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
OptimiseAI’s ‘Predict’ Platform Cuts Building Energy Usage by 15%, using only a Meter Reading OptimiseAI, an innovator in AI-driven energy management, today launches their Predict function: designed to be an accessible tool for any level of building owner, landlord or asset manager to optimise energy use, save money, and future-proof
A scheme that includes a new 3 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks has gained planning consent following a detailed planning process, including environmental impact assessments (EIA). In September 2023, the UK government and Tata Steel UK Limited (Tata Steel) announced a £1.25 billion
The future of decarbonised home heating is upon us and is already being rolled out across the UK with some of the country’s largest housebuilders – with the latest housing development benefiting from the solution ‘going live’ in recent weeks. The Community Heat Hub (CHH), one of GTC’s Future Homes
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
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
OptimiseAI’s ‘Predict’ Platform Cuts Building Energy Usage by 15%, using only a Meter Reading OptimiseAI, an innovator in AI-driven energy management, today launches their Predict function: designed to be an accessible tool for any level of building owner, landlord or asset manager to optimise energy use, save money, and future-proof new or historic buildings. The Predict tool is the first of its kind to draw on decades of research, data and human expertise, fused with artificial intelligence. All Predict needs to create a comprehensive view of any building’s energy usage, is a meter reading, a postcode and basic building information, like the number of floors. Predict can then create a digital twin of your building, which gives you visual insights into how your building most likely saves energy, and when. This allows users to have a rapid, real-time view of their portfolios and identify where the biggest savings can be made quickly and efficiently. After being provided with this minimal information, Predict can provide a building or asset manager with energy reduction insights in under half an hour. Buildings account for 28% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions (37% when including construction), which is more than the entire transportation sector, responsible for just over 21% of global CO₂ emissions. If all buildings had smart meters and then utilised the analysis via Predict, buildings could see an average of 15% emissions reduction – with minimal capital cost incurred. For the UK alone (where 66% of buildings have smart meters), using the Predict tool could save 6.7MtCOe per year. The drive for smart meters adoption is crucial to achieving long term energy efficiency goals. If all buildings across the globe were to install smart meters and utilise the Predict function to manager their energy usage, it could deliver 1.5 Gt CO₂e savings per year, equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Japan. Speaking on its potential, Nick Tune, Co-Founder of Optimise AI, said: “The data is clear—energy inefficiency is a massive yet solvable contributor to climate change. Current Building Management Systems are not fit for purpose: only 10% of buildings have them, and even then they don’t give effective results to help buildings reduce energy and carbon emissions. “ The world cannot afford to wait for deep retrofits or expensive building replacements. With Predict, we’re giving asset owners and building managers an immediate, cost-effective tool to cut carbon, reduce energy costs, and stay ahead of tightening regulations. “The potential of the technology is here, ready to be harnessed. With it, we’re offering a path to energy savings and reduced global carbon footprint that is accessible and easy to use: ready now, and for everyone. “ Energy prices are at record heights across the world. According to Government data, the UK has among the most expensive electricity in Europe. Smart energy planning will be essential to keeping buildings efficient and keeping costs down. 90% of UK buildings lack a Building Management System to help them understand, monitor and adapt their energy use. Even those who do, research suggests that asset managers find these systems overly complex or difficult to use. Predict’s user-friendly interface is hardware agnostic and can be used with minimal input data – it works across fragmented systems and integrates seamlessly with existing smart meters. By analysing historical and projected consumption, and drawing on years of human research and expertise, Predict can suggest the best energy tariffs, identify inefficiencies, project how much energy could be saved with certain interventions, saving both emissions and money. Net Zero regulations for buildings are expected to become increasingly relevant in the coming years. Addressing energy efficiency in existing buildings was a key component of the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget, as part of the UK’s strategy to reduce emissions by 87% compared to 1990 levels by 2040. This means UK businesses and landlords will need to ensure their properties meet new standards, and integrate smart energy usage into their future plans. Through its digital twin technology, Predict can provide any level of building owner and asset manager a contextual understanding of their building’s energy usage. This allows them to save money, reduce emissions and begin to future-proof their buildings against upcoming Net Zero regulations. This is especially useful for the UK’s historic building stock. The first of its kind to utilise and fuse AI and decades of human-led research, Predict can provide insights into how to reduce building emissions in listed buildings in the least invasive way possible. Professor Yacine Rezgui, Co-Founder of Optimise AI, added: “Energy audits are outdated and expensive, yet 90% of UK buildings still lack a Building Management System. Predict changes that—offering a sophisticated AI-driven solution that provides immediate insights and long-term savings. This is how we make net zero achievable at scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A scheme that includes a new 3 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks has gained planning consent following a detailed planning process, including environmental impact assessments (EIA). In September 2023, the UK government and Tata Steel UK Limited (Tata Steel) announced a £1.25 billion joint investment in the development of electric arc furnace-based steelmaking at Port Talbot to replace the coal-fired blast furnaces that have been in operation for more than 50 years. The proposals reflect Tata Steel’s long-term commitment to the production of ‘green’, low-carbon steel at Port Talbot, securing the future of steelmaking in the region and making a significant contribution to the achievement of ambitious Welsh and UK government net zero policies. Data provided in the environmental statement (RSK, 2024) indicate that greenhouse gas emissions avoided with the electric arc furnace compared with the continuation of traditional steelmaking methods are equivalent to nearly 2% of UK and 23% of Wales emissions (2027 equivalent). RSK Environment Director Rob Edwards, who led the EIA process, said: “Environmental impact assessments are required to support planning applications for major