RTPI echoes National Audit Office’s concerns over lack of support for Biodiversity Net Gain implementation
The National Audit Office has stated new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements have been launched without all the necessary elements for successful implementation. In February, as BNG laws came into effect, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) noted that 81% of planners in the public sector needed further ‘guidance, advice, and support’, 68% of all planners needed more staff and skills, and 61% require more case studies of best practice, according to a survey of RTPI members. The RTPI is closely monitoring BNG’s impacts on the planning system. The Institute is encouraging members to share their experiences by filling out its BNG survey and sharing case studies of best practice. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Our members in public and private sectors said that they felt unprepared for Biodiversity Net Gain in the lead up to its implementation. We worked to voice these concerns to the government, calling for clear guidance on BNG and sufficient resources to local planning authorities operating this new system. “We would like to see the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain succeed and are pleased that our engagement on this subject helped secure further funding for planning services to implement BNG. “However, the conclusions outlined by the NAO today reflect what our members have been consistently telling us for some time: that planning services have not been given sufficient guidance, advice, and support, and lack the staff and skills to avoid delays to an already stretched planning system. We strongly support the principles of BNG, but any new burdens to the planning system need to be adequately supported. “We agree with the recommendations made by the NAO. To facilitate local delivery, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs must ensure local authorities have sufficient funding, monitor the biodiversity units market, identify regional impacts, and work with planners and ecologists to coordinate best practice among local authorities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Almost half of facility maintenance professionals struggle significantly with systems integration
Nearly half of building maintenance professionals state that systems integration is one of their most significant struggles, according to a recent poll by SFG20, the industry standard for facility maintenance specifications. Using this industry insight, SFG20 have developed an Application Programming Interface (API) that streamlines the integration between SFG20 content and FM systems used for operational activity. Almost 90% of FM professionals agreed on the benefit of implementing SFG20’s new ‘smart’ software, driven by new features such as automatic notifications that advise users when updates are made to the SFG20 standard. The new API makes SFG20 content available and accessible to all via the common FM systems used for operational activity i.e., CAFMs, IWFMs, CMMS etc. As users are notified of updates to SFG20’s content, they can choose when to accept them. SFG20 guidance will then automatically flow into their FM system. The API is also bi-directional, meaning that once work has been completed this information can flow back to SFG20 who will be able to provide reporting and insight around levels of compliance and value derived from their FM provider. Paul Bullard, Product and Professional Services Director at SFG20, says: “Our new freely available API will allow users to access and work with the SFG20 standard more efficiently than ever. By receiving updates to SFG20’s maintenance schedules and having this content automatically integrated into various FM systems, facility maintenance professionals remove the risk of falling off the standard and becoming non-compliant. The API comes at no cost, and allows any FM system to link in. SFG20 also provides support with the integration process, thereby removing any potential barriers and making it as easy as possible to carry out maintenance work and achieve compliance.” “To find out more about SFG20’s new open API solution, please visit their software integration page, which details the benefits of their open API, from improved efficiency, greater control, and standard compliance.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
No Falls Foundation launches first of its kind research into falls from height
Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK, accounting for an alarming 30% of all deaths in 2022/2023¹. In order to gather more comprehensive data on the underlying causes and circumstances of falls from height, the No Falls Foundation, the first and only UK-based charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector, is embarking on the largest study of its kind in the UK to date. Released to coincide with the charity’s safe work at height campaign, No Falls Week, the UK falls from height research study is aimed at anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or investigated falls from height. Year on year, falls from height statistics show little improvement, with up to 425,000 non-fatal falls estimated to have occurred over the past decade, according to the Labour Force Survey. And behind every statistic is a human story. No Falls Foundation ambassadors Jason Anker MBE, Paul Blanchard and Dylan Skelhorn’s stories serve as stark reminders of the long-term and life-changing consequences of a fall from height; mental health problems, financial worries and long-term care needs. While ‘Abbi’s Story’ highlights the wider reaching implications of loved ones. The effects for all can last a lifetime. Along with the lives, families and businesses affected by these accidents, up to 992,000 working days were lost through non-fatal falls from height in Great Britain last year alone². Not only that, the total cost of falls from height in 2022/23 is estimated to be over £847 million³, made up of costs to the employer and the individual, government tax losses and benefit payments. Despite statistics provided by the Health and Safety Executive and a call from industry to introduce a simplified system of reporting to more accurately reflect the cause of workplace accidents, there is still a lack of data available surrounding falls from height at work and at home. Hannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation said, “Current reporting focusses on the type of incident, as opposed to what caused it in the first place. We want to gain insight into the root cause which will inform future research projects and focus resources to prevent falls from height. “We encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or investigated a fall from height to participate in this important research survey to help us ensure everyone who works at height comes down safely.” Take part in the UK falls from height research study: https://nofallsfoundation.org/index.php/research/study/ Sources ¹ RIDDOR – Kind of accident statistic in Great Britain, 2023 ² Labour Force Survey ³ Labour Force Survey Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE and DESNZ partner to make CP1 (2020) Free-to-All: A landmark move for UK Heat Network Standards
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announce their partnership to make CP1 (2020), the recognised Code of Practice for heat networks in the UK, accessible to all, free of charge. CP1 (2020), a publication produced by CIBSE, serves as a comprehensive guide offering technical guidance and establishing voluntary minimum standards for UK heat networks. Widely acknowledged as the go-to resource in the industry, CP1 (2020) has garnered widespread acceptance and support since its last update in 2020. It has been utilised by industry professionals as a vital technical reference and by developers to set standards for their new heat networks. Previously available exclusively to CIBSE members, CP1 (2020) is now accessible to all stakeholders, thanks to the generous funding provided by DESNZ. This collaborative effort aims to democratise access to crucial information outlined in CP1 (2020) and facilitate better preparedness for the forthcoming heat network regulations in 2025. CIBSE and DESNZ are not only removing the paywall but also actively collaborating to update the voluntary Code of Practice throughout 2024. This joint initiative ensures continuous alignment with the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) standards under development. The next version of CP1 is scheduled to be freely available for download in 2025. CIBSE’s Technical Director, Dr Anastasia Mylona said about this partnership: “We’re excited to partner with DESNZ to offer CP1 (2020) free to all stakeholders. This vital guide sets standards for UK heat networks, promoting industry preparedness for upcoming regulations. It reflects our commitment to advancing best practices and sustainability.” For more information and to access CP1 (2020), please visit CP1 Heat networks: Code of Practice for the UK (2020) (pdf) | CIBSE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sheffield Property Association announces the appointment of new director
The Sheffield Property Association, which is the City’s collective voice for property, has announced the appointment of a new director, Rebecca Knight, who has joined the board of the organisation. Rebecca, who is managing director at OVO Spaces has 32 years of experience in the property industry. She joins The Sheffield Property Association’s (S-PA) passionate and committed team of four directors who all share a vision of improving Sheffield’s built environment, driving investment, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and partners. Having grown up locally and now living within the city region, Rebecca presents a passion for all aspects of property, having worked in residential, commercial, leisure, and industry sectors. Rebecca said: “I am looking forward to bringing something a little bit different to the S-PA. This is a new challenge for me, and I’m excited to add value where I can utilise my industry experience. “Working in Sheffield is so different to other cities. People are the heart of everything we do, and the shared collaborative spirit is what makes us unique. I believe the city is in the early beginnings of something bigger, and I want to be part of this resurgence. “My goal is to help make Sheffield an even better place and to bring a different energy to the role. I am particularly excited to get involved with all of the priority groups and help them work more cohesively within the S-PA.” Rob Darrington, director of the S-PA said: “Since we established the Sheffield Property Association in 2017, it has been extremely rewarding to watch the growth of our board and member network. “We are delighted to welcome Rebecca to our team. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to ensure sustainable development in Sheffield, further driving our plans, member leadership, and city representation.” The Sheffield Property Association (S-PA) is an active group of businesses dedicated to revitalising Sheffield’s built environment. Since 2017, they have been actively investing, generating opportunities, and promoting prosperity in the city. Through research and collaborative efforts, they influence decision-making processes to benefit local communities while fostering strong relationships between land-owning and development businesses, stakeholders, and partners. For more information about the Sheffield Property Association, please visit www.sheffieldpropertyassociation.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE launches groundbreaking Chartered Organisation programme to elevate standards within building services engineering industry
In a move set to redefine excellence within the building services engineering industry, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) proudly introduces the CIBSE Chartered Organisation Programme. This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards shaping the future of the profession and fostering a culture of unparalleled standards. At its core, the CIBSE Chartered Organisation Programme represents a commitment to professionalism and excellence. It offers organisations a unique pathway to not only demonstrate their dedication to best practices but also to achieve the prestigious status of being chartered with CIBSE. Far beyond a mere certification, this program symbolises exceptional standards, embodying professionalism in its truest sense. Designed to facilitate the demonstration of competence within organisations, the programme provides a robust framework for showcasing levels of competency, professionalism and adherence to the highest standards. By participating in this initiative, organisations can differentiate themselves in terms of quality, ensuring they remain at the forefront of an ever-evolving legislative landscape. Speaking on the occasion, Adrian Catchpole, CIBSE’s President, emphasised the significance of this groundbreaking initiative. He stated, “Under the overarching theme of my presidential address ‘Taking a Lead,’ the CIBSE Chartered Organisation Programme aligns perfectly with our focus on competency, a crucial aspect of the Building Safety Act. Drawing inspiration from successful programmes in other professional bodies, we have tailored this initiative to meet the unique needs of our industry.” Inclusivity lies at the heart of this initiative, with CIBSE ensuring that organisations of all sizes can benefit from the programme. Extensive market research, involving consultations with organisations ranging from one-person consultancies to tier-one multidisciplinary firms, has been instrumental in crafting a programme that caters to every organisation’s journey towards excellence. The launch of the CIBSE Chartered Organisation Programme marks a significant milestone in CIBSE’s ongoing commitment to advancing excellence within the industry. With its comprehensive framework and unwavering dedication to professionalism, this programme is poised to set new benchmarks and elevate standards within the building services engineering profession. More information about the CIBSE Chartered Organisations programme can be found at https://www.cibse.org/membership-registration/company-partnerships/cibse-chartered-organisations Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals