As the industry looks to address the gender imbalance, Jackie Maginnis was certainly ahead of her time not only as a high-profile woman in construction but also in promoting the benefits of advanced building technologies. With a long and illustrious career, more recently in the modular and portable building industry,
In today’s modern world, technology has revolutionized the way we work. From emails to project management tools, digital technology has become an essential component of any business. One of the most significant advantages of this digital transformation is its positive impact on the environment. Some of the major environmental benefits
Getting value for money is vital when purchasing a home, whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up the property ladder. New build homes are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and low maintenance. With mortgage rates climbing significantly and new builds typically fetching a higher price, it’s
Throughout the construction industry, there has been more variety in projects over recent years, with many businesses focusing on investing in newer tools to get better results. Construction businesses specialising in the B2B industry must be ready to meet modern demands and be prepared to understand niche project ideas. Following
The Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) has welcomed another major organisation to its ranks, as the successful collective continues to offer a wealth of practical support and guidance to Scotland’s building sector. The National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) becomes the first new full CICV member of 2023 and the 29th overall,
The priority for managers in charge of safety is the health and wellbeing of their employees. But, when those leaders try to implement transformational measures, getting approval for the budget needed to guarantee and improve the safety levels can prove an obstacle. Demonstrating the value of safety in an organisation
Kingspan Group, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, has today released its third annual report for its 10-year sustainability programme, Planet Passionate. 2022 marked another milestone year for the programme, as Kingspan unveiled a 26% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions relative
Barbour ABI have announced that Willmott Dixon has awarded them a multi-year contract as their exclusive construction intelligence provider following a robust process that included extensive evaluation of the market and a detailed comparison against the incumbent provider. As well as access to Barbour ABI, the market-leading construction intelligence platform,
Those responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have six months from April to register with the new Building Safety Regulator. The Building Safety Regulator was established to protect high-rise residents from unsafe building practices in England in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Under the Building
Following the government’s announcement to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory across England, ACO Water Management is supporting urban planners, architects and civil engineers to embed sustainable drainage into their designs. SuDS will become a legal requirement in 2024 after a recent government review. Making SuDS a necessary obligation aims
As the industry looks to address the gender imbalance, Jackie Maginnis was certainly ahead of her time not only as a high-profile woman in construction but also in promoting the benefits of advanced building technologies. With a long and illustrious career, more recently in the modular and portable building industry, for over 50 years she has been involved in construction related businesses. Starting her working life at SGB (Scaffolding Great Britain) in the Plant Hire Division, later transferring to SGB Rovacabin (the hire division now part of Wernick Group), Jackie held various positions from Northern Regional Manager to National Operations Manager and everything in between. It was her work involving the product design and development of modular buildings that caught the attention of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) and in 2005 she was invited to join and take up the position of Chief Executive – a role she still holds today. With a mission to develop a wider understanding of what can be achieved using volumetric modular construction, Jackie gives credit to the public sector. “As an early adopter of modern methods of construction (MMC), councils and local authorities were using volumetric modular technology across all sectors in the 70’s and 80’s particularly to cope with a rapid increase in the need for education buildings as a result of the post war baby boom. This was very much the development ground for MMC – backed by thinking way ahead of its time.” “We cannot yet claim to be ‘mainstream’, but we have seen a dramatic uptake in volumetric modular technology which is now considered as category one in the MMC Frameworks,” said Jackie. “The support for government projects, particularly in healthcare and education, has come from lobbying over the years from the MPBA and our members, to get specification and procurement changes in place. In the wake of more backing from Westminster, we have witnessed an increase in investment and modular construction frameworks across all public sector projects.” Jackie states that as the industry association, the MPBA has a mission to educate and dispel misconceptions and highlights an example. “A few years ago, there was a mistaken belief that a volumetric approach stifles design capabilities. But then new architects came to the fore that not only embraced modern methods of construction but proved without doubt the design potential of modular technology.” Jackie agrees that we have since moved on and most understand the predictability, productivity, quality and safety gains achieved in volumetric manufactured buildings. But when asked if she had any frustrations, Jackie said: “As ever ‘the devil is in the detail’ and there is still an element of confusion particularly in some areas of government and wider trade bodies which is naturally causing some disconcert within the MPBA fraternity. “This is predominately driven by a lack of understanding of the different requirements between the modular commercial and residential sectors. Policy is being dictated by the perceived growth in residential markets and then applied to the mature commercial sector – the pitfalls surrounding this approach are obvious. Then there are the global markets, particularly in the US and EU where construction methods are totally different and we cannot apply the same protocols as the UK, which is a world leader in not only volumetric modular technology but building standards. “The term ‘modern methods of