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FUTUREBUILD: Setting the Stage for the Future we need to Build

FUTUREBUILD 2025 WRAPS UP ANOTHER LANDMARK EVENT DRIVING INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP, AND COLLABORATION IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Futurebuild 2025 has once again proven itself as the premier event uniting the built environment, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to drive lasting change. Across three action-packed days, the event was a powerhouse of innovation, collaboration, and policy-driven action, setting the course for a more sustainable and decarbonised future.

Show Highlights: Turning Ideas into Action

From the very start, Futurebuild 2025 was not just about discussing change—it was about making it happen. The National Retrofit Conference opened with a compelling keynote from Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DESNZ, who laid out the government’s strategy for tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: retrofitting the UK’s ageing housing stock and accelerating the path to net zero. Policy discussions remained at the heart of the event, with thought leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers driving conversations on overcoming barriers and shaping a greener built environment.

But Futurebuild is about more than dialogue—it’s about action. Nowhere was this clearer than in the Big Retrofit Challenge, which saw an incredible 75 groundbreaking entries from across the sector. Seven finalists pitched live in front of an expert panel, with each securing direct meetings with contractors ready to integrate their solutions into real-world projects. This wasn’t just innovation on display; it was innovation moving into implementation.

Pushing the boundaries of possibility even further, the Big Innovation Pitch chaired by Dr Oliver Jones, Cundall put the industry’s most exciting breakthroughs in the spotlight. In a high-stakes, ‘Dragon’s Den’-style showdown, four pioneering companies went head-to-head, presenting game-changing solutions that could redefine the future of construction. Agreka Build emerged victorious, impressing the judges with their revolutionary product WHEATEX, the world’s first circular bio-based insulation board made from 100% waste wheat straw, a testament to Futurebuild’s role as a launchpad for industry-defining advancements.

The Futurebuild Arena took centre stage in driving critical conversations, with each of its three daily themes tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges. From unlocking the circular economy to accelerating net zero strategies, the Arena provided a platform for trailblazing experts like Duncan Baker Brown and the Dr David Greenfield (Circular Economy Taskforce), who delivered powerful insights on how designers, manufacturers, and policymakers can transform theory into practice. With tangible, scalable solutions now within reach, the Arena proved that sustainability is no longer an aspiration—it’s an expectation.

A Call to Action: The Future Starts Now

Reflecting on the success of this year’s event, Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, reinforced the show’s growing impact: “Futurebuild is not just a conversation—it’s action. For 20 years now, Futurebuild has been instrumental in making real progress, from groundbreaking innovations securing industry backing, to pioneering circularity solutions on the exhibition floor, and companies demonstrating tangible decarbonisation strategies. The challenge now is bringing more people on this journey. That’s why we call on the entire sector to connect, collaborate, and push forward together.”

As Futurebuild 2025 closes its doors, its legacy continues. For those who couldn’t attend every session, all event content will soon be available on-demand, ensuring that the insights, innovations, and solutions shared here continue to inspire and drive change long after the event has ended.

The momentum is building. The transformation is happening. Futurebuild 2025 has set the stage—now it’s up to us to build the future we need.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

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London’s new super sewer

Costain, as part of joint venture with VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Bachy Soletanche, was awarded the contract for the East works package of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, the UK water industry’s biggest Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) project.

The Eastern section spans six sites and 10km of tunnels. After ten years of construction, the last of 21 connections has been made between the original Victorian sewers and the new 25km Thames Tideway Tunnel, bringing the entire system online to support a growing population and economy, and protect the tidal Thames from sewage pollution.

The project is on track to be fully finished (with testing complete) later in 2025. Thames Water will then operate the system as part of its London wastewater network.  

The project

London relied on a 150-year-old sewer system built for a population less than half its current size. The system needed to be made fit for the 21st century and help prevent millions of tonnes of sewage pollution entering the river each year.
The Tideway project was tasked with designing and building tunnels to capture the capital’s wastewater and stormwater, and diverting it to treatment plants.

Costain and its JV partners have been delivering the eastern section of Tideway which consists of a tunnel from Chambers Wharf in Bermondsey to Abbey Mills Pumping Station in Stratford, along with a smaller connection tunnel from Greenwich Pumping Station to Chambers Wharf.

Our approach

Costain’s approach to production thinking – which combines modern methods of construction with new technologies – has built efficiencies into the project from the start. This included prototyping, building and testing assets before design freeze, whilst quality controls for civils and Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) tests were completed off-site before installation. The MEICA approach was based on repeatable solutions that would be straightforward for operators and maintainers to use. As such, we procured instrumentation that would run on software control blocks across the alliance of eight main works contractors, with a standardised user interface for ease of training and to promote consistency.

Collaborating at a portfolio level

The success of the project has been the result of close collaboration with Tideway and works contractors across the portfolio. Costain led the standardisation of products and design standards, including all O&M and MEICA. Bulk procurement was cost effective, and the main benefit was ensuring Tideway would be familiar with the asset at handover.

We have implemented an alliance-wide procurement strategy, promoting local sourcing throughout the project. We also maximised local spend by using a local supply chain, facilitated open competition for nearby businesses and provided clear visibility of the procurement programme.

The solution

The pumping stations at Earl and Greenwich required flows to be maintained through existing sewers during the interception works. This was achieved using precast technology and phased construction to transfer the flows from the sewer outfall through the new structure once complete. The complete works have involved installing flap valves, penstocks and passive ventilation structures.

The production thinking approach and the embedding of lean principles and efficiencies into the commissioning programme have resulted in project delivery times falling from 18 to 11 months through improving definitions and creating a targeted sequence of testing.

Building in these efficiencies has paved the way for an optimised delivery and the project is set to achieve the required dates for system commissioning, whilst the implementation of a lean construction methodology has achieved £1m in cost reductions.
Other savings have come from automating specific processes. These include method statements, red line drawing systems and improvements to timesheets, which have saved more than 6,000 hours of labour and £85,000 per year.

Key benefits

Delivering sustainable outcomes

There have been significant carbon savings across the project. On the five shafts, the concrete for the base slab has been reduced by c.55%, whilst a ground-granulated blast furnace slag using 1500m3 of concrete rather than 3500m3 and saving 750 tonnes of CO2 emissions was proposed.

The use of a thinner secondary lining has resulted in reducing the use of concrete by a fifth across the project as a whole – over 11,000m3 – and saved 4,500 tonnes in CO2 emissions. In addition, 330 fewer tonnes of steel have been used, equating to a saving of 800 tonnes in CO2.

We have also pioneered a sustainable approach to boost biodiversity and carbon reduction efforts.

Highlights include:

  • Used rainwater harvesting to save a predicted 11,678,210 litres of water during the tunnelling phase.
  • The world’s first electric hydrofraise (a rotary trench cutting machine used to dig the shaft for the main tunnel) resulted in significant reductions in carbon emissions, noise and air pollution.
  • Tideway’s More by River strategy which aimed to limit road use. Where possible, material from tunnelling work, as well as incoming construction materials including tunnel boring machines, have been moved by barges on the river rather than HGVs. By August 2024, the scheme had resulted in 5.8 million tonnes of material transported by river, 688,000 fewer HGV journeys and a reduction of 24,400 tonnes in carbon emissions (compared to the HGV equivalent).
  • Barges have also taken waste to nearby salt lagoons to support habitat creation and enable a biodiversity net gain of 6.5%.

Driving prosperity for local communities

The project has created more than 4,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly. It has offered hundreds of apprenticeships and work placements and has been committed to employing local people, women returners, ex-offenders and ex-military personnel.

Initiatives pioneered include a scheme funded by the Construction Industry Training Board that aims to get homeless and vulnerable people get back into work. It has been specifically targeted at people living in boroughs where Tideway’s main sites are based, and provides interview preparation and practice, health and safety training, work experience and a guaranteed interview for full-time employment on the Thames Tideway Tunnel.

Another programme, ‘Breaking Barriers’, has aimed to increase employability and promote careers in STEM for teenagers, whilst also channelling the focus on the river with London Youth Rowing to support young people to achieve their potential.

