The LABC’s next technical roadshow, for builders, specifiers, architects and building control officer in the North, sees insulation specialist Actis sharing part of its RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD. The CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team
One of the most significant changes to the traditional ‘recipe’ for making concrete since the 1980s, is set to be introduced in the UK, helping architects and engineers decarbonise the construction of buildings and infrastructure. Changes to standards for concrete have been published by BSI, the business improvement and standards
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has secured a new three-year contract worth £1m with Housing Solutions, a leading provider of affordable homes in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Delivering on the supply and storage of the building materials required to develop and maintain Housing Solutions’ portfolio, JPS will be supporting residents in properties
Leading construction materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, welcomes the newly revised British standard for concrete, BS 8500, signifying a substantial leap forward for the construction industry in the UK. The upcoming changes are set to transform the industry, broadening the spectrum of available low-carbon mixes for designers, contractors and manufacturers. By
A group of leading materials scientists has called for the cement and construction sectors to urgently adopt low carbon cement technologies to radically reduce CO2 emissions. Cement is responsible for almost 8% of global CO2 emissions – more than shipping, aviation and long-haul trucking combined. Convening at a symposium in
By Dr Gareth Davies, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD & Dr Luan Ho, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD – Tunley Environmental Concrete, the most extensively used manmade material worldwide, carries a significant environmental burden, contributing to 8% of anthropogenic GHG emissions. With a staggering 30 Gt produced annually, the material consumption is
National builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its upgraded branch in Devizes, Wiltshire, where a brand new site has been built to cater to tradespeople and the public. The previous building was demolished and the new one is situated on the grounds at Garden Trading Estate on London Road, Devizes.
Last week, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill became law. However, 61% of housebuilders believe that the 534-page bill, which will underpin the government’s levelling up agenda, needs to go further to enable them to reach housing targets. In fact, two thirds (66%) of housebuilders had supported the government’s initial
Grafton Group plc (“Grafton, the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Robson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from 1 December 2023; and of Mrs. Susan Murray as Senior Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the
The terms under the new Building Safety Act 2022 became enforceable from October 1st this year. Here, Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, examines why creating a ‘Golden Thread’ of information within the new legislation is so important for those involved in the intumescent
The LABC’s next technical roadshow, for builders, specifiers, architects and building control officer in the North, sees insulation specialist Actis sharing part of its RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD. The CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Thursday December 7. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform, and is worth two hours of CPD training. 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. Zoom doors open at noon and close at 2pm. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the most significant changes to the traditional ‘recipe’ for making concrete since the 1980s, is set to be introduced in the UK, helping architects and engineers decarbonise the construction of buildings and infrastructure. Changes to standards for concrete have been published by BSI, the business improvement and standards company, and could save 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year – the equivalent of over 3,500 transatlantic flights – if the changes are adopted across all UK construction sites. The new concrete ‘recipe’ blends finely ground limestone from UK quarries with other materials such as fly ash, a by-product from power generation and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), a by-product from the steel industry. UK Concrete and cement manufacturing accounts for 7.7m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equating to 1.5 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions. The majority of the carbon dioxide emissions is associated with the production of cement, and using these supplementary materials such as limestone powder helps to reduce the amount of traditional cement (CEM I) to create a lower carbon concrete. With the new standards now available, the CEM I content in concrete can be replaced with up to 20 per cent of limestone powder, a product widely available in the UK. For every 5 per cent of limestone powder added, a 5 per cent CO2 reduction can be delivered per tonne of concrete, according to MPA UK Concrete, the group representing the UK concrete industry. “Making concrete is a bit like baking except that with concrete, ingredients are combined to alter properties such as strength, deliver environmental performance and change the aesthetics of the finished material,” says Elaine Toogood, director, architecture and sustainable design at the Concrete Centre. “In a climate emergency, this new approved standard is important to helping architects and engineers significantly lower embodied manufacturing emissions today and in the future, while delivering structural strength in buildings and infrastructure. “Providing a new generation of concretes are an important part of the UK concrete and cement industry’s roadmap to net zero alongside other technologies including the use of decarbonised transport, fuel switching and Carbon Capture, Usage or Storage (CCUS) technology.” For many years, GGBS and fly ash have been repurposed as an ingredient for concrete, but less of it is being produced in the net zero transition, so the use of limestone fines is important for helping to provide a sustainable source of materials to continue to lower the embodied emissions of concrete. The new specification changes are part of a rigorous research and testing process over two years with the results then independently assessed for inclusion into the standard by the BSI technical committee for concrete. The concrete and cement industry has a strong track record of decarbonisation, having already delivered a 53% reduction in absolute carbon emissions since 1990 and is decarbonising, as a whole, faster than the UK economy. To find out more, please visit: www.thisisukconcrete.