construction’ was reintroduced in 2019 by Communities and Local Government following a specific commitment made in the 2017 white paper fix our broken housing. The MMC Framework that followed as a result was specifically written for large scale housing projects but has been continually implemented across the wider non-domestic sectors where modular construction techniques have matured over several years. There are significant differences in the supply chain, design factors, risk profiles and significantly, terminology used. The MPBA has released a Non-domestic Guide to Modern Methods of Construction Categories to raise awareness.” “Modular construction quite rightly has to conform to Building Regulations, so for example, combustible materials have been banned for use on the external walls of new buildings of at least 18 metres containing one or more dwellings since 2018. To our dismay a brochure promoting a trade body in the building safety arena, has an image of a timber module being craned onto about the tenth storey. Clearly not a UK development, but this lack of attention to detail, particularly by those who are involved in setting the standards, is disappointing to say the least.” After all these years in the industry, Jackie is still totally committed and fiercely passionate about representing the MPBA and its members. But when asked ‘what’s next’ Jackie said: “We need to ensure policy decisions are evidence based for the good of not only the modular industry and the wider construction sector but most importantly to ensure the best outcomes for building owners and occupiers. There is still much work to be done, so I intend to continue on my mission to promote modular for some time to come!” MPBAThe MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of volumetric modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber or steel in any size and shape to meet individual client needs while ensuring full compliance with building regulations. To discover how volumetric modular technology can benefit construction projects visit: www.mpba.biz Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In today’s modern world, technology has revolutionized the way we work. From emails to project management tools, digital technology has become an essential component of any business. One of the most significant advantages of this digital transformation is its positive impact on the environment. Some of the major environmental benefits of going digital at work include: Reduced Paper Waste The transition from paper to digital has reduced the amount of paper waste generated by businesses. In the past, offices used to consume large amounts of paper to print documents, memos, and reports. However, with the introduction of digital technology, employees can now store and share documents electronically. This has significantly reduced the need for printing and has, in turn, reduced the amount of paper waste. According to research, an average office worker in the U.S. generates about 2 pounds of paper waste per day. Multiply this by the number of workers in an office, and you can imagine the amount of paper waste generated. By going digital, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. Make the switch from a paper-wasting sticky note planning system and go digital instead. Lower Carbon Emissions The use of digital technology has also led to a reduction in carbon emissions. One of the significant contributors to carbon emissions is transportation. In the past, businesses used to transport large amounts of paper documents and products from one location to another. However, with digital technology, documents and products can be shared electronically, reducing the need for transportation. In addition to transportation, the use of digital technology has also led to a reduction in energy consumption. In the past, businesses used to consume large amounts of energy to power their offices, particularly for lighting and cooling. However, with the introduction of digital technology, businesses can reduce their energy consumption by using energy-efficient devices and systems. Reduced Energy Consumption The use of digital technology has also led to a reduction in energy consumption. In the past, businesses used to consume large amounts of energy to power their offices, particularly for lighting and cooling. However, with the introduction of digital technology, businesses can reduce their energy consumption by using energy-efficient devices and systems. For instance, businesses can use laptops and tablets instead of desktop computers, as they consume less energy. Businesses can also use cloud computing services, which are more energy-efficient than traditional servers. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. Increased Efficiency Going digital at work can also lead to increased efficiency, which can have a positive impact on the environment. By using digital tools, employees can work more efficiently, which can reduce the time it takes to complete tasks. This, in turn, can reduce the amount of time employees spend in the office, reducing the need for lighting, heating, and cooling. In addition, digital tools can help businesses streamline their operations, reducing the need for resources such as paper, ink, and storage space. By reducing the use of these resources, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. Reduced Water Usage Finally, going digital at work can also lead to a reduction in water usage. In the past, businesses used to consume large amounts of water to produce paper products. However, with the transition to digital, businesses can reduce their reliance on paper products, reducing the amount of water used. In addition, the use of digital technology can also reduce the need for physical meetings. In the past, businesses used to hold face-to-face meetings, which often required employees to travel long distances. This not only led to carbon emissions but also led to the consumption of water and other resources. By using digital tools such as video conferencing, businesses can reduce their reliance on physical meetings, reducing the need for resources such as water. Positively Impact the Environment The environmental benefits of going digital at work are numerous. By reducing paper waste, carbon emissions, energy consumption, and water usage, businesses can make a positive impact on the environment. In addition, going digital can increase efficiency, streamline operations, and reduce costs, making it a win-win situation for both the environment and the business. As we continue to advance in technology, it’s important for businesses to recognize the environmental benefits of going digital and take steps to minimize their impact on the environment. By doing so, businesses can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to a sustainable future.
