When considering flooring products for new-build or refurbishment projects, the housebuilder and specifier can be sure that West Fraser’s CaberFloor range includes the perfect solution. Just as sound foundations are essential for any building, the right flooring system lays a good foundation for a quality flooring finish, saving problems and
Businesses prosper when the whole team thrives for success. Every company needs to have a team that has the drive to keep improving efficiency and help in boosting productivity. But like any other business, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies can experience challenges, and sometimes demanding for productivity is
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is spearheading a new industry initiative aimed at reversing the crisis level shortage of skilled fitters. On January 17, 2022, the company took on its first cohort of 10, 16 to 18-year-old apprentices under a new block release training scheme launched as a
Refurbished unit at Cambridge Science Park gets a top mark thanks to Kawneer glazing. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer have helped to refurbish an office building at Cambridge Science Park into the city’s only platinum-rated building on the WiredScore commercial property ranking system. Kawneer’s aluminium AA®100 zone-drained
With an estimated 65,000 burglaries reported between July and September 2021[2], a windows expert is imploring installers and fabricators to re-evaluate the security credentials of their frames and hardware and seek further assurances from regulatory bodies. According to ONS[3], one in five burglars will enter a property via a window.
Industrial fans are the best solution for managing the heat emanating from electrical panels and ensuring a safe working environment. You can choose your industrial ventilation system with fans to adapt to the dimensions, processes and needs of your company. Let’s see how this works and what are the main
Creative and inspiring British interior design specialists, Brandt Design, modernise the much-loved classic Shaker-style kitchen into a fresh and vibrant family living space for a large countryside home in the affluent village of Radlett, Hertfordshire, as part of its White House project. Beautifully refined and practical by design, this timeless kitchen
Lawson Demolition takes delivery of two new medium excavators Demolition and licensed asbestos removal expert, Lawson Demolition, has invested in two new Cat 323 hydraulic excavators to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2021. The well-established company bought the machines from exclusive Caterpillar® distributor, Finning UK and Ireland, where it
Birmingham City Council Leader Lays Brick on Fifth Floor Roof Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, and client PATRIZIA have celebrated topping out of the first roof at a build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Edgbaston, as
This is a good time to be asking ourselves about fuel usage norms because we’re currently in the midst of a fuel-related transition period. As of April 2022, red diesel – the standard option for many organisations in the construction and demolition world – is going to cost substantially more,
When considering flooring products for new-build or refurbishment projects, the housebuilder and specifier can be sure that West Fraser’s CaberFloor range includes the perfect solution. Just as sound foundations are essential for any building, the right flooring system lays a good foundation for a quality flooring finish, saving problems and costs later. The West Fraser website contains a handy flowchart to help builders, specifiers and architects choose the right flooring system for every project, coupled with handy installation guides and videos https://uk.westfraser.com/resources/help-advice/installation-instructions/ for the individual CaberFloor products. Leading the field in the popularity stakes, CaberFloor P5 is the UK’s most specified moisture-resistant P5 flooring. The high-strength particleboard is ideal for domestic and most other floors and removes the need for intermediate noggins. The boards are moisture-resistant, stable, durable, easy to lay and, with a tongue and groove or square-edge profile, provide an excellent surface for subsequent floor laying operations. Some floors require more advanced solutions and, no matter the size or shape of the floor being laid, there are key questions to ask. Although not necessarily obvious, the first point to consider is whether the building’s roof will be in place. If the answer is no, the floor will need to withstand the elements. This is where CaberShieldPlus proves its worth as it is designed to allow building work to continue in all weathers. CaberShieldPlus is an advanced product that has all the inherent benefits of CaberFloor P5. In addition, it offers double-sided protection with a tough, permanent waterproof coating and is BBA approved for 60 days exposure, when laid according to manufacturer’s instructions. It is also a non-slip, safe working platform that withstands high site traffic. An alternative solution is CaberDek which is BBA approved for 42 days exposure, when installed with CaberFix according to manufacturer’s instructions. The P5 grade flooring has the advantage of a strong, waterproof and slip-resistant peelable film. It provides protection from the elements and construction mess and, when removed, leaves a clean, finished floor. The film is impact, puncture and tear-resistant to withstand high site traffic. CaberDek also provides 44dB sound reduction when used in conjunction with leading I-beam and insulation manufacturers. All three CaberFloor products comply with BS EN312 and are designed to be used with the CaberFix range of specially developed sealing and fixing products that include powerful adhesives and tapes. For example, CaberFloor P5 is best used with CaberFix Joint&Joist, an adhesive and sealant that will adhere to a wide variety of materials, creating a strong, silent, and flexible bond. Similarly, CaberFix D4 complements CaberDek and CaberShieldPlus. This adhesive bonds flooring to joists, T&G joints and seals exposed perimeter and edges. Beyond the advantages and practicalities of using CaberFloor, the materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. Unsurprisingly, West Fraser’s range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise waste. All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC certified. The panels are manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber and are net carbon negative. Additionally, all of West Fraser’s UK mills have obtained the coveted ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. Samples of all West Fraser construction panels can be ordered on the website Uk.westfraser.com. Head to the housebuilder page on the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all West Fraser products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com