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has secured a new three-year contract worth £1m with Housing Solutions, a leading provider of affordable homes in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Delivering on the supply and storage of the building materials required to develop and maintain Housing Solutions’ portfolio, JPS will be supporting residents in properties ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to three-bedroom family homes across the seven local authorities in and around the Maidenhead area. Offering a managed service solution, JPS has developed a dedicated centre for Housing Solutions’ operatives within its Jewson branch in Maidenhead. Scott Cooper, Managing Director of JPS, said: “We’re very proud of our new partnership with Housing Solutions, which we know is going to have a significant impact on a community that need it. Housing Solutions are focusing relentlessly on delivering high-quality housing and maintenance services. The service we’re providing will help support their commitment to provide housing stock of the highest possible quality. We look forward to working closely with Housing Solutions, supporting them in creating communities where residents are proud to live.” Steven Brookfield, Director of Property and Development at Housing Solutions, commented: “One of our key priorities is to keep our residents’ homes in good condition and resolve any issues that arise quickly. Our new partnership with Jewson means that we can continue to deliver rapid, high-quality repairs, ensuring that residents live in a safe, comfortable, and secure environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, welcomes the newly revised British standard for concrete, BS 8500, signifying a substantial leap forward for the construction industry in the UK. The upcoming changes are set to transform the industry, broadening the spectrum of available low-carbon mixes for designers, contractors and manufacturers. By increasing the cementitious options available, the introduction of additional multi-component blends opens the door for scalable, low-carbon options that have the potential to become the default solution, as the standard will now allow additional Portland-composite cements (CEM II/C-M) as well as other composite cements (CEM VI). It will also address aspects such as properties of fresh and hardened concrete, composition limitations, delivery procedures and conformity criteria – ushering in a new era of sustainable concrete production practices. Forefront of sustainability As an industry leader, Aggregate Industries will be hosting a webinar series, focusing on the recent changes to the BS 8500 standard, specifically delving into the impacts on concrete specification. The first session is scheduled for 1st December 2023, at 11:00 AM. Those interested in attending can register for here for free. Mark Hickingbottom, Commercial Director at Aggregate Industries, said: “We applaud the newly revised BS 8500 as a significant advancement for the construction industry and we’re ready to assist customers in capitalising on these new changes. It not only broadens the array of available low-carbon concrete mixes, but also positions Aggregate Industries at the forefront of this sustainable shift. “Leveraging our industry partnerships, we collaborate closely with key associations to drive innovation, coupled with initiatives such as the sector’s first customisable carbon reporting tool and our low-carbon portfolio. We strive to empower informed choices and look forward to hosting a series of educational webinars for the industry.” Register here for the BS 8500 webinar. For further information, please visit aggregate.com
A group of leading materials scientists has called for the cement and construction sectors to urgently adopt low carbon cement technologies to radically reduce CO2 emissions. Cement is responsible for almost 8% of global CO2 emissions – more than shipping, aviation and long-haul trucking combined. Convening at a symposium in Paris hosted by Ecocem, Europe’s leading low carbon cement technology business, the scientists shared latest research papers on low carbon cement technologies and focused on ideas and materials which can accelerate decarbonisation of the sector. Global demand for cement is expected to grow in the coming decades. The WEF (World Economic Forum) amongst others, predicts that demand for cement could increase by up to 45% by 2050. The scientists said that “effective solutions are needed urgently if the construction sector as a whole is to decarbonise in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.” The scientists concluded that adopting the latest developments in low carbon cement technology is the quickest and most scalable way to make substantial emission reductions across the cement and construction industries by the end of 2030. The cement industry has long been considered hard-to-abate due to the use of clinker, the primary ingredient in cement, which is produced by heating limestone at extremely high temperatures. While low carbon cements already exist, the challenge to date has been to scale them. During the two-day event, the scientists reviewed new evidence on the use of alternative materials that reduce