Getting value for money is vital when purchasing a home, whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up the property ladder. New build homes are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and low maintenance. With mortgage rates climbing significantly and new builds typically fetching a higher price, it’s vital that you get your property for the best price and value possible. Here we’ll discuss what you should look for when buying a new build home, including ways you can reduce the price and increase its value in the long run. Compare properties Try and conduct some research and look at other properties in the area to see what the common value and space are. This could be with both older properties and new builds if the information is available. Check the price per square foot of the property and compare it with the resale market. That way you’ll be able to figure out the extent of the premium that you’ll be paying. Look around for deals Developers will often offer incentives to attract buyers as a way of differentiating themselves from other local developers. Look out for things like free parking spaces, free furnishings, upgraded kitchens, etc. Try to negotiate on the price, using any research you’ve done on cheaper properties in the area. You can do this using online sites such as Land Registry and Rightmove. The majority of deals usually take place at the end of the financial year or when there are only a few properties left on the development. If you can’t reduce the price, get them to cover your stamp duty as this will likely save you the most money. Do note that any incentives above 5% can impact the amount your mortgage provider will lend to you. Potential to add value When buying any property, it’s best to see if there’s scope to add value further down the line. This is particularly important with new builds if you plan to sell the house in the future, as they can depreciate in value once you move in. Consider if there’s the opportunity to add a loft conversion, conservatory, or even a landscape garden. You may not be in a place to afford that right now but it could be an option in the long term to attract buyers. Consider the future Future-proof your purchase by considering whether it’ll fit into your long-term plans. Do you expect to stay there for a while? Will your partner move in? Are you planning on having children? You’ll want to be living comfortably for at least a few years if you want to get your investment back or make any money from the property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Throughout the construction industry, there has been more variety in projects over recent years, with many businesses focusing on investing in newer tools to get better results. Construction businesses specialising in the B2B industry must be ready to meet modern demands and be prepared to understand niche project ideas. Following the reopening of businesses and stores after the pandemic, many construction businesses have found that they are needed once more. These projects could include helping a business expand or renovate its old premises. There are plenty of B2B projects that your construction business could assist with, depending on the requirements. You just need to ensure you have the tools to complete the job and the right team in place. It is an exciting time for construction businesses to dust off their old client list, and work with businesses in the local area once more. However, issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and increased pressure on the economy mean that your business will be looking for ways to cut project budgets and timelines. At the same time, your construction-based business still needs to have the same high standards. As you look to get in contact with other businesses and clients once more, you’ll need to find ways to reduce costs and reduce timelines where possible while still delivering a result that will boost your reputation and allow you to make great business connections. To help you work well within the B2B construction industry, we’ve put together this guide on some of the latest tools and hardware products on the market today. These cutting-edge solutions could streamline your upcoming projects for your team while still giving your clients the same high-quality results they expect. Self-Tapping Screws For projects that involve fastenings, self-tapping screws are the perfect alternative to wall plugs and traditional screws. These unique fastenings can tap their own threads into a wide range of materials. So, your team won’t need to use a plug and a screw that fits; instead, they can use one fastening for each hole. You can even get durable self-tapping screws for metal, improving efficiency and reducing the number of resources the business has to use on each project. Electric Screwdrivers The employees within your business should use modern tools to prevent hand cramps. Consider an electric screwdriver to prevent your employees from tiring and getting hand cramps. These tools are smaller than drills, so they’re easy to carry around in pockets or toolboxes. Most come with adjustable heads in various sizes and types to suit all shapes of screw, so you can use them to save time and reduce fatigue on fiddly projects. When you are using these tools, the businesses you’re working with will likely take note that you are using modern tools and that your company is applying modern methods. Laser Levels Traditional spirit levels are out, and high-tech laser levels are definitely in. These unique tools use lasers to check that structures are level, and if they’re not, they can tell you how much of an angle they currently sit at. There will likely be many B2B projects that will benefit from modern laser levels. Laser levels are often more accurate and easier to read than traditional spirit levels, so they save time and give your construction business a better result. Explore the best laser levels for construction on the market right now to find one that will suit your team and be a great addition to their toolbox. Laser Measures Another great way to use lasers is to choose a laser tape measure. These work similarly to laser levels, in that they shine a beam over a specific area until they hit a barrier. They then measure the distance for you, so there’s no leaning over and holding out a tape like with a traditional tape measure. Many laser measures can also give you measurements in multiple units of measurement, so you can adjust to meet any brief quickly. The construction industry is constantly evolving, and these innovative solutions should help you to reduce your workload and improve your output. It’s always best to contact the businesses you’re working with to find out what they expect from the project. This could dictate what tools are needed.
The Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) has welcomed another major organisation to its ranks, as the successful collective continues to offer a wealth of practical support and guidance to Scotland’s building sector. The National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) becomes the first new full CICV member of 2023 and the 29th overall, adding its weight to the collective’s existing wealth of experience and influence. Alan Wilson, CICV Chair and Managing Director of electrical trade association SELECT, said: “We are delighted to welcome the NAS, which is a trusted professional representative body with a membership spanning the length and breadth of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. “It is very gratifying that the CICV is still being sought out by organisations within the sector who want to play their part in creating a greener, fairer and more inclusive industry. “The NAS’s decision to join follows our latest initiatives including an open source Best Practice Guide and well-attended webinar, in which our experts provided information and real-life examples of how to enhance the workings of the entire contractual chain.” The NAS was established 104 years ago and, from humble beginnings, now represents a group of tried and tested contractors who work with and for each other. James Filus, Director of the NAS, said: “We are pleased to become part of an organisation which shares our ethos of working collectively in the common interest and we hope to be able to make a significant contribution to the CICV’s activities. “We are keen to bring our ideas to the table and to continue to foster the spirit of co-operation and collaboration which has proved to beneficial to the industry since the CICV was founded in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.” As well as its recent Best Practice Guide, the CICV is once again organising this year’s Green Home Festival, a five-day hybrid event as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which will focus on topics of interest to both the industry and the general public. The CICV, which changed its name from the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum last year, is now made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies. It has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The priority for managers in charge of safety is the health and wellbeing of their employees. But, when those leaders try to implement transformational measures, getting approval for the budget needed to guarantee and improve the safety levels can prove an obstacle. Demonstrating the value of safety in an organisation is not easy. That’s why Antonio Pereira, from MSA Safety, has prepared five tips for creating a business case that can effect change and help drive your safety transformation strategies forward. Tip one: Share the mission A shared safety mission does several things: It articulates the safety goals and values that should resonate throughout the company, unites workers and managers, and provides a single purpose that engages all employees. It also supplies some direction for creating a safety management system. In short, it drives safety at a company and is the first step toward creating a safe culture. A shared mission is an effective way to bring people together. The mission should be simple, straightforward, and meaningful. Fortunately, with safety, the mission is clear: “reduce risk and boost productivity.” When presenting your case in support of a transformational safety strategy, make sure everyone stays focused on the mission. Repeat it often, so that others will be able to repeat it, too. Tip two: Define and communicate the goal If you’ve ever heard the expression, “Let’s get everyone on the same page,” then you know exactly what this tip is about. As the safety professional, it’s your job to ensure that everyone understands what you’re asking for. Keep in mind that your goal is more defined than your mission. A goal is a clear and tangible achievement that supports the mission. Productivity experts suggest using SMART goals in which the goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. The point here is to encourage you to take the time to think through what you’re asking for and why, then write it out in a format that’s easily understood. Smart Goal Example: Connected Safety Program, moving to the Altair io™ 4 Tip three: Offer insight Part of building a business case for change is to inspire a mindset shift in those who are potential barriers to safety transformation. Position your case for success by educating others, giving them information about how what you’re asking for aligns with both the safety mission and overall organisational objectives. One way to help gatekeepers understand and accept the change is by sharing success stories with them. Learning of others’ success is both inspiring and informative. More importantly, it adds evidence that supports your case and, ultimately, informs the business decision. Tip four: Demonstrate the benefits Of all the tips, perhaps this is the most crucial. It’s also the most challenging. Why? Because at the heart of this tip is an idea that is likely the complete opposite of the gatekeeper’s idea about expenditures: This is an investment, not an expense. Such an investment is a business decision not a personal one, so it’s up to you to substantiate the proposal by providing appropriate facts and figures. This is the time to talk about ROI considerations, with respect to both productivity and cost. Remember, your goal is to overcome the objection about spending time and money. So, here’s an example of how to pivot the discussion from expenditure to investment using elements of The MSA Connected Work Platform, driven by the ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable. Tip five: Invest in future-forward solutions We live in a connected world and now safety has the technology that can connect workers, worksites, and workflows. Connectivity with an MSA+ subscription enables remote live monitoring, allowing managers to see all active users at any given time, including their live location gas exposures and man down alarms. The move to an MSA+ subscription provides the ability to act at speed, reducing workplace injuries and providing actionable data, so you can have a better, more proactive control of your detection programme. Build Your Case for a Connected Work Platform Having a proven plan of action based on these five tips can help you prepare for and present your case most effectively. Because you probably want to garner buy-in from others, it’s important that you prepare them for transformation by taking them on the journey to it. You know – and they soon will, too – that creating a connected safety program is not only the practical thing to do, it’s how you’ll help advance the safety mission and support organisational objectives. If you need additional insight or help in creating a stronger, proactive culture of safety and performance, learn more about MSA Connected Work Platform here or request a call back from our specialists here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingspan Group, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, has today released its third annual report for its 10-year sustainability programme, Planet Passionate. 2022 marked another milestone year for the programme, as Kingspan unveiled a 26% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions relative to its 2020 base year marking significant progress against its target of a 90% reduction by 2030, that it had completed over 100 Planet Passionate projects in 2022, and that, as of January 2023, it has implemented an internal carbon charge of 70€/tCO₂e.[2] In addition, the estimated emissions savings benefit from Kingspan insulation systems sold in 2022 is 173 milliontonnes of CO2e, enough to power a major airline for 15 years.[3] Other key highlights: The Group also continues to make efforts to progress towards its verified science-based target to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030, as it continues to pursue its decarbonisation strategy for its key raw materials from its upstream supply chain. By collaborating with suppliers on absolute carbon reductions across its value chain, Kingspan aims to reduce the carbon intensity of its key products and make progress towards its target of a 50% reduction in product CO₂e intensity from its primary supply partners by 2030. As Kingspan looks to put absolute carbon reductions at the centre of its Planet Passionate programme, the Group has introduced an internal carbon charge across its global business as of January 2023. The starting price will be 70€/tCO₂e (scope 1&2 GHG emissions, excluding process and biogenic emissions). The incorporation of Derbigum into the Kingspan Group, as part of the new Roofing and Waterproofing Division, is a notable highlight as the Group looks to lead the way in circularity in roofing and waterproofing. Derbigum’s “No Roof to Waste” enables the collection and recycling not only of production waste and cut-offs, but of old roofs, which are fully recycled; an exciting scheme which aligns with Kingspan’s portfolio of Planet Passionate programmes. The Group also completed the acquisition of Troldtekt in March 2022, a Danish producer of acoustic insulation containing wood fibre, marking Kingspan’s first significant step into the ‘bio-based insulation’ category. As in the two previous editions of the Planet Passionate Report, the Group has demonstrated substantial progress against the majority of the programme’s targets in