David Johnson, UK Pre-construction Director at Volumetric Building Companies, shares his thoughts on the future of offsite construction in the UK and the urgent need for change. The UK Government has made no secret of the need for faster, higher quality, and more predictable construction solutions in every sector –
Taking on any home improvement project comes with a set of jargon not many new homeowners know of. Among the different terms present, the most important one is “roofing square.” The roofing industry uses this as a unit of measurement. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the measurement process. We’ll cover
With an increase in the built urban environment over the UK and plans to build 300,000 new homes every year, the permeable land across the country is diminishing, meaning surface runoff water is overwhelming drainage pipes. What, if anything, can new homes and commercial property developers, local authorities, and planners
Nuggets from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with West Midlands builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects attending LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which covers part L, will be
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have jointly published a free guide to managing Safety-Critical Elements (SCEs) in building construction, for their members and the wider built environment sector. The Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction helps to identify high-risk elements in and around buildings. It outlines systems
BSI, in its role as the National Standards Body (NSB), today announces the launch of the revised carbon management standard, PAS 2080:2023, designed to help built environment organizations accelerate progress to a sustainable world by reducing their carbon emissions. The scope of the standard has expanded to accelerate progress with
Employees, especially in open-plan offices, often complain of increased fatigue and concentration problems. Daily noise from conversations, phones, keyboard sounds, and printers has a negative effect on mood and productivity. That’s why many companies are already thinking about how they can quiet offices and provide space for employees to perform
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
David Johnson, UK Pre-construction Director at Volumetric Building Companies, shares his thoughts on the future of offsite construction in the UK and the urgent need for change. The UK Government has made no secret of the need for faster, higher quality, and more predictable construction solutions in every sector – from schools and hospitals to housing. And there is a considerable drive for a unified platform design and a greater level of standardisation across the modular industry. In recent years, there have been multiple attempts to drive standards in offsite construction with the use of specialist MMC procurement frameworks developed by the Department for Education, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. Whilst these client-led attempts to introduce standardisation have been very welcome, they just haven’t gone far enough. Too many requirements have been left open to interpretation, leading to the introduction of a host of similar but different types of building solutions. To exacerbate the problem, as each scheme percolates through the various stages of procurement, the sustained tinkering by building designers, cost consultants and local authority planners and building control, combine to completely erode the strategic ambition for an increased level of standardisation to improve the efficiency and quality of project delivery. Traditional in-situ methods of construction have to adhere to standardisation through compliance with Building Regulations. This gives clients the vital confidence that the contractor will deliver the project to the required standard – and if not, that it will be rectified. The offsite sector absolutely MUST come together to agree a truly universal standard against which compliance can be measured and assured. Many modular manufacturers are simply selling their own ‘platform solutions’ in an attempt to ‘capture the zeitgeist’, when in fact they are promoting their own system completely independently and calling it a platform. A genuine platform solution has to embrace and represent the whole MMC sector. How to Foster Greater Confidence in Modular Technology With the unfortunate demise of some big industry names in recent months, the time for pride and individual business trailblazing has passed. We need to come together as an industry and provide a unified solution that will foster a much great level of confidence in modular technology and in the built solutions. And if we don’t achieve this? The UK Government will lose faith and volumetric MMC as a viable building solution will be set back 20 years. Let’s be honest, what we do is not rocket science. We do not use space age materials or really cutting-edge technology. What we do is apply well-managed processes and robust control systems to the historically chaotic and continually bespoke world of construction. Eroding Strategic Ambition There are many other intrinsic benefits of modular solutions that provide really persuasive arguments for its use over traditional in-situ building methods – from reduced material waste, improved safety on site, consistent delivery on time and budget, shorter build programmes to less disruption and enhanced thermal performance. However none of these advantages are dependent on the need to protect new or innovative technology. Beyond the box, it really doesn’t matter what happens inside. Does the colour of the seat fabric or the quality of an in-car entertainment system affect the legal compliance or reliability of a new car? Is it really worth the effort of protecting a particular modular solution that is only a slight variation on a theme? Our industry has to pool its expertise and collaboratively develop a regulatory compliant genuine ‘white box’ standard that we can all support, promote and take to Government as a truly game changing platform design solution. Without that, we risk remaining a niche specialism rather than a universally adopted construction standard. www.vbc.co/uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taking on any home improvement project comes with a set of jargon not many new homeowners know of. Among the different terms present, the most important one is “roofing square.” The roofing industry uses this as a unit of measurement. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the measurement process. We’ll cover everything you need to know about roofing squares and how you can calculate the square footage of your roof using this measurement process too. Whether you want to invest in a new roof or want to get a free estimate for a roof repair due to severe storm damage, knowing what the total square footage of your roof is can save you a lot of time and money. What Does a Roofing Square Mean? In the roofing industry, a roofing square is a common unit of measurement used to calculate the number of shingles needed for a roof repair project. In general, one roof square equals 100 square feet (10 x 10 feet). It doesn’t matter whether you have a gable roof, hip roof, low slope roof, or pitched roof – this measuring method works for all of them! Best of all, it will save you a lot of time and money since you don’t always have to rely on roofing companies, even for the most basic tasks. How to Determine Total Square Footage of a Roof First things first, make sure you can safely get to your roof alone. If that’s not possible, contact us, and we’ll have a professional roofer sent to your house. Next, you’ll need to gather a few supplies to measure your entire roof: Every roofing system has a particular number of planes covering it per square foot. Calculate the roof planes – flat roofs have only one, a gable roof will have two, and so on. Hip and ridge shingles usually have four planes. In general, the more details your roof area has, the more planes it will have too. Next, you have to measure the length and width of each plane and then multiply the two numbers to get the square footage of that specific plane. Use an online calculator to calculate the length and width to get accurate results. Here are two examples: Multiply the length and width of each plane first (for the entire roof). Once you’re done multiplying, add the total square footage of all the roof planes together. This is what it should look like: This part is for figuring out exactly how many squares your roof already has. Once you’re done adding the totals together, divide the result by 100. In this case, 2,304 square feet of roof area divided by 100 equals 23.04 squares. On the other hand, 2,520 square feet divided by 100 equals 25.2 squares. It’s important to check the type of roof slope of your property to see how steep the structure is. In general, the steeper the roof, the more squares and roofing materials you will need to get. As a result, the cost will increase too. You can run the numbers through a shingle calculator to determine the vertical rise of your roof’s surface. Typically, a roof rises upward for every 12 inches it expands horizontally. In this case, if the vertical rise in your roof is 5 inches, the roof slope will be 5:12. It’s always a good idea to add 10% to your roof’s total calculations just to make up for errors during installation. Do You Have to Calculate the Number of Roofing Shingles Too? Many homeowners think they have to calculate the number of shingles per square if they need a new roof replacement too. However, we’re here to demystify that. In reality, you can find high-quality shingles in packaged bundles in different hardware stores. You can also contact a reliable roofing company to see if they offer such products. Roofing experts can also tell you how many shingle bundles you might need to cover per square foot/area. In general, three large bundles of asphalt shingles usually make up a single roofing square. Contact a Roofing Company for Expert Advice There’s no need to worry if you can’t calculate the square footage of your roofing structure. First-time homeowners might struggle more than others, which is why it’s essential to contact a professional for the job. Expert roofing contractors can do the hard work for you while also teaching you how to conduct roof maintenance effectively. They will also be able to tell you whether your roof needs a general repair or a complete replacement following the aftermath of a serious storm. Our company, for example, can provide you with the following services: In short, having an expert team of roofers to measure your roof can save you time and money. Also, a professional contractor will have the necessary tools and know-how to accurately measure your roof and provide you with a precise calculation. Additionally, by working with a certified roofer, you will be able to benefit from regular professional advice and recommendations to help you maintain your roof’s health and stability. Conclusion Figuring out the exact square footage of your roof is not as difficult as it seems. The key is to be precise with measurements and to use the right calculation technique. Contact our team for a free estimate, and let us know what you need for your home improvement project. We are committed to providing unparalleled service to all our clients! goldenheightsroofing.com can also help you choose the best roofing materials and repair or replace your roof quickly and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we’ll be more than happy to help. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With an increase in the built urban environment over the UK and plans to build 300,000 new homes every year, the permeable land across the country is diminishing, meaning surface runoff water is overwhelming drainage pipes. What, if anything, can new homes and commercial property developers, local authorities, and planners be putting in place to alleviate the strain? Here Raj Somal, Director at the sustainable engineering consultancy, Dice, explores why the UK needs to invest in SuDS. Over the last six years there has been considerable investment in protecting property from the risk of flooding. Government investment between 2015 – 2021 of £2.6 billion has seen over 314,000 homes become better protected with more than 850 new flood and coastal erosion defence projects completed. It’s suggested that this work is estimated to have reduced national flood risk by five percent. But for homeowners living in at risk areas, does this offer enough reassurance that the issue of flooding is being taken as seriously as it should? And is investing in SuDS, Sustainable Drainage Systems, the way we should be going? SuDS mimic natural water systems and are an efficient way to manage surface water drainage. Here at Dice, we’re committed to the UK investment in SuDS. SuDS are designed with four key components in mind – water quality, water quantity, amenity, and biodiversity. By designing SuDS which follow these four pillars, they will effectively be used to control, absorb, and treat surface runoff. They are specifically designed to not cause an eyesore to the area, and are integrated through strategic development and planning into the local landscape. SuDS can be underground and overground, but it’s those on the surface which provide the most opportunity and benefits for treating surface runoff within the built environment. There are several different types of SuDS which are slowly being implemented across the UK, for both larger and smaller scale projects. For example, detention basins are storage basins covered in vegetation to capture and store run-off which is then slowly discharged via a restricted outfall, reducing the impact on drainage features downstream. On a smaller scale, swales are shallow, flat bottomed, vegetated open channels designed to convey, treat, and often attenuate surface water runoff. But why do these urban drainage systems need to be as sustainable as possible? We recognise the importance of protecting our natural environment, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that the UK must protect its existing resources. One of which is water. Implementing SuDS into the UK’s built environment will allow us to truly make the most of surface water run-off which would otherwise be wasted. SuDS offer great advantages to the local landscape, vegetation, and wildlife, whilst also helping to reduce the impact of ever growing concerns of flooding. . SuDS can provide better quality spaces to the newly built environment whilst simultaneously being advantageous for the climate and biodiversity of the UK by managing, absorbing and controlling water surface run-off. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nuggets from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with West Midlands builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects attending LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Wednesday April 19. The event, aimed at LABC members in the West Midlands, is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the fifth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. Delegates drawn from building, specification, building control and architecture backgrounds will be treated to a selection of modules which between them will offer two hours of CPD training. The face-to-face options equate to three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer 20 minutes of insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform delegates. Actis’ contribution will focus on insulation to meet the new tighter Building Regulations Part L requirements, while other experts will talk on issues such as warranty defects. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. The Zoom doors open at 11am and close at 1pm. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have jointly published a free guide to managing Safety-Critical Elements (SCEs) in building construction, for their members and the wider built environment sector. The Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction helps to identify high-risk elements in and around buildings. It outlines systems that should be adopted to ensure that SCEs are properly incorporated and will serve as an important tool to ensure good practice and deliver safe, high-quality buildings. The joint guide recognises the cross-industry need for a rigorous and structured approach to the design, construction and inspection of safety-critical building elements. The guide highlights elements that, if omitted or installed incorrectly, can pose significant risk to people in and around buildings, including: CIOB past President Paul Nash, who chaired the Safety-Critical Elements working group, said: “At its heart, this guide is about ensuring that the buildings we create are safe for those who use them. That means ensuring every element that goes into a building is designed and installed correctly and this is independently verified before a building is occupied. The guide is another step towards creating a safer built environment.” Former President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) and current member of RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety Professor John Cole CBE said: “This guide is a spur to the industry. We have seen much evidence showing how poorly Safety-Critical Elements have been installed in too many buildings. We all have to stand up, be serious and take appropriate responsibility. We want to push the industry to ensure that, on every project, all SCEs that could potentially impact the safety of future building users are properly designed, installed and inspected, with supporting evidence of compliance.” Download the Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BSI, in its role as the National Standards Body (NSB), today announces the launch of the revised carbon management standard, PAS 2080:2023, designed to help built environment organizations accelerate progress to a sustainable world by reducing their carbon emissions. The scope of the standard has expanded to accelerate progress with a move from ambition into action on decarbonization, by detailing steps to reduce the carbon footprint of both buildings and infrastructure over the whole lifecycle of an asset. The new standard, developed with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Green Construction Board (GCB), covers everything from the materials to design, construction, and the use of a structure, including demolition and disposal. In addition to demonstrating how to integrate carbon management into decision-making from the earliest origins of projects through to end of life, PAS 2080 is designed to support organizations with reviewing their carbon emissions by encouraging early collaboration between project parties. This involves setting out roles and responsibilities to maintain a low carbon focus throughout. The updated specification includes methods for all organizations involved in a built environment project to understand the impact of their activities on their wider network, revealing interdependencies that could influence and support decarbonization across built environment systems. Anthony Burd, Associate Director and Head of Built Environment at BSI said: “The original standard on carbon management has been well used within the built environment and this update is designed to further empower behavioural change on carbon reduction by helping organizations recognize and respond to the urgency for climate action. “We are delighted to be introducing this specification for the decarbonization of buildings and infrastructure to the built environment sector and would like to thank all those organizations that have been involved. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this will have on accelerating the reduction of carbon emissions, ultimately bringing wider benefit to society.” PAS 2080 has been sponsored by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Green Construction Board (GCB), enabling the standard to be offered free of charge. An updated Guidance document, also published today, offers a range of case studies where the standard has been applied, and provides worked examples to further assist organizations with the application and integration of PAS 2080. Keith Howells, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers , said: “As civil engineers and technicians, we are at the forefront when tackling global challenges, such as enabling a cleaner, greener, more resilient future in the face of the climate and nature emergency. PAS 2080 sets out a strategic approach to empowering countries, cities and communities to reduce carbon emissions and reach net zero. “In sponsoring this standard, the ICE wanted to remove financial barriers to organisations accessing this important guidance on how they can build decarbonisation into procurement. “By implementing the advice set out in PAS 2080, we can inspire behavioural change and accelerate the pace of change as we take a systems-based approach to design, construction and operation of the low-carbon solutions of tomorrow.” Chris Newsome, Chair of the Infrastructure Working Group, Green Construction Board, said: “This revised PAS 2080 standard recognises the need to consider carbon reduction at a systems level, across the entire built environment sector. “The emphasis on considering climate and environmental resilience within the carbon-management and decision-making process will help the industry better meet the needs of society now and in the future. “PAS 2080 gives organisations and individuals the knowledge required to play their part in responding to the climate emergency.” For further information on PAS 2080, visit: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/pas-2080/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Employees, especially in open-plan offices, often complain of increased fatigue and concentration problems. Daily noise from conversations, phones, keyboard sounds, and printers has a negative effect on mood and productivity. That’s why many companies are already thinking about how they can quiet offices and provide space for employees to perform their duties comfortably and productively. Several solutions are available to minimize noise in the workplace and create spaces that are effectively isolated from their surroundings. Read the article and learn how to provide pleasant acoustics for work. In the office like a beehive – what are the sources of noise in the company? In large corporate spaces and open-plan offices, various types of noise make it difficult to work efficiently. The noise comes not only from phone calls or lively discussions. It has four sources: The permissible noise level in the office is regulated by the PN-N-01307:1994 standard. According to this, it should not exceed: In search of silence – how to deal with noise in the work environment? Today’s range of office equipment provides many ways to reduce noise in the workplace. There are office walls with sound-dampening properties, panels and mats, as well as modern and multifunctional Hushoffice acoustic booths . With them, everyone can find a solution that suits their needs and significantly improves the comfort of the office. Proper positioning of desks vs. noise Too small spacing between desks can lead to increased noise and unnecessary disturbance to other workers. The optimal distance between workstations should be at least 1.5 meters. If it is closer, acoustic panels can be considered. It’s also a good idea to move or separate desks from noise sources such as printers, shredders and air conditioners. Properly setting up workstations is a compromise between providing privacy and the ability to communicate. Organize places for teams to meet Team meetings are part of the daily routine in many companies. If adequate space for meetings is unavailable, they can negatively affect the noise level in the office and the comfort of others. Consider a separate room or the use of special hushAccess.L conference booths for holding meetings and business talks in a quiet and private atmosphere. Depending on the chosen configuration, they can accommodate up to 6 people. The interior is equipped with electrical outlets and USB ports for charging mobile devices, as well as a ventilation system to ensure adequate air circulation. Installation of hushAccess.L acoustic booths is very simple and fast. The right place to make phone calls Nowadays, working in an office requires communicating with clients and colleagues remotely. However, making phone calls in open spaces can be problematic due to ambient noise and interference with others. The solution is to set aside special zones for this purpose. These can be well soundproofed rooms close to workstations so that you can quickly walk to them, or hushPhone soundproof phone booths . This type of solution not only enhances convenience, but also helps maintain the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive phone calls. Arranging a quiet zone To ensure proper acoustic conditions, consider arranging a quiet zone. Such a space allows employees to isolate themselves from their surroundings and focus on work that requires a lot of concentration. The quiet zone can consist of several individual workstations or modern acoustic booths for individual work. Inside the booth are special materials that absorb sound and prevent noise from spreading outside. Green walls versus noise Greenery in the office not only brings a pleasant atmosphere and aesthetics to the interior, but also helps reduce noise. Plants absorb sound, as well as help reduce stress levels and improve air quality. GreenWalls are the perfect complement to acoustic booths and are in line with a biophilic design, which is gaining great popularity.
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