Solihull’s Urban Growth Company (UGC) is working with VINCI Building to promote a social inclusion programme to help deliver real change for communities around the £3.2 billion Arden Cross site. VINCI Building is the design and build contractor for the new Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP) for the HS2 Interchange
A new report highlights how the Mayor’s planning regulations are cutting London’s carbon emissions, increasing the use of solar energy and doubling the use of heat pumps in new developments across the city. The Mayor’s 2021 London Plan sets the agenda for the development of the city for decades to
UK public buildings to cost £25-30Bn in decarbonisation attempts : Last week, it was announced that UK public sector buildings will cost up to £30bn in decarbonisation attempts1. This estimated cost of retrofitting older properties with the latest equipment to help the UK meet carbon neutrality targets, is based on
Energy price cap for business welcomed to support project stability Association for Project Management, the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, responds to the Government‘s ‘mini budget’ today. Speaking after the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced tax changes for individuals and businesses, APM’s Head of Public Affairs, Andrew Baldwin, commented:
Developed by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) – the Technology Validation Guide outlines accreditations that certify system performance together with robust testing protocols and informative guidelines to support those manufacturing and specifying light steel framing systems. As a proven and well-established offsite manufactured technology, light steel frame is trusted
Celsa Group, one of the largest steel producers in Europe, is the first manufacturer to attain certification for UK production facilities under the British Board of Agrément’s new UKAS-accredited Reinforcing Steel Scheme. The BBA revealed details of the scheme – designed to offer a straightforward and robust route to demonstrating
Building Transparency is proud to partner with The Passive House Network (PHN) and the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) for the US launch of the PHN PHribbon, a toolbar add-on for Excel. Developed in association with the PHN, AECB and Building Transparency, this add-on enables Passive House designers to calculate the embodied carbon of a given
Influential electrical body SELECT has launched a new Associate Membership scheme that will give manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Eight leading industry organisations have already signed up as founder members of the new scheme rolled out by the campaigning trade
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has published a Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, which comprises representation from key suppliers of operable walls. This Best Practice Guide is intended to help facility managers and owners of operable walls understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the correct operation
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has appointed Rachel Sudlow as its R&D Lead in a newly created role designed to increase digital innovation across public sector construction. Rachel joins SCAPE following more than 10 years at Balfour Beatty, where she started as a quantity surveyor
Solihull’s Urban Growth Company (UGC) is working with VINCI Building to promote a social inclusion programme to help deliver real change for communities around the £3.2 billion Arden Cross site. VINCI Building is the design and build contractor for the new Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP) for the HS2 Interchange station at Arden Cross. It is an integral part of the UK Central Hub – an initiative that will support and protect 70,000 jobs, 8,000 new homes and a raft of infrastructure improvements right across Solihull. VINCI and its supply chain has already delivered an impressive £2,932,958.70 of social value across the project, as measured by the Social Value Portal, and will be working to deliver more as work on the car park progresses. Relevant outcomes from VINCI and their contractors so far include 10 new jobs created for local employees, and 38% of total full-time employees recruited from the local area. VINCI and its contractors’ staff have performed an on-going programme of outreach work that includes engagement with 100 students from nearby Arden Academy (a secondary school in Solihull) and running workshops with local students around the subjects of architecture, commercial and engineering. Workshops have also been undertaken at other secondary schools, namely Nishkam High School in central Birmingham, Tile Cross Academy in East Birmingham and Tudor Grange Kingshurst Academy in North Solihull. The UGC wants to ensure the contract awarded to VINCI is leveraged to deliver the most impact it can for communities in and around the UK Central Hub, including educational and training pathways. By working in partnership with the local community, VINCI is making a difference in neighbourhoods by employing local people, including trainees and apprentices. This helps ensure the socio-economic impact of its work is felt precisely where it can have most impact and within communities who will most benefit from the economic uptick of the wider development and its job creating potential. Jonathan Bretherton, managing director of the Urban Growth Company, said: ‘VINCI is the perfect partner to bring the plans for the MSCP forward for the benefit of our existing communities as well as the new communities being created as part of the wider UK Central Hub. ‘Their ability to engage with the local community and carry out a wide range of outreach work with local schools, colleges and their students, helps us to inspire students to join the construction, infrastructure and development sectors and also to drive interest in STEM subjects. ‘This holistic approach will bring benefits sooner for local people and create jobs and opportunities for the parts of Solihull and Birmingham that will benefit most from them. VINCI’s ability to measure and record the difference its work is making to both individuals and communities is invaluable.’ VINCI believes passionately in a world where a broader definition of value will change decision making and ultimately decrease social and economic inequality and environmental degradation. And in a world where the built environment accounts for up to 40% of carbon emissions, this framework is being rolled out to help maximise the environmental as well as social value of its work. Scott Marsh, Project Director at VINCI Building, said: ‘The most important part of any project is not the numbers at the end; but what is done in the first place with local communities and how designs affect efforts to create long term social impact. ‘Through ourselves and our contractors and partners, we are reaching out to people across the region and specifically in the North Solihull and East Birmingham area to find motivated workers as well as trainees and apprentices. ‘Crucially, the MSCP project itself frees up an additional 30 hectares of land for job creating development opportunities for the benefit of local people, and the design of the building itself is future proofed with e-charging and facilities for autonomous vehicles.’ Along with all private contractors involved in Arden Cross and the UK Central Hub, VINCI fully embraces its role as a private sector partner working in the public interest. The announcement of VINCI Building as the main contractor at the 4,000 space MSCP earlier in 2022 was followed by the award of planning permission by Solihull Council in November. The car park is part of plans to create a world-class opportunity for new homes and jobs at Arden Cross, alongside the new Interchange station and just minutes from the existing Birmingham International station and airport. The proposals also take account of current and emerging requirements relating to electric vehicle charging, as well as future connected-autonomous vehicles. Located at the 140-hectare, 346-acre Arden Cross development adjacent to the M42, NEC and Birmingham Airport, the UGC’s plans consolidate previous HS2 proposals for 7,500 surface car parking spaces associated with the Interchange station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report highlights how the Mayor’s planning regulations are cutting London’s carbon emissions, increasing the use of solar energy and doubling the use of heat pumps in new developments across the city. The Mayor’s 2021 London Plan sets the agenda for the development of the city for decades to come. It includes policies that address the climate emergency, the housing crisis and sets out how to make London a greener and healthier city for all Londoners. The newly published ‘2021 Energy Monitoring Report’ illustrates how these policies are making a tangible difference through the planning system. Key findings include: Where new developments have a shortfall between on-site reductions and zero carbon, applicants make a cash-in-lieu contribution into the relevant Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) carbon offset fund (based on a £/tonne of CO2 price). The new Carbon Offset Funds Report shows that since 2016, the Mayor’s carbon offsetting policy has realised £145m across London to support activities that tackle the climate emergency. Projects benefitting from offset funds include energy efficiency in buildings, district heating and installation of renewable energy generation. Of the £145m, over a third (£55m) has been collected or secured for collection since the 2020 survey. These reports were published shortly after the government’s net zero review. They demonstrate how the Mayor is using his powers to boost London’s green economy while accelerating climate action. The Skidmore Review shows that the UK is falling behind on key climate policy targets and needs to be more ambitious. Cities like London are leading the way for example with planning policies that deliver far more carbon savings than those set by national regulations, while helping Londoners become more energy efficient. Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues said: “Buildings in London are responsible for 78 per cent of London’s emissions, so it’s important that we do all we can to ensure new buildings in the city will meet our net zero climate targets and improve energy efficiency. “Thanks to the Mayor’s London Plan we are seeing huge reductions in carbon emissions from proposed developments. Not only are energy efficient buildings better for the environment, but the use of heat pumps and solar panels can also bring down energy bills long-term, helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. “The Mayor has repeatedly called for the Government to be bolder with climate change policies and devolve powers and funding, as well as provide more support to Londoners. London’s pioneering approach means that we are reducing carbon emissions far quicker than if we followed national policy. However, there is still much more to be done to build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.” The Energy Monitoring report and Carbon Offset Funds report and are available to read online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK public buildings to cost £25-30Bn in decarbonisation attempts : Last week, it was announced that UK public sector buildings will cost up to £30bn in decarbonisation attempts1. This estimated cost of retrofitting older properties with the latest equipment to help the UK meet carbon neutrality targets, is based on today’s prices and should not be seen as the actual budget needed to move to low carbon heating. With