Archaeological investigations have started at Smithfield Birmingham, signalling a fresh stage in the £1.9bn regeneration scheme. The work, led by Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, is intended to deepen understanding of the area’s heritage before redevelopment begins early next year. The site under examination lies
The 2025 Spending Review commits £13.2 billion to increasing energy efficiency in existing homes under the Warm Homes Plan, making retrofit a top priority. However, achieving Net Zero in retrofit projects, and new builds alike, depends on effective occupant education. Otherwise, we risk ambitions stalling at the point of handover.
Energy efficiency upgrades to create better buildings for local people and help put UK on track for 2050 net zero targets Schools, hospitals, libraries, leisure centres and town halls across England are among the latest public buildings set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment to reduce energy use, cut carbon
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy
West Fraser is promoting its carbon negative message via eight sponsored natural gas powered ‘eco trucks’, operating from Selco’s Minworth Delivery Hub which covers Birmingham and surrounding areas. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles emit up to 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) and release fewer harmful pollutants into the air than
London Gatwick has partnered with specialist renewable energy provider Vital Energi to advance its ambitious £250m decarbonisation programme, which will see the airport switch to zero carbon heating and improve energy efficiency. The project will work to help London Gatwick achieve net zero for its own emissions by 2030. The
Cardiff-based fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium is playing a key role in the construction of the University of South Wales’ new Computing, Engineering and Technology building at its Pontypridd campus. The firm is partnering once again with BAM Construction on the Calon building, a state-of-the-art facility that will deliver modern teaching, research,
Through this strategic alliance, Hydnum Steel will supply Kingspan with green steel as Kingspan continues to take strides to decarbonise its operations, products and supply chain via its Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme. Kingspan Group and Hydnum Steel are excited to announce their collaboration on a green steel initiative aimed
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services, has unveiled the industry’s most advanced Carbon Reporting Tool – a transformative step in helping construction companies reach their decarbonisation goals faster and more efficiently. Developed as part of Speedy Hire’s wider strategy to enable customers to
COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the latest NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement, supporting with the long-term decarbonisation strategy of healthcare estates nationwide. The new £500m Decarbonisation of Estates framework is designed to help the NHS achieve its ambition of becoming the world’s first net zero national
Archaeological investigations have started at Smithfield Birmingham, signalling a fresh stage in the £1.9bn regeneration scheme. The work, led by Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, is intended to deepen understanding of the area’s heritage before redevelopment begins early next year. The site under examination lies just north of the city’s former moated manor, once home to the Lords of Birmingham, and all discoveries will be recorded and preserved in line with national guidance. Cotswold Archaeology will conduct the investigation until mid-December 2025, with activity fully contained within the development footprint. Plans for the 17-hectare revamp were unanimously approved by Birmingham City Council in June last year. Delivered through a joint venture between the council and Lendlease, the scheme includes more than 3,000 new homes, cultural and leisure attractions, modern workspaces, and an extensive network of green infrastructure and public spaces. At its core, the historic Bull Ring Markets will be reimagined within two purpose-designed buildings. Selina Mason, Director of Masterplanning for Birmingham Smithfield, Lendlease, said: “Momentum is really building at Smithfield, and this excavation marks another important step forward. The medieval manor and market is at the heart of Birmingham’s most historic area, it helped shape the city we know today and honouring that heritage is central to Birmingham’s regeneration. “Reaching this stage has taken sustained focus and close collaboration between all our partners, whose continued support and expertise have been vital to making it possible. Our approach at Lendlease is to embed ourselves in the places we work, getting to know them from the inside out, so that every new chapter builds on the character and significance of what came before.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The 2025 Spending Review commits £13.2 billion to increasing energy efficiency in existing homes under the Warm Homes Plan, making retrofit a top priority. However, achieving Net Zero in retrofit projects, and new builds alike, depends on effective occupant education. Otherwise, we risk ambitions stalling at the point of handover. Recent findings from the leading authority in building services testing, intelligence, and research, BSRIA, reveal that despite nearly all (97%) of construction professionals agreeing that occupant behaviour plays a defining role in whether retrofits deliver operational efficiency, the vast majority are failing to measure or validate outcomes post-handover. The research found that three quarters (76%) of construction professionals admit that they do not prioritise post-occupancy evaluations (POEs), highlighting a significant lack of follow-up assessments to ensure that retrofit measures meet original design intentions. For both retrofit projects and new build developments, POEs are crucial to identify discrepancies between intended outcomes and real-world use. POEs enable adjustments that improve building performance while simultaneously supporting people in running their homes, or other buildings, efficiently to maximise indoor environmental quality and energy savings. Industry data has found that buildings are acutely affected by occupant behaviour, with recent studies indicating a difference between predicted building performance and measured output of as much as 300%[1]. This demonstrates how failing to embed occupant engagement and education into the handover process can leave retrofit work at risk of severe performance shortfalls, which can significantly erode energy efficiency and comfort. Adding to the challenge, BSRIA’s research found that over half (55%) of consumers are unfamiliar with what ‘retrofit’ means and only a third of homeowners (31%) believe that retrofit will reduce energy use. Furthermore, half of people say they are unclear about the impact of retrofit upgrades on carbon targets, underscoring the vital need for occupant education. Tom Garrigan, Executive Director at BSRIA, commented: “For housebuilders and developers, the handover of a retrofitted home can’t be the end of the story: implementing measures alone is not enough. Performance issues emerge when occupants don’t fully understand low-carbon systems and indoor environmental controls, leading to higher running costs and missed targets. “While there has been progress in some areas of the market, it’s critical that the wider industry prioritises occupant education to ensure that homes work for people in practice, not just on paper. “This doesn’t just apply to retrofit projects, either. With the Future Homes Standard approaching, residents in both new builds and refurbished buildings will require greater support to confidently manage longer heating cycles, responsive controls, and new approaches to comfort and efficiency.” With 62% of the industry agreeing that retrofit projects offer greater benefits than new builds, it’s clear that there is appetite within the sector for refurbishing existing housing stock. However, next-generation homes demand next-generation handover practices. By combining evidence-based specification, robust building diagnostics, verified product testing and thorough user guidance, the sector can deliver homes that both perform and satisfy, helping to drive mass-market decarbonisation. Garrigan adds, “Investing in robust post-retrofit evaluations and support will help to close the gap between design ambition and real-world results. This means that occupant education must be integral to the retrofit journey to ensure that the fabric improvements made will contribute to achieving Net Zero not just at point of installation, but for the long-term.” BSRIA continues to champion this approach through research, training and demonstrator projects that showcase retrofit leadership for the industry. Find out more: https://www.bsria.com/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy efficiency upgrades to create better buildings for local people and help put UK on track for 2050 net zero targets Schools, hospitals, libraries, leisure centres and town halls across England are among the latest public buildings set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and modernise essential community spaces. The £815 million of funding, delivered through Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, enables public sector organisations to install a range of energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies including heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and low-energy lighting. This includes 244 projects. The scheme is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The Department has published a full list of grant recipients available on www.gov.uk. The building improvements will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy bills, and contribute to the UK’s ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050. The Phase 4 projects are expected to save direct carbon emissions of around 164,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent to taking roughly 330,000 average diesel cars off the road. Phase 4 is delivered by Salix with project work running until 2028 when projects complete. Salix works closely with each public sector organisation to ensure projects are successfully delivered. The team at Salix offer one-to-one support through relationship managers as well as a whole host of tools through our website and regular webinars and workshops. Salix chief executive Kevin Holland said: “From school classrooms to hospital wards and libraries to swimming pools, this funding is making a real difference for our communities. “People who use these buildings – and that’s all of us – can enjoy warmer, more comfortable spaces that are easier and more efficient to heat and to power. These buildings are being future-proofed for generations to come.” Alongside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Salix supports the NHS, schools, council, universities and other organisations to meet net zero ambitions. Since the launch of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme in 2020, nearly 1,500 projects have been funded to decarbonise thousands of buildings. Salix work alongside organisations supporting the installation of solar panel and heat pump projects and other energy efficiency measures. This effort rejuvenates public buildings and raises climate action awareness. New projects receiving funding in Phase 4 include: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North EastReceived £5,939,357 to decarbonise Hexham General Hospital. Air and water source heat pumps will replace existing systems, alongside new thermal stores, heat meters, and a cooling system. Shropshire Council, West MidlandsAwarded £2,454,400 to decarbonise SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Castle. Measures include an air source heat pump, pipework upgrades, and a new building energy management system. Merseyside Police, North WestGranted £758,000 to decarbonise Lea Green Training Centre in St Helens. Upgrades include air source heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, roof insulation, and a new energy management system. Diverse Academies Trust, East MidlandsAwarded £2,025,465 for Tuxford Academy in Nottinghamshire. An old boiler will be replaced with an air source heat pump. Additional improvements include LED lighting, ventilation, and a cooling system. Breckenbrough School Limited, Yorkshire and the HumberReceived £688,500 to decarbonise Breckenbrough School in North Yorkshire. The project includes an air source heat pump, pipework improvements, roof insulation, and an energy management system. London Borough of Hackney, Greater LondonGranted £6,594,250 to decarbonise nine schools. All will receive air source heat pumps, thermal stores, and building energy management systems to boost efficiency. Chesterfield Borough Council, East MidlandsAwarded £2,394,413 to decarbonise Staveley Healthy Living Centre. Improvements include air source heat pumps, ventilation systems, and a new energy management system. Liverpool Hope University, North WestReceived £310,000 to decarbonise multiple campus buildings. Upgrades include air source heat pumps, electric heaters, loft insulation, and improved glazing. Alsager Town Council, North WestGranted £141,500 to decarbonise Alsager Civic Hall in Cheshire. The project includes an air source heat pump, solar panels, roof insulation, LED lighting, and a building energy management system. Wiltshire Council, South WestAwarded £939,594 to decarbonise Bourne Hill council offices in Salisbury and Devizes Leisure Centre. Both sites will receive air and water source heat pumps. For a full list of grant recipients, visit www.gov.uk Kevin added: “Climate change is on our doorstep, and we have no time to stand still. “Together we can achieve positive results on climate. Addressing the energy efficiency of our public buildings moves us in the right direction. “The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme breathes new life into these buildings, that might otherwise have been left to deteriorate. Today’s funding creates better facilities for communities and a healthier future for us all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, the phase-out of fossil heating systems, zero-emission standards for new buildings and digital building models for every project. Many people are now asking themselves: Are our existing processes and products still sufficient? What specific requirements will we face? And when? If you wait too long, you run the risk of being left out of tenders, authorisations or financing. The good news is that those who deal with the new requirements in good time can not only avoid risks, but also gain competitive advantages. The revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024) came into force on 28 May 2024. It forms the regulatory framework for the decarbonisation of the European building sector. The EPBD 2024 sets binding targets, minimum standards and verification obligations. All member states must transpose the requirements into national law within 24 months. The aim of the directive is to make the EU’s building stock climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest. The pressure to act is high: buildings currently account for around 40 per cent of energy consumption and 35 per cent of CO₂ emissions. Three quarters of existing buildings are considered energy inefficient and the annual refurbishment rate is just one per cent. The EPBD 2024 aims to significantly improve these values. The directive requires specific measures to be taken over the entire life cycle of a building: from planning, construction and operation through to dismantling and disposal. The decisive factor here is not just the energy requirement during operation, but the overall balance of all emissions. Overview of the five core areas of the EPBD Directive 2024 The EPBD 2024 not only places new requirements on buildings, but also restructures the rules for planning, construction and operation. The focus is on five central requirements: From 2030, new buildings must no longer have any CO₂ emissions caused on site. This will already apply to new public buildings from 2028. Energy requirements must be low and covered by renewable sources. At least 16 per cent of non-residential buildings with the worst efficiency class must be renovated by 2030, and as many as 26 per cent by 2033. National reduction targets for primary energy consumption apply to residential buildings. From 2025, subsidies for new fossil fuel boilers will be cancelled. The complete phase-out is to take place by 2040 at the latest. Member states can issue national installation bans. From 2028, the global warming potential of new buildings with more than 1,000 m² must be shown in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. The entire life cycle is assessed. BIM models, digital