The Association of Brickwork Contractors’ ABC Assessment Centre is unique to the sector, as it’s the first training provider to offer CITB-approved accreditation in relation to ancillary bricklaying processes. The short duration courses include practical and theoretical experience in brick-slip systems, fire barriers, brick soffits, windpost installation and masonry support
Keystone brick slip feature lintels have successfully balanced the traditional with the contemporary and brought an exceptional level of detailing as part of the Station Approach development, which has been designed and based on the concept of converted Victorian railway buildings. Close to the Georgian market town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire,
Dura Products launches new scheme to reduce waste and encourage material reuse Sustainable construction innovators, Dura Products, have today announced the launch of a new scheme to combat construction and demolition waste (CDW), of which the UK generates over 60 million tonnes per year[1]. Its groundbreaking Hire, Reclaim and Reuse
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Group is pleased to announce strategic changes to its management structure, to focus on improving services and further development of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies, FENSA, BFRC, Installsure and RISA. The following changes have been made with full approval of the GGF
Few materials commands fear and trepidation as asbestos. Just about everyone, even if they’re not in the construction industry, understands that asbestos is a bad thing. But it wasn’t actually banned in the UK until 1999, and thus you might find it lurking in a whole range of different buildings.
Paints and coatings expert, AkzoNobel, has partnered with Alcumus SafeContractor, to manage contractor compliance and support its Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSE&S) ambitions to deliver zero injuries, reduce carbon emissions and move towards zero waste through operational excellence. Akzonobel is a leading paints and coatings manufacturer, its world class
As lockdown restrictions continue to ease around the UK, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) advises all companies to be cautious and still adhere to the GGF and Government’s guidance to make sure that employees and customer stay safe. On 12th April, the Government guidance was updated to state that
It is usually said that a bedroom reflects your personality. Therefore a bedroom should be a personal gateway it should be a canvas to represent your favorite collection, feeling, and color. The bedroom should not only be aesthetically pleasing and full of expressions it also should be someplace that helps
Your bedroom can be said to be your own space. It is the place where you sleep,read and stay most of the time. You spend your private time there. It might be reading books, sleeping, dancing, watching TV, doing your chores, or doing any of your favorite activities. So, your
Ibstock plc has confirmed its intention to make a major investment in one of its brick factories in the West Midlands. The factory will be a pathfinder project to test and pilot operational efficiencies which, the company believes, will lead to Atlas becoming the world’s only Scope 1 & 21
The Association of Brickwork Contractors’ ABC Assessment Centre is unique to the sector, as it’s the first training provider to offer CITB-approved accreditation in relation to ancillary bricklaying processes. The short duration courses include practical and theoretical experience in brick-slip systems, fire barriers, brick soffits, windpost installation and masonry support angles. Delivered by experts with decades of brickwork experience who are available to carry out on-site training within a live working environment, competencies verified as part of ABC’s training programme will be added to candidates’ CSCS card, providing visible proof of their new-found expertise to current and future employers. Simon Livett, Centre Manager at the ABC Assessment Centre, said: “The training programme is our response to industry demand for more, better-skilled operatives in the brickwork sector. Over the years, manufacturers have developed many fantastic aids for bricklayers, particularly in the commercial building sector with regards to the creation of brick-slip façade cladding systems and the like. “But there’s a growing feeling that onsite, the level of workmanship has not necessarily kept pace with the evolution of new products and bricklaying techniques. Therefore, in conjunction with the ABC membership, we’ve devised a comprehensive suite of training courses delivered by experts in a range of modern brickwork installations, as well as covering a variety of core competencies such as cavity formation, wall tie installation and expansion joint provision.” The ABC Assessment Centre offers 16 short duration courses. Half-day, one-day and two-day programmes are available, with ‘background’ issues such as material storage and protection, quality assurance and the role of the bricklayer in the wider building supply chain, also covered within the training. In addition, manufacturer-led CPD training courses will offer trainees direct instruction from product designers and producers. Simon said although primarily aimed at contractors and current employees, the ABC Assessment Centre’s modern masonry training programme is being rolled out in Further Education colleges. A ‘demo wall’, which is currently in production for 25 hand-picked brickwork ‘Supercolleges’ will allow students to gain hands-on bricklaying experience within their own learning environment. The ABC Assessment Centre is already established as a provider of high-quality, on-site NVQ assessments to the construction sector.
Keystone brick slip feature lintels have successfully balanced the traditional with the contemporary and brought an exceptional level of detailing as part of the Station Approach development, which has been designed and based on the concept of converted Victorian railway buildings. Close to the Georgian market town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and adjacent to a commuter branch line, ‘The Old Coal Yard’ Station Approach has been built by Bellwood Homes and features three Victorian-style buildings consisting of three, two-bedroom houses; eight, two-bedroom apartments and a one-bedroom apartment. In keeping with the Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian styles of architecture in Marlow, the housebuilder’s specification required brickwork which maintained the character and fabric of heritage buildings with Keystone Lintels able to meet the brief. Working with Bellwood Homes, Keystone’s technical engineer designed extra heavy-duty brick slip feature arch lintels for ground, first and second floor openings with a 1085mm span and 543mm rise. Over 40 brick slip arches were manufactured by Keystone’s production team to a high quality and consistent finish. Each Hoskins Maltings Antique brick was cut to size and bonded using a BBA-approved construction adhesive to the load bearing lintels. The patented perforated lintel design of a Keystone Brick Slip Feature Lintel allowed the adhesive to squeeze through the perforations and form a ‘mushroom’ on the inside, providing a mechanical lock between the steel lintel and the brick slips. The offsite economical solution did not require skilled bricklayers on site to replicate each traditional arch. This saved approximately labour costs of one bricklayer per arch per day and ultimately, weeks of the project build schedule. All prefabricated lintels were delivered to site and ready for final pointing in line with the phased construction plan of the three buildings being erected. The arches produced in a factory controlled environment were unaffected by torrential rain and winter-reduced daylight hours limiting productivity. This often occurs on other build schedules which leads to further delays in creating architectural features with real significance to the landscape. The offsite construction method facilitated onsite construction further by supporting bricklayers to recreate window tax designs, bricked-up window spaces seen in buildings from the Victorian period. The detail of the façade is prominent most through the repetition of window arches positioned symmetrically on elevations facing Marlow station. Keystone’s heavy-duty special segmental arches measuring a 2400mm span, with either a 600mm or 450mm rise provide a modern contemporary twist which feature above glazed bedroom windows and are in complete contrast to the smaller traditional arched windows, striking a balance between old and new architecture. “There was an initial uplift in costs for Keystone’s prefabricated brick slip feature lintels, but we did make savings elsewhere. By not creating traditional arches through bricklayers and using an offsite construction method we did not encounter weather disruption, resulting in increased productivity during winter hours, reduced labour costs and brick wastage. Each arch would normally take, on estimate, a day to complete per brick layer with a bricklayer hod carrier. We used 45 Keystone brick slip feature arches which saved weeks off the build schedule, not including rents on scaffolding,” said Matthew McGill, Site Manager at Bellwood Homes. Keystone is the largest supplier of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland and carries more stock than any of its rivals. For bespoke applications, architects, housebuilders and contractors can specify brick feature requirements by utilising Keystone’s free Brick Slip Feature Lintel design service. Keystone Brick Slip Feature lintels have once again played a significant role in an exemplary new development requiring complex brickwork detailing whilst facilitating a faster build schedule on-site.
Dura Products launches new scheme to reduce waste and encourage material reuse Sustainable construction innovators, Dura Products, have today announced the launch of a new scheme to combat construction and demolition waste (CDW), of which the UK generates over 60 million tonnes per year[1]. Its groundbreaking Hire, Reclaim and Reuse initiative enables its recycled plastic kerbing and drainage solutions to be rented for a fixed length of time before being reclaimed and used again on future projects. Dura Products have been manufacturing sustainable road kerbs since 2003, and have always prioritised the green credentials of its sourcing, manufacturing and installation. However, 32% of waste sent to landfill comes from the demolition of buildings[2], and so to tackle this, the company has extended its focus to the recyclability of its solutions. This spurred Dura Products to launch its Hire, Reclaim and Reuse scheme, which allows contractors to rent and use its products for a fixed length of time before being reclaimed and used again on future projects. It aims to keep polymer waste in use for as long as possible to create a multiple recycling loop system that has a compounding positive effect on the environment. The scheme will be essential for short-term construction projects as it will provide an eco-friendly solution to the inevitable waste produced by the demolition of temporary infrastructures. Instead of discarding the materials, every Dura Product unit will be recovered and re-used. Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products, commented: ‘We’re incredibly excited to launch this first of its kind initiative! The scheme will be adopted within our environmental policy, developing over time with each and every uptake. In order to propel the construction industry towards a more sustainable future, we must be eco-conscious at every stage of development to ensure we get the maximum life out of the resources we use. The solutions we provide fit this criterion, and our new scheme, aimed at extending product life ever further, is the next logical step for us to take.’
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Group is pleased to announce strategic changes to its management structure, to focus on improving services and further development of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies, FENSA, BFRC, Installsure and RISA. The following changes have been made with full approval of the GGF Board and the Senior Management Team of the GGF Group. With immediate effect, GGF Managing Director John Agnew will assume overall responsibility for the operational activity of GGF (trade federation), GGF’s central internal services (HR, Finance and IT), and all subsidiary commercial companies. All GGF trade federation management, heads of central cervices & subsidiary commercial company heads will report to John Agnew in their day-to-day roles. Also with immediate effect, Anda Gregory will assume the new role of Chief Development Officer and take full responsibility for the business development activity of the GGF Group, including the trade federation, the central internal services and subsidiary commercial companies. All employees of GGF, the trade federation, central internal services and subsidiary commercial companies will report to Anda on all matters relating to the development of the business processes and systems and more importantly Anda Gregory will lead the development of the GGF Group’s products and services to all GGF Group shareholders, stakeholders and customers. Both John and Anda will continue to report to the GGF President, Tony Smith, acting on behalf of the GGF Main Board. On the new structure, GGF President Tony Smith stated, “This is an exciting time for the GGF Group of businesses, and these changes will enable us to drive the businesses forward creating excellent opportunities for our employees, customers, and shareholders.” On her new role, Anda Gregory commented, “I’m really excited by my new role as it will free up time to work on developing the business in a positive way, which is hard to do effectively around business as usual. And it’s great knowing that the commercial businesses will continue to be well looked after with John Agnew at the helm.” John Agnew concurred, “The changes that we have made in roles and responsibilities, will position the GGF Group of businesses to really focus on operational activities, whilst also developing the opportunities for business growth. This a very positive change for the whole organisation and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we embed the new structure for the benefit of all parts of the GGF Group.” Anda added, “The pandemic has given us the opportunity to reflect on what will work best for the businesses and the group as a whole. Standing still isn’t an option if we are to retain our leading positions in the glass, glazing and fenestration sectors. I’m very much looking forward to the new challenges and working on exciting initiatives for our industry.” Companies who are part of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies, should benefit significantly from these changes, with the new and sharper focus to take advantage of the raft of opportunities emerging as the industry recovers from unprecedented times. The new structure, will enable the GGF Group to grow quicker and improve all aspects of the business, from revenues, profits and investment, through to better processes, systems and a sustainable business that can enable a secure long term future for many in the industry. Tony Smith concluded by sharing his thoughts from a strategic perspective, “For many years, the GGF and its commercial companies have operated well but often independently. These changes will see the GGF Group make better use of its specialist skills across the organisation to improve the delivery of existing services and be more effective in the joint promotion of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies. I am sure all connected to the GGF Group will join me in extending our best wishes to John and Anda in their new roles.” The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. As such the GGF is the recognised leading authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics. The GGF provides information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF members supply replacement windows, doors, conservatories and Energy Efficient Windows in all framing materials including Aluminium, PVC-U, Steel and Timber. The GGF is a great promoter of energy efficient glazing and the GGF’s Carbon Calculator enables homeowners and others to see how much money and carbon can be saved by installing new Energy Efficient Windows. Architects and Specifiers are well supported with a range of literature and professional advisors to assist with all aspects of specification and related issues. GGF Members sign up to the Federation’s Code of Good Practice and are vetted before being accepted. A free conciliation service is provided for mediation between customers and supplying member companies when required. For further information go to: http://www.ggf.org.uk or for consumer information generated by the GGF please visit www.MyGlazing.com
Few materials commands fear and trepidation as asbestos. Just about everyone, even if they’re not in the construction industry, understands that asbestos is a bad thing. But it wasn’t actually banned in the UK until 1999, and thus you might find it lurking in a whole range of different buildings. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a group of six different types of naturally occurring fibres. These fibres are exceptionally resistant to heat and corrosion, which made them useful when it comes to making buildings where they are often found in insulation. Why was it banned? Unfortunately, the very same properties which make asbestos so good at creating permanent structures also make it very dangerous if it enters the human body. The body simply doesn’t have a way to break it down, which means that those inhaled fibres can cause inflammation and scarring inside the body. It is responsible for the vast majority of cases of mesothelioma, a type of cancer that wasn’t seen in the UK until asbestos entered the scene. Asbestos-related claims provide a way for effected workers to extract compensation, but they can’t reverse the damage. Is there a risk of asbestos exposure in construction? Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos only came to light after it was rolled out into buildings across the UK. According to recent research, there are 6 million tonnes of asbestos distributed across 1.5 million public buildings. The material can be found in 94% of hospitals and 80% of public schools. In most cases, this asbestos is trapped behind walls and ceilings where it can’t inflict any damage. However, this changes when construction work is involved. If part of a building is destroyed, then those fibres might be released into the air. In some cases, this event isn’t even noticed. Moreover, many construction workers aren’t aware of exactly what to do in the event that they discover asbestos. How prepared are construction workers? According to polling from Opinium, commissioned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, some 15% of workers have never been informed of the risks, and 18% of workers claimed that, if they found asbestos, they wouldn’t be sure of what to do. 15% of workers did not know about the asbestos register. This minority of uninformed workers pose a disproportionate risk, especially if they’re put in situations where they’re the only people working on a particular site. What can I do? Employers and workers have a duty to inform themselves on the dangers of asbestos, in order to limit the risk to everyone. If you’re in this position, then you can find plenty of resources available on the Health and Safety Executive’s website.
Paints and coatings expert, AkzoNobel, has partnered with Alcumus SafeContractor, to manage contractor compliance and support its Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSE&S) ambitions to deliver zero injuries, reduce carbon emissions and move towards zero waste through operational excellence. Akzonobel is a leading paints and coatings manufacturer, its world class portfolio of brands includes Dulux, International, Sikkens and is active in more than 150 countries across 130 sites. With a strong focus on sustainability through its People Planet Paint programme, AkzoNobel has implemented a global people, process and product safety management programme, to ensure that the highest safety standards are applied to its activities and sites. In addition, its Life-Saving Rules programme embeds eight key safety rules that must be applied with zero tolerance, along with a golden rule that all employees are empowered to stop work that they recognise as being unsafe. SafeContractor is a leading provider of technology-led risk management solutions for both contractor safety management and accreditation. The online portal will help AkzoNobel to streamline its vetting and compliance checks across all sites, reduce administration time by up to 50 to 60 hours per month and source local contractors. The SafeContractor accreditation scheme will also provide AkzoNobel with valuable insight to make sure they’re working with contractors who meet their rigorous standards in health, safety and environment management. Nick Turnbull, UK HSES&S Manager at AkzoNobel, commented: “Health and safety are an integral part of how we operate. Being a manufacturing company, this is one of our core values so that we have effective and suitable controls in place for our own employees and contractors to manage health and safety risks across our value chain.” “In our role as a responsible employer, our strategic HSE&S priorities are focused on continuous improvement of standardised company-wide processes. To maintain our strong safety record, SafeContrator will help us to monitor contractor safety and provides clear insight that the contractors we work with have the correct procedures in place and that they are meeting our environmental obligations too.” Helen Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise at Alcumus, commented: “Compliance assurance is a key HSE&S priority, particularly in such a fast-changing regulatory environment like AkzoNobel operates in. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients so they have the confidence that they’re working with prequalified accredited contractors who have the same high standards.” “We’re thrilled that AkzoNobel has joined our community and we wish them every success. More than 480 leading organisations and 35,000 contractors have selected SafeContractor to help create better workplaces, keep people safe, reduce risks and simplify processes.” About Alcumus SafeContractor For organisations that need to demonstrate compliance with increasingly stringent legislation, Alcumus SafeContractor, acts as a Supply Chain and EHSQ+ risk partner. We verify the compliance of your contractors and suppliers and make them available through an easy-to-use online portal. This provides vital insight into your supply chain, enabling you to effectively monitor, manage, and make informed decisions about who you work with.
