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.

Competence Initiative Makes Progress

The Joint Competency Initiative (JCI), in which the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is involved, is finalising its first framework for installers within the door, gates and shutter industry.

 

ADSA is working with the Door Hardware Federation (DHF) and the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) to establish the first of the “routes to competence” for the sector. This is due to be published this month.

 

The JCI was established in response to the Building Safety Act and is considered to be the most significant change to health and safety legislation within the construction industry over the past 40 years.

 

The framework for installers includes skills required for the fitting of powered pedestrian doors of all types, steel and wooden fire-rated doors, gates and shutter systems including steel fire doors.

Ken Price, ADSA’s Managing Director, said that a

“systematic process to identify what competence looks like” had been established over the past six months. This will be used to create the many frameworks needed across the industry.

Each of the organisations on the working group has undertaken a situational analysis to identify ‘where are we now’ and research into training and qualifications needed for installer roles.

“Although we have found some excellent entry and specific skills training with regulated qualifications, we identified a gap around continuous professional development (CPD). This was mixed and largely unaccredited as installers moved through their career. We are all in agreement that this needs to be addressed and an accredited route to CPD created.”

The group recently began working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) which already has established national occupational standards for the construction industry.

Added Ken:

“We had a call from the CITB which had heard about the work we were undertaking and offered to help. Without a shadow of a doubt, this support has moved us forward and will help us deliver the whole project a lot faster than if we were doing it on our own.”

The group has to identified up to 12 individual functions that each require a competency framework. This will include service and other skilled roles, such as procurement.

The JCI was initially formed by technical and procurement leads from BAM, ISG, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Lendlease, Mace, Morgan Sindall, Multiplex, Sir Robert McAlpine, John Sisk, Skanska and Wates Group. Its vision has been to establish, “proportionate and practical requirements relating to both organisational and individual competence of those working in the glazing, cladding and roofing sectors”.

This has led to the publication of a white paper,

‘Achieving Competence inthe Building Envelope Sector’

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER

 

 

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Using the Earth to Save the Earth

Photography: Joakim Borén

An architect and his team have pioneered a mud home in the United Kingdom they are calling the first of its kind, and they believe it could revolutionise home construction.

Designed by Norwich-based architect Anthony Hudson, the home’s walls consist of three low-energy building materials: Earth, water, and hemp straw, as reported by the Good News Network. When combined, it’s known as cob, a material used by various cultures throughout history to build structures.

The CobBauge House, as Hudson calls it, was built as part of a European Union research project on how to make modern homes more environmentally friendly, the news network reported. Modern construction methods are notoriously resource- and energy-intensive, but Hudson sees the vast potential of using the materials right beneath our feet.

Other architects and DIY home builders from Montana to Washington state have realized cob homes’ cost- and energy-saving benefits. One man in California even built one for just $200.

While mud homes have existed for thousands of years, “CobBauge is the first-ever Building Regulations compliant form of cob building,” according to Hudson’s company, Hudson Architects.

The project took six years to complete, but Hudson has dreamed of using earth to build homes for far longer. However, traditional cob doesn’t meet modern building standards, so he had to make a few adjustments to bring it into compliance.

“The challenge was to create a home using earth as the primary building material, but which could also be thermally insulated. Earth is a very sustainable way to build, especially because it’s so widely available here in the U.K. The problem is that to make it an effective insulator, you usually have to make the walls incredibly thick, which is impractical,” Hudson told the Eastern Daily Press.

Hudson and local builders Grocott and Murfit decided to combine pure cob with insulating hemp straw to make the walls nearly two feet thick without sacrificing energy efficiency. The home also reduces energy use with triple-glazed south-facing windows, deep eaves, and wood fiber insulation for the floors and roof, as detailed by the company’s website.

In addition, the mud house encourages biodiversity with its pitched sedum (a type of succulent) roof.

The CobBauge House contains an air-source heat pump for heating, which significantly reduces energy consumption and doesn’t release planet-warming pollution. The lack of concrete used in construction is the icing on the cake since cement is the most energy-intensive building material, per the Energy Information Administration.

While Hudson said the team needs to work out a few kinks before mud houses hit the market, he’s confident that CobBauge has a solid future.

“Although the materials are cheap and easy to source, the building method is very time-consuming. At the moment, it all has to be done by hand, so labor costs run high. However, our next step is to figure out how we can refabricate buildings to cut that down. Once we’ve worked that out, my guess is this will be a very attractive method,” Hudson told the Daily Press.

 

Source: TC the cool down

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1000 Offsite Homes for Birmingham

The Vistry Group has signed two deals with Homes England to deliver around 1,000 homes in the Midlands, with the majority expected to be built offsite #UKhousing

The government agency has appointed the FTSE250 firm to regenerate the City Hospital west site, in Birmingham, which has planning permission for 750 homes.

In another partnership deal, Vistry will deliver 250 homes on a site in Northamptonshire.

The house builder said the “majority” of the 1,000 homes will be built using timber frames at its Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire.

Vistry re-opened the mothballed facility last summer after it inherited the building through its £1.3bn acquisition of its rival, Countryside.

Greg Fitzgerald, Vistry’s chief executive, said using the factory will speed up the delivery of homes “whilst reducing carbon emissions”. In the long term, the firm is aiming for the majority of homes it builds to be timber frame. Vistry has two other factories in Warrington and Leicester.

It comes despite questions marks around the government’s overall strategy on modern methods of construction (MMC). A committee of Peers concluded in January that the current approach was in “disarray”.

At the Birmingham scheme, Vistry said “more than” half the homes will be affordable or private rent tenures, while the rest will be market sale.

The site was earmarked for demolition in 2017, while further plans were brought forward by Homes England just over a year ago. The scheme will also have around 8,000 sq ft reserved for commercial and community space.

For the second deal, Vistry said the 250 homes will be a mix of tenures on a site in the village of Hardingstone, on the southern edge of Northampton. Homes England previously owned the site, which already has outline planning permission.

Mr Fitzgerald added:

“These deals further evidence the benefit of our long-term strategic partnership with Homes England, enabling the group to deliver a significant number of mixed-tenure homes in the Midlands.”

The firm has not been immune to the current conditions and last October announced it was planning 200 redundancies due to the closure of five of its 32 regional offices. It comes as Vistry shifts its focus to affordable housing through its partnerships business.

A government-commissioned review of Homes England, published this week, said the agency should be alleviated of its responsibilities for Help to Buy and building safety so it can concentrate on its “core mission” of housing delivery.

Source: Inside Housing

 

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TRANSFORMING OFF-GRID HEATING AND DHW FOR BUILDING SERVICES AND CONSULTANTS

HOW “DROP-IN” RENEWABLE LIQUID FUELS COULD TRANSFORM

OFF-GRID HEATING AND DHW FOR BUILDING SERVICES AND CONSULTANTS

 

 

 

 

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks ahead to the advent of renewable liquid fuels in the mass markets.

 

 

 

As fossil fuel consumption is gradually diminishing from global energy options, the UK will have to locate and utilise alternative energies, some of which will be entirely unfamiliar to British customers. One of these future and somewhat unfamiliar fuel sources will be Renewable & Recycled Carbon Dimethyl Ether (DME).

DME is a sustainable fuel that can be produced through a wide range of renewable feedstocks such as waste which allows for quick and long-term sustainable production. DME is chemically similar to LPG and can be blended, ‘dropped in’, to existing supply LPG chains, without the need to modify equipment which is a major plus for existing systems and appliances. DME can also be used on its own, as a 100% pure fuel, particularly for industrial or commercial users.

DME combusts cleanly and releases no “soot” emissions and contains many fuel properties that make it easily used in sites and appliances using diesel. it possesses a very high cetane number which is a measure of the fuel’s ignitibility in compression ignition engines.

DME is safe and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% thus better improving local air quality when compared to traditional fuels. NOx, SOx and PM readings are all heavily reduced through the implementation of DME. Future capacity of European DME production is set to rise sharply in an approaching time frame further increasing the likelihood of it being introduced nationally at some stage soon.

Netherlands-based renewable and recycled carbon DME producer Dimeta is a collaborative effort by two of the world’s leading LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) distributors, SHV Energy and UGI International.  Dimeta is at the forefront of contributing to a more sustainable future and increasing access to affordable low-carbon energy by spearheading the production and use of Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME commercially to decarbonize the LPG industry in the UK, Europe and United States.