the volume of clinker, replacing it with a wide variety of locally sourced filler materials and natural Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). In a call to action, the eleven scientists, representing a range of institutions from around the world (a full list of the academics and their institutions can be found in the editors’ notes), said that “it is no longer possible to say that we lack the technology or that the costs are prohibitive.” Materials science has advanced to a point where rapid decarbonisation of cement without excessive cost is now a reality. At the forefront of these advances is ACT, Ecocem’s latest technology which can reduce emissions from cement by 70% while ensuring that the concrete produced retains its workability, strength and durability, with the added benefit of using substantially less water and energy. ACT is globally scalable due to its compatibility with a wide variety of locally sourced filler materials and natural SCMs and can be produced in existing cement plants with minimal additional investment. Mohend Chaouche, CNRS Research Director, ENS Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire Mécanique de Paris-Saclay, and Director of the CNRS-Ecocem joint laboratory MC²E, said: “The urgency of developing and deploying low-carbon cements is no longer up for debate. ENS Paris-Saclay is very proud to have contributed to the birth of the ACT technology, which reduces the carbon footprint of cement by 70%. The intense years of R&D have paid off.” Martin Cyr, University Professor at University of Toulouse, Laboratory of Materials and Sustainability of Constructions and Director of the joint LMDC-Ecocem ORISON laboratory, added: “Low-clinker technologies developed and validated in the laboratory can now be deployed without scientific or technical barriers. These technologies represent a significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions, ahead of the industry’s 2030 roadmap.” Donal O’Riain, Founder and Managing Director of Ecocem, concluded: “The widespread adoption of ACT technology will enable the cement industry to drastically reduce its global emissions rapidly and cost effectively. Policymakers must speed up regulatory enablement to ensure low carbon cement technologies can be used more widely and that the investment made available to accelerate industrial deployment of these new technologies. I urge the cement sector to move quickly. We have opportunity to be the first industrial sector to comply with a 50% reduction in emissions by the end of 2030. The technology is available to decarbonise the whole cement sector in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. It is now our responsibility to ensure this happens.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Dr Gareth Davies, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD & Dr Luan Ho, Carbon Reduction Scientist, PhD – Tunley Environmental Concrete, the most extensively used manmade material worldwide, carries a significant environmental burden, contributing to 8% of anthropogenic GHG emissions. With a staggering 30 Gt produced annually, the material consumption is over 3.5 tonnes of concrete per person annually. The majority of the emissions (88.5%) emanate from cement production, the essential ingredient in concrete. Carbon sequestration in concrete presents a promising avenue to offset these emissions. This process, often referred to as carbonation or mineralisation, essentially reverses the initial cement production steps, where carbon dioxide is detached from calcium carbonate (limestone). Controlled carbonation of cementitious material, although first proposed in the 1970s, is recently garnering increased attention due to its substantial potential to mitigate against the colossal emissions from concrete production. However, carbonation is not without its challenges. Uncontrolled, it can lead to the corrosion of steel in reinforced concrete and the formation of harmful compounds, jeopardising the structural integrity of buildings. Yet, advancements in controlled carbonation methodologies have demonstrated the potential to not only sequester carbon dioxide but also enhance the properties of concrete. One such method involves utilising accelerated carbonation chambers to carbonate pre-cast materials, offering control over essential parameters such as CO2 concentration, humidity, and temperature. This impacts the rate and depth of carbonation, with the formation of calcium carbonate in the exterior pores blocking further carbonation. Emerging techniques explore embedding CO2-rich materials within the concrete mixture. A notable investigation by MIT researchers examined incorporating sodium bicarbonate, which dissolves and releases CO2 during curing. This innovative method not only sequesters carbon but also addresses the detrimental impacts of late-stage carbonation, such as shrinkage and crack formation. Furthermore, the possibility of reusing carbonated Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) from construction and demolition waste, which amounts to around 3 billion tonnes annually, offers an additional layer of environmental benefits. Although using RCA poses challenges such as increased costs and micro-cracking, controlled carbonation mitigates these issues and allows for a decrease in both water absorption and leaching instability. These advances in carbonation technology could potentially sequester 2 Gt of CO2 annually if implemented at scale, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production. When combined with the predicted 50% reduction from electrification, emissions could be curtailed to just 32.7% of the current levels. However, the journey towards sustainable concrete production is multifaceted and complex. As researchers and engineers continue to explore the potential of carbon sequestration in concrete, the combination of controlled carbonation and the incorporation of CO2-releasing materials represents a leap forward in our quest to mitigate the environmental impact of this ubiquitous material. In conclusion, the path to mitigating the environmental challenges posed by concrete