Sprinklers could have contained Luton Airport Fire

Luton Airport has stated that it is improbable any of the vehicles caught in a massive fire, which resulted in the collapse of a car park, will be salvageable. The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received a report about the blaze on level three of Terminal Car Park Two on Tuesday. Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson has estimated that around 1,500 vehicles were inside the car park when the fire broke out.

In a statement issued by the airport, it was acknowledged that it is ‘unlikely that any vehicles in the car park will be salvageable.’ Nevertheless, this assessment is still under evaluation.

The fire, which engulfed the £20 million Terminal Car Park Two, necessitated the deployment of a hundred firefighters, who spent 12 hours battling the blaze. Unfortunately, the block caved in shortly before 9 pm during the incident.

The airport has been in contact with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), providing them with registration details for 1,405 vehicles. Additionally, the airport and its parking provider, APCOA, have responded to nearly 16,500 customer queries since the fire.

As a result of the fire and the subsequent partial collapse of the car park, the facility remains closed. It has suffered extensive damage, with debris from vehicles piled up within the charred structure. Furthermore, the airport’s Dart rail transit system, which commenced operations earlier this year, remains non-operational.

Investigators suspect that the fire was ignited by a diesel car, believed to be a Range Rover, experiencing an electrical fault or a leaking fuel line.

Expressing regret for the incident’s impact on car parking customers, London Luton Airport issued an apology and acknowledged the distress it has caused. The airport is working in collaboration with the Association of British Insurers to explore the possibility of safely retrieving personal items from the affected vehicles.

The airport has reported that emergency services have now relinquished control of the site, and efforts are underway to secure the area. It is anticipated that Terminal Car Park Two, constructed in 2019 at a cost of £20 million, may need to be demolished.

Experts have raised concerns that if the car park had been equipped with an effective sprinkler system, it could have prevented the fire from spreading, resulting in only localized damage. In light of this incident, a government source has revealed that a major review of fire safety guidance related to building regulations, including research on the fire resistance of car parks, is underway.

While this incident has been undeniably distressing, London Luton Airport remains dedicated to transparency and resolution, pledging to provide ongoing updates as the situation evolves.

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The main span of the Govan – Partick Bridge has arrived

The main span of the Govan – Partick Bridge has arrived at Yorkhill Quay, close to the site where it will be installed, after sailing up the River Clyde by barge. This a Glasgow City Region City Deal project, with funding from the Scottish and UK Governments.

The £29.5million project includes the construction of a new pedestrian/cycle bridge (image above shows the completed bridge when in place next summer) over the River Clyde between Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick, re-establishing the historic connection between the areas.

The bridge is significant economically, environmentally and socially through the link it will create between communities, visitor attractions and institutions of national economic importance, and is also a central part of the active travel route between the University of Glasgow’s campus at Gilmorehill and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The bridge span left Westdorpe in the Netherlands on 7 October – it was constructed in Belgium, before being transported along canals to Holland at which point the pylon and cabling was installed prior to sailing to the Clyde estuary and up the river.

The bridge span is six metres wide and was fabricated in two parts: the moving span, which weighs 650 tonnes, is 99 metres long and which will use the South Pier (at Water Row) as its access; and the fixed span, which weighs 45 tonnes and is 15.7 metres long.

The moving span will – weather permitting – be put in place next week after a set-up period for the lifting crane. The fixed span will be kept in storage until works on the North Pier and northern approach works are complete, and then installed in the summer of 2024 to complete the project.

In addition to the construction of the fabricated steel cable stayed opening swing bridge, the project – which began in April 2022 – will also feature:

 

· Demolition of a section of masonry/concrete quay wall and access stairs at Water

  Row, Govan;

· Construction of a sheet piled quay wall and Infilling to finished ground level to extend

  Pointhouse Quay to form the north bridge landing, access ramp and public realm;

· Construction of a reinforced concrete abutment/quay wall and Infilling of the disused

  Govan Ferry Inlet at Water Row in Govan to form the south landing;

· Construction of bridge approach ramps, retaining walls, provision of drainage and

  public realm at the north and south bridge landings;

· Bridge and public realm statutory and feature lighting;

· Diversion of the Scottish Water Combined Sewer Outfall at Pointhouse Quay;

· Installation of timber fenders and access for a layby berth at Merklands Quay.