During certain periods, 25% of staff working on Tideway have been from the 14 local boroughs, 36% of staff in the client and programme management team have been women, and 37 people with previous convictions have been employed on the project.

 

Source: Costain

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – A construction perspective

According to International Women’s Day, for women to attain gender parity it will take over a century.   Given the well-publicised work force shortage that is one of the many trials that the construction sector is undergoing, it asks the question can construction wait that long for females to become an effective force within the sector.

We report on some of the success stories of those ladies that have already stepped into the construction limelight and the strategies that are striving to encourage others to join them.

 

HJK CONSTRUCTION

With women making up only 14% of the 2.1 million people working in UK construction and just 2% of SME housebuilding businesses owned and run by women, HJK Construction is helping to make the industry more accessible to women.

Elli Kiely, Design & Innovation Director, at HJK Construction has been appointed a Might Nine Mentor with the ‘I Am a Housebuilder’ campaign. This national initiative, launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders, aims to break down barriers for women in the construction sector and increase female representation in SME housebuilding businesses.

Speaking about the initiative, Elli Kiely said, “Across the North West during the last financial year, 17,910 properties were completed, down from 18,910 in 2022/2023. Labour has promised to deliver 370,000 homes annually across the UK, yet we’re falling significantly short. We need more skilled professionals to meet this goal, and women are key to making this happen. By increasing visibility, providing mentorship, and improving recruitment strategies, we can ensure that housebuilding becomes a more inclusive and thriving sector.”

Elli continues, “Unlocking the potential of the fantastic female talent is essential to driving innovation and boosting housing supply. HJK Construction fully supports this initiative and is committed to creating a workplace culture where women can thrive.”

The ‘I Am a Housebuilder’ Campaign aims to showcase successful women within the sector to inspire and attract more female talent, create a strong mentoring network to help women progress into leadership roles and work with trade bodies and recruitment organisations to promote careers in construction for women of all ages.

WEBSITE

CONSIDERATE CONSTRUCTORS

How the construction industry is becoming more welcoming for women

The construction industry, traditionally dominated by men, is now evolving towards greater inclusivity and diversity. Companies are actively creating inclusive workplaces that support women, recognising that diversity is key to the sector’s success—especially amid a skills shortage.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, which takes place on Saturday, 8th March 2025, Jackie Janssen, Head of Communications at the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), the champions for change in the construction industry, highlights five best practice strategies being adopted by the construction industry that are helping to make the sector more accessible to women.

Establishing Women’s Networks and mentorship programs

Creating dedicated support networks for women within construction firms provides a platform for discussion, professional development, and advocacy. A number of CCS partners have introduced Women’s Networks, allowing female employees to connect, share experiences, and discuss challenges they face in the industry. These networks can help to foster a sense of community, build confidence, and promote a culture of mutual support.

Mentorship programs also play a vital role in helping women advance their careers. By pairing less experienced employees with senior professionals, these programs offer valuable career advice, encouragement, and practical guidance on navigating an industry that has historically been male-dominated. Structured mentorship ensures that women not only enter the sector but also thrive in leadership positions.

Offering flexible working arrangements

One of the biggest barriers preventing women from joining or remaining in the construction industry is the lack of flexible working arrangements. However, this is beginning to change, particularly with the government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill, which aims to make flexible working the default from day one unless an employer can prove otherwise.

Many construction firms are already adapting by introducing part-time roles, job sharing, and hybrid working models. These initiatives enable women—especially those with caregiving responsibilities—to balance their careers with family commitments. By offering flexible working from the outset, construction companies can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity while ensuring they do not miss out on talented professionals.

Providing inclusive facilities on site

Creating a more welcoming environment for women should go beyond policies and include practical changes on construction sites. Some positive examples include investment in gender-inclusive facilities, including self-contained, lockable toilets and private nursing rooms for new mothers.

Another essential consideration is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Traditionally, PPE has been designed for male body shapes,

often making it uncomfortable and unsafe for women. Companies that provide PPE in women’s sizes send a clear message that they value and respect their female workforce. Simple yet impactful steps like these help break down barriers and create a more comfortable and professional working environment for all employees.