Dimeta and Rinnai aim to raise customer understanding of both renewable and recycled carbon DME whilst promoting their usage for on off-grid properties. Dimeta is contributing towards the standardization of DME boilers and DME water heaters by assisting in defining UK manufacturing values. Centralized industry standards are to be cleared by regulators later this year. By 2024 boilers that accept renewable and recycled carbon DME could be ready to purchase.

Rinnai and Dimeta have signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Both companies will work together to explore blending DME with LPG and used in existing appliances. Dimeta and Rinnai will also aim to develop 100% DME dedicated appliances, including RDME water heaters, RDME boilers and Hybrid RDME heating systems.

The collaboration between Dimeta and Rinnai will initially focus on the European market to further their knowledge and highlight the importance of collaboration across the whole value chain.

Rinnai is committed to design and produce RDME low carbon heating to properties not connected to the UK national grid. Rinnai offer technical, economic and practical solutions for UK customers who seek decarbonising DHW and property heat and support installers by sharing this information.

Renewable and recycled carbon DME, DME, BioLPG and LPG provide vital suppliers of energy to off-grid properties. Rinnai and Dimeta understand that replacement fuels that must not only perform at an identical standard to traditional off-grid fuels but must also ensure decarbonisation. Rinnai are working towards providing UK off-grid customers with a selection of energies and products that encourage carbon neutrality.

Rinnai’s H3 range of products include domestic and commercial gas-fired water heaters, solar thermal systems, electric cylinders and low-gwp heat pumps which offer immediate property decarbonisation.

CLICK HERE to sign up to the Rinnai Pathways newsletter for regular information

and support regarding the changing face of energy and policy in our industry

 

 

 

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS & CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS

FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The 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.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

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’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or DME.

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. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

Visit www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

for more information on the RINNAI product range

Or email engineer@rinaiuk.com 

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SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus selected for cathedral contract

A Suffolk-based scaffolding and flat roofing specialist has chosen SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus from West Fraser for the hoardings around repair works at the St Edmundsbury Cathedral site in Bury St Edmunds.

 

Pro-Flat Specialist Services serves clients across much of East Anglia in the domestic, commercial and specialised historic buildings sectors. In this instance, English Heritage contacted the team when stone masons were required to carry out repairs to the centuries-old limestone walls.  Given the highly visible location where worshippers and the wider public pass in large numbers, the cathedral authorities wanted the scaffolding and the work itself to be smartly screened off.

Pro-Flat contacted Falcon Timber in High Wycombe, its regular supplier of board materials, to discover that the merchant had West Fraser’s new SterlingOSB Zero Primed Plus product available, which is fully prepared to avoid the need for painting on site.  A full pack of 50 boards was delivered to the site, for Pro-Flat’s experienced operatives to proceed with screw-fixing them to a supporting framework of timbers, braced off the scaffold.

The Director in charge of the work for Pro-Flat Specialist Services commented:

“As well as installing three-layer felt and hot bonded roofing systems, a lot of our work is focused on historic buildings across Suffolk, North Essex, South Norfolk and East Cambridgeshire, where there are many ecclesiastical and other properties in the care of English Heritage.  When we were asked to erect a hoarding around the works at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, we spoke to one of Falcon Timber’s advisers who recommended the new SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus which definitely saved us time as it is easy to work with and was delivered to us pre-primed and therefore cut down labour on site.”

As a sturdy board which is ideal for the construction of screening and walkways, either for privacy or to fulfil health & safety requirements, SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is well able to withstand the inclement British weather too.

As with all West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero products, no extra formaldehyde is used during the manufacturing process, so it is safe to specify in hospitals, schools and other public realms.  Furthermore, its ultra-smooth surface means the boards can be adorned with graphics so can be used to offer directional information as well as branding, promotional material and artwork.

Primed in the factory, in either a neutral white or grey paint, the edges of the OSB3 boards are treated with a sealant on all edges to protect against water ingress while the UV-resistant putty layer applied offers even further weather protection as well as enhancing the ultra-smooth finish.  Being knot and void free due to the rigorous manufacturing process means they will cut cleanly while being easy to fix and durable.

