More than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material recycled to provide firm foundations for Edinburgh’s new Social Bite Village
A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness. The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located along the capital’s Granton waterfront. Charity Social Bite teamed up with regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate to relocate building material which remained following the demolition of the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, making way for Artisan’s spectacular homes-led redevelopment of the site in 2026. The recycled rubble is now being used to create level groundwork as part of the ongoing construction of the Social Bite Village which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by homelessness. The new waterfront community will provide seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’, together with existing homes converted into single occupancy based on resident feedback. The new community will also include a communal area for residents to cook, gather and relax, together with gardens and space to grow fruit and vegetables. “This is a superb example of how clever collaboration in the building industry can help improve the world around us,” says Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater. “As part of Artisan’s stated commitment to sustainability, we always ensure that as much material as possible can be reused or recycled following demolition. And for this commitment to allow us to help such a life-empowering movement as the creation of a new Social Bite Village means that this really is a perfect development partnership.” The new Social Bite Village is a relocation of the existing temporary village site, less than one mile away in Granton. The charity’s Edinburgh village model has so far helped more than 100 residents who, at the end of their stay, are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. Many have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes. Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, adds: “It’s very exciting to see our new project taking shape on a stunning seafront location, and we are delighted to be partnering with Artisan to provide such a firm foundation for the site. “The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other projects that we are planning. Its design offers people affected by homelessness, living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing, a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start. With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are proud that our village projects can demonstrate a better alternative that also makes use of innovative construction methods.” Artisan will start construction of its Ferry Road site, known as 525 Park View in early 2026, in partnership with REInvest Asset Management S.A. The development will create a low-carbon residential-led community providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing. Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Entries now open for the BREEAM Awards 2026
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is now inviting entries for its 2026 BREEAM Awards – a celebration of the projects, people and organisations leading the way in sustainable building design, development, operation and management. This year’s awards introduce eight new categories, reflecting BREEAM’s commitment to recognising forward-thinking approaches to sustainability – from resilience and digital innovation to social value and sustainable cities. The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 30 September at the BREEAM-certified Peninsula London hotel, bringing together industry leaders and innovators from across the globe to celebrate the transformative power of buildings in shaping a sustainable future. BREEAM has been the world-leading sustainability assessment method for planning projects, infrastructure and buildings for over 30 years, with over 2.9 million buildings now BREEAM-registered. This year’s award categories are: The 2026 awards will be the first to incorporate BREEAM New Construction Version 7, which introduces an updated framework integrating whole-life carbon, resilience, and biodiversity metrics in line with growing market demand. Industry practitioners across the globe are invited to submit nominations for projects, organisations and individuals that push the boundaries of sustainability and accelerate the transition to net zero. The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2026. Tom Wilson, Director of Building Performance Services at BRE, said: “The 2026 BREEAM Awards introduce new categories that recognise leadership in areas such as climate resilience, digital sustainability, social value, and sustainable cities — where data, technology and community impact are central to delivering measurable outcomes. “By showcasing projects setting new benchmarks in these areas, the awards reaffirm BREEAM’s role in driving innovation across the built environment. “We look forward to seeing entries that demonstrate how organisations are shaping a more sustainable future.” Travel accreditation company ActiveScore will mark its third year as headline sponsor of the awards, with sustainability consultants JWA and agradblue sponsoring the In-Use Performance and Climate Resilience Excellence categories respectively. Further sponsorship opportunities are available. Entries to the BREEAM Awards 2026 can now be made here. Full descriptions of the BREEAM Awards categories are as follows: For further information about the BREEAM Awards 2026, please see here. All BREEAM certifications can enter the awards, including Infrastructure, Communities and New Construction V7. Where relevant, projects must have been certified between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026 for a valid entry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bobcat Introduces Smarter Machines for Simpler Operation at CES 2026
– AI-Powered Technologies, Advanced Displays and Modular Batteries Designed to Revolutionise Compact Construction Equipment – Bobcat, a global leader in compact construction equipment, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 to transform how work gets done. Engineered for simplicity and productivity, these innovations aim to make equipment operation more intuitive, empowering operators to accomplish more with confidence. The new solutions integrate artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomy and connectivity into a scalable system of solutions designed to support operators, technicians and fleet owners alike. “For nearly 70 years, Bobcat has led the compact equipment industry by solving real problems for real people,” said Scott Park, CEO and Vice Chairman of Doosan Bobcat. “Today, as workforce needs change and jobsites become more complex, we’re responding with intelligent systems that empower people to accomplish more, faster and smarter. These innovations aren’t concepts for the distant future; they’re advancements that are shaping how work gets done right now.” Bobcat Jobsite Companion: The Industry’s First AI-Enabled Feature for Compact Construction Equipment At the centre of Bobcat’s CES 2026 announcement is Bobcat Jobsite Companion, a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled feature for compact construction equipment. This prototype technology will provide real-time support and automation for everyday machine tasks. Operators can simply ask a question or state a command, and the system responds through voice and display interactions—adjusting attachment settings based on environment, offering operational recommendations and automating more than 50 functions without taking hands off the controls. Powered by Bobcat’s proprietary AI large language model, Jobsite Companion runs entirely onboard the machine, enabling real-time responsiveness without reliance on cloud connectivity. This ensures full functionality even in remote or connectivity-limited jobsites, a critical requirement for construction environments. This technology redefines the machine-operator relationship, delivering the most significant interface evolution in nearly two decades. “Jobsite Companion lowers the barrier to entry for new operators while helping experienced professionals work faster and more precisely,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “It’s not just smarter technology; it’s a smarter experience that puts expert-level guidance directly in the cab.” Service.AI: AI-Powered Support for Faster Repairs and More Uptime Bobcat also announced Service.AI, an AI-powered service and support platform designed to minimise equipment downtime by giving dealers and technicians instant access to Bobcat’s full repair expertise. With Service.AI, Bobcat dealers and technicians can instantly retrieve repair manuals and warranty details, receive real-time diagnostic guidance, and leverage Bobcat’s extensive archive of historical cases for faster troubleshooting. This prototype technology delivers the expertise of a master technician—providing step-by-step guidance to streamline the service process and complete repairs efficiently. By simplifying complex diagnostics, Service.AI not only accelerates repair timelines but helps to address the ongoing labour shortage. Collision Warning and Avoidance System: Purposeful Innovation for Jobsite Confidence Bobcat showcased its prototype Collision Warning and Avoidance System, the first and only system in development for the compact equipment industry designed to actively slow or stop a machine before a collision occurs. Using advanced imaging radar, the system tracks the position, direction and speed of surrounding objects in real time. If a potential hazard is detected, the machine will automatically alert and even slow down or stop the machine. Designed to assist operator awareness without adding complexity, the system is already being cited through customer testing as a differentiating factor for choosing Bobcat equipment. Advanced Display Technology: A Smarter View into the Jobsite Bobcat also highlighted its Advanced Display Technology, a MicroLED, transparent, auto-tint, touch-enabled display concept seamlessly integrated into the cab door or machine window. The system overlays critical operational data directly onto the operator’s field of view, allowing them to see both the jobsite and machine insights simultaneously. Integrated features include: “It’s not just a screen,” Honeyman said. “It’s a smarter window into the work, delivering clarity, control and confidence.” RogueX3: The Next Evolution of Autonomous, Electric and Modular Equipment Bobcat is pushing the boundaries of innovation with RogueX3, its most advanced concept machine to date. Fully electric and autonomous, RogueX3 takes modularity to the next level, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of jobsite needs. The version showcased at CES features an electric powertrain and can operate remotely or autonomously without a cab. However, RogueX3 was engineered for ultimate flexibility. Its modular design allows interchangeable components—cab or no cab, wheels or tracks, configurable lift arms and more—so users can tailor the machine to specific tasks. Looking ahead, the machine could be built and powered in multiple ways, including electric, diesel, hybrid or even hydrogen. Building on insights from RogueX and RogueX2, RogueX3’s innovative design has already generated multiple pending patents that will shape the future of Bobcat’s product lineup. Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP): Modular Power for an Electric Future Powering Bobcat’s electric future is the Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP), a fast-charging, modular battery system engineered for rugged jobsite conditions. BSUP units are: By enabling flexible, cleaner and quieter operations, BSUP will serve as a foundational building block for the next generation of electric construction equipment. Together, Bobcat Jobsite Companion, Service.AI, Collision Warning and Avoidance, Advanced Display Technology, RogueX3 and BSUP form an integrated system of solutions set to redefine what’s possible on the modern jobsite. “We’re not just imagining the future — we’re engineering it,” Park said. “By combining AI, autonomy, electrification and connectivity, Bobcat is creating technology that empowers people, simplifies work and sets a new standard for the industry.” Products and technologies featured at CES are showcased as prototypes or concept models, highlighting the innovation shaping the future. While not commercially available at present, several are advancing toward commercialisation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide Platforms donates almost £10,000 to charities and community causes in 2025
Nationwide Platforms has donated almost £10,000 to charitable causes and local community initiatives over the past year, continuing its commitment to supporting colleagues, families, and communities across the UK. The UK’s leading powered access provider donated a total of £9,785 during 2025, supporting 25 charitable causes and 10 local club sponsorships. Of the total donated, £6,811 was given to national and local charities, with a further £2,974 supporting grassroots sports clubs and youth organisations. Causes supported ranged from cancer and dementia charities to food banks, Christmas raffles, and disability support initiatives. The single largest donation of £2,075 was made to a JustGiving page set up by colleague Jason Butlin, Business Development Manager for the Midlands region, to help fund a specialist purple wheelchair for his daughter Isabelle, who lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Alongside colleague-led fundraising, Nationwide Platforms supported a number of high-profile charities throughout the year, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s Society, Action Bladder Cancer UK, and The British Heart Foundation. Charitable giving was further driven by physical challenges undertaken by employees in aid of causes close to their hearts. These included a 26-mile Peak District Mighty Hike completed by Matthew Barnett, Marketing and Communications Specialist, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support; a 100-mile walk across Lady Anne’s Way by Blackburn-based Depot Support Operative Ollie Smith and his partner Heather to raise funds for Action Bladder Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK; and Ann-Marie Pease’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, which began on 2 January in support of Alzheimer’s Society. Local community support also formed a significant part of the 2025 donations. Nationwide Platforms sponsored seven junior football clubs, one local sporting club, a Muay Thai gym, and a youth club, helping to fund club kits, facility set-up costs, and travel expenses to ensure young people from lower-income backgrounds could access opportunities otherwise out of reach, including international sporting travel to the USA. Reflecting on the year’s giving, Nationwide Platforms said the donations highlight the power of colleague-led initiatives and the importance of supporting causes rooted in local communities. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and that extends far beyond the workplace,” said Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms. “Whether it’s supporting a colleague’s family, backing life-saving research, or helping local clubs keep going, these donations reflect the compassion and generosity that exists across Nationwide Platforms.” Nationwide Platforms will continue to support colleague-nominated charities and community initiatives into 2026, building on a year that has seen hundreds of lives positively impacted through collective action. For more information about Nationwide Platforms, visit:https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Molson Equipment strengthens leadership with senior sales hire
Molson Equipment has appointed Simon Causier as sales director, bolstering its senior leadership team as the business looks ahead to further growth in 2026. Causier joins the plant and machinery supplier following the collapse of Warwick Ward Machinery, where he held the role of commercial director. He spent 18 years with the business and played a key role in launching and developing a range of equipment brands across the UK construction, recycling and aggregates sectors. Warwick Ward Machinery entered administration in December 2025 after more than five decades of trading, bringing Causier’s long tenure with the business to an end. His move to Molson marks a continuation of his career in the heavy equipment market, where he has built extensive experience and strong industry relationships. Speaking about his appointment, Causier said his career has been shaped by a focus on understanding customer needs and delivering high-quality aftersales support. He added that Molson’s customer-led ethos and reputation within the sector were key factors in his decision to join the company. Molson Group chief executive Robin Powell said the appointment comes at a challenging time for the UK market but described the recruitment of experienced leaders as critical to the company’s long-term strategy. He said Causier brings significant knowledge, expertise and connections, which will help position Molson for continued growth. Causier said he has long admired Molson’s approach to the market, pointing to the company’s strong growth and professional operation. He added that he is looking forward to contributing his experience to the sales team and supporting the next phase of the business’s development. The appointment underlines Molson Equipment’s confidence in its future direction, as it continues to invest in people and leadership despite wider market pressures. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Considerate Constructors Scheme Unveils 2025 Grand Gala Award Winners
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s winners prove that construction isn’t just about building structures, it’s about building a better future. Highlights from the Winners’ Circle Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Male Allies UK) – Gallaway Construction Gallaway Construction is turning construction into a catalyst for change. Through its Construction for Women programme, the company has empowered over 400 girls and women with hands-on skills and mentoring, while raising tens of thousands for local causes. A true example of how construction can be a force for good. Climate Champion – General Demolition General Demolition is rewriting the demolition playbook with bold circular strategies, recycling hundreds of tonnes of materials and slashing carbon emissions. From Northampton to London, their work sets a new standard for sustainability. Employer of the Year (sponsored by the National Federation of Builders) – John Sisk & Son With leadership programmes, apprenticeships and inclusion initiatives, John Sisk & Son is shaping a workplace where people thrive. Over 3,000 young people supported – proving that the future of construction starts with investing in talent today. Social Value Leader – Christina Nichols, John Sisk & Son Christina Nichols has delivered measurable impact: 3,600+ hours of career support and £54.6 million spent with local supply chains. Her work ensures construction leaves a lasting positive mark. Considerate Client – Marks & Spencer For 18 years, M&S has championed safety, sustainability and respect for communities, influencing contractors and setting the gold standard for client leadership. Supplier Recognition – O’Neil & Brennan (ONB) ONB’s seamless logistics and proactive problem-solving make them an indispensable partner, elevating every project they touch. Excellence in Construction (Large) – McLaughlin & Harvey From carbon monitoring to mental health support, McLaughlin & Harvey delivers excellence on every front. Excellence in Construction (Small) – Harmonix Construction Ltd Harmonix combines community engagement, environmental responsibility and workforce wellbeing – building with care and integrity. Legacy Award – Pevensey Bay Coastal Defence Two decades of protecting communities and managing coastal flood risks across 18,000 properties – a legacy of resilience. Innovation of the Year – Curo Construction AI meets safety: Curo’s real-time monitoring system sets a new benchmark for tech-driven site safety. Icon Award (sponsored by Building a Safer Future) – Luke Hands, Ardmore Group A mental health champion reshaping how construction cares for its people. Rising Stars 16 Rising Stars were celebrated, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving the future of construction: Matthew Barnes (VolkerHighways), Joel Blanchflower (Laing O’Rourke), Liam Cater (Ardmore Group), Nicol High (Octavius), Daniel Hilton (Kier Transportation), Liam Jackson (McLaughlin & Harvey), Megan McDonald (KPH Deconstruction Services), Chris O’Hagan (McLaughlin & Harvey), David Okorhi (Knight Build Limited), Kate Parsons (Kier Transportation), James Preston (McLaren Construction), Kit Robinson (Kier Transportation), Megan Smith (McLaughlin & Harvey), Cian Webb (Clegg Construction), Katie Webster (Kier Construction), Abigail Wilkinson (Sir Robert McAlpine). Champion of Construction (sponsored by Construction Industry Council) – Colin Robinson With 50 years of service, Colin Robinson, Senior Site Manager at GRAHAM Group, has demonstrated leadership and compassion that have transformed lives – from saving a colleague to creating safer spaces for children. Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The winners represent the very best of our industry, proving that construction can be innovative, inclusive and a powerful force for good. Their achievements set a standard that inspires us all to build responsibly and leave a lasting positive impact.” The event was supported by our sponsors, with Build Warranty as headline sponsor and Mates in Mind as the evening’s charity partner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals