Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
Government must help landlords meet EPC C target

Government must help landlords meet EPC C target

Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that by 2030 all rental properties will be required to achieve at least Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level C or equivalent. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:  “Many

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Spanwall Wins Major National Manufacturing Award for Digital Innovation for its New Smart Manufacturing Initiative

Spanwall Wins Major National Manufacturing Award for Digital Innovation for its New Smart Manufacturing Initiative

Façade specialist Spanwall has won a major national manufacturing award. At this year’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards, Spanwall was presented with the Digital Innovation Award for its Smart Manufacturing initiative. These awards celebrate the trailblazers of UK engineering and manufacturing, and the companies and individuals that are shaping the future

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Transforming UK Retrofit delivery models: New report calls for urgent clarity and coordination

Transforming UK Retrofit delivery models: New report calls for urgent clarity and coordination

A new report from the National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has unveiled a fragmented and inconsistent landscape of retrofit delivery models across the UK. This comprehensive review urges immediate action to streamline processes, clarify intended outcomes, and establish consistent measurement methods for implemented retrofits to track progress and drive future improvements.

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RIBA announces shortlist for Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024: Fostering community through transformative social housing

RIBA announces shortlist for Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024: Fostering community through transformative social housing

The Royal Institue of British Architects (RIBA) has today (18 September) announced the shortlist for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024.   Given in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual Award recognises the UK’s best new affordable housing.    From projects that positively

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TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the introduction of a British Standard that sets out energy rating classifications for industrial thermal insulation applications. BS EN 17956:2024 is applicable to technical insulation systems of operational installations in industry and building services. Using the recognised A to G energy rating

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Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments have engaged Environment Social Governance (ESG) specialists BE Design to deliver the group’s ESG strategy. Construction and its impact on the environment have rightly become a regular topic of conversation amongst industry leaders, all looking to find effective and realistic ways to move forward. Clowes have identified the

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

Government must help landlords meet EPC C target

Government must help landlords meet EPC C target

Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that by 2030 all rental properties will be required to achieve at least Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level C or equivalent. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:  “Many landlords will find EPC C challenging to reach, particularly if they own older buildings. However, some of the reasons relate to the cost of energy which means a gas boiler achieves a better EPC rating than electric heating, such as heat pumps. It is therefore pleasing to see the Government propose a consultation to make EPC’s more accurate and reliable, plus use the words EPC C ‘or equivalent’, suggesting the introduction of an alternative assessment method.” The EPC C by 2030 target is less ambitious than the EPC C by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing ones that Rishi Sunak scrapped in September 2023, but more realistic. DESNZ also confirmed the continuation of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as well as the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which replaces the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said: “EPC C or equivalent by 2030 is achievable and great news for SME builders who will be fundamental in retrofitting those 2.9 million homes. We hope to convince the Government to do even more and as part of our response to the NPPF consultation we again proposed a National Retrofit Planning Framework (NRPF) to ensure the planning process does not hinder works or make them prohibitive. Introducing a Digital Buildings Passport would also encourage all owners to better understand their buildings and plan a timeline for renovation and retrofitting. As works would be recorded, bad practitioners would also have nowhere to hide and better or best practice could be highlighted.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Star Platforms Retains Prestigious IPAF Rental+ Accreditation with Outstanding 98% Score

Star Platforms Retains Prestigious IPAF Rental+ Accreditation with Outstanding 98% Score

Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring that rental companies meet the highest standards in training, equipment inventory, and customer satisfaction. The audit, which this year focused on the Reading depot, confirms that Star Platforms consistently upholds these esteemed standards. Del Patterson, Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager, Star Platforms, commented: “Achieving a 98% score in the IPAF Rental+ assessment is a fantastic accomplishment. This result reflects the dedication and hard work of every member of the Star Platforms team. The IPAF Rental+ accreditation highlights our commitment to providing top-quality platforms and exceptional support to our customers, while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards in the industry.” The IPAF Rental+ scheme, operated by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), identifies rental companies that excel in critical aspects of powered access operations. The certification process evaluates maintenance practices, training and safety records, environmental standards, and company policies and procedures. The IPAF Rental+ status assures customers of high standards throughout the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) hire and rental process, confirming their choice of a company that adheres to rigorous health, safety, and quality standards. To maintain this accreditation, members must undergo an intense annual audit, ensuring a proactive approach to continual improvement. Steve Simmons, Joint Managing Director, Star Platforms, added: “Retaining the IPAF Rental+ certification is a testament to our relentless focus on quality and excellence. This re-accreditation not only affirms our commitment to industry-leading practices but also reinforces our position as a trusted partner in powered access solutions. We are proud of the team’s efforts and the standards we have set.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Spanwall Wins Major National Manufacturing Award for Digital Innovation for its New Smart Manufacturing Initiative

Spanwall Wins Major National Manufacturing Award for Digital Innovation for its New Smart Manufacturing Initiative

Façade specialist Spanwall has won a major national manufacturing award. At this year’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards, Spanwall was presented with the Digital Innovation Award for its Smart Manufacturing initiative. These awards celebrate the trailblazers of UK engineering and manufacturing, and the companies and individuals that are shaping the future of industry. The event at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London was attended by around 300 manufacturing and engineering professionals from across British industry. The judges praised Spanwall’s entry as ‘a great example of the way in which digital technologies can be used to drive manufacturing efficiency’. David Clark, Managing Director of Spanwall, said, “These awards do a fantastic job of recognising and promoting innovation and excellence across the best of UK industry. To win the Digital Innovation Award is a huge accolade for Spanwall and is a real credit to our design and manufacturing teams at every level of our business.” “We are committed to digital transformation and believe it is fundamental to delivering our core values of innovation, safety and quality to our customers, specifiers, and most importantly, to building owners and occupiers.” Spanwall manufactures sheet metal façade solutions for some of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks, as well as buildings across the public and private sectors, and large-scale refurbishment projects. The Digital Innovation Award was presented for Spanwall’s market-leading Smart Manufacturing initiative, which has applied digital technology to streamline processes and workflows. This has leveraged the power of digital twinning for rapid prototyping of its metal façade components before going into full production. The new technology also allows the live tracking of every component part through each stage of design and manufacturing, delivering real-time reporting for improved efficiency and a completely new level of customer communication, transparency and traceability. The digital system has integrated multi-disciplinary data to create a truly information-driven product workflow. This allows Spanwall to create and test new metal rainscreen cladding designs for its customers and specifiers more efficiently, whilst optimising manufacturing resources and significantly increasing overall capacity. The Smart Manufacturing project represents a significant investment for Spanwall, particularly in the level of testing and validation that was required to implement seamless workflows. The result is shorter lead times and cost reductions of around 80 per cent for digital prototyping of sheet metal components. Machine set-up times for production runs have also been reduced by up to 50 per cent. As Spanwall is often involved in producing highly complex metal façade solutions for large-scale construction projects, identifying potential issues at the earliest design stage is critical for a ‘right first time’ approach. The new digital technology provides increased certainty of project delivery on time and on budget, and to consistently high-quality standards. The next phase of Spanwall’s digital transformation will apply new technology to integrate quality control, preventative maintenance, health and safety, and estimating into digital workflows. For more information, see www.spanwall.com, email info@spanwall.com or call 028 9081 5303. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Transforming UK Retrofit delivery models: New report calls for urgent clarity and coordination

Transforming UK Retrofit delivery models: New report calls for urgent clarity and coordination

