Calls for the Mayor of London to Prioritise Green Skills

ECA (Excelence in Eletrictotechnical & Engineering Services) calls on London Mayor to prioritise green electrical skills in the capital

ECA’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Eldred has reiterated calls on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to provide small electrical contractors with extra financial and administrative support to hire apprentices for crucial low-carbon electrotechnical work.

He also called for direct funding of the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessment route, as well as infrastructure to assist completion of the Assessment.

Following ECA’s contributions to the London Assembly Environment Committee’s investigation into low-carbon skills in the capital, the Committee has published an open letter to the Mayor asking that he prioritise green skills and apprenticeships as we work towards net zero carbon emissions.

Andrew Eldred told the Committee that there are particular challenges in providing opportunities for on-the-job training because of the small size of many electrotechnical and engineering services contractors.

He suggested that additional assistance for small companies would enable more to consider taking on apprenticeships, adding, “I absolutely buy into the idea of extra support for smaller employers. For the electrical apprenticeship, 80 per cent of all electrical apprentices are already employed by non-levy companies, the smaller companies.

“However,  many smaller businesses do not have the bandwidth to manage the full burden of taking on an apprentice. They are put off by bureaucracy, so additional incentives and support, including potentially wage support, could be targeted at those companies.

“If that support is provided upfront, particularly for a small outfit that is taking on its first apprentice, we could see a resolution to the issue.”

The ability to upskill our existing workforce is also crucial in meeting skyrocketing demand for low-carbon installations. The open letter cites Andrew Eldred as advising the Mayor to “boost support for the EWA [Experienced Worker Assessment] route, including providing the infrastructure to support completion of the EWA.”

The EWA allows people who have already worked in the electrical industry, or a closely related field to gain a qualification, provided that they can demonstrate adequate existing knowledge and fill gaps through training and experience before taking an assessment of competence.

Read the full open letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan here.

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Constructing buildings from nanobots and smart dust

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In the dynamic realm of construction, the infusion of cutting-edge technology continually pushes boundaries and sparks innovation. An emerging frontier in this landscape involves the use of nanobots and smart dust, micro-scale technologies that promise to revolutionise the very essence of construction processes. In this comprehensive exploration, buildingspecifier.com Editor Joe Bradbury delves into the intricate world of molecular construction, envisioning a future where buildings are meticulously crafted at the atomic level by miniature robotic marvels and intelligent particles. Brace yourselves as we unravel the potential applications, challenges, and transformative impact that this molecular marvel holds for the construction industry.

 

Nanobots – the tiny titans of construction

Nanobots, the diminutive yet powerful agents of change, are poised to assume a pivotal role in the future of construction. Operating at the nanoscale, these microscopic robots can be programmed to execute intricate tasks with unprecedented precision. Imagine a construction site where nanobots lay the foundation of structures, connect materials seamlessly, and even undertake repair work at a molecular level. The possibilities are as vast as they are mind-bending, reshaping the very fabric of construction as we know it.

 

The potential applications of nanobots in construction are boundless. Their ability to navigate through tight spaces, coupled with precise control mechanisms, makes them ideal for tasks that were once considered too delicate or intricate for conventional methods. Nanobots could be the architects of a new era, laying the groundwork for structures that stand as testaments to precision engineering.

Smart dust – a symphony of intelligence

Enter the realm of smart dust, a symphony of intelligent particles that promises to orchestrate a revolution in construction monitoring and management. Comprising tiny, wireless sensors, smart dust particles are designed to collect and transmit data, providing a real-time stream of information from the heart of construction projects. Picture a construction site where every particle functions as a sensor, contributing to a vast network of data that guides the building process with unparalleled accuracy.

 

Smart dust brings a new dimension to construction by enabling real-time monitoring of structural integrity and environmental conditions. These particles can detect stress points, assess material performance, and transmit valuable insights to construction teams. The result is a dynamic feedback loop that enhances decision-making, mitigates risks, and ensures the optimal performance of structures throughout their lifecycle.

 

Designing with precision

At the core of molecular construction lies the ability to design with unparalleled precision. Architects and engineers can now envisage structures at the molecular level, optimising every aspect for strength, efficiency, and sustainability. The traditional constraints of construction materials and methods are transcended as molecular design allows for intricate and complex structures that were once deemed impractical or even impossible.

 

Molecular blueprints enable architects to create structures that are not only aesthetically stunning but also functionally superior. Imagine buildings that are tailored to specific environmental conditions, with materials and designs crafted to withstand the test of time. The potential for innovation in architectural design becomes limitless as the microscopic realm becomes a canvas for groundbreaking creativity.

 

Challenges and ethical considerations

While the prospects of molecular construction are exhilarating, they come with a set of challenges and ethical considerations. As with any transformative technology, the potential environmental impact, safety concerns, and ethical use of advanced technologies in construction must be carefully navigated.

 

Environmental impact considerations include the disposal of nanobots and smart dust after construction projects, potential ecosystem disruptions, and the long-term effects of introducing such technology into the natural environment. Safety concerns range from the health implications of exposure to nanobots to the risks associated with potential malfunctions or unintended consequences during construction.

 

Ethical considerations delve into the responsible use of these technologies, ensuring that their deployment aligns with societal values and standards. Striking a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility is crucial to ensuring the sustainable and responsible development of molecular construction.

 

Real-world applications

In the present, researchers and pioneers are already pushing the boundaries of molecular construction. Case studies and real-world applications provide a glimpse into the potential and challenges of deploying nanobots and smart dust in construction projects.

 

Highlighting instances where these technologies have been successfully employed, we learn from the experiences of those who have ventured into the uncharted territory of molecular construction. From small-scale experiments to ambitious undertakings, these case studies offer valuable insights into the practicalities, breakthroughs, and lessons learned in the field.

 

 

The future landscape of molecular construction

Peering into the crystal ball of construction innovation reveals a rapidly evolving landscape for molecular construction. Speculating on future scenarios and potential advancements in this revolutionary technology unveils fascinating prospects.

 

In the realm of architectural design, the integration of molecular construction with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a transformative force. Imagine architects and engineers immersing themselves in a virtual world, manipulating molecular structures in real-time using AR and VR interfaces. This integration not only streamlines the design process but also provides a dynamic platform for collaborative visualisation, allowing stakeholders to interact with molecular blueprints before the deployment of a single nanobot.

 

Autonomous construction swarms present a vision of a bustling construction site where nanobot swarms work harmoniously under the guidance of advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence. Coordinating seamlessly, these swarms could enhance construction efficiency and reduce overall project timelines. This paradigm shift could redefine the construction industry by transitioning from traditional methods to a future where microscopic agents collaboratively bring architectural visions to life.

 

Consider the potential for self-healing structures, where nanobots equipped with the ability to detect and repair microscopic damage extend the lifespan of buildings. This innovation could revolutionise maintenance practices, reducing the need for frequent repairs and interventions.

 

Molecular construction also opens the door to environmental adaptability, where structures can dynamically adjust to changing environmental conditions. Interconnected with weather forecasting systems, nanobots and smart dust could enable buildings to adapt their structural properties based on external factors such as temperature, humidity, or seismic activity. This adaptive construction approach may lead to structures that are not only resilient but also sustainable in a dynamically changing world.

 

In summary

As we conclude our exploration into the world of molecular marvels, it is evident that the construction industry stands on the precipice of a transformative era. The vision of constructing buildings at the molecular level is not merely a fantastical notion but a tangible prospect on the horizon.

 

Nanobots and smart dust hold the promise of reshaping the construction landscape, ushering in an era where precision, efficiency, and sustainability converge in unprecedented ways. While challenges and ethical considerations remain, the potential benefits are vast, offering a glimpse into a future where construction is not just an act of creation but a molecular symphony orchestrated by the tiniest of marvels. As research and development progress, the construction industry is on the brink of a molecular revolution that will redefine the very essence of how we build and shape our world.

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Energy security ‘crunch point’ in 2028

 

Analysis: Delays to building new UK power generation creates energy security ‘crunch point’ in 2028

 

 

  • By 2028 the UK’s demand for power is set to exceed secure dispatchable and baseload capacity by 7.5GW at peak times
  • “Crunch point” is a result of delays in bringing new generation on to the system, increasing demand for power and upcoming retirement of existing assets
  • Shortfall would leave UK more dependent on intermittent domestic and international generation
  • Mitigation includes extending the use of existing nuclear and dispatchable generation, including biomass, and supporting reduction in peak demand

New independent analysis by Public First, ‘Mind the gap: Exploring Britain’s energy crunch’, commissioned by Drax Group (Drax), reveals that the UK will hit an energy security “crunch point” in 2028.

Public First’s research finds that in 2028 a perfect storm of an increase in demand, the retirement of existing assets, and delays to the delivery of Hinkley Point C will culminate in demand exceeding secure dispatchable and baseload capacity by 7.5GW at peak times.

This shortfall is more than three times the secure de-rated power that Sizewell C will be capable of providing to the system when completed – 2.5GW – and nearly double the gap in 2022 (4GW). Uncertainty for biomass generators, which contribute over 3GW of secure dispatchable power, risks compounding the shortfall by nearly 50%.

The analysis also shows that over the next five years the headroom between secure total supply and peak demand is tightest in 2028. This is when total de-rated capacity is expected to be just 5GW higher than demand in peak times – this represents a significant reduction (c.-40%) from the average expected headroom across 2024-2027 (8.5GW).

The scale of the energy crunch will play out when National Grid ESO runs its T-4 Capacity Market Auction to procure sufficient power generating capacity to keep the lights on in 2027-28. The margin between target capacity the ESO wants to secure (44GW) and how much generation has entered the auction (43.4GW) is the tightest it has ever been since the auctions started ten years ago.

The research underscores that energy security will be a key issue in the next Parliamentary term. Without additional action taken to make up the shortfall, the UK will be more dependent on intermittent power from international energy interconnectors and renewables like wind and solar.

The report states building additional new capacity is unlikely to have a material impact in time and that to deliver certainty the Government should:

  • Extend the use of existing baseload generation assets which provide secure capacity, including nuclear plants scheduled to retire, and agree transitional arrangements for biomass operators that plan to install bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.
  • Work to reduce peak demand by encouraging flexibility and installing more home insulation.

Richard Gwilliam, Drax Group’s UK BECCS Programme Director, said:

“Delivering energy security is a critical and longstanding challenge for all governments. The need to maintain it while tackling climate change and rapidly decarbonising economies makes the issue all the more acute.

“This research demonstrates the UK is facing a power generation crunch point, with demand set to outstrip the supply of secure dispatchable and baseload capacity – leaving the UK reliant on intermittent forms of generation. To keep the lights on, part of the solution will be extending the lives of existing generation assets. Drax Power Station and our pumped storage and hydro power sites already provide secure, renewable electricity for millions of homes and businesses – but there’s more we can do.

“Drax plans to massively expand the generation capacity of Cruachan pumped storage power station in Scotland, some of which could be available to help bridge the power gap. Additionally, providing we secure the appropriate transitional support, our project to deliver two units of BECCS at our Selby site would also support energy security and decarbonisation through the crunch and well into the future.”

Daisy Powell-Chandler, Head of Energy and Environment at Public First, said:

“Setbacks in bringing new nuclear and offshore wind online, the retirement of generation assets and increasing power demand will create an energy crunch point in 2028. But the challenge of keeping the lights on is not set in stone: policymakers have a suite of levers they can pull to ensure that we have a more secure, diverse, and sustainable energy system in the future.”

As part of the research, Public First polled UK residents to better understand public perceptions of energy security following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The polling found that energy security remains high on the public agenda with 46% of those polled feeling that there was a medium-high risk of energy shortages this coming winter and almost 41% feel the risk of energy shortages is increasing.

 

Source: Drax

 

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STUFISH REVEALS ENTRANCE CANOPY AT ONE ZA’ABEEL

Multi-purpose canopy integrates into the garden below and acts as a performance area when projected on from above

London-based architecture studio STUFISH has today revealed the spectacular new entrance canopy for One Za’abeel, a pair of skyscrapers, the tallest extending to 305 metres and the newest addition to Dubai’s ever-growing skyline. An architectural and engineering marvel designed by Japanese studio Nikken Sekkie, One Za’abeel is redefining the concept of mixed-use developments in Dubai. The completion of the entrance canopy follows the reveal of The Link, the development’s 230-metre-long horizontal sky bridge and the world’s longest cantilever which connects the two skyscrapers.

 

 

Measuring 75 metres long and 82 metres wide, the canopy makes for a very impactful entry to Dubai’s latest and most unique destination.  The inspiration for the canopy was contextual and performative. It needed to embody natural elements and integrate with the garden below, but also perform for a variety of different lighting conditions.

 

To create the canopy, STUFISH began the design process from the surrounding landscape. The design grows from and touches the terracing gardens and beams below and to the side though free of any supporting structural at the perimeter, allowing the canopy to appear as if it is floating. Large bifurcating columns rise from the berm landscape to support the canopy surrounding the hotel top-off. Under the canopy stand three columns that increase in height toward the centre, reaching a maximum height of 30 metres above the drop-off paving.

 

The undulating canopy is comprised of three layers. The soffit of the canopy consists of Iroko timber beams that run diagonally in line with the cladding panels. Above the timber beams is the primary steel structure, which is a projected grid at 2.5 metre centres. Above the primary structure is a layer of cladding made from perforated aluminium panels fastened to a purlin layer. The cladding is distributed parametrically, creating a versatile surface that allows for opportunities like digital projection.

 

 

MAciej Woroniecki partner and architect at STUFISH said:

‘The canopy has been created to provide an impactful and stunning entry into the One Za’abeel development. The canopy’s unique design allows for the structure to fuse harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and float above the One&Only hotel drop-off. STUFISH are proud to play its part in this visionary project and is excited for visitors to experience the beauty of the canopy.’

 

The canopy continues STUFISH’s expansion in the Middle East. It follows the recent completion of The Garage, a former multi-storey car park in the heart of Riyadh and the Middle East’s largest start-up incubator. Alongside their work designing bespoke buildings, STUFISH are world leaders in temporary architecture, creating stages for some of the world’s biggest music artists. The studio’s most recent work includes stage designs for Beyonce’s 2023 Renaissance tour, Madonna’s 2023 Celebration world tour and U2’s innovative Las Vegas residency at the Sphere.

 

One Za’abeel’s two skyscrapers rise to a height of 235 metres and 305 metres, respectively, and contain residential space, office space, and a hotel between them. Being one of the first visible structures for those travelling from the airport, it is hoped to become a landmark for Dubai

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OPTIMISM WITH CHALLENGES FOR CONSTRUCTION

More action needs to be taken to create certainty and boost confidence for construction firms, according to one of the region’s leading business advisors to the sector.

The call comes as new construction sector data shows fresh optimism among construction firms, but with challenges around cashflow and financial performance remaining due to issues such as high interest rates and ongoing delays in getting projects on site.

Joe Sullivan, partner and construction and real estate lead at MHA Moore and Smalley, said:

“The rise in the recent construction PMI data is positive news and a sign that confidence is rising among construction companies.

“However, the PMI data remains below 50.0 as the industry continues to battle with challenges on multiple fronts. Although the drop in inflation is helping with input costs, interest rates remain stubbornly high, and the further announced increase in minimum wage in April, coupled with the ongoing shortage of labour in some regions will continue to bite in the short-term.”

Joe believes next month’s spring budget provides an ideal opportunity for the government to announce a medium to long-term commitment for the sector on both investment and planning, but expects any announcements to be short-term focussed.

He added:

“Some quick wins would be to supplement existing support making entry-level housing more accessible, building on changes to permitted developments, and making it cheaper to repurpose non-residential buildings. All would help to give the sector some confidence.

“For the last few months, our commercial clients have been telling us that pipelines are very healthy, but work keeps getting deferred, presenting significant problems for cash flow and the overall financial health of those who are impacted throughout the supply chain. However, all could be set to change as customer demand returns.

“This encouraging news highlights that the construction industry is on the way up following a number of months in the doldrums. An improvement in the background economic conditions will engender confidence and the situation could improve further towards the middle of the year.”

Source: Lancashire Business Post

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CBI Warns Government, Look to Private Investment or Miss Out

The UK will “miss out” on economic growth unless it finally comes up with an industrial strategy to green the economy, the leading business group has warned.

As the UK economy has stagnated in recent years, the value of green industries like renewables, eco-friendly heating and energy storage is growing and will help unlock further cash for the UK, according to economists at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

They found that while Britain’s GDP growth was stuck at around 0.1% last year, its net zero economy grew by 9%, and attracted billions of pounds in private investment.

It argues private investment is key to unlocking growth.

The UK has committed to reaching net zero by 2050, but the report comes after Labour rowed back on its £28bn green investment pledge, and the Conservatives waged a rhetorical attack on climate policies.

Net zero means almost eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and requires changes to almost every sector, from food to housing, transport to construction.

The businesses implementing these changes – including solar panel installers and green finance advisers – added £74bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2022-23, which is larger than the economy of Wales (£66 billion), according to the CBI Economics report.

But analysts at CBI Economics and thinktank ECIU, which commissioned the report, warned “the strength of future growth is in jeopardy”.

Unless the UK draws up a “Net Zero Investment Plan”, it will lose out to places with larger economies with clear plans, like the US And EU, it said.

Louise Hellem, CBI chief economist, said:

“Green growth prizes could deliver a boost of up to £57bn to GDP by 2030, but global competition is heating up.

She added: “If we can’t outspend our international competitors, we need to outsmart them. And the way to do that is really through ambitious policy frameworks that can direct capital into the UK’s green industries.”

Ms Hellem said the UK economy is “well-placed to be a world leader in this space”, given its “unique blend of advanced manufacturing capacity, world leading services industry and energy technical skills”.”That means that investors do really see opportunities in the UK market.”

‘Real danger’ UK will miss out

Getting to net zero is likely to cost about £10bn a year until 2050, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, which is roughly equivalent to the annual defence budget, though the majority of the cost is likely to be recouped in savings.

Many technologies that scientists believe are essential to the net zero transition remain extremely expensive, such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.

Adam Berman, deputy director of advocacy at industry group Energy UK, said public investment can “de-risk” these technologies and “crowd in” private sector cash, that can then bring down the price.

Jess Ralston from energy thinktank ECIU, said:

“The UK is in real danger of missing out on more investment from negative rhetoric and U-turns around net zero, when the EU and US are offering clear plans and are willing to invest themselves.

“Investors want certainty and that comes from long term stable policy – whoever forms the next government will have to remember that, if it wants to see the net zero economy continue to grow.”

Net zero means almost eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and requires changes to almost every sector, from food to housing, transport to construction.

The businesses implementing these changes – including solar panel installers and green finance advisers – added £74bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2022-23, which is larger than the economy of Wales (£66 billion), according to the CBI Economics report.

 

Source: Sky News

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From Rice Husks to Concrete

A concrete component made of recycled aggregates and rice husk ash, with rice straw insulation (Credit: Fraunhofer WKI)

 

High-performance building materials made of building rubble and plant waste could make the construction industry more sustainable, their creators have said.

Also offering a way to speed up reconstruction in war-hit countries such as Ukraine, the materials were developed as part of the ReMatBuilt project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research in Braunschweig, Germany.

The building sector is one of the world’s largest consumers of natural resources, but also produces huge amounts of waste that needs to be recycled. This was the starting point for Professor Libo Yan and his team, which created the materials from demolition waste and plant production residue with partners in Germany and China.

The team used concrete and masonry waste, as well as agricultural waste, to produce recycled concrete. Components were reinforced with plant-based natural fibres such as flax and supplemented with wood chips from forestry waste.

Ash from burnt rice husks was used as a “more than adequate” cement substitute, said Professor Yan, offering a way to avoid high carbon dioxide emissions from conventional materials.

“The idea of recycling construction materials and experimenting with alternative materials from nature is not new. What makes our project unique is its holistic approach,” Professor Yan said.

“We combine our knowledge of the methods and properties of the different materials in order to understand their chemical, physical and mechanical performance from the micro- to the macro-scale. This allows us to achieve a very high technology readiness level, which is an important aspect for practical application.”

The team is also developing insulating materials made of plant-based waste products such as sawdust, rice and wheat straws, instead of crude oil-based plastic, mineral and glass wool, or wood fibres. The new sustainable insulation boards can connect to the finished concrete components to form insulated walls.

The researchers also designed composite systems that allow recycled concrete, combined with laminated veneer and cross-laminated lumber, to be used as timber-concrete composite floor slabs. The hybrid construction elements reportedly have “impressive” mechanical and heat protection characteristics.

By using waste materials in a sustainable new way, the products could have “immense potential” in warzones, the Fraunhofer announcement said.

“Our work has the potential to make a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine,” said Professor Yan. “The country is also rich in natural resources and one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural raw materials, such as grains – wheat, corn and rice.”

He added: “We are currently working hard on putting our results into application. With local industrial partners, we can significantly help the people in Ukraine to reconstruct their country quickly, economically and sustainably. We can do this with recycled concrete components and corresponding insulation made of natural materials that are all abundantly available on location.”

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the National Bioeconomy Strategy.

Source: Institute of Mechanical Engineers

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Government withdraws from ‘Energy Charter Treaty’

The UK is pulling out of a treaty that lets fossil fuel giants sue governments over their climate policies.

The Government said the UK was withdrawing from the Energy Charter Treaty after efforts to modernise it ended in stalemate.

The controversial treaty was established in the 1990s when the world energy system was heavily dominated by fossil fuels and enables foreign companies to challenge energy policies that threaten their investments, using secretive arbitration courts.

It was originally designed to encourage international energy investment but a number of countries have faced costly legal challenges over reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and boosting renewables.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said efforts to modernise the treaty to better support cleaner technologies had led to stalemate among European countries.

The UK has joined France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands in withdrawing from the agreement.

Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said:

 ”The Energy Charter Treaty is outdated and in urgent need of reform but talks have stalled and sensible renewal looks increasingly unlikely.

“Remaining a member would not support our transition to cleaner, cheaper energy, and could even penalise us for our world-leading efforts to deliver net zero.

“With £30 billion invested in the energy sector just since September, we continue to lead the world in cutting emissions, attracting international investment and providing the strongest legal protections for those who invest here.”

Shaun Spiers, executive director of environmental think tank Green Alliance, said:

“Civil society organisations and parliamentarians from all political parties have been clear that the Energy Charter Treaty is an out-of-date agreement and undermines our efforts to tackle climate change.

“We welcome the UK’s decision to leave, which will strengthen global efforts to roll out cheap, clean renewable energy.”

Shadow climate minister Kerry McCarthy said:

“We are in an urgent global fight against the climate emergency.

“We cannot allow fossil fuel companies to stop democratically elected governments from taking strong climate action.

“Labour has long argued that the Energy Charter Treaty is clearly outdated and not fit for purpose – it is good that the Government have finally taken the step to leave it.”

Source: The Border Telegraph

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The Advance of AI in Construction

By Mark Schwartz is the Senior Vice President of Construction Enterprise Solutions at Trimble.

 

More than a year after the launch of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, and its use is being explored across industries—including within typically technologically averse sectors like construction.

Far from being nervous about its applications, many contractors are embracing AI innovations, particularly given their potential to transform end-to-end workflows. From design and construction to operations and maintenance, AI is unlocking efficiencies and helping solve the labor shortage by automating repetitive tasks. It’s optimizing projects and enabling them to be built more sustainably, and it’s streamlining the supply chain—facilitating better relationships between contractors and project owners through enhanced predictability.

While AI used to only be within the domain of large companies due to high upfront costs, the democratization of technology mixed with the sheer number of companies working on developing new AI initiatives has made the costs dramatically decrease. Now, small and medium contractors can more easily afford to experiment with AI, making it much more accessible and impactful.

As we look ahead in 2024, below are a few ways that AI has already begun to make inroads in construction along with projections of how it will continue to positively impact the industry in the years to come.

Helping Solve The Labor Shortage

For the past decade or more, the labor shortage has been particularly acute in the construction industry, leading contractors to look for new solutions. This is one area in which AI has proved particularly helpful, as it can automate repetitive tasks while also reducing the human errors that naturally occur with things like data entry.

Now, instead of a human manually inputting information, data can be quickly scanned and exported into a format that’s usable for multiple stakeholders. This is helpful for repetitive tasks associated with invoicing, order tracking, credit collections or reconciliations—freeing accounts receivable and accounts payable personnel to focus on more important, strategic initiatives.

AI is also helping to solve the labor shortage when it comes to design, as it’s being used to harness and leverage data more efficiently—enabling designers to iterate faster and facilitate better decision-making. For example, architects can now leverage AI to quickly generate conceptual images and photorealistic visualizations of 3D models. This helps inspire the creative process, communicate their vision and build alignment faster.

When it comes to the actual constructibility of designs, AI is also working to automate repetitive actions for things like rebar detailing, which is less generative and more predictive. For example, AI can now suggest specific rebar layouts based on what a detailer has done previously, streamlining the design process. While this doesn’t mean AI is building the actual building, it’s being incorporated into various processes to simplify workflows and reduce overall decision-making and workload.

By augmenting the human experience, AI enables work to be done more efficiently and accurately, with manual checkpoints woven in to ensure the data is accurate. Because the data going out is only as good as the data being used to train the machine learning models that power AI, clean data and manual checkpoints overseen by a real person are imperative to the industry’s trust in AI systems and their success overall.

Enhancing Sustainability

Construction is a major emitter of embodied carbon, causing many contractors and asset owners to look for new ways to mitigate their impact on the environment. This includes a concerted effort to reduce the carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the lifecycle of a building. AI can enable contractors to become efficient and productive, which naturally translates to greater environmental benefits.

One example involves the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which was looking to improve wall insulation across a large number of residential buildings. Instead of creating customized cladding panels for every vent, door and window, the walls were scanned using 3D laser scanning. AI was then used to extract the facade components from the data, and the dimensions were sent to panel manufacturers who produced them off-site. Without AI, the cost of delivering this project at scale wouldn’t have been feasible.

Making The Supply Chain More Efficient And Effective

Amid market volatility and economic uncertainty, companies are also turning to AI to more accurately connect and orchestrate their supply chains. Doing so can improve efficiency and productivity while also creating a better customer experience.

Twenty years ago, many supply chain decisions for retail were based on “tribal knowledge.” The sales manager guessed which goods people were going to buy, the logistics manager guessed the capacity needed to deliver goods to the customer, and the supplier guessed what demand would be in the coming months and tried to prepare accordingly. Careers were built off this methodology, which came with both successes and failures.

Today’s supply chains are much more accurate because they’re digitally interconnected, helping to take the guesswork out. From a construction perspective, this comes into play because contractors are often either storing supplies or waiting for supplies, which can lead to delays and cost overruns.

AI optimizes the supply chain by connecting the entire ecosystem and extrapolating data from it, helping more accurately predict when materials will be available. This can help keep projects on track, improving productivity and strengthening the contractor-to-project owner relationship by providing a sense of predictability.

As we’ve been hearing across the media landscape, AI is here to stay. While most people are aware of the digital-first uses of AI for things like ChatGPT and NFL analytics, AI has and will continue to transform traditional industries like construction as well.

However, the stakes are much higher, and the impact could be even greater as AI is used to change the nature of the physical world. This includes helping everyone from architects and designers to contractors and project owners more efficiently build and maintain our most important assets—from the homes we live in to the buildings we work and play in every day.

 

Source: Forbes

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New Offsite Construction Week Unveiled

 

Offering unrivalled access to leading industry pioneers, demonstrators, dynamic factory tours, thought provoking roundtable discussions and CPD accredited masterclasses – a collective of industry bodies are collaborating to deliver Offsite Construction Week. Taking place from 16-20 September 2024, Offsite Construction Week will revolve around three major industry events – Offsite Expo, the Offsite Summit and Offsite Awards, with a wide range of parallel activities taking place in the UK and overseas via a coordinated programme of offsite activity.

 

Unilateral Support

Offsite Construction Week is the brainchild of industry associations operating across the sector. Presenting a unique proposition, trade bodies, industry alliances and material groups including BUILDOFFSITE, Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA), Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Structural Timber Association (STA), Offsite Alliance, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and others have come together to curate the most comprehensive series of offsite events the UK has ever seen.

 

Offsite Expo – The Main Event

Offsite Expo 2024 will be taking centre stage during Offsite Construction Week. Bringing together the sector’s big hitters in one easy to reach central UK location, the event will take place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 17 and 18 September. As the first and foremost event of its kind, Offsite Expo is now established as the most technically advanced exhibition in the construction calendar. With a new international focus, it will be two days packed full of the latest technical innovations, ground-breaking manufacturing technology and digital ingenuity.

 

Offsite Summit

Bringing an international focus to Offsite Expo and being held in association with BUILDOFFSITE – the Offsite Summit sees the coming together of those making waves in offsite technology from across the globe. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain insight from those achieving worldwide recognition as the Offsite Summit showcases international innovation and best practice from across Europe and beyond including the USA and Australia.

 

Offsite Awards

In 2024 the Offsite Awards celebrate the 10th anniversary by awarding a special accolade for the Offsite Project of the Decade. Taking place alongside Offsite Expo on the evening of 17 September 2024, the Offsite Awards celebrate projects with technical innovation and project performance that is world-beating. Rewarding excellence in precision building design and delivery, by recognising outstanding examples of prefabrication, factory-based methods and advanced delivery techniques, these awards offer a promotional platform to those who are leading the way in developing a safer and more sustainable built environment.

 

CPD Accredited Seminars

One of the reasons Offsite Expo has experienced incremental growth year-on-year is the quality of the speaker programme. Helping fulfil CPD obligations, the Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Sessions support the development of new skills and specialisms. Curated by leading offsite experts, the free to access programmes provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective on this rapidly emerging sector from a host of renowned architects, engineers and offsite manufacturing pioneers.

 

If you would like to host an event of your own during Offsite Construction Week, then get in touch with the organisers: info@offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk and become a partner. Events can be product launches, factory or site study tours, roundtables, webinars, podcasts or drinks reception activities – just as long as you are talking about offsite technology!

 

To keep up to date with developments visit: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk

 

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