Improving learning with light in Finland

 

Teachers can tailor the lighting to meet the needs of individual pupils with sensory sensitivities

Glamox has delivered lighting for an extraordinary renovation project in Finland, where an old military barracks has been transformed into a modern learning facility for children with sensory sensitivities.

The Valteri Centre for Learning and Consulting provides services for children and young people who need support in their education. In September 2024, Valteri opened a renovated school for lower and upper elementary school students in Oulu, Finland, where the lighting can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students.

Glamox, a world leader in lighting, has delivered more than 1,000 LED fixtures to the school, which is equipped with double the number of luminaries of a regular school.

The renovation was undertaken by Senate Properties, with electrical contractor Sweco responsible for the electrical design and lighting design for the project. Both the building and the light installations cater to students with visual, hearing, attention, and mobility impairments.

Lighting in the corridors involves luminaires which work together to provide a uniform light distribution, with a light source that is not visible. Harsh lighting, which can flicker and hum, can distract and even be painful to students with autism, resulting in increased anxiety and irritability.

“Our main starting point was to design a supportive and good learning environment for students. The design of the spaces emphasised accessibility for all senses,” says Riina Kittilä, lighting designer at Sweco.

To achieve this goal, classroom spaces have been shaped to add ample light to the teacher’s face so that students can read facial expressions. It was also important to avoid high-contrast areas on the walls and to use uniform illumination without light and dark areas in the same space. Specifically, the chosen light fixtures avoid strong surface brightness that causes glare.

“We chose Glamox as a supplier because its products meet our strict technological requirements and include tunable, white lights. Another advantage is that the product family can be installed in various ways, which is more cost efficient,” notes Kittilä.

“Every classroom has lighting that can be adjusted individually for the students. The teacher can adjust the light intensity and colour temperature on a fixture-by-fixture basis in the classroom. In that way, the teacher can increase the light with a cooler colour temperature to raise alertness or use warm and dim lighting to calm the mood in the classroom,” Kittilä explains.

Glamox is proud to have contributed to this unique project and hopes that others will be inspired by the tailor-made learning conditions at the Valteri School in Oulu.

“We have amassed years of experience providing Human Centric Lighting that can help improve learning environments and we understand the psychological and biological impact of light on pupil performance. I can’t think of a project where those factors are more important, and this school project raises the bar in creating lighting conditions suited to the needs of individual students,” says Simo Kari, Sales Director at Glamox Oy Finland.

 Images credit: Photo: Marko Kallio, Skyfox

 

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The Conflict Between Housing and the Environment

 

The government has ambitious plans to deliver vital infrastructure and homes, and they seem determined to achieve it. But it’s a tough ask, leaving key questions unanswered – what will it cost? And will it be at the expense of the environment? Mike Froom, Te-Tech Process Solutions, explains.

Nutrient neutrality is a battleground. Intended to protect our environment, it’s become a perceived barrier to much-needed development. But is it a zero-sum game? Are we trapped in a cycle of conflict, where progress and preservation are constantly at odds? Or can we balance the needs for development with the health of our rivers?

Significant need for homes

The government has strong desires to tackle the UK’s housing crisis. Addressing issues with affordability and limited availability, particularly pressing for young people, are driving this push for increased supply.

And there are hopes that getting development underway will boost economic growth – creating jobs and stimulating investment in the construction sector. All whilst tackling social issues such as housing availability, social mobility and ensuring enough homes for future generations.

The development dilemma

Both housing and the environment are under pressure. Must one buckle? Or can both be eased? The urgent need for housing and development is undeniable, but it should not come at the expense of our environment.

Put simply, more homes mean more wastewater, which, if not treated effectively, can contribute to nutrient loading to surrounding water systems, fuelling algal blooms, choking waterways, depleting oxygen and wrecking ecosystems. These blooms can produce harmful toxins, impacting drinking water quality and recreational activities.

Government attempts to prioritise both

At the beginning of the year, the government announced planning proposals to unblock vital infrastructure whilst enabling nature’s recovery. The Nature Restoration Fund will pool contributions from developers to fund larger strategic interventions for nature, and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will accelerate 150 major projects, including wind farms, roads and data centres, where previously, environmental mitigation for each project had caused delays. The large-scale, strategic environmental interventions will be managed by Natural England, replacing project-by-project mitigation, and speeding up approvals.

So, the time for debate is over. Development is going ahead. The question is no longer whether we should prioritise the environment or development, it’s become – how can we mitigate the impacts of getting Britain building?

Nutrient mitigation: Time to trust mother nature?

Nature-based approaches, like constructed wetlands, are a natural solution to remove excess nutrients from wastewater, whilst creating valuable wildlife habitats. So, problem solved? We just need to get Britain building… wetlands?

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. The jury is out with the EA on how effective wetlands are in removing nutrients, so there is not wholesale or unconditional endorsement of these nature-based solutions. Additionally, due the nature of these solutions, proof of their effectiveness may take several years to demonstrate, and effective management and maintenance of wetlands is still a consideration. Wetlands have significant space requirements, and purchasing land is costly, therefore they are not applicable for all facilities, especially those with limited space or budget. So, what are the alternative options?

Chemical precipitation?

Traditionally chemicals like aluminium or iron salts can be added to wastewater to bind with phosphorus, forming solids that can be easily removed through settling or filtration. But chemical dosing comes with a host of issues and is not ideal for long-term, sustainable solutions. Ferric, for example, is highly corrosive, generates more sludge and wreaks havoc with tanks and pipes.

Biological nutrient removal

Biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes use beneficial microorganisms to remove nutrients from wastewater. Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates, and denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas. The setup allows simultaneous nitrification and denitrification for complete removal of nitrogen from the wastewater. Combined with enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), whereby polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) remove phosphorus from the wastewater, and you have a formidable process for nutrient removal.

A future for development and nature

Nutrient neutrality must be achieved, not circumvented. Long-term, sustainable nutrient neutrality solutions, such as wetlands and enhanced biological processes are necessary to meet the demands of both economic progress and environmental health, to ensure development without the destruction of our environment. Ensuring the projects we build today do not compromise our tomorrow.

 

Source: The Water Magazine

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Energy: £350 billion shot in UK economy’s arm

 

£350 billion shot in UK economy’s arm on the table with oil & gas and other homegrown energy

With forecasts indicating that the United Kingdom (UK) will need billions of oil and gas barrels by 2050 amidst the ongoing economic challenges and energy market headwinds and tailwinds, Britain’s trade body for the offshore energy industry, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), has outlined in its new report the roadmap that will enable Britain not only to meet the power demand with energy produced at home but also inject hundreds of billions into its economy by allowing oil and gas to thrive alongside low-carbon and clean alternatives in its energy toolbox.

Offshore Energies UK’s ‘2025 Business Outlook’ report spotlights the path the UK is being urged to take to unlock energy reserves, which could curtail its dependence on imports and boost economic growth. OEUK claims that the UK could produce at home half of the 13-15 billion barrels of oil and gas the nation is projected to need by 2050 under the right business conditions.

According to Britain’s trade body, such a move would add up to £150 billion of gross value to the UK economy on top of the £200 billion from planned production, resulting in around £350 billion in total to safeguard energy security, jobs and lower carbon emissions alongside an acceleration of renewables.

OEUK’s report comes after the independent Climate Change Committee estimates, which indicate the UK will require 13-15 billion barrels of oil and gas by 2050, the target date for the economy to achieve net zero. While Britain is on track to produce 4 billion of these barrels, the report finds that another 3 billion barrels could be produced at home to meet half of the UK’s needs with the right polices to encourage firms to invest, rather than increasing its reliance on imports.

Furthermore, the report’s findings indicate that by 2050, when UK electricity demand has more than doubled, oil and gas will still form a fifth of UK energy needs. As a result, the cost of energy is seen as critical to wider industrial strategy and economic success. With this in mind, OEUK concludes that maintaining homegrown gas supplies is key for the UK’s industrial base.

This business outlook coincides with government consultations with the industry on the future of the North Sea and the oil and gas fiscal regime. In the coming months, the trade body notes that interlinked decisions are also expected on the UK government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and new Industrial Strategy, as well as updated environmental guidelines for oil and gas projects.

 

Source: Off-Shore Energy

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Construction Materials at Risk from Tariffs

Constuction Dive Talks to Steve Stouthamer of Skanska about the construction materias most as risk from US tarrifs

Rebar, structural steel, piping and ductwork are all facing price volatility, according to Skanska USA Building executive Steve Stouthamer.

Steel and aluminum prices have jumped sharply since the turn of the new year, and more volatility could be on the horizon.

Contractors are bracing for a new wave of tariffs set to take effect April 2, this time on certain material imported from Canada and Mexico — such as steel, aluminum and lumber. Though reports indicate the Trump administration could roll back the ultimate scope of this action, contractors say just the threat of tariffs can have an immediate impact on material costs.

That’s why that looming deadline on Canadian and Mexican imports has already sparked concern across the construction industry, particularly around reinforcing and structural steel, curtainwall systems and Canadian lumber, said Steve Stouthamer, executive vice president of project planning for Skanska USA Building.

Here, Stouthamer talks with Construction Dive about the materials most at risk, tariffs’ impact on budgets and negotiations and steps contractors can take to minimize financial exposure.

teel and aluminum prices have jumped sharply since the turn of the new year, and more volatility could be on the horizon.

Contractors are bracing for a new wave of tariffs set to take effect April 2, this time on certain material imported from Canada and Mexico — such as steel, aluminum and lumber. Though reports indicate the Trump administration could roll back the ultimate scope of this action, contractors say just the threat of tariffs can have an immediate impact on material costs.