Addressing unconscious bias and gender equality training

Cultural change starts with education. Unconscious bias training is being adopted by forward thinking companies to help employees recognise and challenge stereotypes.

Gender equality workshops are another powerful tool. These sessions typically cover workplace inclusion, leadership development, and breaking down barriers that prevent women from progressing in their careers. Investing in regular training not only creates more inclusive workplaces but can also improve team dynamics and overall productivity.

By tackling unconscious bias, construction firms can shift mindsets and ensure that hiring, promotion, and leadership opportunities are truly based on merit rather than outdated perceptions of gender roles.

 Promoting female role models and inspiring future generations

Visibility matters. Actively highlighting female leaders through case studies, social media, and leadership programs are popular ways to challenge industry stereotypes. Meanwhile outreach efforts, including school visits, career fairs, and mentorship programs can help to introduce young women to construction careers.

WEBSITE

HEATHER FLEMING

How apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago.

Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Former textile machinist Heather Fleming tells viewers how she got her big break 37 years ago, how she insisted on being treated as an equal to her male counterparts – and why she still believes an apprenticeship is an invaluable way to help climb the career ladder.

Produced in partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video has also been released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.

In the film, entitled Blazing a Trail, Heather reveals how she switched careers when she joined SELECT Member firm HF Electrical in Glasgow in 1988.

She says: “I was working as a sewing machinist in a factory and had the afternoon off, so went to the local careers office and found a leaflet called Would You Like to be an Electrician?

“Electricity had always been like black magic – it was just there – so it piqued my interest and I thought, ‘I’ll go for it and if I don’t get it, I don’t get it.’

“I was sent for an aptitude test and then told, ‘You’ve passed everything. Where would you like to work?’ I had no idea so they set me up with an interview at HF, I got the job and started work.”

Heather duly became Scotland’s first female electrical apprentice, attending Clydebank College – now West College Scotland – but insists she was never given any special treatment.

She tells the film: “HF looked after me but there was never any, ‘Wow, you’re the first’. I still had a job to do and there was an attitude of, ‘This person is part of our team and we will make sure we give her opportunities.’

“Although I’d gone from a very female-oriented job to a very male oriented one, for my own part it was just a job and I didn’t think it was any big deal.”

Heather also said she also insisted on equality as she continued her studies at Stow College, night school and university, revealing: “I was the only female in most classes and sometimes the lecturers would say, ‘We’d like to put you forward for something because you’re female.’

“But I always said, ‘I’m not the best person for that, not if there’s a guy that’s better than me – put them forward’.  Just because you’re a female you don’t need to be promoted more.”

After rising through the ranks and working at a consultancy, Heather gained a degree in Building Services and is now an engineer with the Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh, who are also members of SELECT.

She said: “Life is about earning money and having a good lifestyle and an apprenticeship will get you to the stage of having a good job and being able to go up the tree.”

The video also comes more than three decades after Heather discussed her apprenticeship in SELECT’s cabletalk magazine, in which she said: “Sometimes there’s some taunting on-site, but I try to ignore it and if that doesn’t work I just give it back to them.”

And she said: “I think the attitude to women in the workplace in general has changed since then. I just think it’s a natural progression and I’ve been accepted in every job that I’ve been to.”

SELECT Director of Employment Affairs Catherine Gillon said: “As we celebrate achievements of electricians everywhere as part of our 125th anniversary, we are grateful to Heather and the University of Edinburgh for giving up their time and allowing us to discuss her journey in the industry.

“Some 37 years after we first interviewed her, it is heartening to see that Heather is still working in our sector. It shows that with a solid apprenticeship and the ongoing support of industry bodies like SELECT and SECTT, anything is achievable.”

SECTT CEO Fiona Harper added: “Heather’s story is an inspiring one and is the perfect example for Scottish Apprenticeship Week as it shows the rewards and opportunities that are available to young learners starting out on their own career path.

“As we look ahead to International Women’s Day, it also shows that there are no barriers in the electrotechnical industry and we should rightfully celebrate the achievements of the many women who currently enjoy successful careers at all levels of the sector.”

Watch the new video here.

