Paul Goossens, operations manager at SafeSite Facilities takes a look at what’s new in 2025 and picks out his top trends for the year ahead. A growing focus on delivering circularity Circularity is becoming a buzzword in the sustainability space and describes sustainable models that focus on re-use and the elimination of waste. For construction businesses and construction sites, the use of products and equipment in the supply chain can be a significant part of their carbon footprint. Extending the lifecycle of products is particularly relevant to construction sites, because when a job is complete the temptation is to simply send unwanted products to landfill. Many sites are now thinking harder about how to re-use those products instead, whether that’s barriers, safety fencing or electronic equipment. Businesses should look out for suppliers which offer an option to hire rather than buy, which reduces Scope 3 emissions associated with manufacturing the product. A good example might be CCTV equipment which is no longer required once the construction project is completed. Another solution is to work with suppliers that offer a buy-back service. Equipment that is bought back is either re-sold, sent to scrap metal experts who can re-use it – or to manufacturers who can melt down the material and use it in the production process. All these methods encourage circularity. Products that are recyclable, or made from recycled material, can also create a circular economy. Working with other businesses that have ISO 14001 certification A growing interest in sustainability and the measurement of carbon in the supply chain is driving changes in procurement. Scope 3 emissions are an important part of any Net Zero plan, and constructors are increasingly asking many more questions about the emissions of businesses they partner with. The first benchmark to look out for is ISO 14001 certification, a global standard created by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). The rise of high-tech CCTV solutions There is an increased risk environment for construction sites in 2025 and CCTV is coming to the rescue. Whether the risks are due to increased crime, the threat of community protests, vandalism or extreme weather, CCTV technology is moving fast to help construction sites keep people safe – and to prevent crime. The need for CCTV is clear. Crime tends to rise in an economic downturn, whilst changes to planning laws, encouraging developers to build on green and grey belt land, may lead to community tension in some areas. An estimated 26% (409,000) of all business premises, in England and Wales, were a victim of crime last year, according to figures from the Home Office released in September 2024. The most prevalent offence type experienced was theft (14%), followed by burglary including attempts (8%) and vandalism (8%). In addition, winter storms and summer heat provide health and safety issues on site. New CCTV systems can monitor sites for criminality or trespass (which is often children looking for adventure and failing to understand the risks). But they can also help spot health and safety threats such as fallen fences and loose roof tiles. Highly visible CCTV towers can also provide lighting and built-in alarms – which means they act as a deterrent. New-generationCCTV allows for remote monitoring and 360-degree coverage, as well as a response protocol for service providers and keyholders. In addition, AI technology is enabling CCTV to tell the difference between animals and humans, which means fewer false alarms and fewer callouts, whilst systems are now more effective in the dark than they have ever been, providing clear pictures at night. Supporting and protecting wildlife on a construction site As the government looks to make it easier for constructors to build on green belt land, the issue of how to protect wildlife on site is likely to become a hot topic. A range of specially designed barriers for protected species are available on the market that keep wildlife safe on site, whether that is great crested newts, amphibians or even snakes. For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A large housing development in Essex has been purchased by the local authority for the benefit of local residents, having achieved a Secured by Design Gold award for incorporating crime prevention measures into its landscaping and the physical security of its buildings. The Burnt Mills development in Harlow includes 172 one and two bedroom properties designed and constructed for rental. The development also includes ground floor commercial space, 150 cycle racks and 142 residents parking spaces – 23 of which have electric vehicle charging points – and communal roof gardens. An Essex Police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) worked with the developer from the pre-planning stage in 2017 to ensure that appropriate security measures commensurate to the local crime risk were incorporated into the development. This work included incorporating proven crime prevention measures in the layout and landscaping, such as to increase natural surveillance and create defensible space, as well as incorporating products that meet Secured by Design’s (SBD) Police Preferred Specification standard into the physical security of building to ensure they are sufficiently robust to resist physical attack by opportunistic burglars. These measures included external doors and accessible windows fitted with robust locking systems.   