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
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has launched its second AVAIL Housing Hub, with the aim of helping housing providers in Leeds to navigate the demands and challenges of supplying safe and quality social housing to local residents. Following the successful launch of its first AVAIL Housing Hub in Newcastle earlier this
National builders’ merchant Jewson and plastic pipe manufacturer Polypipe have awarded nine youth sport teams across Scotland dual-branded sponsored strips as part of a competition. Earlier this year, the companies partnered to help support grassroots teams across Scotland by taking applications from junior sports clubs who felt they deserved a
Today, Hanson UK becomes Heidelberg Materials, aligning with its parent company which announced its new global branding in September 2022. “The construction sector faces global challenges such as climate change and the digitalisation of our industry; challenges we are better placed to meet as a strong, united Group,” said Simon
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has appointed three new senior leaders, as the building materials supplier to the public sector continues to see increased demand for its services and expertise. Ryan Kellingray has been named Operations Director, Ben Lewis joins JPS as Head of Ranging and John Moss has been hired
ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame
NBS launches new early-stage specification library incorporating cost, carbon, and lifecycle indicators provided by BCIS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and BCIS, the leading UK provider of building cost information, have announced a new partnership that will help support the industry in its
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
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has launched its second AVAIL Housing Hub, with the aim of helping housing providers in Leeds to navigate the demands and challenges of supplying safe and quality social housing to local residents. Following the successful launch of its first AVAIL Housing Hub in Newcastle earlier this year, the one-stop-shop building and maintenance hub in Leeds will offer social housing providers all the benefits of JPS – including stock management technology, material supply, waste disposal and expert training – to tackle changing legislation, health and safety, rising costs, and decarbonisation regulations. A wealth of products for construction, maintenance and repairs will be made available to customers via the hub’s large external yard and warehouse. JPS will apply its automated replenishment technology to ensure levels of stock – which are specifically selected to support social landlords with their key challenges – are always maintained. A fleet of vehicles are available for delivery of products and materials to different sites and properties, either direct to operative or to AVAIL’s Smart Collection points located at convenient spots around the city. In coming months, the hub will include an on-site ‘drop and go’ waste offer, allowing users to save valuable time in the usual waste separation process, as well as a training academy, available to any AVAIL Housing Hub customer and their tenants, offering training on new product launches and construction processes. Courses will also be available for 16–24-year-olds looking to enter the job market, delivered in conjunction with charity YouthBuild. Social housing plays an important role in Leeds, with 54,000 council-owned dwellings in the city and a commitment in place to build 1,500 more by 2025 through the House Growth Programme. The hub is located in Seacroft, where 70 per cent of households are classed as living in deprivation – the fourth most deprived area in the city. JPS officially opened the doors to the Leeds hub at the end of September, at an event attended by a wealth of building materials suppliers, contractors and local housing associations. Scott Cooper, managing director of JPS, said: “From rising material costs and a shortage of labour, to environmental targets and a need to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of homes, housing associations are feeling more pressure than ever before to provide better housing for less while simultaneously raising the standards of their properties. “The roll-out of our AVAIL Housing Hubs is designed to make our customers’ lives easier in the face of these challenges, which we know are especially prevalent in Leeds. We want to offer social housing providers a way of working that will save them money, while also providing the guidance they need to select the products required to deliver the homes of the future. “The AVAIL Housing Hub model brings all of that under one roof, and enables us to act as a supply partner that can help them deliver on their objectives for the people who need it most.” The hub in Leeds is open now. For more information, visit https://www.jewsonpartnershipsolutions.com/avail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National builders’ merchant Jewson and plastic pipe manufacturer Polypipe have awarded nine youth sport teams across Scotland dual-branded sponsored strips as part of a competition. Earlier this year, the companies partnered to help support grassroots teams across Scotland by taking applications from junior sports clubs who felt they deserved a new sponsored kit. Having been inundated with responses, judges from both businesses have selected nine winners who’ll now receive cheques that they can put towards the new strips. The winning teams have been announced as Wigtownshire Youth Rugby and Stranraer FC Youth in Stranraer; Livingston Rugby Boys’ Team in Falkirk; Drumpchapel United in Paisley; Oban Galaxy and Rockfield Primary Team in Oban; Inter Galloway AFC Community Youths in Dumfries; Ceann Creige Hurling and Camogie Club in Glasgow, and Dumbarton Riverside Disability Football Team in Dumbarton. Speaking of their win, head of youth development at Stranraer FC Youth, Allan Jenkins, said: “Our town features prominently on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. We’ve got about 100 young people involved across four teams, from Under 13s up to Under 21s, who need kits and equipment to play with. Because