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 

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