Harlow Council recently announced its purchase of the development in a move to secure more Harlow social housing and affordable homes for Harlow people – all 172 homes will be available to anyone who lives in Harlow. Thirty percent of homes (52), which is three times more than the original planning approval, will be allocated to Harlow families on the Housing Needs Register at affordable rent levels (at least 20% below market rent). A further 120 homes will be available to Harlow residents at market rent levels. The development has also been awarded the National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Award in the High-rise Builder category. Caroline Peters from Essex Police said: “Millbrook Studios development was part of the Harlow regeneration scheme and was my first large development as a DOCO. I worked closely with the architects to ensure the development could achieve the SBD Gold award. Originally the developer was only seeking Silver however, we worked together to easily achieve the higher standard. “Hollybrook were very engaging and considered my recommendations and security provisions, they wanted the development to be safe and secure for the future residents. “Harlow Council have recently purchased the development located in a very active part of the Town. It is encouraging Secured by Design has been implemented as this gives Essex Police that extra reassurance that residents of Harlow are safe in their homes.” Ian Brown from Developers Hollybrook said “We are thrilled to announce that our Millbrook Studios development has been awarded the Secured by Design Gold award. This significant gateway regeneration project not only delivers much-needed housing for the Harlow community but also prioritises the safety of its residents by designing out the risk of crime. Hollybrook, in collaboration with Burwell Architects, worked diligently with the Designing Out Crime Officer to ensure the development exceeds the highest standards to provide safe secure homes.” Announcing the purchase of the development earlier in the year, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: ““We have worked extremely hard to buy this private development for the benefit of Harlow residents. This is an impressive and modern development, which has been built to a very high standard and is located on a key gateway in and out of Harlow. The original development was always intended for the rental market with just over 9% being affordable housing. We will be increasing the amount of affordable housing to 30% with those homes allocated to Harlow families on our Housing Needs Register with the rest being available for Harlow residents to rent.”  Improved security Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure. Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete. Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse.    The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work, live, socialise or simply pass through. SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby influence behaviour in a positive way. This continues to be a key objective for SBD. Find out more about SBD Developers Awards here. SBD Design Guides SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist the building, design and construction industry to incorporate security into developments to comply with the Building Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD. These Design Guides, available to download for free at the SBD website, have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology. They are a valuable source of reference to architects, developers, self-builders, local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial.  Police Designing Out Crime Officers DOCOs provide specialist crime reduction advice to the public, businesses and colleagues about premises or property security. They also work with building developers, architects, and council planning departments regarding new developments and refurbishments, to ‘design out’ crimes

As a homeowner, the chances are that you often grapple with concerns about your home’s security and safety, facing challenges ranging from unauthorized access to environmental hazards. After all, your home isn’t just a major financial asset, it is also supposed to be a safe, comfortable place for your whole family.  That’s where advanced alarm systems can help. Tailored to tackle these issues head-on, these systems present a forward-thinking approach to building security. They not only deter potential threats but also offer ease and efficiency that traditional methods lack. Discover how these integrations can transform the security blueprint of any home in the guide below.  Enhanced Security Against Unauthorized Access and Environmental Hazards The cornerstone of any robust security plan is protecting against unauthorized access. Traditional locks and keys have evolved into sophisticated systems that can alert you the moment an intruder tries to breach your peace.  But why stop there? Modern systems go a step further by guarding you against environmental hazards – which are often more difficult to detect and more treacherous. With real-time alerts, push notifications, and remote monitoring, you’re immediately informed of dangers like fire, floods, or earthquakes, giving you precious time to react.  Considering that ninety percent of natural disasters in the United States involve flooding – which also stands as the most economically damaging environmental threat – this feature of modern alarm systems offers a shield against a wide spectrum of hazards, securing both life and property. Improved Operational Efficiency Through Real-Time Alerts When it comes to improving your home or business security, staying ahead means assessing your property’s risks and knowing the moment something happens. That’s where cutting-edge alarm company software steps into the limelight.  This isn’t about drowning in a sea of notifications but about receiving precise, actionable alerts the instant something out of the ordinary occurs. Whether it’s an unauthorized entry attempt or a system malfunction, you’re in the loop without delay.  This real-time information flow doesn’t just make managing security more straightforward – it also transforms security into a dynamic, responsive aspect of your day-to-day operations. In practice, this translates into cutting down on response times and ensures that every alert gets the attention it deserves, when it deserves it. Insurance Premium Reductions Insurance premiums represent a major running cost for both homeowners and business owners. Depending on the specifics of your property, you could be paying an average of $1,759 per year to insure your real estate asset! That is why it is important to know that insurance companies value proactive measures. When a building is equipped with advanced alarm systems, it’s viewed as a lower risk for claims related to theft or environmental damage.  The result is straightforward: reduced insurance premiums. By demonstrating your commitment to securing your property against a plethora of risks, you essentially invest in long-term savings, making advanced security not just a measure of protection but also a wise economic decision. Seamless Integration with Smart Building Technologies The future of smart homes doesn’t just involve convenience – it focuses on security. Advanced alarm systems today can effortlessly mesh with other smart building technologies, creating a unified front against threats.  From adjusting lighting to deter potential intruders to shutting down HVAC systems in the event of a fire, this seamless integration means your home not only reacts to threats but does so in a way that maximizes safety and efficiency. It’s a stride toward not just smarter homes, but safer living spaces, where every element works in concert to protect and preserve. Contribution to Sustainability Goals Sustainability isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint – it’s about smart resource management. Advanced alarm systems contribute to this by monitoring electricity and water usage, and alerting homeowners to leaks or inefficiencies.  This proactive stance ensures that resources are not just conserved but utilized in the most effective manner, aligning your home’s operation with broader environmental goals through thoughtful, technology-driven solutions. Getting Started: Opt For a Tailored Approach To Security A one-size-fits-all solution rarely covers all bases in security. For example, if your property is located in an area prone to wildfire or floods, installing CCTV systems may not be enough to keep your spaces secure. Oppositely, if your neighborhood is affected by high crime rates but rarely experiences flooding, your security strategy should focus on reducing the risk of unauthorized access.  That’s why opting for a tailored approach fully customized to your property’s specific needs is crucial. It ensures that every layer of security not only fits perfectly but also serves a purpose, providing optimal protection.

Leading UK-based physical security systems manufacturer, CLD, announces the launch of their latest temporary fencing solution, the FenceSafe Securus S2, redefining the landscape of temporary security fencing by combining sustainability with unparalleled protection. As one of the largest suppliers of security fencing in the UK, CLD offer tailored, trusted and durable security solutions to protect environments such as data centres, schools, transport hubs, manufacturing warehouses, high-profile sporting venues, open spaces, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites. The FenceSafe Securus S2, engineered to meet the stringent standards of LPS 1175 B3 (SR2) Issue 8, combines a foundation-free cantilevered base with the Securus 10 S2 mesh fencing, ensuring heightened safety and security. Highlighting their commitment to sustainability, the FenceSafe Securus S2 serves a dual purpose. Both the base and Securus panels can be reused, adaptable for use within permanent fence lines, showcasing the versatility and positive sustainable outcomes of this solution. Ideal for safeguarding airports, major events, utilities, and crowded places, this system boasts a sleek, tamper-resistant finish and a bottom rail for added security. Compliant with LPS 1175 regulations, it ensures a minimum 3-minute delay against potential attacks. Available on a rental basis,  it provides  flexible on-ground physical security that can be quickly commissioned and removed without leaving any trace. CLD operates from a range of sites in the UK to also ensure guaranteed available stock to meet short lead time requirements. Scott Fulton, Rental Division Director, comments: “Our dedication to cutting-edge technology ensures the FenceSafe Securus S2 delivers top-tier security while championing sustainability. This solution provides customers with a tailored, easy-to-install product designed in alignment with British and European safety regulations.” For more information on CLD Systems, please visit: www.cld-systems.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals