Major contractor Bouygues UK, which is building zone 1 of Llanelli’s Pentre Awel development known as ‘Canolfan’, has worked with sub-contractors and its supply chain during the course of the 24-month build to achieve net zero on the construction project. This includes over 90% reduction on direct emissions of all
MEPC has announced the completion of its £40 million Nebula development at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community. Comprising seven sustainable research and development (R&D) workspaces totalling nearly 80,000 sq ft, Nebula’s design and build focused on environmentally conscious materials, such as incorporating glue-laminated (glulam) structural
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of modern building design, driven by the dual goals of reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. While much attention is given to insulation, windows, and HVAC systems, plumbing systems also play a critical role in optimizing energy usage within buildings. Cutting-edge plumbing solutions help
ENHANCING modern firefighting services and responding to vital community need, work on a new carbon neutral fire station is underway in Surrey, with work set to complete in 2026. The existing Reigate Fire Station, located on Croydon Road, is set to be demolished to make way for a purpose-built 950
Leading corporate services provider,NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), has today unveiled a £500m framework agreement designed to help public sector organisations – including the NHS – decarbonise their estates. The new Decarbonisation of Estates framework agreement helps the NHS achieve its ambition of becoming the world’s first net zero
Key announcement set to reduce direct CO2 emissions by up to 90% in line with the Glencar target to reduce Scope 1 emissions by the end of 2025. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality
Households across parts of North West England and Central Scotland can now get free help to plan home improvements that save money on energy bills and carbon emissions, thanks to a new service, Energywise. People can access free impartial advice, online or over the phone, from a team of experts
Bellway has won a prestigious award for its strategy to reduce carbon emissions across the business as it helps lead the housebuilding industry towards net zero. The company, which is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and builds homes across England, Scotland and Wales, scooped the prize for Best Carbon Reduction Innovation or
10 properties at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough will be energy efficient and future-proofed for residents. Esh Construction is helping raise the bar for sustainable living in Teesside as it develops 10 net-zero carbon homes for Thirteen Group. Part of an £18 million development known as Kedward Avenue – one of
Major contractor Bouygues UK, which is building zone 1 of Llanelli’s Pentre Awel development known as ‘Canolfan’, has worked with sub-contractors and its supply chain during the course of the 24-month build to achieve net zero on the construction project. This includes over 90% reduction on direct emissions of all fuels on the site as well as a 10% reduction in waste production, and energy and water consumption. Since the start of the project over 450 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved thanks to this initiative. By implementing energy, waste and resource-saving initiatives, including adopting sustainably-certified hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel, as well as sourcing recycled and green materials, the project has reached this pivotal milestone of being net zero. Due to the reduction in emissions from the use of HVO at Pentre Awel, Bouygues UK has made the commitment that all of its building sites across the UK will be powered by HVO. Its procured HVO fuel has received ISCC certification due to its traceable and deforestation-free supply chain. Partners include Green4Wales, Watson Fuels, New Era and CSS. The Canolfan Pentre Awel project team has worked tirelessly during the nearly two years on site, to put carbon reduction at the heart of the development. It has targeted 24 specific initiatives to help reduce emissions, waste and energy on the project. Early into the development, solar-powered site offices and cabins were installed on site, and when not powered by the sun, those buildings were run by a HVO-powered generator. The site’s CCTV cameras were also powered by solar. Such was the success of the HVO generator, that early into the project the whole site was converted to HVO. Other initiatives such as working closely with its supply chain to source recycled building materials has also contributed to the project’s wider net zero journey. Such materials include using reinforced bars for the buildings’ foundations that are comprised of 98% recycling content, while the structural steel contained 80% recycled content. When excavating to lay the foundations, soil from the surface of the site was also taken to a local recycling facility where the material was segregated, treated and reused – reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. The team have partnered with