That’s why that looming deadline on Canadian and Mexican imports has already sparked concern across the construction industry, particularly around reinforcing and structural steel, curtainwall systems and Canadian lumber, said Steve Stouthamer, executive vice president of project planning for Skanska USA Building.

Here, Stouthamer talks with Construction Dive about the materials most at risk, tariffs’ impact on budgets and negotiations and steps contractors can take to minimize financial exposure.

CONSTRUCTION DIVE: Which construction materials do you expect will see the greatest price volatility due to tariffs?

STEVE STOUTHAMER: The materials being impacted the most are products made from steel and aluminum.

For example, reinforcing steel used in concrete, structural steel used in the building frame, aluminum curtainwall and window wall systems used in the building envelope, piping and ductwork used in mechanical and electrical systems and many building mechanical and electrical equipment components.

Steel prices have increased 15% to 25% since the beginning of January and aluminum is also up 8% to 10% from the beginning of January. The Trump administration has indicated Canadian lumber will be included in the reciprocal tariffs which are set to take effect on April 2. Lumber has already seen a significant increase, 10% to 15% in cost, in anticipation of this tariff.

How might these tariffs affect project costs and timelines?

We are in the early stages of helping our clients understand the order of magnitude cost impacts we see based on current tariffs and those will vary based on the type of project and the material composition of those projects.

At present, we are not expecting a near-term impact on project timelines. If there is a considerable shift to onshoring manufacturing, supply chain schedules could be constrained, but this is not like the situation we experienced during the pandemic where the supply chains were impacted by global shutdowns.

At the moment, the broader Mexico and Canada tariffs on products protected by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement are suspended until April 2. Upon resumption, it is our current understanding that 25% broad tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada would stack on top of the all-country steel and aluminum tariffs of 25%, resulting in a 50% levy.

With the latest tariff suspensions, it is unclear if this will ultimately be the case. We will be monitoring the situation in the weeks ahead.

How do you see tariffs affecting negotiations with owners and developers?

Tariff cost impacts will put pressure on project budgets. Many of those are already challenged by the significant period of escalation experienced post-pandemic.

We are only a few weeks into the tariff executive orders so it’s too early to comment with certainty as to how contracts will be impacted or negotiated. Our approach will be to engage with our clients and discuss the most cost-effective ways to manage the tariff risks.

Do you expect issues with tariffs to be temporary or a long-term factor that construction firms need to adapt to permanently?

It’s too early to comment on this.

History would suggest that even when tariffs are removed and trade agreements are reached, costs don’t just return to previous levels.

What policy or industry efforts could help mitigate the impact of tariffs on construction firms?

Estimating professionals will need to take deeper dives into their projects to understand product volumes, sources and tariff impact to assist clients in better understanding the financial impacts of tariffs and potential alternative products and product sources.

Strategic supply chain teams, such as our own at Skanska, will need to remain closely connected to the supply chain and major fabricators of steel and aluminum products as well as other key construction materials that will be impacted by tariffs. It is essential to have this connectivity so that companies such as ours can continue to advise clients and industry partners on the best strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs.

Projects can benefit by investing additional time into the mapping of the specified materials for the project to determine their source, if those sources are impacted by tariffs and whether alternative products and sources could mitigate financial risk.

 

Source: Construction Dive

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SPRING STATEMENT: Industry Response

Robbie Calvert, the RTPI’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs

 “Planning reforms are at the heart of the Government’s growth plan. The acknowledgement from the Office for Budget Responsibility that planning will be central to increasing the UK’s economic activity over the coming years is encouraging.

“But, while reforms are important, more could be unlocked by investing in planning itself. Our research has found that planning reform and increased housing development could miss out on over £70 billion in additional value by not investing in planning. We won’t achieve the economic growth this country desperately needs if we don’t significantly invest in the planning system.

“Beyond this forecast, there will be additional ambitions for planning services resulting from the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and local government reform.

“Planning consents can’t do this alone, we need to ensure that the entire construction industry is geared up to deliver on this scale.”

Matt Gregory, Senior Vice President of Voice & Mobility at Infios 

“The importance of supply chain agility and resilience has been placed in sharp focus in recent months – amidst the looming threat of trading tariffs and rising price inflation. As the government works to improve fiscal performance, they once again have neglected to specifically address how they aim to improve the state of logistics in the UK. This is despite its huge effect on the strength of the economy, continuing the flow of goods and materials and helping to meet planned infrastructure projects.”

“Fortifying the logistics sector,  including pledges on infrastructure projects, requires specific investment. While £600M has been promised for construction training, there is a lack of clarity on how the government plans to support the wider supply chain – including ensuring that materials are available, and that the broader logistics sector has access to the skills it requires. The government needs to define what action it is taking to reduce the associated costs with cross-border trade – whether a reduction in red tape or other reductions in business rates.”