carbon, energy, water and circularity. These include: Energy: An increase in the direct use of renewable energy from 19.5% to 33.4% relative to the 2020 base year as the Group aims to meet its target of 60% direct renewable energy by 2030. In 2022, the Group also implemented an increase in the percentage of wholly-owned facilities with solar PV up to 35.2% from 21.7% in the 2020 base year. Carbon: Significant investment in the reduction of embodied carbon in the Insulated Panels division following the launch of Quadcore LEC, a product which demonstrates a circa 17% reduction in embodied carbon (in life cycle modules A-C) when compared with the existing product. Quadcore LEC will be formally launched in the first-quarter of 2023. The Group has also seen an increase in the percentage of conversions to zero emissions company cars from 11% in the 2020 base year to 58% in 2022. Circularity: A reduction in company waste to landfill of 7,814 tonnes, as well as recycling 803 million PET bottles into its manufacturing processes in 2022 as the Group makes significant inroads into its target of 1 billion annually by 2025. Water: In 2022, the Group announced its third partnership project with clean tech start-up ClearbotTM, as it remains on track to complete five ocean clean-up projects by 2025. The Group also harvested 26.1 million litres of rainwater in 2022, an increase of 25.9% relative to the 2020 base year, as it remains on track to harvest 100 million litres annually by 2030, to help reduce the Group’s impact on local water supplies. Gene Murtagh, CEO of Kingspan Group, said: ‘As a Group, Kingspan remains steadfast in our commitment to help accelerate progress towards a net zero emissions future. In 2022, we again made significant progress towards most of our Planet Passionate targets. Since 2020, we have reduced our absolute scope 1 &2 GHG emissions by 26%, doubled our rainwater harvesting capacity and reduced our landfill waste by 42%. I am immensely proud to see our Planet Passionate programme evolving and maturing and I am confident that our talented and passionate teams across our business will do their utmost to help Kingspan play a key role in the transition to a net-zero emissions built environment.” Bianca Wong, Head of Sustainability of Kingspan Group, said: ‘As we conclude the third year of the programme, it’s fantastic to see the wholehearted commitment of our all across the Group to help achieve continued annual progress towards our ambitious Planet Passionate targets. It’s a testament to the enduring efforts of our colleagues that we completed over 100 projects in 2022. We will continue to build on our progress to date and aim to further accelerate our strategies in the coming years.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barbour ABI have announced that Willmott Dixon has awarded them a multi-year contract as their exclusive construction intelligence provider following a robust process that included extensive evaluation of the market and a detailed comparison against the incumbent provider. As well as access to Barbour ABI, the market-leading construction intelligence platform, this also includes a new suite of enterprise tools and dashboards providing insights and analysis designed to support the tier one contractor with strategic planning. Andrew Geldard, chief communications officer, Willmott Dixon commented: “Our decision to partner with Barbour ABI was based on a number of key criteria. Firstly, we required an intelligence solution that enabled our business development teams to benefit from the information provided by Barbour ABI’s service. This meant providing detailed feedback from all key stakeholders to ensure we have a bespoke service tailored to our specific requirements from a regional level through to the executive board. “Also, we were impressed with Barbour ABI’s expert support, from the needs analysis through to contract. As we navigate the current uncertain economic conditions, we are looking forward to working with an intelligence partner who will serve our needs now and into the future.” Simon Mahoney, group director at Barbour ABI said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Willmott Dixon. This is a company with such incredible heritage but also one that is ahead of its game in the way they interpret and use big data. “As the UK-market leading provider of construction intelligence and insights, we will provide unparalleled access to a data set providing key insights on their markets, competitors, and trends, and ultimately ensure their strategic planning is based on the highest quality intelligence out there. I am proud of our continued commitment and investment in creating innovative client centric solutions that are so highly regarded by organisations with the pedigree of Willmott Dixon.” Find out more about Barbour ABI at barbour-abi.