Gaia, a Carmarthenshire-based company that helps to identify, monitor and reduce power consumption, using AI and a range of sensors. To date, the energy savings from using GAIA are around 47.9%. The project also benefits from a carbon consultant who advises on identifying low carbon solutions throughout the construction phase and monitors carbon, waste, deliveries as well as upskilling of the workforce on climate and environmental topics. Canolfan Pentre Awel is an innovative, multi-million-pound development which will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales. Peter Sharpe, Project Director at Pentre Awel, said of achieving net zero: “We are immensely proud of this achievement. As well as building a state of the art, top quality facility, as a project team we set our minds to reducing as much of our carbon emissions as possible. We set out a plan and I’m so pleased to say that we have achieved it. “This would not have happened had it not been for the determination and support of not only the Bouygues UK staff here at Pentre Awel, but also our amazing sub-contractors and supply chain partners who came with us on this net zero journey.” Phillipe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, said: “I commend the project team’s efforts in significantly reducing carbon emissions at the Pentre Awel project. This achievement shows that sustainable construction can be achieved. “We are very proud that due to the success achieved with the use of HVO at Pentre Awel, we are now mandating the use of sustainably-certified HVO at all our sites across the UK.” Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans added: “The Council is deeply committed to tackling climate change, and we acknowledge that we are responsible for reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging Carmarthenshire residents to be conscious of their own carbon footprint. It is encouraging to see that this Council development is tackling carbon emissions head on and leading by example for future developments to prioritise our environment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Bouygues UK for their commitment as we pass this monumental milestone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MEPC has announced the completion of its £40 million Nebula development at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community. Comprising seven sustainable research and development (R&D) workspaces totalling nearly 80,000 sq ft, Nebula’s design and build focused on environmentally conscious materials, such as incorporating glue-laminated (glulam) structural timber beams in place of steel, in what is believed to be a UK-first for a R&D workspace. With construction delivered by Barnwood Limited, Nebula’s use of sustainably sourced and recyclable beams instead of steel has significantly reduced its carbon footprint. The innovative approach has contributed to an upfront embodied carbon saving of 686 tonnes of CO₂ throughout construction, the equivalent of 196 return flights to Hong Kong. Aimed at science, technology or advanced engineering companies, Nebula’s buildings have internal vaulted roof heights of 8m, providing flexibility for occupiers with requirements for large-scale scientific equipment or advanced engineering instruments. Following widespread interest from a wide variety of companies with R&D requirements, MEPC has revealed one of the R&D workspaces has been taken as a pre-let. The completion follows the announcement of a refreshed Local Development Order (LDO) at Milton Park. As the UK’s first data-driven, green-focused planning agreement,the LDO is expected to support thousands of new jobs and permit 4.2m sq ft of development. In the coming years, it will streamline planning decisions for its occupiers to just ten days, bringing forward new flexible laboratories, offices and amenities. It also follows last month’s announcement by the Government of plans to boost infrastructure and attract new investment into the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, to attract up to £78bn into the economy by 2035 and realise its potential as a global centre for science and innovation. Commenting on the completion, Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Champion, Lord Vallance, said: “Modern, high-tech facilities are essential to taking full advantage of rapidly developing science and technology and in fulfilling our ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor to be an economic engine for the whole of the UK. “Nebula’s new development of large-scale innovation space will support a range of growing industries, helping businesses to get off the ground and progress, and in turn supporting this Government’s number one mission of economic growth.” Philip Campbell, commercial director at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Nebula’s completion follows on the heels of the Government’s Oxford to Cambridge announcement and plans to create a “Silicon Corridor” of growth. “Delivered through our streamlined ten-day planning LDO, Nebula has been driven by the project team’s collective ambition to create a new R&D development which seamlessly blends design and sustainability, creating an attractive work environment for future occupiers to innovate. “Following this significant milestone, we’re looking forward to opening the doors and showing new and prospective occupiers around this flagship project for Milton Park.” Nebula’s occupiers will benefit from MEPC’s £7m infrastructure investment to enhance Milton Park’s energy capacity, alongside electric charging provision for up to 32 vehicles. Alongside the development targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A energy efficiency standards, surplus wood from the site was also intercepted and donated to RAW Workshop, an Oxfordshire-based social enterprise, where it was recycled into educational materials and new products, maximising Nebula’s environmental and social impact credentials. Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, CBRE (leasing agents), Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec (civil and structural engineering), Mainer Associates (sustainability consultant), William Downie Associates (utilities) and Cundall (carbon consultant). For more information on Nebula, please visit: www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private sector housing and reduce energy costs for millions. Newly released figures from the English Housing Survey (EHS) show that, for the first time, over 50% of homes in England now meet at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C rating—a significant milestone in improving home energy efficiency. While social housing has made notable progress, privately owned and rented properties remain a major challenge, requiring large-scale interventions to create healthier, low-carbon, and cost-efficient homes. Tackling Energy Inefficiency in Private Homes The Warm Homes Plan has already introduced Local Grant funding to combat fuel poverty, and the £1bn-a-year ECO programme—which supports low-income households—is set to continue until 2026. However, BRE’s analysis of the latest government data highlights that wider-reaching support is needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets. A key concern is that the burden of improving inefficient homes (those rated below EPC band C) is overwhelmingly a private sector issue, with 90% of these properties either owner-occupied or privately rented. Some of the least efficient homes include: Cold Homes Costing the NHS £500 Million a Year Poor energy efficiency in homes isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a major public health concern. According to separate research by BRE, cold homes are the single largest housing-related cost burden to the NHS. In 2023, it was estimated that over £500 million was spent treating cold-related illnesses caused by homes in the lowest EPC bands F and G. To address this, BRE is urging the government to ensure the Warm Homes Plan includes targeted retrofit advice, particularly for the over-65s, who own more than 40% of the owner-occupied homes that fall below EPC band C. The plan should also include support for accessing finance to help households fund essential improvements. By tackling energy inefficiency across the full spectrum of housing stock, the government can make significant progress towards net zero while protecting households from high energy bills and the health risks associated with cold homes. Jane Goddard, Managing Director of Building Performance Services and Deputy CEO of BRE, said: “We have made encouraging progress to date on retrofitting our existing housing stock, with over half of English homes now meeting the reasonable EPC C standard. “However, our approach to the remaining energy inefficient homes will require consideration to ensure the Warm Homes Plan can target a much wider group of households with effective support. “Local authorities will be crucial in this journey and require the necessary data, capacity, funding and powers to deliver energy efficiency improvements to homes most in need. The upcoming English Devolution Bill will hopefully mark a welcome step in this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of modern building design, driven by the dual goals of reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. While much attention is given to insulation, windows, and HVAC systems, plumbing systems also play a critical role in optimizing energy usage within buildings. Cutting-edge plumbing solutions help conserve water while also greatly lowering energy usage. In this article, we explore how innovative plumbing systems enhance energy efficiency and why consulting a certified plumber is vital for their implementation. 1. Smart Plumbing Fixtures Smart plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, have become a game-changer in modern buildings. These fixtures minimize water consumption while maintaining performance. For instance, low-flow showerheads use air infusion technology to deliver strong water pressure while using significantly less water. Using less hot water also leads to a decrease in energy consumption for heating water. A certified plumber ensures proper installation of these advanced fixtures, maximizing their efficiency and preventing potential issues like leaks or uneven pressure. 