Karl Horton, chief data officer at BCIS (Building Cost Information Service)

“There wasn’t much in the Chancellor’s statement for the construction industry to rely on over the coming months, especially with the OBR halving its 2025 growth forecast since the Autumn Budget.

“It’s interesting that the government is now talking about getting ‘within touching distance’ of its housing target after months of the industry outlining why it was so unlikely 1.5 million new homes was possible, though the £2 billion additional investment in social and affordable homes is welcome.

“Elsewhere, the already-announced £625 million investment to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers over the next four years is still insufficient to replenish the workforce lost since before the pandemic.

“While making the industry more attractive to new workers isn’t solely the government’s responsibility, firms have little incentive to expand their workforce and invest in training while economic uncertainty persists.

“Unfortunately, investment and funding decisions are subject to ongoing volatility, with the threat of tariffs and escalating trade tensions hanging over the UK.”

Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU)

“Today’s Spring Statement was largely concerned with macroeconomic issues – the top notes of which focused on defence, welfare and public sector reform. But, at LGIU, we know that much of what was announced today will have a potentially significant impact on local authorities and the communities they serve.

The halving of the health-related part of universal credit was already known, but the fact that this reduced provision will then be frozen for the rest of the parliamentary term is news. A large number of the most vulnerable people in our communities will be impacted by these cuts – the DWP estimates up to 3.2 million families. Inevitably – it will be councils that will have to find the resources to support them and pick up the pieces, putting further strain on already stretched council budgets.

However, there were some bright spots for councils. Several areas and local authorities will receive boosts to their local economies – thanks to the large increase in defence spending. This is to be hugely welcomed for those regions. Likewise the OBR’s projection that we are on track for 1.3 million of the promised 1.5 million houses by the end of the parliamentary term is very positive news.

Housing, planning and skills are foundational for local government, so it was good to hear them feature prominently in the Chancellor’s speech. However, it was not clear how central councils actually are in the Chancellor’s plans for delivery, which is very concerning. These are policies that can only be successful if they are designed and delivered to fit local circumstances and that can only be done in partnership with local government.

From a local government perspective – the elephant in the room today was the fact that the shape of local governance is changing and changing fast with the introduction of mayoral strategic authorities and local government reorganisation. There was no indication anywhere in today’s Statement of a connection between the measures announced and the proposals – already well in train – for devolution and reorganisation.

The Chancellor left a great many questions deferred for local government – with councils left waiting for the answers.”

Alex Till, Chairman of National Enterprise Network

“The Chancellor has effectively abandoned start-ups and small businesses in this Spring Statement. Enterprise Agencies across the country have become vital hubs for new businesses seeking support, advice and funding assistance. However, over the past year, funding for these agencies has virtually disappeared or has been reduced, with no indication from the Chancellor about future support. As a result, Enterprise Agencies are being forced to reduce operations, severely impacting the support available for new businesses. Combined with the upcoming increase in employee National Insurance, living and minimum wage and the new employment rights bill, this all represents a significant blow to the small business community,”

Andrew Orriss, CEO at STA (Structural Timber Association)

“Today’s announcements follow a positive start to the year for structural timber with February’s ministerial approval of DEFRA’s Timber in Construction Roadmap (TiC), highlighting a strategic commitment to leverage timber as a key material in our built environment.  Additionally, the Government’s recently introduced Plan for Change, recognises the pivotal role of sustainable construction in driving economic growth and addressing climate challenges.

“There can be no doubt that increasing the use of structural timber and offsite manufacturing is one of the most effective ways of ensuring the rapid and high-quality delivery of these vitally needed homes, while also meeting urgent decarbonisation obligations.

“The Structural Timber Association remains dedicated to working collaboratively with government, industry partners, and stakeholders to drive a transformative approach to construction that meets our economic, social, and environmental objectives.”

Brian McArdle, Managing Director Gleeds UK

“The Chancellor’s first budget raised taxes by £41.5bn and, while we did not expect this second to reverse them, what she did need to do was restore confidence to those operating in the built environment who currently feel dispirited, unsure and under-confident. The news of £600m worth of investment to train up to 60,000 additional skilled construction workers as well as a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) which will benefit from £20m is to be welcomed, but there was nothing in today’s statement to buttress investor confidence. It’s certainly not jam today it is jam tomorrow and any jam available seems to be being spread over an ever-widening piece of toast. This was not a statement that will empower investors. It was a fingers-crossed approach from a Chancellor being driven by the markets, rather than the other way round.”

Viki Bell, Director of Operations at the Construction Equipment Association (CEA)

“Labour’s ambition to fix the planning system and unlock housebuilding is positive in principle – and the OBR’s suggestion that reforms could take us to a forty-year high in delivery is encouraging. However, much of what was discussed today has already been announced, and there was very little new information for the construction equipment sector.

