Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards.

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The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of

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Baily Garner Awarded Prestigious B Corp Status

Baily Garner Awarded Prestigious B Corp Status

Baily Garner is thrilled to announce its successful attainment of B Corp status as of 1st May 2024. This remarkable milestone underscores the firm’s dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and aligns with their core purpose: to positively impact people’s lives. The journey towards

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Shaping the Future: Offsite Construction Week Advisory Group Announced

Shaping the Future: Offsite Construction Week Advisory Group Announced

The UK construction industry is set to experience a shift in thinking with the September launch of Offsite Construction Week (OCW) – an unprecedented collaboration amongst leading industry pioneers and associations. Organisers of the influential Offsite Expo and Offsite Awards have partnered with industry leaders with the specific goal of

Read More »
CIHT and Kier Transportation working together to improve carbon literacy

CIHT and Kier Transportation working together to improve carbon literacy

E-learning collaboration to boost staff’s decarbonisation knowledge… The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) is collaborating with Kier Transportation to deliver essential (digital) eLearning to support Kier achieve their decarbonisation goals. This collaboration involves Kier Transportation using CIHT’s specifically designed courses that relate to climate change learning. These courses

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Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

The ENA Connect Direct platform has successfully processed applications from 1000 installers in its first month of operation.   ENA Connect Direct aimed to modernise and simplify the application process, which used to be slow and reliant on manual processes. For installers of domestic low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and

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Keep safety at the heart of new legislation, says AEI Cables

Keep safety at the heart of new legislation, saysAEI Cables

New demanding legislation is being introduced into the supply chain for the right reasons of quality and safety, says AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been raising awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022 which makes new demands in terms of building industry process and compliance requirements. Stuart Dover, general manager

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

Overwhelming response to industry survey shows Contractor Design Portions remains an issue that needs improvement

Overwhelming response to industry survey shows Contractor Design Portions remains an issue that needs improvement

Nearly 400 have their say on how to improve construction quality  A recent construction industry-wide survey seeking views on the issue of Contractor Design Portions (CDP) has been flooded with responses reflecting how important it is as a topic across the sector. The survey, issued by the Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative (CQIC) which was established in early 2023 to further embed and promote a quality culture across Scotland’s construction sector, sought the views on what needs to change to improve the CDP process. In total there were 380 respondents from a wide spread of organisation types and sizes covering a variety of professions and occupations from across the construction sector. Over the last 25-30 years there has been an increasing tendency to use CDP for construction projects where a range of specialist sub-contractors are required to contribute towards the overall design and construction of major buildings. However, many believe the CDP system is being used inappropriately and too late in the process. The top line results from the survey show: Colin Campbell, Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, who co-chairs and provides the secretariat for the CQIC work, said: “This has been a phenomenal response to the survey, showing just how passionately industry feels about the issue. We will now begin sifting through all the submissions with a focus to engage further with industry later this year, with the aim to produce best practice guidance for the sector to follow.” Iain Kent, Commercial Director of Morgan Sindall Construction and co-chair of the CQIC, which is the Quality Working Group within the Construction Leadership Forum’s Transformation Action Plan, noted: “The use of CDP has grown over the years and it can have an impact on the quality of the design and construction. Whilst there is undoubtedly a need for CDP in specialist areas of construction, the level of response to this survey shows change is needed that will benefit the whole of the construction industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s $30m Birchwood Park Site Awarded Perfect Score by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards. The Birchwood Park site, which is nearing completion, achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 score. The report judged the site on three different pillars: Respect for the Community, Care for the Environment, and Value for their Workforce. The site received top marks in all categories, earning an ‘excellent’ rating for each and individual praise for its environmental and social policies. Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas implemented a series of measures to demonstrate the social value of the site, including an open doors week and hosting a Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity site presentation on mental health, promoting health and wellbeing conversations. The teams also made further charitable donations to Warrington Youth Zone and the Trussell Trust Food Bank, and purchased sanitary products for the workplace via the Hey Girls social enterprise. The report highly commended Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas for the project’s environmental pledges, which included a Net Zero 2050 carbon reduction plan, avoiding diesel-powered plant and equipment during the construction, promoting the use of HVO fuel, and planting over 50 trees. Tilbury Douglas’ ISO 14001 accreditation, the international standard for environmental management systems, further reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Local students from Warrington Vale and Royal College were also welcomed to the site throughout National Apprenticeship Week, with several offered future work experience placements. Iwan Lewis, Project Manager of the site for Tilbury Douglas, said: “Investing in the next generation of construction professionals is a key priority for my team and together with Warringtonfire we have actively engaged in educational outreach activities with Warrington and Vale Royal College to address the skills shortage in the construction and fire stopping industries.” Martin Horne, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are proud of the value created through our partnership, the successful outcomes achieved, and the alignment of goals and values between our organisations.” Phil Shaw, Managing Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “It’s a great result and evidences the team’s inherent culture on site driving our sustainability strategy, ‘People, Planet, and Performance’, or PPP, which sets out to deliver improved social and environmental outcomes for our business, customers, and supply chain.” The 101,000sqft Birchwood Park site is set to be the new hub for Warringtonfire’s fire testing services. Due to open its doors in January 2025, it will triple the company’s testing capacity. The laboratory will have two vertical furnaces, two horizontal furnaces, and one indicative furnace ready for test specimens when it launches, with two more furnaces to be added by the end of 2026. Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones, Project Manager for Element Materials Technology, said: “This award recognises all the hard work put into the project, both from our team and Tilbury Douglas. We’re particularly proud of our social value scores, especially our outreach with the local community. Warrington has always been our home, so it is important that we continue to make valuable contributions to both the next generation and the environment.” To learn more about the new site at Birchwood Park, visit https://www.warringtonfire.com/about-warringtonfire/warrington-site-relocation-and-expansion Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sika announces new CPD: Fire Safety in Buildings – fire regulation and test methods for roofs

Sika announces new CPD: Fire Safety in Buildings – fire regulation and test methods for roofs

Sika, a leading provider of high-quality roofing solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest Continuing Professional Development (CPD), “Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs.” In today’s built environment, the ever-increasing focus on fire safety in buildings has become a critical concern for specifiers, contractors and building owners. Understanding the relevant regulations, testing methods and certification to enable navigation of the wealth of product information available is therefore essential to ensure the safety and compliance of roofing systems. Sika’s new CPD presentation addresses this need by providing comprehensive coverage of the standards, fire testing and certification for roofing applications, the types of roofing systems and insulation available, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), and the Building Regulations that apply. This CPD aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions when specifying roofing solutions that prioritise fire safety. “At Sika, we understand the critical importance of fire safety in buildings, and we are committed to equipping our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions,” said Mark Harris, Head of Sustainability at Sika Limited. “Our new ‘Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs’ CPD is a testament to our dedication to supporting the industry and ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants.” In addition to the “Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs” CPD, Sika’s Roofing Division offers a range of other CPD topics, including: These CPD sessions are designed to provide industry professionals with the necessary knowledge and insights to navigate the evolving roofing landscape and make informed decisions that prioritise safety, sustainability, and performance. To learn more about Sika’s CPD offerings or to schedule a session, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board reveals new internal governance and assurance standard

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of internal activities, assuring them that the service is operating effectively. One of the desired outcomes of the Fire Standard is that services’ internal change and improvement projects are managed through robust development, approval and initiation processes. This will ensure that such projects are aligned to the vision and strategic objectives of the service, and that delivery and organisational development plans are clear and understood by all within the service. An expected benefit of achieving the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard is that fire and rescue services will improve governance, internal culture and increase transparency. As with all Fire Standards, there’s a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool to support services with the implementation. The tool was designed to support services understanding how well they meet the standard; helping them to embed the standard into existing and new action plans and address any gaps. Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve. “The standard builds on our portfolio of comprehensive and professional Fire Standards which ultimately help support the safety, health and well-being of the public via English fire and rescue services.” Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, CFO of West Sussex FRS and Chair of NFCC’s Improvement Committee, said: “I’m proud to have led the development of this new Fire Standard which will support all fire and rescue services to follow a consistent and robust process when developing internal governance and assurance procedures. “I also hope that working towards achieving this standard will create internal cultures and a positive working environments that are open to learning, self-evaluation and receiving feedback, creating a more productive, motivated and efficient workforce.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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General Election 2024 - Association For Project Safety publishes five key asks of the new government

General Election 2024 – Association For Project Safety publishes five key asks of the new government

The Association for Project Safety has launched its Micro Manifesto ahead of the UK General Election setting out priorities. It regards these as critical for the built environment not only to raise badly needed awareness of important issues, but to reset the construction industry’s safety relationship with government. APS wants to further build on a partnership with the next government that continues to empower the built environment to play a full role in tackling challenges particularly around in areas around building safety and mitigating risk within the building and construction industry. Although APS’s ‘key asks’ are neither especially new nor innovative, the fact is they remain its primary messages for the 650 new Westminster parliamentarians to be elected on 4 July. APS has identified Five ‘Asks’. They are . 1.  Training and Skills Development Issue: There is a significant shortage of skilled workers to meet the housing targets set in all the main party manifestoes, but especially in the Tory or Labour ones, both now launched. More info here. Solution: Invest in comprehensive training programmes, and real, meaningful apprenticeships to build a skilled workforce capable of safely constructing the planned 1.5+ million homes likely to be needed over the next five years. APS Ask: Immediate allocation of funds and resources to training centres, and educational institutions – with enforceable output targets. 2.  Planned and Selective Immigration (Short Term) Issue: Our members tell us that the current domestic workforce is insufficient to meet critical housing targets in the short term. Solution: Implement a planned and selective immigration policy to attract skilled workers from abroad similar to the Australian model. This would be a short-term tactic for five years. APS Ask: Fast-track visa processes for skilled immigrants with proven experience and identifiable, ‘provable’ skills in the construction sector. 3.  Long-Term Construction Workforce Development Issue: Many UK college/university training programmes are simply insufficient to meet the demand for skilled workers. Solution: Enhance and expand apprenticeship programmes to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for future projects. APS Ask: Partner with industry leaders and educational institutions to design and implement effective programmes relevant to modern methods of construction and developing technologies. 4.  Environmental Protection in Planning Issue: Proposed fast-track planning on brownfield sites and abandonment of nutrient neutrality pose environmental risks. Solution: Ensure all planning and construction projects adhere to strict environmental protection standards to prevent uncontrolled pollutants in sensitive environments. APS Ask: Implement rigorous environmental impact assessments for all new construction projects. Some pioneering local authorities are showing this can be done; think how much more with government backing. 5.  Retrofitting Existing Buildings Issue: The focus on new builds overlooks the potential of retrofitting existing structures to meet modern housing needs and environmental goals. Solution: Develop a robust and realistic retrofit programme to improve existing buildings’ energy efficiency and safety APS Ask: Allocate funding and incentivise homeowners and businesses to retrofit their properties. In summary, APS urges the next UK Government to prioritise the development of a skilled workforce through improved domestic training programmes and selective immigration (visa) incentives. It is crucial to balance the push for new housing with environmental protections and retrofitting initiatives to ensure sustainable growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Baily Garner Awarded Prestigious B Corp Status

Baily Garner Awarded Prestigious B Corp Status

Baily Garner is thrilled to announce its successful attainment of B Corp status as of 1st May 2024. This remarkable milestone underscores the firm’s dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and aligns with their core purpose: to positively impact people’s lives. The journey towards B Corp certification began at an annual quality summit in September 2021, where employees expressed their desire for Baily Garner to pursue this prestigious accreditation. Embracing this initiative, the Baily Garner Futures Group—a team of dynamic young professionals— drove the operation forward. In March 2022, they assembled a team who’s dedication and hard work culminated in the submission of Baily Garner’s B Corp application in March 2023, with certification granted just over two years later. Andy Tookey, Managing Partner, expressed his happiness when he was notified of the good news: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Baily Garner was awarded B Corp status. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and perfectly supports our purpose to positively impact people’s lives. Special thanks goes to the team: Laura Day, Matt Allcock, Lucy Mullineux, Lisa Coleman, and Tim Bush. Their tenacity and dedication have been instrumental in this success. This was no small feat, and their perseverance through the lengthy application process is truly commendable.” The B Corp certification process is rigorous and comprehensive, requiring substantial effort and meticulous documentation. Baily Garner achieved an impressive score of 98.9, well above the required threshold of 80, reflecting the firm’s alignment with B Corp’s values and its commitment to positively impacting people’s lives. Tim Bush, Senior Partner, highlighted the thorough and demanding nature of the B Corp certification: “The process involves the B Impact Assessment, multiple rounds of reviews, scoring and accreditation. We are proud of our score of 98.9, which not only underscores our operational excellence but also how driven we are to fulfil our purpose. In particular, the assessment process gave strong validation to our work with underserved populations and our focus on public projects.” The certification covers five key pillars: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. Baily Garner’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility, especially in relation to public sector projects benefiting communities with high levels of deprivation, significantly boosted their score and exemplified their ethos. Laura Day, Project Team Leader, shared her pride: “I am proud to work at Baily Garner, a newly certified B Corp, receiving recognition for our commitment to Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. We challenge the norms of the construction industry to make our business and our planet better for all. This certification shows our dedication to continuous improvement and positive impact.” Achieving B Corp status is not just a badge of honour but a commitment to ongoing improvement and adherence to the highest standards. Baily Garner achieved this status solely using their own resources, without the assistance of management consultants or external companies. They will need to recertify every three years, reaffirming their commitment to the principles that earned them this prestigious status. As B Corp continues to grow in recognition, Baily Garner stands proudly among the 2000 certified B Corps in the UK, committed to making a positive impact on people, communities, and the planet. Credit: https://www.bailygarner.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Shaping the Future: Offsite Construction Week Advisory Group Announced

