Doka PCF expansion clears way for smarter product choices and improved supply chain sustainability
Doka is further enhancing its position as a leader in transparent sustainability data for the construction industry. The global formwork and scaffolding specialist is expanding Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) to more than 9,000 products. By increasing the dataset, Doka is removing a major barrier to transparent, evidence-based decision-making across the construction supply chain. The expansion forms part of Doka’s wider sustainability ‘mindset’, embedded across its long-term strategy. Julia Weber, Head of Sustainability at Doka, said: “Expanding our Product Carbon Footprint data to more than 9,000 products creates even greater transparency throughout the entire construction process. Reliable emissions data helps our customers better understand the CO₂ impact of their projects, make informed procurement decisions, and effectively support their own climate targets.” The construction industry is a major contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint. According to the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee report, the built environment accounts for circa 25% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Wider adoption of initiatives such as PCF data will be crucial to the UK meeting its net zero goal. Expanding sustainable strategy A product carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a single item throughout its entire life cycle – from cradle-to-grave. Doka’s expansion of its PCF dataset is its sustainability strategy’s latest landmark achievement. In December 2024, it became the first formwork company worldwide to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative – the global benchmark for net zero, aligning annual emissions-reduction targets with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. Doka is progressing its ambitious 2040 net zero target while committing to reducing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 CO₂ emissions by 42% by 2030. This is alongside the company’s continued investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable logistics across its own operations. Julia Weber continued: “Expanding our Product Carbon Footprint data is a natural extension of our sustainability mindset, not a standalone milestone. It reflects how we operate as a business — absorbing sustainability into every part of our operations as we work towards net zero.” For more information on Doka projects and services, click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
G F Tomlinson strengthens growth strategy with business development appointment
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson,has bolstered its team with the appointment of Glenn Slater as Business Development Manager. Glenn joins G F Tomlinson with 31 years’ experience in business development within the construction industry, with a focus on Public Sector Frameworks, and his primary focus will be to drive new business generation and growth for the construction firm across the Midlands and South Yorkshire, while promoting Public Sector Frameworks. He will support Head of Business Development, Les Needham, and will nurture new and existing client relationships, as well as supporting other teams across the business. A committee member for the Forum for the Build Environment East Midlands, Glenn also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Management and a Cambridge University Institute for Sustainable Leadership certificate in Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions. On his new position and joining G F Tomlinson, Glenn said: “I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with construction businesses to positively contribute to their growth and development. I am pleased to be given the opportunity to continue this passion with G F Tomlinson working alongside Les Needham and building our presence across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. “I’m looking forward to using my decades of experience in this industry to bring a fresh perspective to a long-established business, contributing to the company’s ongoing success.” Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s great to have someone of Glenn’s calibre on board. His appointment is pivotal as we embark on the next phase of our company’s growth, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the business development team with Les Needham. Glenn’s invaluable experience and sector knowledge will be key for the whole business, and for driving our initiatives forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 launches new apprenticeship pathway for the unemployed
HS2 is launching a new fast-track training programme to help unemployed West Midlands residents secure a construction apprenticeship on Britain’s new railway. The programme is being led by HS2’s West Midlands construction partners, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) – who are delivering the 90km section of the railway between Warwickshire, Birmingham and Staffordshire, and Mace Dragados – who are building Curzon Street Station. The new initiative builds on the success of BBV’s well established routes into employment programmes. In the West Midlands, 2,273 unemployed local residents have already secured a job on HS2 and 885 have started an apprenticeship. Now, for the first time, the two joint ventures are teaming up to deliver a new six-week general operatives training programme, which will equip participants with the skills and health and safety accreditation they need to start working in construction. Candidates who successfully complete the six-week course, and want to progress their career in construction, will automatically qualify for an interview for an 18-month apprenticeship. Julie Venn Morton, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said: “We work exceptionally hard to ensure that local residents benefit from career opportunities on HS2, and it’s great to see our construction partners working together to create more new entry-level jobs for local people. “A project the size and scale of HS2 offers a unique opportunity to upskill the next generation and we’re proud of our achievements to date, with over 2,000 people starting an apprenticeship and over 5,700 unemployed people starting new careers on the programme.” The six-week general operatives training programme will be delivered at South and City College’s Bordesley Green campus and starts on 28 September. Eight successful candidates will go on to secure an 18-month Level 2 apprenticeship, where they will join the teams delivering the city’s new flagship terminus station. Beatriz Ramos Albert, Communications, Skills & Social Value Lead at Mace Dragados said: “Collaboration is essential to maximising the social value we create through HS2, and this programme is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition. We are delighted to be partnering with Balfour Beatty VINCI and are grateful for the expertise and best practice they are bringing to this programme. “As construction of Curzon Street Station progresses, we continue to create opportunities across our city centre project and supply chain, and initiatives like this help to ensure those opportunities are accessible to local residents”. Four candidates will progress onto a Level 2 apprenticeship with BBV, where they will join the teams constructing the railway as it travels through Solihull and Warwickshire. Kam Hundal, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner said: “We’re creating more new apprenticeship opportunities for local people who are currently out of work, as part of our on-going commitment to leave a lasting skills legacy in the West Midlands. “Candidates who successfully complete a six-week training programme are guaranteed an interview for these entry-level roles. Along the way, we’ll equip them with the skills and health and safety accreditation they need to start working in construction.” West Midlands residents who are interested in joining the programme should register their interest with their local Jobcentre Plus. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Where Performance Meets Practice: The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham
From Passivhaus to working at height; roofing to insulation; fire safety to solar integration, the new Building Envelope Stage at UK Construction Week Birmingham will offer visitors a practical and technical focus on the systems and materials that determine a building’s performance, safety, durability and energy efficiency. Bringing together contractors, manufacturers, specifiers and installers, the programme will explore the latest developments in roofing, cladding, insulation, facades and waterproofing, alongside key issues such as fire safety, regulation, retrofit and net zero delivery. Partnering with organisations such as the National Retrofit Hub and NFRC, topics covered on the Building Envelope Stage will include: Passivhaus at Scale: Why Major Housebuilders Are Embracing Higher Performance Standards; Healthy Homes: Building Fabric, Ventilation and Occupant Wellbeing; and Roofing for Net Zero: Design, Performance and Whole-Life Value. Stage highlights include: Tuesday 29th September 12.30pm – 1.15pmHealthy Homes: What Really Makes a Building Good for People?Demonstrating best practice, the session will provide evidence-based guidance on delivering homes that are not only energy efficient, but demonstrably better for occupant health and wellbeing.Speakers: Dr Anastasia Mylona (CIBSE), Jade Lewis (Healthy Homes & Buildings Group), Mark Allen (Fortem), Olga Turner Baker (Ekkist) 1.30pm – 2.15pmThe Retrofit Reset: Beyond Grants to Long Term DeliveryGovernment grants have played an important role in kickstarting retrofit, but they won’t deliver the scale or pace of home upgrades the UK needs on their own. What comes next? How do we move beyond short-term funding towards a stable, long-term retrofit market that gives homeowners, landlords, local authorities and industry the confidence to invest?Speakers: Carl Bairstow (Efficiency North), Rachael Owens (National Retrofit Hub), Sarah Louise Fletcher (Leeds Beckett University) Wednesday 30th September 2.30pm – 3.15pmRight First Time: The Future of Membrane SuitabilityApproved Document B, Awaab’s Law and the Future Homes Standard are converging on the roof. As fire safety rules tighten, repair timeframes shorten, and solar PV goes mainstream, membrane suitability is a critical compliance consideration. This panel cuts through the noise to ask what “suitable” will mean going forward, and how the sector can get it ‘right first time’.Speakers: Adrian Howe (Stormforce Roofing), Matthew Sexton (BMI UK & Ireland), Thomas Marshall (Don & Low Ltd) 3.30pm-4.15pmBeyond Sedum: The Next Generation of Green RoofsThis session will explore the technical and practical considerations of designing, specifying and maintaining roofs that respond to local vernaculars, support Biodiversity Net Gain objectives and function as genuine nature-based solutions rather than compliance measures.Speakers: Chris Bridgman (Bridgman & Bridgman and Chair, Green Roof Organisation (GRO), Vice President, European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations and Founder, World Green Roof Day), Keith Hills (Eco Green Group), Luke Rootham (Axter Ltd), Maggie Fennel Wells (The Environment Partnership (TEP) Ltd) Thursday 1st October 10.30am – 11.15amSolar, Storage and Heat Pumps: What New Build and Retrofit Mean for Your BusinessThis session will explore how the Future Homes Standard and the Warm Homes Plan are shaping demand for solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps, and what businesses need to do now to prepare.Speakers: Jason Howlett (Energy Storage Association), Neil Evans (GoodWe), Nigel Banks (Octopus Energy) 12.30pm – 1.15pmNet Zero Transition Planning: Turning Construction Ambition into ActionThis presentation will explore how organisations can build robust transition plans, align with the emerging ISO Net Zero Standard, and integrate carbon reduction into business planning, procurement and project delivery.Speaker: Lucie Shackley (Carbon Trust) Martin Hurn, UKCW Birmingham Editorial Director, commented: ““The Building Envelope Stage reflects a shift we’re seeing across the industry: performance is no longer an abstract ambition, it’s a practical discipline. By bringing contractors, manufacturers, specifiers and installers together, we’re creating a space where real world challenges meet real world solutions. This is where innovation becomes practice, and where the sector moves forward together.” Sponsored by Barbour ABI, Zutec, Wyre, HotelPlanner and Build Warranty, UKCW Birmingham will feature over 250 leading brands; 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars across four stages, alongside a series of built-for-purpose sections. Architect, TV presenter and UKCW ambassador, George Clarke will officially open the show and also host the Main Stage discussions on Day One (September 29th). To find out more and to register free for UKCW Birmingham, visit https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/0hcnqiudc1lrv?actioncode=1000 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell delivers industry leading social value as £14m generated at key partnerships site