production lies in innovative solutions such as carbon sequestration. By acting as a carbon sink, concrete has the potential to offset a significant portion of the emissions generated during its manufacturing stage. The incorporation of carbonated end-of-life concrete as filler material further underscores the potential of this material to contribute to a more sustainable future. References [1] S. A. Miller and F. C. Moore, “Climate and health damages from global concrete production,” Nat Clim Chang, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 439–443, May 2020, doi: 10.1038/s41558-020-0733-0. [2] A. Petek Gursel, E. Masanet, A. Horvath, and A. Stadel, “Life-cycle inventory analysis of concrete production: A critical review,” Cem Concr Compos, vol. 51, pp. 38–48, 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2014.03.005. [3] P. C. Aïtcin, “Portland cement,” in Science and Technology of Concrete Admixtures, Elsevier Inc., 2016, pp. 27–51. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-100693-1.00003-5. [4] M. Stefanoni, U. Angst, and B. Elsener, “Corrosion rate of carbon steel in carbonated concrete – A critical review,” Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 103. Elsevier Ltd, pp. 35–48, Jan. 01, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.10.007. [5] L. Qin, X. Gao, and T. Chen, “Influence of mineral admixtures on carbonation curing of cement paste,” Constr Build Mater, vol. 212, pp. 653–662, Jul. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.04.033. [6] S. Hussain, D. Bhunia, and S. B. Singh, “Comparative study of accelerated carbonation of plain cement and fly-ash concrete,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 10, pp. 26–31, Mar. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2017.02.001. [7] B. Šavija and M. Luković, “Carbonation of cement paste: Understanding, challenges, and opportunities,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 117. Elsevier Ltd, pp. 285–301, Aug. 01, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.138. [8] N. Lippiatt, T. C. Ling, and S. Y. Pan, “Towards carbon-neutral construction materials: Carbonation of cement-based materials and the future perspective,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 28. Elsevier Ltd, Mar. 01, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2019.101062. [9] Z. Xu et al., “Effects of temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration on carbonation of cement-based materials: A review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 346. Elsevier Ltd, Sep. 05, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128399. [10] J. Liu et al., “Carbonated concrete brick capturing carbon dioxide from cement kiln exhaust gas,” Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 17, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01474. [11] Z. Li, Z. He, and X. Chen, “The performance of carbonation-cured concrete,” Materials, vol. 12, no. 22, Nov. 2019, doi: 10.3390/ma12223729. [12] D. Stefaniuk, M. Hajduczek, J. C. Weaver, F. J. Ulm, and A. Masic, “Cementing CO2 into C-S-H: A step toward concrete carbon neutrality,” PNAS Nexus, vol. 2, no. 3, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad052. [13] Y. Pu et al., “Accelerated carbonation technology for enhanced treatment of recycled concrete aggregates: A state-of-the-art review,” Constr Build Mater, vol. 282, May 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122671. [14] D. Xuan, B. Zhan, and C. S. Poon, “Assessment of mechanical properties of concrete incorporating carbonated recycled concrete aggregates,” Cem Concr Compos, vol. 65, pp. 67–74, Jan. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2015.10.018. [15] T. Kikuchi and Y. Kuroda, “Carbon Dioxide Uptake in Demolished and Crushed Concrete,” 2011. [16] Z. Guo, A. Tu, C. Chen, and D. E. Lehman, “Mechanical properties, durability, and life-cycle assessment of concrete building blocks incorporating recycled concrete aggregates,” J Clean Prod, vol. 199, pp. 136–149, Oct. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.069. https://www.tunley-environmental.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its upgraded branch in Devizes, Wiltshire, where a brand new site has been built to cater to tradespeople and the public. The previous building was demolished and the new one is situated on the grounds at Garden Trading Estate on London Road, Devizes. The branch has a full tool hire offering, allowing customers to hire tools, plant and specialist equipment, and an extended range of building products offering everything customers need for a project from start to finish, all under one roof. In-branch specialists are onsite to help, together with an unrivalled stock availability, trade pricing and excellent customer service. It will bring to life everything that Jewson has to offer its customers and partners, including a timber centre and a new yard, as well as access to Jewson’s Build Aviator service, which allows tradespeople and builders to plan and estimate projects of all sizes, calculate margins, order stock and create professional quotes for clients. Designed with sustainability in mind, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the building to boost energy efficiency, while an air source heating and heat recovery system power the branch. LED lighting, electric car charging facilities and electric fork lift trucks are also planned for the site. Andy Ruiz, branch manager, said: “Our address might be the same, but the new branch is a total transformation compared with the old site. It is the result of a huge investment, so we’re excited to show existing and new customers around and share some of the impressive features, products and expertise available to help them with construction projects of all types and sizes.” Jewson will be hosting a launch event at the branch from 30th October to 3rd November, where tradespeople and members of the public are invited to explore the new branch and meet the team. The branch is located at Garden Trading Estate, London Rd, Devizes, SN10 2HL and is open 7:30am – 5pm Monday-Friday and 8am-12 noon Saturday. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last week, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill became law. However, 61% of housebuilders believe that the 534-page bill, which will underpin the government’s levelling up agenda, needs to go further to enable them to reach housing targets. In fact, two thirds (66%) of housebuilders had supported the government’s initial plan to scrap nutrient neutrality laws and 75% said that the amendment would have been a ‘major win’ for the industry. So, when this was dropped, many were left disillusioned and concerned about the housing crisis, a reduction in economic activity, and how the removal of the amendment could impact jobs and businesses. According to the House Builders Federation (HBF), the scrapping of nutrient neutrality laws would have unlocked 150,000 homes, helping housebuilders to meet ambitious governmental housing targets. The bill could have, therefore, provided some relief to a sector that continues to face a multitude of immense challenges. However, nutrient neutrality only makes up a fraction of the blockers that housebuilders are currently navigating to achieve housing delivery targets. According to the recent research on 100 housebuilders by Polypipe Building Products, aside from a downturn in the housing market, 63% of housebuilders say that the government’s overall approach to planning is an issue and 62% said that the lack of resources in Local Planning Authorities is a major barrier. Furthermore, 65% said they didn’t believe Gove’s claim that the reform would unlock the prompt construction of 100,000 new homes, arguing that the legislation must go further. Commenting on the findings, Dan Love, Head of Commercial at Polypipe Building Products said, “The scrapping of nutrient neutrality has been a nuanced debate. Of course, both environmental standards and the ability to meet housing targets are key issues for the housing sector and we know that housebuilders and developers are passionate about both these issues, too. “While the intent of nutrient neutrality rules are appreciated by developers, there is an overwhelming feeling that stopping new homes being built disproportionately impacts housing developers and those seeking housing needs, rather than root causes of negative impacts on nutrient neutrality. “With so much uncertainty ahead and with numerous updates to environmental, planning and building regulations ongoing, it’s more crucial than ever that housebuilders, contractors, and specifiers have access to adequate resources and information to support them through the changes. This remains a key focus at Polypipe Building Products as the industry navigates a period of significant change, and our technical team will continue to work with housebuilders and specifiers to support them through planning stages and the design of compliant heating systems to aid them in meeting housing targets.” For helpful resources on the updates to building regulations, legislation, and further information, please visit: https://www.polypipeufh.com/futurehomeshub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grafton Group plc (“Grafton, the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Robson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from 1 December 2023; and of Mrs. Susan Murray as Senior Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company. Appointment of Non-Executive Director Mr. Robson will succeed Mr. Paul Hampden Smith as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee when he steps down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM after almost nine years as a Director. Mr. Robson is a highly experienced former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) with a board level career in listed companies spanning over two decades and experience, gained at a senior executive level, of the manufacture and distribution of materials to small builders through a national branch network. Mr. Robson joined the Board of Howden Joinery Group Plc (“Howdens”) as CFO in April 2005 and in addition served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for his final six years on the Board and retired in December 2021. Prior to joining Howdens, Mr. Robson served for six years as CFO of Delta plc, the international industrials group. In his early career, he held progressively more senior financial positions over a period of thirteen years with Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, the global chemical group. Mr. Robson trained as a Chartered Accountant with PwC. Mr. Michael Roney, Non-Executive Chair of Grafton said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Mark to Grafton. He brings considerable financial, listed company board and relevant sector experience to the role. Mark was a highly accomplished CFO with a proven track record of success from his strong focus on value creation and commitment to the interests of all stakeholders. Most notably, during his 15-year tenure as CFO of Howdens, he played a critical role in the dramatic growth in the scale and profitability of the business that was exceptionally value accretive for shareholders. ”Mr. Mark Robson said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Grafton, a Group with strong brands and market positions and an international outlook. I look forward to working with the Board and the management team over the coming years in developing the business to its full potential and continuing to deliver stakeholder value. ”This announcement includes the information required by Listing Rules 9.6.11 to 9.6.13, and there is no further information to report under Listing Rule 9.6.13. Appointment of Senior Independent Director Mrs. Susan Murray, who joined the Board in October 2016, will succeed Mr. Hampden Smith as Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM. For further information please contact: Charles Rinn Secretary Grafton Group plc Telephone: +353 1 216 0600 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The terms under the new Building Safety Act 2022 became enforceable from October 1st this year. Here, Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, examines