143 construction jobs will be supported through this project, and significant community benefits will be delivered, including starts for 11 new employees; five new apprentices and a new graduate; school mentoring, work placement, volunteering and work experience opportunities; business mentoring opportunities and supply chain briefings; and community engagement from the contractors, with both financial and non-financial support for local projects.

The Govan – Partick Bridge is key to and complements public and private sector investments such as the £38million UK Government Strength In Places funding to help the University of Glasgow develop the Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus next to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; the ongoing Water Row (housing and commercial) development; and proposals for more than 1,000 homes at Yorkhill Quay.

Following construction of the bridge, it is expected that there will be 23% increase in jobs that are accessible within a 20-minute walk of Govan Cross and an 87% increase in the number of jobs within a 10-minute cycle of Govan Cross.

 

Councillor Susan Aitken, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said:

“The arrival of the main span of the Govan-Partick Bridge is a major milestone for the project and a remarkable sight on the Clyde.  When complete, the bridge will benefit those visiting, living and working in Govan and Partick, but also the entirety of the city and wider region. The creation of an active travel connection between the West End and the South Side can boost local economies and complement significant regeneration projects between the University of Glasgow and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and on both banks of the Clyde.”

 

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I welcome this significant step towards reconnecting Govan and Partick. This will boost the local and wider economy and give people in Govan access to more jobs, visitor attractions and the University of Glasgow.  By expanding options for active travel and bringing communities together, we are delivering a fairer, greener and growing economy.”

 

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

“The opening of the Govan-Partick bridge will be an exciting moment for the community.  This bridge will create a brand-new pedestrian friendly connection to bring the communities together and support redevelopment and business growth.  The UK Government is supporting the project as part of £524 million investment in the Glasgow City Region Deal.”

 

David Buchanan, Project Manager for Farrans Construction, said:

“The arrival of the main span of the Govan – Partick Bridge represents a key milestone in this project and an exciting period of activity for our team. There are many factors to consider with a civil engineering operation such as this one, most of which we are able to plan, however we also have changeable elements like the weather and tides to contend with. The crane we will use for the bridge is the Hebo Lift 10 which is capable of lifting 2200 tonnes. To have the Bridge and crane here and ready to progress means that we are moving into the final stage of this important project. I would like to thank our client, supply chain and the local community for continuing to work closely with us to facilitate major events like this one.”

 

The Govan – Partick Bridge project is a Glasgow City Region City Deal project, funded by the Scottish and UK Governments. The Glasgow City Region City Deal will see both governments provide £500million of funding for infrastructure projects.

Source: Glasgow City Council

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Men’s Shed benefits from West Fraser timber donations

The members of Nairn Men’s Shed

 

Leading panel manufacturer, West Fraser, has been providing donations of SterlingOSB Zero to a Men’s Shed which is a fabulous initiative allowing members to meet and create!

The Inverness plant has provided the product to Nairn Men’s Shed members allowing them to create furniture items, signs, and crafts using the wood for other charities and local groups in the community; of course, the work helps to combat loneliness and isolation.

One project includes creating a number of wooden workbenches which are being used as part of the renovated waiting room at the local train station in Nairn.

The Nairn Men’s Shed, which has been running for seven years, recently hosted a supporters’ event to welcome the West Fraser team to meet the 70 inspiring members to find out more about the work they’ve been enjoying.

Claire Ironside, Marketing Executive at West Fraser, said:

“Our relationship with the team at Nairn Men’s Shed is beneficial for everyone as the projects that the shed’s members create from our donated OSB boards can benefit more than just the one group. From memorials and signs to gardens for local schools, it was fantastic to see what an amazing difference the members have made to the wider community using our products.”

Ian Marshall, Director of the Nairn Men’s Shed, said:

“Our group relies heavily on the generosity of local businesses and other charities. We simply couldn’t function without the generosity of West Fraser and we hope to continue working with them to help others.”

 

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

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ADSA Charity Golf Day ‘Best by Par’

A golf day organised by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) turned out to be its ‘best by par’ raising approximately £3,500 for charity.

The event, at Branston Golf and Country Club, Staffordshire, saw 28 teams – made up from 34 of ADSA’s members – battling to take the top spot

Winners of the ADSA Cup were SDG Access, of Lincoln, who were delighted with their achievement – one member was so thrilled that he stood on his chair to enjoy a moment of celebration when the winning team was announced. Runners-up were new ADSA member Hephaestus Solutions (HSL), who played on home turf, based in nearby Burton upon Trent. And in third place, were last year’s champions, Copperjax Contract Maintenance, from Kent.

Individual awards were presented for ‘nearest the pin’ on the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, longest drive on holes three and ten and a novelty putting competition on the practice green. Some of the holes were sponsored by ADSA’s corporate members.

The day started with a golfers’ breakfast prior to tee-off on an 18-hole championship course and culminated with dinner at the Pavilion, attended by 140 people.

A raffle was held following dinner, with prizes including a round of golf at Enville Golf Course, a golf bag, a ‘pub in a box’, spirits, food hampers and gift vouchers.

All funds raised are being donated to ADSA’s chosen charities:

  • Golf Fanatics – a charity that provides mobility equipment to young people
  • Lighthouse Construction Charity
  • Changes, Tamworth

ADSA MD Ken Price said: “The ADSA charity golf day is always a much anticipated date for the diary and this year, it was bigger and better than ever before. In the main, we were blessed with good weather and everyone had a great time.

“One of the highlights of the event, was the raffle from which we managed to raise a serious amount of money for our chosen charities and we would sincerely like to thank members, suppliers and partners who generously donated prizes.”

These included: BEA, Branston Golf and Country Club, Crucial Engineering, Door Industry Journal, Dormakaba, FAAC Entrance Solutions, GEZE UK, GFI, Horton Automatics, Insight Automation, Koru Media, L2 Media, Label UK, RTR Services and Tillymint Communications.

For more information on ADSA membership contact: rachel@adsa.org.uk or visit: www.adsa.org.uk

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Fall in Construction Output

The latest CIPS PMI construction data points to a reversal in fortunes for the sector as total industry activity in the UK decreased for the first time in three months and at the fastest pace since May 2020.

All three main segments of construction work posted a reduction in business activity, led by a steep  and accelerated fall in house building.

Residential work was by far the worst-performing area of construction output during September, followed by civil engineering activity.

Aside from the pandemic, the latest fall in housing activity was the steepest since April 2009. Survey respondents widely commented on cutbacks to house building projects amid rising borrowing costs and weak demand conditions.

Beard Construction finance director Fraser Johns says the continued downturn in housebuilding amid low demand and higher borrowing costs is once again having a significant impact on the wider industry picture.

He comments:

“There’s no question many will be encouraged by the continued easing of inflation and the news of a hold on interest rates. However, we cannot escape the fact that there is still much volatility in the sector and in the wider economy. After months of propping up the industry, commercial construction has shown it’s not immune from macro pressures.”

Johns adds that for those contractors facing real pressure, now is the time to take advantage of the breathing space offered by a drop in activity to get all ducks in a row and evaluate where efforts are best placed – particularly those with a focus on residential development.

Yesterday, MFG reported that according to data from Glenigan, residential construction-starts in September decreased 10% on the preceding three months and had fallen back 26% on 2022 figures.

 

Source: Mortgage Finance Gazette

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HS2 CANCELATION, INDUSTRY REACTION – CALLS FOR CLARITY

Sunak condemned HS2 as “the result of the old consensus”.

He said that in the years since it was initially conceived, with spiralling costs and changes in travel patterns,  “the facts have changed – and the right thing to do when the facts change is to change direction”.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce – ‘Fed up of broken promises’

Commenting on the news that the Northern leg of HS2 is to be cancelled by the government, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Policy, Chris Fletcher, said: “After much speculation Government has at last shown its hand by announcing the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2 and the money to be re-invested into yet another new scheme, ‘Network North’.

“Whilst this may sound like a better use of the money with new lines promised and road schemes included too the simple fact is that irrespective of what it is called we are still no nearer getting the transport network that we actually needed years ago to unlock the north’s potential. We have been promised a lot before and nothing has been done and this latest attempt from government will be treated with cynicism and scepticism by a lot of people.

“HS2 was a major investment opportunity for the UK that would unburden a worn-out network already at over capacity; boost the country’s net zero ambitions and open up labour markets and job opportunities on a scale like never before. Plus it was also a cornerstone of Northern Powerhouse Rail. Network North has to deliver all this and more and in a shorter timescale if this government is to have any credibility and successive government’s performance on this over the last decade has not been great.

“If the scale of what the PM announced is to be realised then there will have to be a huge investment in upskilling and training an army of workers for the challenge ahead. At present there are gaps and shortages in critical construction and engineering jobs, something HS2 has been good at resolving through apprenticeships and that will have to be stepped up unless we are to face yet more hold ups and delays in construction.

“This still has the feeling of a political concept rather than a practical solution. I would like to see the technical and engineering data and reports that this decision for HS2 was based on and, how they have identified what the new programme of infrastructure will deliver. My guess is that this is still a back of a beer mat plan and reality will be very different.

“Put bluntly we are fed up of broken promises, delays, cuts and hopes about finally getting what we need being dashed for political expediency. We will be watching closely and waiting on further details of what will be delivered and, more importantly, when.”

Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North – ‘Quite a few areas that require further clarification’

“The cancelling of the northern leg of HS2 is naturally disappointing. It’s undeniable that this will be seen by many as a missed opportunity for the region, and the country as a whole. Only last week, northern business and political leaders came together at our TfN Board to speak with ‘one voice’ to reaffirm our position that HS2 and NPR in full are vital to truly transform the North.

“The announcement of investment in the region is obviously welcome. And we will look to work with government to fully understand the implications for the North of the proposals set out today in the Prime Minister’s speech, and consult with our Board on the best way forward in light of this new change of policy. There are still quite a few areas that require further clarification from the Department for Transport, which we will be seeking from them.”

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero – ‘What we need from the government is leadership’

“It’s laughable to focus on changing the A-Level system. Young people’s priority is the quality of their futures in an uncertain and dangerous world – the effect of climate change on their future food supplies, jobs, homes, cost of living, and security. When students are asking their teachers ‘what’s the point of us getting good exam results if we have no future?’ – we’re in a desperate situation.

“What we need from government is leadership on net zero policies that will make a long-term impact to all young people, but all we’ve seen to date is net zero policy U-turns that will give them little hope. While the government faffs around making changes to A-Levels, our children will continue to be educated in crumbling, carbon-emitting buildings that are wholly unfit for our changing climate.”

Let’s Go Zero enables schools to take action to become zero carbon by 2030, demonstrating a commitment to climate action that will ripple through society. There are more than 2,400 schools now signed up to the campaign.

Sir Robert McAlpine CEO Paul Hamer – ‘Robust Delivery Plans’

“disappointing that the economic and political climate has deterred this ambitious project to improve and rebalance the overall economic health of the country from inception to completion”.

Regarding the promised alternatives, Hamer said they “must now be accompanied by robust delivery plans to ensure intentions are viable and we are still building towards a better future, rather than taking a step back”.

Ramboll UK managing director Philippa Spence – ‘Ripple effect on jobs and growth’

“Major Capital Projects like HS2 have an incredible economic multiplier effect which enables skills growth and world-leading innovation in technology and construction techniques. When such projects are cut, there is a ripple effect on jobs and growth through many sectors. We haven’t seen the likes of anything as significant as the recent infrastructure rollback the government is leading for a long time, so will the replacement Network North deliver the growth we need?”

 Tim Seal, Head of Construction at law firm Ridgemont – ‘Terminating contracts’

“In particular what does the termination clause say about terminating the contract where the Government shelves the project?  It may well have been drafted to limit or exclude the contractor from having a right of recourse, which would make it difficult for affected businesses to dispute the termination of their HS2 contracts.”

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Lee is the automatic choice

  
GEZE UK has demonstrated its commitment to supporting customers with technical advice and product guidance with the recent appointment of Lee Jodka, who joins the renowned manufacturer of door and window control systems as Area Sales Manager for supply and fit of automatic doors covering London and the South East.

Lee will focus on developing first-class relationships with key contacts at main contractors, façade and specialist contractors as well as end-users, where he will provide advice and technical support, propose technical solutions from the company’s extensive range of automatic operators as well as carry out site visits and surveys.

With 19 years in the construction industry he has a wealth of knowledge; Lee began his career in the architectural ironmongery sector but has held roles in technical sales and specification as well as account management.

Said Lee

‘I am delighted to join GEZE UK, they have a long-established history and are a recognised leader within the door automation sector. The company provides a comprehensive service to customers from specification, through to installation and commissioning and aftersales. My experience and knowledge of industry regulations will ensure I can offer my customers appropriate and compliant solutions.’

 

Andy Iredale, National Sales Manager for Automatic Doors and Window Technology added

‘It’s great to have Lee on the team; he has vast experience across the industry. He will be a great asset to the company and an important part of the company’s continued growth.’

CLICK HERE

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door and window control products

 

 

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Solving the UK’s current grid challenges: Time to rethink green hydrogen potential

Protium tells us about hydrogen’s role in the UK’s pursuit of a cleaner and more resilient energy future and the opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation through strategic local projects

Like many other countries, the UK is facing the challenge of modernising its energy infrastructure while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint. The challenges are multi- faceted, ranging from intermittent renewable energy sources to the need for energy storage and grid stability. Here, we look at how a more agile, less conventional approach to green hydrogen might just deliver a solution.

A growing role in the energy transition

Green hydrogen is increasingly recognised worldwide for its importance in the transition to a net zero economy. It has the potential to decarbonise multiple sectors of the economy by providing an energy resource for hard-to-abate industries, a zero-carbon transportation fuel for larger vehicles, an on-demand carbon- free fuel for power generation, and a cleaner residential heating fuel.

The UK Government has highlighted the critical role that green hydrogen will play in its energy system, supporting both UK energy independence and carbon reduction targets within its 2022 British Energy Security Strategy – in which the Government laid plans to double the UK’s hydrogen production, up to 10GW by 2030.

While headlines often focus on large-scale and major hydrogen projects, often imagined to be serving as massive, straightforward electricity storage facilities, a more compelling argument for hydrogen may lie in a step change away from conventional thinking. Instead, one exciting approach is to look to smaller, more focused projects with greater flexibility to deal with the challenges facing the National Grid.

Supporting localised production

Electricity distribution is moving away from centralised production based on fossil fuels and towards localised production as more renewables are added to the grid. The rate at which the UK is achieving this historical shift is commendable, however, National Grid is struggling to keep up with the rate
of change.

Smaller-scale green hydrogen projects can contribute to this by servicing more localised demand. Excess electricity can be converted into hydrogen close to electricity production, reducing the need for electricity transmission. As a storable energy vector, hydrogen can then be utilised at a later point, for example,
in industrial heating applications.

These projects can also be deployed more rapidly, building up a network across the UK that can better negotiate regulatory frameworks and scales of investment to play a full part in the development of low-carbon hydrogen.

Optimising intermittent renewable sources

In 2022, 40% of UK power came from renewable or low-carbon sources, including nuclear. However, their intermittent nature poses a significant challenge to grid stability. Localised and decentralised hydrogen plants – rather than a single large one – can react flexibly to supplies and peaks of electricity on the grid, all in different locations. Any imbalances in the grid would not just be in one specific location but rather spread around
the grid.

Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors – and equity in regions

While the UK has made significant progress in decarbonising its electricity generation – other sectors such as heavy industry, transportation, and heating remain challenging to
electrify directly.

There are also equity considerations and implications within the UK because more remote areas grid-wise mean fewer options to increase energy consumption via electricity, leading to energy-deprived regions that will potentially be left behind in the energy transition. Green hydrogen can increase the amount of usable energy in these regions due to its flexibility in production and consumption. This extends to electric vehicles, industrial heat, and indoor heating.

Challenges and considerations

Electrification has been seen by many as the route to decarbonisation, but the reality of achieving this is starkly different. A recent independent report by Nick Winser, the UK’s Electricity Networks Commissioner, examined how to accelerate the deployment of strategic electricity transmission infrastructure. “Currently, the expectation is that strategic transmission may take twelve to fourteen years from identification of the need to commissioning,” he writes.

Challenges around hydrogen that must be addressed include reducing hydrogen production costs, the need for infrastructure development, and ensuring the sustainability of hydrogen production methods. Additionally, the efficiency of hydrogen production, storage, and conversion technologies needs to be improved to maximise the benefits of using hydrogen as an energy carrier. So, there is no single silver bullet – green hydrogen complements electrification by presenting an opportunity to de-bottleneck and decongest areas of the grid that struggle with the rate of change.

The proof is in the delivery

Small ideas can have big impacts, as Protium is demonstrating already, by working on initiatives in the UK and aiming to deliver 1GW by 2030. A great example of this is Protium’s partnership with AB InBev, where the companies are working on UK projects together to decarbonise the Budweiser Brewing Group operations. Most significant is the plan for a green hydrogen production facility at AB InBev’s site in Magor, South Wales, which produces one billion pints of beer per year – 8% of the UK’s beer. The facility will provide heating for the operations and for HGVs and forklifts.

In summary and recommendations

Hydrogen can offer a versatile tool in the pursuit of a cleaner and more resilient energy future. There is a golden opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation through strategic local projects – particularly in hard-to-electrify sectors and remote areas.

It is, therefore, vital that future energy planning has a focus on smaller assets. Making more projects a reality requires an easier planning and permitting process; the option for hydrogen to be brought in at an earlier stage in localised planning and establishing ancillary services on the grid, enabling easier connection of hydrogen production facilities.

 

Source: Open Access Government

 

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Golf Courses, the Wasted Resource

No doubt the golfing fraternity will be appalled by this article from the Eco Experts, but it does show some alarming facts that may not have been considered and would suggest that at a time when all of us, regardless of our position on the wealth scale, face a near future that will not meet our basic demands for daily life, a mere 50% reduction in the land currently used for the pursuit of golf could be beneficial to all.

 

✔ Golf uses as much British land as Greater Manchester

✔ In England alone, golf courses use 16 billion litres of water per year

✔ London’s 43 publicly owned courses could provide housing for 300,000 people

We’re in the middle of a climate catastrophe, with droughts, hurricanes, and wildfires sweeping the Earth.

And yet, with mere years left to avert the worst consequences of a phenomenon we created, we’re playing golf like Nero fiddling as Rome burns.

The sport uses an obscene amount of natural resources such as land and water, all to create a plastic version of nature for a luxurious game that has no place in these desperate times.

Here are all the reasons why golf should be banned, and a plan for what should replace golf courses.

Why is golf bad for the planet?

Golf is a misuse of resources, a bad hangover from colonial, exclusionary, class-based societies that needed to bend gigantic swathes of natural land to their will to feel powerful.

Here are the main reasons why this elitist, entitled sport is bad for the planet and humanity.

1. It’s a poor use of land

Golf courses cover 1,256 km² of Britain, according to the BBC, which is the same area as Greater Manchester.

The 2,200 courses in England each take up 0.5 km², on average – meaning one golf course contains enough space for 62 Premier League football pitches.

In London alone, they take up 43.31 km², which is more than most of the capital’s boroughs.

But despite their sprawling, ubiquitous presence, many of them are private clubs, inaccessible to non-members.

In each of these cases, a huge natural space has been seized, refashioned for a luxurious, wasteful game, and closed off to everyone except the richest among us.

We can put this land to much better use, as we’ll explain later on.

2. Golf uses an astounding amount of water

Golf courses in England use 16 billion litres of water per year, according to our calculations.

Despite being a conservative estimate, this would be enough water to fulfil the daily household needs of 113 million people – twice as many people as actually live in England.

And yet, in 2022, when droughts were leading water companies across the country to restrict usage, golf courses were given an exception to water their tees, fairways, and greens.

This is unsustainable. The National Audit Office has warned: “If more concerted action is not taken now, parts of the south and south-east of England will run out of water within the next 20 years.

“Reducing demand is essential to prevent water shortages.”

The government’s Environment Agency summed up the sheer scale of the problem, stating: “If no action is taken, between 2025 and 2050 around 3,435 million extra litres of water per day will be needed for public water supply.”

Water is a limited resource, and golf courses already use far too much. They must dramatically reduce their water consumption or face being shut down for the good of the country.

3. It’s not popular enough to justify itself

In terms of popularity across the UK, golf falls behind football, rugby, cricket, tennis, and possibly even horse racing.

Despite this fact, golf courses take up 67 times more space in London than tennis courts, and use 47% more land than football pitches.

In total, around 100 km² of London is given over to sport and leisure activities – of which 43% is dedicated entirely to golf.

Seven times more people play football than golf on these shores, and their sport uses space efficiently, with 22 footballers taking up – at most – a 100.6 by 64 metre space.

That means each player can have a maximum of 293 m² to themselves, or roughly a 15 by 20 metre rectangle.

In contrast, since most golf clubs only allow four players to play a hole at the same time, each course can only host 72 golfers at once – meaning 6,944 m² of space being painstakingly cultivated for each player.

 

Are there any environmental benefits to golf?

Golf courses do sequester CO2, keeping tonnes of carbon emissions under the ground for decades at a time.

Studies have also found golf courses are often home to a relatively high number of indigenous plant and animal species, and allow trees to grow for longer than they do in other urban areas.

They also provide oases of dark wildlife that are untouched by light pollution, which is crucial to let many species thrive.

Would banning golf stop these benefits?

With careful management, these benefits can all be maintained for golf courses that are transformed into natural spaces, and in many cases enhanced.

After all, the main aim for companies that run golf courses is to create the false, inauthentic version of nature that most golfers demand: smooth fairways leading to shiny, perfectly preserved greens.

Without the pressure to achieve this gaudy reality, nature can be allowed to flourish.

What would we replace golf courses with?

We should replace golf courses with community farms, forests, public parks, and a transformative amount of affordable housing.

Here’s why each one would be a better use of land than golf.

1. Community farms

Community farms offer a way for locals to connect with nature, grow food with their own hands and time, and cooperate with other people to fight climate change.

They’re good for the environment and surrounding wildlife, for participants who typically eat more fruit and vegetables as a result, and for the mental health of everyone involved.

Growing food together is also a wonderful way of building a community, which often results in more projects that make life for residents and the local environment better.

2. Forests

Forests are an invaluable weapon in the fight against climate change.

Each 1 km² of coniferous woodland can absorb 490 tonnes of CO2 per year until 2050, according to the Scottish government.

If we turned half of the golf courses in Britain into forests by 2025, we would save 7.7 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050 – an enormous reduction.

3. Public parks

Nature shouldn’t be the preserve of the ultra-wealthy.

Instead, these huge natural spaces should become public parks where nature is allowed to flourish without being attacked with damaging weed killers, insecticides, and pesticides.

People should be free to enjoy nature, and nature should be allowed to grow as intended, outside of the one-dimensional, flawless green appearance that characterises golf courses.

Rewilding these areas will combat climate change, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve local residents’ health and wellbeing. Wild flowers are better for you than pesticides, after all.

4. Affordable housing

We use a similar amount of land for housing as we do for golf in the UK, which is unacceptable considering how high rent prices are and how many people are unhoused.

The 43 publicly owned golf courses in London offer enough space to house 300,000 people, according to The Guardian.

That’s enough to provide homes to the 10,000 unhoused people in the capital, make a massive profit off the other properties, and help alleviate the housing crisis.

What would getting rid of golf courses achieve?

Getting rid of golf courses would save 16 billion litres of water per year, free up space for more housing, cut millions of tonnes of CO2 from our national carbon footprint, and democratise nature.

The benefits that forests and community farms would offer local residents far outweigh the advantages enjoyed by the relatively tiny slice of people who want to play golf and can afford the membership fees.

Natural areas should be for the good of all of us, not just a wealthy minority.

Looking forward

Golf courses are terrible for the environment.

Don’t get us wrong: there are plenty of other offenders – residential lawns, for one – which massively misuse our precious, finite resources.

But this isn’t the place for whataboutery. Other things we do are also bad – but there’s no convincing ethical reason for golf courses.

At the very least, we should significantly reduce the number of golf courses we have. The UK currently boasts a golf course for every 25,000 people, a ridiculously unnecessary ratio.

Germany, which has the second-highest number of golf courses in Europe, only has a golf course for every 79,000 people. We have to make better use of our natural resources.

By Josh Jackman

Josh has written about eco-friendly home improvements and climate change for the past four years. His work has been displayed on the front page of the Financial Times, he’s been interviewed by BBC One’s Rip-Off Britain, and he regularly features in The Telegraph and on BBC Radio.

Source: Eco Friendly

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Rosebank Oil Field Approved

The North Sea Transition Authority, the responsible regulatory body, said last week that the UK has approved the exploration of oil and gas in its largest undeveloped field

To improve energy security and ensure low energy prices, according to the authority, it had “granted development and production consent” to the companies Equinor and Ithaca Energy.

Production on the Rosebank field, located in the North Sea some 128 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of the Shetland Islands, is expected to start in 2026 at the earliest and could produce an expected 300 million barrels of oil over its lifetime.

What is the government saying?

The British government said developing new fields is necessary to improve the UK’s energy security and ensure stable prices, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine.

UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said the measures would help grow the national economy and “help us deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.”

The approval comes on the heels of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak significantly softening some of the UK’s climate policies. Last week, Sunak pushed back the phase-out of combustion engine cars and gas boilers, among other steps that would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Nonetheless, the government says it is still on track to meet zero carbon emissions by 2050, as the new project will cause “significantly less emissions than previous developments.”

Approval draws anger from activists and opposition       

But environmental activists and Green politicians have blasted the decision, arguing the measures mean the UK will miss its climate targets.

“This is morally obscene,” Green Party lawmaker Caroline Lucas posted on social media. “It won’t improve energy security or lower bills — but it will shatter our climate commitments.”

In August, 50 politicians from both houses of the UK Parliament and representing all major parties wrote to the government to block the approval, saying it could produce 200 million tons of carbon dioxide.

Several climate scientists have come out against the conservative government’s U-turn on climate policy, which is seen by observers as an attempt to win over voters ahead of the 2024 election.

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