Local leading builders’ merchant Haldane Fisher has been named as the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Training Company of the Year. The company, which has branches in Northern Ireland, England, and Isle of Man, was one of four shortlisted for the renowned accolade, which acknowledges excellence in supporting and developing their
Talent shortages and growth ambitions are forcing some of the UK’s most promising science and technology businesses to re-evaluate their building strategies according to a new research report. As a result over half are planning to relocate over the next three years and over one in six (16%) are planning
Fit out, Design and Build specialists Paramount have used maritime history to inspire their new South West of England base and help revitalise a “forgotten” part of Bristol. The company’s design team have delved deep into the past and taken a lead from local architecture in a move it is
UPM’s ultra-sustainable new technology, WISA BioBond, becomes standard bonding agent in all James Latham Ltd’s collection of UPM WISA-Spruce. Today, James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of panel products, announces the introduction of WISA®’s new BioBond technology to its full range of WISA-Spruce plywood. WISA BioBond is
When you hire a London, Ontario home builder, or a home builder anywhere for that matter, it can be stressful and overwhelming. You are taking a leap to build a custom home, and with that, you probably have some pretty big expectations. That’s normal and expected any time you’re dealing
Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed by David Phillips FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), to provide 500 units of kitchen worktop materials to the £100 million flat developments, Central Quay, in Glasgow. Roann Limited is providing over £310,000 worth of Silestone Miami White and Silestone Cemento
Imagination and creativity are two watchwords to champion when considering how to make Government and public sector buildings more eco-friendly. Record energy costs coupled with ambitious net zero targets will, no doubt, accelerate the pledge to make buildings more eco-friendly. Late last year, the Cabinet Office set out new guidance
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has been given planning consent to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, Firethorn’s 37-acre scheme will comprise four highly specified Grade-A units, delivered to net-zero carbon in construction. With
A new development located in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the former Parker Pen factory site, has marked leading social housing provider, Stonewater’s 5000th new home completed since the association’s formation in 2015. Representatives from Stonewater, including Chairman Sheila Collins, CEO Nicholas Harris, as well as members of the development team
Host of digital and people-centric solutions launched at flagship annual customer and partner event series CEO keynote lays out how adopting existing technologies at scale will help bolster energy security, resilience and decarbonization Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today kicked off its
Local leading builders’ merchant Haldane Fisher has been named as the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Training Company of the Year. The company, which has branches in Northern Ireland, England, and Isle of Man, was one of four shortlisted for the renowned accolade, which acknowledges excellence in supporting and developing their teams. Nominated by BMF Regional Managers, judges selected Haldane Fisher as the winner for its commitment to training through various initiatives, including a bespoke Excellence in Branch Management programme and BMF LEAP apprenticeship programme. Andrew Laird, Group HR Director at Haldane Fisher, said: “We are thrilled to have been named BMF’s Training Company of the Year, recognising the knowledge and expertise our employees have gained through the learning initiatives implemented across all departments. “At Haldane Fisher, we recognise that our people are an integral part of our operations and are dedicated to helping them be the best they can be. “This award is a testament to their hard work and willingness to learn, resulting in our customers trusting the team to provide them with sound advice when needed.” Andrew continued: “Access to proficient learning and development is essential, which is why we will continue to avail of the broad range of formal and specialist courses offered by the BMF.” Haldane Fisher supplies over 15,000 products in 800 categories, helping both trade and general public find everything they need to complete a vast array of projects. For more information, visit haldane-fisher.com
Talent shortages and growth ambitions are forcing some of the UK’s most promising science and technology businesses to re-evaluate their building strategies according to a new research report. As a result over half are planning to relocate over the next three years and over one in six (16%) are planning to move overseas. The report, Building a Future for Science and Technology, by Ridge and Partners, the multi-discipline property and construction consultancy, suggests a UK science and technology sector with big expansion plans. The 103 science and tech companies interviewed expect to grow by an average 52% over the next three years. However, they are being inhibited by premises and location concerns which have ramifications for the local authorities, developers, city planners, and science parks looking to attract them. These issues and shortcomings are impacting on the sectors’ ability to recruit and therefore grow. For instance, over a third are struggling to fill crucial support roles such as lab technicians and admin staff – personnel who are massively affected by public transport and local housing costs. Meanwhile, almost half (48%) are having difficulty filling more senior roles. These issues have become so pronounced that almost a third (31%) report they need to be nearer a larger pool of talent. For many, that may involve moving