2. Tankless Water Heaters Tankless water heaters, sometimes referred to as on-demand water heaters, are highly efficient appliances for contemporary plumbing setups. In contrast to conventional water heaters, which constantly heat and store water, tankless units heat water only when it is required. This eliminates standby energy losses and can save up to 30% on energy bills. These systems demand careful installation and ongoing maintenance, so having a certified plumber’s expertise is crucial. Incorrect installation can lower efficiency and cause system breakdowns. 3. Greywater Recycling Systems Greywater recycling systems are a cutting-edge solution to improve water and energy efficiency. They gather wastewater from sources like sinks, showers, and washing machines, process it, and repurpose it for non-drinking uses such as flushing toilets and watering plants. By reusing greywater, buildings reduce their reliance on freshwater supplies and lower the energy required for water treatment and transportation. Designing and installing a greywater recycling system involves detailed planning to meet local regulations. A licensed plumber is essential to ensure the system functions safely and efficiently. 4. Hot Water Recirculation Systems Hot water recirculation systems provide instant access to hot water at fixtures, minimizing water waste by eliminating the wait time for it to heat up. These systems use pumps to circulate water through pipes continuously or on demand. While they require some energy to operate, the overall savings in water and heating energy outweigh the costs. A certified plumber can design a recirculation system tailored to the building’s layout and ensure energy-efficient operation by incorporating timers, sensors, or smart controls. 5. Energy-Efficient Pipe Insulation Insulating hot water pipes is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce heat loss. Effective insulation helps preserve the water temperature as it moves through the pipes, decreasing the need for reheating. This is especially crucial in large buildings with extensive plumbing systems. A certified plumber can identify areas where insulation is most needed and install high-quality materials to achieve optimal energy savings. 6. Leak Detection and Prevention Systems Water leaks not only lead to water wastage but also drive up energy consumption, especially when they involve hot water. Modern leak detection systems utilize sensors and smart technology to monitor plumbing systems, notifying property owners of potential problems before they worsen. Certain systems can even automatically cut off the water supply when a leak is identified. Hiring a certified plumber to install and maintain these systems ensures accurate detection and reliable performance. 7. Solar Water Heating Systems Solar water heating systems capture the sun’s energy to warm water, greatly decreasing dependence on traditional energy sources. These systems are highly effective and can supply a substantial portion of a building’s hot water requirements, particularly in areas with ample sunlight. Installing a solar water heating system involves complex plumbing work, including integrating solar panels, storage tanks, and piping. A certified plumber has the expertise to handle these tasks and ensure seamless operation. 8. Smart Water Management Systems Smart water management systems leverage IoT (Internet of Things) technology to track and regulate water usage in real-time. These systems offer valuable data on consumption trends, identify inefficiencies, and provide suggestions for optimization. Some advanced systems can even integrate with building automation systems to optimize water and energy usage collectively. A certified plumber can install and configure these systems, ensuring compatibility with the building’s plumbing network and other smart technologies. The Role of Certified Plumbers in Energy-Efficient Plumbing While advanced plumbing systems offer significant benefits, their performance depends heavily on proper installation and maintenance. This is where a certified plumber becomes indispensable. With in-depth knowledge of modern plumbing technologies, building codes, and energy-efficient practices, certified plumbers ensure that systems are installed correctly, operate efficiently, and comply with regulations. Additionally, certified plumbers can assess a building’s unique needs and recommend customized solutions. Their expertise minimizes the risk of errors and maximizes the return on investment for energy-efficient plumbing systems. Conclusion Modern plumbing systems are transforming how buildings handle water and energy usage. From tankless water heaters to greywater recycling systems and smart water management technologies, these innovations contribute to substantial energy savings and environmental sustainability. However, achieving these benefits requires the expertise of a certified plumber, whose knowledge and skills ensure the effective implementation of these systems. As the construction and building industries continue to prioritize energy efficiency, the role of advanced plumbing systems will only grow. By investing in these technologies and partnering with certified plumbers, building owners can create sustainable spaces that align with modern energy efficiency standards.
