Report Says UK can add £51.2b to the Economy by Building Social Housing

New research suggests that building 90,000 social homes every year could significantly benefit the UK economy – by up to £51.2bn.

A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) that was commissioned by Shelter and the National Housing Federation (NHF), argues the investment would not only address the housing crisis but also generate a net profit of £12 billion for the taxpayer over 30 years.

The report, entitled ‘The economic impact of building social housing’ also highlights that building more social housing could create up to 140,000 jobs in the first year alone.

The building programme would also inject £37.8 billion back into the economy within three years, primarily through boosting the construction sector.

Building 90,000 social homes will end the housing emergency

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, said:

“Homelessness is a political choice, with a simple solution. Building 90,000 social homes a year will not only end the housing emergency, but due to the wider economic benefits it brings, it will pay for itself within just three years.

“Day after day our frontline services are inundated with calls from people who are being tipped into homelessness because there are no genuinely affordable homes available and private renting is just too expensive.

“Communities are being torn apart as people are priced out of their local areas – leaving behind their jobs, children’s schools and support networks.”

She added: “It doesn’t have to be this way. A safe and secure social home will give people a place to thrive – improving their health and access to work and education.

“All political parties must make the choice to end the housing emergency – they must fully commit to building 90,000 new genuinely affordable social rent homes a year for 10 years.”

 

Potential savings across various government departments

The report also highlights potential savings across various government departments should the UK commit to building new social housing.

The savings would amount to:

  • £4.5 billion on housing benefit would be saved
  • £2.5 billion earned through construction taxes
  • £3.8 billion earned through employment taxes
  • £5.2 billion saved on NHS costs
  • £4.5 billion saved on homelessness reduction
  • £3.3 billion saved on Universal Credit.

These savings, combined with additional tax revenue, would recoup the initial £11.8 billion government investment within 11 years.

‘The housing crisis can be solved’

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation said:

“This research shows not only that the housing crisis can be solved, but that this can be done in a way that will save the taxpayer money, boost jobs and bring huge benefits to the wider economy.

“Right now, we are in the midst of a housing emergency. Millions of children are being pushed into homelessness, families are being forced into impossible choices to keep a roof over their heads and people in every community in the country are seeing life chances harmed by inadequate housing.”

She adds: “Building more social homes is a win-win solution. It will immediately boost the construction industry, supporting thousands of jobs, and will save the government and taxpayer money over the longer term.

“It also brings huge benefits to people affected by the housing crisis through reducing homelessness, increasing employment and boosting children’s life chances.”

Source: Property 118

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T Levels not A Levels is what Employers Need

College cements ambitious plans for ‘transformational’ campus buildings

Work is getting underway on a trio of large capital investment projects at Bradford College.Over the last two years, the college has secured nearly £29m in funding, which will go towards major construction schemes. Plans include:

·       New £3.5m vocational T Level facilities in the existing David Hockney Building.
·       A £6.9m refurbishment of the derelict Garden Mills building on Thornton Road.
·       Construction of a new £17m Future Technologies Centre (FTC), also on Thornton Road.

T Level Facilities

A £3.5m Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund  – Wave 5) investment will create a commercial barbering salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV studio, enhanced media editing and recording studios, outdoor dining facilities, and remodel of The Grove training restaurant.

T Level qualifications are an alternative to A Levels and focus on the hands-on skills that employers need.

Opening in September, these latest T Level facilities follow on from £1.3m Wave 4 funding which built T Level health and early years facilities in 2023.

The first phase of work incorporated five new digital teaching suites, a large collaboration science lab, a mock clinical ward, and the conversion of classrooms into indoor and outdoor nursery training rooms.

Garden Mills

The Garden Mills refurbishment is the result of £5.8m worth of funding received from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund (with a £1.1m college contribution).

Contractor Tilbury Douglas has finished the strip out of the five-storey building for fit-out and completion by this summer.

Garden Mills will enhance the college’s existing health science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) facilities. Higher-level HNC/HND and degree students will use this building from the new academic year.

It will house two new flexible laboratories, a prep room, six higher education digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a clinical suite, a real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a collaboration area, and academic teaching spaces.

Future Technologies Centre (FTC)

Construction of the purpose-built FTC building will begin in spring following the demolition of Junction Mills and surveys by contractor, Morgan Sindall.

The project was made possible thanks to £15m funding from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), secured in October 2022, boosted by a £2m college contribution.

The FTC will be the new home of modern automotive and digital engineering curricula, such as electric/hybrid vehicles, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and digital/3D design.

The college’s Automotive and Digital Engineering Department will relocate from Bowling Back Lane to the new premises once completed during the 2025/2026 academic year.

Christopher Malish, Bradford College vice principal finance & corporate services, said: “We’re thrilled to see work scaling up across our project sites after years of logistics and planning.

“We have an exciting year ahead as we develop sector leading facilities. This is a huge boost for the college but is also a transformative investment in Bradford city centre, that also supports the wider city centre development.

“These multi-million pound investments will create cutting-edge learning environments for the local community, allowing the college to deliver on its mission of transforming lives.”

source: The Business Desk

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Learn from heatwaves to inform UK policy

Turning up the heat: learning from the summer 2022 heatwaves in England to inform UK policy on extreme heat

The UK experienced five heatwave periods during summer 2022 with record-breaking temperatures of over 40°C in England. This was not an anomaly, but part of a warming trend: extreme heat events are projected to become more likely as the climate continues to change.

This evidence report, research drawing from the experiences of those working on the frontline of the heatwave response in England in summer 2022 – including policymakers, emergency responders, utility sector and civil society participants – finds that the country is ill-prepared for future extreme heat events.

To inform future preparedness and responses to extreme heat in the UK, this evidence report evaluates the current policy response to extreme heat, shares lessons from the experiences of decision-makers and first responders to the 2022 heatwaves and recommends that the Government develops a new Heat Risk Strategy (see figure below).

Key messages

  • The 2022 heatwaves were associated with a total of 2,985 excess deaths in England and heat exposure is estimated to cost the UK economy £260–300 million per year. Heat poses particular risk for those with pre-existing health conditions and exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities. There are also differences in regional heat vulnerabilities and exposure.
  • Better management of heat risk and adaptation action is essential to protect the population and infrastructure. Although the most effective way to minimise the longer-term impacts of extreme heat is through cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the severity and frequency of heatwave periods will continue to grow even once global emissions reach net zero.
  • Reflecting on the 2022 heatwave response in England as a whole and in London, Manchester and Yorkshire and Humber, our research participants expressed a range of concerns, including a lack of preparedness for the heat, a lack of specific resources and funding, and the need for better communication, public engagement and education.
  • Positive aspects of the response highlighted by participants were the presence of strong teams, agile decision-making, prioritising vulnerable groups, successful forecasting and early warning systems and the deployment of the national heat alert system.
  • Existing policies related to managing extreme heat in England are fragmented and do not adequately address the severity or urgency of heat risk. For example, the Third National Adaptation Programme recognises the risks to human health from extreme heat but fails to offer actions of sufficient scale and urgency to significantly improve heat preparedness.

  • Over half of UK homes are at risk of overheating: buildings in the UK have been designed to protect from the cold rather than the heat. Building regulations now address overheating risk in new-build homes, but existing homes and buildings are excluded.

  • Limited progress has been made to address the risks of heat, drought and wildfires in the natural environment – and to harness the opportunities of nature-based solutions such as green and blue infrastructure to provide cooling urban areas.
  • The severity of extreme heat risks and impacts are often underestimated by the UK population and positive media coverage of heatwaves tends to undermine the severity of risks.
  • The UK needs a National Heat Risk Strategy, a strengthened National Adaptation Programme and a new vision for leadership to ensure a step change in progress on addressing heat risk at all geographical levels.

A National Heat Risk Strategy for the UK

 

Source: London School of Economics

 

 

 

 

 

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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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