why creating a ‘Golden Thread’ of information within the new legislation is so important for those involved in the intumescent coatings industry. The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) has been developed as a new framework for the design, construction and occupation of ‘higher risk’ buildings. These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises. These regulations required that all existing occupied high-risk buildings should be registered with the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) from April 6, 2023 and no later than October 1, 2023. The BSR is an independent body which forms part of the Health and Safety Executive, which aims to raise building safety standards and the performance of buildings whilst also monitoring the competence of regulators and industry professionals. The reality of this new legislation is that under the terms of the Act, a Principal Accountable Person who fails to register an occupied higher-risk building ‘without a reasonable excuse’ will be liable to either a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. The Principal Accountable Person is described as the organisation or person who owns, or has responsibility for, the building. It may also be an organisation or person who is responsible for maintaining the common parts of a building, for example corridors or lobbies. The three Gateways provide evidence The Golden Thread is an information trail that runs through all of the three Gateways from the outset to completion and occupation so that end users can be assured of compliance, quality and safety and have confidence in the products used to provide fire and life safety. For the protection of structural steel with intumescent coatings, those who may need to submit information may include main contractors, architects, designers, specifiers, fabricators and applicators. Indeed, any party who is responsible for fire safety critical elements or components. Importantly, the criteria for the Golden Thread requires all relevant documents and evidence to be stored digitally to prove that adequate steps have been taken in the construction and ongoing maintenance of a building. Gateway 1 – covering the planning stage. This has been in force since August 1, 2021 and sets out the framework for the second and third stages. Applicants need to demonstrate that fire safety matters have been incorporated into the planning stage for all buildings. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who are now also the BSR, will be part of the consultation. If a fire statement is required to be submitted with a planning application it will be an issue for consideration for the Local Planning Authority (LPA) when reaching its decision on the application. Contractors should take note that if the LPA considers the statement inadequate it can refuse the application. At Sherwin-Williams, our policy of early engagement and collaboration between all parties helps to clarify any points up front before they become a problem with the subsequent knock-on effect on time and cost. It is clear that engaging multiple stakeholders – including designers, fabricators and applicators – early and consistently throughout the process is key to delivering a successful, safe and cost-efficient solution. Working together, we share knowledge and help our clients to reach their goals. After all, we are ALL now part of this renewed responsibility. We encourage and fully support this early engagement, and with the correct information from the project team we can provide information and guidance on a safe and efficient structural fire protection approach. Gateway 2 – submitting building control approval to the Regulator. This should include written declarations covering the competency of the main contractor, designer, a description of works and plans and a planning statement from Gateway 1. Importantly, there should be information about how evidence is being captured to maintain the Golden Thread. The Regulator has a 12-week period to approve or reject these building control applications or to approve subject to fulfilment of certain requirements. Any major changes at this stage will also need approval from the Regulator, and records of the controlled change – including an explanation of compliance with Building Regulations – will also need to be maintained. The categorisation of major and ‘notifiable changes’ are still subject to consultation under the new legislation. Gateway 3 – providing information to ensure the building is safe for occupation. There is a requirement to submit a completion certificate application and provide updated plans. These plans should reflect the scale of the higher-risk building, key building information, a list of mandatory incident reporting and signed declarations from the main contractor and principal designer that the works and building comply with Building Regulations. Finally, confirmation that information for the Golden Thread has been handed over to the accountable person should also be declared. There is then a 12-week period for the Regulator to approve the application for a completion certificate. We all have a role to play Remember – responsibility lies with us all. Nobody in the supply chain can absolve themselves. The Accountable Person must have assessed all building safety risks and taken all reasonable steps to control them, give the safety case report to the Regulator on request and apply for a building assessment certificate. To be clear, the information stored in the Golden Thread needs to be accurate, easily understandable, up to date and readily accessible. In echoing the point made by Dame Judith Hackitt, we at Sherwin-Williams emphasise that the Golden Thread constitutes any relevant package of information which refers specifically to a project or programme of works. This could come in various forms including a product specification, marked-up drawings, CAD data, a BIM model, a product / member DFT schedule, application records or datasheets for example. As long as it provides evidence of good practice and compliance, it is relevant. It is important to
