Advanced wall systems company, Specwall, further enhanced their vision to transform the UK construction industry by achieving A1 fire rated panel status, classified by UKAS registered the Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants. Specwall is an advanced wall system with inherent insulation, excellent acoustic and fire ratings, in the form of lightweight
After over a year of transformative investment, the upgrade of MEDITE SMARTPLY OSB facility in County Waterford has been completed. This new world class drying, energy and screening system will enhance resource efficiency and asset reliability for SMARTPLY OSB. For over 25 years, SMARTPLY has been supplying OSB to the
A 1,933 sq m purpose built builders merchant facility has completed at the Vesuvius development off Sandy Lane, Worksop with Travis Perkins set to open in July 2022. Property development and investment company, CEG, managed the build of the bespoke unit, which will be leased by Travis Perkins. The development
The opening of the Elizabeth line is the start of a new chapter in transport history. But how do you create contemporary ticket halls and platforms to complement the original and historic stations of London? The answer is in metal. Located many storeys below the renowned cast iron columns and
Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through its latest investment in sustainable packaging at its Toome plant. AG has invested in the new state-of-the-art T-Rex packaging as part of its overall environmental strategy and commitment to responsible and sustainable
Green construction innovators Dura Products has made its mark on history, becoming part of the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant thanks to the installation of its recycled kerbstone, Durakerb. More than 500 metres of the eco-friendly kerb solution has been installed at the McDonald’s outlet in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Made
IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the launch of its new website. Featuring outstanding design, content and functionality, the online resource offers improved and comprehensive information on IG Masonry Support’s advanced masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems. The new website is simpler to use and provides
Ibstock plc, a leading manufacturer of clay and concrete building products and solutions, has today launched its new ESG Strategy to 2030. The company, which is widely credited as leading the way in sustainability within the construction products sector, says its new ESG Strategy to 2030 will simplify the way
UK leader in construction chemicals Sika, has moved production of its most popular colours in the Parex Monorex GM render range from France to the UK to match the expectation and growth in demand from its customers and drive down lead times. Sika Ltd has confronted supply chain challenges for
Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through its latest carbon emissions data which shows a reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions – despite a surge in production levels. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown,
Advanced wall systems company, Specwall, further enhanced their vision to transform the UK construction industry by achieving A1 fire rated panel status, classified by UKAS registered the Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants. Specwall is an advanced wall system with inherent insulation, excellent acoustic and fire ratings, in the form of lightweight solid A1- and A2-rated panels. Its solid construction allows for direct fixings without the need for additional Patressing, and direct applied finishes including tiles and paint. The Panel is simple to install, requires minimal labour with a low skill set, has minimal waste and even has the ability to be adjusted or relocated if required in the future. It is not affected or damaged by water or mould and can be installed before the building is watertight making it suitable for pre-build, Cat A and Cat B installs. Following recent high profile fires to residential properties , Specwall has developed the A1 panel in reaction to the increasing demands of the UK construction market that exceeds the current minimum requirements of UK Building Control. In order to provide safe places for people to live and work, future-proof properties for funders and investors and mitigate the risk of expensive remedial works, Specwall proactively looked to provide an A1 fire rated walling system for the construction industry. Specwall adds speed, efficiency and quality to all sectors of the construction industry, including industrial buildings, commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, prisons and residential developments. Matt Jay, Managing Partner commented: “Our A1 fire rated panel is a game changer for the construction industry, a result of extensive research and development which was undertaken in response to this anticipated market need. The A1-panel has exceeded vigorous testing with confirmations that there is no flammable material in the panel, it cannot contribute to a fire at any stage and is the same weight and strength as standard A2-rated panel.” The A1 rating will further enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts for the construction material, and its commitment to safety and future proofing will be viewed positively by funders, investors and insurers. For more information, visit Specwalls website https://www.specwall.com/ get in contact or download their CPD – https://www.specwall.com/cpd Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
After over a year of transformative investment, the upgrade of MEDITE SMARTPLY OSB facility in County Waterford has been completed. This new world class drying, energy and screening system will enhance resource efficiency and asset reliability for SMARTPLY OSB. For over 25 years, SMARTPLY has been supplying OSB to the construction industry, steadily building the brand over time. Investment and product innovation being at the heart of the company’s success. From 2016 MEDITE SMARTPLY has been focusing on investment and product innovation. An initial investment of €59 million was made to the SMARTPLY facility which saw the creation of a new forming and finishing lines with a new state-of the art continuous press. This was the beginning of the next generation of SMARTPLY OSB, the panels were smoother, flatter and underpinned by the brands strong environmental ethos. €44 million was invested for this latest significant upgrade to the drying, energy and screening facility. The completion of the upgrade is a very exciting stage of development for SMARTPLY OSB. The construction of the biomass energy plant ensures that SMARTPLY will operate on 100% renewable biomass material for process drying and heating. The crucial upgrade means that SMARTPLY OSB will have an improved output, at a time when demand is high, and is predicted to grow further throughout 2022. The UK’s built environment is responsible for almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions, with the initial embodied carbon accounting for approximately 30% of this. This is a challenge as the industry is aiming to reach Net Zero. However, using renewable timber products is a solution. “We are extremely delighted with the completion of this project,” commented Chris King, Managing Director – Commercial at MEDITE SMARTPLY. “Not only will this upgrade allow us to deliver more sustainable best in class timber panel products, but the increased output of SMARTPLY OSB will enable us to support existing customer positions and develop new market sectors and opportunities as part of our strategy and growth plan.” The completed upgrade follows the successful launch of SMARTPLY SURE STEP, a T&G structural OSB/3 panel with improved slip resistance and durability. This joins a range of sustainably produced speciality and technical products, from moisture resistance to flame retardance, demonstrating MEDITE SMARTPLY’s consistent innovation and contribution to the future of sustainable building. Wood is the most effective carbon stores in comparison to other building materials. Wood’s carbon performance is key to manufacturing, therefore there is an increasing demand to use sustainable timber in construction, as wood absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this has been backed by numerous reports including the Climate Change Commission in the UK Housing: Fit for the future report 2. SMARTPLY products are made from sustainable, fast-growing timber, only using forest thinnings of new-growth pine and spruce, including the tops which are not used to make any other wood-based product. OSB panels are manufactured by compressing precisely engineered strands of woods with exterior resins at high temperature to create an outstandingly robust, and environmentally friendly structural panel suitable for numerous applications such as roofing, flooring, and timber frame construction. The MEDITE SMARTPLY product ranges are supplied carbon negative to the facility gate and are used in applications that lock in the carbon within the lifetime of their use. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
A 1,933 sq m purpose built builders merchant facility has completed at the Vesuvius development off Sandy Lane, Worksop with Travis Perkins set to open in July 2022. Property development and investment company, CEG, managed the build of the bespoke unit, which will be leased by Travis Perkins. The development will create 20 new jobs, deliver a new supply chain facility for existing local business and bring economic benefits to the area. Will Moss, Acquisition Director from Travis Perkins plc, said: ” We’re really excited to have secured this new two acre site in Worksop, which will be a key branch for Travis Perkins, providing a fantastic offering for our customers. It’s scheduled to open in July and this means we’ll be able to create new jobs in the community and help support Worksop’s construction workers and tradespeople with the expert knowledge and advice that they come to expect from Travis Perkins.” CEG is currently managing the comprehensive regeneration of the 17.75ha Vesuvius site. With planning permission for more than 200,000 sq ft of employment space, the first phase of 46,000 sq ft of multi-tenanted industrial units adjacent to Asda completed last year and is almost fully let. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service also acquired land at the site and has built a new fire station. Subsequent phases will also offer larger employment units including speculative as well as pre-let, design and build development for office, light industry, storage and distribution requirements. Will Martin, strategic land lead at CEG, said: “We welcome Travis Perkins to this thriving business community. This brownfield regeneration has proved a success with many companies thriving on the site. It has been the largest speculative development of this scale and quality in Worksop for many years and we continue to see strong interest in the space from well-known national trade and industrial occupiers alongside smaller, local businesses.” In 2018, supported by D2N2, CEG delivered a £5.5million package of works to create a new roundabout and access road opening up the site and remediating it for redevelopment. This makes the site easily accessible to the A60, A57, Worksop and its surrounds. D2N2 LEP Interim CEO, Will Morlidge, said: “It’s great to see that the new Travis Perkins branch has been completed and will soon be open to benefit the local community. The Vesuvius site represents an exciting landmark development for Worksop and the wider area, and we’re very proud to have supported it. The success of the site demonstrates the resurgent appetite for investment across north Nottinghamshire, supporting our collective ambitions to rebuild and grow our economy.” Chris Proctor & Anthony Barrowcliffe from FHP and Ben Flint from Fisher German are marketing the site. Chris Proctor said: “It is fantastic news to have attracted the big name of Travis Perkins to Vesuvius. This strong brand complements an already strong line up of names at this Worksop business destination. “We have just four industrial / trade units remaining on this first phase of the development offering from 3,750 sq ft up to 5,100 sq ft. This presents an excellent opportunity for both local and national occupiers. There are also land opportunities for units up to 200,000 sq ft. We would be delighted to talk with any businesses considering a move to Vesuvius, Worksop”. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
The opening of the Elizabeth line is the start of a new chapter in transport history. But how do you create contemporary ticket halls and platforms to complement the original and historic stations of London? The answer is in metal. Located many storeys below the renowned cast iron columns and arches of Brunel’s Paddington and the girder canopy in Liverpool Street mainline station by Edward Wilson, Crossrail contractor teams have used SAS International metal products to give shape again to the new stations of the Elizabeth line. Adjacent to Paddington mainline station built in 1874, the new Elizabeth line Paddington concourses and platform feature architectural bronze acoustic wall panelling, column cladding, and sound absorbing SAS600 rafts installed by SAS International. Also, in the Weston Williamson + Partners designed station, SAS wall-mounted vertical steel fins on Departures Road compliment the heritage cast iron railings on the pavement above. Two stops along the Elizabeth line, we come to Hawkins\Brown’s new vision of Tottenham Court Road. Described by the Crossrail team as “dark and cinematic, reflecting the nocturnal economies that characterise the area”. The use of acoustic stainless-steel and white SAS ceilings provides a raw contrast against the red and black wall glazing in this futuristic aesthetic. Further along the line, at the Wilkinson Eyre designed Liverpool Street Station, the story takes a new turn. SAS International acoustic metal products adorn the busy Elizabeth line ticket hall providing Class A sound absorption. Using pale grey SAS740 linear profiles and the natural light reflectance of the stainless-steel beam cladding, the colour palette of Liverpool Street is much brighter and calmer than the other stations. A perfect contrast to the 1800s wrought iron used in the original Network Rail platforms located over 30 metres above. At Whitechapel Elizabeth line station, metal plays an integral role in the growing theme of climate resiliency. With a completely open-air ticket hall, the versatile metal interior is designed to withstand all elements of our changing climate throughout the year. BDP designed an awe-inspiring canopy of aluminium anodised SAS750 tubular ceilings in four bronze shades. A differing take on the bronze theme, this ambitious curved ‘spine’ leads commuters from the Victorian brick arches of the original entrance, up, over, and down, to the Elizabeth line platforms. From Paddington’s first opening on 29th May 1854 through to today, metal has shaped the form and function of our London railways and stations. SAS are extremely proud to be part of the Crossrail project as well as a contributor to a story spanning nearly 170 years of Great British infrastructure design. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through its latest investment in sustainable packaging at its Toome plant. AG has invested in the new state-of-the-art T-Rex packaging as part of its overall environmental strategy and commitment to responsible and sustainable operating practice with the new system reducing carbon emissions. The pioneering system, supplied by Kraft Curing Systems, uses 100% biodegradable pellets that are sprayed onto each product layer for added surface protection before the next layer is added on top, without compromising on the quality of the finished goods. The system replaces the customary foam layers which are traditionally set between layers to protect the product whilst in transit. Customarily, the foam layers are disposed of by contractors on site, but the T-Rex packaging system uses granules which biodegrade naturally in-situ, removing the need for disposal. The investment in the packaging system allows AG to deliver on product requirements through a more efficient and sustainable method further reducing carbon emissions through drastically reducing the amount of packaging in their products. The system highlights AG’s commitment to responsible operating practice and is the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives created by the firm which include switching to 100% renewable energy as well as utilising bio-LPG instead of the industry-standard LPG resulting in a carbon saving of 70% – equal to a person driving around the world three times. The business has also introduced electric and hybrid cars into their fleet with a goal of having a full hybrid/electric fleet by 2025 This latest investment was led by CEO Stephen Acheson with support from the firm’s net zero carbon team which was set up with the aim of reducing the company’s carbon footprint, as part of an energy strategy developed with a commitment to producing low carbon products. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Dungannon, Toome, Ballygawley and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum. Last year, the business also reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10%, despite a 30% increase in production volumes as the company faced unprecedented demand for its products reinforcing its commitment to a greener future in construction. Rodney Davidson, Commercial Director at AG said: “We are delighted to introduce this new packaging system into our Toome plant. At AG we are constantly working to reduce our carbon footprint and are committed to sustainable construction.” CEO, Stephen Acheson added: “AG has a corporate social responsibility to be sustainable. We have adopted a long-term corporate philosophy that focuses on the wider message of lasting sustainable strategies and this new switch enables us to further reduce our carbon saving, lowering our carbon footprint even more.” “Each of our sites bring our corporate environmental philosophy to life and we are delighted to be making very positive steps in our journey of carbon reduction”.
Green construction innovators Dura Products has made its mark on history, becoming part of the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant thanks to the installation of its recycled kerbstone, Durakerb. More than 500 metres of the eco-friendly kerb solution has been installed at the McDonald’s outlet in Market Drayton, Shropshire. Made from 88% recycled polymers, the environmentally friendly kerbstone is helping the restaurant drastically reduce its carbon emissions. Thanks to its lightweight nature, it is also safer and easier to install, helping to minimise energy consumption and risk during construction, whilst increasing efficiency. The revolutionary site uses more than 250 square metres (sqm) of recycled materials in its construction, from building cladding made from recycled IT equipment and white household goods. Other features include two wind turbines, 92 sqm of solar panels, a drive-thru lane made from recycled tyres, and a biodiversity garden and nature trail designed by children from Market Drayton Junior School. The site is reported to be the first in the UK that fits into the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) net-zero carbon buildings framework. The company plans to use the design as a “blueprint” for new builds around the UK from 2022, with some of the sustainable measures already being implemented at other outlets. Transforming the built environment Sustainable construction innovator Dura Products, based in Deeside, Flintshire, is the company behind Durakerb. Having installed over 400,000 units since 2003, the company prides itself on its sustainability credentials. These credentials were affirmed in September 2021 with the announcement of its updated Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for Durakerb along with its, Durachannel, a linear surface drainage system, and Duradrain, a dual function kerb and drainage system. The three products recorded remarkably low carbon footprints of just 1.06, 1.47 and 1.71kg of carbon dioxide per kg respectively. Commenting on the installation of Durakerb, Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products said: “It’s a very proud moment for the company as our product is installed at the UK’s first net-zero carbon restaurant – a historic step for green construction in the UK. Our products are the example of what modern construction can be and should be – environmentally responsible. With the built environment contributing some 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, our industry has a long way to go, but as this project demonstrates, it is possible. To watch Roman Kemp discuss Durakerb and the UK’s first ever net-zero restaurant, click here https://metro.co.uk/video/first-net-zero-mcdonalds-branch-2566055/
IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the launch of its new website. Featuring outstanding design, content and functionality, the online resource offers improved and comprehensive information on IG Masonry Support’s advanced masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems. The new website is simpler to use and provides quick access for architects, engineers and specifiers. With a fresher, modern look and feel, the new website is designed to provide a user-friendly experience with intuitive navigation. It features new functionalities including comprehensive technical data such as CAD drawings, BIM objects, installation guides, Declarations of Performance and much more – allowing visitors fast and easy access to the product, system or specifier tool they need. “We are delighted to launch our brand-new website. The new site structure makes it easy to find and download materials and information in seconds,” commented Andy Neal, Managing Director at IG Masonry Support. “With a substantially upgraded search function and simplified internal navigation, product specifications will be more accessible than ever before, ensuring the customer finds the product, system or solution that best fits their project requirements.” Furthermore, the simplified structure ensures users can swiftly locate technical information, case studies, as well as user-friendly downloadable online literature. Future enhancements for the website include an interactive timeline on the company’s sustainability journey, project map, an online education initiative and more. Part of the renowned Keystone Group, the largest steel lintel manufacturer in the UK and Ireland, IG Masonry Support manufactures the most practical and advanced range of stainless steel masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems for the construction industry. For more information, visit the new website at igmasonrysupport.com
Ibstock plc, a leading manufacturer of clay and concrete building products and solutions, has today launched its new ESG Strategy to 2030. The company, which is widely credited as leading the way in sustainability within the construction products sector, says its new ESG Strategy to 2030 will simplify the way it articulates its goals and ambitions – thus enhancing understanding of the journey ahead with both its colleagues and external stakeholders. The Ibstock ESG Strategy to 2030 is an evolution of the company’s five-year Sustainability Roadmap set back in 2019 – with a number of its original targets achieved ahead of time. Ibstock’s evolved strategy defines a new era of responsible business and manufacturing and serves as an important accelerator in speeding up the pace of positive change. Ibstock’s ESG Strategy to 2030 has been structured in a way that its milestones and ambitions are communicated clearly and simply. Organised under three themes; Address Climate Change; Improve lives; and Manufacture Materials for life, headline ambitions include: 40% reduction in absolute carbon (Scope 1 & 2*) by 2030 Increase female senior leadership representation to 40% as part of a proactive approach to diversity and inclusion 20% of sales turnover revenue to come from new products and solutions that deliver customer value and improved sustainability Fostering engagement & ownership Key to the launch of Ibstock’s ESG Strategy is a desire to drive ownership and engagement of the company’s ESG goals. Using a strong, clear ‘call to action’ of ‘WE WILL’ which sits in front of its ambitions. The company hopes its new strategy will connect with colleagues at all levels of the business. Building on its award-winning People First approach to ESG and sustainability engagement, Ibstock will continue to drive employee engagement and understanding of its goals and ambitions – focusing on how individuals and their actions can contribute to the bigger picture. Ibstock says it new strategy is informed by a materiality assessment which has taken into consideration the views and perspectives of its key stakeholders. In addition, the company is also launching a major customer survey of attitudes to sustainability amongst housebuilders, builders merchants and architects and specifiers. The results of this process will shape a long-term programme of communications aimed at informing and connecting with Ibstock’s external stakeholders. Accelerating the pace of progress “We are very pleased to launch our ESG Strategy to 2030. It takes our business on the next exciting – and energetic – stage in its evolution,” says Joe Hudson, Ibstock plc’s Chief Executive Officer. “Whilst our new strategy sets our longer-term ambition, we are also very proud of the progress we have made on our journey so far to becoming a more sustainable, purpose-led business. Where the past decade has been about incremental improvement and embedding change, the next decade needs to go much further, much faster. “To get where we need to be, we must continue to bring our people with us on this journey to enable us to make progress more swiftly and with greater impact. This is work that requires our passionate people with a desire to make positive change at pace. We are confident we will achieve our goals – but we will need to do this together. We are calling on our colleagues, suppliers, partners and customers to work with us – as we will work with them – to deliver on the challenges and opportunities that we share.” Ibstock plc’s ESG Strategy to 2030 can be accessed at https://www.ibstockplc.co.uk/sustainability
UK leader in construction chemicals Sika, has moved production of its most popular colours in the Parex Monorex GM render range from France to the UK to match the expectation and growth in demand from its customers and drive down lead times. Sika Ltd has confronted supply chain challenges for some key Sika Parex product ranges and has made the step to produce the three most popular colours of Monorex GM – G00, G10 and G20 – in the UK. This will see the production of Monorex GM with the same excellent performance and results as users expect. Monorex GM is a one-coat, through coloured weather resistant decorative render for masonry and concrete substrates. Darren Bunting, Business Unit Manager for Sika Everbuild said: “The construction sector has faced many challenges in the last two years as a result of Covid-19 and Brexit. Sika continually look to identify opportunities to improve customer service and satisfaction and our decision to produce our key product, Monorex, in the UK is a great example of that – enabling us to reduce lead times and supply chain risks for our customers.” For distributors and applicators, Sika Parex’s product offering consists of a range of quality render system and solutions. With its expertise in mortar solutions for renovation and new builds, Sika participates in all phases of the construction life cycle. Available from local Business Development Managers, the Sika Parex Housebuilder Pack outlines the “complete” package to customers and specifiers with industry sector experts available to provide unsurpassed levels of free technical advice, specifications and CAD details. With sites in Welwyn Garden City, Wishaw and Preston, Parex is a brand within Sika, a leading manufacturer of construction chemicals, mortars, specialist adhesives and sealants and render systems for use in construction, refurbishment and civil engineering. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through its latest carbon emissions data which shows a reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions – despite a surge in production levels. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Dungannon, Toome, Ballygawley and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum. Last year, the business reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10%, despite a 30% increase in production volumes as the company faced unprecedented demand for its products reinforcing its commitment to a greener future in construction. The specialist building products business previously switched to 100% renewable energy as well as utilising bio-LPG instead of the industry-standard LPG resulting in a carbon saving of 70% – equal to a person driving around the world three times. The business has also introduced electric and hybrid cars into their fleet with a goal of having a full hybrid/electric fleet by 2025. This was led by CEO Stephen Acheson with support from the firm’s net zero carbon team which was set up with the aim of reducing the company’s carbon footprint, as part of an energy strategy developed with a commitment to producing low carbon products. This is the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives created by AG which includes a longstanding dedication to producing a significant amount of their product range using recycled aggregates alongside locally quarried materials. As well as this, regular reviews of its systems and procedures ensure AG are constantly improving energy efficiency, which is monitored monthly in each facility, ranging from workshops with employees to the purchasing of equipment or goods with the lowest carbon footprint. Rodney Davidson, Commercial Director at AG said: “For many years, we have worked tirelessly to reduce our energy usage and we are delighted to see this reduction in our scope 1 and 2 emissions, especially during a time when production levels increased” CEO, Stephen Acheson added: “AG has a corporate social responsibility to be sustainable. We have adopted a long-term corporate philosophy that focuses on the wider message of lasting sustainable reductions in energy and water requirements.” “Every facility has a designated ‘Energy Champion’ whose job it is to check for any wastage of energy or water. We are constantly striving to improve energy efficiency and are delighted that this new switch enables us to make a massive carbon saving, lowering our carbon footprint even more.” “Each of our sites bring our corporate environmental philosophy to life and our commitment to reducing the impact our sites have on our neighbours and surrounding environment is evidenced by the rich biodiversity found around our sites – such as the peregrine falcons currently nesting in our Fivemiletown quarry. We are delighted to be making very positive steps in our journey of carbon reduction”.