As lockdown restrictions continue to ease around the UK, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) advises all companies to be cautious and still adhere to the GGF and Government’s guidance to make sure that employees and customer stay safe. On 12th April, the Government guidance was updated to state that all retail (including showrooms, garden centres and concession stores) in England is now permitted to open. Wales and Scotland re-opened showrooms earlier in April and in Northern Ireland retail is expected to re-open by the end of April. In the Republic of Ireland Government will re-open retail on 4th May. In addition, the Scottish Government also announced that non-essential work in people’s homes can resume in Scotland from 26th April. The GGF wrote to the Scottish Government regarding this matter in March, urging that this restriction be removed and aligned with the rest of the UK, where working in people’s homes has been allowed since last year. On the news of the restrictions be lifted, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “It is with some relief for all consumer facing companies that the restrictions are now being eased. With all the Government statistics going in the right direction, the GGF advises all companies re-opening retail premises to operate under the GGF and Government COVID-secure guidance.” James MacPherson, GGF Health, Safety and Environment Manager added, “It’s great to see that the Government testing and vaccination programme are having a significant impact and numbers of cases, hospitalizations and fatalities are coming down. However to make sure that we don’t slip back into another lockdown, it is vital that everyone behaves responsible and takes the necessary precautions. If companies need any support or guidance on this I urge them to utilize the GGF website and check our COVID safe guides.” All companies in the industry can access and download the GGF specific guidance via the GGF website. Please see links below: GGF COVID Safe guides COVID Safe guide for consumers COVID Safe guide for Installers COVID Safe guide for manufacturing and the supply chain
It is usually said that a bedroom reflects your personality. Therefore a bedroom should be a personal gateway it should be a canvas to represent your favorite collection, feeling, and color. The bedroom should not only be aesthetically pleasing and full of expressions it also should be someplace that helps you get a peaceful and sound sleep. There are various accessories that you can use to make your bedroom look relaxing and stylish at the same time be it luxurious bedding, relaxing hues, and carefully chosen bedroom accessories all combined with meticulously chosen bed mattresses and pillows will promise you a sound sleep while also making your bedroom marvelous. Your bedroom could be of different sizes and square feet but if you use a little planning and have a little eye for detail you could design a simple and comforting bedroom. But while planning for your bedroom you must also make a comparative analysis of the mattress that you would be sleeping in. If you are a couple then you can choose any of the beds between king beds, queen beds and california king beds. Let’s make a comparison between queen vs king beds as they are the most popular ones. Queen beds dimensions are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long and are comfortable for most of the couples. But couples needing extra space on the bed need not go with this size. King beds on the other hand are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. They are more spacious than the queen beds and can fit couples with a kid or a pet. So, you can choose the one according to your need. Though a detailed sales process will majorly cover all these aspects it is better to do your homework and know your priorities before the salesman/woman makes you the suggestion. After having a brief understanding of all these issues we have identified some of the ways that will help you decorate your master bedroom more effectively. Choose The Right Furniture Before starting to design your bedroom and starting to buy furniture for your bedroom, you must be aware of the floor plan and measured space of the bedroom. Thus it will help you choose the furniture of the right size. you should be careful with the size of the furniture, buying bulky furniture will make the bedroom feel less spacious. Again too small furniture will be lost in a large bedroom, therefore you must be careful buying the furniture for the bedroom. Your choice of bedroom furniture should reflect your purpose and your style while bringing a comfortable and cozy feel to the bedroom. If you are single then go for either a twin bed or a full bed for comfortable sleep. Get a comparison done to select between full bed vs twin bed. Twin beds are ideal beds for the single people who are less than 6 feet tall and also for the kids. This bed has a dimension of about 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Full bed, can be used by single adults who want some extra space on the beds while sleeping. Couples, who have smaller space in their rooms and are tight on budget can also use a full size bed but wont find any extra space in between. The dimension of a full size bed is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Choose Delicate Color Though colors of the bedroom depend upon your choices it is suggested not to choose bold primary colors and instead settle for calming shades and a restful palette of monochromatic tones gentle touches of lavender green and blue are considered calm and sober. Glittering color might uplift the mood to induce comfort, .but if your favorite is still deep colors it is advisable to use toned-down versions of the same. The Ceiling The ceiling is often considered the fifth wall in a room, and a blank wall without any features or color will never let you achieve the authenticity that you wanted to make your room look like. If you want to add any color a subtle pattern or soft color will look on the ceiling. Another solution to developing the ceilings is to use wallpaper or stencil on the ceilings. You can also use architectural modifications in the ceilings by adding beams or moldings in the ceilings. Adding a chandelier with delicate shade or a molded medallion can bring some inspiration to your fifth wall in your bedroom. Storage Besides being a room that dives into your personality bedroom are also the most personal and intimate space that you would be owning therefore to add the tranquil feeling of the bedroom you have to arrange things that are mostly attached to you sorted and out of sight. You can choose a spacious bedside table with drawers or doors behind which you can hide books, reading glasses, medicines, and other useful amenities out of plain sight but within reach. You can also choose a table with skirting or a dresser with a drawer for more storage. A storage bench at the foot of the bed ct distance acts as a store for linen and bed sheet. A headboard with built-in shelves and sliding panels can be easy storage for books and other accessories. A shallow box underneath the bed hidden with a skirting can also help you store a load of other personal amenities. Keeping It Simple The final result of the bedroom should be that it should look simple, sophisticated, elegant despite the type of decoration you choose to decorate your room with. There should be a minimum of three feet distance between the bed and the side wall or large pieces of furniture and at least two feet distance between the bed and other small furniture. Keep only the necessities in your bedroom: a bed, a bedside table, a dresser, a chair, that should be the most furniture a master bedroom can have. A simple artwork with some family
Your bedroom can be said to be your own space. It is the place where you sleep,read and stay most of the time. You spend your private time there. It might be reading books, sleeping, dancing, watching TV, doing your chores, or doing any of your favorite activities. So, your bedroom needs to have the perfect design and decor according to your choice. Your bedroom has some essential components like bed, wardrobe, fan, false ceiling, table, chair and other furniture and electronic objects. Here are a few points one needs to remember while designing one bedroom Ways To Design Your Bedroom CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR: The first and foremost thing that one needs to choose is the paint color that you are going to put on your bedroom walls. Experts always advise you to choose subtle colors for your bedroom walls and also if your bedroom is not too big then it is always good for you to choose light and subtle colors then it will make your room look bigger and brighter and give you an airier feel. THE RIGHT FURNITURE: Another essential feature of your bedroom is to choose the right furniture. You must choose the right side of your bed, wardrobe and other furniture also you should keep in mind that all your furniture is of the same color as this will give your bedroom a defined and proportionate look. While keeping in mind the bed one must also think about the mattress, you must know the types of mattresses like latex, innerspring, foam, hybrid, etc. and also along with the type and size one must check the lifespan of the mattress. Latex has the advantage of being a natural cooling mattress with the most durablity, although they can be more expensive. There is one more variety known as the futon mattress. Futon mattresses are a combination of foam and coils and are said to have originated in Japan. They provide significant back support and keep the spine aligned. If you are using a futon mattress like many others, then you must check the lifespan of the futon mattress. They typically last for 5 to 10 years and also on usage. Also, try buying a mattress which has a minimum lifespan of 7 to 10 years and so it is very important to first make your bed and mattress the most comfortable because sleeping is very important and bedroom is the place where one sleeps DON’T NEGLECT THE CEILING: Yes, it’s right that you should not neglect the ceiling because a ceiling is a very important part of your bedroom. A false ceiling with a great design can change the whole outlook of your bedroom as it is like the 5th wall of your bedroom. When you lie down and look at your ceiling it shouldn’t look bland and if you can’t afford a false ceiling then other options are painting it with a light color or adding some wallpapers or architectural designs that will give you a feeling of comfort and intimacy. If you are designing your kid’s bedroom then you can add glowing stars or different shapes to the ceiling. HAVE ENOUGH STORAGE SPACE: It is very important to have enough storage in your bedroom because when things are lying here and there then it gives a very messy and cluttered look so it is always better to have enough storage space in your bedroom. You can have multifunctional storage units like storage shelves along with your bed or dressing table that comes with a chest of drawers or maybe a custom-designed closet which will have a lot of secret storage spaces. CHOOSE THE PERFECT CURTAINS AND COVERS: A great change is made with the look of your bedroom with the curtains