overseas. Liz Sparrow, Partner, Science and Tech Lead at Ridge and Partners, comments: “There’s no lack of ambition or opportunity for growth within the science and tech communities. Indeed, a third of the companies we studied expect to grow by over 60% over the next three years. But they need to be in the right environment to do this. That means somewhere with the right infrastructure, transport links, housing, and premises to attract the partners, suppliers, and talent they need.” Ridge’s research also highlights how highly dependent small and large science and technology-based businesses are on each other. Irrespective of size, 31% want to be located nearer to other science/tech businesses. This drive to operate in such ‘eco-systems’ has made tech and science parks the preferred solution for 98%. However, the report shows that these eco-systems aren’t working as they should, with 19% reporting that their science park landlords are not in tune with their needs. A third say that there aren’t enough good suppliers near them, while 24% need to be closer to major academic institutions. Such proximity would make collaboration and innovation easier and create a greater magnet for the specialist talent and suppliers the sectors collectively need. A sizeable 45% strongly agree that science parks can all seem the same and 80% say they feel rather ‘out of town’, an issue exacerbated by public transport problems. Conscious that their choice of building reflects on their own brand, 81% believe their science park should prioritise sustainability. A fifth want their science park to be a more high-tech and greener space to help them attract talent with an array of things on wish-lists such as visible renewable energy sources (19%) and impressive front of house or showcase areas for visitors and partners to use (20%). Liz Sparrow, again: “It’s important that we note these needs, as every company which exits these diverse eco-systems and relocates overseas, or simply fails to thrive, weakens things for everyone else. To protect one we must plan and build for all. “But with such a diverse mix of building, housing, and infrastructure needs to address no single body alone can do this. Joined-up thinking is needed between the public and private sectors, between the UK’s government, its cities, regions, construction sector, and science parks. Collaboration is key if we’re to create, grow – and keep – the UK’s tech/science powerhouses.” The Building a Future for Science and Technology Report is free to download.
Fit out, Design and Build specialists Paramount have used maritime history to inspire their new South West of England base and help revitalise a “forgotten” part of Bristol. The company’s design team have delved deep into the past and taken a lead from local architecture in a move it is hoped will invigorate Bristol’s historic Welsh Back dock area. The interior design of the harbourside office painstakingly reflects the area’s history with corten steel, burnt timber, rope and metalwork all prominent features all tying the base to the docks. The focal points of the workspace are the boardroom which is hidden behind a slatted door and a bar area which resembles a boat-shaped below a rusted cage structure named the Portcullis in keeping with maritime traditions. Local architectural firm AWW was responsible for the creative concept of the building regeneration. Developer and investor was V7. Gareth Davies, Paramount’s Senior Designer who masterminded the design, said: “We are privileged to be able to call Bristol’s famous floating harbour the setting for our new office because it’s an area that is steeped in history. “We’ve gone Back to the Future for inspiration to create a hybrid working environment that celebrates the bygone days of the Welsh Back area. “A workspace that encourages professional collaboration and helps build team dynamics with a nod to the storied past of Bristol’s dock area was our priority and we’ve worked hard to turn that vision into a reality.” Taking inspiration from neighbourhoods, it is hoped that Paramount’s new workplace will become a thriving community for their teams and industry colleagues alike. Paramount Sales Director Kevin Mashford, who will lead the Bristol team, added: “We set out to create Bristol’s most ‘Instagrammable’ office and thanks to our exceptionally talented design and project team I am proud to say we have achieved our goal. “With a variety of interconnected spaces our new office is a prime example of how you can take inspiration from ‘community’ and create neighbourhoods within the office where the same energy and connection people feel sitting in a coffee shop, or the same level of focus they experience in their own home, can be achieved within one space. “These are exciting times for Paramount, and we are proud to play a part in the regeneration of the Welsh Back area which is forgotten for some people but is now really buzzing and is set to be a brilliant place to do business and socialise.” The new workplace signals the acceleration of Cardiff-headquartered Paramount’s growth and will create up to 20 specialist jobs in the city as it targets £50-million turnover within three years. Paramount Managing Director Richard Jones, who led a management buyout in 2018, said: “Our brilliant new office represents a substantial investment by Paramount which will ensure company growth continues to gather pace across the South West of England. “The Bristol base is a real statement of intent and demonstrates our confidence. Paramount will strengthen its presence in a vibrant region and build on our proud reputation as a company with an outstanding record of creating places where people want to be.” Bristol-based Bafta-nominated natural history film-making company, Offspring Films also now call the Welsh Back building home following a design and fit-out by Paramount. Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £33.5million, is already well known across England where it has developed office space for a number of leading companies and have revitalised 360 Bristol – formerly South Plaza – in Bristol city centre.
UPM’s ultra-sustainable new technology, WISA BioBond, becomes standard bonding agent in all James Latham Ltd’s collection of UPM WISA-Spruce. Today, James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of panel products, announces the introduction of WISA®’s new BioBond technology to its full range of WISA-Spruce plywood. WISA BioBond is the latest bonding innovation from UPM, a globally-renowned manufacturer of sustainable architectural plywood, now used in the entire WISA-Spruce range. A landmark development in plywood adhesive, BioBond replaces at least 50% of standard glue’s fossil-based phenol with lignin, timber’s inherent bonding agent. Obtained as a by-product of the Kraft Process[1], this partial-substitution reduces the carbon footprint of WISA-Spruce by approximately 10%, without compromising technical performance or visual appeal. No compromise on performance WISA-Spruce is manufactured using UPM’s proprietary BioBond technology, and mirrors the qualities of plywood produced using the traditional higher-carbon bonding method. This means it offers a like-for-like greener alternative. As with all WISA’s plywood, WISA-Spruce with BioBond technology has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee its high performance qualities, meeting superior standards of strength, resistance and sustainability. Forming a strong and sustainable bond More than just a new form of glue, BioBond has reduced CO2 WISA’s plywood portfolio, Already available for birch, and now spruce, plywood, UPM plans to roll out BioBond across all its plywood mills, gradually covering its entire range. As one of the UK’s most sustainable materials distributors, Lathams is keen to introduce UK specifiers to the low-carbon advantages of WISA-Spruce with BioBond technology. By incorporating this innovation to its ever-expanding collection of green architectural materials, they are demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable design and build. Commenting on the introduction of BioBond to the WISA-Spruce range, Nick Widlinski, Panels Director at Lathams says, “There’s no doubt timber and wood-based materials are helping architects and designers tackle global climate change through making lower-emission material choices. However, a question around the carbon intensity of glues and adhesives used in the production of engineered wood persists, and WISA BioBond tackles it head on. Its introduction and standardisation across the brand’s high-performance spruce range is a game-changer, offering the best quality with a reduced carbon footprint. Not only is it helping us to promote more sustainable construction methods, it’s also supporting a wider drive toward a Net Zero society.” UPM’s VP of Strategy and Business Development, Susanna Rinne, concludes, “Sustainability is at the heart of our ethos and guides our ongoing R&D. We are the first manufacturer in the world to use a lignin-based solution for spruce and birch plywood, offering a no-compromise sustainable material solution. It’s imperative we work with those who have similar values. Due to Lathams’ longstanding reputation for championing sustainable specification make them a great partner to help us introduce BioBond and its unique properties to the UK and Irish markets.” Providing further confidence in WISA-Spruce’s green credentials and certification, the product category scored one of the best ratings on Lathams’ new Carbon Calculator tool. An academically developed formula which scores the embodied carbon of each Lathams’-stocked timber product from cradle-to-purchase, BioBond WISA-Spruce achieved top ranking across the board, providing third party verifications for the material’s sustainability claims. To find out more about BioBond, WISA-Spruce and UPM’s wider collection of WISA plywood, click here. To discover Latham’s wide range of materials, and realise the potential for almost any design preference or requirement, click here.
