A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL
Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells. July 2022 saw the
Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our new commercial guide showcases the depth and breadth of our PVC-U commercial offer. It will help our fabricator and installer customers to demonstrate the added value they are able to deliver to commercial contractors and specifiers.” The 56-page brochure
Signify’s Nico van der Merwe explains how energy efficiency measures such as the retrofitting of smart LEDs can provide green impacts across society in combination with the switch to renewable energy. The IPCC Climate Change 2023 report has offered the world a stark reminder of what is at stake if
Any individual or group looking to start up a business will need to look at the workplace they are working in. You simply cannot get things done if you aren’t working in an acceptable place. Whether you are in a small office or a large warehouse, there needs to be
Eye-opening new research from construction AR pioneer XYZ Reality reveals majority of UK and US construction projects are plagued by errors and rarely delivered on time. XYZ Reality[1], the world’s leading Engineering Grade Augmented Reality (AR)™ solutions provider for construction, publishes a landmark report on the major challenges facing UK
A guide to understanding construction options for low-carbon developers. Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – has launched a new guide to understanding options for timber construction. Aimed at developers, investors and policy makers, Timber Typologies outlines the variety of build options
In our modern, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the quality of the air we breathe. However, with the majority of our time spent indoors—around 90% according to recent studies—it is essential to recognise the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on our health and well-being. With Clean Air Day
A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician or site manager for example – have struggled to find a suitable place within a professional body and in turn gain recognition for their talent. CIOB’s brand-new Technical Membership, TechCIOB, aims to empower those specialists to promote their achievements and successes and demonstrate their competence and professionalism while improving their chances of promotion and higher salaries – as well as benefitting from access to unique training programmes and hundreds of exclusive CIOB events. Other technical specialists including CAD designers, building control technicians and BIM modellers would also be suitable for apply for TechCIOB membership with CIOB. As well as people who work in technical construction roles, TechCIOB membership is also available for those working in off-site manufacturing, digital technologies and robotics. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of CIOB, said: “I am delighted that our TechCIOB membership is now open for applications, as this is a significant development for us and for the wider industry. “The new TechCIOB grade allows CIOB to extend our support to even more professionals working in this important industry by recognising and awarding post-nominals to technical specialists, who have become experienced professionals and are often thought leaders in their area of expertise, sometimes having spent decades honing their craft. “I am pleased CIOB is now able to offer membership to some of the most talented individuals within the construction industry and welcome them into the CIOB community.” CIOB has been working with its members and stakeholders throughout the industry to develop the new membership grade for technical specialists and launched a pilot programme in early 2023 and sign-ups are already in full flow. Ian Gregory, who oversees the Integrated Track Team at Transport for London, took part in the pilot because he felt TechCIOB membership will help him progress his career. He said: “The TechCIOB grade is a mark of excellence that I can carry with me regardless of where I work and it is a grade that reflects my years’ worth of experience earned outside of degree-level education. “I believe it will demonstrate to any future employers that I have met the required standard as a technical professional within the construction industry.” More applications are being encouraged and you can find out more by visiting CIOB’s website: www.ciob.org/membership/become-a-member Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the minimum reaction to fire standards for pipe and duct insulation following the adoption of Euroclass standards and a departure from ‘Class O’ declarations. BS 5422:2023 also includes tables of minimum insulation thickness for pipe and duct insulation applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and domestic hot and cold applications. A large number of tables covering enhanced insulation thickness and district heating thicknesses have also been added to the standard. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, said: “The updated standards provide more clarity, and the additional tables will provide greater optionality for the specifier. “While the number of tables has increased, there has been an attempt to simplify the reading of the tables. For example, higher thermal conductivity values for materials no longer supplied or rarely used, have been removed. “Reaction to Fire is now defined within this publication in terms of Euroclass, which gives a more comprehensive and clear definition of the behaviour of materials exposed to fire. It also states a minimum performance of Euroclass C-s3, d2 in dwelling applications and B-s3, d2 in non-dwelling applications, and this will hopefully serve to reinforce good practice.” However, he has called for a rethink on the sheer number of low temperature heating and domestic hot water tables included in the new standard – with ten separate tables for low temperature heating services alone. He added: “This could well prove a challenge for those interpretating specifications. We should also consider that whilst the ‘base standard’ tables for heating and hot water services are still included in the new version of the standard, they no longer represent best practice from a thermal insulation specification point of view.” The new standard is available to purchase from BSI, the UK’s national standards body and is also available to TICA contracting members via its standards portal. TICA will be announcing a webinar focusing on the key changes in BS 5422: 2023 via its website and social media in the coming days. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) examination. It can be applied in a flexible way and shaped to reflect the increasing level of detail that is required as a strategic plan moves through the various stages of consultation towards submission, examination and adoption. This could include a high-level overview of viability issues to inform candidate site submissions, with additional detail provided as plans for the site and the local authority’s policy aspirations become clearer. In addition, recognising the need for strategic plans to be flexible in responding to changing circumstances, Lichfields’ Viability tool can be applied at the planning application stage and inform the case for the renegotiation of viability where necessary. The combination of viability being front loaded into the plan-making process and the standardisation of inputs is necessitating a change in approach said Simon Coop, Senior Director at Lichfields and the firm’s housing development group lead, who added that understanding the relationship between planning policy and viability is critical. “Viability lies at the heart of the planning process and must be given due regard from the earliest stages of site promotion,” Simon Coop said. “Our robust framework helps decision-makers navigate this area of the system providing an evidence-led case for development at each phase of the planning process.” More about the Lichfields Viability tool at https://lichfields.uk/content/products/viability?press Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells. July 2022 saw the Met Office issue its first ever red alert for extreme heat. With four out of ten of the UK’s hottest days on record having fallen in the last two years alone, the figures serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change. As the mercury rises, so do the risks and hot weather can make for some challenging working conditions. Last year’s heatwave prompted the HSE to issue advice for businesses to review their hot weather risk procedures and ready themselves for a warmer future. But with extreme hot weather events still relatively unfamiliar territory in the UK, many employers will have questions around their responsibilities in hot weather. 1. What is the legal maximum working temperature? In short, there is none. However, under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes protection from the risks of working in hot weather and providing a ‘reasonable’ working temperature in the workplace. 2. How can employers determine when the workplace is too hot? The HSE is clear that ‘heat is classed as a hazard’. Employers should therefore carry out a risk assessmentto help them determine what temperature is suitable for their workplace and where actions need to be implemented should it be exceeded. There is no one size fits all response to hot weather as each work environment might be affected in different ways. Risk assessments should be informed by contributory factors including the ambient temperature, humidity, ventilation/air flow, sun exposure, PPE requirements and physical work rate. 3. What are the risks of working in hot weather? Employers and workers should familiarise themselves with the signs of heat stress which the HSE defines as what happens ‘when the body’s way of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail.’ Heat stress can encompass issues such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and in more life-threatening cases, heatstroke. Certain workers such as those who are pregnant, menopausal women and workers with heart conditions are more likely to be affected. Sunburn is another common occurrence during the summer months and while this may initially cause temporary discomfort, repeated UV exposure can lead to skin cancer as well as affect long and short-term vision in the eyes. It’s not just people adversely affected by heat. Hot weather can have a significant impact on the performance and safety of machinery, tools and PPE too, causing them to overheat, degrade or malfunction. Employers should take steps to ensure that all types of equipment are well-maintained and serviced regularly. 