A new report from the National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has unveiled a fragmented and inconsistent landscape of retrofit delivery models across the UK. This comprehensive review urges immediate action to streamline processes, clarify intended outcomes, and establish consistent measurement methods for implemented retrofits to track progress and drive future improvements. The report, written by the NRH in collaboration with consultants Arup and climate-change charity Ashden, found that disparate models and funding mechanisms create a complex, ‘shifting sands’ scenario, with many delivery methods lacking uniform measurement standards. The report has been created following robust engagement from over 200 stakeholders nationwide. Through collaborative workshops and detailed analysis, including extensive Miro board sessions, the team, in partnership with Ashden and Arup, confirmed the need for consistent measurements as a foundation for setting effective targets. The report highlights four priority areas that the NRH identified as the best opportunities to leverage its network and achieve significant impact. These are: Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director, explained: “While there were various perspectives on what should be prioritised, the Hub focused on these areas because they align best with its goals and capabilities.” The review is a wake-up call. The findings show the urgent need for defined measurements to set and achieve meaningful targets. The strong engagement from a diverse range of stakeholders underscores the sector’s readiness to collaborate on these critical improvements. Commenting further on the report, Sara Edmonds, said: “The Working Group invites passionate individuals and organisations to join ongoing efforts to refine and enhance delivery models. Feedback and additional insights are welcomed to ensure the report remains a dynamic and evolving resource. “Our thanks go out to everyone who has contributed so far. This research is a significant step forward, but there’s more to do. We’re excited to continue this journey with the incredible support of our network”. To download the report click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RIBA announces shortlist for Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024: Fostering community through transformative social housing

RIBA announces shortlist for Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024: Fostering community through transformative social housing

The Royal Institue of British Architects (RIBA) has today (18 September) announced the shortlist for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024.   Given in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual Award recognises the UK’s best new affordable housing.    From projects that positively prioritise green space (Unity Place, Dover Court), to transforming vacant sites to improve communities (North Gate Social Housing, Chowdhury Walk), this year’s shortlisted projects demonstrate social housing that blends quality design, community regeneration, and meaningful social value.  Each project seeks to help address pressing issues facing local residents while providing a hopeful blueprint for future social housing, where thoughtful and innovative architecture creates accessible, quality spaces in which communities can thrive.    The four shortlisted projects are:  A sculptural infill development heralding the beginnings of an ambitious programme of new generation council housing by Hackney Council.    A carefully implemented reimagining of a 1960s Modernist estate, the architects have created a new series of welcoming spaces throughout the site, while converting disused garages into 70 new, bespoke, low-carbon homes.  A longstanding vacant brownfield site transformed into a new residential landmark, designed to suit the needs of primarily older residents. 31 one or two bed flats for 100% social rent.  A neighbourhood transformation providing 235 social rented homes, a community hub and new outdoor areas.  Jury Chair and 2023 Neave Brown Award for Housing winner, Astrid Smitham, said:  “At a time when the UK sets out to build 1.5 million new homes, this shortlist shows the importance of great partnerships between clients and architects in delivering housing of the very highest standard, that everyone deserves. From a new generation of council homes in Hackney and low-carbon homes in Islington, to a residential landmark in Glasgow designed for older residents and an ambitious masterplan in Brent, these projects show how the next wave of UK home building can help individuals and communities to thrive.”  RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:  “This year’s shortlist reaffirms that creating social housing should not be seen as a limitation to architects, but a great opportunity. Each brief has taken run-down or underused spaces and created outstanding projects that serve the needs of residents and the wider community. These schemes thoughtfully balance the environment, community, and quality, reinforcing the reality that when designing social housing, good design need not compromise on any of the three.  The Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024 jury comprised: Astrid Smith (Chair), Founder of Apparata Architects, winners of Neave Brown Award for Housing 2023 for A House for Artists; Bob Allies, Partner, Allies and Morrison andRIBA Awards Group Member; and Zoe Brown, daughter of Neave Brown.  The Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024 shortlist is selected from winners of 2024 RIBA Awards. The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at The Roundhouse in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New CPD ‘The Best of All Possible Worlds’ - written by an architect for architects

New CPD ‘The Best of All Possible Worlds’ – written by an architect for architects