the government’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from public buildings by 75 per cent by 20372, it is likely that older properties will need to have the latest equipment retrofitted. Nikki Mehta, director of energy and sustainability at Honeywell welcomes the UK government’s decarbonisation attempts and comments on how investing in software can help businesses achieve sustainability targets. “Many businesses have pledged to meet sustainability targets over the past few years, but it is likely that some of them do not have the tools or knowledge to accurately measure progress and optimise their carbon and energy footprints. There is now software available that can help track energy performance against carbon reduction goals thus offering better insight into what carbon reduction targets should be set company wide. “By investing in carbon energy monitoring systems, businesses can determine how electricity, gas, and other utilities are used. Not only does this enable building owners and energy managers to monitor carbon emissions on an intrinsic basis but also the software provides visibility into how to forecast more accurate carbon reduction targets and optimize and manage energy use. “Once carbon reduction goals have been identified, software can make use of analytics and data capabilities to decrease carbon emissions and, ultimately, support sustainability efforts throughout the organisation. By using smart meters, sensors and utility data, businesses can piece together consumption and energy emissions by utility type. Coupled with data analysis, alongside real-time inputs like occupancy and weather, energy managers can better curb energy use. “The UK Government’s nation-wide sustainability targets will encourage a holistic approach to building energy management as well as better insights into their carbon impacts. Implementing efficient software will play a vital role in the building energy management process in setting where and how targets can be measured and achieved.” 1 – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63514562 2 – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-sector-decarbonisation-scheme Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy price cap for business welcomed to support project stability Association for Project Management, the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, responds to the Government‘s ‘mini budget’ today. Speaking after the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced tax changes for individuals and businesses, APM’s Head of Public Affairs, Andrew Baldwin, commented: “The Chancellor’s update was primarily focused on tax cuts and helping households and businesses navigate the energy crisis. We acknowledge the importance of this, at a time when many people and businesses have been financially impacted. “Organisations need stability to ensure projects are delivered on scope, on time and on budget, so the Government’s energy price cap is welcome; particularly because so many project costs will have been defined before the energy price hikes. “However, given the project costs, and indeed scopes, are defined at the start, the decision to bring in a sunset clause on all EU-derived legislation, unless otherwise preserved, through the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill could cause much confusion, particularly for those companies delivering projects across the UK and the EU. Projects being considered now need to know the regulations they will be expected to deliver against in the future. “APM research has shown the crucial role that projects and project professionals play in both economic and societal growth. We therefore urge the Government to further commit to ongoing investment in the projects that are needed to boost economic growth and deliver net zero, including nuclear, solar and wind power generation. “The list of transport and infrastructure projects due to be streamlined and ‘prioritised for acceleration’ shows some commitment to that, although the precise details of what streamlining entails needs to be set out; we are keen to work with the Government to enhance the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill.”
Developed by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) – the Technology Validation Guide outlines accreditations that certify system performance together with robust testing protocols and informative guidelines to support those manufacturing and specifying light steel framing systems. As a proven and well-established offsite manufactured technology, light steel frame is trusted and widely used throughout the UK across all construction sectors however, this document covers residential and commercial bedspace only. LSFA members have demonstrated that light steel frame systems are innovative, extremely durable and a highly efficient alternative to traditional construction methods – backed by rigorous testing and high levels of certification. Open-Source Freely available to download from the LSFA’s website, the Technology Validation Guide covers light steel frame infill and oversail together with panelised and volumetric modular systems. The accreditation pathway is determined by the type of system, the construction sector, and design parameters of the structure. Validation is provided by a variety of organisations who carry out assessments of the build system and supporting data. Testing is required for the structural elements along with building physics data for fire, thermal, acoustic, and structural perfomance, for example. The types of testing along with the organisations who can carry out this work are highlighted in the document along with the relevant test standards. The Validation Guide provides a concise high-level overview which signposts construction professionals to valuable and trusted sources where further information is available. Efficiently Engineered for Safety, Sustainability and Performance The versatility of steel offers architects the freedom to achieve their most ambitious visions and specifiers value its predictability, quality and safety assurances. As the construction industry looks to raise the safety bar since the banning of combustible materials in external walls above 18 metres, the light steel frame sector is witnessing unprecedented demand. The amount of combustible material in a light steel framed building is much lower, therefore the fire risk during construction and when in use is vastly reduced. Steel is non-combustible and does not add to the fire load of a building – reducing the fuel for the fire, limiting risk of damage and injury. Sustainability is a key driving force in the specification of light steel framing systems. Steel can be recycled or reused endlessly without detriment to its properties. This unique characteristic gives steel a high value at all stages of its lifecycle. The recovery infrastructure for steel recycling is highly developed with current recovery rates from demolition sites in the UK at 99% for structural steelwork and 96% for all steel construction products – figures that far exceed those for any other construction material. Offering the best strength-to-weight ratio improves efficiencies – you get a lot of structure for relatively little weight which reduces embodied carbon. This is where steel cannot be beaten. Lighter structures not only reduce material consumption but also concrete in the ground. This means that foundation loads and sizes are reduced by over 70% relative to concrete and block-work construction. Steel is a robust, rigid and dimensionally stable material that does not suffer from movement created by moisture related issues. The inherent benefits of steel construction are why this innovative material is dominant in shaping our city skylines. Driving Collaboration and Growth in the Light Steel Framing Sector The light steel frame industry is more agile, advanced and digitally savvy than its competitors in other offsite material sectors. Established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the sector, the LSFA is raising awareness of the cost, performance and productivity benefits and supporting the specification of light steel framing systems. Rigorous quality processes give full traceability at all stages in the supply chain, from steelmaking through to fabrication and installation on site. All structural steel used by LSFA members is CE Marked, providing assurance that the material is compliant with the Construction Products Regulation. For more information on the LSFA and to download the Light Steel Frame Technology Validation Guide, go to: www.lsf-association.co.uk
Celsa Group, one of the largest steel producers in Europe, is the first manufacturer to attain certification for UK production facilities under the British Board of Agrément’s new UKAS-accredited Reinforcing Steel Scheme. The BBA revealed details of the scheme – designed to offer a straightforward and robust route to demonstrating industry compliance – in December following months of collaboration with the rebar sector and wider supply chain. The Celsa Group was one of the first producers to engage with the new initiative, going on to achieve BBA Reinforcing Steel Scheme certification for Celsa Manufacturing UK’s production facilities in Cardiff. BBA Technical Director Professor Bill Hewlettsaid: “We view the scheme as a natural progression to our renowned certification services and are excited to announce Celsa as the first recipient of this new robust and technically rigorous certification. “When we announced the scheme we were already in talks with rebar manufacturers wanting certification services so really hit the ground running, being open for business from day one. Our decades of certification experience and impartiality no doubt helped in ensuring a smooth transition for Celsa and the other clients currently going through the process.” Chris Hagg, Head of Sustainability and Strategy for CELSA Steel UK said: “We are delighted to be the first company to achieve this new UKAS-approved accreditation. The BBA has been at the forefront of certification of a broad range of construction products for well over 50 years and the addition of reinforcing steel to its portfolio is very welcome. In a post-Grenfell world of doubts being cast on the validity and authenticity of product testing, this scheme offers additional independent, third-party verified, trusted approval and brings extra value, confidence and reassurance to our customers.” The Celsa Group produces more than seven million tonnes of steel each year, with Celsa Steel UK being the largest producer of reinforcement in the UK and one of the biggest manufacturers of other steel long products, shipping around one million tonnes of finished product from its Cardiff factory annually. The Reinforcing Steel Scheme covers production at steel mills, cold rolling and processing plants, assessing manufacturing, process control and management systems to industry defined standards backed by continual benchmarking through material testing. The BBA samples products and witnesses in-house testing to determine compliance. Samples are also submitted to third party UKAS-accredited labs for confirmation on material compliance. Professor Hewlett added: “The scheme is very much client-focussed and assures the supply chain of a high quality, consistent product verified by a third party auditing process. It is straightforward yet robust, providing assurance that reinforcing steel products manufactured within its scope meet the relevant standards. It is a natural progression for us to apply our experience to the rebar market to assist in upholding industry best practice and a professional supply chain whilst working with product manufacturers to support their innovation.”
Building Transparency is proud to partner with The Passive House Network (PHN) and the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) for the US launch of the PHN PHribbon, a toolbar add-on for Excel. Developed in association with the PHN, AECB and Building Transparency, this add-on enables Passive House designers to calculate the embodied carbon of a given design within the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), an easy-to-use planning tool for energy efficiency. Integrated with the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3), PHribbon gives users unparalleled power to forecast the carbon emissions impact of their designs. Tim Martel, Certified Passive House Designer, Chartered Architectural Technologist AECB expert and course tutor on the AECB CarbonLite ™ Retrofit Course wrote PHribbon. It is an Excel add-on that makes using PHPP quicker and easier and draws on existing national and global database information for materials and products’ environmental impact. It estimates cradle-to-grave carbon emissions, helps users build PHPP models, and includes several useful tools and features. The PHPP energy balance design tool contains everything necessary for designing a properly functioning Passive House, a building standard that is energy efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological. The program prepares an energy balance and calculates the annual energy demand of the building based on the user input relating to the building’s characteristics. Ken Levenson, Executive Director of PHN said: “As more leaders across the building industry are prioritizing a positive climate impact for their structures, by utilizing the PHribbon, designers can tackle both operational and embodied building carbon emissions within the PHPP tool, and comprehensively push for carbon neutral and negative buildings across the US.” PHribbon leverages existing information beyond just energy, pulling from Building Transparency’s EC3 database, and EPA carbon figures for electricity, the end-of-life of materials, and the end-of-life pathway. Stacy Smedley, Chair and Executive Director of Building Transparency said: “Building Transparency’s mission is to provide the open access data and tools necessary to enable broad and swift action across the building industry in addressing embodied carbon’s role in climate change. Partnering with PHN to support programs like the PHribbon furthers that mission. We are proud to work with PHN to integrate EC3’s 50,000 materials records into the tool to help clarify whole life carbon emissions for a building’s design and influence positive procurement decisions.” Andrew Simmonds, CEO of AECB said: “Collaboration with PHN and Building Transparency marks a step-change in the AECB’s strategic goal to build more and stronger international partnerships. We enthusiastically welcome the positivity and synergy that is already flowing from this joint initiative.” For further details please contact: Sue Garland, AECB Development & Communications Manager – sue@aecb.net
Influential electrical body SELECT has launched a new Associate Membership scheme that will give manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Eight leading industry organisations have already signed up as founder members of the new scheme rolled out by the campaigning trade body for the electrical sector in Scotland. As well as offering Associate Members a wide range of benefits, the initiative will also allow them to build beneficial relationships with SELECT’s 1,260 member businesses, who between them have an annual turnover of around £1 billion. Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, said: “Associate Member schemes are frequently used by modern trade associations to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners. “Designed to accommodate organisations who don’t meet the usual criteria of membership, our new scheme will give some of the industry’s biggest names the opportunity to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body. “At the same time it will allows us trade to build stronger relationships with organisations that can offer relevant and useful services to our members.” The eight founding members of the new SELECT scheme are: Aico – European market leader in home life safety Flexel – manufacturer of innovative electric heating systems and accessories Linian – innovative UK manufacturer of cable-fixing products Luceco Group – global manufacturer and distributor of high-quality electrical products Megger – industry leader in electrical test and measurement simPRO – leading job management software solution for service, project and maintenance contractors Tala Training – leading provider of health and safety training and consultancy services Thorn Lighting – internationally leading supplier of integral lighting solutions. Mr Mason said: “The response to our new category of membership has been extremely positive, with these leading enterprises enthusiastically signing up well before the official launch. “We are delighted that so many well-respected industry names have already joined us and we look forward to welcoming many more in the weeks and months to come.” The scheme, which was formally launched on January 1, is open to service providers, manufacturers and any other commercial organisations related to the electrical industry. They do not have to be UK-based and may have a European or international remit. Among the benefits are a prominent logo and biography on a dedicated section of the SELECT website, networking and promotional opportunities, the chance to host webinars and events and the ability to promote goods and services via a wide range of member communications. Associate Members will also be eligible for preferential discounts on advertising, sponsorship and events, including the association’s popular Toolbox Talk roadshows, which are due to tour Scotland in May and June after a two-year absence. Mr Mason added: “SELECT has always been a strong advocate of collaboration and cooperation within the construction sector and we believe this new initiative will allow members and Associate Members alike to enhance and expand their networks to everyone’s benefit.” Founded in 1900, SELECT was first trade association in the world to serve the electrical industry and is today regarded as an exemplar in the construction sector, especially in the fields of training, technical skills and communications. It delivers a wide range of services to around 18,500 professionals and apprentices, trains more than 3,500 electricians each year, and is committed to regulation of the electrical industry for a safer Scotland.
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has published a Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, which comprises representation from key suppliers of operable walls. This Best Practice Guide is intended to help facility managers and owners of operable walls understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the correct operation of walls and ongoing safety of everyone. It will also help by identifying the type of wall that has been installed, its performance, sound, fire and robustness, servicing required, and enable users to identify competent service engineers. Widely used in educational and leisure facilities, offices, exhibition halls and conference centres, moveable walls are often operated by a member of staff or a maintenance crew where damage and undue ware can be caused through not fully understanding the operating procedure or even through incorrect maintenance such as applying grease to moving parts. Furthermore, acoustic integrity can also be compromised due to damaged or poorly working peripheral seals and as a result of a lack of servicing. A good service and maintenance regime, underwritten by a service agreement is key to the wall’s serviceability and the welfare of those operating them. “The importance of this guide to ensure the ongoing performance and safety of everyone using or working around these walls is paramount. The Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls will help to identify the competence expected of the engineers and allow facility managers and owners meet their legal obligations,” commented on the launch of the guide, Julian Sargent, Chair of the FIS Operable Wall Working Group. With some operable wall panels exceeding heights of 6M and weighing 100kgs to 500kgs, training in working at height and the competence to work with specialist equipment such as chain lifts is important to check and address any health and safety legislation, where the facility team could become liable. Building managers or owners of the business have a responsibility under current health and safety laws to ensure that these systems are properly maintained and recorded as being serviced. “The FIS Operable Wall Working Group employers have developed a National Occupational Standard from which formal qualifications for service, maintenance and repair of operable walls will be derived. To get involved in this work, express your support or to see the details please go to: Interior systems reviews,” added George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead. FIS is the representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The FIS has close to 500 members drawn from contractors, manufacturers and distributors of ceilings, steel framing systems, partitions, operable walls, plastering, drylining, and specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment businesses.
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has appointed Rachel Sudlow as its R&D Lead in a newly created role designed to increase digital innovation across public sector construction. Rachel joins SCAPE following more than 10 years at Balfour Beatty, where she started as a quantity surveyor but was most recently focused on innovation and research, working with bodies such as Innovate UK to drive improved digital standards in the construction industry. The new role will see Rachel work closely with SCAPE’s clients and delivery partners to develop, encourage and apply new technologies and building methods to create more innovative, sustainable buildings. Rachel will also collaborate with various private and public sector partners outside of the construction industry, including funding bodies, research institutions and academia, as it continues to help shape the public sector’s response to the climate emergency. This includes a significant focus on BIM modelling utilised by SCAPE projects across the UK, ensuring that data from partners and clients is collected and used effectively to enhance strategic decision-making, improve efficiency and environmental performance at every stage, from procurement through the full life cycle of the building. Her appointment follows the launches of SCAPE’s latest suite of net-zero-ready construction and consultancy frameworks – SCAPE Construction, SCAPE Scotland Construction, SCAPE Consultancy and SCAPE Scotland Consultancy – which incorporate dedicated tools to help public sector organisations procure projects in a way that meets their sustainability and climate ambitions. SCAPE’s suite of construction and consultancy frameworks is used by more than 1,200 public bodies across the UK. The framework provider currently operates with a buying power of £18bn. Rachel Sudlow, R&D Lead at SCAPE, said: “At a time of significant regeneration across the public estate, it’s critical that the next generation of public sector buildings and infrastructure sets new standards for construction. Innovation will play a critical role and ultimately be supported by continually striving for better outcomes through the application of R&D. “Working with our clients and partners, and the wealth of data their projects produce, we have an outstanding opportunity to stimulate truly impactful innovation and ensure that the UK continues to be seen as a centre of excellence for construction.” Rachel will report directly to Chris Clarke, Director of Performance and Improvement at SCAPE. He said: “There’s little doubt that a combination of ingenuity and resource is needed to help address the complex needs of the public sector, including the climate emergency that has been declared by organisations across the UK and the world. Rachel’s addition to the team signals our commitment to both and will further set our clients’ projects apart in terms of adopting market-leading R&D in addition to best-in-class procurement. Through digital innovation, we can ensure an even greater legacy for the wave of public sector regeneration that is currently driving the UK’s economic recovery.”