4. What actions can employers take to mitigate the risks of hot weather? Following the outcomes of their hot weather risk assessments, businesses may want to consider the following actions: · Cancel, postpone or substitute work: can physical work be cancelled, postponed or substituted with tools or machinery. · Offer flexible working: considerallowing employees to work earlier or later when temperatures are not as intense. · Adapt workspaces: move desks out of direct sunlight, close blinds or shutters, and relocate specific tasks into shaded areas. · Provide access to cool rest areas and encourage hydration: provide access to shade or air-conditioned rest areas. By law, employers must provide fresh drinking water. · Monitor at risk individuals: age, body type and medical conditions can make people more susceptible to the side effects of hot weather. An individual heat stress risk assessment is a useful tool to help evaluate the risk. · Provide training: provide information and training to employees on the risks of working in hot conditions and how to stay safe. 5. How can hot weather affect PPE users? Hot weather may simply cause discomfort to PPE wearers which can lead to lack of concentration but when it becomes difficult for workers to cool down in their PPE, employers should be aware that heat stress may occur. PPE can be used to protect workers in hot weather too. Equipment might include legionnaires hats or neck shades, protective UV eyewear as well as cooling vests, pads, towels and bandanas which are designed to actively cool the body down in the heat. It’s important to ensure that any changes to PPE are compatible with existing equipment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our new commercial guide showcases the depth and breadth of our PVC-U commercial offer. It will help our fabricator and installer customers to demonstrate the added value they are able to deliver to commercial contractors and specifiers.” The 56-page brochure perfectly showcases Epwin Window Systems’ commercial credentials, including a 17% market share and products that have been specified and installed in millions of homes, schools, colleges, student accommodation blocks, hospitals and other commercial buildings. The well-designed brochure looks at the advantages of Epwin Window Systems products, including unparalleled design flexibility, industry-leading security, impressive thermal efficiency, future-proofed performance, exceptional quality assurance credentials and a commitment to sustainability. There’s an introduction to the complementary internal design support service, which gives commercial contractors access to technical expertise and practical support to ensure they meet the exacting standards on every aspect of their window and door schedule. Contractors can also read about the benefits of the Approved Commercial Partner scheme, which provides peace of mind that a project is being manufactured and installed by reputable commercial contractors. The main section of the brochure introduces the multiple PVC-U window and systems in the Epwin Window Systems vast portfolio. This includes the Optima Casement, Spectus Casement, Flush Casement, Optima Tilt & Turn, Spectus Tilt & Turn, Flush Tilt & Turn, Fully Reversible Window and the Vertical Sliding Sash Window. For door systems, it includes the Optima Door, Spectus Door, PatioMaster Sliding Patio Door and the Emergency Door NSHEV and (AOV) window. There is also information on the popular Curtain Walling System and the Two-Part Cill. Sections on hardware and the cutting-edge Colour Collection are showcased and the comprehensive brochure closes with a series of commercial case studies that demonstrate the transformational benefits of choosing Epwin Window Systems products. Gerald concluded: “Overall, the brochure demonstrates the unrivalled technical and specification support, industry expertise and in-depth knowledge of contracts and building regulations on offer from Epwin Window Systems. In other words, everything you would expect from an experienced commercial systems partner.” The new commercial guide is available to download from the Connect digital portal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify’s Nico van der Merwe explains how energy efficiency measures such as the retrofitting of smart LEDs can provide green impacts across society in combination with the switch to renewable energy. The IPCC Climate Change 2023 report has offered the world a stark reminder of what is at stake if we fail to take urgent climate action – the trick is how. In consecutive COP meetings, we have yet to see the necessary leap forward in progress that will keep global warming within the science-based 1.5ºC target. At COP27, the time had come for global powers to produce a workplan based on the Paris Agreement that would account for climate mitigation, emissions reduction, adaptation, and financing. Instead, the conference