Reynaers Aluminium UK, a leading supplier of sustainable architectural aluminium systems, has unveiled a new RIBA-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar focused on curtain walling systems.   This comprehensive program, titled “The Best of All Possible Worlds – How Curtain Walling can help meet the needs and demands of architecture and construction in the 21st Century,” offers architects an in-depth understanding of using curtain walling to meet modern design objectives.  The CPD was crafted by an architect for architects, the architect being Paul Iddon, Vice President of the Manchester Society of Architects.  This new seminar provides an overview of the evolution of curtain walling in response to the changing needs of the architecture and construction sectors. It covers essential regulatory frameworks across approved documents, referencing the Building Safety Act (BSA) and Construction Design & Management (CDM) regulations.  With a comprehensive exploration of curtain walling systems, participants will gain a thorough grounding in its co-development with construction technology. The seminar provides a broad understanding of relevant systems, delving into their usefulness in meeting various design criteria, and elucidating key considerations for architects and specifiers.   Practical applications are illustrated by case studies that showcase diverse uses and exemplary contextual designs. While valuable insights are offered into the relevance of curtain walling in meeting sustainability and circular economy goals.  Richard Jekiel, National Consult Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, commented: “At Reynaers, we are committed to supporting architects in realising their visions. This new CPD exemplifies our dedication to providing not just premium quality, versatile systems, but also the knowledge and technical expertise necessary for successful specification and sustainable design.   “By offering in-depth insights into curtain walling systems, we aim to empower architects to make informed decisions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.”  The seminar is designed to equip architects with a thorough understanding of curtain walling systems’ potential to expand their creative horizons and improve their technical capabilities. This latest seminar complements Reynaers’ existing portfolio of RIBA-approved seminars, which cover topics such as specifying aluminium sliding doors, acoustic glazing solutions, and sustainable aluminium systems.  The launch of this CPD underscores Reynaers’ position as an industry leader in architectural aluminium systems and reinforces its dedication to supporting the professional growth of architects and specifiers. By providing high-quality, relevant educational content, Reynaers continues to bridge the gap between innovative product solutions and the evolving needs of the construction industry. Architects and other industry professionals interested in participating in this new CPD seminar or exploring Reynaers’ other educational offerings can contact the company directly to schedule a session.   With options for face-to-face, virtual, or on-site delivery at Reynaers’ Knowledge Centre in Birmingham, the company ensures flexibility and accessibility for all participants. As the construction industry continues to evolve, Reynaers Aluminium UK remains at the forefront, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to create sustainable, innovative, and visually striking architectural solutions.  Reynaers will present its ‘Best of All Possible Worlds’ CPD via webinar this October and November. For in person sessions, onsite or at Reynaers’ UK headquarters in Birmingham, enquire online or contact the Reynaers Consult Team.  Find out more online.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PFKG and GIRI join forces to enhance fire safety and improve quality in the UK construction industry

PFKG and GIRI join forces to enhance fire safety and  improve quality in the UK construction industry

