90 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions targeted by 2030 42 per cent reduction for Scope 3 targeted by 2030 Kingspan Group, the global leader in building envelope solutions, today announces ambitious new targets for reducing its Scope, 1,2 and 3 GHG emissions. In 2018, Kingspan signed
The demand for decking materials has increased significantly during 2021, but the supply appears to be waning, according to a recent report from the Decking Network*. The report details how despite materials still being grown and felled in places such as Scandinavia, the USA, Canada, Russia, China, Asia and Indonesia,
As part of Klober’s ongoing sales team investment, Ben Edge has been appointed as Divisional Sales Manager (North UK and Ireland). With 38% of architectural practices expecting workloads to grow in Q3 according to RIBA Future Trends Workload Index, this timely appointment bodes well amid construction industry growth. Joining the
Phase One of Milburngate is on course for completion in the first quarter of 2022. The latest milestone in the construction of the £120m Arlington Richardson development has been achieved with the completion of its structural steel frame. Comprising of 40,000 individual pieces of steel weighing a combined 3,800 tonnes,
Knauf Insulation has been selected as a net zero ‘Business Champion’ by the Construction Leadership Council and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for the CO2nstructZero initiative. It joins a select group of major contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, manufacturers and sub-contractors committed to demonstrating leadership and promoting best
The superior aesthetics, offsite craftmanship and precision of Keystone Lintels’ pioneering brick slip system has ensured the façade of a luxury apartment complex in Buckinghamshire is in keeping with its exemplary architectural design. Located on one of Beaconsfield’s premier roads, Wellington Court is an exclusive development of one, two and
The UK suspended ceilings and partitioning systems market was worth an estimated £283m in 2020, having declined by an estimated 16% due to the impact of the pandemic. The overall market for suspended ceiling and partitioning products is relatively mature and primarily dependent on construction and refurbishment activity in the
With ever-increasing market demands for more robust and flexible façade systems, Kawneer, the leading manufacturer of architectural aluminium glazing systems has launched a new version of its successful AA®100 and AA®110 curtain wall products. In addition to a +/- 5mm building expansion joint for its SSG curtain wall variant and a higher weight capacity for its capped option, one of the key enhancements is a concealed vent option within the product to help
Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has launched an exciting new football-themed promotion. Intended to inspire the atmosphere of team spirit and competition this summer, All to Play For will bring together operators and owners from across the UK and Ireland, highlighting their place within Mecalac’s global team. Running until mid-July, All
New research unveils 18% of Brits are seeking a career in the trades as a result of the pandemic 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client
90 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions targeted by 2030 42 per cent reduction for Scope 3 targeted by 2030 Kingspan Group, the global leader in building envelope solutions, today announces ambitious new targets for reducing its Scope, 1,2 and 3 GHG emissions. In 2018, Kingspan signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative[1], a validated emissions reduction framework that has been adopted by over 1000 companies globally. The targets committed the Group to reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 targets by 10 per cent by 2025 versus a 2017 baseline. Over the last three years Kingspan has expanded considerably through acquisition and organic growth. In line with best practice, new targets have been set reflecting the size and scale of the business today. The new targets align with Kingspan’s Planet Passionate programme and reflect the company’s determination to be a global leader in sustainability. The Group has now committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions[2] by 90% by 2030 from a 2020 base year. It has also pledged to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions[3] by 42% within the same timeframe. The ambitious new targets are in line with the scale of reductions required to keep global warming below 1.5C from pre-industrial levels. As part of