Businesses prosper when the whole team thrives for success. Every company needs to have a team that has the drive to keep improving efficiency and help in boosting productivity. But like any other business, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies can experience challenges, and sometimes demanding for productivity is easier said than done. If there are no steps to follow, taking your HVAC business to the top won’t be possible. Take this list as a guide to improve productivity in your company. Organize Your Parts And Equipment In any business, the organization must make sure that you have provided everything that your team needs before proceeding to the job. Contractors must ensure that their trucks are organized and in good working condition. They must have the necessary equipment loaded and ready in the service vehicle. In addition, the technician must ensure that all the parts and tools he’ll need for the job are complete. Also, make sure to regularly check the warehouse for inventory to ensure your contractors have all the materials they’ll need. Utilize Technology Your HVAC business will stay ahead of other competitors if you take advantage of the technological solutions available in the market today. Your company can use the software that is ideal for customer relationship management (CRM) and dispatch. You can also automate workflow with service management software that can be utilized from the field to the office. This software has a user-friendly interface and allows you to access its customer data storage, tracking tools for technicians, GPS tracking, and more. Implementing different solutions is best during the year’s off-season when fewer customers call. When your business and your staff can adapt to new technology, they can keep up with the demands of their tasks and responsibilities, which results in efficiency and a boost in productivity. Invest In Training For New Skills There is a big possibility of a shortage in skilled workers this year of 2022, as baby boomers are retiring from the industry. Almost all HVAC businesses in the market are at their peak right now with regards to positioning in the industry, but with all the retirements this year, the current struggle is to find qualified technicians who would stay for good in your company. The generation of employees nowadays prioritizes career growth, they usually gauge their stay in a company based on the path that the organization can offer them. What you can do is to train them generously as it contributes to employee retention. You can even hire and onboard younger technicians to build them up. There are two types of training that employers can give: Technical training – training for certification and licensing. They can also opt to take additional certifications if they want to remain in the field their whole career. Company-specific training – leads to career growth internally since some technicians may eventually want to transition into management roles. When employees know that they can develop their skills and knowledge in your business, they are more than likely to stay. You can also upskill your technicians with the new trends to keep their skills updated and aid them to avoid future mistakes. This kind of activity inspires your new and old employees as it can boost their confidence, morale, and satisfaction to be at their best. Improve Company Culture How is the company culture at your workplace? If you’re noticing a decline in productivity, perhaps you can look into the working environment of your staff. A hostile workplace can lower productivity, increase errors, encourage absenteeism, and produce a number of mishaps. Your employees are more likely to show enthusiasm at work if there is respect and value within their workplace. To determine what needs to be improved in the company’s culture, it’s encouraged that you conduct surveys or one-one check-ins with each of your employees once or twice a month. By doing this, you are showing your team the concern and respect that they deserve, Additionally, you’ll be able to get feedback and suggestions straight from them and formulate solutions to increase their trust and comfortability in the company. It would also be a great idea to improve company culture, by arranging team-building activities wherein all the employees can participate to build camaraderie and rapport with each other that can eventually improve workplace culture. Allow Customer Reviews Customers who need services are likely to search and read reviews from fellow clients. It’s a way of getting information on which company can offer quality work. There are platforms that customers can leave reviews about HVAC businesses. Customer testimonials can help you gain the trust of your customers and get more leads and prospects. You can utilize these testimonials by adding them to your website to help raise the brand image. In Conclusion HVAC businesses can look forward to success if they can start planning different ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity. It’s essential to be organized and always ready when the customer call. Training for additional skills and using technology also empowers your employees to do their jobs better. Productivity also increases when they have a good amount of support and receives feedback from satisfied customers.