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Those responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have six months from April to register with the new Building Safety Regulator. The Building Safety Regulator was established to protect high-rise residents from unsafe building practices in England in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Under the Building Safety Act, high-rise residential buildings which are 18 metres tall or higher, or at least seven storeys, with two or more residential units are defined as ‘higher-risk’. Across England there are approximately 12,500 of these buildings and the new regulator will require all of them to be registered from April 2023, with a named person responsible for maintaining their safety. A new campaign aimed at owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings will highlight their new legal duties. It will call on those responsible for the safety management of higher-risk buildings to prepare for a new wave of regulatory change to ensure that they are ready to step up and comply. The registration process is a crucial stage in setting up the new building safety regime. Registering buildings in scope will be a legal requirement and owners and managers who fail to comply by October 2023 will be investigated and may face prosecution. HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “This registration process is an important step towards building a safer future for residents of high-rise buildings. We want it to be clear where responsibility for safety in these buildings lies. “As the Building Safety Regulator, we will draw from our experience to provide guidance and oversight for the industry and lay the foundation for a world-leading building safety regime, which is a part of our mission to protect people and places.” Chief Inspector of Buildings Peter Baker said: “Our message is clear – industry must raise its standards and residents of high-rise buildings in England must be kept safe. “This is a landmark moment for building safety, the information provided through registration will be an invaluable part of our crackdown on unsafe building practices. Those who are responsible for high-rise residential buildings must register; failure to do so will be against the law.” Building registration is a major step in a package of measures to ensure high-rise residential buildings are safe for residents and users. It follows the introduction of Planning Gateway One in August 2021 and will be followed by more robust building control of high-rise developments, and the certification of occupied high-rise buildings by the new Regulator. A campaign will run throughout March to help owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings prepare for their legal responsibilities. For more information, go to buildingsafety.campaign.gov.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the government’s announcement to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory across England, ACO Water Management is supporting urban planners, architects and civil engineers to embed sustainable drainage into their designs. SuDS will become a legal requirement in 2024 after a recent government review. Making SuDS a necessary obligation aims to help further reduce surface water flooding and water pollution, and lower the pressure on sewerage systems that often get overwhelmed in heavy rainfall events. Regulations and processes are currently being established but SuDS are expected to be compulsory for any new development, building or structure over 100sqm. It is anticipated that SuDS plans will need to be submitted to SuDS Approvals Bodies (SABs), which will fall under the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). However, ACO Water Management, a leading drainage and water management manufacturer, warns firms not to delay in acting. Instead, it advises to start planning ahead now for the incoming changes, especially given a knowledge and skills gap across the industry. Sam Hawkins, National Specification Manager at ACO, said: “This rule change by the government is a welcome one and will help to address the challenges we’ve seen recently with flooding. More importantly, mandatory SuDS will ensure we can start to mitigate the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. “While it seems far off, it’s vital that everybody within the construction industry pulls together now rather than ‘wait and see’, otherwise we could see residential and commercial projects being held up and exacerbating current issues we’re seeing in the sector. This is especially as we know from our own research that there are different levels of awareness around SuDS requirements, and how to implement SuDS that perform well. At ACO, we’re here to help overcome these challenges, and our team is ready to help with design and specification to ensure compliance.” The new regulations will come about through implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which is already in force in Wales. However, as reported by Planning Resource, the. In a recent report by ACO, titled Highway Drainage: The Route to Surface Water Management, it found similar conclusions in a survey of 100 infrastructure and highways engineers, including: “It is great to see the government acknowledging the difference SuDS can make and taking the necessary steps to protect properties and natural habitats. There is much work to do, so it’s vital that water management suppliers assist in the journey,” said Sam. “We encourage all key stakeholders to come to us if they have questions in creating sustainable drainage systems, and at ACO, we have an entire portfolio of drainage and water management solutions to assist in any scheme. Alongside this, engineers can access our free-to-use tools like our QuAD design software, and our colleagues are on hand to ensure we can provide the support required.” To find out more about ACO Water Management and to read its highways drainage report, please visit https://www.aco.co.uk/the-route-to-surface-water-management-report Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