The boards are supplied in packs of 50 to cover a total area of approximately 150 m2, with each measuring 1220 mm wide by 2440mm long and at 18mm thickness.  SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is CE-marked and complies with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC® (C012533)) and BBA Agreement requirements while being manufactured in the UK enhances security of supply and sustainability.

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

 

Or call 01786 812 921

 

 

 

 

 

 

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49.9 MW Solar Plant for the UK

 

Voltalia Launches Construction of a 49.9 MW Solar Plant in the UK, Boosting Green Energy Supply

 

Voltalia, a prominent international renewable energy company, has announced the commencement of construction on a new 49.9-megawatt photovoltaic solar power plant located in the South East of the UK. This ambitious project is poised to significantly contribute to the country’s green energy supply, with the capacity to meet the annual electricity needs of more than 14,385 average UK households. Additionally, it will play a critical role in environmental conservation by preventing over 35,681 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

The energy generated from this solar plant will be distributed under long-term corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), ensuring that the electricity produced is directly utilized by businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Voltalia has scheduled the plant to begin its power production in the latter half of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion in the UK’s renewable energy sector.

Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, highlighted the company’s growth trajectory in the UK, noting that the new solar power plant adds to its robust portfolio of seven solar and storage facilities either operational or under construction, totaling 260 megawatts. This development is a testament to Voltalia’s commitment to boosting its presence in the UK, alongside offering services to third-party customers.

Voltalia has carved a niche in the renewable energy market, operating and managing facilities that produce electricity from wind, solar, hydraulic, biomass, and storage technologies. With an operational and under-construction capacity of 2.9 GW and a development pipeline of 16.6 GW, Voltalia stands at the forefront of supporting global renewable energy initiatives. The company also offers comprehensive services across all project phases for its clients, from planning to operation and maintenance, asserting its role as a pioneer in supplying green energy solutions to the corporate sector. Voltalia is listed on Euronext Paris and continues to contribute to the sustainable energy landscape both in the UK and globally.

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First contested remediation contribution order 

Landmark decision rules against building owner in first contested remediation contribution order

The first contested application for a remediation contribution order (RCO) under the Building Safety Act has been handed down in Triathlon Homes v SVDP & Get Living, which clarified that RCOs can be made against a party that was not the original “wrongdoer”.

The decision provides guidance on when RCOs will be made and the types of losses that they cover, and will be of particular interest to developers and building owners.

Read more about this decision in this Insight.

A key focus of the tribunal was on whether it was “just and equitable” for an RCO to be made. It concluded that such orders were not concerned with the fault of any one party. They were an independent remedy which places the burden of remediation on developers and landlords deemed to have the broadest shoulders on which to bear the (often very substantial) costs. This is despite the fact that the costs were incurred due to the fault of others. The decision is being appealed by the building owner, who commented that the judgment was “fundamentally flawed“.

 

New Building Safety Levy consultation

In January, the government issued a third consultation on its proposals for the Building Safety Levy which will be introduced under the Building Safety Act. The levy will be imposed upon developers of qualifying buildings in England as a means of recouping some of the funds distributed for the remediation of building and fire safety defects in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster.

While the government’s initial intention was for the levy to apply to higher-risk buildings only, the scope envisaged in the consultation includes all residential buildings requiring building control. Though this is subject to some exceptions, the new scope of the proposed levy is broad and includes purpose-built student accommodation and build-to-rent properties. Under the current proposals payment of the levy will be a condition of receiving building control sign-off.

The consultation closed on 20 February and the government’s response is now awaited. No timeline for the implementation of the levy has been provided to date.

In other building safety news, the Welsh government recently published regulations which amend the building control regime in Wales from 6 April 2024. The regulations primarily involve a shift from the previous system of building control professionals to the new regime of registered building control approvers and registered building control inspectors. They also make transitional provisions relating to building control and the function of building control professionals, creating a transitional regime that operates until 1 October 2024.

 

Biodiversity net gain regime comes into force

The new biodiversity net gain regime, which imposes mandatory requirements for developers to evidence a net gain in the biodiversity of a site it is developing, came into force last month. From 12 February 2024, a minimum biodiversity net gain of 10% will be a statutory requirement which applies to the majority of planning applications.