of that, we regularly approach local businesses for support. We rely on goodwill, sponsorship and fundraising to keep our club going. “Winning a branded kit will be a huge and very welcome boost for us. All footballers love to put on a pristine new strip because it creates excitement and a buzz, so the team is going to be thrilled when we tell them the news. For Jewson and Polypipe to select us as winners is brilliant and is appreciated by everyone involved at the club.” Grace McBride, coach and club secretary at Ceann Creige Hurling and Camogie Club, said: “We haven’t had new kits since we set up four years ago, so they’re looking a bit worse for wear. Because we operate in a deprived area, we try to offer affordable training and provide equipment at no cost. We have tried to get sponsorship but it’s difficult now, with so many businesses struggling. “That’s why we’re so pleased to have won. The kids will be so excited to have a new kit. It will give them a sense of uniformity, to all be wearing the same thing at last!” Allan Davidson, Regional Managing Director for Scotland and The North at Jewson, said: “We play a vital role in the communities in which we operate, and part of our commitment at a local level includes supporting young people to do what they love. “A lot of applicants to our kit giveaway explained that they’re from deprived areas, and struggle to get the funds needed to refresh their kits. This made judging incredibly difficult as we’d love to support everyone, but our nine winners prove they go that extra mile to help young people access sports which change their lives, and we are pleased to be able to make that even more special through the provision of dual-branded, sponsored kits from Jewson and Polypipe.” Sean Lanagan, Key Account Manager at Polypipe, said: “We have a strong and lasting relationship with Jewson, so we were keen to be involved in this initiative which we know will mean so much to so many. “Being part of a sports team should mean feeling united through your kit as well as through your determination and desire to work together, and we are glad to have played a part in that for these nine very deserving clubs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Hanson UK becomes Heidelberg Materials, aligning with its parent company which announced its new global branding in September 2022. “The construction sector faces global challenges such as climate change and the digitalisation of our industry; challenges we are better placed to meet as a strong, united Group,” said Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK. “Having a single brand name and identity sends a clear and consistent message to our increasingly global customers and fosters collaboration across both geographical and organisational borders. “It will allow us to work together to lead the field in driving down carbon emissions; promote the circular economy by recycling and reusing construction waste; develop digital solutions to provide added value to our customers; and develop sustainable and innovative building materials.” Hanson has been part of the Heidelberg Materials Group for 16 years, following its acquisition in 2007. The new branding will be rolled out at sites and on vehicles over the next two years with new packaging following in early 2024. The new identity includes a subtle ‘h’ to reflect the initial letter of the brand, while the larger shape signifies a construction element, and the colours reflect the Group’s heritage. “It’s an exciting time for us,” added Simon Willis. “Customer demands, markets, and competitors are changing rapidly and being part of a global team will allow us to take full advantage of our strengths. “Our commitment to decarbonisation, growing the circular economy and delivering excellence remains and, as we head to the future, we will continue to drive innovation and deepen partnerships with our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has appointed three new senior leaders, as the building materials supplier to the public sector continues to see increased demand for its services and expertise. Ryan Kellingray has been named Operations Director, Ben Lewis joins JPS as Head of Ranging and John Moss has been hired as Business Development Director, with all bringing a wealth of expertise from varied careers within the industry. The hires follow the appointment of Scott Cooper as Managing Director across both JPS and its sister company George Boyd, the architectural ironmongery and commercial door sets distributor, earlier this year. Both brands are part of STARK Building Materials UK and the move helped to strengthen the existing synergies between the companies as they continue to see increased demand from the public sector, particularly within social housing. Cooper said: “The last three years have been incredibly successful for JPS and we have established ourselves as a trusted supplier for housing providers and public sector organisations in the UK. “During this time, we have doubled our turnover and we intend to continue growing in both size and ability, investing in knowledge and skills that will ultimately help our customers and their end users. “By enhancing our senior leadership structure, we can take our quality of service to the next level, as well as expanding our product range to help customers navigate the ever-evolving challenges facing the public sector. Two of our new recruits have previously worked for our customers and suppliers, so they can bring invaluable real-world experiences of challenges and opportunities that our customers face.” Speaking of his appointment, Kellingray said: “I have always looked on and admired the JPS business, especially the recent trajectory it has been on. When the opportunity came up to be part of the business I couldn’t wait to get started and help shape the continued growth we are aiming for in the coming years. “I have a strong operations and sales background, which I’ll be using to help land our growth plan in the market whilst maintaining the strong customer partnerships that have already been developed.” Adding to this, Lewis said: “Having had previous experience in the material supply chain within the housing sector, I’ve had the opportunity to work with JPS and have always enjoyed doing so. I’m delighted to now be supporting the business from the other side, and will be working to improve the customer experience even further so we can maintain a reputation as a truly trusted supplier.” Reflecting on his new role, Moss said: “Working alongside JPS in recent years has given me a great insight into the impressive trajectory of the business and its incredibly collaborative approach with its customers. “My work within the social housing sector for more than 14 years has provided a real understanding of its needs and I wholeheartedly share the JPS passion for partnership. I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such an exciting phase of growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Code was developed by the Construction Product Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following two years’ engagement with industry. It has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the way the construction product manufacturing industry manages and provides information on its products. Globally renowned for high quality construction solutions and with a commitment to raising industry standards, Sika is one of the first product manufacturers to have achieved CCPI verification of its first product set for Single Ply Roof systems. The company maintains a strong focus on transparency and by committing to the code it will provide further independent assurance and greater confidence in the information associated to its CCPI-verified product-set. There are 11 Clauses within the CCPI assessment which cover a wide range of matters from responsibility for product information, to transparency of performance, proof of stated claims, general information and competency. The CCPI is built around five ‘acid tests’ – product information must be ‘Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous’. The 11 clauses are underpinned by a requirement to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, ethics, leadership and culture. “We are delighted that Sika is an early adopter of the code,” said Mark Gatrell – Head of Business Unit Roofing for Sika in the UK. “The Code is aiming to drive the highest standards in product information, setting a level playing field for all construction manufacturers to ensure that the information they provide is clear, accurate, up-to- date and unambiguous. We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in product information management.” For more information visit the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NBS launches new early-stage specification library incorporating cost, carbon, and lifecycle indicators provided by BCIS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, and BCIS, the leading UK provider of building cost information, have announced a new partnership that will help support the industry in its drive to net-zero buildings. The partnership will incorporate robust data sets from BCIS into NBS’ specification writing platform, Chorus, providing specifiers with a powerful set of insights, helping them to make design decisions that reflect budget and sustainability aspirations. NBS and BCIS are collaborating to offer a new early-stage specification library, allowing industry professionals to start preparing their specifications at the concept design stage, pre-written clauses, drop-down values, and technical guidance. It will provide a smooth user experience and facilitate consistent sustainability discussions and decisions within project design teams. Commenting on the collaboration, Russell Haworth, NBS’s CEO, says “Our recent research at NBS has shown that specifiers are asking for better, more joined-up building information to help them make informed sustainability decisions at the project outset. “At the moment, there isn’t one company in the industry that can provide designers and specifiers with the comprehensive information they need to build sustainably – that’s why this partnership marks an important milestone, giving specifiers an additional level of insight that previously was just not available.” The partnership will also provide users with relative cost indicators from BCIS, which will allow specifiers to understand the relative financial cost in addition to the environmental cost impact of building elements. Haworth continues, “Architects and other specifiers have also made it clear that they want indicators to help with decision-making on cost and the potential future upkeep of buildings.” “Providing cost and sustainability data will allow for better decisions and enhanced collaboration across the design team, ultimately providing the built environment with the tools to build more sustainability.” James Fiske, BCIS’ CEO, adds “We know how critical decisions are at the start of a project in influencing lifetime cost and carbon emissions. We want to partner with an organisation that could help deliver our data to designers and specifiers and NBS was the perfect fit. “The data we are going to provide through NBS will link with the more detailed data sets available to users of BCIS, allowing all members of the design team to discuss design and specification options on a consistent basis. Together, we can provide a solution to help design teams make informed specification decisions earlier in the design process that support the industry drive to net zero.” NBS, along with sister company Glenigan – both part of Byggfakta Group – is also set to join the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) initiative, managed by BCIS. BECD aims to become the official UK repository of lifecycle carbon data for the built environment, providing a reliable and free-to-access platform for carbon estimating, reporting, and benchmarking. Committed to sharing knowledge and data for the good of the industry, the blend of NBS’ detailed product information and Glenigan’s extensive project information, will help BECD in its goal to reduce the UK construction industry’s impact on the environment. 2023 sees NBS celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first specification publication, commemorating half a century of delivering connected construction information. To find out more about its services and expertise click here. To find out more about BCIS, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