concluded with talk of phasing down rather than phasing out coal, and little mention of oil and gas. The transition to green energy and green economy can take root in our cities. The time has come to focus on solutions and action rather than problems and potential. In Egypt, Signify had a clear message to bring one of those solutions into sharp focus: energy efficiency now. Energy efficiency has clear and tangible benefits and there is one area in which cities can take quick action to reduce both emissions and costs – lighting. Whether it be lighting up the homes, city streets, offices, factories or other commercial and municipal buildings, lighting has huge potential to lower a city’s carbon footprint and to do so quickly. The path to energy efficiency Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s lighting points are still conventional. In Europe and the US, which lag behind much of Asia in the switch to greener lighting, this figure is even higher at 50 per cent. What it also demonstrates, though, is the huge potential for transition in the coming years. If we apply the 10/20/70 model, where 10 per cent of our efforts are inspiration, 20 per cent aspiration, and 70 per cent perspiration, the time has come to give full focus to perspiration and getting the job done. At COP27, a financing agreement for climate loss and damage was agreed but without an increase in the speed and urgency of climate action, the loss and damage suffered will be beyond what anybody can afford. With the adoption of technology such as smart LED lighting, cities are not only taking immediate action to improve the quality of their environment, they are becoming more economical for the future in terms of the social, financial and ecological benefits they’re providing. For example, World Council on City Data shows LED implementation can reduce night-time traffic incidents by about 30 per cent, and reduce street crime by 20 per cent. Business models for technology suppliers into cities also need to shift, from invoicing for hardware to leasing hardware and services and taking away much, if not all, of the upfront costs that can prove prohibitive to green lighting projects. Lighting-as-a-service, for example, brings forward lifetime benefits that are divided over a certain number of years through a service agreement, reducing the need for big upfront capital investment and budget requirements. These service agreements illustrate that it’s as important that the business model is sustainable for the long term as the product is. With the EU’s Green Deal, the UK’s ten-point plan and other equivalent funds around the world emerging, there is a lot of focus currently on what I’d call “the supply side” – the supply side of the energy mix, where there are calls for alternative gas, the scaling of renewables, and even nuclear and hydrogen (though it will take longer to come to fruition). This is important for heavy industry, where we need energy-intensive sectors to keep investing in the markets they’re in, rather than move out to geographies where fossil fuels are cheaper. I believe there must be more focus on the demand side itself where the potential for quicker acceleration on efficiency exists. Importantly, the demand side industries provide both active and passive energy efficiency technologies and solutions. Those like Signify in lighting or building management sensor companies are facilitating the green transition with active digital technologies that will help us finally make the shift away from fossil fuel. They are also the drivers of economic growth and the green economy. But as well as the digital solutions, it is important to recognise the part played by the demand-side industries in the more passive parts of the efficiency process such as insulation and triple-glazing. These will similarly drive growth and provide many jobs for the future, particularly around retrofitting. Why start with lighting In Europe, 50 per cent of the current install base is still conventional lighting technology across places like offices, schools and warehouses. That provides a huge opportunity to improve energy efficiency through lighting networks – an improvement that can be made both quickly unobtrusively because it doesn’t require the breaking open of existing infrastructure to any great degree. Smart LED lighting has the highest relative cost saving of any replacement technology. In Europe, this amounts to a saving of 65 billion euros depending on energy rates, and also brings the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 51 million tonnes. Meanwhile, switching all the light points in the UK alone, could reduce CO2 emissions by 3.9 million tonnes, the amount of emissions that 175 million trees could sequester in a year. Making the switch would also generate electricity savings of 16.1 TWh, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 4.3 million households. In both cases, those savings bring the potential to bolster capacity in energy networks for other purposes. Cities are facing pressure to electrify public services and amenities, such as transport and heating, as part of their climate action push. The average electricity consumption for a European household is approximately 3,400kW/h – roughly the same amount of electricity it would take to charge an electric vehicle to travel 10,000 miles in the course of a year. By transitioning to LED lighting
Any individual or group looking to start up a business will need to look at the workplace they are working in. You simply cannot get things done if you aren’t working in an acceptable place. Whether you are in a small office or a large warehouse, there needs to be some standards. You need to ensure that everything is organized and that the entire staff is satisfied with where they are. From the fine details such as accurate measurements to the most basic aspects, you need to ensure that you are completely satisfied with where you are. In this post, we are going to be talking about creating the best possible factory environment from scratch. Constructing this kind of environment can be tedious at times, but can be very simple if you follow the right kinds of rules and ideas. If you’re looking to move or start up a factory, here are a few things you can do to construct a shielded and safe environment: Be Strict With Your Safety Protocols It may seem like a tedious and boring part of the job, but it needs to be done. You must begin by establishing the right kinds of comprehensive safety protocols. Conducting a risk assessment will mean you’ll be able to identify all of the potential hazards while developing the right control measures. The likes of machine guarding and personal protective equipment might need to be implemented in this case. It might also be a case of conducting regular safety training over the course of a few months. When constructing the factory, you need to ensure everything and everyone is in place. Create A Fantastic, Ergonomic Layout The layout plays such an important role in creating an attractive and successful factory. It needs to be ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. An ergonomic area means arranging the machinery, workstations, and storage areas to increase productivity while minimizing the risk of accidents/injuries. Create clear pathways and light up the place properly. Ensure you have enough space for emergency exits and safety equipment. Implement The Perfect Safety Tech Technology is available to everyone in this day and age – so you may as well use it to your advantage whenever you can. Installing these kinds of things within your factory can boost moods, productivity, safety, and convenience. A robust safety system that includes sensors, machine locks, and shutdown mechanisms would put your factory in a great position. The likes of advanced fire detection systems, including Hose testing, would help a lot regarding potential fire hazards. Furthermore, regular maintenance and inspections should be considered. Create A Culture Of Safety And Sense When you have a culture of safety and common sense, it makes the entire tenure so much simpler to deal with. Encouraging open communication and reporting safety concerns will allow the place to function smoothly. Regular meetings regarding safety will help to keep everyone updated when it comes to changes to the place or certain issues. A culture of safety will mean the entire place will be in better shape for the longest time.
Eye-opening new research from construction AR pioneer XYZ Reality reveals majority of UK and US construction projects are plagued by errors and rarely delivered on time. XYZ Reality[1], the world’s leading Engineering Grade Augmented Reality (AR)™ solutions provider for construction, publishes a landmark report on the major challenges facing UK and US construction and the solutions that are being used today to combat them. Carried out in partnership with market research experts OnePoll[2], the report surveyed 541 decision makers from the leading contractors in the United States and the United Kingdom, revealing the true scale of the delays and defects currently squeezing the sector’s already tight margins. The causes we myriad, with ongoing supply chain disruptions (47%), rising construction costs (44%), and collaboration (39%) ranked by company executives as the top three greatest challenges for the coming year. Poor cooperation, coordination and skills were also flagged as major internal contributing factors. Britain’s Rework Migraine The research also gives crucial insights into the root causes of project delays and rework, as well as the implications on budgets and schedule, output and client satisfaction, going on to showcase technology’s role in improving productivity. Taking a deeper dive into the UK-specific results, the findings reveal an alarmingly high number of respondents regularly miss deadlines (56%), with almost all companies polled reporting a backlog of projects. Design changes (28%), poor communication (27%) and labour shortages (23%) were the top three primary causes cited. Quality remains an issue too. A significant minority, around a quarter of respondents, consider accuracy to be only “somewhat important”, which is surprising given the UK’s recent focus on building safety, regulations and compliance. Against this context, it’s easy to see why most respondents added they frequently encounter errors leading to rework, suggesting the need to prioritize timely