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is spearheading a new industry initiative aimed at reversing the crisis level shortage of skilled fitters. On January 17, 2022, the company took on its first cohort of 10, 16 to 18-year-old apprentices under a new block release training scheme launched as a joint venture between FITA (Flooring Industry Training Association) and Webs Training Ltd. The apprentices, based around the UK, will attend the FITA training centre in Loughborough for practical training for one week in every eight. In between – over the course of the three-year apprenticeship scheme – they will train with one of Designer Contracts’ employed or sub-contract fitters FITA is also creating a bespoke Designer Contracts’ training standard so the company can assess and further develop its trained, employed fitters. The move follows a growing labour gap and skills crisis over the past two to three years which has seen the emergence of a ‘bidding war’ for the shrinking pool of available fitters. Said Louise Walters, commercial director for Designer Contracts: “The decision to take on 10 apprentices – with plans for a further 10 in 2023 – represents a significant moment for us as a company as well as the new industry training initiative. “Apprenticeships and further training are one way in which we can tackle the chronic skills shortage. As a company we have also been recruiting and directly employing more fitters rather than relying solely on contractors. Over the past two years we have taken on more than 25 fitters, many of them in the past 12 months – and going forward our plan is to directly employ even more. “We still have around 300 contract fitters on our books but as many in the industry will know, accessing this pool of trades people has become increasingly difficult over the past three years. “The CFA has been leading this drive for more training and, through FITA, started delivery of apprenticeships in Loughborough in May 2021 with its first intake of 20 apprentices “We are delighted to be supporting this industry initiative with the largest single intake of apprentices by any one company in the country. It represents a real investment in and commitment to the future of the industry and, as a CFA director and committee member, we are fully behind this scheme.”
Refurbished unit at Cambridge Science Park gets a top mark thanks to Kawneer glazing. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer have helped to refurbish an office building at Cambridge Science Park into the city’s only platinum-rated building on the WiredScore commercial property ranking system. Kawneer’s aluminium AA®100 zone-drained curtain wall and thermally superior AA®720 entrance doors feature on all elevations of Unit 216 at the UK’s leading science park, while AA®190 TB severe-duty doors have been used on the main entrance. The unit was taken back to a concrete shell and rebuilt with a brick and glazed façade by main contractor Hutton Construction and is now the new home for Amgen, one of the world’s largest independent biotechnology companies. Amgen, which focuses on R&D in Cambridge, relocated from the neighbouring Units 214 and 240, which will be remodelled and refurbished to the same standard as 216 by LGIM Real Assets, a division of Legal & General Investment Management. Unit 216 was externally remodelled with the addition of a new second floor at a cost of £7.2 million to provide 35,746ft2 of new, Grade A offices delivered to a BREEAM “Very Good” standard. The design by architects Broadway Malyan included projecting feature fins around the perimeter of the curtain wall on the front elevation. These were glazed into the Kawneer curtain wall by approved specialist subcontractor Elliston Steady & Hawes (Aluminium). Elliston Steady & Hawes (Aluminium), who offered an alternative quotation using the Kawneer system, had teams of up to four operatives on site to complete the work.