infrastructure projects, ensuring that local councils, communities and consultees understand possible environmental impacts and proposed measures to mitigate these before approving the plans. RSK Environment has coordinated the EIA work as the environmental lead for Tata Steel, working closely with the Tata Steel team, planning consultant Turley, architects Lawray, and Temple Group and JBA Consulting, both of which contributed EIA technical chapters. “Approval of the planning application is the culmination of more than three years of work from the project team. At its peak, more than 20 specialists from across the business were working on-site at any one time – this has resulted in the submission of more than 250 documents in support of the application, highlighting the scale, complexity and level of detail involved in a planning application and EIA of this nature.” As part of the EIA, a wide range of information was gathered from site surveys and assessments covering matters such as ground conditions, habitats and species, traffic and noise levels, air emissions, views of the site and population and demographic data. Rob explained: “The EIA team was required to coordinate and present this huge volume of information in the form needed to support the planning application. This involved liaising extensively with Tata Steel, the wider planning team and the local council to identify where mitigation or amendments to the scheme were necessary to overcome identified environmental concerns.” RSK Group businesses involved in delivering the environmental assessments for the project included Stephenson Halliday (landscape and visual design), RSK Acoustics (noise and vibration), RSK Biocensus (biodiversity), RSK Geosciences (land, soil and groundwater), WRc (peat assessments), Headland Archaeology (cultural heritage), SCP (transport and access), EB7 (lighting assessment) and ADAS (tree surveys). CJ Associates, Ian Farmer Associates and RSK Ordnance Management supported the completion of the ground investigation. Rob added: “Because of the scale of the planning application boundary – well over 100 hectares – the area covered by the proposed development cannot readily be described as a single ‘site’. It includes land with a wide range of different characteristics, including agricultural land, brownfield land and the existing structures of the steelworks. The EIA needed to reflect this and describe the environmental effects across all parts of the site; these were not always the same across all areas. The relationship with the historic steelworks also added complexity, with the electric arc furnace proposals needing to be considered against the context of those activities and their associated environmental impacts. “In addition to the greenhouse gas savings, the project will also result in significant reductions of air emissions, as well as reduced road traffic and remediation of previously developed parts of the steelworks. RSK is proud to be associated with a project that delivers so many environmental benefits, while securing the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and Wales”. The planning proposals allow for green infrastructure and re-landscaping of the surrounding site to deliver ‘biodiversity net benefit’ in line with Welsh national planning policy. This will involve a range of ecological enhancements and landscaping measures focused on the southern end of the site, which is generally the most visible to the public. This will include new areas of wetland, scrub and grassland. Rob said: “In advising Tata Steel on how it may address all environmental questions raised in the assessments, particular focus was given to biodiversity enhancements. This is reflective of the fact that the steelworks comprise a very large area of land with a wide range of opportunities for enhancement and linkage with other habitats in the local area, particularly the Margam Moors site of special scientific interest to the south”. Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, said: “We are very pleased to have secured approval to build sustainable steelmaking facilities in Port Talbot. This £1.25 billion investment is the most significant investment made in the UK steel industry in decades. The facility will secure high-quality steel production, preserve thousands of jobs and safeguard steelmaking in Port Talbot for generations to come.” Natalie Young, Head of Legal – Property at Tata Steel UK, added: “You cannot overstate the importance of robust and credible EIAs in such complex submissions, and having the expertise of RSK was critical in the success of the application.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The future of decarbonised home heating is upon us and is already being rolled out across the UK with some of the country’s largest housebuilders – with the latest housing development benefiting from the solution ‘going live’ in recent weeks. The Community Heat Hub (CHH), one of GTC’s Future Homes Standard-compliant heat network solutions, is now delivering low-carbon heat at The Gateway in Bexhill, Sussex, a vibrant housing development being delivered by Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes. GTC has been the chosen utility partner for housebuilders and developers across the UK for almost 30 years, delivering pioneering multi-utility infrastructure solutions to all types of new-build developments. The Community Heat Hub is one of GTC’s low carbon heat network solutions that answers the Future Homes Standard by reducing carbon emissions by 75-80% from day one, combing the two FHS notional specifications of heat pumps and heat networks in one future-proofed, net zero solution. Vistry contracted GTC to deliver heat via its innovative Community Heat Hub to The Gateway in Bexhill, alongside electric, fibre, water, and wastewater. Once fully built the scheme will provide 801 high-quality mixed-tenure new homes, a primary school, community centre and sports pavilion connected to the low carbon solution. GTC commissioned The Gateway Community Heat Hub in late February and first homeowners moved in on February 24th. This is the UK’s second Community Heat Hub to be commissioned since its launch, with more contracted across the country being delivered in the coming months. The Community Heat Hub at The Gateway is estimated to save around 850 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in comparison to individual gas boilers in homes. John Marsh, Chief Operating Officer at GTC said: “Home decarbonisation is top of the agenda right now and The Gateway at Bexhill is a brilliant example of how low carbon heat can be delivered into new homes. The forthcoming end of gas means decarbonisation is no longer optional. Working with housebuilders, like Vistry, who want to showcase compliance and sustainability excellence is always a pleasure, and to be able to offer a solution that meets forthcoming Standards is credit to the skills and expertise of the GTC team.” Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent said: “Vistry is committed to delivering sustainable long-term communities that provide the mix of high-quality new homes that residents need. Collaborating with like-minded organisations like GTC is essential to help us deliver innovative solutions that meet important decarbonisation standards while helping to fulfil the UK’s chronic need for new housing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
