Confusion reigns as Whitehall briefing contradicts PM’s net zero speech 

There are increasing concerns that civil servants in the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) are attempting to undermine the Prime Minister’s attempts to reset the UK’s net zero policies.

 

In a briefing issued to the heating industry only hours after the PM’s net zero speech officials outlined their continuing approach to “encouraging” households to fit heat pumps, retaining unrealistic targets for heat pump installations and their commitment to the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) that will add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a new boiler.

 

The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) is calling on the Number 10 and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) to confirm policy direction for decarbonising heating, as claims around heat pump installations in the Prime Minister’s speech last week unravel.

 

Mike Foster, Chief Executive of the EUA says it’s not clear who is driving domestic heat policy. “The Prime Minister’s net zero reset is unravelling fast. He told the country that households did not need to fit a heat pump instead of a gas boiler until 2035, but Whitehall officials have directly contradicted this by insisting that 600,000 heat pumps are fitted a year by 2028. That’s one in three homes. Which is it, Prime Minister?”

 

Under Whitehall targets one in three homes will need to be fitting heat pumps and not gas boilers, seven years earlier than the Prime Minister’s alluded to in his speech.

 

Mr Foster says consumers will foot the bill.

“We now know how they plan to do this, by putting a boiler tax on the cost of a new boiler to make them more expensive. The downside of all this is that those who cannot afford a heat pump, will have to pay more to buy a boiler.”

 

In his speech, the Prime Minister explained that his new policy was driven by concerns about the cost of heat pumps compared to gas boilers. According to the government average, heat pumps cost £13,000 each compared to £2,500 for a gas boiler replacement.

 

Mr Foster continued:

“Even with the extra money provided for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which now offers a grant of £7,500, homeowners will still need to pay around £5,500 for a heat pump installation – a grant which is now capped at 20,000 homes per year.”

 

Amid the lack of consumer demand highlighted by the Prime Minister in his speech, the CHMM threatens to fine boiler manufacturers £340 million next year if they fail to fit 68,000 heat pumps. The following year fine will be over £500 million. It is expected that boiler manufacturers will increase the price of a boiler to pay for the fine or “boiler tax” as it has been dubbed.

 

“I want to believe the Prime Minister is genuine in his intent but the briefing from officials suggests his statement was all spin and not for real,” says Mr Foster. “He can prove he genuinely believes what he said by scrapping the CHMM and not imposing a further boiler tax on heating our own homes.”

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Global Windfall Tax on Oil Profits

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a $25 billion (£20.4bn) global windfall tax from the world’s wealthiest oil-producing nations.

Brown argues that countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Norway and Kuwait, which he dubs “petro-states,” raked in unprecedented profits as oil prices soared last year, doubling their oil revenues in 2022.

Citing data from the International Energy Association, Mr Brown revealed that global oil and gas revenues surged from $1.5 trillion (£1.2tn) to an astonishing $4 trillion (£3.2tn).

This income surpasses the entire GDP of the UK

 

Brown’s plan seeks to direct these funds toward a climate fund for less affluent nations, potentially averting a potential deadlock in climate negotiations at COP28.

Source: Energy Live

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Scrapping HS2 would be a severe blow to Northern Economy

Business leaders across the North West have reacted to reports that the Prime Minister is on the verge of scrapping HS2’s northern leg.

Rishi Sunak is expected to cut the route from Birmingham to Manchester because of increasing costs.

Clare Hayward ,interim chair of the NP11 and chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “A thriving economy relies on world-class connectivity and other countries are investing heavily in their infrastructure and high-speed rail connections to accelerate growth and embrace opportunity. HS2 represents the opportunity to invest and build for the future, developing a modern rail network that functions effectively, and improves connectivity and capacity across the North, and supports our goals to improve productivity, achieve our climate goals and grow our economy.

“The North stands to gain significantly from HS2. Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s HS2 & NPR Growth Strategy is set to double the economic output of Greater Manchester to £132bn by 2050, delivering 96,000 jobs and 16,800 homes, as well as widespread regeneration. During construction alone, HS2 will support 17,500 jobs in the North West.

“Under-investment in transport infrastructure has been a key factor that has restricted growth in the North of England’s and businesses in the region are excited about the potential offered by HS2. Improving the capacity of our rail network is vital especially if we want to take millions of freight journeys off our motorways and onto rail in order to improve quality of life and enable our climate goals to be achieved.”

“Scrapping the Eastern Leg to Leeds was a major blow for the North. The city of Leeds had been planning for more than a decade to make way for its arrival and had great aspirations for its impact. Removing the link to Manchester, and all high-speed rail links to the North as a result, would be a further major setback for the region and damage the confidence of potential investors into the region.

“HS2 is due to be delivering 22km of new, high-speed track between Manchester and Hoo Green Junction that will allow trains on Northern Powerhouse Rail to run from Liverpool to York, via Manchester. That is roughly 40% of the track to be laid in Phase 2b of HS2. Failing to deliver HS2 risks impacting the confidence of investors, domestically and internationally undermining the hopes and aspirations of our businesses and the people who live here.”

Source: Business Live

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Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority kicks off early market engagement for Strategic Partners

The Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority (the ‘Delivery Authority’) today announces a preliminary market consultation in connection with the future appointment of three long-term Strategic Partners. The Delivery Authority invites prospective suppliers to its first major early market engagement event, in the Palace of Westminster on Monday 16 October, at which it will launch the consultation with suppliers in advance of full-scale procurements which we anticipate commencing in 2024. It is anticipated that the award of any future contracts will follow the approval by Members of both Houses of Parliament of costed proposals for the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster (‘the R&R Programme’).

Following endorsement of the R&R strategic case, expected around the end of this calendar year, and as the Delivery Authority moves towards the delivery phase of the R&R Programme, it wishes to work with suitably qualified and experienced long-term Strategic Partners who share its vision to deliver the restoration and renewal works to the Palace of Westminster. To this end the Delivery Authority wishes to consult on its proposals in connection with the future appointment of the following Strategic Partners:

  1. Design Services Partner to undertake design services.
  2. An Integrator to oversee, manage and integrate the programme.
  3. A Construction Partner to support the development and completion of the design, and to procure, undertake, and manage the works.

Suppliers will be invited, following the event on 16 October, to provide feedback in response to the consultation on the proposed contract delivery model (including proposed alliancing arrangements) and commercial model to ensure the successful delivery of the R&R Programme.

At the event, the market will learn about the delivery options that are under consideration by both Houses of Parliament of the scope of the restoration and renewal works and how they will be delivered.

David Goldstone CBE, Chief Executive, Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority, said:

“The Palace of Westminster sits at the heart of the Parliamentary estate, is one of the most recognised buildings in the world and is the seat of the UK’s parliamentary democracy. The scale of the challenge of maintaining and restoring the Palace is huge. Significant investment and ongoing maintenance is already happening across the Parliamentary estate but a more extensive and fundamental programme of works is needed to preserve The Palace for future generations, and to continue ensuring the safety of those who work and visit.

“To deliver this major programme the Delivery Authority will need to engage the right long term strategic partners and be supported by a truly expert supply chain. We have been working hard to identify a preferred delivery model that will drive collaboration and innovation throughout the supply chain. We plan to test our approach with all interested parties, to gain market insight on our approach and to inform key elements of the Delivery Authority’s future Commercial Strategy and to ensure we are set up to deliver the best quality and value for the project.

“This is a nationwide endeavour and I strongly encourage suppliers of all sizes and scales, from across the UK, to attend the Delivery Authority’s upcoming supply chain engagement event and to respond to our market engagement consultation questionnaires.”

It is anticipated that up to 100 suppliers will attend the event, which will be co-hosted by The Rt Hon Mr Nigel Evans MP, Chair of the Restoration and Renewal Programme Board and by David Goldstone CBE, Chief Executive of the Delivery Authority.

The call to engage the market has been advertised openly on Find a Tender via Prior Information Notice (PIN), which includes information about how suppliers can register their interest to attend the market consultation event on Monday 16 October. As space is limited, a maximum of one person from each interested organisation may attend the market consultation event.

Following the market consultation event, a Briefing Paper and Questionnaire will be issued to all interested suppliers, so that potential Strategic Partners and the wider Supply Chain, including SMEs, can provide their views. Full details will also be published on the Delivery Authority’s e-tendering portal.

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M-AR and Biffa waste no time tackling waste reduction

M-AR Offsite has partnered with Biffa, the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company, to ensure all waste generated through its manufacturing and construction operations is reused or recycled.

 

Through the partnership M-AR is refreshing its current waste management programme with the aim of diverting 100 per cent of its waste from landfill. The new Biffa skips in place around M-AR’s factory have clear signage as well as being colour coded to help visually identify what waste goes in which skip. It also creates a clear central focal point for waste management in the factory, which along with M-AR’s newly appointed ‘Waste Champions’, is designed to maximise take-up among staff.

Tom Malcom and Jamie Leckenby, who are both part of M-AR’s internal logistics team, nominated themselves to be M-AR’s first ‘Waste Champions’

 

Tom Malcom and Jamie Leckenby, who are both part of M-AR’s internal logistics team, nominated themselves to be M-AR’s first ‘Waste Champions’. The role involves educating the team and communicating policy changes to the whole production team. They will both receive specialist training and support from Biffa to appreciate the benefits of segregating waste effectively.

 

M-AR has also invested in upgrading its internal bins, moving away from the plastic 1100ltr bins which can easily become damaged, to a more robust steel tipper skip. As well as being more durable and therefore safer, these will also vastly reduce the number of trips previously required to load onto fork lift trucks and dispose waste into larger skips.

 

Working in partnership like this will see Biffa and M-AR collaborate on future waste reduction initiatives to implement within the business. M-AR will also be able to accurately report on waste volumes and disposals to track ongoing progress and understand where changes may need to be made to the process through its own online Biffa portal. The signage boards placed around the factory, as well as acting as prominent reminders about segregation of waste materials, will be used to provide feedback to the factory from the data collated from the Biffa portal.

 

Dan Lowther, head of procurement and supply chain at M-AR said:

“While this first phase covers waste management specifically relating to our manufacturing facility in Hull, our ultimate aim is to roll the programme out to all our live construction sites across the UK. This step marks a significant improvement in the reduction of waste generated on construction sites which are typically harder to regulate than a controlled factory setting and will mean that we’re able to divert all waste material from landfill whether that’s generated in the factory or on site. Reducing our waste materials to zero is a key part of our ongoing commitment to achieving net zero status as a company and reducing the embedded carbon of the modules we manufacture and install.”

 

Shaun Williams from Biffa’s commercial team in Humberside, added:

“We know recycling and sustainable waste management is extremely important to companies of all sizes, so we’re delighted to be working with the team at M-AR to bring our knowledge and skills to drive sustainability at their factory.

“Small steps can make a big difference, and recycling more waste means there’s less consumption of raw materials and fewer carbon emissions, which all contributes to the UK’s effort to achieve net zero.”

 

For more information call 01482 635 081

or click here to email M-AR

or visit CLICK HERE to visit the M-AR website

 

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Public Perception: The Government does not understand Housing Crisis

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is calling for government to do more to understand the challenges young households have in getting on the housing ladder, engage productively with industry, and take a constructive tone when discussing new build homes.

According to a new survey carried out by the trade body, more than 70% of the public believe government is responsible for fixing the country’s shortage of homes yet fewer than one in five think politicians truly understand the challenges facing young people trying to get on the property ladder.

The research shows 68% of people believe that building more homes is vital to resolving the country’s housing crisis and a staggering 72% place responsibility for solving the country’s shortage of homes firmly at the door of politicians.

The ‘Housing the Nation’ report explores public perceptions of the country’s chronic shortage of homes. The research reveals:

·       78% of respondents agree there is a housing crisis in the UK

·       To tackle the crisis, 68% of respondents agree building more homes is vital

·       80% of respondents are supportive or not averse to new homes being built in their local area

·       71% of respondents feel the housing crisis is making the country less equal and more divided

·       72% of respondents believe responsibility for solving the housing crisis sits most heavily with Government

·       Only 55% think that solving the housing crisis is actually a priority for politicians

·       72% of respondents were worried about the prospects of future generations in relation to the housing market

·       Just 18% of people think politicians truly understand the challenges young people face in getting on the housing ladder

·       More than 40% of respondents agree with the statement ‘Housing will be an important factor in determining who I vote for at the next General Election’

It comes as home ownership among younger generations is lower than for their predecessors and housing supply numbers are plummeting. HBF warns that without government intervention the current anti-business, anti-growth policy environment, coupled with challenging economic landscape could see housing supply halve to new record lows exacerbating the nation’s housing crisis.

Recent data shows the number of new homes gaining planning permission is continuing to nosedive. The federation is predicting if the numbers continue on this downward trajectory and government implements its anti-development planning reforms, housing supply could fall to the lowest level since World War Two.

Meanwhile as interest rates remain high, the closure of the government’s Help to Buy scheme in England last March marked the first time in decades no first-time buyer support scheme has been in place, at a time when it is arguably needed most.

Government proposals to weaken the planning system, the ongoing failure to address the nutrient neutrality issue and a lack of support for first-time buyers are hindering home builders’ ability to deliver the homes the country desperately needs – and blocking aspiring homeowners from getting on the property ladder.

The survey found 68% believe building new homes is key to resolving the issue, opposing the NIMBY lobby that has seen development blocked and delayed across more than 60 local authorities.

The strongest support for building more homes was concentrated among the older age groups, with 74% of 55 to 64s and 71% of 65-plus year olds agreeing that more new homes was vital to tackling the housing crisis.

The Housing the Nation report shows support for building homes is higher than those opposing development in every region. Even in the South East, where home building is portrayed as attracting the strongest opposition from local residents, 70% of respondents were either supportive or not averse to more homes being built in their local area.

Almost three quarters of respondents (72%) said responsibility for the housing crisis sits most heavily with the Government, followed by Local Councils (16%).

Despite this, only 55% of respondents agreed that solving the housing crisis was actually a priority for politicians and only 18% thought that politicians understand the challenges young people face in getting on the property ladder.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman at HBF, said:

“Despite the chronic need for more homes, housing supply is falling as a direct result of the policy approach taken by our political leaders. The evidence is now clear; the government can no longer ignore the housing crisis facing people across the country.

“People generally are accepting of the need to build more homes and elected representatives need to ensure they are representing all the people in their communities, not just a vocal NIMBY minority. Politicians need to step up and provide the leadership that will allow us to deliver the homes we desperately need.”

 

Source: Property Eye

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Richi Sunaks ‘Sensible, Green Leadership’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has set out his vision of a revised path to net zero and his plans for sensible, green leadership, you can read the speech in full on this LINK.

Many in the industry have responded with their views, some of the comments are shown below.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on net zero policies yesterday, Wates has issued the following statement:

 “The built environment is where the Government should focus if it wants to continue driving toward the 2050 Net Zero goal whilst minimising impact on ordinary working people.

 “The UK’s buildings account for a third of our total emissions and so it makes sense to prioritise the decarbonisation of commercial and public owned buildings, through retrofit, improved building regulations and skills development. This approach would help to reduce the country’s carbon footprint whilst also driving economic growth, creating new jobs, and growing the skilled workforce it will need for the much bigger challenge of decarbonising homes across the country. 

“To achieve this transformation, businesses like us need clarity and certainty of policy going forward to ensure we can make the required investment to help the UK deliver on our international commitments and achieve net zero by 2050.”

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), said in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement about the delay of several green commitments:

“In recent years, the UK’s plumbing and heating sector has diligently retooled and upskilled to be green technology transition-ready. While this announcement offers industry and consumers a brief reprieve to help ensure the skills, infrastructure and cost efficiencies are all in place, it significantly impacts the many businesses that have made substantial investments to be policy-ready.

“The announced delays from Westminster will also have a cascading effect on the devolved administrations’ low carbon ambitions, further confusing public messaging and embedding hesitation in business investment to the green transition.

“Moreover, it fundamentally ignores the vast economic advantages green technologies derive – from potential consumer cost savings of £25-36bn, £70bn in export opportunities, and £100bn of inward investment.

“The UK has an opportunity to lead the world in green technologies. Weakening our resolve jeopardises our global standing and ignores the rich economic landscape these initiatives bring.”

In response to the recent speech outlining Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new approach to net zero, Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), commented:

 “Following yesterday’s speech made by the Prime Minister, we welcome the time afforded to make a more thought out and successful switch to low carbon heating. This will play a pivotal role in our journey in achieving net zero and decarbonising homes across the country.

“The 50% increase in financial support provided through the enhanced Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme will undoubtedly incentivise the switch to heat pumps for more homeowners. Such a positive initiative, however, requires a significantly larger number of installers than previously estimated, which the government must work with industry to address.

“Data gathered by the HHIC suggests that to meet the Government’s ambitious heat pump installation target of 600,000, we  require 100,000 installers more than the Government’s prediction of 50,000 – a figure almost equivalent to the entire Gas Safe Register. This shows the need for further support in addressing the current skills gap to meet the expected rise in demand for low carbon heating.

“Decarbonising the heating economy is possible, yet it will require a collaborative effort from manufacturers, trade associations and the Government to achieve the long-term goals outlined by the Prime Minister. Incentivising heating engineers to add heat pump installation to their offering will prove invaluable to the Government if they are determined to meet their ambitious 2030 targets related to net zero.”