WEBSITE

CONSTRUCTIN INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD

The Construction Industry Training Board is urging more women to consider a career in construction and continue the upward trend

The number of women starting construction apprenticeships has risen dramatically in recent years according to a new report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The ‘Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support’ report found that 1,450 women started a construction apprenticeship in 2018-19, but this has jumped to 2,420 to in 2023-24.

The findings, compiled using statistics from the Department for Education, reveal a two-thirds (67%) increase in women starting construction apprenticeships. The positive news is enhanced with CITB’s report also showing that the number of women completing their apprenticeships significantly increased over the same period.

340 women completed their construction apprenticeship in 2018-19, but this had increased by more than 170% to 930 women completing their apprenticeship in 2023-24.

This rise in female starters and completions suggests a future with greater gender diversity in the construction industry. Changing attitudes towards gender roles and the introduction of policies aimed at promoting gender equality will help further decrease the gender and skills gaps.

The findings are a positive sign for the construction industry, and CITB intends to build upon this. Earlier this week, the company launched the 2025 iteration of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards. Additionally, in its recent Strategic Plan 2025 – 29, CITB listed one of its key objectives is to inspire and enable diverse and skilled people into construction.

CITB intends to promote construction careers to over 5 million potential new entrants, highlighting that there are over 180 different occupations in the industry. Similarly, there are over 100 different construction apprenticeship roles that lead to careers in the industry for people at every stage of their career.

Lucie Wright, Head of Careers Strategy at CITB, said:

“We need more women in construction. It’s incredibly heartening to see the number of women starting construction apprenticeships increasing – long may this continue. As an industry, we need to actively promote to as diverse a range of applicants as possible and make sure we get the conditions for working in the industry right for as many different people as possible.

 “We recently launched the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2025, back for the fourth year running. The programme is one of the ways we strive to recognise the wonderful women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry.

 “For any women thinking about their career options, I and CITB urge you to consider a career in construction. There’s so much to admire about the industry, and it’s a great place for women to work and thrive.”

 Read the full report ‘Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support’ CLICK HERE

BEDFORD COLLEGE

The Bedford College hosted a Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Education Meets Industry event yesterday to celebrate Women in Construction week. The event was aimed at employers looking to diversify their workforce, address skills gaps and connect with the future generation of talent in construction.

The event, which took place at The Connolly Centre for Modern Construction, brought together local construction and building services companies with students and staff to champion female participation in the sector and create valuable industry connections.

The event saw the participation of 10 employers, including BPHA, ECL Civils, JPP UK, Kier, Modplan Mechanical & Electrical Installation Ltd, Neville Trust, Tilia Homes, Wadys, Willmott Dixon, and Winvic. Each organisation had the opportunity to share best practice and showcase their commitment to providing opportunities for the future generation of the construction workforce.

One of the employers and guest speaker at the event Kayleigh Merritt, Talent development manager at Winvic Construction said: “The event has been great, it was lovely to get a tour of the amazing facilities and bring the students and employers together here. It is very important we continue to ensure strong role models from a young age throughout education for the industry, which is why this event today at Bedford College is so pivotal.”

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the college’s state-of-the-art construction facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the advanced training and resources available to students. There was also an opportunity for industry discussion and networking enabling students to engage directly with professionals, learn about career pathways, and explore potential employment opportunities.

With women making up just 15% of the construction workforce, events like this are key to raising awareness and encouraging more women to consider careers in the industry. By highlighting successful women in construction and offering opportunities to connect with industry leaders, the event helped challenge stereotypes and inspire the next generation to pursue fulfilling careers in the field.

Student at Bedford College who attended the event, Kayla Cox, studying a T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction and the Build Environment said: “I was really happy when I received the email about this event today, it has been so exciting to speak to companies and pick their brains. Most of my family have a background in construction, so I have always had a strong interest in buildings and architecture, which is great for me to be able to apply into all aspects of my life. There is definitely still some reluctancy for women in construction, events like this are so beneficial for us to speak to others and prove our work ethic.”

Kathryn Lusk, Group Head of Business Development at The Bedford College Group said: “Events like today are invaluable in bridging the gap between education and industry. By working closely with employers, we can provide our students with real-life opportunities that not only enhance their skills but also shape their future careers. The connections and conversations held during the event truly have the potential to transform lives and strengthen the construction industry with fresh, diverse talent.”

Employers interested in partnering with Bedford College to support the development of the next generation of construction professionals are encouraged to email training@bedford.ac.uk  or call 01234 291747.

WEBSITE

LUTZ-JESCO

Women, go for it! The technology sector needs more woman engineers

Women have a hard time in the male-dominated technology sector and are taken less seriously. This is a media and societal misrepresentation that urgently needs to be addressed. In a time in which industry faces a shortage of young talent, it is vital that women are not discouraged from pursuing a career in this area. This is the view of Lisa Kagerbauer, an engineer at the pump and dosing specialist Lutz-Jesco in Wertheim, speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

“What counts is performance, not gender”, says Lisa Kagerbauer, an engineer at the pump and dosing specialist Lutz-Jesco

“I have to work twice as hard to be accepted”; “I can’t afford to make any mistakes, otherwise everyone will think that women aren’t cut out for this job”; “I need to adapt and make sure I don’t stand out too much”. The list of misconceptions that hinder women who would like to work in the male-dominated technology sector industry is long.

However, the reality is usually much more progressive, stresses Lisa Kagerbauer, who has worked since 2020 as an engineer at Lutz-Jesco, a specialist manufacturer of industrial pump technology and dosing systems based in Wertheim in Baden-Württemberg. “From an early age, women are presented with a rather distorted picture of life by the media and society that doesn’t match reality in most cases”, says Kagerbauer.

“The idea that women in the technology sector constantly have to assert themselves does not match my experience.”

According to Ms Kagerbauer, her positive experience began during her studies, when she shared a flat with two male fellow students. “We supported each other, and gender never even came into it”, recalls the 32-year-old. She also did not experience any prejudice or discrimination at university. “I studied under two woman professors who were highly competent and recognised as valued experts in their fields.”

What about her transition to employment? Here too, gender was not an issue. “As a woman fresh out of university, I was appreciated and supported from the very beginning.” Many older colleagues were impressed by her passion for technology and didn’t hesitate to share their knowledge and experience with her. “The idea that women in the technology sector constantly have to assert themselves does not match my reality. What counts is performance, not gender.”

“It is vital to Germany’s future that more women contribute their potential to the technology sector.”

According to Ms Kagerbauer, in times in which young talent is at a premium, it is important that women also enter the technology sector. However, women remain under-represented in this area. Figures from the Federal Statistical Office show that the proportion of women employed in technical research and development in 2023 amounted to just 18 per cent.

“In my opinion, it is vital for Germany’s future that more well-qualified young women bring their potential to the technology sector”, says Ms Kagerbauer. She has the following tip for women interested in the field: “be confident and follow your own path. The men are usually on your side. Be confident in salary negotiations. Make realistic demands and never sell yourself short.”

Lisa Kagerbauer helped her older brother with maths, even when she was still at nursery school

Lisa Kagerbauer’s enthusiasm for technology and the natural sciences developed at an early age, and she started helping her brother with his maths homework even when she was at nursery school. “I have always been fascinated by the fact that maths works as a kind of universal language with unerring logic,” recalls Kagerbauer.

After leaving school, she studied process engineering and chemical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). She specialised in food process engineering and completed her master’s degree with a focus on rheology, researching the flow characteristics of milk foam. “I made and smelled milk foam every day for half a year. Since then, I take my coffee black”, Kagerbauer laughs.

She started work as an engineer at Lutz-Jesco in 2020. In the system and process technology department, she and her team develop water treatment systems for industry and sewage treatment plants. “I love working in an informal atmosphere with great colleagues. It suits me much better than the anonymity of a large corporation.” She only missed the exciting night-life of the big city for a while. Now, she appreciates the peace and quiet of the countryside. “I have settled in and don’t want to leave.”

WEBSITE

SAINT-GOBAIN INTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Women in construction are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of the industry. Their voices and experiences prove that progress is happening – but there’s still more to be done.

This International Women’s Day, British Gypsum and Isover – businesses that are part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – are proudly celebrating the women who are making an impact in the construction sector. By sharing their stories, we’re championing their achievements, amplifying their voices, and paving the way for an even more inclusive industry.

Katie Anderson is Performance Manager at British Gypsum East Leake Works which produces bagged plaster and plasterboard. She has seen the business take proactive steps to help more women into its workforce. “We have got a lot more women coming through which is great,” she said. “It will take a while to change but I definitely see positive movement in that regard.”

Katie joined British Gypsum in 2019 as a project leader and has progressed rapidly through the ranks. She is encouraging other women to consider construction manufacturing as a fulfilling career. “British Gypsum has really helped me with my training,” she added. “So even if you don’t have the skills initially, they can help you to develop those skills.”

However, Katie says she still occasionally encounters gender bias. “Sometimes it can take a bit more time to build up a rapport or respect with people, it’s important to get to know people as individuals and learn to communicate with them in the most appropriate way.”

Last year, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions supported the launch of I am a Housebuilder. Founded by a cross-parliamentary group, it aims to grow the number of women working in the housebuilding industry. It is fronted by seven women who hold prominent roles in construction – dubbed the Magnificent 7. One of them is Xuan Meng, CEO of Cozy Haus. She started in property development after taking maternity leave from an investment fund.

“It took me a lot of effort and mental determination to plunge myself into building Cozy Haus because it is something I’ve never done,” she said. “I thought to myself, if I could make this a success, it could give me the flexibility to be my own boss and also the flexibility to look after my daughter and the financial stability I wanted for my family. This was my chance, I took it, and I think that it was the best decision I ever made.”

Cozy Haus now employs over 30 people and has more female staff than male. “I think that 60% of our staff members are female and a lot of them are single mums,” added Xuan.

“I believe that, because you are a mum, you have more reasons to work hard not only because you have to provide financially but also because you have to lead by example.”

As part of their mentoring programme, each of the Magnificent 7 will give one-to-one mentoring to women taking their first steps into the housebuilding sector. Georgina Hammond, Co-Founder of Beau Property, has taken 21-year-old graduate Abbi Bird under her wing as her mentee. Abbi saw the Magnificent 7 announced on LinkedIn and reached out to them about mentorship.

She first became interested in construction aged 13 when her dad asked her to help with a building project. As a teenager she relentlessly pursued her passion, even switching schools to study construction and engineering before going on to complete a university degree. She is now shadowing Georgina while looking to start her career in construction management.

“I really want to help her to navigate her career, to grow within her next role and be able to set goals for what her career is going to look like,” said Georgina. “I hope that she achieves becoming an MD of a PLC housebuilder because I know that she’s got it in her. She’s incredibly determined, she’s so enthusiastic, and she loves building houses. She’s incredibly technically minded.

“It is so amazing and encouraging that people from that next generation have the enthusiasm and want to get into this industry because they feel so passionately about it and love it. So, I think from Abbi’s perspective, the sky is the limit and she can achieve anything.

“Women need this support in an industry that is male dominated. I think that if we had this conversation again in ten years’ time, that would look very different. But while we go through that transition period, there needs to be role models and support for women that are making the move to enter this industry, to help them thrive.”

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Accelerate Action, focusing on driving progress for gender equality.

Rachel Kelly, Head of Brand for British Gypsum and Isover said: “We are proud to support International Women’s Day and are accelerating our efforts to bring talented women into our workforce.

“Women remain underrepresented in construction, facing barriers such as gender bias, lack of career visibility, and limited opportunities for progression. We are committed to addressing these challenges by amplifying female voices, promoting inclusivity and providing pathways for women to thrive in the sector.”

The Building Better Hub provides resources and talking points on workforce gender diversity and other major industry issues. To hear more from some of the industry leaders featured in this article or to discover more about what women in construction have to say, visit the Building Better hub: CLICK HERE

TRAVIS PERKINS

Construction Colleges: A Study on The Future Of The Industry

The percentage spread of women enrolling onto trade courses at some of the UK’s largest colleges is increasing, new research has found.

Builder’s merchant and breeze block walls material supplier Travis Perkins has compiled the statistics after receiving responses to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request about construction-related courses from Bedford College, City of Glasgow College, Chichester College and Hull College.

The age split of people on these types of courses is also swinging towards the younger generations, as we will delve into further when analysing the data received.

The number of women studying a trade qualification

At three of the four colleges which responded to the FOI request, it was found that the enrolment percentage split has seen an increase in female students for the 2023/24 student year compared to the previous year.

Even at Chichester College where the percentage split didn’t rise, the number has kept consistent.

The percentage splits across the four colleges in full are as follows:

  • Bedford College – 6% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, up from 4% in the 2022/23 study year.
  • City of Glasgow College – 21.1% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, up from 17.1% in the 2022/23 study year.
  • Chichester College – 5.6% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, the same as was recorded in the 2022/23 study year.
  • Hull College – 6.7% of all enrolments onto trade courses for the 2023/24 study year were by women, up from 6.6% in the 2022/23 study year.

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Successful Hydrogen Kiln Open Day

 

Ceramics UK Celebrates Successful Hydrogen Kiln Open Day
Ceramics UK has achieved a major milestone in its “Demonstrating Hydrogen in the Ceramics Sector” project, hosting a highly successful open-day event that showcased the pilot kiln and its potential for 100% hydrogen firing. Members from across the UK ceramics industry joined the event to witness this landmark achievement and explore the project’s journey towards sustainable manufacturing.

This initiative has been made possible through £6 million in funding awarded to Ceramics UK by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, via Phase 2 of the Industrial Fuel Switching Phase 2 Competition. This funding forms part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which provides funding for low-carbon technologies and systems and aims to decrease the costs of decarbonisation helping enable the UK to end its contribution to climate change. With this funding, Ceramics UK aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen as a clean fuel source in ceramic kilns, contributing to the industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

Held at the Glass Futures site, the exclusive event provided attendees with an in-depth overview of the project’s objectives, progress, and key achievements. Participants were able to tour the pilot kiln and Glass Futures site, gaining a detailed understanding of its design and the technology that will enable future 100% hydrogen firing.

“We are thrilled to have shared this significant milestone with our members and industry stakeholders,” said Dr  Andrew McDermott, Deputy Chief Executive of Ceramics UK and project lead. “The opportunity to tour the pilot kiln and understand its capabilities, made possible through vital government funding, is a crucial step towards demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source for the ceramics industry. This project is a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a sustainable future for the UK ceramics sector.”

Building on the success of this event, Ceramics UK will soon announce details of a second event, providing further opportunities for industry engagement and project updates.

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Kingspan Launches the Next Generation Solar Solution – PowerPanel

 

Kingspan Insulated Panels is excited to introduce PowerPanel, an integrated roofing and photovoltaic (PV) solution designed for pitched roofs.

PowerPanel is one of the first systems globally to earn the FM Approved mark to FM 4478, meeting rigorous performance tests for fire, hail, wind uplift, and snow loading.

This innovative system combines the thermal efficiency of Kingspan’s industry-leading QuadCore insulated panels with advanced solar technology, delivering U-values as low as 0.11 W/m²K and energy output up to 475Wp using lightweight dual-glass monocrystalline PV modules from LONGi, a world leader in solar manufacturing.

Manufactured in the UK using state-of-the-art robotics, PowerPanel ensures precision and reduces the risks of on-site installation, blending high performance with a sleek, slimline design to enhance building aesthetics.

Sandra Del Bove – Group Head of Innovation at Kingspan commented: ‘

’The launch of PowerPanel marks a significant step toward making renewable energy more accessible to our customers worldwide. Our vision has always been to provide a fully tested and reliable system, ensuring confidence in every installation. This launch is only the first step in what promises to be an inspiring journey ahead.’’

For added assurance, PowerPanel includes a comprehensive Kingspan PowerPanel Assured Warranty, covering thermal and structural performance, external coatings, and photovoltaic modules.

Elevate your building’s performance and appearance with PowerPanel – an efficient, elegant and durable solution.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

 

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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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