ENHANCING modern firefighting services and responding to vital community need, work on a new carbon neutral fire station is underway in Surrey, with work set to complete in 2026. The existing Reigate Fire Station, located on Croydon Road, is set to be demolished to make way for a purpose-built 950 sq. m. facility, designed to meet the needs of firefighting crews and the communities they serve. Facilities will include a new kitchen, gym and lounge space, with private rest rooms and shower facilities. A gender-neutral design will be central to the new fire station, as fire and rescue authorities look to encourage more diverse recruitment into the sector, as well as maximise space and cost efficiencies. As a 24/7 operating base, energy management will also be central to the new fire station, with an all-electric and solar solution in place to ensure the facility fits in with the local, regional and national net zero drives. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is supporting the project, operating under the Surrey County Council Professional Services Framework to provide design services up to RIBA Stage 3, while acting in a technical advisory capacity from Stage 4 onwards. The firm was instructed by Surrey County Council and is working closely with contractor Neilcott Construction and the Council to bring the new design vision to life. Chris Gilbert, associate director at Pick Everard, said: “Renovating and modernising fire estates is a crucial undertaking in the blue light sector, ensuring our emergency services have the tools at their disposal to respond quickly to critical need. “The work being undertaken at Reigate is exemplary of this approach, with significant investment allowing for a build that is more responsive, adaptive and energy efficient, meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse and flexible workforce. “We’re looking forward to our collaboration with Neilcott Construction and Surrey County Council, which will provide a comfortable and agile new space for crew members and a vital resource for the local community.” As well as housing its fire crew, the new fire station at Reigate will also provide a space for the South East Coast Ambulance Service, as Surrey Fire and Rescue Service continue to work even closer with their blue light partners. The investment by Surrey County Council forms part of a wider plan to modernise and improve fire and rescue services in the county, with further fire station renovations taking place in Chobham and Lingfield. Training facility upgrades at Wray Park are also part of the wider plan, which is the largest single investment in training for frontline staff in Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s history. Chief Fire Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Dan Quin said: “We are pleased to be making the necessary improvements to Reigate Fire Station. This investment means we can enhance and update our facilities and better serve our communities. “I’d like to thank our staff, partners at Pick Everard and Neilcott Construction, residents and the community of Reigate for their support with this piece of work.” Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Property, Infrastructure, and Waste said: “We are delighted that Pick Everard are facilitating the upgrades at Wray Park. We are making significant investments in our Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that we are providing Surrey’s firefighters with modern, state-of-the-art facilities which align with our net zero carbon ambitions and are fit for the future.” For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading corporate services provider,NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), has today unveiled a £500m framework agreement designed to help public sector organisations – including the NHS – decarbonise their estates. The new Decarbonisation of Estates framework agreement helps 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. Work covered under the agreement includes internal and external wall insulation, ground source and air source heat pumps, electric heating solutions, photovoltaic systems, ventilation systems and lighting works as well as traditional works such as replacement of windows and doors, and solutions to tackle damp and mould in domestic properties. The framework agreement has been designed via extensive consultation with the public sector and Greener NHS leads. Importantly, 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 commented: “With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in 2024’s Budget, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. “This new framework agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and is a response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change. It is geared towards helping the NHS modernise and decarbonise aged assets and buildings throughout the public sector’s estates.” NHS SBS’s framework agreement allows for both further competition and direct award across seven geographical regions. Both public projects and domestic dwellings are in scope, and the framework agreement can be used by all NHS and wider public sector authorities, including local government and housing associations. Suppliers awarded to the framework agreement include both well-known multinationals and small and medium-sized enterprises. All have been assessed on their ability to reduce the environmental impact of service delivery through the use of ground-breaking equipment, decreased energy and fuel consumption, and the monitoring of data of retrofit projects. For more information about the Decarbonisation of Estates framework agreement contact the NHS SBS team at: sbs.hello@nhs.net. For more information about NHS SBS framework agreements click: Framework Agreements | NHS SBS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Key announcement set to reduce direct CO2 emissions by up to 90% in line with the Glencar target to reduce Scope 1 emissions by the end of 2025. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences & Pharma, Data Centres, Commercial, Ports, Film Studios & Leisure and Civils, has today announced its intention to switch to low carbon Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel across all active construction sites from the start of the year and going forward. The major move will see HVO to be used across all site set ups, welfare establishments, and on-site power generation across all of its construction sites. Glencar is one of the first contractors specialising in the Logistics & Industrial sector to mandate the switch to HVO across all sites. HVO is a low carbon biofuel typically made by reacting waste vegetable oils and animal fats with hydrogen to create a fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. The switch to HVO will deliver up to 90% reduction in direct CO2 emissions and 80% in other harmful emissions such as particulate matter. The amount of diesel that Glencar uses annually emits over 720 tonnes of CO2 which accounts for the majority of our Scope 1 carbon emissions which the use of HVO is set to reduce. Speaking about the move Glencar Director of ESG James Scott said: “Our transition to HVO is a major strategic step change that will make an immediate difference and impact on our carbon in construction performance. We estimate a reduction in over 90% in our Scope 1 emissions when every construction site is using HVO. We have set ourselves ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero for Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2025 and 2045 for Scope 3 emissions and this is another important milestone on the journey. We will continue to monitor new technologies and innovation to ensure we are at the forefront of clean and efficient sustainable solutions. The switch to HVO will also give us further confidence in our emissions data that will enable us to track our reductions and performance against our ESG goals, with the knowledge that HVO itself is a sourced product that is certified through collection of feedstock, manufacturing and delivery into the UK terminal using the ISCC scheme, and thereafter using the UK’s RFAS scheme. This ensures that all feedstocks are classed as 100% renewable under the Renewable Energy Directive 2. Whilst we recognise the carbon reduction potential of HVO, we are also aware of the environmental impacts of HVO production and will closely monitor the sustainability of our supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Households across parts of North West England and Central Scotland can now get free help to plan home improvements that save money on energy bills and carbon emissions, thanks to a new service, Energywise. People can access free impartial advice, online or over the phone, from a team of experts at the Energywise service which officially launched today. Delivered by energy experts Energy Saving Trust and funded by SP Energy Networks, Energywise will help householders identify the best low carbon solutions, such as solar panels or a heat pump, to suit their home, budget and goals. People using the service will receive a comprehensive costed improvement plan, outlining next steps and the option of a free follow up conversation with an expert advisor. The free service also offers help to find funding and certified installers, making it easier to get the work done. Research by Energy Saving Trust has shown that 82% of homeowners in England are interested in making home improvements to reduce their energy bills, however more than a third (39%) are not confident assessing where to start with the process1. Additional research reveals that more than a third of UK adults know nothing about heat pumps, while a quarter think heat pumps are not suitable for UK homes2. With energy prices continuing to climb, and the need to cut domestic carbon emissions to curb the climate emergency, SP Energy Networks is the latest energy distributor to commission Energy Saving Trust to set up support services for the public to encourage action. Laura McGadie, Operations Director at Energy Saving Trust, said: “It’s exciting to be offering this bespoke service to help people choose what’s best for their homes when it comes to low carbon technology. Improving public awareness and understanding of things like heat pumps is a really vital part of the shift we need to make to a net zero society. We know people are willing to make changes, they just want a bit of guidance on where to start, so Energywise is there to help them plan and go on to take positive action.” Energywise is now live for those living in an area of England or Scotland serviced by the SP Energy Networks energy grid. People can check if they live in one of these via the Energy Networks Association postcode checker. To get a free personalised Energywise home improvement plan visit getenergywise.