verification systems and automated monitoring solutions are becoming mandatory. They serve as the basis for planning, operation, verification and funding. Why the EPBD Directive 2024 is also changing building technology With the EPBD 2024, technical building equipment is also moving to the centre of the CO₂ assessment for the first time. In future, pipework systems, insulation materials and distribution systems will have to demonstrate their environmental impact over their entire life cycle: from production to dismantling. Grey energy is particularly relevant here – i.e. the emissions generated during the manufacture, transport, installation, maintenance and disposal of a building product. In energy-efficient new buildings, it often accounts for more than 50 per cent of total emissions. From 2028, the corresponding data must be included in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. This also changes the role of products. Systems with verified environmental product declarations (EPD) and digital interfaces for BIM models and carbon footprints are required. How aquatherm contributes to the achievement of objectives with documented pipe systems aquatherm piping systems are documented in accordance with the future requirements of the EPBD. All relevant environmental data is available in the form of verified environmental product declarations (EPDs). The aquatherm EPDs are based on a cradle-to-gate approach and cover the life cycle from raw material extraction to the factory gate. In addition, the aquatherm environmental product declarations also include modules C (disposal phase) and D (next product system) in accordance with the requirements of EN 15804+A2. The environmental product declarations are not only the basis for CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, but also for sustainability certificates such as LEED, BREEAM and DGNB. Roadmap in several phases The EPBD 2024 is more than just a technical specification. It is a roadmap with clear deadlines, binding targets and specific requirements. It will be implemented in several phases. The new aquatherm white paper, which can be downloaded at https://info.aquatherm.de/en/whitepaper-epbd-directive, also provides all the important details on the EPBD 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
West Fraser is promoting its carbon negative message via eight sponsored natural gas powered ‘eco trucks’, operating from Selco’s Minworth Delivery Hub which covers Birmingham and surrounding areas. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles emit up to 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) and release fewer harmful pollutants into the air than traditionally powered vehicles; the collaboration highlights the connection between Selco’s sustainability goals and West Fraser’s Carbon Negative panels that promote sustainability from “tree to truck”. Daniel Andrew, Senior Account Manager at West Fraser, explains, “West Fraser is proud to collaborate with our valued partner, Selco, and sponsor these new environmentally friendlier trucks. We are highlighting the commitment both our businesses have to decrease the impact we have on our environment, by promoting our net carbon negative wood panels and transporting these on eco trucks. This type of partnership is detailed in West Fraser’s 2024 Sustainability Report, Building Together: People and Partnerships. The report details our collaborative approach and measures West Fraser’s sustainability performance across a variety of environmental, social and governance goals and disclosed targets, and shows West Fraser’s path towards achieving our goal of being a sustainability leader.” Lee Taylor, Category Manager at Selco, elaborates, “At Selco Builders Warehouse, we are firmly focused on continuing to develop a long-term and sustainable business model. We are focused on the effects our operations are having on the environment, and we’ve already made important strides forward, from fitting LED lighting across our entire estate, to beginning an overhaul of our transport system. We have a responsibility, not only to the environment and the local communities in which we operate, but also to manufacturers, suppliers, and hauliers. The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) blueprint for what we can achieve over the next decade includes the creation of three UK “Selco forests” which have seen more than 300,000 trees planted which, during their lifecycle, will help to offset some of the carbon generated by customer deliveries. In addition, we recognise the importance of supplying renewable and sustainable building materials and products. This is where West Fraser comes in and we are delighted that they are reinforcing our message by sponsoring our CNG trucks. We have started an engagement programme with key suppliers to identify the sustainable products which already feature in our product ranges and identify new opportunities. Specific marketing materials are created to engage both customers and colleagues with these products.” For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Gatwick has partnered with specialist renewable energy provider Vital Energi to advance its ambitious £250m decarbonisation programme, which will see the airport switch to zero carbon heating and improve energy efficiency. The project will work to help London Gatwick achieve net zero for its own emissions by 2030. The airport will eliminate natural gas reliance and generate its own energy, boosting energy resilience. Vital Energi will support London Gatwick in a five-year contract that will see heat decarbonised in around 50 airport buildings, including the North and South terminals, engineering facilities and office space. Energy specialists Vital Energi, known for delivering innovative decarbonisation solutions at scale, will spearhead the transformation. They will support improving energy efficiency in buildings, deliver zero carbon heat solutions such as heat pumps and heat infrastructure across the airport. Cedric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer, London Gatwick said: “The whole aviation sector must work together to decarbonise our industry by 2050. At London Gatwick, we are playing our part by committing to decarbonising greenhouse gas emissions under the airport’s control by 2030. Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, and as we continue to grow, we must do it sustainably. Our work with Vital Energi will play a critical role in this and will mean we are the first major UK airport to generate heat on site. Mike Cooke, Managing Director, Vital Energi said: “Vital Energi is proud to partner with London Gatwick on this landmark decarbonisation programme and we commend its bold approach to decarbonisation and resilience. Our comprehensive expertise in renewable technologies and in-house team of over 100 design engineers will support the airport to achieve its ambitious target of net zero by 2030 by removing gas from across the whole site and installing heat pumps and other decarbonisation measures. “In every Vital Energi project, we build in operational resilience, ensuring there is always a backup to maintain functional continuity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cardiff-based fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium is playing a key role in the construction of the University of South Wales’ new Computing, Engineering and Technology building at its Pontypridd campus. The firm is partnering once again with BAM Construction on the Calon building, a state-of-the-art facility that will deliver modern teaching, research, and support space for STEM disciplines. Spanning 11,500m², the Calon building will house over 40 collaborative spaces, including specialist laboratories in electronics, engineering, hydraulics and robotics. It will also feature a flight simulator, virtual reality capabilities and exhibition areas, reinforcing the university’s commitment to advancing education in science and technology. Designed with environmental sustainability at its core, the project supports the university’s goal of achieving carbon net zero by 2040. As part of its contribution, Dudley’s Aluminium will supply and install Kawneer curtain walling, windows, and doors for Pontypridd campus, helping to realise the building’s contemporary and energy-efficient design. Colin Shorney, Managing Director at Dudley’s Aluminium, said: “We are thrilled to be taking on such an important role on this project. The Calon building will bring incredible opportunities for university students, and it’s wonderful to see such investment coming to the south Wales area. We’re delighted to be working with BAM Construction once again and continuing our successful relationship in completing innovative projects together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Through this strategic alliance, Hydnum Steel will supply Kingspan with green steel as Kingspan continues to take strides to decarbonise its operations, products and supply chain via its Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme. Kingspan Group and Hydnum Steel are excited to announce their collaboration on a green steel initiative aimed at decarbonising the construction sector and promoting sustainability in building materials. Hydnum Steel, based in Puertollano, Spain, is a pioneer of green steel in the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe. This collaboration will see Hydnum Steel supply Kingspan with green steel, reinforcing Kingspan’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of building materials as part of its Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme. The strategic alliance promotes the adoption of green steel as a key alternative when constructing buildings and reinforces the role of the steel industry in the transition towards climate neutrality. The construction sector, one of the sectors with the largest carbon footprint globally[1], faces the challenge of adopting innovative solutions that reduce emissions without compromising performance, efficiency or quality. In this context, the use of green steel becomes a fundamental pillar for achieving decarbonisation goals and progressing towards more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Hydnum Steel and Kingspan will also collaborate to guarantee the most efficient logistics and circular economy solutions with ferrous scrap, as part of its commitment to the environment and natural resource utilisation. Eva Maneiro, CEO of Hydnum Steel, expressed her excitement: “We are excited to collaborate with Kingspan, a company that, like us, wants to be a pioneer in industrial decarbonisation. For both of us, it’s not just about being part of the change, but leading it. We are proving that it is possible to reinvent the industry with a more human and planet-friendly approach.” Mark Broderick, Procurement Director at Kingspan, added: “Our collaboration with Hydnum Steel is an important step forward in our strategy of procuring green steel at scale as we continue to drive our overall emissions reductions via our Planet Passionate programme. We’re working at pace to reduce the carbon footprint of our supply chain and product portfolio, but also to help accelerate the pace of change in the steel industry which will be critical to enabling the longer-term decarbonisation of the built environment.” To discover more about Kingspan’s Planet Passionate programme, visit www.kingspan.com/planetpassionate [1] According to the World Green Building Council, the built environment and construction sector accounts for 38% of global carbon emissions and it has been estimated that globally we build the equivalent of a city the size of Paris every week. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services, has unveiled the industry’s most advanced Carbon Reporting Tool – a transformative step in helping construction companies reach their decarbonisation goals faster and more efficiently. Developed as part of Speedy Hire’s wider strategy to enable customers to achieve their sustainability goals, the Carbon Reporting Tool benchmarks the operational performance of thousands of products, providing customers with detailed emissions reporting and reduction strategies. It represents a major innovation for the hire sector and a critical tool in the construction industry’s transition to Net Zero by 2050. The construction sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, particularly from the operational fuel use of plant and equipment. In response, Speedy Hire, who are recognised as a UK leader in sustainability, are enabling the move from assumption-based data to actual performance metrics – setting a new standard for carbon transparency and accountability. Matthew Pygott, Head of Net Zero at Speedy Hire, said:“At Speedy Hire, we recognise the critical role we play in supporting the construction industry’s transition to Net Zero. We are seeing increasing demand for carbon quantification in tenders and contract performance. With our Carbon Reporting Tool, we provide customers with the insights needed to make more sustainable choices, reducing both carbon emissions and costs.” The tool has already been adopted by leading infrastructure and construction businesses. One of the first to trial it was Amey, a key client of Speedy Hire. Sam Taylor, Environment & Sustainability Business Partner at Amey, commented:“Speedy’s newly developed tool promises to give us greater visibility of our carbon emissions through plant and tool use and will help us drive behaviours to improve this. For example, live tracking of uptake of ‘eco’ products as an alternative to standard offerings, and the level of resolution of this data promises to help us review decisions made at an account and depot level and therefore drive behaviours with regards to plant and tool hire across the sector.” As the first UK & Ireland hire company to implement a PAS2080:2023 carbon management system, this tool will enable our customers to baseline, assess, and optimise their construction carbon footprint, aligning with their decarbonisation goals. Speedy Hire’s tool is designed to work seamlessly with its broader carbon management ecosystem. It will be independently audited under the company’s existing contract with sustainability consultancy Auditel. As part of its ‘Decade to Deliver’ strategy, Speedy Hire aims to ensure that 70% of its core fleet consists of eco-products by 2027, while driving eco-revenue and progressing towards its Scope 3 carbon reduction targets by 2030. With the launch of the Carbon Reporting Tool, Speedy Hire continues to demonstrate its position as a market leader in sustainable hire solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the latest NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement, supporting with the long-term decarbonisation strategy of healthcare estates nationwide. The new £500m Decarbonisation of Estates framework is designed to help the NHS achieve its ambition of becoming the world’s first net zero national health service, reaching net zero by 2040 for the emissions the NHS controls directly. Stepnell has secured its place on both Lot 1, Decarbonisation of Non-Domestic/ Public Buildings, and Lot 2, Decarbonisation of Domestic Properties. Stepnell will be supporting the NHS and other public sector authorities, including local government and housing associations, as a complete construction partner. Through competition and direct award, it will deliver comprehensive decarbonisation works including enhancing existing buildings thermal performance and improve energy efficiencies through lighting efficiencies and renewable technologies, which include air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. Christian White, senior pre-construction manager and framework lead at Stepnell, said: “The NHS SBS framework award is reflective of our established expertise delivering on multi-million projects to enhance energy performance and decarbonisation on estates across the healthcare sector. “With expanding capabilities in undertaking decarbonisation schemes, including retrofitting through our partnership with our specialist renewables & decarbonation business Step Energy, we are well placed to deliver decarbonisation projects for the NHS and other public sector authorities to meet relevant sustainability targets.” The framework agreement has been designed via extensive consultation with the public sector and Greener NHS leads. It enables estates managers to create greater value by combining decarbonisation works with their backlog investment works to create cleaner, greener and more attractive estates. Anjub Ali, senior category manager at NHS SBS said: “With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in the Autumn Budget 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. “The new Decarbonisation of Estates Framework Agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and respond to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change.” To find out more about Stepnell, visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals