reporting, and benchmarking. Committed to sharing knowledge and data for the good of the industry, the blend of NBS’ detailed product information and Glenigan’s extensive project information, will help BECD in its goal to reduce the UK construction industry’s impact on the environment. 2023 sees NBS celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first specification publication, commemorating half a century of delivering connected construction information. To find out more about its services and expertise click here. To find out more about BCIS, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published new evidence that shows planners are struggling to prepare for new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements expected to begin later this year. The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, will require local planning authorities to assess and seek mitigation of the expected biodiversity net gain impact of planning proposals. They are expected to apply to new major applications from November 2023 and all minor applications from April 2024. However, an ongoing survey of our RTPI members found that: We also found public and private sector planners report having extremely low levels of confidence in the practical requirements of BNG, including core aspects of the scheme like ‘identifying BNG receptor sites’, ‘interpreting the robustness of ecological reports and BNG proposals’, ‘using the biodiversity metric’ and ‘negotiating with landowners over site provision’. Commenting on the results, RTPI Chief Executive, Victoria Hills has said: “These new findings show that government is running out of time to prepare local planning authorities to assess biodiversity net gain on major planning applications as expected in November. The RTPI fully support the scheme’s intention to improve our natural environment and we’ll continue to engage with Ministers and officials behind the scenes to urgently clarify the details of new BNG regulations, funding and training. Our research found that 25% of local authority planners have left over the last seven years. Immediate clarity and support will be crucial to the successful implementation of biodiversity net gain and to avoid adding to England’s planning backlog.” In response to government consultations, we’ve previously said that “legislation, guidance and metric can help to achieve [BNG] but must be complemented with proper resourcing for planners, including access to ecological expertise.” The RTPI’s latest survey results, collected between May and August 2023, add to a growing body of evidence that shows planners are concerned about the implementation of this new addition to their workload. Earlier this year, The Planner’s Careers Survey reported that 38% planners expected the ‘introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements’ to be one of the biggest challenges they’ll face this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
