THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, IS CONSTRUCTION FALLING BEHIND?

 

 

Q&A: Alan Grant, Agility3 – leading digital transformation in construction

Construction is one of the least-digitised industries in the UK, and this lack of digitalisation could be hampering construction companies in a very competitive marketplace.  We speak with Alan Grant at Agility3, a leading solutions provider in the development of bespoke, high quality virtual 3D content and interactive 3D applications, who shares his thoughts on digital transformation in construction and how he believes we are now at a critical turning point for the industry.

 

What does digital transformation look like for the construction industry and what challenges does it present?

Digital transformation is, in essence, replacing old ways with new ways. It is utilising the technologies that are available, such as BIM, Digital Engineering, Big Data and 3D/4D visualisation, to improve operational processes, efficiencies and performance within construction.

It is not a new concept by any means, but the construction industry as a whole has been slow to adopt new technologies. This is understandable and can be attributed to a number of common challenges. Firstly, an unclear definition and understanding of what digitalisation actually means. Lower margins and restricted R&D budgets, which reduces the investment available for new technology. A fear of and resistance to change. Fragmentation of the industry, with a typical construction project involving large numbers of suppliers and subcontractors, making implementation of digital solutions across multiple companies and users complex. Silo working, which brings with it un-standardised processes and data, and can prohibit a collaborative approach and inability to train multiple users in new technology. Indeed, recent reports show that about 32% of firms are currently spending less than 3% of turnover on digital technologies.

 

How can construction companies overcome these challenges?

3D and 4D modelling, simulation, AR, VR and immersive technologies are almost limitless. They offer so much more insight and knowledge to projects that a simple 2D format just can’t – being able to have a virtual walkthrough of a building before, during or after a project, is immensely powerful. It is a fascinating and exciting area that offers significant benefits to the construction industry, and one that I am deeply passionate about.

In order to utilise it to its full potential, we need to see a cultural shift within construction companies. Getting people across the whole organisation to adopt a mindset, behaviour and approach change to realise the value it can bring. No easy task, but when you consider that research shows digital transformation can result in productivity gains of up to 15% and cost reductions of 6%, it is change that construction companies cannot afford not to make.

For me, the key to achieving this is what I refer to as PPIT – People, Process, Information and Technology. You cannot enforce technology and process, without first bringing your people on board – it just won’t work and companies will fail to embrace the new digital technology. Through educating and explaining the technology and process, they can start to use it efficiently in standard work processes and witness the benefits for themselves. The transformation starts with the individuals and radiates out throughout the organisation.

We need to educate that digitalisation is not just simply installing new IT solutions. It is as much about operational change as it is about technological change. It will fix pain points, enable collaboration in real-time, reskill teams and ultimately unlock increased value and performance, whilst significantly reducing time and costs.  Only by understanding this can the entire workforce, from the C-suite to the frontline, truly harness the power of digital transformation.

 

What are the benefits that it brings?

The benefits of adopting digitalisation are vast. From increased business and employee productivity, improved health and safety rates, business growth and new wins, closer collaboration with real-time feedback, improved training, through to reduced operating costs.

 

Why do you feel we are now at a critical turning point?

This isn’t something that is going to go away. It isn’t some sci-fi vision of the future. This is happening now and it is a case of construction companies coming on board or being left behind in this competitive market place.

Some of the bigger names in the industry who are adopting these technologies are making significant gains. We are seeing an uplift in desire to embrace these new and emerging technologies and realise all the efficiency savings they bring.

At the start of my career, I worked for one of the UK’s leading contractors and experienced first-hand the operational difficulties and inefficiencies they had due to out of date processes, as well as the alarmingly high health and safety and accident rates. Through my passion for visualisation technology, I worked with them to develop a number of apps to help improve efficiencies. These included virtual simulations of any accident, to improve training and prevent future health and safety risks, as well as 3D modelling to predict accurate excavations volumes. The result? Technology created a process which provided savings of £5 million and significantly reduced health and safety incidents.

This belief and passion in what technology can do for the industry, is what brought me to Agility3. The team here create bespoke interactive 3D and 4D visualisation applications, helping clients to visualise proposed complex plans in a virtual world. These applications allow for an ease of understanding, realisation of the impact on surrounding areas, and the ability to watch the progress of development throughout a project’s lifecycle.

A recent project we worked on here at Agility3, saw us developing a bespoke 4D visualisation application for an industry leader in the delivery of major rail and highway infrastructure projects. The application helped their prospective customer to understand and visualise the proposed plans for the construction over the next 5 years. The 4D functionality allowed full view of the construction activities that would take place on any one day, giving clear visibility and significantly improving stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

The impact that these technologies offers to the construction industry is truly significant.

What does the future hold?

The challenges construction faces are real, but they can be overcome. With what we at Agility3 offer, as well as others, I predict that instead of a resistance to change we will start to witness an increased demand for these technologies.

The industry is only going in one direction – digital. It offers abundant opportunity for the construction industry to evolve and grow and the time for digital transformation within construction is now.

If you’d like to learn more about how Agility3 can develop interactive visualisation applications to support your development project, please get in touch at info@agility3.co.uk or call on (+44) 01438 488066.

 

agility3.co.uk

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Fixing innovation streamlines installation of flat roofs with tapered insulation

Roofing and cladding fastening systems specialist EJOT UK has developed a new mechanical fastener solution to help installers save time and money when installing flat roofing with tapered insulation.

The JBS-R/EcoTek combination brings together a high performing concrete screw (JBS-R 7.5) with a high-quality telescopic tubewasher (EcoTek) to provide a fixing solution that is adjustable to fit the required depth of insulation. It is universally suitable too, providing a solution for mineral fibre, EPS, XPS and PIR tapered insulation.

As the illustration shows, this makes the fastener suitable for any insulation depth of between 70mm and 500mm, using fewer fastener / washer combinations than current mechanical fixing approaches. This can easily reduce fastener use for a slope insulation of 120 to 260 millimetres by as much as 25%, subject to the application, a site survey and pull out test.

Installation is easy as only one embedment depth is needed whatever the insulation thickness and adjustability is achieved thanks to the innovative way that the EcoTek tubewasher is driven into place using a custom tool with the fastener already in place. And where the insulation is especially deep, installers can simply use EJOT’s flanged A-cone and extension – this helps to eliminate the awkwardness of drilling deep using standard SDS drills.

Kevin Rackley, Product Manager for Flat Roofing Fastener Systems at EJOT UK said: “Cut to falls insulation is used in around a third of all the flat roofs installed in the UK today so it is important that we innovate and find ways to make this approach as easy and cost-effective as possible.

“This is why the JBS-R/EcoTek fastening system offers huge potential to make a difference for installers. Given the need for only one set embedment, using JBS-R/EcoTek means installers don’t need to think about the usual variety of product combinations on site – the job can be done easier and quicker with an all-round better result.

“And using this new EJOT product combination also simplifies ordering and stockholding for contractors with no need to source a variety of different concrete screws and stress plates.”

Long term performance is assured when using the JBS-R/EcoTek fastening system given the quality materials used to manufacture both fastener elements. The JBS-R concrete screw manufactured from case hardened steel and the EcoTek tubewasher is formed from high quality polyamide plastic to provide a lasting solution.

To find out more visit www.ejot.co.uk.

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NEW EV CHARGE POINT PROTECTION AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS FROM BRANDSAFE

Improved levels of protection for electric vehicle (EV) charge points installed in warehouse and distribution centre car parks are provided by a new range of high-performance solutions from Brandsafe, the UK impact protection equipment specialist.

 

There are currently in excess of 30,000 electric vehicle charge points across the UK in over 11,000 locations. Furthermore, the Department for Transport has allocated £10m to local councils to fund the installation of an additional 7,200 commercial charging stations by 2021.

The resilient, cost-effective and flexible EV charge point protection range from Brandsafe is ideal for the all round protection of new or current EV charge point installations from vehicles in car park areas and features an array of durable and impact resistant bollards, wheel stops and Armco barriers.

For light and medium duty applications, such as private office or public car parks, ImpactSAFE Protection Posts are available in either 600mm, 800mm or 1000mm height options. These bollards are strong and robust and feature different colour options to suit individual requirements, offering added safety and visibility for vehicle drivers when they are either reversing up to or pulling alongside a charge point.

In heavy-duty applications, where there is a higher risk of impact damage, ImpactSAFE Heavy Duty Bollards should be utilised. These bollards, which are available in 1000mm, 1300mm or 1600mm height options, are highly reflective and feature shock absorbing rubber buffers to deflect the force of impact away from critical areas, offering the requisite protective benefits for industrial use.

Vehicle traffic routing Armco safety barriers can also be installed in industrial areas to protect either individual or multiple charge points, providing a further level of protection against vehicle impact damage. The barriers come with hardwearing and weather resistant polyethylene corner and end sections to further protect electric vehicle (EV) charge points from collision damage.

A selection of highly visible and hardwearing vehicle wheel stops, which are quick and easy to install and moulded from recycled truck tyres, are also available as part of this new range. These can be specified to suit all applications, with solutions available to accommodate everything from domestic vehicles to commercial vans and HGVs. As with the bollards, various colours of wheel stops are available to match the client’s requirements.

Standard product packages have been created by Brandsafe to suit the application and location of EV charge points, but customers can also opt for bespoke solutions to suit their individual requirements.

Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager for Brandsafe, said: “The EV market in the UK is growing rapidly and operators need to protect their charge points from damage and loss. Our new range of added value impact resistant solutions offers a comprehensive, cost effective and accessible way to safeguard these investments.”

 

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CLICK HERE

 

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The Light Bulb Moments that was the Death of Modern Construction!

WAS THE LIGHT BULB THE DEATH OF MODERN CONSTRUCTION?

The invention of the light bulb was one of the worst things to happen to the construction industry, says chartered engineer Lee Marshall, managing director of leading sustainable building services company Viridis. Here he explains why… 

THERE is no disputing the economic and social impact that the arrival of the light bulb had on our lives. It allowed factories and businesses to run into the night, revolutionised our homes and social lives, and allowed us to travel safely in the dark. So much has been made possible with artificial light.

However, in my view, it was also one of the worst things that could have happened to the world of construction as it made everything smaller.

It led to the death of large, airy windows that let natural light flood in. Before the light bulb was introduced in the nineteenth century, properties were built to let in as much daylight as possible, thanks to the astronomical cost of oil lamps and candles.

In the post-war era, ceiling heights in properties really came down and windows became smaller as we could light our homes artificially. This continued into the housing boom of the 1950s and 60s and in the social housing growth of the 1970s and 80s. With the advent of LED lighting, our homes are more energy-efficient to run – not to mention warmer thanks to modern insulation and double glazing – but we haven’t updated our construction methods.

This needs to change. We need to not only start building better but also change our approach to how we build.

I firmly believe that if you have a good, sustainable housing offering that is scalable then there is an opportunity to transform the market, but designs need to be more creative. For example, there is a huge waste of space and volume with traditional triangular roof trusses – you are probably losing about 25 to 30 percent of the building for nothing.

We could push into that volume. By lifting the first floor a few hundred millimetres and raising the bedroom ceiling further into the loft, you could push up the space by about ten feet and put in bigger windows, create some nice features such as vaulting, and reduce the energy consumption.

Under current regulations, a window area must equate to approximately 20 percent of the floor area to allow a small amount of daylight. If we said it should be increased to 40 – 50 percent and the minimum ceiling height should be three metres, it would transform how we live and improve health & wellbeing.

We could also redefine our living spaces by changing the layout and geography of a house, which is normally dictated by the position of the stairs. If we put the stairs at the back of the property, then all the downstairs rooms could be at the front of the house. Would you even need windows at the back? It could be a north-facing wall that is timber-framed and well-insulated.

Then you could have bigger windows on the front. The bedrooms would be front or south-facing, making the property a more rectangular shape, and you would have a larger, south-facing front garden that is accessible from both the kitchen and living area. If an entire neighbourhood is organised in this way, it creates a sensitive layout that gives privacy but maximises daylight – reducing the reliance on artificial light.

I’ve been working in this industry for 20 years and understand it takes time to turn things around. Many in the building industry have convinced themselves that people want a square house with a big roof and there is a reluctance to break the mould.

As a practice, we know that being sustainable and saving CO2 emissions is about spending as little as possible in order to save as much as possible. As a result, we offer a different perspective to our clients and the projects we are involved in and we have certainly seen a good response. In fact, we are currently working on a selection of social housing that gives properties bigger windows and a higher floor to ceiling height.

So, while the invention of the lightbulb has led to building sizes being reduced unnecessarily, the energy revolution we are experiencing will allow people to live happily in homes that still have those important echoes of the past.

For more information about Viridis Building Services, visit viridisbsl.co.uk.

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Are you missing out on £70k in R&D Tax Credit Savings?

Why construction and civil engineering businesses are potentially missing out on an average of £70,000 in R&D tax credit savings

Experts provide insight for how companies in the construction sector can utilise R&D tax credits and be rewarded for their innovation

Are civil engineering businesses in the UK missing out on R&D tax credits?  With HMRC data revealing that the UK construction sector made up just under 6% of UK R&D tax credit claims, those operating in the industry are encouraged to consider whether they might be eligible.

For those that did make a claim from the sector as a whole, the average value of a claim was just over £70,000 in 2018-19.

What is an R&D tax credit for civil engineering?

SMEs and large companies in the UK can claim tax relief for a broad range of R&D activities, as part of schemes which are administered by HMRC. Typically, a business making a successful claim can get back up to 33% of the amount that they have spent on qualifying R&D.

Many people have a misconception of R&D as only suiting people who work in white lab coats, but the truth is that the term can be applied to any business that has done something innovative in the way it operates, or developed new ways of doing things. HMRC defines innovation as overcoming an uncertainty – something that could not easily be worked out by someone who is a professional in the field. And even if the innovation fails, it could still be eligible for tax savings.

There are five broad cost categories which can be included in a civil engineering R&D claim; staff costs, subcontractors, externally provided works (EPWs), software and consumables like heat, light and power.

Dominic Bartholdi, Head of Business Development at R&D tax specialists GovGrant, provides expert insight into R&D in the civil engineering profession:

Why the civil engineering and wider construction sector could be missing out on savings

We find that companies from all sectors have the potential to claim UK R&D tax relief. For tax purposes the definition of R&D is so much broader than you may think.

It is generally considered that there is little advancement in building houses or excavating groundworks as it is the kind of activity we’ve been doing in some form for thousands of years.  However, there are exceptions and these are the areas where clients need to focus.

What qualifies as R&D in the construction sector?

We see qualifying R&D activity in the innovative use of green or sustainable materials and methods. R&D often leads to an improvement in existing construction techniques to solve site-specific or environmental issues or developing new products such as lighter weight, stronger, more resilient or easier-to-process building materials.

It can be tricky to identify compliant activities in the civil engineering and construction sector but we know that firms of all kinds are now benefiting from refinement through technology. R&D tax claims can come from process improvements, production improvement and scalability and quality control. And we see this happening in all aspects of construction, including:

  • Adaptations like modular buildings and removable walls

  • Modifying or developing new materials which require or meet new specifications and tolerances

  • Developing new materials or techniques that are more sustainable and better for the environment, for example new insulation materials or application methods.

  • Developing new or improving existing machinery

  • Attempting to overcome unprecedented land or extreme environmental conditions

  • Achieving new fire and building regulations within specific constraints e.g. of machine access, historic listing restrictions or budget and time

Even when businesses are already claiming R&D tax credits, they might not have fully explored the potential of that claim.

What are the triggers that could suggest that a construction firm may have R&D that qualifies for a tax credit claim?

Knowing what is compliant R&D activity and what isn’t often comes down to level of uncertainty. It could be that a firm is doing clever and complex calculations – but being clever and skilled isn’t always the same as problem-solving to counter uncertainty. Take the example of an engineer who is using tolerances, stresses and tables to specify a project. Squaring the circle may be tricky, but if you are relying on existing knowledge in tables and standards then this doesn’t sound like R&D.

If, however, you are creating new standards and tolerances – because of a new material, a new piece of equipment or a brand new client requirement, then this suggests that this could be qualifying R&D.This can show itself in simulations, specific and iterative CAD modelling, designing prototypes, plugging in and working with new variables. This is very much the foundation of R&D. Also a failed project can be a sign that you’re tackling new ground.

What advice would GovGrant give to construction firms who are unsure whether they should apply?

Our one and only goal is to get you the maximum benefit you are entitled to for innovating. Initially we will assess the viability from a financial point of view to make sure it’s worthwhile making a claim, by reviewing your management accounts and tax computations. We don’t want to waste your time so we’ll give you realistic feedback from the start.

If there is a good chance of making a claim, we then arrange a meeting with each relevant department or site. This is when our specialists identify what qualifying R&D activity has taken place. We never ask the question ‘Tell me about your R&D?’ We have a detailed conversation to understand your whole business and the projects you are undertaking.

When you meet your dedicated specialist, it will feel like you’re talking to a colleague rather than your advisor.

Once a qualifying project is identified what next?

Once a project is deemed to be qualifying R&D activity then the next step of the process is to identify  what qualifying costs were incurred whilst carrying out the activity – so which staff, third party, and infrastructure costs can be claimed. Again, this might not be something that clients are aware of.

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£60m order book of Booming Builder

Brenig Construction Ltd; Pictured are Mark Parry and Howard Vaughan Managing Directors of Brenig. Picture Mandy Jones

A fast-growing North Wales builder has announced an order book bulging with £60 million of work including plans for 300 new homes in the next four years.

Mochdre-based Brenig Construction have doubled their turnover in the last 12 months to over £20 million and are currently working on sites from Bangor to Winsford in Cheshire.

It’s a rapid rise for the firm founded by joint managing directors Mark Parry and Howard Vaughan who started the business together in 2012 and now employ over 70 staff.

Howard Vaughan said: “We have strong connections with major housing associations in North Wales and we are also breaking new ground in Cheshire and in Shropshire.

“We have really hit the ground running since last year’s first lockdown ended and have secured a number of major contracts while we’re also in the running for a number of others.

“We have also built up an expertise in the construction of low energy passivhaus homes, working with one of the UK leaders in the field, Beattie Passive, and we believe this will become increasingly important.

“It’s the future of construction and having the expertise and competencies in this field and a record of achievement puts us in a good position within the industry.”

Their passivhaus projects, among the first of their kind in Wales, are in Old Colwyn, Llanrwst and in Denbigh where a 22-property development for Denbighshire County Council has just started.

Passivhaus uses sophisticated insulation, triple-glazed windows and air-circulation systems, to keep out cold in winter and heat in summer to achieve a stable and comfortable temperature so there are savings of up to 90 per cent in energy costs on traditional building stock.

The work for Denbighshire involves them in the first council house building programme in the county in 30 years with the new homes heated by a ground source system.

In Cheshire a joint private housing scheme venture with Calon Homes is under way in Middlewich with nine of the eleven properties already sold off-plan

They are also going to be involved in a major 21-home project with one of the UK’s biggest housing associations, the Guinness Trust, in Crewe and another project with another major housing provider, the Muir Trust, in Winsford.

Mark Parry said: “It’s very exciting to be involved in cutting-edge passivhaus projects which will revolutionise construction techniques for the future.

“We have in the region of £8 million of these kind of contracts on our books and we see this as a way forward for construction with the emphasis on new, green building methods likely to become even more important in future when it will be vital to have these capabilities.

“Overall we feel the potential for growth is huge and certainly we feel that the outlook is good and the volume of work should catapult us up the rankings of North Wales construction companies.”

It’s a positive outlook for a company established by two young civil engineers who first met as six-year-olds at their local youth club in Glan Conwy in 1987.

They first worked together at Dawnus Construction which they left to found Brenig in 2012 and their first major contract was a high-profile environmental improvement programme on the Parc Peulwys estate in Llysfaen above Old Colwyn for Cartrefi Conwy housing association.

In 2018 they moved into new headquarters at the business park in Mochdre which they built for Cartrefi Conwy with whom they work together as Calon Homes with Creating Enterprise, a subsidiary of the housing association.

They are also a growing presence in the housebuilding sector as Brenig Homes and have expertise in civil engineering and groundworks while their portfolio now also includes maintenance, social housing, commercial housing and plant hire.

 

Source: Wales 247

 

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Insulation Grant Scrapped – Response

Installing external insulation could radically cut carbon from the UK’s housing stock. Credit: Energiesprong

 

With UK Green Homes Grant scrapped, a training revolution is needed

Climate solutions charity Ashden is calling for a revolution in green skills training in response to the UK government’s announcement today that it has scrapped its flagship green homes grant scheme.

While the announcement of the ending of the green homes grant comes as a body blow to all involved in the UK’s retrofit industry, the government can still take action to create thousands of local green jobs around the UK.

Politicians must commit to long term tailored investment in green skills. If they do not, the UK will not achieve zero carbon by 2050, and many workers will face a precarious future, ill-equipped to meet the demands of tomorrow’s job market.

In Autumn 2020 Ashden consulted 20 experts across the low carbon heat and retrofit sector about this issue and launched a green skills award to uncover best practice across the UK. Insights from the consultation feature in a new Ashden report published tomorrow (29 Mar), Green skills: training UK workers for tomorrow’s job market, which will confirm that funding for green skills training is too low, too short-term, and not local enough.

“The government has legal commitments to meet zero carbon – this is not a choice,” says Ashden CEO, Harriet Lamb. “But the stop-start history of its commitment to providing grants for making homes more energy efficient is undermining confidence within  the industry. Companies that have taken on the retrofit challenge are scared of entering the market when the government has pulled the rug out from under their feet too many times. The government has created a self-fulfilling prophesy of failure. It is crucial they turn this around through a long term, stable policy including investing in training.”

The retrofit skills gap

A massive gap exists between the UK’s current capacity to retrofit homes and install heat pumps, and the sheer volume of work needed if we are to achieve net zero by 2050.

  • There are only 950 heat pump installers accredited by MCS – the UK’s standards body in this area – compared to 96,000 installers of fossil fuel systems, primarily gas boilers. Government expects 600,000 heat pumps to be installed each year by 2028, so there is a need for rapid re-training of workers.
  • Only around 1300 installers are certified through Trustmark to undertake Green Homes Grant work. But the Government had anticipated 600,000 homes being retrofitted through the scheme each year.
  • There are just 500 retrofit coordinators.
  • Compounding this issue, fewer than 10 of the UK’s 192 further education colleges deliver retrofit and low carbon heat training – reflecting the severe lack of trained instructors in this area.

Long term and consistent investment will address the current ‘on-off funding’ problem that discourages training colleges companies and workers from embracing green skills.

Innovators around the UK are offering practical routes into the sector and building demand for trainee job opportunities in retrofit and low-carbon heat. Examples of best practice include:

  • Retrofit Academy accelerating retrofit co-ordinator training nationwide – the organisation is currently working with 800 trainees.
  • The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) and Chartered Institute for Plumbing and Engineering (CIPHE) creating new training to be accredited by City & Guilds, working in tandem with manufacturers.
  • Carbon Co-op in Manchester training over 200 installers and working closely with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to scale up its work.
  • Warmworks, a fuel poverty initiative in Scotland, creating over 100 apprenticeships and uses SMEs in its supply chain.

“There is a massive opportunity for the government to fill these capacity gaps, create thousands of new jobs, and build back better– by launching a green workforce of newly trained and re-trained tradespeople,” says Harriet Lamb. “It is right to direct money via local authorities, and towards those less able to pay. But even that will need people who are trained green installers. The government needs to be proactive, this cannot happen by magic.”

 

www.ashden.org

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Inviting Surveyors: THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Parliament restoration programme launches nationwide invitation for specialist surveyors to help develop most detailed record of the Palace of Westminster ever created

 

·       Intrusive surveys on Victorian building services, archaeology, stonework and more 

·       Restoration programme will support thousands of jobs and apprenticeships across UK, including through apprentice loan scheme to support small and medium businesses 
 

Specialists from across the UK are being invited to play a part in the first stage of the vital and complex restoration of the Palace of Westminster. 
 
The Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme has today launched a procurement drive to invite expressions of interest from specialist surveyors, including small and medium sized businesses across the UK, to carry out dozens of on-site surveys in the Palace of Westminster. 

 More than 100 surveys are being carried out during the first stage of the restoration project to develop the most detailed record of the Palace of Westminster ever created.   

 The survey analysis will map out the condition of all the complex mechanical and engineering systems including the Victorian heating and cooling system.  

 Expert surveyors will also look at the miles of gas and electric pipes that often run directly alongside one another in the basement, and in thousands of spaces in floors, walls and risers that were originally designed as part of the Victorian ventilation system. Many of the systems reached the end of their expected life decades ago and urgently need replacing.  

 Other surveys will focus on archaeology and the structure of the building and investigators will also look at fire safety, the condition of windows, walls, floors and stonework, and heat loss from the building.  

 Restoring the building will create thousands of jobs across the UK, including through an industry-leading apprentice loan scheme that will see around 160 apprentices, including engineers, designers, stonemasons, and carpenters, employed by the organisations overseeing and delivering the restoration of the Palace of Westminster and loaned to UK businesses working on the restoration. 

 David Goldstone, CEO of the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority said:

 “Our experts are carrying out more than 100 surveys to develop the most detailed record of Parliament ever created, as we get on with the job of preparing the detailed and costed plan that will for the first time give a true sense of the costs and timescales of restoring the Palace of Westminster.”

 

 

The survey analysis will map out the condition of all the complex mechanical and engineering systems including the Victorian heating and cooling system.  

 The in-depth surveys are a key part of developing a detailed and costed restoration plan that will for the first time give an accurate sense of the costs and timescales for restoring the Palace, as well as designs for a restored Parliament. Most of these surveys will be procured through the intrusive surveys framework contracts. 

 The surveys involve specialists spending thousands of hours studying and analysing the building to better understand the full scale of work that needs to be done. The Palace of Westminster is falling apart faster than it can be fixed and urgently needs extensive work to protect it for future generations. 

 Surveys are expected to begin later this year and every supplier will go through the same rigorous security checks as existing Parliamentary contractors and suppliers. 

 In total, there are eight categories where suppliers are being invited to apply to be part of an Intrusive Surveys Supplier Framework, making the final procurement of dozens of individual surveys much quicker.  

 

 The categories are: 

 

·       Civil Engineering / Structural 

·       Ground Investigations & Geotechnical  

·       Instrumentation & Monitoring  

·       Environmental 

·       Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health 

·       Archaeology  

·       Asbestos Removal 

·       Conservation Contractor 

 

The framework is for up to £80m of survey contracts over the next four years, with around £10m of contracts expected to be procured in the first year. A range of other surveys are already being carried out through existing frameworks. Findings from surveys will be used as the restoration team develops a detailed and costed plan for restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster.  

 In line with best practice and guidance from the National Audit Office and Infrastructure Projects Authority, this detailed and costed restoration and renewal plan will explore options based on extensive  investigations, surveys and analysis with a strong focus on a ‘do essential’ option.  

 As the programme develops the detailed and costed restoration and renewal plan, it will also continue working closely with Parliament to determine all the functions that the building needs to have in future, as well as what needs to be done to improve the building. With 3000 people working in and visiting the 150-year-old building every day, there are a huge number of requirements to take into account as the programme plans the restoration of one of the most recognised buildings in the world. 

The detailed and costed restoration plan will be considered by Parliament, and work on the Palace itself is due to start in the mid-2020s, as previously expected.  

 

The contract framework notice is published here: 

  

Governance 

The organisations which will lead the UK’s biggest heritage renovation project, the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster, were launched in April 2020 as independent bodies, separate from, but accountable to, Parliament. The Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Sponsor Body has been set up to tackle the work needed to protect the Palace, ensuring it can continue to serve as the home of the UK Parliament in the 21st century and beyond. The Sponsor Body will set the scope, budget and timescale for the project in response to the requirements of Parliament. It oversees the Delivery Authority, which will be responsible for developing and delivering the work to the Sponsor Body’s specifications, and which is responsible for this surveys procurement. 

 

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Construction sites: A Danger to Children

Children use construction sites and derelict properties as playgrounds:  Families call for increase in site security

A call has gone out to urge property owners of construction sites or abandoned properties to ensure children cannot access them over the Easter holidays, after families in Stoke-on-Trent fear a child might be injured if a former school is not demolished. Also a report in The Times cited that young people were breaking into building sites, including a rising trend in ‘urban explorers’ out to investigate unusual, abandoned properties.

As schools break up for Easter, the property security specialists, VPS, have heeded the call from parents to warn owners about the risks to children tempted to use building sites or derelict premises as playgrounds during the holidays.

“Construction sites and abandoned buildings are a magnet for children looking to explore and play” says Darron Cavanagh, Chief Operating Officer for VPS, “And not only children, but the growing interest in ‘urban exploring’ means many youths and adults are also curious trespassers. But they can be dangerous places. Last June, an urban explorer fell to his death from the roof of an abandoned dairy in Devon.”

“Property and landowners of vacant sites are responsible for keeping them safe and secure whilst they lie empty. To remove combustible materials, ensure access points are well-protected, and, for particularly vulnerable sites, to consider remotely monitored CCTV. Quite apart from the costs of rectifying damage from arson or vandalism, if a serious injury or worse happens to anyone – even if they are trespassing –  the owners can be held liable if they are found to have been negligent.”

The VPS Group is Europe’s leading temporary security specialist, providing an Intelligent Triple Protection service, securing sites with the widest range of solutions from Monitored Technology such as 24/7 alarms, CCTV Towers, perimeter monitoring and scaffold alarms, as well as traditional Physical Protection, such as steel panels and doors, and Human Intervention – whether that be prevention through use, patrols or surge guarding and inspections. No matter how challenging it is to secure a specific site, VPS can combine the widest range of options to find the best-fit solution for every customer.

www.vpsgroup.com

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THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF HOME GROWN ENERGY

MCS has captured and been monitoring the uptake of small-scale renewable energy technology over the last 14 years. In their new landmark report ‘Renewing Britain: The changing landscape of home-grown energy 2008 – 2021′  they have analysed this data to highlight:

  • Disparity of areas adopting domestic green energy has created rural ‘forests’ and urban ‘deserts’
  • It would take over 250 years for small-scale renewables to reach every household at current rates
  • The 10 local authorities with the lowest rates are all London boroughs
  • Scotland leads the way, with one in five homes in Orkney opting for renewables
  • MCS outline three key recommendations for government to support small-scale renewables on a national level

Their report shows the dramatic change in the landscape but crucially, it provides the market with insights to shape the future.

 

Ian Rippin, chief executive officer of MCS, commented: “Domestic renewables have come a long way since 2008, when just 43 MCS certified installations were made. The wealth of data at our disposal that we’ve distilled into this report paints an invaluable picture of the past to help inform our current path to net-zero.
The data speaks for itself: Britain is a divided country when it comes to the investment in small-scale renewables, with myriad factors affecting uptake. True change is happening at a local authority level; something which central government should learn from.
We need a carefully considered, long-term roadmap for the quick, broad adoption of renewables and the decarbonisation of our homes.”

You can view and download the Report here
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