Developers will now have to consider how best to deliver and maintain the gain and are facing additional costs as a result of the changes. This may result in landowners charging a premium on developments where achieving a 10% gain is more straightforward.

Building the Future Commission: the Long-term Plan for ConstructionBuilding magazine has published a major report titled “The Long-Term Plan for Construction” to mark its 180th anniversary. The wide-ranging report makes recommendations on 11 key challenges facing the UK construction industry, including structural changes to government, reforms to public sector procurement, planning system reform and introducing whole-life carbon regulation.

The recommendations include changes to regulation, policy and industry practices. One of the principal issues the report considers is the decarbonisation of the construction industry and the need to improve the performance of existing built environment stock in line with the UK’s net zero 2050 commitment.

While investors generally perceive climate change as a financial risk and the majority of companies want to occupy net zero buildings to meet their corporate social responsibility obligations, other sectors of the industry continue to lag behind. Reasons for this range from the additional costs involved when utilising sustainable solutions to a lack of knowledge and skills. For example, the sustainability performance of new-build housing is almost entirely driven by building regulations.

The report offers a number of potential solutions, including whole-life carbon regulation, for which it recommends the government should:

  • Introduce Part Z of the Building Regulations to regulate embodied and whole life carbon as soon as possible, together with an industry-backed knowledge hub, to set and support the standard for net-zero targets for different building types currently being developed at industry level.
  • Require mandatory reporting against industry-wide baselines, to force rapid change throughout the supply chain. Manufacturers should provide environmental product declarations, or equivalent, for all products so that carbon can be considered more easily and accurately reported in the procurement process. Transparency around contractors’ contributions to embodied carbon and energy performance will help incentivise early design development by leveraging the advantages of design for manufacture and assembly, thus reducing contractor “risk pricing” at tender stage. Further incentivisation could be realised by embedding minimum requirements in contracts in respect of such baselines.
  • Increase investment in research and innovation, beyond the scope of the Construction Innovation Hub and develop and promote further industry and sector-specific knowledge hubs such as the National Retrofit Hub (which was set up to identify housing retrofit best practice and fill in the gaps in knowledge areas).

At the heart of the proposals sits the requirement for the government (as the industry’s largest client) to lead by example and reform procurement. The report suggests that long-term frameworks should be established to promote greater efficiency through standardisation and that projects should be audited to ensure the above principles are adhered to.

Ultimately it is clear that in order for the industry to be successful in achieving net zero targets in future, early engagement throughout the whole supply chain will be essential.

Source: Osborne Clarke

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‘ZERO BILLS’ New Homes

Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes have today announced they have joined Octopus Energy’s ‘Zero Bills’ proposition on an exclusive number of properties.

‘Zero Bills’ is a world-first smart tariff that allows customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with green technology and with no energy bills, guaranteed.

The three- and four-bedroom houses, available at Tilia Homes’ Landimore Park development, in Northampton, and Hopkins Homes’ Church View, in Bramford, Suffolk, are installed with cutting-edge, green technology including roof-mounted solar panels, air-source heat pumps and a home battery.

‘Zero Bills’ is made possible through Octopus’ technology platform, Kraken, which connects to the clean energy devices installed in the home and optimises their energy usage to deliver a zero bill.

Simon Gabbitas, Group ESG Director for Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes, said:

“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, we are delighted to join forces with Octopus Energy to offer drastically reduced home running costs for our customers. Not only will this partnership deliver cost certainty to homeowners in a volatile energy market, but we believe it will also help to positively impact how people live sustainably in their homes across the UK.

“At Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and exploring new ways to incorporate cutting-edge technology, materials, and designs into our developments to boost energy efficiency. We are looking forward to future partnerships and initiatives that continue to put both people and the planet at the heart of our developments.”

Like all Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes properties, the ‘Zero Bills’ homes and technology are also covered by manufacturer warranty and housebuilder’s two-year guarantee and a further eight years by the National Home Builders Council (NHBC).

Michael Cottrell, ‘Zero Bills’ Director at Octopus Energy:

“As the energy grid evolves, so does our ability to revolutionise homeownership. With our ‘Zero Bills’ smart proposition, Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes homeowners can enjoy not only energy bill-free homes, but also a genuine shift towards sustainable living. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and renewable energy, we can make green living the standard across the industry.”