The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) and The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) have announced their intention to work together to improve safety and construction practices by sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and promoting each other’s aims and objectives. This collaboration brings together the specialised focus of the PFKG on passive fire protection with GIRI’s broader based approach to improving construction practices and eliminating errors.  PFKG, established in 2022, is a unique non-for-profit collaboration comprising contractors, consultants, and relevant trade associations. Its mission is to improve the delivery of well designed, specified and installed passive fire protection by focusing on three key areas: Process, Testing and Education. Formed in 2015, GIRI is a group of over 100 leading UK construction industry experts, organisations and businesses actively improving productivity, quality, sustainability and safety in the construction sector by eliminating error. Passive fire protection (PFP), also sometimes referred to as ‘built-in’ fire protection, are those components, materials or systems that integrate with the fabric of the building.  PFP comprises  many different product and system categories including structural steel fire protection, compartment walls and floors, fire doors, fire resisting dampers and ductwork, and firestopping (service penetration seals, linear joint seals, and cavity barriers).  It is a critical fire element of fire safety in buildings which continues to place demands on the construction industry. Commenting on the new collaboration, Cliff Smith, Executive Director at the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI), said: “The construction industry is navigating wholesale changes that have come through the Building Safety Act, with more rigorous standards and regulation at every stage of the development lifecycle. “Through the GIRI Design Guide and our Building Safety Act working group, GIRI is working across the industry to meet these requirements and keep people safe through a common culture of getting things right first time. This collaboration with the PFKG will enable us to highlight the critical importance of addressing fire safety, using our collective expertise to increase the focus on this high priority issue.” Will Pitt and Joe Cilia, Joint Chairs of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) said:  “Passive Fire Protection is often a key interface between the architecture, structure and building engineering services and getting it right first time requires careful consideration and planning especially at early design stages. “It is clear to us that GIRI shares similar aims and objectives and by working more closely together, we can help amplify each other’s message.” The PFKG and GIRI will collaborate and share best practice guidance including design guidance, quality alerts, knowledge sharing webinars and events. The PFKG continues to produce peer-reviewed knowledge shares covering a wide range of subjects associated with the design, specification and installation of Passive Fire Protection systems. To find out more information about the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) visit www.pfkg.org To find out more information about the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) visit https://getitright.uk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the introduction of a British Standard that sets out energy rating classifications for industrial thermal insulation applications. BS EN 17956:2024 is applicable to technical insulation systems of operational installations in industry and building services. Using the recognised A to G energy rating system, it specifies methods for the energy classification of insulation systems for components such as pipes, ducts, vessels, and equipment with an operational temperature range of −30 °C up to 650 °C. Research undertaken by the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF) found that the UK could save 1.183 kilotonnes in energy and reduce carbon emissions by 3.480 kilotonnes by improving insulation efficiencies in the industrial sector alone. These potential savings are equivalent to the annual energy consumption of more than 830,000 households or 1.7m cars. The EiiF has aligned its Technical Insulation Performance Check (TIPCHECK) system with BS EN 17956:2024. The standardised thermal energy auditing tool evaluates the performance of industrial insulation systems and has already helped thousands of clients on the continent reduce both carbon output and energy costs. As an EiiF member, TICA has access to TIPCHECK, and the trade body is already preparing the UK thermal insulation sector to become a key enabler of industrial decarbonisation. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Director, said: “Trying to get either government or industry to recognise the gaping hole that exists in our national Net Zero Strategy deployment, due to uninsulated or badly insulated pipework, has proven challenging. “Anything that makes the specification of energy saving thermal insulation easier to understand and enact for clients is most welcome. I think the UK thermal insulation market will need to undergo a period of adaptation before the benefits of BS EN 17956: 2024 can be deployed at a national scale, but the conversations with Net Zero policymakers needs to start now. “At our national training centre, we are already training thermal insulation apprentices on the fundamentals of thermal imaging, so they understand the importance of pipe insulation as a means of reducing energy losses. We are also working with the EiiF to upskill the next generation of UK-based TIPCHECK experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments have engaged Environment Social Governance (ESG) specialists BE Design to deliver the group’s ESG strategy. Construction and its impact on the environment have rightly become a regular topic of conversation amongst industry leaders, all looking to find effective and realistic ways to move forward. Clowes have identified the urgent need to proactively integrate ESG into the day-to-day function and decision-making processes across the group, from land and planning to development through to asset management. ‘Building for future generations to prosper’ has always been a key value instilled into the team at Clowes but the board have now invested heavily into this area of the business’s long term strategy. Clowes have taken several essential steps this year to kick start making their ambitions a reality. The team have had to review and implement several changes to ensure data is correctly gathered and reported according to government legislation including Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR). The group have historically published their carbon usage in their end of year accounts through Companies House but are now taking that a step further by verifying the data through an industry leading carbon tracking platform, Planet Mark. Backed by the Eden Project, CEO and Founder Steve Malkin began Planet Mark as an effective, people-driven sustainability certification. Clowes have been focusing on carbon reporting which involves measuring and disclosing the amount of carbon emissions produced by a business. Understanding your carbon footprint is the first step on your journey to becoming net zero. By becoming Planet Mark certified, it will help the business implement an effective carbon reduction strategy, stay ahead of legislation and mitigate risks, eliminate the risk of greenwashing and help to boost operational efficiency. The group’s utility co-ordinator, Daniel Houldey-Wright collated the groups energy usage data in line with the reporting requirements for Planet Mark which also comply SECR scope 1 and 2. Daniel commented, “At first it felt a somewhat overwhelming task. The group has a large number of properties and meter supplies which needed to be streamlined. We identified exactly which supplies needed to be reported to comply with scopes 1 and 2 and began gathering the data. We have had to implement several administrative changes to the way we collect our data as well as expanding our efforts to have smart meters installed across our portfolio; allowing us to not only access readings more swiftly, but to also better manage energy consumption across the group. During the process, we were also very pleased to calculate that around 90% of our total energy usage stems from renewable sources, so we will be working on the balance of our supplies to achieve 100% renewable energy across our portfolio. We now have all our processes working efficiently and we feel confident in our ability to accurately track our energy usage across the portfolio. This has been reinforced by the speedy certification we have received through Planet Mark. We anticipated queries and inaccuracies but were pleasantly surprised with the quick turnaround from submission to certification.” Managing Director, Thomas Clowes, Development Director, James Richards and Head of Marketing, Kate Henderson are leading on the set up, roll out and ongoing management of the groups ESG Strategy. Thomas commented, “I am incredibly pleased with the teams’ efforts to submit this year’s Planet Mark data successfully and according to a tight schedule; we now have an accurate benchmark of our current carbon footprint, and we can begin our journey to reduce this year on year. Our aspiration is to deliver a 5% reduction by 2025. Clowes have a responsibility to play our part in reducing carbon emissions.” According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction. Now that Clowes have received their first year’s certification, BE Design will be working with Thomas, James and Kate to firm up their ESG strategy and carbon reduction action points which will be published online later in the year. Clowes will also be engaging their ESG committee members to help communicate with and empower employees across the group to support and drive forward the ESG strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Salix Homes amongst first to be awarded top C1 grading from Regulator of Social Housing

Salix Homes amongst first to be awarded top C1 grading from Regulator of Social Housing

Salford housing association Salix Homes has been awarded the highest grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in recognition of the homes and services it provides for customers. The RSH, the Government body that regulates the social housing sector, has recently completed a thorough inspection of Salix Homes as part of the new standards and inspection programme introduced to help drive improvements in the quality of homes and services in the sector. Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford in Greater Manchester, is one of the first housing associations in the country to be awarded the highest possible C1 (consumer) grading, which is a newly introduced rating system based on performance against the new Consumer Standards. The landlord also retained its G1 grading for governance and V2 grading for financial viability. Sue Sutton, Salix Homes Chief Executive, said: “This is a really positive outcome for Salix Homes and we’re very proud to be amongst the first housing associations to have achieved the highest possible C1 grading under the new Consumer Standards, which reflects our ongoing commitment to putting customers at the heart of our organisation. “This achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of our workforce, Board and Customer Committee. It also underpins our collective efforts to ensure that our homes are safe and well-maintained, our customers are listened to and respected, and that our services are responsive and effective. “Retaining our G1 and V2 gradings also highlights our dedication to strong governance and financial stability. These gradings assure our customers, colleagues and stakeholders that we are managing our resources wisely and are well-positioned to continue providing high-quality homes and services. “While we are proud of this recognition, we are not complacent. We’re committed to continuous improvement, and we will carry on learning from customer feedback to ensure we can keep delivering a housing service in Salford we’re all proud to be a part of.” In its judgement, the Regulator recognised Salix Homes’ strengths, including: The Government introduced the new Consumer Standards in April this year as part of an integrated approach to social housing regulation, setting the outcomes that landlords must deliver for tenants. Social housing providers have previously been assessed on their Governance (G grading) and financial Viability (V grading), but now there’s a new Consumer (C grading). Launched as part of the Social Housing Regulation Act, the new approach aims to drive improvements in the quality of social housing and services while continuing to scrutinise the financial viability and governance of housing associations. You can read the full judgement about Salix Homes on the RSH website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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