When you hire a London, Ontario home builder, or a home builder anywhere for that matter, it can be stressful and overwhelming. You are taking a leap to build a custom home, and with that, you probably have some pretty big expectations. That’s normal and expected any time you’re dealing with something as important as where you’re going to live with your family. There are, at times, disputes that can arise with your contractor, however. This is often a normal part of the process, and it can be because of miscommunication or simply because your contractor doesn’t see the same vision as you. It’s not necessarily that you should aim to avoid all disputes when you’re building a home because that may not be realistic. What’s more important is how you handle disputes if they do arise. With that in mind, the following are tips and things to know if you find yourself in a disagreement and you aren’t sure what steps to take. 1. Take a Few Deep Breaths Building a home is stressful and expensive, and that can bring out the worst in homeowners. If you feel your temperature rising with your contractor, before you do anything else, take a step back and give yourself some time for a few deep breaths. If you respond right away with anger, it can end up creating delays in your project. It can damage your relationship with your contractor going forward, and there may be better solutions that are available. If you have to step away before you talk to your contractor, do so. It’s never productive to enter into a conversation at the height of your anger. 2. Read Your Contract Once you’ve taken a step back, it’s time to assess the situation. Sometimes, you may be dealing with a contractor who actually is the problem, but there are also situations where there are misunderstandings, and no one is necessarily the “bad guy.” Before you say anything, go over your contract. Your contract should address all the various aspects of the job. It should include details on the scope of work, the timeline, and the expected completion date, and it should also include a section on the procedure for dealing with disputes. Keep in mind that even with the best contractors, there are often changes that come up in the middle of the project. This is the nature of construction. As you’re reading the contract and thinking about what your issue is, you have to ask yourself whether or not it’s something that was unavoidable. 3. Define What Your Issue Is, Specifically Once you’ve gone over your contract, you’ll probably have a better idea of specifically what your issue is and potentially how your contractor has veered away from what you expected. At this point, think about the issue that you have in specific terms, and write it down. Before you talk to your contractor, you want to be clear with yourself about where you feel like your project went wrong. If you’ve had previous conflicts with your contractor, don’t bring them up in this conversation. You want to keep things clear and on track. When you’re writing down your issue, jot down some of the facts of the situation as well. 4. Have a Conversation with Cooperation In Mind When you have a clear head, you can ask your contractor to have a conversation with you. You want to sit down with just them. You don’t want to get into an argument in front of other people, including their subcontractors and people who work for them. You want to keep things professional and non-confrontational. You may find that if you have a conversation, you’re able to work things out with your contractor and come to an agreement or a place of understanding. A simple conversation can resolve a lot more than you might initially think, especially when miscommunication is involved. The earlier on you can have an amicable conversation, the better. It’s very often the case that your contractor is completely unaware that there’s a problem at all. When you have a conversation, avoid placing blame and make sure that you’re listening. Too often, when we’re frustrated, we’re just waiting for the other person to stop talking without actually listening, so we can jump right back into the conversation and disagree. Be polite and try to hear what your contractor is saying because you might learn what actually went wrong and be better prepared to come up with ways to fix the issue. If you can come up with a plan during this conversation, put it in writing. Email a copy of the plan to your contractor and yourself. 5. Out-of-Court Options The hope is that by the time you reach this point, you’ve worked things out with your contractor. If not, there are still things you can do. One is hiring a mediator. There are companies that specialize in construction mediation if you feel like things have gone too far, or you’re not going to be able to see eye-to-eye with your contractor. During mediation, a neutral third party steps in to try and help you reach a resolution. The downside of mediation is that it’s not binding, so you don’t have to accept the proposed settlement. There’s another option which is binding arbitration. The last resort should always be court. This will be the most stressful and expensive for everyone involved. You also have to remember, if you haven’t hired a contractor yet, that if you do your due diligence, you can avoid the risks of working with a bad apple. Most contractors are highly professional and take their work seriously. Do the legwork early on in the hiring process. Check reviews and references and look at the past work of a contractor before making a hiring decision. Make sure you’re choosing someone who represents themselves professionally, and you’re less likely to find yourself in a situation where they truly aren’t doing what they’re supposed to.
Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed by David Phillips FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), to provide 500 units of kitchen worktop materials to the £100 million flat developments, Central Quay, in Glasgow. Roann Limited is providing over £310,000 worth of Silestone Miami White and Silestone Cemento Spa quartz worktops, to the build-to-rent development, made up of nearly 500 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. This project comes following an already prosperous year for Roann Limited, with the Wakefield-based business on track to exceed a £9 million turnover for 2023. Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, comments “As always, we’re thrilled to be appointed as the quartz kitchen worktop supplier for this project! What’s special about this project is the build-to-rent element of the property. Due to the current climate, build-to-rent is growing in popularity, and helps to provide housing for people who want cost-effective and flexible living. We’re delighted to be a part of this scheme and look forward to seeing the finished project!” More information on Roann Limited and its products is available at www.roann.co.uk.
Imagination and creativity are two watchwords to champion when considering how to make Government and public sector buildings more eco-friendly. Record energy costs coupled with ambitious net zero targets will, no doubt, accelerate the pledge to make buildings more eco-friendly. Late last year, the Cabinet Office set out new guidance on how it will seek to reduce emissions and reach a net zero target by 2050. Get it right, and there are huge gains to be made. Making buildings more sustainable is important. Emissions from public buildings contribute significantly to global warming every year. The benefits of reducing the carbon footprint from so many buildings across the UK is therefore clear to see, and can encourage private sector organisations to follow suit. But it is one thing setting a target and another reaching it. So just how do the Government and public sector agencies get there? Having worked with public sector agencies and private companies on sustainability projects for many years, we believe there are some fundamental points – or ingredients – to consider. These are: Future focus: Government and public sector leaders should be in no rush to knock down buildings in favour of developing brand new ones in their place. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding these places, the most sustainable way to improve them is to retrofit them. There’s a saying which reads: ‘the greenest building is the one already standing’. So we need to find ways to improve and adapt our buildings rather than simply replacing them. This is because knocking down and rebuilding is a process which itself creates more embodied carbon and waste. Funding: In terms of the public estate, it’s an aging, underfunded property portfolio which results in maintenance issues and poor performance from a sustainability perspective. Budget needs to be dedicated to this portfolio to help realise the target and ambitions set out with the emissions drive. Fit for purpose: In addition to this, if the Government is to establish guidance which works to regulate itself, it needs to lead by example. It’s not only a question of sustainability but also comfort. Prisons and hospitals need to be fit for purpose and provide a social value element to better benefit the communities they stand in. Education and Regulation: Government, public sector leaders and Consultants need to lead the discussion, and more importantly educate their teams on the issues and possible solutions which should be considered. The hierarchy of ‘Repurpose’, ‘Refurbish’, ‘Remodel’, Re-build should be the default approach where viable. A review of regulations should also be undertaken, with consideration of a new building regulation part, focused specifically on embodied and operational carbon for new construction. While a huge challenge to meet these emissions targets lie ahead, it is also an incredibly exciting time laden with opportunity to really push for a ‘greener’ future. The Government has also published a Net Zero Estate Playbook which will help inspire and guide public sector organisations on effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. This guide highlights encouraging consistent approaches to using solar panels, greener building materials, EV vehicle charge points and LED lighting. The new guidance for Government buildings aims to make national infrastructure ‘greener’ by giving Government departments, the public sector and government property professionals clear guidance on the design, implementation, and monitoring of net zero strategies and delivery programmes. The approaches can be applied to existing and new build properties and aims to encourage the use of low carbon materials and provide an improved understanding of a building’s environmental impact over its entire lifespan. The UK was the first major country to legislate for net zero. This ‘road map’ for Government buildings – if followed correctly – can help this country take a big step towards reaching these ambitious, but hugely important targets to benefit us all.
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has been given planning consent to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, Firethorn’s 37-acre scheme will comprise four highly specified Grade-A units, delivered to net-zero carbon in construction. With approval from Selby District Council, work on site will begin in November, with completion expected in Q3 2023. The ‘Excellent’ BREEAM-Rated scheme includes 15% roof lighting and future provisions for power generation, with particular attention paid to the landscaped environment, which looks to enhance local biodiversity whilst creating an attractive working space. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn, commented: “With units ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft, Sherburn42 is set to be a significant development for the region. “Providing a flexible, modern and sustainable space, and with excellent transport connections linking road, rail and sea, we believe the scheme offers a smart solution for businesses looking to expand their operations. “Now that we have received the green light from the council, we look forward to beginning work on site and bringing this project forward at pace.” Benefiting from up to 4MvA power, the approved plans include eaves heights of 15m to haunch, 11 ground-level access doors and 633 parking spaces. Close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents: Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton, and Carter Towler.
