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UK PLAN FOR REGIONAL ENERGY DEVOLUTION


Chris Goggin provides an overview of plans to devolve regional energy decision making to local authorities. What this action could mean for wider national NetZero objectives and what potential effects on local fuel options will be explored. This article will pose questions as to this – will the introduction of a new decentralised system will be successful or not?

 

A full plan to devolve power to a local level has been published by the current UK government entitled: “English Devolution Whitepaper.” The document details how the current centralized UK government system can transition into a more fluid and localized form of governance that is more sensitive to regional requirements.

 

Currently all major decision making relating to regional and local policy is set by centralized government agencies. Future devolved regional authorities will be more aware of local demands and will provide relevant solutions designed to interact with the local environment and economy. Town mayors could become pivotal figures in policy enforcement.

 

Devolution in the UK is not a new concept and at one point in recent history the UK employed a decentralised system of local governance. Upon Margert Thatcher becoming Prime Minister in 1979 the then Conservative government began decentralising local authorities and began transferring regional and local decision making towards Whitehall.

 

An article published on the BBC website on the 14th of December 2024 describes how and why the current UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is keen on introducing local mayors equipped with powers that can immediately stimulate economic growth. Within the interview Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner described the UK as the “most centralised country in Europe and pledged to end micromanaging by central government.”

 

The BBC article continues: “Under the proposals, the government also wants to merge areas where there are currently two tiers of local authority – smaller district and larger county councils – in a bid to streamline services.”

 

The “English Devolution Whitepaper” details new powers regional authorities will hold regarding localized energy matters:

 

  • Control of retrofit funding as part of the Integrated Settlements, providing a strengthened route to local delivery of the Warm Homes Plan.
  • Strategic Authorities will have a strategic role in the delivery of the Great British Energy Local Power Plans, delivering local sustainable energy generation.
  • They will also have a role in the wider energy system, delivering our transition to Net Zero, become the zoning co-ordinators for local heat networks, and with their plans taken into account in the National Energy System Operators’ Regional Energy Strategic Plans.
  • Finally, we will expand Strategic Authorities’ role in leading Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

 

Two UK areas that have been granted evolution are York and North Yorkshire who have combined to create the YNYCA (York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority) and have been overlooking local and regional matters since 2022. The YNYCA is committed to becoming a NetZero region by 2034 and carbon negative by 2040.

 

To achieve this objective the YNYCA has launched several initiatives that will assist in reducing the region’s carbon load. In 2023 a NetZero fund consisting of £7 million was made available to carbon reducing projects across the region. The YNYCA have also launched the £10 million Carbon Negative Challenge Fund which is designed to accelerate the introduction of carbon reducing technology and systems. The scheme was set up in 2024 and will run to 2028. Devolution has enabled local funding to be directed towards localized issues.

 

A part of this funding focuses on decarbonising commercial buildings with a selection of energies and technologies including heat pumps and green hydrogen. This will ensure that localized gas consumption is reduced whilst still being able to utilise current infrastructure.

 

Within the idea of decentralizing decision making in English regions the issue of energy could present a variety of challenges towards national NetZero aims. UK energy decisions are currently made up by a national government that views energy distribution along national requirements – not regional.

 

For example, the rural east of England is made up of vast amounts of flat farmland which has access to regular sunlight. These conditions mean the area is ideal for solar power generation. Coastal areas with steep inclines will be better suited towards offshore and onshore wind manufacturing. Yet both landscapes are currently reliant

on natural gas for energy customers who reside in these areas.

 

In a decentralized approach the region’s requirements will be considered. For example, if a natural gas based northwestern UK industrial city gains access to a successful hydrogen economy, hydrogen could become the easiest way to heat homes and businesses.

 

Although devolution can be regarded as a more informed and fluid form of governance potential friction between national NetZero goals and local energy demands could become apparent.

 

What happens if a certain area authority prefers to use cost effective but environmentally harmful natural gas instead of renewables? What happens if an economically split region adopts an expensive decarbonising solution? And what happens if new and stringent NetZero aims are introduced forcing national government to enforce devolved councils to adopt certain strategies not consistent with their own.