TELFORD’S major mixed tenure development Wild Walk has been completed, bringing hundreds of much-needed homes and pouring more than £14m into the local supply chain. The scheme of 329 homes – including open market, affordable rent, accessible and care home plots – has been built as part of a multi-generational development. The aim is to deliver legacy housing that makes a difference, addressing local and national housing targets as well as providing more high quality, efficient home options for local people. As part of the completion, a social value report for Wild Walk has been produced, highlighting the scope of the project impact on the wider community. A testament to the successful partnership between national housebuilder Lovell, Telford & Wrekin Council and Housing Plus Group, the project created 17 jobs for local people, with more than £14 million spent in the local supply chain and 75% of subcontractors employed within 30 miles of the site. Stuart Penn, regional partnerships director at Lovell, said: “Our commitment to social value is solid, whether that be through apprenticeships, work experience placements and training, or organising engagement events with the local schools, we understand the impact of making these efforts. For us, it’s not just a tick box it’s about integrating into the communities in which we build and leaving a lasting legacy. “We have compiled a comprehensive report detailing these efforts on this site, which once again shows that we are holding ourselves accountable and are actively looking to continue these efforts across all our developments.” Alongside prioritising local employment, existing residents have also been front of mind with roughly £58,000 donated to local causes. This included a £2,500 contribution and renovation of the local play area, transforming it into a safer and more inviting spot for children and families to enjoy. Councillor Nathan England, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: “Wild Walk has delivered high-quality homes for local people, but the true measure of its success is the lasting positive impact it has had on the wider community. “The scheme has supported local businesses, created employment and training opportunities, invested in community projects and delivered environmental benefits. It demonstrates how housing developments can help strengthen communities and leave a positive legacy long after construction has been completed.” As well as social value, sustainability was prioritised from design concept and throughout construction. During the build, 98% of waste was diverted from landfill – far ahead of the 2023 national average of 87%. The homes are also built with energy efficiency in mind with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, combined with enhanced insulation for reduced running costs. Stuart added: “Wild Walk is a true showcase of what can be achieved when partners share a vision – sustainable homes, meaningful investment in people and a community built to last. The variety of housing types at the site more than meets resident needs and can provide accommodation for all walks of life. “We’re proud of the legacy this project leaves for Telford and this foundation will continue to serve as the basis for other developments across the region.” To find out more, visit the Lovell website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Incorporating Solar Into Modern Leisure Centre Construction Projects
Leisure centres have incredibly high energy demands, particularly during the day. Because of this, many facilities choose to install solar panels to reduce costs and stay resilient against volatile energy prices, as well as show their commitment to sustainability – something consumers are now prioritising more than ever before. Solar panels are one of the most popular forms of renewable energy for leisure centres thanks to their vast, flat roofs which are ideal for solar PV systems. Since things like pool pumps, HVAC systems, and lighting create such a consistently high demand for energy, generating on-site electricity is typically an incredibly worthwhile investment. The layout of a PV system and the number of panels used is dependent on many factors, and older buildings are often limited. New buildings, however, have a unique opportunity to tailor their solar panel installations to their actual energy requirements and construct a building that is well equipped to deal with solar PV systems. With that in mind, here are just a few ways in which solar for leisure centres can be integrated during construction to maximise energy generation and investment returns. Roof Design Leisure centres typically have large, flat roofs making them ideal for solar PV installation. However, potential obstructions, like ventilation systems, heat pumps, and access routes can have an impact on usable space. Access for maintenance is particularly important, both for safety and regulatory compliance, and roof orientation can influence the annual solar yield and panel placement. All of these factors play an important role in determining the overall system layout and design. By considering all of these requirements prior to construction, architects, engineers, and contractors can incorporate solar PV into the design of the roof from the start, maximising panel coverage and making the most out of the available roof space. Electrical Infrastructure A building’s electrical infrastructure is important to weigh up, too. The proposed PV system should take into account the possibility of future energy technologies, such as electric vehicle charging, to help futureproof the development and reduce additional costs later down the line. Maximising Energy Generation is Key By thinking about the requirements of solar PV systems during the design and construction of leisure centres, rather than adding them on post-build, businesses can optimise the efficiency of their panels, reduce energy costs and reliance on grid-supplied power, and maximise the long-term value of their investment.