its Planet Passionate commitments Kingspan has already pledged to achieve net-zero carbon manufacturing by 2030 through a combination of process improvements, energy productivity and renewable energy use. This is just one of 12 targets that address impacts in four key areas: carbon, water, energy and circularity. “Significantly reducing our carbon impact across our value chain by 2030 is not just business-critical, it’s planet-critical,” said Bianca Wong, Kingspan’s Global Head of Sustainability. “Our revised science-based targets reinforce our commitment to be an industry leader on climate action and will help to drive change throughout the business at the pace required.” [1] The Science Based Targets Initiative is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi call to action is one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. 2 Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization (e.g., emissions associated with fuel combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles). Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. 3 Emissions from purchased goods and services, use of sold products and end-of-life treatment of sold products. The target boundary includes biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy
The demand for decking materials has increased significantly during 2021, but the supply appears to be waning, according to a recent report from the Decking Network*. The report details how despite materials still being grown and felled in places such as Scandinavia, the USA, Canada, Russia, China, Asia and Indonesia, a lack of personnel in local mills and transport systems is causing a delay in these products being exported. This has led to intensified competition between suppliers and an inevitable price increase, which is being passed on to the end consumer. William Hogg, Managing Director of Ecodek, a specialist manufacturer of Wood Polymer Composite decking boards, explains how both the increased demand and supply chain complications have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: “Over the past 18 months people have been spending more time at home, for both work and pleasure. This has resulted in homeowners looking to improve their gardens or create new outdoor workspaces and, as a consequence, demand for decking has soared. “At the same time, the pandemic has resulted in a reduced workforce, either due to employees falling ill or having to self-isolate after encountering someone who has COVID-19. This combination of increased demand and a decreased workforce has led to frustration amongst many customers waiting for their timber decking.” William believes the answer is to buy British. Ecodek designs and manufacturers its wood composite decking boards in Wrexham, with products carrying the Made in Britain marque. As such, it does not rely on any imports from other countries to sustain its supply chain, as William continues: “Because our products are manufactured in the UK, using recycled and sustainable materials, we can guarantee a lead time of one week for stock products and three weeks for bespoke and made-to-order decking. “However, it is not just our location that has enabled us to maintain this steady supply. The stringent COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures we implemented at the beginning of the pandemic have enabled us to control the impact of coronavirus on our company processes. Combined, our location and rigorous health and safety practices have allowed us to continue trading, without disruption, over the past 18 months.” Ecodek has seen a marked increase in the number of customers, both trade and consumer, turning from timber to wood composite decking, due to its availability and the stability of the supply chain. “We have received many enquiries from customers who have been let down by timber suppliers and require a viable alternative. With all the beauty of timber but the many benefits of wood polymer composite, many have been coming to Ecodek to fulfil their requirements,” adds William. Slip resistant, low maintenance, splinter free, and rot and split resistant, Ecodek’s range of composite decking boards is offering customers a practical, sustainable, and attractive alternative to real timber. “I am sure that consumers who consider locally manufactured composite as an alternative to wood will soon realise the considerable advantages it provides, in the short, medium and longer-term both with regards to its supply and environmental benefits.” Further information about Ecodek and its range of wood composite decking boards can be found at www.ecodek.co.uk or by calling 01978 667 840.
As part of Klober’s ongoing sales team investment, Ben Edge has been appointed as Divisional Sales Manager (North UK and Ireland). With 38% of architectural practices expecting workloads to grow in Q3 according to RIBA Future Trends Workload Index, this timely appointment bodes well amid construction industry growth. Joining the Klober team from Unilever, Ben will draw on his sales and account management experience to help merchants access a wealth of industry knowledge and support with sales enquiries across the region. Alongside this, Ben has over three years’ experience in the property development market as a private investor, which has helped him to establish relationships with contractors and other building professionals. Ben commented: “As a market leader in roofing components and accessories, the Klober brand is well respected and renowned for offering quality. My role in the sales team will be to work with others across the business to carry on this legacy of raising the roofing standard, and to support merchant customers fulfil orders on time and to specification. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and will use my experience in the FMCG sector to this end. I also look forward to applying my experience as a self-employed property developer and investor to add further value and customer understanding when dealing with sales enquiries.” This appointment comes at a time of expansion and change for the Klober sales team, following on from the hiring of Chris Nicholl as Commercial Director in early 2021. Over the last six months, Chris has reshaped the team improve Klober’s sales proposition, including the promotion of Richard Pitman to Divisional Sales Manager for the South. Chris added: “We’ve taken a new approach to the structure of the Klober team so we can provide more support for our customers right across the UK and Ireland. As part of this, Ben will become an important contact for our key account customers, helping to maximise opportunities for new Klober products while keeping our existing portfolio front of mind. I am confident that Ben will offer new ideas and a different perspective that will be invaluable to ensuring the continued success of Klober. As a team we are excited to see what Ben can do and wish him all the best as he settles into his new role.” For more information about Klober, please visit www.klober.co.uk. Also follow Klober on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook
Phase One of Milburngate is on course for completion in the first quarter of 2022. The latest milestone in the construction of the £120m Arlington Richardson development has been achieved with the completion of its structural steel frame. Comprising of 40,000 individual pieces of steel weighing a combined 3,800 tonnes, the key structures that will make up Phase One of Milburngate are now complete and visible on Durham City’s riverside. Following a 54-week build programme, the steel frames of the office building, hotel, boutique cinema, retail and leisure units, as well as the three apartment blocks, are now in place ready for external finishing and interior fitout to take place. The structural frame, which utilises 20,000 welded shear studs, is strengthened with 5,500 square metres of pre-cast concrete beams and supports over 100 flights of stairs through the development. More than 30 local operatives successfully delivered the steel work project with minimal delays to programme, despite the need to adhere to strict Covid safety guidelines including social distancing. Led by Milburngate’s main contractor Tolent, it was delivered in conjunction with County Durham-based constructional steel company Finley Structures and structural engineers Atkins. Allan Cook, managing director at Arlington said: “Erecting 40,000 pieces of steel in this timeframe in a sensitive riverside location such as Milburngate has its challenges, but to achieve this against the backdrop of a worldwide pandemic is testament to the expertise of our construction team and strength of their supply chain. “This is an important moment in the development of Milburngate, not only as a construction milestone, but also in terms of attracting new occupiers. They can now visit site and see first-hand the unique position Milburngate occupies on the riverside and experience the fabulous views we have created of the river and World Heritage site peninsular. “When they visit Milburngate they can now appreciate the important role it will play as a living, working and leisure destination in attracting people to Durham from across the region and beyond. This is certainly paying dividends with potential occupiers as interest in Milburngate has grown significantly in the first part of the year.” Michael Rutherford, project director for Tolent, said: “The completion of the steel frame programme is a significant milestone for the project and what you can now see on site is the best visual representation so far of just what a fantastic development this is going to be for Durham. “As the majority of the structures on site are now weather tight, we are progressing with internal fit out works of the apartment blocks, hotel and leisure and retail units. We recently passed 750,000 hours on site and have a workforce over 300 people which we continue to manage with health, safety and wellbeing as our number one priority.”
Knauf Insulation has been selected as a net zero ‘Business Champion’ by the Construction Leadership Council and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for the CO2nstructZero initiative. It joins a select group of major contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, manufacturers and sub-contractors committed to demonstrating leadership and promoting best practice to reduce construction carbon emissions. “Net zero is a colossal challenge, and to achieve it will require unprecedented collaboration” said Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director, Knauf Insulation Northern Europe. “As the biggest supplier of insulation into newbuild homes in the UK, and the nation’s only manufacturer of both Glass and Rock Mineral Wool, we know we have an important role to play. Especially as the industry transitions towards much stricter ‘real performance’ standards. We look forward to working with our partners across the supply chain to create a built environment that’s fit for the future.” Established earlier this year, CO2nstruct Zero is the construction industry’s zero carbon change programme. Business Champions are required to share tangible evidence of the steps they are taking to respond to the net zero carbon challenge, and to commit to sharing data and learnings with the industry. Business Champions include Arcadis, Costain, JCB, Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Travis Perkins. “Improved insulation will be at the heart of UK construction’s efforts to decarbonise, but operational carbon is only one side of the equation,” said Hargreaves. “To create genuinely low-carbon buildings, we’ll need to create them using low-carbon materials. That’s why we’re taking bold action now to reduce the embodied carbon and environmental impact of our products.” Knauf Insulation has set specific targets for 2025 as part of its recently published sustainability strategy, ‘For a Better World’. These include: Reducing the embodied carbon of its products by 15% compared with 2019; Investing 10% of its general capital expenditure on new sustainability projects; Cutting its organisational carbon footprint by at least 25%; Sending zero waste to landfill from its manufacturing plants across the group; Reducing virgin plastic packaging by 25%; Setting new higher minimum levels of recycled materials in products and packaging. For further information on Knauf Insulation’s ‘For A Better World’ sustainability strategy, visit www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/for-a-better-world.
The superior aesthetics, offsite craftmanship and precision of Keystone Lintels’ pioneering brick slip system has ensured the façade of a luxury apartment complex in Buckinghamshire is in keeping with its exemplary architectural design. Located on one of Beaconsfield’s premier roads, Wellington Court is an exclusive development of one, two and three bedroom apartments. Developer Halamar’s architectural vision for this property required a gable ended luxury façade and main entrance featuring prominent and distinctive brickwork arches in the Arts and Craft style. To meet their requirements, Keystone’s technical team designed Brick Slip Feature corbelled and full arch lintels which were manufactured in a factory-controlled environment, negating the need for complex brick cutting on-site. Fabricated off-site with exemplary craftmanship, Keystone’s technical team ensured each bespoke lintel was manufactured to the size, shape and aesthetic requirements within the project build schedule. The one-piece lintel design solution required exacting dimensions to avoid any conflict with the proposed stone sitting at the end of each arch bearing. 3593mm upper coursing span and 3143mm lower coursing span measurements were essential for the seamless installation of the prominent entrance. A consignment of light textured Parham Red bricks were collected from site by Keystone which reduced brick wastage and improved material management. Double Cant bricks were precisely cut and bonded onto an extra heavy duty corbelled arch lintel using a BBA approved construction adhesive in a factory-controlled environment. The patented perforated design of a Keystone Brick Slip Feature Lintel allows the adhesive to squeeze through the perforations and form a ‘mushroom’ on the inside, providing a mechanical lock between the steel lintel and the bricks. Integral key prefabricated lintel components were all manufactured concurrently as opposed to sequentially which offered greater predictability of operational expenditure during the build programme. Delays associated with bad weather onsite were also avoided which allowed for high quality and consistency to be achieved when replicating the four large full arch lintel designs. The impressive 4300mm span and 2150mm rise arches were delivered to site ready for final pointing, with all the arch lintels including lifting hooks for an easier and safer installation. Keystone is the largest supplier of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland. For bespoke applications, architects, housebuilders and contractors can specify brick feature requirements by utilising Keystone’s free Brick Slip Feature Lintel design service. With this exceptional development in leafy Beaconsfield now complete, Keystone Brick Slip Feature lintels have once again played their part in meeting the complex brickwork requirements of a high quality scheme and at the same time within the designated build schedule.
The UK suspended ceilings and partitioning systems market was worth an estimated £283m in 2020, having declined by an estimated 16% due to the impact of the pandemic. The overall market for suspended ceiling and partitioning products is relatively mature and primarily dependent on construction and refurbishment activity in the non-domestic sector, particularly offices, education, retail, entertainment & leisure, and health. Suspended ceilings are typically installed towards the end of a construction project and partitions are generally fitted upon tenant occupation, so there is a delayed impact compared to changes in construction levels. The market experienced growth to 2018 and was relatively static in 2019, before declining significantly in 2020, primarily due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the initial lockdown, construction levels recovered throughout 2020 and have continued into 2021 as government guidance indicated that the manufacturing and construction sectors could continue to work. This led to an improvement in market performance improve with growth forecast for the year to 31 December 2021. During 2020, the pandemic significantly impacted market growth levels, particularly during the first national lockdown from mid-March. At the peak impact of the Covid-19 lockdown measures in the Q2 2020 many working sites were closed although some activity resumed relatively with the easing of lockdown. Despite the implementation of social distancing measures, overall construction and RMI output grew during H2 2020. For the year, however, it is estimated that the suspended ceilings and partitions market fell by around 16% in 2020. Perhaps one of the most significant developments due to the 2020 lockdowns was the change in working patterns, with people working from home where possible. Any permanent shift in where and how people work is likely to have a lasting impact on the market. The office sector was changing prior to the pandemic but faster adoption of more flexible patterns may accelerate this movement further. Construction in the office sector has fluctuated since 2016, being on a downward trajectory overall. Many companies are reviewing their need and use for office space. Recently ministers have said they want to consider proposals for giving office staff a ‘default’ right to work from home. However, there are concerns by some that this would allow companies to employ workers from abroad, which may impact employment levels in the UK. Alex Blagden, Senior Research Analyst at AMA Research, comments “One of the key factors expected to impact on future demand for suspended ceilings and partitioning is the current change in working practices in offices, largely brought about by the pandemic. While some employers have been encouraging staff to return to the office in 2021, others have – including some major employers – have permanently closed many of their offices and/or changed working practices to full-time or part-time remote working.” Due to the current high number of offices that are vacant or with lower density occupation office blocks, combined with uncertainty among investors, speculative office construction activity has fallen. However, Since Q3 2020 in London there has been a marked increase in starts, with more than half being major refurbishments and the remainder mostly pre-let newbuilds. Refurbishment has centred on reformatting offices to make them both more ’eco friendly’ and more Covid-19 secure. Across the UK, it is likely this is being replicated, so generating requirements for partitioning in open plan spaces and hygienic suspended ceiling tiles. Prospects for the suspended ceilings and partitions market into the medium-term are relatively optimistic with forecast growth to around £335m by 2025. Prospects for the short term remain challenging as construction output growth rates fell in 2020, feeding through to reduced demand for suspended ceilings and partitions.
With ever-increasing market demands for more robust and flexible façade systems, Kawneer, the leading manufacturer of architectural aluminium glazing systems has launched a new version of its successful AA®100 and AA®110 curtain wall products. In addition to a +/- 5mm building expansion joint for its SSG curtain wall variant and a higher weight capacity for its capped option, one of the key enhancements is a concealed vent option within the product to help produce a beautiful, finished aesthetic to a building’s façade. Designed specifically for the AA®100 and AA®110 systems in either capped or SSG variants, the concealed vent option utilises a structurally bonded glazed unit and slim aluminium profiles, allowing Kawneer curtain wall systems to be installed with no visible external framing. This provides designers, specifiers and architects with the flexibility and freedom to create a flush finish to the external facade, while satisfying ventilation requirements for optimised comfort. Contemporary building façade design also requires larger glass panes, with unobstructed views and increased natural light. The new enhancements result in the AA®110 being able to accommodate glazing up to a 50mm depth in the capped system and withstand a maximum weight capacity of 180kg. Available as a top hung vent or a parallel opening window, both types can be manually operated or motorised, using neatly concealed chain drives and integrated locking drives to achieve a seamless internal finish. The AA®110 concealed vent has undergone full CWCT Sequence B testing as part of a larger curtain wall assembly, with proven weather performance. Furthermore, the window has been RC2 security tested to EN 1627, which is the same classification as the existing AA®100 and AA®110 curtain wall systems. As with the AA®100 system, the AA®110 offers a range of construction methods, including zone-drainage and mullion-drainage. Also, advanced thermal break technologies provide superior thermal performance that meet and exceed building regulations. Kawneer’s Technical Director, Gary Ledger commented: “Together with our new +/- 5mm SSG expansion joint and increased weight capacity, the concealed vent option subsequently gives architects ultimate design freedom with our enhanced AA®110 curtain wall product by combining exceptional product performance with visual aesthetics and occupancy comfort.”
Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has launched an exciting new football-themed promotion. Intended to inspire the atmosphere of team spirit and competition this summer, All to Play For will bring together operators and owners from across the UK and Ireland, highlighting their place within Mecalac’s global team. Running until mid-July, All to Play For offers entrants the chance to win a whole host of prizes. Simply take a picture alongside your Mecalac machine, upload it to social media and use the hashtag #TeamMecalac. Dealers from across the UK will be helping to promote the initiative, filming trick shots with Mecalac branded footballs. Nottingham Forest Women’s Academy player Amelia, whose club is one of the elite pathways to England football, is also throwing her support behind the promotion and will be showing off her skills through a series of short clips. Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “All to Play For is an initiative to get dealers and their customers feeling part of the Mecalac team. All participants have a chance of winning some great prizes – just upload a photo using the hashtag and you’re in with a shot!” To see Mecalac’s football-themed video, scan here:
New research unveils 18% of Brits are seeking a career in the trades as a result of the pandemic 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client demand increase post-COVID to their highest levels ever Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now discusses the UK’s vocational skills gap Research by the Office for National Statistics states that the employment rate in the construction sector for the UK fell from 2.3 million in 2017, to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. This demonstrates a 4% decrease in UK-born workers, and a 42% fall in EU workers. In London, employment fell from 311,124 workers in 2017, to 261,271 at the end of 2020, representing a 54% fall in EU workers, which has only led to further difficulties considering the construction industry was relied on heavily during the pandemic. Whilst an array of challenges for the skilled workforce has come to the surface by the pandemic, the trade sectors has seen exponential growth, proving to be the only retail sector to have grown throughout the pandemic, alongside groceries. Fuelled by the home improvement boom in the UK, the market research provider Kantar has indicated that £4.94 billion was spent on home improvements last year, £552 million than the previous 12 months, ensuring many tradespeople have been inundated with work, creating employment opportunities throughout lockdown for those who have changed their career path. However, with such a large number of EU workers from the UK has left the industry, this is leaving the construction sector suffering from a further employment drought. New national research from Powered Now, a field service management software that specialises in trades, has unveiled that 18% of Brits have sought a new career path in the trades as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, the research has indicated that the pandemic has been a catalyst for diversifying the UK’s trade workforce, with 15% of those considering the trades as a career being female. Key Statistics 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client demand increase post-COVID 17% of tradespeople regularly work over 10 hours a day 16% of tradespeople agree that they lose out on business due to extensive administrative tasks, such as chasing invoices 16% of tradespeople agree that sequential waves of COVID has made them more motivated to work The UK Skills Drought The UK construction workforce is an ageing one, with over 20% of tradespeople being over fifty and 15% being in their sixties. The problem was a simple one, as these electricians, builders and plumbers retire, the same percentage of young people were not entering these professions. Although there are many opportunities in the trade industry, many young people were simply not choosing it as a career. This is despite that 74% of parents in a recent YouGov survey would encourage their child to learn the skilled trades. However only 3% of young people aged between 18-24 have searched for a job in the trade industry. Now however, the tide is turning in favour of the labour market, and Brits are seeking new career paths in the trades at record rates, and for good reason. Powered Now’s research had further unveiled that 15% of the UK’s skilled trade workforce were experiencing their highest levels of client demand during the pandemic. Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, has commented on the research and how this revival in business has caused a welcome increase in productivity and growth for the sector. “Withshortagesof supplies and labour, the whole industry is still in catch up mode and the various projects that were delayed by sequential lockdowns, are now taking priority. This has helped to spike demand and we expect it to continue in the short term. Our research has entirely confirmed that tradespeople and consumers alike are very much eager to sustain this growth. “Our SME customers are also talking about the pressure to complete jobs as they don’t have enough boots on the ground. As we have seen from the sentiments established in this research, a new wave of tradespeople are more motivated to work and are commencing their work on home improvements even sooner. These concerns are also sure to help the sector bounce back even quicker as people will rush to hire a tradesperson for their desired work.”