With an estimated 65,000 burglaries reported between July and September 2021[2], a windows expert is imploring installers and fabricators to re-evaluate the security credentials of their frames and hardware and seek further assurances from regulatory bodies. According to ONS[3], one in five burglars will enter a property via a window. Paired with findings from a recent survey which found that over a third of Brits feel a greater need to protect the security of their homes, compared to before the pandemic[4], quality windows will be a key safeguard against burglars. Windows in English dwellings must currently comply with Approved Document Q (ADQ) of the Building Regulations concerning security, for example by meeting the PAS24:2016 security standard. However, an added layer of credibility can be provided through meeting requirements set out by Secured by Design (SBD). The official police security initiative, SBD works with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure security standards are current and updated in line with emerging crime trends. With burglary statistics anticipated to rise as people spend more time outside their homes Mark Gajda, Head of Technical Services at REHAU, is appealing to fenestration professionals to consider these higher-level security standards when specifying frames. “Security is a key concern for many building occupants because we all want to feel safe in the space we live,” he explains. “Burglaries are likely to rise post-pandemic, so window professionals must go above and beyond to provide solutions that meet this need. With this in mind, we’ve extended our support for tradespeople by joining the SBD initiative, providing installers, fabricators and building applicants alike with further peace-of-mind on the performance of frames.” To gain approval against SBD requirements, products must have passed enhanced security testing to PAS 24:2016. This is completed at a UKAS test centre and requires subsequent submission of relevant reports, which sets SBD aside from ADQ. Mark continued: “REHAU has always put strong emphasis on ensuring our products are tested against all fenestration industry requirements to give building users peace of mind. With the addition of the SBD logo, project and building managers have an extra layer of quality assurance.” “Because homeowners and building occupants may be concerned about burglaries, they deserve the reassurance that the elements making up their home offer adequate levels of security. This is why it’s vital for windows suppliers such as REHAU to keep an eye on how they can exceed the minimum standards of security.” Secured by Design Development Office Hazel Goss said: “It has been a pleasure to sign contracts with REHAU Ltd as a new member based in Herefordshire. They offer a fantastic collection of windows and doors on various ranges. I am looking forward to many years working alongside them.” For more information, please visit: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/approvals [2] https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-10296171/How-home-secure-burglaries-forecast-rise.html [3] https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/home-insurance/burglary-statistics [4] https://news.samsung.com/uk/over-two-thirds-of-brits-have-no-home-security-measures-in-place-with-half-turning-to-tech-solutions-for-added-peace-of-mind
Industrial fans are the best solution for managing the heat emanating from electrical panels and ensuring a safe working environment. You can choose your industrial ventilation system with fans to adapt to the dimensions, processes and needs of your company. Let’s see how this works and what are the main differences between the industrial fans for specific purposes. Why is an industrial ventilation system so important? The energy consumption inside large factories and industrial warehouses is much higher than the one used in private homes and small buildings. This is why it is important that the electrical panel remains at a constant temperature and does not overheat, causing damage to machinery and risks for workers. In these cases, fans for electrical panels are the best solution because they allow a constant temperature, consume little energy and keep the parts of the panel in good health, extending their life. In this way the factory consumes less, requires less maintenance and is always perfectly safe. Depending on the size and needs of the workplace, you can choose a more or less powerful and more or less sophisticated wall or ceiling industrial ventilation system. Here are the various types. Types of fans for electrical panels These machines are divided into two macro-categories: Small size filter fans for electrical panels Wider and more powerful roof mounted heat extractors The choice of one option or the other depends on a number of factors that characterize the place to be cooled. First of all, the size of the space to be cooled must be evaluated. Then you have to take into account the amount of electricity and consequently the amount of heat that is released from the electrical panel and that is to be blown away by the industrial fans. Industrial ventilation systems, in fact, suck hot air out from electronic components which, by lowering the temperature, have a longer life and less maintenance needs. At the same time, cold air is sucked out from the work environment to maintain a constant and adequate temperature for both machinery and workers. Why should you choose this solution? Fans for electrical panels are a compact solution, small in size and highly efficient, for cooling the air in workplaces with particular characteristics. Remember that you can install them in your workplace, in the wall or ceiling version, only if the place respects these conditions. The external air has a lower temperature than the internal one. The air present in the environment has no oily characteristics, nor is it rich in dust. The space requires a minimal cooling capacity. If fans are useful for cooling electrical panels, in fact, the same cannot be said for more complex industrial processes that require a much larger and more sophisticated air conditioning system. In short, an industrial ventilation system is the ideal solution for small rooms where production and factory processes develop little heat and which do not need intense refrigeration. Listen carefully to an expert in industrial ventilation and cooling systems to find the right machinery for your work environment.
Creative and inspiring British interior design specialists, Brandt Design, modernise the much-loved classic Shaker-style kitchen into a fresh and vibrant family living space for a large countryside home in the affluent village of Radlett, Hertfordshire, as part of its White House project. Beautifully refined and practical by design, this timeless kitchen is the ideal space to cook, dine and entertain the entire family and Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design says: “As a design studio specialising in bespoke kitchens and living areas, we have noticed that demand has been growing over the past two years for rooms which maximise the link between homes and gardens. ‘Bringing the outside in’ has therefore become increasingly important as we are socialising more at home and this has led to a greater appreciation of how being closer to nature can boost our health and wellbeing.” Soothing shades feature upon the company’s made-to-measure in-frame Heritage kitchen furniture, which is finished in a mix of Pavilion Grey, Treron and Down Pipe hand-painted finishes by Farrow & Ball. Walnut interiors are included throughout, and the hero island unit is shown in a dark grey Down Pipe finish, with statement extractor unit, streamlined TV unit with integrated deep-fill drawers and pocket doors in dark green Treron. The Pavilion Grey painted kitchen is both functional and spacious, maximising the scenic views of the beautifully manicured gardens, which enhance the traditional in-frame furniture arranged in a generous l-shape for easy navigation. 20mm Quartz worktops in Frosty Carrena custommade at Brandt Design’s dedicated fabrication centre provide a strong, easy-to-clean, ultra-hygienic work surface to prepare and cook food and to finish, a vintage antique mirrored splashback gives depth and added perspective. For added drama, the Brandt Design team introduced to the White House project a distinct corrugated design technique upon the canopy hood and central island unit. Designed to wrap around existing elements in the room, the vertical lines and ribbed texture of this unique surface solution add new areas of interest and visual texture throughout the space, elevating the look and feel in an intriguing and individual way. Premium appliances include a heritage-style Chalonnais range cooker by LaCanche, seen here in a Graphite finish with brass trim, plus a range of Siemens built-in refrigeration, Miele Active Plus fully integrated dishwasher, and Caple under-counter wine cabinet to further enrich the working triangle. Discreetly concealed by the beautiful dark green Treron finish is a Westin Cache 1100 canopy hood and opposite, Gun Metal grey kitchen sinks and taps finish the look.
Lawson Demolition takes delivery of two new medium excavators Demolition and licensed asbestos removal expert, Lawson Demolition, has invested in two new Cat 323 hydraulic excavators to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2021. The well-established company bought the machines from exclusive Caterpillar® distributor, Finning UK and Ireland, where it will be used with a variety of different work tools for demolition and materials processing applications. Lawson Demolition, a member company of the Lawson Group, provides bespoke demolition packages to clients by applying innovative methodologies to projects and using the latest technology in its plant and equipment. To be able to guarantee this for its customers, Lawson Demolition was looking for high quality equipment that boasted reliable performance, while also benefitting from better fuel efficiency and lower emissions as the company aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The two 323s will be joining Lawson Demolition’s already established fleet of Cat excavators. The new machines come with built-in Cat GRADE with 2D, Grade Assist and Payload as standard equipment right from the factory, boosting operator efficiency by up to 45 per cent. Combined with up to 15 per cent lower maintenance costs and 20 per cent less fuel consumption, the 323s are a low-cost-per-unit-of-production excavator, built for heavy-duty applications like demolition and site clearance. This year Lawson Demolition is celebrating its 30th year in business, a milestone of successful business operations. Sorrowfully at the same time, the business is mourning the loss of its founder and respected leader, Martin Wilson. Martin was the driving force behind a successful self-grown business within the industry, formed into a group of companies in October 2003 with the launch of Lawson Group. The business is now directed by Claire Wilson, Managing Director and Andy Neath, Projects Director. In addition to Martin’s commitment to Lawson Group, he was a passionate leader in the Demolition Industry and served as NFDC President from 2015 to 2017 to lobby the voice of the industry. “Our 30th year in business hasn’t been exactly as we imagined it, with the tragic loss of my beloved Father and the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Claire Wilson, Managing Director of Lawson Group. “However, with the help of our dedicated team, the support of Finning and our other suppliers, we’re confident that his legacy will live on for next 30 years and more”. “We will continue our excellent working relationship with Lawson Group — something that we’ve had for 20 years through both sales and aftercare,” said Darren Bodio, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “The 323 medium excavators will be a fine addition to its fleet, and we will be supporting the company as they continue to secure projects planned for 2022 and beyond with servicing and maintenance from Cat certified engineers and a three-year essentials parts CVA.” Once delivered, the two Cat 323s will be put straight to work at current demolition sites throughout the South West. Delivering power, speed and high production performance, the Cat 323 has all the technology and benefits that companies need to take demolition to the next level. To find out more about the medium range of excavators from Caterpillar, visit the Finning website.
Birmingham City Council Leader Lays Brick on Fifth Floor Roof Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, and client PATRIZIA have celebrated topping out of the first roof at a build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Edgbaston, as well as the commencement of the façade installation programme. Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, was invited to the celebratory ceremony at the site located adjacent to Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday, 9 December and had the honour of laying a brick on the fifth-floor roof. The 375-apartment scheme – which Winvic began constructing in February this year – comprises four concrete-framed stair and lift cores, with blocks reaching to five, six, seven, eight, 13 and 18 storeys. Furthermore, undercroft car parking and bicycle storage, a landscaped podium deck, a residents’ rooftop terrace, a gym and five commercial units on the ground floor, totalling approximately 15,000 sq ft, will be created as part of the project. Winvic’s contract also includes the full fit out of the development, which contains 189 one-bedroom, 169 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments. The Winvic team is currently ahead of schedule and is almost halfway through the programme for pouring the concrete verticals and floor slabs. The façade installation programme comprising a steel framing system (SFS), masonry and windows has now commenced and will continue through to Q4 2023. Fit out to the entrance, ground floor plant, amenity and storage areas begins in the New Year and Winvic will be fitting out the apartments from Spring 2022. At the end of January 2022, the drainage and incoming utility services works will be complete. Lighting installation and landscaping works, with circa almost 3,000 trees and shrubs planted, will begin towards the end of 2022. Progress at PATRIZIA’s Edgbaston scheme can be viewed on Winvic Live on two on-site cameras. Winvic is scheduled to hand over the project in Q3 2023. Mark Jones, Director of Multi-room at Winvic, commented: “PATRIZIA was a new client to Winvic at the start of this year but our aligned vision and focus on the end goal has facilitated an excellent working relationship and reaching this important project milestone is something to be celebrated. I’d like to also thank Councillor Ian Ward for coming along to lay a brick to commemorate the start of the face installation works and the topping out of phase 1. The team has been working hard throughout 2021 on this scheme and we’re on schedule for handover in Q3 2023; they deserve to have a relaxing Christmas break and I know they are looking forward to continuing with the façade programme in January.” Richard Scutt, Development Director at PATRIZIA said: “Birmingham has one of the largest private rental sectors outside London and PATRIZIA is at the forefront of delivering homes for this growing community. This topping out of phase one is an occasion to celebrate and our construction partner Winvic is doing an incredible job in delivering the scheme swiftly and safely as well as providing assistance with obtaining the sustainable and wellbeing certifications. We are prioritising wellness of residents within the design by targeting Fitwel certification, an international standard of rating wellbeing in a building. The building will also achieve a Homes Quality Mark certification, making it one of the first BTR developments to obtain this accreditation, attesting to high standards of build, running costs, health and wellbeing, and sustainability.” Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward, said: “This exciting new development brings city centre standard accommodation to Edgbaston, creating a new rental hub and offering a real alternative for those looking for greener, leafier space. It caters for Birmingham’s wider demographic that wish to live in a high-end apartment close to the city, yet in the beautiful setting of Edgbaston and next to Cannon Hill Park.” Alongside delivery of PATRIZIA’s scheme, Winvic is undertaking improvement works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) at Edgbaston Stadium. To date, completed works include the demolition of a derelict building and Winvic’s contracted S278 works at Edgbaston Road and Pershore Road. Winvic is continuing with the construction of a 56,500 sq ft entrance plaza, reconfiguration of the existing car park and the creation 229 new car parking spaces into next year. Phase 1 of the WCCC works was completed in March 2021 and phase 2 is on track for handover in March 2022, in readiness for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.
This is a good time to be asking ourselves about fuel usage norms because we’re currently in the midst of a fuel-related transition period. As of April 2022, red diesel – the standard option for many organisations in the construction and demolition world – is going to cost substantially more, because it will no longer be subject to a favourable tax rebate. In other words: fuel is going to get a lot more expensive. Given that red diesel will no longer be the obvious, commercially viable choice for the industry, now is the time to reflect on whether a firm commitment needs to be made to environmentally friendly alternative fuels. This chain of thought is precisely one which the government hoped to spark off with this new policy. As the policy paper notes, this tax change is designed to incentivise “users of polluting fuels like diesel to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles and machinery, invest in cleaner alternatives, or just use less fuel. These tax changes should therefore have a positive impact on carbon emissions and air quality.” Efforts to reduce diesel emissions are, obviously, of paramount importance. As the Environmental Protection Agency notes, diesel emissions not only produce ground-level ozone, which damages vegetation, but they also contribute to climate change – an issue which is, as mentioned above, at the forefront of our collective minds at the moment. It’s clear that a switch to environmentally friendly fuels is a good move for all concerned. However, this kind of government intervention won’t achieve this by itself. Shouldering the responsibility on an industry-wide level The issue with the government’s taxation changes to red diesel, in an environmental sense, is that they may not provide the crucial incentives named in the policy paper. Marie Claude Hemming, director of external affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), has spoken out against the supposed environmental benefits of the government’s decision. As she notes: “While the Government has legislated to remove the tax rebate on construction’s red diesel use, it has also removed any incentive for greener fuels. This policy increases tax revenues but no longer provides the option to choose lower carbon alternatives in the first instance.” Diesel might be getting more expensive, but green fuels aren’t getting any cheaper. This doesn’t mean that green fuels aren’t worth adopting, of course: HVO, to take a prominent example, produces 90 per cent lower emissions, and it’s made from renewable materials including animal oils, fats, and of course vegetable oil. Moreover, introducing fuel usage changes that prioritise HVO would minimise any disruptions to this transition, since HVO is compatible with existing diesel engines. This means that although, on paper, adopting a new fuel usage standard might seem like a big shake-up, there would be no disruptions to day-to-day equipment in practice. In this sense, then, it’s entirely feasible for the industry to adopt this kind of new fuel usage standard. Crucially, however, the construction/demolition industry itself needs to take on the responsibility of making this kind of bold change. Current government interventions aren’t quite enough – as such, the onus is on us to update our standards and take proactive steps towards a better future for our planet. By Ben Griffiths, SHE and Operations Director, Rye Group www.ryegroup.co.uk
