A sustainable solution for the future of UK schools

More than 100 schools in England are grappling with an urgent problem due to structural concerns, following the dramatic closure of buildings constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). But while this situation presents a significant challenge, it also offers a unique opportunity for the Government and the construction industry to reevaluate their approach to building sustainability and safety, by using low-carbon alternatives that can revolutionise the way we construct our schools and other vital structures writes Tony Sheridan, Group Commercial Director for Cemfree.

When the government ordered the closure of these schools just days before the autumn term was set to begin, educators, parents, and students found themselves in a state of flux. Alternative learning solutions, including remote learning and temporary classrooms, became the immediate response to the crisis sparking concerns and criticism.

While this is an understandable reaction, at the heart of this issue lies the critical importance of responsible design and the correct choice of appropriate construction materials. It underscores the significance of using the right product in the right place and keeping design at the forefront of construction decisions.

A crucial consideration should have been the acceptable design life of the structures. If these buildings were originally designed for a 30-year lifespan, it was unrealistic to expect them to last 50 years without issues. If lessons are to be learned we must be mindful of these factors during future design phases and avoid overstretching the longevity of our structures.

Another factor to consider as we contemplate rebuilding these educational institutions, is a pressing environmental concern – embodied carbon. The concrete originally used in these structures, and the replacement materials chosen, play a pivotal role in determining their environmental footprints and this is where products such as Alkali-Activated Cementitious Materials (AACMs) can make a huge difference.

The issue of embodied carbon, which refers to the total carbon emissions associated with a building material’s production, transportation, and installation, cannot be overlooked. When considering replacement materials, it’s imperative to assess the environmental impact.

Perhaps then it is an opportunity to look at innovative alternatives like AACM’s, which are readily available and have been tested following rigorous research and development programmes? While concrete is undeniably an excellent construction material, its traditional usage has been heavily cement-dependent, contributing to a colossal carbon footprint – 850kgs per tonne as stated by MPA.

However, AACMs such as Cemfree are revolutionising the construction landscape, allowing designers to maintain the integrity of concrete while slashing its carbon footprint by up to 85% compared to Portland Cement (PC). Embracing AACMs like Cemfree could catalyse a paradigm shift in the construction of critical structures like schools and hospitals, ushering in a sustainable future.

At Cemfree we are committed to ensuring that our products are specified and used correctly, ensuring structural integrity and safety. We work closely with architects, specifiers, contractors, and other stakeholders to guide them through the process from start to finish. Our rigorous approach ensures that Cemfree is not only chosen but also applied appropriately, maximising its environmental benefits.

The path to creating safe, ultra-low carbon buildings lies in collaboration. Clients, specifiers, contractors, and material providers must work together to design and construct sustainable structures that are both environmentally friendly and structurally sound. This collaborative effort should span the entire construction process, from initial design to final implementation.

The situation with schools in England serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the importance of responsible design, sustainability, and material selection in construction projects. It offers us a choice – to rebuild with materials that are both resilient and environmentally conscious or continue to use very carbon intensive materials. Could this be the catalyst for a transformation in our commitment to constructing safer, greener, and more sustainable educational spaces for generations to come?

As we rebuild our schools, let’s not just reconstruct buildings but also reshape the future. The opportunity for change is now, and together, we can pave the way towards a more sustainable tomorrow for our schools and beyond.

 

www.cemfree.com

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THE SYMPHONY OF ARCHITECTURE

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Sound design: revealing the unheard dimension of architecture

Amidst the grand construction symphony, there exists an often overlooked but profoundly influential element: sound. In this article buildingspecifier editor Joe Bradbury delves into the captivating world of architectural acoustics, unveiling the intricate dance between design, materials, and soundwaves. From the resounding corridors of concert halls to the hushed chambers of office spaces, this exploration illuminates how acoustics subtly sculpt our built environment, creating a symphony of sensory experiences that often go unnoticed.

Crafting Sonic Experiences: The Art of Acoustic Alchemy

In the intricate orchestration of architectural acoustics, the skilled architects and designers employ ingenious techniques. By strategically arranging spaces, selecting appropriate materials, and playing with geometrical configurations, they shape environments that maximize the purity and clarity of sound, ensuring every note, dialogue, and murmur is conveyed with impeccable precision.