A new development located in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the former Parker Pen factory site, has marked leading social housing provider, Stonewater’s 5000th new home completed since the association’s formation in 2015. Representatives from Stonewater, including Chairman Sheila Collins, CEO Nicholas Harris, as well as members of the development team that have been involved in the project, welcomed the Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Paul Boswell to the site opening, which took place recently. The scheme, called Safford Park, incorporates 145 new homes being built on the former Parker Pen factory site and close to the River Ouse, which will provide a range of affordable housing options for residents. Developed by Hill Partnerships, an award-winning house builder that operates across London and the Southeast, the Safford Park scheme is the first collaboration between Stonewater and the construction firm. Each of the homes have been built to EPC B energy rating standards and offer electric vehicle charging points. The development will also incorporate a community garden and allotment space to encourage environmentally friendly living. Stonewater, which is renowned for its inclusion of public art at its developments has paid homage to the history of the site with the artistic display for Safford Park. The entranceway to the development will be home to two oversized fountain pen nibs, while further nods to the Parker Pen history will be seen in pen lid shaped bollards and nib shaped railings that will be installed across the site. Nicholas Harris, CEO at Stonewater said: “We’re hugely proud to have reached our 5000th home achievement and at such a fantastic development at Safford Park, which really showcases the quality of sustainable homes we have built over the last seven years. Achieving this significant milestone is a testament to the team and our partners that have worked with us across every project that Stonewater has delivered to get us to this point.” Jonathan Layzell, Executive Director – Development at Stonewater “The site in Newhaven is incredibly important, not only to the local area where affordable housing is needed, but also to our overall mission to delivering good quality homes to people who need them most. “While we take a moment to celebrate the work that has got us to this point, we also look forward, as a team, to the next milestone, and beyond.” Paul Boswell, Mayor of Newhaven said: “I was delighted to be asked to attend the ceremony to mark the construction of the Stonewater’s 5000th home. The development in Newhaven is an attractive mix of houses and apartments of various sizes. New homes in our town are in high demand and I’m sure it won’t be long before all these quality properties are fully occupied. Harvey Dhami, Deputy Regional Director at The Hill Group comments: “We would like to congratulate Stonewater for achieving this impressive milestone and are delighted that homes at our Safford Park development have contributed to the 5,000 new homes provided. These energy efficient homes will deliver much needed affordable housing for the local community at Newhaven and ensure current and future generations can enjoy living in a high-quality sustainable home.” The development also provided opportunities for engagement with the local community. Strong links were established with students studying construction at Sussex College, who were invited to attend regular site visits and meet staff working on site, while children at the local primary school were involved in a poster competition showcasing what they like about their local area, with the winning posters displayed on site. The Hill Group also employed a number of local students at the site and plumbing apprentice, Kai Sol was presented with a new tool bag as a sign of appreciation for his involvement in the project at the opening event.
Host of digital and people-centric solutions launched at flagship annual customer and partner event series CEO keynote lays out how adopting existing technologies at scale will help bolster energy security, resilience and decarbonization Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today kicked off its Innovation Summit World Tour 2022 with a passionate call to address the triple crisis – energy, economic and climate – facing governments, businesses and consumers around the globe, and setting out its approach and solutions as to how to do this. “In a time of global crisis, we must have complete clarity on our journey and destination. The current energy crisis is only the tip of the iceberg,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO of Schneider Electric. “With energy demand globally anticipated to grow three-fold in the next 30 years, it’s vital that we deploy all the technologies that are already available now to accelerate electrification, digitization, and sustainability.” Mr Tricoire was speaking at the start of what is Schneider Electric’s flagship annual customer event series in October and November, during which the company will unveil numerous innovative new product, software and service offerings that address the pressing environmental and social issues arising from the energy crisis and climate change. His comments come hot on the heels of Climate Week NYC, where Schneider Electric’s Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, called for more attention to be paid to the often still underestimated demand-side of energy crisis — in other words, how much energy is consumed in the first place. The company’s Schneider Electric Research Institute team issued a first of its kind quantitative study demonstrating the potential of available technologies, which, if combined and deployed at scale has the potential to lower carbon emissions by two-thirds by 2030, while generating massive savings on energy spend for building dwellers (up to 70%). Schneider has long advocated for urgent, concerted action to reduce energy waste, invest in renewables, electrify and digitalize energy ecosystems, and ensure that all this is done with economic and people welfare in mind. The company is widely recognized as a leader on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and its products, services and other activities help customers, suppliers, business partners and communities further their own progress on those fronts. Schneider will announce a raft of innovations at its Innovation Summit World Tour. Full details of the news from the Energy Management division can be found here and innovations in the Industrial Automation space can be found here. Following local events in Middle East and Africa, Singapore, China and Belgium, the Innovation Summit World Tour commences on October 12th with a global keynote address and press conference, and then moves on to: USA (Las Vegas) – 12th -13th October UK & Ireland (London, Coventry, Leeds, Galway) – 20th October Argentina – 25th – 26th October Indonesia (Jakarta) – 2nd -3rd November Hong Kong – 8th November With sustainability at its core, and to celebrate and champion initiatives around the world, Schneider also announced its Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards, designed to recognize the critical role customers and suppliers play in delivering a more resilient and sustainable world. Understanding that our successful partners and suppliers will set the precedent for others to follow in their footsteps, the program hopes to deliver significant impact through considered sustainable and efficient practices. Nominations are now open, and the deadline for submissions is November 25.
