The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has just announced the launch of a design competition following the ‘Competitive Procedure with Negotiation’ on behalf of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The competition is seeking an architect to design the Fleming Centre, a Life Sciences facility that will be located on
CBRE’s Scottish headquarters has been awarded WELL Certification™ at Platinum Level, recognising the global real estate advisor’s commitment to promoting employee wellbeing. The ground floor office at 177 Bothwell Street in Glasgow is the first project in the UK to be certified under the newest version (WELL version 2) of
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. Now in their third year, the awards showcase the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire
A Bellway site manager from Newcastle who returned to the construction industry after a spell in the Royal Navy has won a prestigious national award. Darren Best received a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual Pride in the Job competition for his work at The View
OryxAlign wins Managed Services Project of the Year at the IT Europa Awards 2024 London-based managed IT services provider (MSP), OryxAlign has won Managed Services Project of the Year at the prestigious IT Europa Channel Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on June 26, 2024. The
Organisers of UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, have sent their congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on last night’s General Election victory – along with an open invitation to this autumn’s show. UKCW Birmingham (NEC, 1-3 October) has invited the new Prime Minister to
As the use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites increases, so does the need for effective fire safety measures to handle the unique challenges they present. Here, Daniel Robins, projects director at CheckFire, explores the increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and the appropriate safety measures construction managers need to
A comprehensive new, free online centre of building safety information has launched this month to help promote increased awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings in the UK. The Building Safety Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual
The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was delighted to attend and host a stand at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on the 20-22nd May. While the event provided an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of attendees, it also revealed continued gaps in knowledge about sprinkler
Green or Living Walls are becoming a familiar feature of the built environment. Often incorporated as components of newer and more sustainable construction projects, they provide a visible statement of green intent and benefit city biodiversity, air purity, thermal environment, and noise abatement, and are of proven benefit to wellbeing
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has just announced the launch of a design competition following the ‘Competitive Procedure with Negotiation’ on behalf of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The competition is seeking an architect to design the Fleming Centre, a Life Sciences facility that will be located on the St. Mary’s Hospital site in Paddington, London. The Centre will be at the heart of the global Fleming Initiative, an innovative and collaborative new approach led by the Trust and Imperial College London, with HRH Prince of Wales as its patron, to tackle anti-microbial resistance (AMR) around the world. At the Fleming Centre, scientists will work alongside clinicians, patients, members of the public and policy makers to scope, test and scale solutions. Consequently, the building should be purposefully designed to encourage the public to engage with world-leading science, policy and behavioural change research, ensuring new solutions work for local contexts. The Centre is due to open at St Mary’s hospital in 2028, helping mark the centenary of the discovery of Penicillin at the hospital by Sir Alexander Fleming. It will be the first new building to open on the St Mary’s site in the coming years, as plans for the wider redevelopment of the whole hospital site continue to progress. Professor Tim Orchard, Chief Executive, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said: “The launch of the RIBA design competition marks an exciting milestone for the Fleming Centre and St Mary’s hospital more widely. This state-of-the-art facility will not only honour the legacy of Alexander Fleming and St Mary’s as the birthplace of penicillin but also spearhead the fight against antimicrobial resistance through groundbreaking research and public engagement. We are looking forward to collaborating with visionary architects to create a centre that will inspire and facilitate global change in healthcare. It will also be the first completed building in the redeveloped St Mary’s hospital, demonstrating our vision to protect St Mary’s position as a world-class trauma hospital and a centre for life-saving research.” Applications are invited in accordance with the requirements set out in the briefing document and selection questionnaire. Further information can be found on the competition webpage including a link to register. The deadline for receipt of applications is 7 August 2024 at 12:00 BST. It is anticipated that up to five teams will be shortlisted and invited to participate in the design phase of the competition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE’s Scottish headquarters has been awarded WELL Certification™ at Platinum Level, recognising the global real estate advisor’s commitment to promoting employee wellbeing. The ground floor office at 177 Bothwell Street in Glasgow is the first project in the UK to be certified under the newest version (WELL version 2) of the International WELL Building Institute’s standard. Designed with the health and wellbeing of employees at its heart, CBRE’s workspace includes a choice of standard and standing desks to help improve posture, incentivise movement and reduce back pain, as well as plants to increase biophilic connection, and access to free fresh fruit and vegetables. A multi-purpose room offers a comfortable place for team members to take a break, recharge and connect with colleagues, and there are huddle boards to encourage collaboration. The office also benefits from the building’s rooftop running track, spa quality changing facilities and cycling racks. Running through the office entrance is a rammed earth wall that follows the soil stratification underneath the city, celebrating the nature and culture of the office location and connecting tenants and guests with the heritage of the site. David Smith, CBRE’s Managing Director in Scotland, said: “Being awarded a platinum award is a fantastic achievement and comes just months after we received a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainability. “These awards reflect the tireless work and determination of the team in Glasgow to create a workplace that is not only good for the planet but for also for the health and mental wellbeing of everyone who works here. “The world of work has changed since the pandemic and it has never been more important to create inspiring ‘destination’ workplaces, which encourage collaboration, creativity and a sense of community. We hope 177 Bothwell Street will become a flagship for office design not just in Glasgow but across the UK.” The WELL platinum rating was based on several health and wellbeing criteria, including air and water quality, nutrition, lighting, thermal and acoustic comfort, material selection, mental health support and a focus on building a sense of community. This is the second WELL Certified Platinum CBRE building in the UK. Its London headquarters, Henrietta House, was awarded Platinum certification in March 2023, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the organisation to its people’s health. CBRE’s ESG, Design Hub, GWS and Project Management teams worked together to ensure that sustainability and wellbeing strategies were seamlessly integrated into the design, construction and operations of 177 Bothwell Street. Giuliano Camerini, Senior Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing Consultant, ESG Consultancy at CBRE, said: “CBRE’s Glasgow office showcases the future of workspace design. The wellbeing journey here prioritises occupants and the environment, creating a dynamic and thriving space for everyone who uses it. “This achievement serves as a prime example of CBRE leading the way for sustainable and healthy office environments and showcases the best in class workplace solutions our teams can provide to clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. Now in their third year, the awards showcase the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire others, and demonstrating that the sector is open to everyone. The shortlist features women across each of five categories, with the final Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction being unveiled at the Awards later this year hosted by National Federation of Builders in Birmingham. The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while also highlighting how the industry supports and values equality. Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement at CITB, said: “We are thrilled to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry. Celebrating their achievements with the Top 100 Women in Construction honours not only their hard work but also inspires others and future generations. Together, we’re showcasing what’s possible for women in construction today and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. The Women in Construction awards highlight those leading our industry and those actively supporting a more diverse sector through their dedication and advocacy.” Richard Beresford, Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “This is the third year of these Awards and our first collaboration with CITB, which has led to a surge in nominations. The independent judges have worked tirelessly to create this competitive shortlist. Many of our previous winners highlight the significant impact these awards have had on their careers, emphasising their importance. It’s crucial that we continue to see them grow from strength to strength. This year’s awards promise to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together an impressive line-up of past winners and future leaders in construction to share the stage and accolades.” The Top 100 categories and shortlisted candidates are: Taking place on the 30 September at the Burlington Hotel prior to UK Construction Week, tables and seats at the awards can now be booked to celebrate and honour the outstanding individuals. CITB is committed to delivering a series of fully funded workshops as part of its agenda to support women and allies to thrive in the construction industry. The initial workshop, “Owning your success”, on 31 July 2024, is designed to help people to recognise and celebrate their achievements, providing practical tools and a community of support. The programme series continues 29 October 2024 with a session focused on the value and importance of allyship. You can find out more about the workshop on Eventbrite. Read the full shortlist of the 2024 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction here: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/top-100-most-influential-women-in-construction-2024/shortlist/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Bellway site manager from Newcastle who returned to the construction industry after a spell in the Royal Navy has won a prestigious national award. Darren Best received a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual Pride in the Job competition for his work at The View at Abbey Heights development in Callerton. The 33-year-old is one of just 449 site managers from across the UK to receive the accolade. Ten per cent of the winners in the annual competition were from Bellway. The father-of-two was selected from a pool of more than 8,000 site managers whose developments have been inspected by the NHBC over the past year, placing them among an elite group within the industry. Darren said: “It is a huge honour to win this prestigious award from such a respected organisation as the NHBC. It may sound like a cliché but this really is an accolade which has been earned by the whole team, with a special mention for my assistant site manager Craig Carter, whose help has been vital. “This is the first Pride in the Job award I have won and Craig and myself are determined that it won’t be my last. My motto in life is that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well and it is great that everyone in the team buys into that philosophy.” Darren first went into the construction industry when he started work at a building company as a joinery apprentice at the age of 17. “I went in straight from school and qualified as a joiner after three years but suddenly fancied a career change, so I joined the Royal Navy,” he said. “After five years, I wanted to get married, settle down and have a family so I decided it would be better to leave the Navy and get back into the building industry. “I went for a job as a joiner but the management team thought that with my experience in the Services I should start as a trainee assistant site manager. Within a year I was promoted to assistant site manager and three years after that I was made site manager. “I joined Bellway in 2021 as a site manager and have never looked back. I was delighted to be given the job of being in charge of the second phase of The View at Abbey Heights, where we have completed building 24 four and five-bedroom houses. It was really satisfying to be working on a collection of executive homes, which look incredible now that we have finished.” As a Quality Award winner, Darren, who is now in charge at Bellway’s neighbouring Abbey Heights development, is automatically entered into the next stage of the competition – the NHBC’s Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards, which will be awarded later in the year. The NHBC runs the Pride in the Job awards annually and every site registered with them is automatically entered into the competition. Each site manager is judged on a wide range of aspects of their work including attention to detail, leadership, technical expertise and health and safety. Dan Walker, Construction Director for Bellway North East, said: “The Pride in the Job Quality Awards are rightly held in high regard nationally as everyone in the industry knows just how hard it is to win this accolade. “The judging is incredibly rigorous, which means that winning the award is testament to the quality of the homes being built at The View at Abbey Heights. “I would like to congratulate Darren and every member of the fabulous site team for their achievement and wish them all the best for the next stage of the competition in the autumn.” For more information Bellway developments in the North East, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OryxAlign wins Managed Services Project of the Year at the IT Europa Awards 2024 London-based managed IT services provider (MSP), OryxAlign has won Managed Services Project of the Year at the prestigious IT Europa Channel Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on June 26, 2024. The award recognises the firms successful work in improving cybersecurity for its clients in the property and construction sectors. Now in its 16th year, the IT Europa Channel Awards recognises excellence from across the European IT channel ecosystem. It encompasses managed service providers, solution providers, vendors, distributors and other channel partners who deliver exceptional results for their clients. All submissions are judged by an expert industry panel that assess criteria such as clarity, quality, uniqueness and value. OryxAlign was awarded The Managed Services Project of the Year prize for its work with one of the UK’s largest commercial property development companies. For this project, OryxAlign bolstered the customer’s cyber security posture across a portfolio of 32 buildings, aligning its infrastructure with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework. OryxAlign resolved over 400 critical issues across the customer’s portfolio of buildings, significantly reducing the cyber security risks. “Vulnerability scanning across the client’s network revealed inherent problems that had to be addressed systematically in line with NIST frameworks,” explained Peter Schwartz, senior technology consultant at OryxAlign. “We updated the client’s systems, networks, critical devices and firmware, and also performed hundreds of network infrastructure and firewall changes, including on OT devices such as CCTV and access controls. “We provided training for the client’s technical and operational staff, equipping them with the skills to effectively manage the new processes on an ongoing basis. We were also invited to conduct additional cybersecurity awareness sessions for all its staff beyond those linked to the project,” concluded Schwartz. Post-implementation, all new devices were added to OryxAlign’s managed IT services framework, including the new cyber security platforms. Ultimately, OryxAlign’s work gives the client better control and visibility over its network, leading to a more secure, stable and manageable IT environment. “In recent years, cybersecurity has become an increasingly pressing concern for businesses operating in key industries like property and construction,” added Carl Henriksen, CEO of OryxAlign. “This latest award win demonstrates that we are well placed to help businesses in these sectors and more overcome challenges relating to cyber security. Our approach goes beyond a simple transactional relationship with customers, we are trusted advisors they can count on to support them throughout their IT journey.” To find out more about how OryxAlign can support your managed services project needs and its cyber security training programmes, visit https://www.oryxalign.com
Organisers of UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, have sent their congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on last night’s General Election victory – along with an open invitation to this autumn’s show. UKCW Birmingham (NEC, 1-3 October) has invited the new Prime Minister to not only speak at the three-day event, but hear first-hand from industry leaders on the issues they are currently facing, and how the new Labour government can best support a sector that employs over 1.5 million people and contributes more than £130 billion to the UK economy. At UKCW Birmingham, Sir Keir will have the opportunity to speak to a wide range of professionals from the industry, including architects, contractors, designers, planners, surveyors, and key national house builders, including Berkeley Group, Barratt Developments, Persimmon Homes and Bellway. Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented: “We would like to congratulate Sir Keir and his party on last night’s victory, and would like to extend an invitation for him and his new Cabinet to come to the NEC in October and hear how they can help our sector over the next five years and beyond. “The theme for UKCW Birmingham 2024 is ‘Growth’, and we hope the new Labour government will quickly set to work on delivering on its manifesto promises on homebuilding, fast track approvals of urban brownfield sites and updating the National Policy Planning Framework.” With its reputation for networking and knowledge sharing, organisers of UKCW Birmingham asked its 2024 Role Models nominees what they would do if they became prime minister. Insightful responses included: Paula McMahon – Honorary Professor of Teesside University (Icon nominee) Kevin Pratt – Director, Purehaus (Pioneer nominee) Rekiya Shodunke, Apprentice Technical Coordinator, Berkeley Group (Rising Star nominee) UKCW Birmingham’s own election wishlist addresses three core topics – mental health, skills and planning: Opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of Turkey, China and India. The multi award-winning show will feature over 200 exhibitors. 300-plus seminars, CPD sessions and workshops, and over 300 thought leaders and keynote speakers. To find out more and register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://ukcw-birmingham-2024.reg.buzz/cabpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites increases, so does the need for effective fire safety measures to handle the unique challenges they present. Here, Daniel Robins, projects director at CheckFire, explores the increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and the appropriate safety measures construction managers need to take to ensure property and lives are protected. With the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in modern devices, the risk of fire incidents has become a pressing concern. This type of battery can power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, and industrial equipment – including that found on construction sites, where rechargeable electric devices are commonly used and stored.In the UK, fire services responded to 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 compared to 2022. This surge underscores the urgency for construction sites to be adequately prepared to address these fires. As set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), all responsible person(s) have a legal duty to provide and maintain satisfactory fire precautions – including the consideration of lithium-ion batteries in all fire risk assessments. Lithium-ion battery fires are typically caused by thermal runaway and catastrophic battery failure. Overcharging, overheating, physical damage, or internal malfunctions can all trigger these dangerous events. Once a battery ignites, the fire rapidly propagates across all the cells and results in explosion, causing significant property damage and posing serious risks to lives. To mitigate these risks, construction managers must implement robust fire safety protocols tailored to the unique nature of lithium-ion battery fires. Implementing fire safety measures First and foremost, staying up-to-date with the latest safety standards and regulations is essential. Construction managers should engage with fire safety experts to continually refine their protocols and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This proactive approach can help prevent incidents and minimise the impact of any fires that do occur. There are an endless number of fire risks that could present on construction sites depending on what and where the project is. Regulation 29 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) states: Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risk of injury to a person during the carrying out of construction work arising from – (a) fire or explosion; (b) flooding; or (c) any substance liable to cause asphyxiation. This requires the principal contractor to set reasonable safety measures to avoid the harm of those working onsite. For example, flammable materials should not be stored near an ignition source, appropriate fire extinguishers must be clearly visible and accessible, and high-risk tasks should be performed by a qualified person. Each class of fire has to be tackled by a fire extinguisher specifically designed to address its unique causes and characteristics. Alongside putting out the flames, a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher should be endothermic, drawing out the heat from the battery in order to halt thermal runaway in its infancy, preventing other cells from heating and exploding. This type of fire extinguisher should also boast high Class A ratings to help protect from any secondary fires that could be caused by the exploding battery. Collaborating with local fire services Finally, working closely with local fire services is crucial, as they can provide valuable insights and assistance in developing effective fire safety strategies. Regular consultations and drills can help ensure construction teams are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a fire. And – as with any other setting – users of the area must all be made aware of plans and tasks should a fire break out. Everyone should be clear on escape routes, fire exits and assembly points. Emergency signage is crucial in helping people off the site and directing them to safety, and site workers should be aware of the location of fire extinguishers to aid their escape. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites necessitates a proactive and informed approach to fire safety. By adhering to current safety standards, implementing specialised lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, and collaborating with local fire services, construction organisations can protect both property and lives from the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires. Recognising the fire industry’s need for specialist lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers. CheckFire, a leading specialist in fire safety solutions, launched its LFX range as part of its ‘The Green Range’ in 2024. These revolutionary fire extinguishers get to work instantly, removing a large amount of excessive heat, rapidly reducing the temperature, and cocooning the fuel of a lithium-ion battery fire in its infancy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A comprehensive new, free online centre of building safety information has launched this month to help promote increased awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings in the UK. The Building Safety Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual articles and expert insights on fire and building safety from a wide range of authoritative sources, all in one place. Published in advance of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report and recommendations, the Wiki aims to help share vital knowledge and information regarding the new building safety regime in the UK, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and related fire safety legislation in all parts of the UK. Much of the content is drawn from existing articles in the long-established Designing Buildings Wiki which already has more than 7 million users a year, 20,000 registered users and nearly 300 articles covering building safety topics. That content, built up over more than 10 years, will be updated and added to on an ongoing basis. Users can easily find relevant information for their projects or disciplines by using the Wiki’s search bar or quick links. Anyone can also contribute their knowledge and expertise to the Wiki, free of charge, adding or editing articles to fill any important information gaps. The Building Safety Wiki is sponsored by LMC (Liz Male Consulting Ltd) and Enframe Consulting. LMC is a public relations and communications consultancy that works with UK and international innovators, change-makers and thought leaders in property, construction and the built environment. Liz Male, founding director of LMC, said: “The new building safety regime affects all aspects of construction and the built environment, setting new standards, policies and processes to restore confidence in building safety. Yet in our conversations with professionals across the industry, we often find big gaps in knowledge, confusion about the new rules, or just assumptions that ‘this doesn’t apply to me’. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report in September will shock the world yet again with its findings, so each of us needs to play our part in ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.” Enframe specialises in construction and design consultancy for architects, providing expert technical guidance on the Building Safety Act. Will Freeman, director of Enframe Consulting, said: “This Building Safety Wiki is a significant step forward in creating a centralised hub for essential building safety information. Our mission is to provide a platform where knowledge is shared freely, contributing to safer building practices and ultimately saving lives. All architects, engineers, contractors and clients should have the knowledge they need to ensure compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry. I hope other fire and building industry experts will also come forward to keep adding vital information into this Wiki, and generations of students and industry professionals will benefit from the facts they learn here.” Visit the Building Safety Wiki today at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/Building_Safety_wiki Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was delighted to attend and host a stand at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on the 20-22nd May. While the event provided an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of attendees, it also revealed continued gaps in knowledge about sprinkler systems among real estate professionals. The conference held at the Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock featured expert panels discussing sustainable and transformational investment in the built environment. Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, was one of over 12,000 built environment professionals attending and lent his insight into the discussions, stressing the importance of business resilience and safeguarding commercial premises from the outset. The forum featured a series of sessions on a range of topics including the Building Safety Act, with Dame Judith Hackitt as a panellist in one. It was evident that significant effort and interest is still being directed towards remediation work. It was interesting to note the role that sprinklers were viewed as a tool to mitigate risk. Like so much of the changing regulatory environment there were repeated concerns raised by developers about the lack of clarity in the new regulatory regime. The obvious outcome being delays in programme approvals with consequent deadline and project financing cost. A surprising element was the undercurrent of struggles with true collaboration among stakeholders. The wrapper to this appeared to be the sharing of knowledge and the need to foster and grow trust between all parties; developers, consultants, financiers, lawyers and insurers. On that topic one of the most surprising findings was the number of visitors to the stand across these stakeholder groups who admitted to discussing or making decisions about sprinklers without truly comprehending their benefits or how they operate. “We have known for a while that the knowledge gap surrounding sprinklers existed. What was surprising was that this gap persisted with those who actively claimed to be involved in decisions about their provision,” said Tom Roche. “It’s concerning that such critical safety measures are being debated without a fundamental understanding of their capabilities and effectiveness.” The BSA also noted a lack of awareness regarding the provision of sprinklers under regulatory guidance. Many attendees naturally expected the hotels they stayed in and even the large exhibition spaces would be provided with sprinklers. They expressed shock upon learning that they often lack sprinkler systems, despite the number of people within them. Another strong stream within the forum was on sustainability. A lot of focus and attention was focused towards schemes that measure the sustainability of projects. It sounded like a new form of accounting where all elements of carbon involved in the construction, operation and decommissioning of a project were weighed and measured. Given the need to address the sustainability challenge it was striking to see this attention and the number of people with a passion for this subject. The case for the re-use of buildings and materials was very strong. What was striking to the BSA was again that that “shock” events like fire and damage to projects were not part of the thinking. Unfortunately, the potential for damage from a fire during the 50 year life of a building was not something that could be found in these programmes. One wonders if we are missing an opportunity or whether the “accounting” has a gap. On this note another element that came as a surprise was the discussion on compartmentalising large warehouses to avoid sprinkler requirements. According to consultants at the forum, some clients are still pursuing this approach to avoid installing sprinklers in new warehouses, despite the obvious fire risks associated with such massive buildings. “After the recent large fire in Cannock, it was troubling to learn that some developers may be actively seeking ways to engineer out sprinklers,” added Tom Roche. “The scale of these buildings means that they are outside the scope of regulatory guidance and need real fire engineering solutions to ensure they are truly sustainable and do not endanger lives but also preserve valuable assets and investments at risk.” Despite these concerning findings, the three-day event provided an opportunity for the BSA to educate attendees on the multitude of benefits sprinklers provide for life safety, asset protection and environmental protection, and address misconceptions. By exposing the gaps in regulatory guidance and highlighting the consequences of neglecting fire safety measures, the BSA hopes to inspire a more informed and responsible approach to sprinkler installation across UK business buildings. For more information about the Business Sprinkler Alliance visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green or Living Walls are becoming a familiar feature of the built environment. Often incorporated as components of newer and more sustainable construction projects, they provide a visible statement of green intent and benefit city biodiversity, air purity, thermal environment, and noise abatement, and are of proven benefit to wellbeing and mental health. Credible as these facets are, there remains a need to consider the implications that the provision of Living Walls may have for the resilience of the building, and the continuity of business or provision of services that are provided from it. Many Living Walls are of a scale and location that presents no additional risk to the scenario that would warrant further consideration, but others, applied at larger scale to a building, might have the potential to exert great influence on the safety and insurability of a building – and others around it – if not properly designed and maintained. Green and Living Walls as External Cladding: A Joint Guide to Managing Risk has been produced collaboratively between key Living Wall (LW) providers and UK insurers via the FPA’s RISCAuthority research scheme to address the potential risks from fire, escape of water (EoW), and weather events that these systems may present if incorrectly designed or managed. With endorsement from the FPA, RISCAuthority, Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, ABI, Biotecture, Growing Revolution, and Scotscape, the document is arranged in two key parts: The guide provides a comprehensive review of the core principles of risk control for Living Walls, outlining the documentation, materials, design and maintenance of Living Walls systems, as well as providing an in-depth questionnaire that allows the opportunity for the specifier, façade designer, or architect to describe the proposed Living Wall system to any authority having jurisdiction. Commenting on the release of the joint guide, Professor Jim Glockling, consultant and former RISCAuthority Director who contributed significantly to its authorship said, “This new risk management document, produced with exceptional collaboration between all stakeholders, sets out an agreed suite of core control principles, provides a framework for information exchange with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and establishes methods of control so that the design may be tailored to meet the needs of all. With some solution parameters currently unverified, the document is as much a call for further research and testing as it is a guidance document.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