Step further into the realm, and one finds the fascinating phenomena of architectural acoustics. This intricate dance of sound propagation takes us on a journey through the physics of resonance, revealing how certain architectural features can cast enchanting auditory spells. Picture the mesmerizing whispering galleries, where sound mysteriously travels across considerable distances, captivating all who experience its magic.

As urban landscapes grow more cacophonous, the battle against noise pollution escalates. Architectural innovations arise as stalwart defenders of tranquillity in the midst of chaos. Sound barriers, noise-absorbing facades, and innovative noise-cancellation technologies emerge as the unsung heroes, redefining the acoustic landscape of bustling cities, restoring serenity to the urban rhythm.

Venturing into the past, we encounter the challenge of retrofitting historical spaces for modern acoustic demands. The resolute pursuit of acoustic perfection breathes new life into age-old theatres, churches, and cultural landmarks. Through adaptive acoustic solutions, these hallowed spaces are reborn, gifting their audiences with auditory experiences that bridge the gap between history and innovation.

In the digital age, the virtual world intersects seamlessly with architectural acoustics. Through virtual acoustic modeling and simulation tools, architects can predict and manipulate how sound interacts within a space, long before the construction dust settles. This fusion of architectural vision and technological precision allows for a harmonious blending of design and acoustics, resulting in auditory marvels that enchant and captivate.

Beyond the scientific realm, there exists a realm of psychoacoustics – the study of how sound influences human emotion and psychology. This interplay between sound and psyche has given rise to a new wave of acoustical design, one that prioritizes holistic human experiences. From creating serene spaces that soothe the soul to crafting dynamic environments that stimulate creativity, architects wield their understanding of psychoacoustics to shape the very essence of well-being.

Innovations in architectural acoustics

Amid the whirlwind of technological advancements, architectural acoustics stands as a domain where creativity dances with science, resulting in remarkable breakthroughs that resonate with the future.

In this journey, nanotechnology emerges as a minuscule marvel. Engineers are manipulating materials at the nanoscale, crafting surfaces that navigate sound waves with pinpoint accuracy. Imagine walls that selectively absorb frequencies while allowing others to pass through – a groundbreaking approach revolutionizing adaptability in acoustic environments.

Virtual reality transcends gaming, emerging as an avant-garde tool for acoustic exploration. Architects step into immersive sonic landscapes, perfecting acoustics in unprecedented ways. This innovative leap not only expedites design iterations but also empowers architects to harmonize auditory realms with their visual aspirations.

Inspiration blooms from nature’s acoustic prowess. Biomimicry prompts architects to replicate nature’s ingenious designs. Surfaces that mirror the acoustic efficiency of animal feathers or butterfly wings, or the curvature of a seashell – these bio-inspired solutions enhance not only sound quality but also aesthetic allure.

Metamaterials, engineered to defy natural properties, shape the acoustic frontier. These intricate materials manipulate sound unconventionally, steering sound beams, creating acoustic invisibility, and fashioning sound barriers perceptible only by science.

Sustainability intertwines with sound innovation. Eco-friendly materials and practices birth acoustic solutions that blend auditory excellence with ecological integrity. Biodegradable soundproofing materials, energy-efficient acoustic systems, and recyclable soundproofing panels exemplify the harmonious marriage of acoustics and sustainability.

Inclusivity claims a spotlight in acoustic design. Spaces accommodating hearing impairments or sensory sensitivities gain prominence. Collaborations between architects, experts in accessible design, and audiology result in environments where everyone can embrace sound’s richness.

The symphony of architectural acoustics thrives on multidisciplinary collaborations. Architects, acousticians, engineers, psychologists, and artists harmonize to weave intricate auditory narratives. Each element chosen, each angle designed, resonates with the overarching acoustic vision.

As the curtain falls, the crescendo of architectural acoustics reveals a future where sound is a canvas of design. From nanoscale manipulations to the immersive realms of virtual reality, the discipline pushes limits once deemed insurmountable. Balancing tradition and innovation, architects and acousticians craft spaces enveloped in harmonious soundscapes. Stepping into the horizon, we carry an amplified awareness of the symphony surrounding us – one orchestrated by architectural acoustics with finesse and boundless imagination.

 

In conclusion

Architectural acoustics – a realm often hidden from the naked eye – wields an extraordinary power to transform the way we experience our surroundings. As architects and designers take up the mantle of acoustical harmony, they curate not just auditory landscapes, but the emotions, perceptions, and interactions of those who inhabit their creations. The symphony of architectural acoustics goes beyond sound, orchestrating an intricate ballet that resonates within the heart of the built environment.

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Water Pollution Rules Eased to Build 100,000 Homes

UK scraps EU water pollution rules to build 100,000 homes

The government has unveiled plans to eliminate EU-era regulations related to nutrient neutrality, paving the way for the construction of over 100,000 homes in England by 2030

The government has today revealed its intention to make adjustments to existing EU regulations concerning nutrient neutrality.

This adjustment is anticipated to facilitate the development of more than 100,000 new homes in England by 2030.

At present, EU regulations concerning nutrient neutrality are impeding the construction of new homes, even in cases where the necessary planning permissions have already been authorised.

While this decision has attracted criticism from environmental advocates, the government asserts that housing projects’ contribution to nutrient pollution is minor.

Ruth Chambers, Senior Fellow at Green Alliance, said:

“Scrapping water pollution rules is a far cry from the government’s manifesto commitment to have the most ambitious environmental programme on earth.

“It also breaks promises made repeatedly to Parliament to not lower environmental protections. There has been no consultation and no discussion with anyone other than the housebuilding lobby on this. Parliament must now hold the government to account and save our damaged rivers from even more pollution.”

 

The government intends to engage with the housing construction industry to ensure developers’ participation in the initiative while exploring an appropriate approach with the Home Builders Federation.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:

“The way EU rules have been applied has held us back. These changes will provide a multi-billion pound boost for the UK economy and see us build more than 100,000 new homes.

“Protecting the environment is paramount which is why the measures we’re announcing today will allow us to go further to protect and restore our precious waterways whilst still building the much-needed homes this country needs.”

 

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs  Thérèse Coffey said:

“We are going to tackle the key causes of nutrients at source with over £200 million of funding to reduce run off from agriculture and plans to upgrade wastewater treatment works through conventional upgrades, catchment approaches and nature-based solutions.”

In response to the news, Sam Richards, Founder and Campaign Director for Britain Remade, said: “We need to clean up our rivers and waterways as quickly as possible – but blocking houses that add almost nothing to water pollution is not the way to do it.

“Existing rules on river pollution are clearly failing to keep the nation’s beloved waterways healthy. If we want clean rivers we need to focus on those polluting the rivers – water companies and farmers – rather than hammering those who want to own their own home.”

 

Source: Energy Live

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SFS Fall Protection Network to raise the bar on worker safety 

   

 

James Gooder, SFS’s Business Unit Manager Fall Protection

 

Despite the huge progress which has been made in health and safety standards and practice across the UK construction industry over recent decades, falls from height continue to pose the biggest risk in terms of injury or worse.

 

According to HSE figures, falls from height remain the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, with 29 deaths recorded in 2021-22, while the 35,000 non-fatal falls contributed significantly to a total of 3.9 million workdays lost overall due to accidents. 

 

The ongoing risk has prompted SFS, one of the largest manufacturers of safety equipment, to launch a new initiative intended to maximise the protection of contractors.

The SFS Fall Protection Installer Network has been created to provide a platform dedicated to advancing competency and awareness for companies and their individual operatives.  Full details can be found on the SFS website here: SFS Installer Network | SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd

James Gooder, SFS’s Business Unit Manager Fall Protection, commented:

“Through the launch of the Installer Network, we are opening doors to a future-focused environment which supports installers not just in their ongoing work, but in their continuing development as responsible practitioners.  By working closely with trusted third-party partners, we will ensure the delivery of independent training that is adaptable to different levels of skill, knowledge and experience. As an innovative manufacturer, SFS is committed to driving positive change by raising the bar of excellence’ our key aim is to empower each member of the network to deliver exceptional outcomes and drive behavioural change across the fall protection industry.”

As well as continued access to free-of-charge SFS fall protection systems training, membership of the Fall Protection Installer Network offers increased on-site technical and logistical support, and the opportunity to help shape the direction of future product development through the SFS Collaboration Lab.  Members will further be able to promote their businesses by using the Installer Network’s logo and the publication of dual-branded case studies, while receiving quality business leads via the SFS specification pipeline.

For any businesses wanting to learn more about the Fall Protection Installer Network, SFS has produced a comprehensive and well-illustrated brochure giving full details of the scheme, the issues involved, and the remedies.

CLICK HERE to download the brochure from the website Installer Network – Brochure – Digital.pdf (sfs.com)

 

For further information, call 0330 0555888

 

CLICK HERE to visit the SFS Website

 

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RINNAI LONDON FOCUS GROUP LOOKS FOR BETTER CLARITY FROM GOVERNMENT POLICYMAKERS

  

Rinnai’s regular focus groups based in London have called for greater clarity from UK policymakers in terms of both appliances and chosen fuels for domestic and commercial installations of heating and hot water systems.

 

The Rinnai London group have questioned the lack of details to make future decarbonisation plans a reality and look to remove all obstacles of NetZero ambitions. The Rinnai focus group also discussed potential barriers towards wider UK electrification and hydrogen distribution. A unifying theme held by system designers and installer contractors is a lack of communication by the UK government towards these vital players in the industry as they are the main conduit to the end-consumer in both residential and commercial applications and sites.

Darren Woodward chaired the Rinnai London focus group and he commented,

“This meeting was a representational selection of well-placed proferssional, either working for large companies and organisations, operating constantly in this sector of the overall HVAC industry.

“The group focused on the negative influences delaying wider UK electrification, such as a lack of qualified installer personnel, material shortages and property compatibility. The topic of hydrogen revealed a national reluctance towards a manual transitioning of appliances, as well as concerns regarding safety and extra costs.

“A number of installers and system designers in the Rinnai London focus group felt that the UK government could improve direct communications towards heating engineers regarding future energy direction – and not appear to make and rescind policy decisions through favoured media channels and platforms. The group expressed concerns that more unbiased and information which concentrates on providing the best heating and hot water advice towards UK customers should be a priority for the UK government.

 

 

Rinani’s London group discussion echoed identical concerns held by heating and hot water installers across the UK. Issues regarding the plausibility of definitive NetZero targets and timelines were expressed, as was a feeling of inevitability of future UK hydrogen deployment regardless of the current failure to produce a demonstration hydrogen village pilot project.

The most cogent observation when speaking to heating and hot water installers across the UK is the frustration towards the UK government in not providing better detailed information that future proofs heating and hot water delivery systems. UK customers could benefit from enhanced communications between policy makers, and installers that results in the correct system being deployed in the appropriate property.

 

Rinnai understands the complexity of UK decarbonisation efforts and is working to readily assist the process for policy makers, system designers and customers alike. This is why Rinnai provide a comprehensive list of CPD’s on their website

  www.rinnai-uk.co.uk 

 

and host regular discussions with industry professionals to provide a concise impression of the current energy industry landscape.

 

 

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS

& CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR
COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

                                                   

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, rDME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai products are i2HY20 certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

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£30M Restoration Closes Historic Viaduct

Barmouth’s historic viaduct will close for up to 13 weeks this autumn for restoration

Metal sections on the Grade II* listed structure will be reconstructed or repaired and railway tracks renewed tracks near to Barmouth Toll House, on the northern edge of the viaduct.

Work began on the iconic structure back in 2020 in order to protect the bridge for future generations and to maintain its appearance. The £30 million investment has already seen teams replace the timber beams that support the 154-year-old structure, as well as additional timber strengthening work.

The restoration has been split across several years to reduce the impact on rail services, the community and local economy. Network Rail has also carefully planned the work to avoid the busy summer season when tens of thousands of holidaymakers travel to Barmouth from the West Midlands.

The railway over the viaduct will be closed from September 2 in a project likely to run into December.

The footpath over the viaduct will also be closed until November 24. This is so teams are able to have full access while they safely carry out the essential restoration.

Preparation work has already started. Engineering teams and contractors are currently grit blasting the steel caissons – the large steel cylinders that support the metal parts of the bridge – ready for painting.

Nick Millington, interim route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders said:

“We are excited to begin work on the final phase of restoring this iconic viaduct. There is no other like it in Britain, so we have meticulously and carefully brought this structure back to life so it can serve passengers for future generation.

“We would like to thank the local community for their support and patience while we have and continue to safely carry out this project. We know that there is never a perfect time to close the railway, but we are happy that we have managed to do so in the least disruptive way – for the community and the tourism that means so much to Barmouth.”

Network rail says the viaduct is in poor condition. Many of the timber elements of the viaduct have decayed significantly over time and a large proportion of the metallic elements have corroded.

Mr Millington said:

“Our engineers working on the bridge during phases one and two found it to be in a much worse condition than originally anticipated.

“To keep everyone safe we will need to close the footpath across the viaduct from this Thursday up to Friday 24 November. We’re sorry for any disruption that this will cause but the safety of the public and our staff is our key priority.”

Rail services will be disrupted during the works. There will be a rail replacement bus service in place but check before you travel. Further information can be found at tfw.wales, or on the TfW app.

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Construction Companies Insolvency Rate Soars

UK construction companies are going bankrupt at the highest rate in a decade as inflation, a drop in housebuilding and delays to major government infrastructure projects bite.

Data released from the government’s Insolvency Service, analysed by the Financial Times, shows that 4,280 operators entered insolvency in the year to June, a 16.5 per cent jump on the 12 months prior.

Rampant inflation has plagued the industry, bumping up the cost of materials, energy and labour.

According to the ONS, the price of construction materials is currently 42.7 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

The findings follow last weeks’ news that Buckingham Group – a company involved in infrastructure projects at Anfield and on HS2 – had stopped trading, citing “extreme inflation linked to the Ukraine conflict”.

Rebecca Larkin, head of construction research at the Construction Products Association (CPA) said construction firms had experienced

“double-digit price inflation for their own inputs of fuel energy and materials, as well as flatlining economic growth”.

Larkin said that higher interest rates were

“affecting clients willingness to proceed with projects”, with labour shortages piling on problems when they do finally get underway.

FT analysis of Insolvency Service data showed the worst hit companies over the last year were smaller, specialist subcontractors, which accounted for 60 per cent of the insolvencies in question.

However, Larkin noted that in recent months, the

“increase in insolvencies has been strongest among larger firms”, which she said reflected “the inevitable knock-on effects of firms going bust further down the supply chain”.

Alongside cost inflation, a slowdown in the housebuilding sector linked to inflation has also hit operators’ bottom lines.

Persimmon said it was slashing the number of homes it was building by nearly a third earlier in the month amid high inflation, while Crest Nicholson last week lowered its profit forecast for the year by over £20m.

A spokesperson from the National Builders Federation (NBF) argued that government regulation in housebuilding had contributed to the damage caused by inflation, leaving much of the industry “treading water at best”.

The NBF noted that 13 new taxes and regulatory costs had been announced or implemented in the last three years in housebuilding, with some “adding thirty per cent to build costs”.

A number of major infrastructure developments on rail and road have also been delayed by government in the last year, most notably HS2’s Euston terminus.

A July report from the government’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry noted 30 to 40 per cent swings in raw material costs in its assessment of the much-scrutinised project.

A government spokesperson said:

“We understand the increased financial pressures on the construction sector, and we’re working hard with industry to help manage these costs by collaborating with the Construction Leadership Council to provide advice and guidance.”

“We are also backing small and medium enterprises in the sector with £1.5 billion through our Levelling Up Home Building Fund, and we have also introduced legislation to reduce delays and costs for housebuilders.”

Source City AM

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‘Gateway’ Clarity

New legislation issued confirms the documents – and contents of those documents – that industry will need to submit to create the ‘golden thread’ of accurate, up-to-date, information about buildings, and ensure proposed new ‘higher-risk’ buildings in England pass through new building control ‘gateways’ permitting their construction and certifying their completion.

Higher-risk buildings are defined under the 2022 Building Safety Act as buildings in England containing at least two residential units and which either measure at least 18 metres in height or are at least seven storeys tall, and hospitals and care homes which meet the same height threshold.

From 1 October, the development of higher-risk buildings will be subject to a new building safety regime that is shaped around the concept of regulatory ‘gateways’. After that date, new developments for higher-risk buildings will have to be approved by the building safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), at three core stages of the development process – at the planning stage; prior to construction; and upon the completion of works and prior to buildings being occupied.

While ‘gateway one’ in respect of the planning stage is already in force, industry has been awaiting clarity on the process, and associated requirements to be met, for the other two gateway stages. Now the UK government has issued new legislation that provides those details, along with guidance to help businesses understand their obligations. The new regulations also confirm the building safety process applicable to ongoing higher-risk building projects.

To pass through gateway two and obtain building control approval, developers behind new higher-risk buildings will need to submit an application to the HSE for approval accompanied by drawings, a competence declaration, a construction control plan, a change control plan, and a mandatory occurrence reporting plan – which reflects the need for design issues, incidents or situations relating to the structural integrity and fire safety of the building which create a risk of a significant number of deaths or injuries, to be recorded and reported, under the regulations. Other documents to be submitted include a building regulations compliance statement, a fire and emergency file, and, where applicable, a partial completion strategy.

The government had originally proposed that a planning statement would also have to be submitted at the gateway two stage, but that requirement has been dropped from the final legislation.

Schedule 1 to the new regulations sets out further details on what information each of the documents should contain. It will be possible for developers to adopt a staged approach to gateway approval.

The regulations also specifically address the change control process, setting out what types of change need to be recorded and notified to HSE and where approval needs to be sought before changes are made. They also stipulate requirements to notify the HSE where, for example, the client changes, or of other events such as insolvency.

The competence declaration reflects new duties that aim to ensure that building work is designed and built in compliance with the functional requirements of the building regulations. These requirements will apply to all new building work on all buildings, not just to higher-risk buildings. The duties for designers have been watered down to a duty to take “reasonable steps”. For everyone else, the duties apply on a strict liability basis.

Building safety expert Katherine Metcalfe of Pinsent Masons said:

“The client on every project will need to review and enhance competence checks undertaken prior to appointment of the principal contractor and principal designer. It cannot be assumed that an individual or organisation assessed as competent for the purposes of the Construction (Design, and Management) Regulations 2015 will also be willing and able to fulfil the same duty holder role under the building regulations. The scope of appointments may need to be reviewed if they do not already make provision for this change in law.”

Metcalfe said that the transitional arrangements provided for in the new regulations will significantly reduce the number of projects going through gateways two and three prior to April 2024.  She said this will create “a soft landing for the new building safety regulator while it gets to grips with its new role” and that in turn will hopefully enable the regulator “to support duty holders in making applications which can be processed efficiently”.

She said, however, that industry is concerned about the time it will take the regulator to consider applications. The HSE will have 12 weeks to consider applications for approval at gateway two, and eight weeks at gateway three. The documents to be submitted at gateway three are largely ‘as-built’ versions of the documents to be provided at gateway two, together with some additional declarations.

Further guidance in relation to the new building safety regime is anticipated from government.

Helen Waddell of Pinsent Masons said:

“Planning for and managing potential risks, such as delays and associated costs, will be key as these new gateways and transitional arrangements come into effect. It will be important to ensure risk allocation is clear in your contracts and understood by everyone involved and that good records are kept.”

“There is undoubtedly a need for everyone in the supply chain to work together more closely and transparently going forward. Getting organised for 1 October is an absolute must,” she said.

Source: Pinsett Masons

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ASBESTOS: FIRM FINED £90,000, FOR PUTTING PUBLIC AT RISK

Construction firm fined £90,000 after exposing public to asbestos during renovation work

A Warrington-based construction company has been fined £90,000 after exposing people to asbestos during a renovation project in the Hanley area of Stoke-on-Trent.

Despite failing to attend Staffordshire Magistrates’ Court on 24 August 2023, Esskay Construction Ltd was found guilty in its absence.

Nathan Cook, prosecuting on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told the court how the regulator received a concern on 31 August 2021 about asbestos disturbance. The concern related to a refurbishment project under the control of the company at an address in Brunswick Street in Hanley.

Representatives from the local authority had attended the site and discovered significant amounts of asbestos-containing debris to the front and rear of the building and along the public highway.

An inspector from HSE then went to site and served two Prohibition Notices – prohibiting all work within, and access to, 12 Brunswick Street and the surrounding area, other than by a licensed asbestos removal contractor for the purpose of making safe. A licensed asbestos removal contractor was then appointed to carry out a clean-up operation.

However, further investigation by HSE found that Esskay Construction Ltd had failed to appoint a competent person to carry out a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey of the premises prior to carrying out work on site. The company then allowed refurbishment to commence without knowing where the asbestos containing materials were, resulting in them being disturbed and potentially exposing workers and members of the public to harmful asbestos fibres.

Esskay Construction Ltd of Mandarin Court, Warrington, Cheshire, failed to attend court but were found guilty in their absence, to breaching Regulations 5, 11 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Esskay Construction Ltd were fined £90,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,009 and a victim surcharge of £190.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Will Gretton said: “Asbestos is a class 1 carcinogen which is known to kill around 20 tradesmen each week. Carelessness at this scale, met with a failure to attend court, is unacceptable.

“For that reason, any building constructed prior to the year 2000 must be assessed for the presence of asbestos prior to any disturbance work taking place, and any asbestos containing materials must be left undisturbed or be removed by a competent contractor under controlled conditions.

“By failing to take these simple steps, Esskay Construction Ltd put workers and members of the public at risk of being exposed to a substance known to cause fatal illnesses including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

“HSE will not hesitate to take action where contractors are found to be flouting the law and putting people at risk, and this case should serve as a reminder to those engaged in this type of work that they have responsibilities when it comes to managing the risks associated with asbestos.”

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Aviva expands underwriting appetite to include engineered timber

INSURER AVIVA has underlined its sustainability commitments by expanding the company’s underwriting appetite to include engineered timber in commercial developments. Also referenced as mass timber, cross-laminated timber and Glulam, engineered timber is the terminology used for wood products that have been manufactured and bonded together to form a composite material, panel or building system.

The news follows on from a successful pilot, which saw the UK’s largest insurer working with a handful of developers on sustainable building projects.

In the UK alone, the built environment contributes 40% of carbon emissions. By working with contractors who want to build more sustainably, Aviva aims to assist the construction sector reduce its carbon footprint.

Although a growing number of developers are seeking to build more sustainable buildings for commercial use, insurers’ appetite for these risks has not kept pace. By putting significant underwriting capacity towards these projects, Aviva is demonstrating that risk management can support the UK as it moves to become ‘climate change ready’.

In fact, Aviva is one of the first UK insurers to commit dedicated underwriting resource for the development of more sustainable buildings. Working with contractors, brokers and owners from the design stage, the insurer is helping to ensure the resilience and repairability of buildings by using leading risk management strategies to safeguard them from water damage and fire.

Putting risk management at the centre of the design process can help to remove or otherwise mitigate these risks, while in parallel enabling a competitive and sustainable approach to insurance pricing.

Minimising associated risks

Adam Winslow, CEO for UK and Ireland general insurance at Aviva, said:

“There are a growing number of developers looking to build more sustainably, both by using sustainable materials like engineered timber and by adopting modern methods of construction. Aviva wants to embrace both, in turn widening our underwriting appetite to insure commercial buildings using engineered timber and using our risk management expertise to minimise associated risks.”

Winslow continued: “We need to consider the carbon footprint of a building over its lifetime. If a building is designed to be replaced in the event of a relatively minor incident well within its design life, then it cannot be considered sustainable. Modern methods of construction that focus on resilience and the repairability are critical to helping developers balance sustainability commitments with the safety of building users and the communities they inhabit.”

Call to action

In its report entitled ‘Building Future Communities’, Aviva called for strengthened planning regulation, greater collaboration on research across the building process and the need to encourage and incentivise property resilience to aid recovery.

By incorporating leading risk management strategies which go beyond the current Building Regulations, Aviva believes structures incorporating a greater use of engineered timber can be considered acceptable risks.

As an organisation, Aviva has committed to become ‘Net Zero’ by 2040 and to support the UK to become the most ‘climate change ready’ large economy by the year 2030.

*The August 2023 print edition of Fire Safety Matters contains articles referencing the issues discussed here. Turn to pp24-26 (‘Sustainability paradigm’, authored by Judith Schulz from Arup) and pp56-58 (‘On the ESG agenda’, which is written by Matt Wood from Millwood Servicing). Alternatively, view the magazine online

 

Source: FSM

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