completion may lead some to overlook the importance of maintaining high standards. Commenting on the findings, XYZ Reality’s Founder & CEO, David Mitchell, said, “It’s incredibly concerning to see companies reporting frequent errors and project delays and is a stark reminder that we desperately need a proactive strategy and a forward-thinking approach in construction. If the industry is going to meet critical production and sustainability targets in such a challenging market, embracing digital transformation is no longer optional – it’s the essential key to unlocking productivity in the industry and dissolving the significant project backlog.” The Human Factor Exploring the numbers further, four fifths attributed poor quality assurance, error and resulting rework to human factors. Poor communication (41%), inexperienced workers (39%), insufficient supervision (32%) and design changes (30%) were consistently identified as the main reasons. Interestingly, under one in ten respondents blame ineffective technology. Error and rework can quickly ramp up project costs, leading contractors to desperately seek ways to bring down elevated construction costs. The report revealed stockpiling (72%), the tendency to change project design (65%) and reduce overhead costs (54%) to be the key ways companies are balancing the scales. Technology is another popular option for cost control, pointed to by a majority 56% of firms, reflecting growing confidence in tech as a solution to many of the challenges facing construction today. A changing tide This shift in momentum was mirrored by three fifths of respondents highlighting technology as a leading solution for addressing rework and errors. AR was particularly popular, with its versatile technology, – including, but not limited to, onsite measuring, drawing and markup tools, and camera capture and model viewer applications – reportedly used by an impressive 73% of respondents. Similarly, Engineering Grade AR is predicted to have the biggest impact on onsite productivity, spotlighted by 71% of companies. David concludes, “The UK construction sector has evidently embraced digital adoption to address these persistent issues, turning to advanced technology like Engineering Grade AR to provide a level of unparalleled accuracy and mitigate errors and delays. It’s also encouraging to see that cost and availability no longer seem to be the barriers they once were. However, as our report indicates, as good as these tools are, they’re only as good as those operating them – communication and collaboration must improve to realise their full potential to eliminate human error on-site, once and for all.” To download the research report click here[3] Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A guide to understanding construction options for low-carbon developers. Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – has launched a new guide to understanding options for timber construction. Aimed at developers, investors and policy makers, Timber Typologies outlines the variety of build options and methodologies available for low carbon timber construction and details the sort of building types each method is suitable or appropriate for. Written with Waugh Thistleton Architects, one of the leading ‘timber first’ architects’ practices in the UK, the book is intended as a primer or beginners guide to the variety of timber solutions available. It will help decision makers understand the options open to them and make the right choices to deliver the best outcomes. David Hopkins, chief executive at Timber Development UK, said: “Timber is vital when it comes to decarbonising construction. However, if it is going to realise its full potential, we can no longer talk in simple generic terms about this material. We need to be specific about the systems and approaches available and the benefits and risks each of these can bring. “We can’t make progress if clients, architects and policy makers are talking at cross purposes about what they mean when they talk about building in timber.” Alastair Ogle, associate at Waugh Thistleton Architects, and one of the lead authors of the book, said: “We still see enormous amounts of misinformation and misunderstanding when it comes to timber. Clients, local authorities and even insurers don’t seem to understand that all of these things they refer to as “timber” are in fact a wide range of completely different build systems with very different properties. “We’re committed to helping design and enable a low-carbon building revolution, but that will only come when we increase understanding across the market. We hope this will in turn increase confidence in permitting, designing, insuring and constructing the low-carbon timber buildings of the future.” Timber Typologies is the first in a trio of books aimed at increasing understanding options among the decision makers. It will be accompanied by Timber Policy – a guide to the variety of ways countries and city authorities are encouraging timber construction around the world, and Timber LCA, examining comparisons of lifecycle analysis between buildings constructed of different materials. You can download Timber Typologies for free from the Timber Development UK website.