The latest ‘Watt A Save’ report from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that buyers of new build properties will save on average of £2,200** in energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by over 2.5 tonnes per property each year compared to some older properties on the open market. Modern methods of construction, higher quality wall insulation and larger cavity wall space are among the reasons credited with the saving.

In a bid to offer further financial benefit to homeowners, there is increasing interest from mortgage lenders to offer green mortgage products tailored for new-build homes, thanks to their high energy efficiency ratings and lower running costs.

Octopus Energy has now accredited close to 1,000 homes across the UK through contracts with developers and housing providers. Accredited plots span affordable, social, shared ownership, private ownership, and rented housing. The company plans to deliver 50,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes globally by 2025.

To find out more information about the ‘Zero Bills’ homes available, please visit www.tiliahomes.co.uk/buying-with-us/ZeroBills

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Clarity on Staircases in Tall Buildings

Lee Rowley, Minister for Housing

Updated guidance will call for second staircases in all new buildings over 18 metres from 30 September 2026.

The government has updated its guidance calling for second staircases in all new tall residential buildings over 18 metres – further enhancing the UK’s world-leading building safety standards.

The change in guidance adds to a package of recent fire safety measures and reforms including the Building Safety Act which ensure the safety of people in both new and existing tall buildings.

Existing tall buildings are also being considered as part of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendations. The Home Office is currently considering responses to their consultation on personal emergency evacuation plans, to which a response will be published in due course.

Lee Rowley, Minister for Housing, said:

The change in guidance to include two staircases for buildings over 18 metres provides clarity for developers and ensures both new and existing buildings provide safe and secure homes for all residents.

Following a public consultation, the government announced last year its intent to set a threshold height of 18 metres above which a second staircase should be provided in residential buildings – a change which reflects views of experts including the National Fire Chiefs Council and Royal Institute of British Architects.

This was followed in October by confirmation of transitional arrangements which set the timeframe for the new regulations and strike a fair balance between giving developers enough time to make the required changes, while also evolving our safety standards as swiftly as possible.

The transition period also provides clarity for developers during a difficult economic climate and projects previously held up at the planning stage can now go ahead with certainty.

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Multi-million-pound water treatment works

Plans are being developed for a new multi-million-pound water treatment works in Dumfries and Galloway.

Scottish Water says the new works near Boreland will ensure it can “continue to provide clear, fresh, high-quality drinking water to 40,000 households and businesses in Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries and the surrounding area, now and in the future”.

The existing Black Esk Water Treatment Works was built in the mid-eighties and supplies up to 21.6 million litres of water each day, the equivalent of nearly nine Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Scottish Water said the site would “utilise innovative, new water treatment technologies” and would be “built by specialist teams in Scotland using some offsite construction techniques to cut construction times, disruption, and carbon”.

The new works will be located on land adjacent to the existing works, within an area of commercial woodland.

It will be supplied by raw water from Black Esk reservoir through existing pipework and infrastructure.

Stewart Smolarek, Scottish Water’s Project Manager said: “The new works will use the latest state-of-the-art ceramic membrane treatment to provide high-quality, fresh drinking water that meets the needs of present and future generations.

“An advantage of this type of technology is the ability to build parts of the kit off-site to reduce the amount of onsite construction, it takes less time to build and cuts carbon costs.

“We will also be looking to include renewable energy sources at the site and to offset the delivery of energy used to help Scottish Water reach its ambitious zero carbon target.”

Scott Fraser, Corporate Affairs Manager at Scottish Water said: “We are now starting the detailed design process and have engaged with those living closest to help us gather local knowledge and feedback before any planning applications are submitted.

“Through this engagement, we have begun the process of reviewing the size and layout of the new building and are reviewing the potential site entrance.

“Our priority is to minimise disruption and work with local residents and the community throughout the development and delivery of this project.”

Preparatory felling on the commercial woodland started in February to understand the ground conditions.

As compensatory planting, Scottish Water has committed to planting nearly 3,200 broadleaved trees at Ettrick, about 20 miles away, by the end of March.

A further two hectares of native broadleaved woodland will be planted at Black Esk by the end of 2026 to replace the commercial woodland felled to facilitate the new works.

Source: itvX

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