The commitment to build 1.3 million homes and bring the target within ‘touching distance’ of 1.5 million is ambitious, and we continue to monitor this pledge. The £600 million to train 60,000 construction workers and set up ten technical excellence colleges is a step in the right direction, and we will work to ensure this is delivered and aligned with industry needs.

Our members need practical support – clear timelines, a stable pipeline of work, and a commitment to UK manufacturing. Construction Equipment is key to these deliverables, as is the battle against equipment theft, which is a clear strategic threat to these ambitious growth plans.

The good news was no further tax rises – but the sting for businesses came earlier this year, with increased national insurance. The real test will be the autumn budget.

Tim Balcon, CEO at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

“Despite navigating an uncertain world, the Chancellor’s Spring Statement this week has been accompanied by two significant announcements for the construction industry. Firstly, the £600 million package for construction skills to catalyse the Government’s homebuilding target. Second, the £2 billion investment into affordable homes to accelerate delivery

“As part of the construction skills package, CITB is providing £32 million to support the Government’s aim to fund over 40,000 industry placements each year. Additionally, we’ll be doubling the size of our New Entrant Support Team that helps make finding, recruiting and retaining an apprentice or new entrant easier for employers.

“The Government’s continued support for the construction industry through increased investment in construction skills is extremely welcome. As an industry, we need to collectively grasp this opportunity and be better at shouting about what a fantastic industry this is, the prospects it can offer people, and attracting people into pursuing a career in construction. I genuinely believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance to us to recruit and train our workforce – equipping more people with the skills they urgently need now and in the future.

“The Government aims to build 1.5 million new homes and approve 150 major infrastructure projects by the end of the decade – indeed, plans for Lower Thames Crossing were approved earlier this week. The opportunities aren’t just on the horizon, they’re in the here and now.”

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark

“The Spring Statement had a clear focus on the vital role housing plays in the UK economy and as part of the UK Government’s plan for growth, so it is encouraging to hear that planning reforms will boost national income. However, workforce challenges remain and it’s vital that local councils have the resources required to deliver effective planning and infrastructure so communities up and down the country and the wider economy really benefit.”

Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s Economic Director

“The Spring Statement is hardly a game-changer for construction, but no news is good news. Developers have been waiting on the sidelines, and if confidence returns, we could see a surge in project starts. Glenigan data shows that £129 billion worth of projects have secured planning approval over the past year, and many of these schemes could now break ground.”

Iain Halls, Partner at Ceres Property, commented:

“Our new Labour Government was quick to put its stake in the ground with respect to new housing delivery, setting what many saw as an overly ambitious target of 1.5m new homes by 2030.

Despite widespread scepticism over the ability to meet such targets, it’s clear that the fresh slate of a new government had a positive impact on the construction sector, with a notable uplift in construction output for both new public and private housing materialising in the months that followed.

However, it certainly seems as though Labour’s first budget since 2010 has derailed the positive momentum building across the construction sector, with output levels falling in the months since.

Whilst it could be argued that there’s a seasonal element at play here in the run up to Christmas, the budget itself was considered a largely negative one for the construction industry and its impact is likely to be felt long beyond the closing months of 2024.

The general consensus is that despite some announcements on infrastructure investment, Labour simply didn’t go far enough in addressing the more prominent issues such as rising material costs and supply chain issues. At the same time, Labour’s hike to National Insurance Contributions has been a bitter pill to swallow, reducing the appetite for recruitment and further straining the labour shortage.

Of course, there are additional factors impacting construction output that have been at play for far longer than those announced via the Autumn Budget. Perhaps the most significant is the bottleneck being caused by the building regulations implemented since the Grenfell tragedy. Whilst wholly necessary, we’ve seen delays with respect to remediations on existing developments and, in turn, this has caused a log jam for any new developments over seven stories in the last two years.

If Labour is to meet its target of 1.5m new homes over the next five years, it certainly needs to do more to stimulate the industry that will help them to achieve it and investing in more skilled construction workers is, at least, a step in the right direction.”

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Sternfenster Streamlines Window Deliveries with Podfather Software.

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Sternfenster, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, has boosted customer service whilst reducing its environmental impact using logistics software from Podfather. Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) features have eliminated hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper from the delivery process and have reduced the back-office admin resource by around 5,000-man hours a year.

 

“Prior to Podfather we relied on paper pick lists, manifests and delivery notes,” commented Scott Pedge, Transport Manager at Sternfenster. “This resulted in up to 600 sheets of paper per day, and took half a day to produce, allocate to drivers, and process on their return to base. We did have early stages of digitisation, with on-board computers linked to our bespoke scanning solution, but this was not integrated to other parts of the production, delivery, invoice process.”

 

Serving hundreds of customers, ranging from one-man operators to its network of approved installers, Sternfenster makes between 400 and 500 deliveries in an average week. From its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lincoln, its fleet of 18-tonne truck and trailer units cover most of England operating from Exeter to Margate, and Portsmouth to Leeds.

 

Using Podfather, which includes logistics planning, route optimisation and proof of delivery (POD) functionality, Sternfenster has virtually eliminated paper from its delivery operation. Windows and doors are scanned onto each truck, in accordance with the daily schedule, and the driver, having first completed a routine of Podfather guided vehicle checks, simply logs into the app to access details of the first delivery.

 

Live tracking gives customers and back-office staff real-time visibility of progress as it unfolds, and, once on-site, the driver unloads, scanning each unit off the truck, as per the Podfather schedule. In addition to the scanned information the driver also captures date and time stamped photographs and signatures as further evidence of delivery. The automation has boosted customer service with real-time visibility and reporting, resulting in fewer customer queries.

 

“One of the most important factors when selecting a partner was the ability to work with our existing systems and processes,” Scott Pedge continued. “Podfather were about the only company willing to have this conversation and, since day one, has supported us as we have rolled the solution out across our operation.”

 

Brent Tromp, Customer Operations Manager at Sternfenster, added

“Not only has Podfather reduced our reliance on paper and routine admin tasks, it has really improved our customer experience. Using Podfather, customers can access live information about when their delivery is due – for trades this is crucial as they know who needs to be onsite and when.

“The real-time sharing of updates also reduces the need for customers to call us. However, if they do, we have everything we need to answer any query thanks to Podfather and all in just a couple of clicks,” he continued. “Not only does this further reduce our back-office resource it has also impacted on the number and value of credit notes we issue. Before Podfather, investigating misplaced delivery items or disputes was a time-consuming process. Now, with improved traceability, resolving these issues is faster and more efficient, both for the customer and us.”

 

Established in 1974, Sternfenster quickly became one of the UK’s leading trade fabricators of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors. Now celebrating 50 years of business, Sternfenster has over 180 employees, operating from an 137,000 square-metre production facility in Lincoln. Under the guidance of original founder’s sons, Sternfenster continues to deliver high-quality products, nationally, but with the values of a family-run business.

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Sponsorship to help young people progress in construction careers

Croydon College secure sponsorship to help young people progress in construction careers

 

Croydon College is pleased to announce that Clarion Housing Group’s charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, and construction company JJ Rhatigan have agreed to sponsor a number of students with their CSCS card applications, enabling them to gain valuable on-site experience in the construction industry.

CSCS is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry, providing proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do. By having a valid CSCS card, the college can source work placements for the students on construction sites as well as opening up more employment opportunities for them.

Stuart Singleton, Construction Curriculum Manager at Croydon College commented: “The generous donations from Clarion Futures and JJ Rhatigan have funded 24 learners who are about to complete the training and get their CSCS cards. The cards are vital for getting leaners onto building sites, but the cost is a setback for our learners as they have to try and fund this themselves. It opens up so many more opportunities for them both with work experience placements and employment. We are incredibly grateful to both for their donations and for helping our learners get the hands on experience they need for a career in the construction industry.”

Victoria Whittle, Head of Jobs and Training at Clarion Futures, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting young people at Croydon College as they kickstart their careers. Access to the necessary qualifications and work placements can act as a real barrier for those wanting to get into the construction industry, and thanks to this partnership we’ll be laying the groundwork for brighter futures.”

As well as helping students get the CSCS cards, JJ Rhatigan have facilitated a number of work experience placements for students at the college from carpentry to quantity surveying, providing students with real life experience of what they are studying and to give a good insight into working life in construction. They will also be running site tours for students over the coming weeks for them to see a live construction site and to interact with the trades.

Hamish Hunter, Project Director, JJ Rhatigan said:

“We donated to Croydon College as part of our social value contributions which form part of our work with Clarion on the Eastfields Phase 1 project. We established a relationship with the college in conjunction with Clarion and a need was identified to sponsor students with their CSCS card applications. We thought this was a very worthwhile opportunity to support young people with their first steps into the industry and to break down any financial barriers to entry. With a widening skills gap, it’s great that Croydon College are training apprentices to enter into the industry and we are pleased to support them with this.”

To find out more about courses at Croydon College visit: https://croydon.ac.uk/

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RINNAI: EXPLORING OPTIMAL OPTIONS FOR CARE HOME DHW SOLUTION

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RINNAI’S WHITEPAPER ON VALUE ENGINEERING

EXPLORES OPTIMAL OPTIONS FOR CARE HOME DHW SOLUTION

Rinnai has issued a new whitepaper titled “Optimizing Domestic Hot Water Systems for Archetype Care Homes: A Value Engineering Approach.” The full version is available now on the Rinnai website:

The whitepaper is strident in pointing out that Value Engineering (VE) principles highlight the importance of putting customer requirements first, applying cost effective engineering solutions and improving the whole life value of a project – as opposed to simply cutting costs resulting in the inevitable compromise of performance.

