Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

MAYPLAS ADDS NEW PASSIVE FIRE, ACOUSTIC AND THERMAL PRODUCTS TO HOUSEBUILDER RANGE

 

Mayplas, a specialist in passive fire protection, acoustic and thermal insulation for the housebuilding industry, has introduced two new products.  The new Party Wall Head Cap System and Therma Soffit add to Mayplas’ comprehensive portfolio of products for timber and masonry frame applications.

 

The new Party Wall Head System provides fire protection compartmentation at the party wall junction.  Installed together as per Mayplas’ Installation Guide, the two-component system – a party wall head cap and a tile batten barrier, achieves 60 minutes fire integrity and insulation tested to the principles of EN 1363-1:2012 and EOTA TR31:2008 and independently assessed in accordance with BS 476-20:1987 and BS 476-22:1987.  The system addresses Building Regulations requirements to maintain the continuity of fire resistance between a compartment party wall and the underside of the roof covering, so preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

 

Mayplas’ new Therma Soffit product also works at the party wall junction providing thermal insulation within the soffit. It is available in two thicknesses, 100mm and 150mm, facilitating required thermal resistance values (Approved Document L) and providing resistance to the passage of sound synonymous with stone mineral wool insulation (Approved Document E).

 

These new products join Mayplas’ MP552 Cavity Stop Socks, MP556 Fire Stop Slab, MP551 Timber Frame Cavity Barriers and MP557 Acoustic Party Wall DPC Cavity Carrier, all recently tested to BS EN 1366-4:2021, to meet a wide range of housebuilders’ specialist insulation needs.

 

“Builders are putting fire safety first and foremost.  Our new Party Wall Head System together with our existing passive fire protection range addresses that need,” explains Michael Hunter, Mayplas’ Technical Director.

 

“We now provide a comprehensive solution for realising passive fire protection, for reducing heat loss and for minimising sound transmission in both timber frame and masonry construction to help housebuilders create protected, energy-efficient and comfortable homes.”

 

 

 

CLICK HERE for the new technical data sheets

 

 

 

 

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INNOVATIVE DPM AND ACOUSTIC UNDERLAY SYSTEM MEETS BRIEF FOR THE OCTAGON

 

CMS Danskin Acoustics’ innovative REGUPOL moisture vapour suppressant, adhesive and acoustic underlay system has been used in the world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building, The Octagon, in the heart of Birmingham.

 

Part of the £1.2 billion Paradise development and rising to a height of 49 storeys and 155 metres, The Octagon is Birmingham’s tallest building and features 370 purpose-designed Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes. Backed by Singapore-based City Developments Ltd and Paradise developer and asset manager MEPC, the £110 million project has been designed by Birmingham-based architects Howells with construction undertaken by high-rise specialist Midgard, part of the JRL Group.

 

CMS Danskin Acoustics’ REGUPOL barrier 99-201 moisture vapour suppressant has been applied to the floor screed across all of The Octagon’s 49 storeys to provide a damp proof membrane.  This water based, low VOC barrier is supplied ready-for-use and is easy to use.  Its colour change technology demonstrates when the product is ready for adhesive application.  Suitable for heated concrete and sand cement screeds, it is extremely fast drying – as quick as 30 minutes, depending on environmental conditions.

 

REGUPOL sonus multi 3

 

REGUPOL barrier 99-201 is designed to work with a full surface coating of REGUPOL adhesive 43-105 as part of the installation of the acoustic flooring system.  For The Octagon, CMS Danskin Acoustics supplied REGUPOL sonus multi 3, a tough and resilient acoustic underlay which attenuates impact sound beneath a range of floor finishes to deliver exceptional acoustic performance.

 

Independent test data shows that REGUPOL sonus multi 3 meets the requirements of Approved Document E (England & Wales), Technical Booklet G (Northern Ireland) and Section 5 (Scotland) on certain floors.  It is widely used in developments where effective sound control is essential such as apartments, hotels, education and leisure buildings.  It is manufactured using 72% pre-consumer recycled content.

 

 

 

 

“Our specification team worked with the Midgard team to derive the system to meet the acoustic requirements for this landmark residential building,” explains Institute of Acoustics Affiliate Mike Doward of CMS Danskin Acoustics.  “The REGUPOL DPM, adhesive and acoustic underlay system is highly innovative, so it’s good to see it used for such a substantial and prestigious development as The Octagon at Paradise Birmingham.”

 

REGUPOL sonus multi 3 is suitable for floor finishes such as: vinyl sheeting; luxury vinyl tiles (LVT); carpet; tiles, including ceramic, granite, stone and marble; wooden and laminate-based flooring and is suitable for underfloor heating.

 

Following the building’s ‘Topping Out’ in September 2024, the first of The Octagon’s BTR apartments will become available from late summer 2025.  It is an integral part of Birmingham’s £1.2 billion Paradise estate being brought forward by a Joint Venture between Birmingham City Council and Federated Hermes and its development arm MEPC. It is delivering eight new buildings and three new public squares in the heart of the city, with five buildings already complete or about to complete along with a renewed Chamberlain Square and Centenary Way.

 

CMS Danskin Acoustics, part of The Performance Technology Group, produces and sources insulation products advising on all matters relating to sound proofing materials and noise reduction strategies, including floors, ceilings and walls, to combat airborne and impact noise. Recent notable projects include the W Hotel in Edinburgh, St Catharine’s College in Cambridge and 38 Berkeley Square in London.

For more information, please visit:

www.cmsdanskin.co.uk

www.midgard.ltd.uk

www.paradisebirmingham.co.uk

 

 

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Are you ready to enrol in the Siderise Academy?

With competency under the spotlight, it is important that all construction professionals have easy access to high quality educational opportunities. Siderise Academy is a new online learning platform designed to help the industry build its understanding of passive fire protection and acoustics in the built environment. Featuring RIBA-certified CPDs and ASFP-verified modules, it can support the creation of safe, comfortable and compliant buildings designed to last.
 Created by learning and technical experts at the global manufacturer of high-performance passive fire protection, acoustic and insulation solutions, Siderise Academy offers a range of on-demand courses, webinars and CPD modules that are accessible on any device with an internet connection. These are supported with reading materials and interactive quizzes and assessments designed to test your knowledge and reinforce your learning.
 With RIBA-certified CPDs and passive fire protection modules verified by the ASFP, the content aligns with high industry standards and can be used as part of the ASFP Competency Pathway. Once a course or webinar is completed, users can download a certificate of completion, enabling them to document their learning and provide evidence that they are taking steps to maintain their competence through continuous learning and development.
 Elan Penn, Training Manager at Siderise, spoke of the significance of the new platform:
“Launching the Siderise Academy marks a key milestone in our mission to ‘Go Beyond, contributing to safer buildings.’ Both passive fire protection and acoustics are incredibly complex areas of construction and it is important that industry professionals have the right background knowledge to ensure the approaches and solutions they are using are the best practice for their projects, supporting both safety and regulatory compliance. Through this platform, we hope to better share the knowledge and experience of our technical experts, with even more valuable courses and modules set to be released over the coming year.”
 Siderise Academy has launched with three foundational courses and insightful webinars, enabling you to start your journey to a better understanding of passive fire protection and acoustics from today.

CLICK HERE to sign up for your free account

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Single Regulator Welcome News, but…..

The Government’s support for the creation of a new single construction regulator is welcome news, but it needs to go further to create a full licensing scheme for building companies, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Report.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The Grenfell Tower inquiry report has a crucial role to play in ensuring lessons are learnt about building safety. The Government’s decision to act on all 58 recommendations set out in the report is welcome news, particularly the decision to create a new single construction regulator to make sure those responsible for building safety are fully accountable. This is something the FMB fully supports. However, a vital step to deliver long-term change must be the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure domestic building companies have proven minimum competence. Currently anyone can call themselves a builder and this can’t be right, particularly for those working in the domestic building sector.”

Berry continued: “The development of a minimum competency scheme for builders of major construction projects was a key recommendation of the inquiry. This needs to be extended to all construction workers. If we think the situation is challenging for Tier 1 firms, the picture for small building companies and sole-traders is even less clear, given they don’t have inhouse resources for training and HR. The Government now has the opportunity to work with the construction sector to introduce a full licensing scheme for building companies, which will help drive up standards and make construction safer for both builders and consumers.”

 

Source: Federation of Master Builders

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The New Road Map for Timber

Increase of domestic timber to boost UK economy and housebuilding

New vision by government to deliver on its Plan for Change by increasing timber use in construction and boosting economic growth.

A new roadmap to get Britain building with the use of sustainable and low carbon building materials, will help solve the housing crisis and achieve 2050 net zero targets.

New, ambitious plans to increase the use of timber in construction to boost the domestic timber industry, economic growth, rural jobs and housebuilding targets, have been announced by Environment Minister Mary Creagh today (Thursday 27th February) at the Timber in Construction (TiC) Summit in London.

The government has outlined new methods to deliver on its Plan for Change that will help to build 1.5million sustainable and affordable homes, create a low-waste circular construction sector and drive further investment into domestic timber and wood-processing supply chains.

Speaking at the TiC Summit, Minister Creagh confirmed the government will recommit to the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which outlines measures to increase the use of timber in the construction sector.

Using timber in construction is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from buildings. Around 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the built environment, and larger buildings can store up to 400% more carbon when built out of engineered timber products compared to when built with concrete. Currently only 80% of the timber the UK uses is imported.

The new Timber in Construction Roadmap outlines more ambitious Government priorities and key actions including:

  • Encouraging the use of sustainable, low carbon building materials, and ensuring carbon emissions are considering during the design, construction and use of buildings.
  • Fulfilling the Government’s commitment to delivering 1.5m homes this Parliament by using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) including the use of timber, to boost productivity in housebuilding and deliver high quality, energy efficient new homes.
  • Creating a circular economy by championing timber’s potential for a clean growth future – supporting the construction sector to use the most sustainable, low carbon materials and construction techniques.
  • Accelerating economic growth by creating new and diverse green jobs in the productive forestry and timber sectors, as well as stimulating further investment into domestic timber and wood processing supply chains.

These actions will go alongside recommitting to existing plans such as promoting timber as a construction material, boosting skills and capacity across the supply chain and increasing the supply of sustainable timber products.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh said:

“This Government is getting Britain building.

“Our Plan for Change will build 1.5 million homes this Parliament. Timber will play a vital role benefitting development and nature.”

Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford said:

”To reach net zero, we must increase timber production from homegrown trees and use that timber in our buildings to sequester carbon. The Timber in Construction Roadmap will propel forestry production in England to ensure timber security, reduce our dependence on imports, and address the nature crisis by boosting biodiversity, improving water quality, and providing more green spaces for people.

“The Forestry Commission will continue to collaborate closely with partners from the timber, forestry, and construction sectors in this critical area of work for many years ahead”.

Alex Goodfellow, Chair of the Confederation of Timber Industries, and CEO of Donaldson Offsite said:

“The Minister’s support for the Timber in Construction Roadmap shows the Government’s firm commitment to a growth agenda: growth for forestry, for housing, for low-carbon skills and for the economy. The timber supply chain is a major economic player in the UK, connecting rural and urban environments.

“Timber frame construction is a well-proven technology and business model for delivering houses rapidly and sustainably while improving quality.  By accelerating this growth we can build more low-carbon housing today while providing a market pull for expanding forests. As a supply chain we will support the Government to deliver on all of the goals in the Roadmap and help build a more sustainable future.”

The amended Roadmap goes further than previous Government commitments, setting out more ambitious targets and actions to increase the use of homegrown timber in construction in a move to reduce carbon emissions, provide green jobs of the future, create affordable and sustainable housing, and drive-up economic growth.

Increasing the domestic production of timber will create new green jobs in the forestry and wood processing sectors, which contribute over £3bn to the UK economy.

Source: Gov.UK

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Tough new reforms to fix building safety

Government responds in full to Grenfell Tower Inquiry, setting out tough new reforms to fix building safety and strengthen accountability

In the full response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report today (26 February), the government has accepted the findings and sets out its plans to act on all 58 recommendations.

  • Sweeping construction, building and fire safety reforms set out as government accepts findings and takes action on all 58 recommendations in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report
  • Tough new rules on construction product safety, backed by a strengthened regulator to stamp out bad practice and drive higher standards
  • Debarment investigations to be launched for seven organisations named in the report using tough new procurement powers
  • Stronger, more enhanced protections for social tenants, including by empowering them to challenge landlords and demand safe, high-quality housing

Tough new reforms to ensure all homes are safe, secure and built to the highest standards will benefit millions of people across the country as the government takes decisive action to tackle the failures that led to the devastating Grenfell Tower tragedy – which resulted in the loss of lives of 72 innocent people.

In the full response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report today (26 February), the government has accepted the findings and sets out its plans to act on all 58 recommendations, driving a sweeping transformation to enhance building and fire safety standards.

Under the proposals, industry will be held to account for failure, with new regulatory measures to prevent a tragedy like the events at Grenfell Tower from ever happening again.

The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

The Grenfell Tower tragedy claimed 72 innocent lives in a disaster that should never have happened. The final report exposed in stark and devastating detail the shocking industry behaviour and wider failures that led to the fire, and the deep injustices endured by the bereaved, survivors, and residents.

We are acting on all of the Inquiry’s findings, and today set out our full response, detailing the tough action we are taking to drive change and reform the system to ensure no community will ever have to face a tragedy like Grenfell ever again.

That means greater accountability, stronger regulation, and putting residents at the heart of decision-making. We must deliver the fundamental change required. We owe that to the Grenfell community, to the country, and to the memory of those who lost their lives.

The Grenfell Inquiry’s final report exposed a system that ignored safety risks and failed to listen to residents. The report laid bare ‘systemic dishonesty’ in the industry, failures in the construction sector and by successive governments, and poor regulation in the run up to the disaster.

The government has apologised on behalf of the British state for its part in these failings and introduced significant changes to fix the worst issues exposed by the tragedy.

Reforms set out today include:

  • A new single construction regulator to ensure those responsible for building safety are held to account.
  • Tougher oversight of those responsible for testing and certifying, manufacturing and using construction products with serious consequences for those who break the rules.
  • A legal duty of candour through a new Hillsborough Law, compelling public authorities to disclose the truth, ensuring transparency in major incidents, and holding those responsible for failures to account.
  • Stronger, clearer, and enforceable legal rights for residents, making landlords responsible for acting on safety concerns.
  • Empowering social housing residents to challenge landlords and demand safe, high-quality housing, by expanding the Four Million Homes training programme. Make it easier for tenants to report safety concerns and secure landlord action by taking forward the Make Things Right campaign.
  • Ensuring lasting transparency and accountability by creating a publicly accessible record of all public inquiry recommendations.

As well as changes in regulation, in December 2024, the government launched its Remediation Acceleration Plan which sets out tough new measures to get buildings fixed quicker and ensure rogue freeholders are held to account.

Building Safety Minister Alex Norris said:

The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy, and the failings it exposed demanded fundamental change.

Our response today to the Inquiry’s findings sets out a comprehensive plan to reform the construction sector, strengthen oversight and make sure that residents are the priority when deciding on building safety issues.

We will continue working closely with industry, local authorities and the Grenfell community to make sure these reforms deliver real, lasting change and rebuild trust.

Supplier Accountability

Today the government set out the next steps of its review to identify where the Inquiry’s report found failings by specific named organisations in relation to the Grenfell fire.

New powers under the Procurement Act will be used to investigate seven of the organisations criticised in the report. If certain grounds are met, their names will be added to a published debarment list which must be taken into account by contracting authorities when awarding new contracts.

A legacy of justice for the Grenfell community

The government remains fully committed to supporting the bereaved families, survivors and residents long-term, as well as to working with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission to ensure a fitting and lasting memorial, determined by the community. This will serve as a permanent tribute to honour those lives lost and those whose lives were changed forever.

The transformation set out today is not only about fixing the failures of the past but about ensuring a safer future for generations to come. The highest safety standards will be embedded into the 1.5 million homes the government is committed to delivering this Parliament, ensuring that every new home meets robust safety requirements.

The government response makes clear there is still much more to do and is committed to taking decisive action in response to every recommendation.

 

Source: Gov.uk

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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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