 

Future legislation could be approved at a local and regional level across the UK soon, meaning that energy options could become far more relevant to the constituent. This means that local authorities will be pressured into delivering what is popular with constituents, not what is necessary for the region.

 

The UK would prefer a form of decentralised authority that is free from problems faced by the French model of regional power. Because power has been divided between a number of decentralised entities, French local authorities are part of an overly complex structure of governance with many financial routes making fiscal accounting difficult.

 

Devolving regions to govern local energy affairs is in theory a good idea that negates poor solution selections that do not meet local customer and infrastructural requirements. However, there is a possibility for future friction regarding national NetZero aims, local energy options and therefore costs that could arise from a UK decentralized energy approach.

 

National NetZero objectives are currently enshrined in law and therefore have to be obeyed – however, an approach that is centred on regional autonomy cannot comply with previously agreed policy that is supposed to affect national energy options. The two ideas would appear to be incohesive.

 

Constituents in the regions and cities could potentially demand energies that will have to be delivered even if those sources of power are negatively considered. Town mayors and locals alike will hold power in decision making regarding these issues – it is highly likely that cost will be the principal concern that dominates energy usage approval.

 

Rinnai offers a selection of technologies capable of accepting a variety of energies that are to be included within the UK energy mix and are currently being used in domestic and commercial applications. Rinnai will continue to search for and present solutions to UK customers who require decarbonising technology.

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON & DECARBONISATION

PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC &

OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

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Small Nuclear Reactors: Starmer will say ‘No’ to the Blockers

The UK Government has announced a game-changing initiative to fast-track nuclear power projects across England and Wales.

By cutting red tape and streamlining planning regulations, the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change aims to boost energy security, drive investment, and create thousands of highly skilled jobs in the nation’s nuclear energy sector.

These reforms will pave the way for a new generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), ensuring cleaner, more affordable energy for homes and businesses.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. We’ve been let down and left behind.

“Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.

“I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.”

Unlocking the potential of small modular reactors

For the first time, SMRs will be included in UK nuclear power planning rules, allowing for quicker approval and construction.

Unlike traditional nuclear plants, these smaller reactors are more cost-effective, faster to build, and can be placed near energy-intensive industries such as AI data centres.

Previously, nuclear development was limited to just eight designated sites, a restriction unchanged since 2011.

The government’s new approach will eliminate this limitation, enabling UK nuclear power projects to be developed in a broader range of locations across England and Wales.

Breaking down barriers to investment

Historically, the UK has struggled to maintain progress in nuclear power expansion. Despite being the first country to develop a nuclear reactor, the last operational plant was built in 1995.

Today, only Hinkley Point C is under construction, delayed by extensive regulations, including a 30,000-page environmental assessment required for planning approval.

Meanwhile, global competitors like China and the EU are surging ahead, constructing multiple new reactors to secure energy independence.

To turn the tide, the UK Government is introducing a series of regulatory changes, including:

  • Expanding site eligibility: UK nuclear power projects will no longer be limited to an outdated list of eight designated locations.
  • Eliminating expiry dates: Long-term nuclear projects will no longer risk cancellation due to arbitrary deadlines.
  • Introducing a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce: Reporting directly to the Prime Minister, this new taskforce will streamline processes, attract investment, and ensure safety and efficiency in the nuclear sector.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added: “Build, build, build – that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about.

“The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long – and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity.  Nuclear power creates thousands of skilled jobs. That is what this government will deliver.”

Faster approvals, cheaper energy bills

With UK nuclear power among the most expensive energy sources to develop, the taskforce will focus on reducing costs and cutting through bureaucratic delays.

By aligning UK regulations with international standards, reactor designs approved abroad could be fast-tracked for domestic use, reducing expensive modifications.

The government will also address regulatory overlap to prevent unnecessary duplication across multiple oversight bodies.

Ensuring safety and community engagement

Despite efforts to streamline approval processes, strict safety and environmental standards will remain in place.