It includes a major section on an archetype Case Study which analyzes a range of potential solutions for the refurbishment of a care home in the UK. Carbon-Cost Analysis (CCA) studies are used to decipher the optimal solution based on the customers’ criteria of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 20%, opting for a system with no more than two heat pumps (HPs) due to space constraints, as well as considering the operating expenditure (OPEX) as a key metric when deciding on the final solution. The archetypal site was given a current system of 3 x non-condensing water heaters.

After generating several proposed solutions and evaluating these based on the set criteria, there is further analysis of specific ones – an instantaneous gas-fired system, a hybrid system and an all-electric system – all based on the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX), plus 5-year forecasts regarding OPEX, carbon production, and lifecycle costs. A full breakdown of CAPEX, OPEX and carbon performance of all relevant systems is provided to demonstrate which one provides the optimal solution in accordance with the customer’s requirements.

The detailed analysis showed that the highest whole life value system that best aligned with the customers’ needs is the hybrid system.

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Immigration Swoop in Belfast – Dozens Arrested

Dozens arrested in immigration swoop at Belfast construction site. A total of 35 Romanian men and one 16-year-old were arrested following a dawn operation

A dawn operation by Immigration Enforcement officers with the UK Home Office has led to more than 30 arrests at a construction site in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter, a spokesperson has said.

In what the Home Office has described as a “major co-ordinated operation” that took place on Wednesday (19 March), officers, supported by the Belfast Harbour Police, swooped the site “acting on intelligence of illegal workers operating for a sub-contractor inside the premises”.

The Home Office say the “interception” led to the arrest of 35 Romanian men and one 16-year-old, who had been employed by a sub-contractor.  The spokesperson continued:

“Offences ranged from working in breach of visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work. One man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigation team.

“Those arrested have agreed to leave the United Kingdom and return to their home country or been placed on strict immigration bail conditions – and are now required to report regularly to the Home Office. The 16-year-old boy has been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and support.”

The Home Office statement added: “The visit forms part of the government’s surge in enforcement action to tackle illegal working in all its forms under the Plan for Change. It comes shortly after a record-breaking January was achieved for illegal working activity, with 828 visits recorded across the UK compared to 556 the year before, and 609 arrests.”

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:

“We’re cracking down on those who attempt to flout the rules by ramping up our enforcement activity right across the UK. Under the Plan for Change, this government is going further and faster with more visits, arrests and returns of those with no right to be in the country, to finally restore our immigration system.”

The Labour Party minister added:

“My message is clear: illegal workers, and those who employ and exploit them, will be caught and they will face the full force of the law.”

The Home Office statement continued:

“In many cases, those who end up working illegally are sold lies about their ability to live and work in the UK, when in reality they often face squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, as well as the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught.

“That’s why the Home Office is ramping up its enforcement action to ensure there is no hiding place from the law and rogue employers also face the full consequences, including fines of up to £60,000 and, in serious cases, a prison sentence.

Paul McHarron, Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Northern Ireland lead, said:

“I hope these arrests demonstrate our commitment to clamping down on illegal workers and non-compliant employers. Not only does illegal working undermine our immigration system and economy, but it’s inextricably linked to extremely poor living conditions, inhumane working hours and below minimum wage.

“This must be stopped, which is why we’re increasing our enforcement activity to tackle this illegal activity in all its forms. I’d like to thank our partners agencies for their support in delivering this operation.”

And a Home Office spokesperson added:

“Illegal working is just one part of the government’s wider plan to tackle organised immigration crime, from the smuggling routes operating across Europe, to the high streets of towns and cities across the UK. Alongside enforcement activity, the government has also exceeded its original target on returns, with nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and people with no right to be in the UK removed since the government took office. These figures represent the highest rate of returns seen in the UK since 2018 and include the four biggest returns charter flights in the UK’s history, with a total of more than 850 people on board.

“In the coming months, the government plans to go further by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which completed consideration by the Public Bill Committee this week, will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier, faster and more effective action against organised crime gangs. This includes new powers, for example seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally, to gather intelligence against the gangs responsible for their journey and new data sharing measures to build the UK’s intelligence picture. “

Source: Belfast Live

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Bootcamps and Technical Excellence for Construction Apprentices

The chancellor has announced plans to invest over half a billion pounds into training new construction workers, including through 10 new ‘technical excellence colleges’, more skills bootcamps and financial incentives for foundation apprenticeships.

Ahead of next week’s spring statement, Rachel Reeves said the government hopes to train “up to 60,000 more engineers, brickies, sparkies and chippies” to hit Labour’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by the next general election in 2029.

The government hopes a multi-pronged investment package, announced by the Treasury today, will create a “steady flow” of construction workers to help meet the housing target.