Paul Reeve, ECA’s Director of CSR, commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement said:

“Rishi Sunak’s overall direction of travel towards achieving net zero has not changed. But a delay in the timescale will undoubtably shake the confidence and plans of many large and small businesses alike, not to mention consumers.

“The new timetable gives more time to decarbonise and develop the UK grid. Instead of focusing on one or two low carbon fixes, it’s an opportunity to move to a ‘technology agnostic’ approach, by installing the most energy efficient solutions.

“It’s also a chance for the government’s overdue review of  electricity pricing –  to make it fairer for households adopting low carbon electrical technology – to get back on track.

“Alongside this, the UK’s EV charging infrastructure must be significantly ramped up to satisfy customer demand and meet crucial safety standards”.

Existing technologies can already deliver the carbon savings needed to reach 2050 net zero targets. A much greater obstacle to achieving the targets, not mentioned in the PM’s statement, is the shortage of competent professionals to install these technologies.

While ECA welcomes the Prime Minister’s boost for research and development, it will do little to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions in the short term. Investment in training and skills cannot wait if the UK wants to stay ahead of the net zero curve. Industry needs certainty to invest in the training needed for a safe transition to a  low carbon economy.

Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Workforce and Public Affairs and said:

“The extra time available must be used to good effect, low carbon technologies are evolving fast, but they all require a level of core competence to be installed safely.

“To train just to install EV charge points will not equip you to be an installer of future technology or to retrofit a building. Neither will it equip you to understand how that piece of tech integrates with other low carbon technologies.

“It might in fact lead to greater carbon emissions, through a malfunctioning building. But most worryingly, without the right level of competence, it could prove dangerous to consumers and lead to grid capacity issues. The safe and reliable electricity we all enjoy today in the UK relies on a century of work to maintain high standards”.

ECA are currently running a series of ten net zero roadshows for their members. These are designed to help installers consider the practical and business implications of pivoting their firms to net zero work.

And for those of you who prefer your news with a satirical twist you might like to follow this

  LINK

  (WARNING contains bad language)

  to check out Jonathan Pye’s thoughts on the announcment

 

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DIMETA AND RINNAI TEAM UP ON GREENER GAS APPLIANCES

Tony Gittings, Managing Director at Rinnai (left) and Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive at Dimeta

The partnership will explore the use of renewable & recycled carbon DME in appliances to decarbonise the LPG market.

 

[Leiden, Netherlands]-[21 September 2023] – Dimeta, a global joint venture to accelerate the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether (DME) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rinnai, a global manufacturer and distributor of gas appliances, to explore ways to decarbonise the LPG market in Europe through the use of DME.

 

Renewable and recycled carbon DME is a clean-burning, sustainable fuel made from various feedstocks, such as waste, biomass or biogas, and can reduce emissions by up to 85% compared to oil and diesel. As DME is chemically similar to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and bioLPG, it can be blended with it up to 20% and ‘dropped-in’ to existing LPG supply chains, providing a seamless pathway to reducing emissions from the over 13m tonnes used for energy in Europe each year.

 

Together, Dimeta and Rinnai will explore the role for DME blended with LPG and used in existing appliances, as well as 100% DME dedicated appliances, including hot water production systems, boilers and dryers. The collaboration between Dimeta and Rinnai will initially focus on the European market and will include the two companies working together to further their knowledge and showcase the importance of collaboration across the whole value chain.

 

The Rinnai corporation see DME appliances joining a suite of technologies from Rinnai, who sell millions of appliances globally, particularly supporting off-grid industries including the leisure, agriculture and hospitality sectors.

 

The agreement shortly follows the announcement of planning approval for Dimeta’s first-of-a-kind £150m renewable & recycled carbon DME production plant in the UK. Once operational in 2025, the plant will produce over 50,000 tonnes of DME from non-recyclable waste – the equivalent of 25% of LPG domestic heating in the UK. In addition to the first plant in the UK, subsequent plants are in development in Europe and the United States, as part of Dimeta’s goal to achieve 300,000 tonnes of DME production capacity by 2027.

 

Tony Gittings, Managing Director, Rinnai UK, said:

“Our LPG-fuelled products play a critical role in powering off-grid communities across the world. With more steps being taken to lower global emissions, being able to provide greener solutions is key on the road to net zero. Our collaboration with Dimeta will enable us to further explore the use of renewable liquid gases like DME and how we can deliver quality appliances that not only work efficiently and affordably for our customers, but contribute positively to the global environment.”