In our modern, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the quality of the air we breathe. However, with the majority of our time spent indoors—around 90% according to recent studies—it is essential to recognise the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on our health and well-being. With Clean Air Day 2023 fast approaching on 15 June, the team at AICO Homelink wants to shed light on the significance of Indoor Air Quality and explore innovative solutions and initiatives that can help us improve the air we breathe indoors. HomeLINK is well placed to comment as it provides connected home solutions for more than 1,000 housing providers with over 220,000 connected devices providing safer, healthier homes for approximately 80,000 social residents. Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data on air quality Unlike outdoor environments, the air within our indoor spaces does not undergo the same natural renewal and replenishment processes. Substances released indoors accumulate at a much higher rate, intensifying the effects of our activities which release air pollutants. These include emissions from household cleaning products, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by furniture and building materials, the by-products of cooking and heating systems, or increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) from human and animal respiration, these factors contribute to poor IAQ. In the quest for cleaner indoor air, technology has emerged as a valuable ally. Indoor air quality IoT sensors are becoming increasingly popular, providing real-time data on air quality parameters. These sensors can measure various pollutants such as CO2, VOCs, PM, and temperature, allowing users to monitor and control their indoor environment proactively. By leveraging these sensors, individuals can gain insights into the quality of their indoor air and take appropriate measures to improve it, whether through adjusting ventilation, using air purifiers, or adopting healthier habits. Monitoring ventilation to remove stale air Monitoring ventilation levels is another critical aspect of maintaining good IAQ. Insufficient ventilation leads to a buildup of pollutants and decreases the exchange of stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. For example, the impact of gas cooking on indoor air quality has also come under scrutiny. A recent study highlighted the potential dangers of gas cooking, revealing that it releases harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can worsen respiratory conditions, trigger allergies, and even increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is essential to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with gas cooking and explore alternative cooking methods or implement measures to mitigate pollution, such as using extractor fans and improving kitchen ventilation. IoT sensors can track ventilation rates, enabling individuals to optimise airflow and ensure a healthier living environment. By understanding how ventilation affects IAQ, we can make informed decisions about improving airflow, such as opening windows, installing mechanical ventilation systems, or utilizing air purifiers with proper filtration capabilities. Understand the right to clean air Legislation and regulations also play a vital role in safeguarding indoor air quality. In the UK, Ella’s Law, inspired by the tragic death of Ella Kissi-Debrah due to air pollution, aims to reduce pollution and establishes breathing clean air as a basic human right. This landmark legislation underscores the growing recognition of the importance of clean air and highlights the need for further action to protect public health. One indoor environment that often goes unnoticed, but has a substantial effect on our day-to-day health are our bedrooms. We spend at least a third of our lives sleeping, emphasizing the need for healthy conditions in this space. Lack of proper ventilation can lead to elevated CO2 levels, which not only affect sleep quality but can also have adverse health effects. Using devices which detect the internal conditions, we can ensure adequate airflow and ventilation in our bedrooms, creating a healthier and more restful environment. Prevent additional issues like damp and mould Poor ventilation can lead to excessive moisture building up in indoor environments which, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mould, posing health risks to occupants and potential damage to the property. The presence of damp and mould, in turn, have detrimental effects on IAQ, leading to increased levels of VOCs. By regularly assessing humidity levels, temperature, and ventilation, areas prone to excessive moisture can be identified and proactive measures can be taken to address them. IAQ sensors provide real-time data on humidity and other relevant parameters, alerting occupants to potential issues before they escalate. By maintaining optimal indoor air quality, including appropriate humidity levels, adequate ventilation the formation of damp and mould can be effectively prevented, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Encouraging more government intervention Moving forward, we can expect increased awareness and prioritisation of IAQ. Organisations like DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) are actively researching and developing guidelines to address IAQ concerns and promote healthier indoor environments. The integration of IAQ considerations in building codes, standards, and health guidelines will likely become more prevalent, emphasising the importance of clean air for everyone. Evidence is mounting of the detrimental effects that hazards related to poor IAQ can have on human health and the safety of occupants. As these impacts continue to emerge, the need for monitoring the indoor environment becomes increasingly important to understand their extent and consequences. Like other safety devices such as fire and carbon monoxide detectors, IAQ sensors could become hugely important in keeping our homes healthy and safe places to live. On this Clean Air Day, let us celebrate the progress made in understanding and addressing indoor air quality issues. By recognising the impact of IAQ on our health, embracing innovative technologies like IoT sensors, and advocating for stronger regulations, we can create healthier indoor environments and ensure that the air we breathe contributes to our well-being and longevity. For more information on IoT sensors to monitor air quality, visit AICO Homelink