Developers will need to meet rigorous criteria on site selection, avoiding densely populated and military areas.

Public engagement will also be a key requirement to ensure transparency and community support for new UK nuclear power projects.

The future of UK nuclear power

By reforming outdated regulations and investing in advanced nuclear technologies, the UK is poised to become a global leader in clean, independent energy.

These changes will accelerate project timelines, boost domestic manufacturing, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.

With an efficient planning framework and a strong commitment to innovation, UK nuclear power is set to play a crucial role in the nation’s long-term energy security and economic growth.

Source: Innovation News

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FUTUREBUILD ARENA PROGRAMME 2025


FUTUREBUILD ARENA PROGRAMME 2025

CHALLENGES INDUSTRY TO LEAD ON CLIMATE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

 

Celebrating two decades of supporting positive change in the built environment, Futurebuild 2025 will be focusing on the theme of “impact”, with the Futurebuild Arena programme asking us all to question: Where are we today? Are we making the progress we need? What must we now do?

 

The Futurebuild Arena

Curated by The Edge and sponsored by heat pump experts Mitsubishi Electric, the CPD-accredited Futurebuild Arena sessions will explore how all who work in the built and natural environments can make an impact to achieve net zero. Central to this is how to achieve a vibrant circular economy that works within planetary boundaries, how to achieve social justice and fair use of resources.

Bringing together a distinguished line-up of industry leaders, each session will examine the decisive actions that are now needed with no more delays.

Day 1 – Putting Circularity And Reuse At The Heart Of Living And Working

The opening day sets the stage with strategies and real-world examples of embedding circularity in the built environment. Leading experts include:

  • Tina Paillet, Past President of RICS and Co-founder of Circotrade will chair a debate on making the circular economy a reality.
  • Sophie Thomas, Founding Partner and Chief Technology Officer, etsaW Venture, explores innovative material reuse.
  • Duncan Baker-Brown, Practicing Architect, Academic, Environmental Activist and long-term advocate for the circular economy, will explain why designers can put circularity and reuse at the heart of what we do.
  • Rachel Sayers, Partner, FCB Studios will look at real-world challenges and solutions for driving impactful change

Day 2: Sustainability, Social Justice, and Transition

The second day reminds us of global commitments and national challenges. Highlights include:

  • Baroness Young of Old Scone will Chair a debate on why we need a land use framework with Dani Arribas-Bel, Alan Turing Institute, Maya Singer, IPPR, Stephen King, London Councils and Stephen Hill of C2O futureplanners.
  • Cressida Curtis, Group Sustainability Director at Wates, Saul Humphrey, Vice President, Chartered Institute of Building and Will Arnold, Institute of Structural Engineers will assess progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals to be delivered by 2030 in a discussion chaired by Sue Riddletone, Bioregional.
  • Richard Simmons, Visiting Professor, UCL, Yolande Barnes, Professor of Real Estate, UCL,  Flora Samuel, Professor of Architecture, University of Cambridge and Alan Law, Chief Strategy Officer, Natural England follow a keynote by Housing Minister, Baroness Taylor to explore how we can tackle the polycrisis by fixing housing, climate, nature and health at the same time.

Day 3: Making It Happen

The final day promises to empower attendees with insights and actionable steps to implement sustainable solutions, featuring:

  • David Partridge, Chairman, NZCBS and Related Argent and Jess Hrivnak, RIBA, each chair a session on the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard on which much expectation for really achieving net zero rests.
  • Lord Matthew Taylor with  Hugh Ellis, Director of Policy, Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), Jackie Sadek, Chair, UK Innovation Corridor, Clare Warburton, Natural England, Judith Sykes, Useful Simple Trust and Expedition, examine what the New Towns Taskforce should consider to deliver the best outcomes.
  • Smith Mordak, UKGBC with James Low, Global Head of Responsible Business, Mace,  Polly Turton, Head of Climate Action and Public Health at Love Design Studio/Shade the UK and Anusha Shah, Senior Director, Resilient Cities and UK Climate Adaptation Lead – Arcadis, Immediate Past President ICE, Tadj Oreszczyn, Energy Institute and Dr Emily Nurse, Head of Net Zero,Climate Change Committee, will look back and look forward to consider if we are doing enough.

The full programme can be found here with speaker details and biographies.

 

“As a global leader in sustainable technology, Mitsubishi Electric is delighted to sponsor the Futurebuild Arena Programme 2025. The conference aligns with our commitment to driving innovation and building meaningful collaboration,” said Rachel Lekman of Mitsubishi Electric UK. “The built environment has a crucial role in addressing climate change and social justice, and by bringing together thought leaders and industry experts, the Futurebuild Arena will empower all of us to take bold, actionable steps towards a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.”

 

Futurebuild 2025 offers professionals the chance to hear from leading voices, gain considered insights, and help drive the change our industry urgently needs.  The aim of the conference is that attendees should leave feeling more empowered and inspired to make changes to support the environment in their own work.

 

Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, eagerly anticipates the event:

“The launch of the Futurebuild Arena Programme marks a pivotal moment as we celebrate 20 years of driving sustainability in the built environment. This year’s sessions will challenge us all to confront the urgency of the climate crisis and explore bold, actionable solutions that will have a real, tangible impact. With just five years until 2030, the time for decisive action is now.”

 

Don’t miss out on Futurebuild 2025 – the platform for knowledge, solutions and inspiration. Whether exploring decarbonisation strategies, tackling affordability challenges, or engaging with future-ready materials, join us and be part of the change.

Join the movement and make your impact – Register here.

 

 

 

 

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Ideal Heating expands Expert Academy On-Demand platform to enhance offer to installers

 

Ideal Heating has announced an expansion of its Expert Academy On-Demand platform, with the launch of new digital training courses.

These new courses include comprehensive product training for both the Ideal Logic Air and HP290 air source heat pumps. Each course delivers detailed, step-by-step guidance on installation, commissioning and controls. With their modular format, installers can either complete the full training series or access specific chapters as an on-site reference guide.

Complementing the product training, Expert Academy has also launched a new introductory F-Gas course. Through a series of concise videos, this course covers essential aspects of F-Gas regulations, available training pathways and qualification options, as well as key processes and tools specific to heat pump installation and maintenance.

This expanded training content underlines Ideal Heating’s commitment to leading the UK’s transition to low carbon heating solutions.

The expansion follows the recent success of Ideal’s Expert Academy training arm in its first Ofsted inspection, which highlighted its excellence in delivering comprehensive heat pump installation training and preparing installers for the growing demands of renewable heating technology.

Each course has been specifically designed to provide installers with practical knowledge through bite-sized, accessible modules, completely free of charge.

It means installers have more flexibility and choice, than ever before, to gain new skills and learn in a way that fits around their diaries.

The new digital courses are the latest additions to the industry-leading provision offered by Expert Academy, Ideal Heating’s training arm.

Andrew Johnson, Training Director at Ideal Heating, said:

“This latest expansion of our Expert Academy On-Demand platform represents another step in our commitment to supporting heating installers.

“We’re investing significantly in training and development to ensure installers have the skills for both today and for the UK’s net-zero future.

“Our digital platform makes this vital knowledge accessible to everyone, whether they’re new to the industry or experienced engineers looking to expand into renewable technologies.

“By combining the new F-Gas overview course with our existing Introduction to Air Source Heat Pumps programme, we’re creating a comprehensive pathway for installers to confidently enter the heat pump market.”

The three new courses launched by Expert Academy On-Demand are:

  • An overview to F-Gas
  • Logic Air Product Training
  • HP290 Product Training

This latest development builds upon the successful launch of the Introduction to Air Source Heat Pumps course in September 2024.

The foundational course, developed in partnership with BPEC, has already helped numerous installers begin their journey into renewable heating technology through 11 comprehensive modules, covering everything from refrigerant operation to electrical considerations.

The new digital courses are part of a broader collection being developed by Expert Academy, with further releases planned throughout 2025.

The expanded digital training provision also builds on a landmark year in 2024 for Expert Academy, which saw several significant milestones, including:

  • Training over 3,000 installers through in-person courses, with an exceptional 94% satisfaction rate of five out of five.
  • Expanding its UK-wide training locations to more than 30 facilities, including 12 new centres opened in 2024.
  • Winning multiple industry accolades, including the prestigious BESA Training Provider of the Year award.

The digital provision complements in-person courses delivered at Ideal Heating’s training centres, including its state-of-the-art facilities in Hessle, East Yorkshire, and Dunstable, near Luton.

Expert Academy also has a growing network of satellite and partner centres located across the UK, as it takes its best-in-class training offering to the doorstep of installers everywhere.

You can access the Expert Academy On-Demand platform by CLICKING HERE

 

 

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From Brownfield to Magic Gardens

(L-R): City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing,
Councillor Steve Evans, and Morro Partnerships Managing Director, Tom Broadway at the Magic Gardens site in Bushbury
The first new council homes are springing out of the ground at two small derelict brownfield sites in Wolverhampton.

City of Wolverhampton Council appointed contractor Morro Partnerships Limited to build 8 bungalows at the ‘Magic Gardens’ site off Sandmere Rise in Bushbury and 11 houses on Ettingshall Road in Bilston.

The new ‘A’ Rated, gas free homes with solar panels, are being constructed using sustainable building methods and, following 3 months of ground works, the timber frames are now being installed at both sites.

The carbon footprint of a timber frame is less than traditional structures, and this modern method of construction also helps to reduce energy consumption, helping to keep residents’ bills to a minimum.

The council’s housing development team is leading the project, and all the homes will be available for affordable rent, with construction across both sites expected to be complete by summer 2025.

The 8 bungalows and 11 houses form part of the latest phase of new council homes coming forward across the city, with development works underway or set to start in the coming months on 81 properties across 6 sites.

‘Magic Gardens’ was historically used for organised recreational community activities but has been unused since around 2011.

The development of 7 two-bedroom houses, 2 three-bedroom houses and 2 four-bedroom houses at Ettingshall Road will bring back into use land that has been blighted by fly tipping in recent years.

Councillor Steve Evans, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said:

“One of our key priorities is to increase the number of good homes in well connected neighbourhoods across the city.

“Works are progressing well at both sites and will deliver a variety of housing types for our council homes portfolio.

“It is also another example of the council’s brownfield land first strategy bringing small disused sites back into use for the benefit of our residents and communities.

“Sustainability in build and fostering thriving communities is important to us, so our collaboration with Morro Partnerships assures both us and our future residents that their homes are future proofed in a great location.”

Tom Broadway, Managing Director at Morro Partnerships, said:

“We’re pleased to have made such great progress on these much needed homes, and to be contributing towards the increased demand for affordable housing across the city.

“Sustainability is a key part of our pledges to be better community makers and better environment makers, and to be helping to make housing more affordable, accessible and equipped for the future is rewarding.

“We’re looking forward to completing construction at these two important developments and watching them blossom into thriving communities.”

The developments will be supported by Homes England grants totalling a £1,315,000.

Source: Wolverhampton Council

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3D-Printed Social Housing Project in Just 132 Days

COBOD’s BOD2 3D construction printer was used to complete the first 3D-printed social housing project in just 132 days. Located in Dublin, Ireland, ‘Grange Close’ is a three-unit terraced social housing project with a total floor space of 330 m2 (3,552 ft2), consisting of 3 apartments spanning 110 m2 (1,184 ft2) each.

Completed in just 132 working days, including the initial site preparation to the handover of keys. When compared to the 203 days typically required for traditional construction methods, this represents a 35% reduction in build time, with approximately 50% of the time savings coming directly from 3D printing the wall system alone.

“HTL.tech is extremely proud to be the first company in Europe to build a structure that complies with the rigorous new I.S. EN ISO/ASTM 52939:2023 additive manufacturing standard, representing a significant advancement in additive construction. The COBOD BOD2 3D printer was crucial in this accomplishment, enabling us to complete the Grange Close Social Housing Scheme 35% faster than traditional methods. The BOD2 printer’s precision and efficiency, combined with complementary Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) technologies, allowed us to establish new industry standards and offer an effective means to produce high-quality, sustainable housing at an accelerated rate,” said Justin Kinsella, Director of HTl.tech.

 

Source: TechEblog

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Bringing new homes to Seaton this Spring

Award-winning developer bringing new homes to Seaton this Spring

  • 99 new homes to launch in the west Cumbrian village of Seaton in the coming months
  • Work will start just weeks after Genesis Homes commences on its 90-home development in Carlisle

Just weeks after a 90-home development in Carlisle was given the go-ahead, an established Cumbrian housebuilder is set to build a further 99 new homes.

Genesis Homes has announced it will forge ahead with plans to build close to 100 homes at its Derwent Rise development in the west Cumbrian village of Seaton in the coming months.

The development will be another major milestone for the local homebuilder after it revealed 90 new homes will be constructed at its Sandsfield Way development off Orton Road, Carlisle, starting in February.

Derwent Rise will comprise of 99 houses featuring a range of 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom properties as well as two-bedroom bungalows and is located in the centre of Seaton. There will be 18 homes allocated as affordable housing for local residents.

John Blue, Genesis Homes’ Land and Sales Director, said: “It’s an extremely exciting time for Genesis Homes as we launch brand new housing developments across Cumbria and Lancashire, and the beginning of 2025 marks a busy time as we start work on developments totalling close to 300 new homes.

“Our aim is to build high-quality homes in the most desirable locations across the North West and Derwent Rise is testament to that, boasting a coastal setting whilst also having the Lake District National Park on its doorstep.

“With great links to these areas and easy access to the A595, Whitehaven and Carlisle, there is something for everyone and we can’t wait to provide wonderful new homes in this area.”

As part of the Derwent Rise project, Genesis Homes will fund significant drainage infrastructure works to alleviate flooding risks in Seaton.

An attenuation pond will be created to provide extra drainage capacity in the village, as well as serving the development.

John said:

“Derwent Rise has been sensitively designed to complement the amazing character of this great village, and we are pleased to be providing new homes where there is a demand from local residents.”

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Groundbreaking Pattern Book for Sustainable Housing in Wales

Next-generation pattern book will help deliver more sustainable and affordable homes across Wales

Tai ar y Cyd, a collaboration of 23 Welsh social landlords, have produced a groundbreaking pattern book that will help make building homes in Wales more sustainable, energy efficient and cost effective.

It includes layouts for 15 house types and 18 variants ranging from 1-bedroom flats and 4-bedroom houses to fully wheelchair accessible bungalows and flats.

The benefits of the new pattern book include higher quality homes, economic regeneration, faster construction, use of low-carbon materials, cost certainty, reduced waste, and less disruption to communities.

A design guide is also being launched to support design teams using the pattern book with designing high quality developments that complement the local area and context.

The new homes will utilise natural materials, including timber sourced increasingly from Welsh forests and manufactured in Welsh factories where possible.

The homes are also designed to meet both Welsh Development Quality Requirements and Welsh Housing Quality Standards.

This approach ensures that investment in new homes contributes to local economic regeneration by supporting local businesses and creating green jobs and training opportunities.

The pattern book and design guide will be officially unveiled on 15 January at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea campus.

Ahead of the launch, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, visited Celtic Offsite in Caerphilly, a social enterprise within the United Welsh Group that manufactures timber homes from their factory.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“Tai ar y Cyd represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building sustainable and affordable homes here in Wales.

“We know that there is a real need for good quality and energy efficient homes across our communities and this innovative pattern book give developers the tools they need to build homes more quickly and deliver against our target of building 20,000 affordable low-carbon homes by the end of this Senedd term.

“I am proud that we have been able to support the delivery of these resources to support our local economies, grow the number of skilled jobs across Wales and increase the number of affordable homes.”

Richard Mann, Group Chief Executive of United Welsh said:

“We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our timber frame factory, Celtic Offsite.