you choose. A perfect curtain must match you’re your bedroom walls and there are many types of curtains available in the market nowadays and you must choose the print or design of your curtain according to the needs of your bedroom for example if your bedroom gets too much sunlight which makes the room very hot then you can opt for thick curtains but if you want a curtain which will not take so much space and give your bedroom a modern look then you can go for blinds. ADD MORE LIGHTS IN YOUR BEDROOM: You must add more and more lighting options in your room as it enhances your bedroom very much. It is very good to layer your lighting to make the room look bigger and brighter. For activities like reading books or doing some work on your laptop, you can add small lights or reading lamps for that purpose. FIX YOUR BUDGET: Whether you are designing or redesigning your bedroom you must fix a budget before doing so and this will help you to design your room better. If you are designing it by an interior decorating company then you must first check that the company is genuine. Also, while selecting the props, make sure that the brand is authentic, has proper reputation and has an excellent sales process. DON’T MISS OUT THE SMALL DETAILS: Even after decorating your room you should always keep in mind that even the small things like ea small showpiece or decorating item is very important to enhance the look of your room and also you must keep some indoor plants inside your room as it gives a very earth touch to your room. INCLUDE SOME PRIVATE TOUCH: As said earlier that your bedroom is your private space and so you must include a space to relax and enjoy it can be a cloth swing or a statement couch and if you have some space around your window then you can make a window seat to enjoy the view and sunlight. Also, if the amount is huge for decorating your room, then EMI or monthly payment is reasonable and a very effective option for those who want a lavish decoration but has a shortage
Ibstock plc has confirmed its intention to make a major investment in one of its brick factories in the West Midlands. The factory will be a pathfinder project to test and pilot operational efficiencies which, the company believes, will lead to Atlas becoming the world’s only Scope 1 & 21 Net Zero brick factory. A combination of reduced process emissions and greater thermal efficiency will cut the carbon intensity of bricks produced at the Atlas site by 50% compared to the existing factory. The remaining emissions will be offset using high quality emission reduction projects. Once completed, Atlas will be an exemplar of British manufacturing and global environmental best practice in the construction products sector. The investment, which was announced at the Group’s AGM Trading Update on Earth Day (April 22 2021), marks the next stage of the company’s well-documented sustainability journey. The Group’s Sustainability Roadmap to 2025 sets out ambitious decarbonisation plans. This Net Zero pathfinder project, along with a host of other initiatives at other sites across the UK, marks the latest important step in pushing the business beyond its Roadmap. The new Atlas investment will be Net Zero for Scopes 1 & 21 emissions; Scope 31 will be addressed at a later date as part of the Group’s longer-term sustainability strategy.1 To achieve its ambitions, the Group is utilising a standard methodology that aligns with the UK Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy. The Group calculates that its Net Zero aims for Atlas will primarily be achieved through a rapid reduction in carbon emissions from the production process through significantly improved thermal efficiency, on-site renewable electricity generation and renewable energy procurement. For production from Atlas to reach Net Zero, the remaining emitted greenhouse gases will be offset through carbon credits or sequestration through rewilding or carbon capture and storage. Over time, Ibstock will reduce the offset proportion further by the adoption of additional emissions reduction measures. Once it has completed the first stage in its journey (Scope 1 & 21), Atlas will be one of the most operationally efficient brick factories in the world and an exemplar for the industry in terms of environmental performance. National & regional impact The investment in Atlas will bring significant benefits to the local economy in terms of employment, local suppliers, opportunities and skills. This redevelopment will secure the future of the brick factory and provide local employment opportunities for the long-term. It is expected that the renovated factory will support 50 highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs. Next stage in the Net Zero Journey Commenting on the investment plans for the Atlas Factory, Chief Executive Officer of Ibstock plc Joe Hudson said: “The Net Zero journey is one we share with our customers. We have seen a transformational shift in attitudes from all of our key stakeholders; and there is a ‘sea-change’ in how our customers, and, in turn, their customers, view environmental issues. As the UK’s leading brick manufacturer we recognise that we have to adapt and respond – and this is reflected in our Sustainability Roadmap to 2025. “We have been leading the way for some time within our sector, with our investments in new production capacity at our Throckley, Chesteron, Eclipse and Lodge Lane plants all reducing the carbon intensity of the manufacturing process, and as the recipients of multiple sustainability awards. However, we can do more, and we can go further. Our plan to invest in Atlas is at the heart of this.”