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway has won a prestigious award for its strategy to reduce carbon emissions across the business as it helps lead the housebuilding industry towards net zero. The company, which is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and builds homes across England, Scotland and Wales, scooped the prize for Best Carbon Reduction Innovation or Practice at the 2024 Building Innovation Awards. The award was presented at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at The Hilton Deansgate in Manchester on Thursday (17 October). Carbon reduction is central to Bellway’s Better with Bellway sustainability strategy, which aims to put people and the planet first. The company has taken an all-encompassing approach to the delivery of low-carbon homes – through pioneering research, collaboration with the energy industry, and sharing findings and knowledge with the wider housebuilding industry. Bellway has also made highly significant progress towards science-based carbon reduction targets, which have been independently validated by the SBTi. Simon Park, Group Head of Sustainability for Bellway, said: “Carbon reduction forms one of the three key priorities of our over-arching Better with Bellway sustainability strategy and we are delighted that our industry-leading work in the drive towards net zero has been recognised at the Building Innovation Awards. “The ability to deliver carbon reduction at scale is an essential part of Bellway’s low-carbon strategy – in fact, scaling up is the very purpose of it, to ensure the industry can meet the challenges faced by climate change. “We are taking the lessons learned from the experimental Future Home we have built in a climate chamber at The University of Salford – where pioneering research is being conducted on a range of low-carbon technologies – and rolling out this knowledge to live development sites across the country. “Homes heated by air source heat pumps are now being built by each of our divisions and we’re the first national housebuilder to partner with energy provider Octopus on low-carbon Zero Bills homes. “We have also created a Future Hub within four Future Home exemplar plots at our Barton Quarter development in Bolton to provide training for our employees and other small and medium-sized housebuilders on Future Home technologies. This is spreading knowledge and expertise more widely, to help deliver the changes required to meet net-zero targets.” The first results from Bellway’s Future Home at The University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 facility were published in January this year, showing that the fabric of the house closely reflects the proposed Future Homes Standard. Bellway has also started construction at several ‘no gas’ developments, where air source heat pumps will be installed at every plot. These are at Springstead Village in Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, Ivy Hill in Bacton, Suffolk, and The Willows in Ancaster, Lincolnshire. Meanwhile, Bellway’s first Zero Bills homes have been builtat Victoria Gate in Stafford. Each property features roof-integrated solar panels, a domestic battery and an air source heat pump, alongside Octopus Energy’s Kraken energy management platform. To find out more about Bellway’s sustainability strategy, visit https://sustainability.bellwayplc.co.uk/carbon-reduction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
10 properties at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough will be energy efficient and future-proofed for residents. Esh Construction is helping raise the bar for sustainable living in Teesside as it develops 10 net-zero carbon homes for Thirteen Group. Part of an £18 million development known as Kedward Avenue – one of three sites Esh is delivering for Thirteen in Middlesbrough – the new timber-framed homes will feature a raft of state-of-the-art technologies as the housing provider explores net-zero carbon opportunities in the region. Four bungalows and six semi-detached two storey homes will benefit from enhanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system. Photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points will also be installed externally. To proclaim a property as net-zero carbon, homes must undergo rigorous energy performance standards testing, to meet a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score of two or lower – a much higher requirement than the standard home requirement of 5 or under. Mark Binns, Operations Director for Esh’s affordable housing division, said: “It is a landmark moment for Esh Construction and Thirteen Group to be providing the net zero offer. The project marks a significant step forward in sustainable construction and underlines a shared commitment to delivering future-proofed and energy efficient homes. “These 10 properties won’t use gas, instead the MVHR system, and an air source hot water cylinder will be used to suck air into the properties, while photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging units will support the energy efficient home management plans.” To prepare the properties for net-zero carbon status, challenges around architectural and design aspects had to be navigated, as well as educating the project team on key protocols. While the remaining properties in the 105-home development will include standard 140mm insulation, the net zero properties include an additional 25mm of insulation bonded to the plasterboard to prevent cold bridging, while insulation depths beneath the concrete are enhanced from 100mm to 150mm. Door frame sizes had to be adapted to allow the MVHR units to be installed and wider pipework had to be catered for. Joy Whinnerah, Thirteen’s Executive Director of Development and Partnerships, said: “We’ve made a firm commitment to becoming a net zero organisation by 2050 and we know we need to innovate and invest to achieve that. “Use of this kind of technology in our homes can be a key part of our net zero roadmap. We’ll be monitoring the performance of these homes very closely so we can learn as much as possible about the effectiveness of the various net zero features and then apply that learning to future development. “Alongside that, we will of course be working closely with our customers to help them get the most from those features.” Mark added: “At Esh, we are on our own journey to become a more sustainable contractor and reduce our carbon emissions with a view to achieving net zero, therefore we are pleased to be supporting our clients with their own ambitions and targets on live schemes.” To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