“The standardised housing designs from Tai ar y Cyd will enable us to be more efficient in our manufacturing processes, so we can build more homes at a faster rate for housing association and local authority partners.

“We look forward to using the designs to build more much-needed homes for people to enjoy across Wales.”

The launch of Tai ar y Cyd is happening on 15th January in Swansea. Tai ar y Cyd – Delivering Net Zero Project Launch Tickets, Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 9:45 AM | Eventbrite

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Siderise completes journey to receiving CCPI mark on all core passive fire protection product ranges

 

Siderise has successfully completed the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment process for its RH Horizontal and RV Vertical Cavity Barrier for cladding applications, and CT Cavity Tray and EW Cavity Barrier and Firestop for masonry external wall systems. With approval already gained for its CW-FS Firestop range for curtain walling earlier in the year, this means all the company’s main passive fire protection ranges now carry this best-practice mark, providing greater confidence that the information surrounding them is “clear, accurate, up-to-date, accessible and unambiguous.”

To gain a CCPI mark, companies are subject to a rigorous and independent assessment process, which includes assessing that the leadership and business culture aligns with the ethos of the CCPI, as well as providing information and clear evidence of conformance to each of the Code’s applicable eleven clauses. In line with its long-term commitment to ‘integrity in all we do’, achieving CCPI conformance for these core product ranges is just one part of the Siderise’s wider strategy to support accurate specification and a safer built environment. Siderise Technical Director, Lee Nichols, explained:

“Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and particularly of Gateway 2 for higher-risk buildings (HRBs), we understand that specifiers— whether they are architects, fire engineers or contractors— must feel confident in the information they are using to make decisions and be able to access robust and assessed product data in the format they need. We have aligned getting the CCPI mark for our core products with developing a more holistic specification support package, including creating Specification Packs that summarise the relevant product information for the designated application, and building our partnership with the NBS.”

“By having our core product ranges assessed by the Code, we have not only made a commitment to continuous improvement as the product set remains registered with the CCPI, but we hope to  communicate to our customers that we are actively responding to the challenges they face when it comes to product information —helping the industry to raise its collective understanding of the crucial importance of fire safety and fire testing. ”

CLICK HERE

For more information about Siderise and to explore its product data

 

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Atlas Aquires Lendlease’s Construction Business

Lendlease and Atlas Holdings have announced they have entered into a binding agreement for the sale of Lendlease’s UK Construction business.

Under the terms of the agreement, Atlas will acquire Lendlease’s construction business and its operations including existing employees and leadership team, ensuring a seamless handover for clients and business partners.

Founded in 2002, Atlas and its affiliates own and operate 26 platform companies which employee more than 50,000 associates across 350 facilities worldwide. The firm’s businesses together generate revenues of approximately US$16 billion annually.

Atlas possesses operational expertise in the construction and manufacturing sectors; and its companies are engaged in a variety of industries including metals, wire and cable, automotive supply, building materials, construction, power generation, food production, industrial machinery and services, packaging, printing, pulp, paper and tissue.

Lendlease Group CEO Tony Lombardo said:

“This transaction builds on our progress to simplify Lendlease as we look to lower our risk profile and increase securityholder returns. It also represents a positive outcome for our talented people and our valued customers and clients, marking a new chapter under the ownership of Atlas.”

 

Peter Bacon, Atlas Operating Partner, said:

“We are excited to acquire one of the UK’s leading construction companies, which has a long track record of successfully delivering large complex projects for both private and public sector clients. We look forward to working with David Cadiot and his team continuing to build the business.”

Lendlease’s UK Construction business was founded in 1885 as Bovis Construction and acquired by Lendlease in 1999. The company has been involved in some of the UK and Europe’s most iconic construction projects including the rebuilding works of Regents Street in 1923, Lloyds of London’s City Head Quarters in 1980, the first phase of Canary Wharf in 1991 and 8 Bishopsgate in the City of London to name but a few.

Completion of the transaction is subject to conditions precedent including regulatory approvals, with completion targeted before the end of the Australian financial year in June 2025. Key contract terms remain commercial in confidence until completion of the deal.

 

Source: Lendlease

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