Shaping the Future: Offsite Construction Week Advisory Group Announced

The UK construction industry is set to experience a shift in thinking with the September launch of Offsite Construction Week (OCW) – an unprecedented collaboration amongst leading industry pioneers and associations. Organisers of the influential Offsite Expo and Offsite Awards have partnered with industry leaders with the specific goal of inspiring strategic collaboration across the offsite construction sector. A UK first, Offsite Construction Week will bring together clients, manufacturers, developers, architects, specifiers, project managers, legislative and accrediting bodies for a week-long series of events, debates, and discussions on how to accelerate sector growth by removing current barriers to MMC implementation. Uniting industry leaders from different construction and material sectors, the newly-formed Advisory Group will create a set of objectives for successfully expanding the application of offsite construction methods and technologies, ensuring that every stakeholder’s perspective is reflected in the resulting strategy. The Advisory Group comprises 20 of the most well-informed and respected industry figures at the forefront of offsite innovation from pioneering companies and industry bodies.  For full details of the Advisory Group, go to: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk/advisory-group Together, these industry leaders will curate the Offsite Expo Masterclasses, roundtable debates and events that take place throughout the five days of Offsite Construction Week. Through a series of practical seminars that share insider knowledge of projects success factors and learnings – speakers will offer solutions to legislative, procurement, procedural, and financial roadblocks to accelerating the pace of implementing offsite methods and products in construction. Key topics to be addressed will include but are not limited to, creating industrialised construction ecosystems, enhancing building safety, increasing productivity, closing the performance gap, driving innovation, digital delivery for tomorrow, creating a zero-snag culture and delivering against net zero carbon targets. On behalf of the Advisory Group, spokesperson Tudi Sully said, “We will act as industry ambassadors for delivering a better built environment, chairing roundtable debates and connecting decision makers from various client organisations, industry bodies, government stakeholders and the supply chain.  “By engaging in an open, unbiased and critical debate of current roadblocks to the implementation of approaches such as DfMA, offsite, MMC and industrialisation; showcasing past project challenges and successes; and offering insights from different vertical sectors, the Advisory Group will demonstrate a roadmap for the wider adoption of these innovative solutions.  “With the ambitious goal to help accelerate the UK government’s agenda for a safer, more sustainable and faster-growing built environment, the Advisory Group will not only connect top decision makers but will also oversee an educational outreach to young professionals, apprentices and students in construction programmes – all of which will start at Offsite Construction Week.”  The Advisory Group’s involvement during Offsite Construction Week will include curating the programme and leading the Masterclass seminars, sharing insights from the organisations they represent and presenting a highly focused, factual overview of the sector and the challenges it faces. Whilst the discussions in the Masterclass Theatre will equip attendees with a well-balanced view of the industry’s roadmap for the future, the Advisory Group will set the tone for a series of live webinars on some of the most pressing issues in the industry. About Offsite Construction Week  Taking place from 16-20 September 2024, Offsite Construction Week will showcase the most comprehensive series of offsite technology events ever seen in the UK. The aim of the curated selection of seminars, industry awards ceremony, site tours and features exhibition, is to highlight the benefits and advancements in offsite construction, driving innovation and collaboration across the sector.  Unilateral Support  Offsite Construction Week is supported by a robust lineup of industry associations, including BUILDOFFSITE (BOS), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT,) Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA), MMC Ireland, Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), Offsite Alliance, Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Structural Timber Association (STA) and others have come together to support the most comprehensive series of offsite events the country has ever seen.  To keep informed go to: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CIHT and Kier Transportation working together to improve carbon literacy

CIHT and Kier Transportation working together to improve carbon literacy

E-learning collaboration to boost staff’s decarbonisation knowledge… The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) is collaborating with Kier Transportation to deliver essential (digital) eLearning to support Kier achieve their decarbonisation goals. This collaboration involves Kier Transportation using CIHT’s specifically designed courses that relate to climate change learning. These courses are specifically tailored for the highways and transportation sector and provide CPD in subjects including decarbonisation and carbon literacy.  These accredited CIHT e-learning courses explain why the global effort to mitigate the risk of dangerous climate change demands very significant changes to how transportation professionals plan, design, deliver, operate, maintain, and decommission transport systems. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said: “The UK needs to cut transport emissions in half by 2030 – and then carry on towards 2050’s Net Zero. That isn’t something to start thinking about in 2049. Within the CIHT, we have engaged with members, partners (including Kier Transportation) and stakeholders, and through CIHT Learn, users can now dedicate a larger portion of their ongoing learning to sustainability.” “We welcome this important collaboration with Kier Transportation and the support we are now able to provide their staff as they join us on this decarbonisation journey.” “Through taking these courses, colleagues at Kier Transportation will learn how to identify gaps in their awareness, knowledge and skills and create a personal Continuing Professional Development plan tailored to their job role and its influence over transport decarbonisation.” Matt Tompsett, Head of Environment & Sustainability, Kier Transportation said: “Everyone’s talking about carbon and it’s continuing to raise higher on the agenda of organisations, up and down the value chain.”  “We know that not everyone is an expert in carbon, but it’s important that we give our people the right tools and knowledge so they can make informed decisions and implement climate solutions in their sphere of influence, whether that be in their own lives – or at work.”  “That’s why we decided to work with the CIHT to develop and roll our carbon literacy training for our people. It’s a big step in the right direction, to ensuring the right conversations are taking place so our people understand how they can influence and reduce our carbon footprint.” As of 8 May 2024, Kier Transportation employees have completed 1,476 courses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

The ENA Connect Direct platform has successfully processed applications from 1000 installers in its first month of operation.   ENA Connect Direct aimed to modernise and simplify the application process, which used to be slow and reliant on manual processes. For installers of domestic low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels, ENA Connect Direct upgrades the process with an intuitive interface and by automating many of the inputs which speeds up the application creation time. It provides a streamlined system which uses artificial intelligence to provide instant approvals for most routine applications. When transferred to the DNO, the system has an average processing time of 1.5 days, reflecting the additional time more complex applications take to review and process. The digital system has also helped eliminate the manual transposing issues that potentially slowed applications in previous years.   ENA Connect Direct is also succeeding in providing the efficient delivery of accurate data to network operators. In turn this provides increased visibility to aid network design and operations, a major step forward in creating a smarter UK energy system.  With the uptake of low-carbon technologies anticipated to continue at a considerable rate in the coming years, ENA Connect Direct supports installers with completing faster and safe installations.   Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association, said:  “I am delighted so many installers have made use of the platform already, and the feedback from users has been incredible, with one installer stating, ‘this platform is a dream come true!’ It is the sort of tangible improvement that the installers, manufacturers, the distribution network operators and ultimately the customer, will benefit from. The insights and data the system helps to centralise also supports network operators in having a live overview of LCT installations that they need to operate a smarter and more efficient network in the years ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Keep safety at the heart of new legislation, says AEI Cables

Keep safety at the heart of new legislation, saysAEI Cables

New demanding legislation is being introduced into the supply chain for the right reasons of quality and safety, says AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been raising awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022 which makes new demands in terms of building industry process and compliance requirements. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “Some of the details of the act may be challenging but we should all be responsible to ensure we are meeting our obligations. Safety is at the heart of this and we should not lose sight of that. “We are happy to help guide those in the supply chain to ensure they are using the relevant cables for their specific project requirements. All of those in the supply chain including building managers, contractors, specifiers and installers need to understand the impact of this legislation for reasons of safety.” One of the major new requirements under the act is a process known as The Golden Thread. This refers to the relevant package of information that should be provided including product specification, application records and datasheets. AEI Cables is advising its customers to capture the relevant data sooner rather than later for projects they are working on so that they can provide information on safety and quality required by the act. When the building work is completed, the Golden Thread must be handed over to the Accountable Person, who is responsible for the occupied building to help manage building safety. The Act – introduced from October 2023 – makes new requirements for ‘higher-risk buildings’ which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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