The package includes manifesto-promised initiatives such as technical excellence colleges and foundation apprenticeships, plus £2,000 cash incentives for employers to “retain” foundation apprentices, alongside funding for already established measures such as construction work placements, skills bootcamps, and local skills improvement plans (LSIPs).

Reeves said the 1.5 million homes, new roads, rail or energy infrastructure would not be possible without tackling the “massive shortage” of tradespeople who “actually get the work done”.

Latest Office for National Statistics figures show that there are over 35,000 job vacancies in the construction sector and employers report that over half of vacancies can’t be filled due to a lack of required skills – the highest rate of any sector.

Reeves added: “We’ve overhauled the planning system that is holding this country back, now we are gripping the lack of skilled construction workers, delivering on our Plan for Change to boost jobs and growth for working people.”

College leaders have said the package announced today will help them “reduce barriers” to training including by filling staff vacancies .

Here’s what the Treasury has announced so far:

Technical excellence colleges

There will £100 million of “new investment” for ten technical excellence colleges. But details on whether these will be brand new institutions, existing colleges or a re-branding of existing skills initiatives such as Institutes of Technology, are yet to be confirmed.

Ahead of Labour’s election victory, prime minister Keir Starmer said further education colleges would be able to bid to become “specialist” technical excellence colleges if they prove to Skills England that they can meet skills needs, lever investment from employers and utilise other local institutions.

Re-bootcamp

Skills bootcamps in construction are set to be expanded with £100 million in extra funding.

This follows the DfE pausing its national commissioning of bootcamps, although it will continue to fund them through ringfenced grants to mayors and local authorities next financial year.

The Treasury is yet to confirm who will oversee commissioning the newly announced funding for construction bootcamps.

Bootcamps, short sector-focused courses aimed at moving adults into new or better jobs, were first funded to boost employment and skills during the pandemic.

Up to £584 million was set aside for them between 2022 and 2025, but data on their success suggests that only a third of learners go on to gain a job in the field they trained in.

£2k foundation apprenticeships incentives

The Treasury says new foundation apprenticeships, launching in August this year, will be backed by an “additional £40 million” – the same amount that was first announced in October’s budget.

Construction will be one of the “key sectors” for foundation apprenticeships, with a new incentive of £2,000 available for employers who “take on and retain” a foundation apprentice.

Funding for training foundation apprentices will come from the growth and skills levy, currently known as the apprenticeship levy.

The Treasury has not confirmed how many £2,000 grants are available, but if the full £40 million is spent on the incentives then it will be used up with 20,000 places.

Industry placements

More than 40,000 construction industry placements will be funded by a £100 million contribution from the Treasury and £32 million from the Construction Industry Training Board.

The placements, aimed at addressing a so-called “leaky pipeline” of learners who “don’t progress into the sector” because they are not “site ready”, will be available to all level 2 and 3 learners, students on NVQs, BTECs, T-Levels and advanced apprenticeships.

The CITB, a government-sponsored body funded by a levy on construction firms, will also “double” the size of its new entrant support team, which focuses on helping small businesses recruit apprentices. The team’s current size is unclear.

More construction courses in colleges

Colleges will see £165 million made available to deliver “more construction courses”.

It is unclear how this funding will be distributed, what conditions will be attached or when it will become available.

LSIP stimulus

England’s 38 local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) will receive £20 million to “form partnerships between colleges and construction companies”.

A key aim will be increasing the number of teachers with construction experience to “train the next generation of workers”.

Broken down, the funding equates to about £526,000 per LSIP, similar to the £550,000 each employer representative body was paid to develop the plans between 2023 and 2025.

Capital pot ‘for employers’

The above initiatives add up to £525 million.

When asked how the £600 million figure was calculated, a Treasury spokesperson said there is also an £80 million capital pot to support employers to deliver bespoke training based on their needs. Officials are yet to elaborate.

Cash injection will help colleges fill vacancies

Anna Dawe, principal of Wigan and Leigh College, said:

“Our college boasts a strong and comprehensive offer across professional construction and construction trades, but currently there are real barriers to us and our employer partners being able to do more.

“Investment to reduce those barriers and enable us to offer additional pathways into such an important sector is very welcome.

“We see the high demand amongst young people wanting to enter the construction sector, adults looking to upskill and employers wishing to secure the right skills so a targeted strategy such as this has the potential to reduce the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), remove barriers to training and contribute to productivity in our locality.”

Jerry White, principal of City College Norwich, Paston College and Easton College added:

“We have just opened a new construction skills hub and this will enable us to fill it with the staff required to teach the students and apprentices of the future.

“Any increase in funding will help us pay staff at the industry standard rate, meaning we can truly recruit the best people for these roles.

“The Department for Education’s workforce survey last year showed one in 10 teaching roles in construction in colleges was vacant – this funding will help us address that.”

 

Source: FE News

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