 

Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive at Dimeta, commented:

“Collaboration with the whole supply chain is critical to the success of the roll out of renewable & recycled carbon DME. By having the support of world-leading companies such as Rinnai, we can maximise the opportunities for DME to support the hardest-to-decarbonise sectors, such as off-grid homes and businesses. Working together, we can harness our shared experience and knowledge to find bold ways to decarbonise the LPG market that will result in a greener future.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE RINNAI WEBSITE    –    CLICK  HERE FOR THE DIMETA WEBSITE

 

 

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Apprenticeship expands to address skills gaps across the globe

A unique apprenticeship established in North East England to give young people a solid foundation for a career in the built environment has proven so successful it has expanded nationally and internationally.

The industry-driven PlanBEE programme developed by Ryder and Gateshead College to plug a skills and talent gap in the built environment sector is expanding to Vancouver, Canada and London.

The award winning higher apprenticeship was developed in 2016 to encourage young people to join and thrive in the industry. They learn multiple disciplines, working in a variety of roles including architecture, engineering, quantity surveying and construction – all with a strong emphasis on digital skills.

Alongside academic study, the apprentices are employed to learn on the job and rotate across employers including Bowmer + Kirkland, Sir Robert McAlpine, Cundall, – Mott MacDonald and Ryder.

Following its initial success in the North East, Manchester City Council joined forces with Ryder Architecture and Gateshead College in 2021 to launch PlanBEE in the city. Since then, the number of apprentices and businesses involved in the programme have increased by 122 percent and the first PlanBEE Manchester apprentices have recently graduated. All of them secured full-time roles with companies including Buro Happold, Eric Wright Construction, Purcell Architects,  and Ramboll.

Ayman Abdulgabar, who recently started his role as a trainee quantity surveyor with Turner & Townsend after successfully completing PlanBEE in Manchester, said:

“What attracted me to PlanBEE was the fact that it provides extensive exposure to the various skills involved in the construction industry.

“All I knew was that I wanted to work in the industry. I would definitely recommend the course. Instead of attending university for a degree in an area that I might not have enjoyed, PlanBEE gave me an insight into the various disciplines so I could understand better what I wanted to do in the future.”

 

Building on the success of the programme, PlanBEE has now expanded to London, in partnership with the London School of Architecture (LSA) and supported by several London boroughs, with the first apprentices starting this September (2023).

Neal Shasore, Head of School and Chief Executive at the LSA, said:

“There is a pressing need in the built environment to develop the best talent and equip them with the tools to address our current and future challenges. PlanBEE is a proven and innovative apprenticeship providing an excellent opportunity to support this need.”

 

In Vancouver, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) was introduced to PlanBEE by Ryder which has led to the creation of an adapted version of the programme with the new industry led apprenticeship and micro-credential for schools launching in July 2023.

Wayne Hand, Dean of the School of Construction and Environment at BCIT said:

“BCIT is excited to be spearheading this unique initiative that offers motivated high school students a deeper understanding of career opportunities in architecture, construction, and engineering enabling them to make informed decisions about their future careers.”

 

Mark Thompson, managing director at Ryder, said:

“It’s wonderful that our PlanBEE programme, created in North East England, has received not only national but international attention. This highlights just how successful it’s been in shaping the future workforce for the built environment. It’s a very transferable course and we’re confident it will prove just as successful in London and Vancouver.”

 

Since 2016, there have been over 500 industry placements and 74 students have graduated, with 97% progressing to permanent jobs within the sector.

Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said:

“PlanBEE has been phenomenally successful, attracting attention from UK industry and overseas. The global recognition is great news for the sector and the development of the future workforce.

“The apprenticeship has directly improved talent development in the industry and brought great benefits to employers across the North East and Manchester. We’re confident London and Vancouver will experience the same impact.

“We’re also pleased that PlanBEE has created opportunity for those from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds increasing diversity and inclusivity in the sector.

“Apprenticeships like PlanBEE are vital to future proofing key industries and equipping workforces with the work ready skills they need to succeed.”

 

If you’re interested in finding out more about being involved in PlanBEE, CLICK  HERE

 

 

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BREAKTHROUGH REPORT REDEFINES BUILT ENVIRONMENT PACKAGING 

Image source: IBstock Brick

The report by the Supply Chain Sustainability School offers innovative strategies for optimising packaging practices in the housebuilding sector, highlighting real-world examples, barriers to change, and policy challenges, with implications reaching across the entire built environment industry.

  

18 September 2023, London, UK — The Supply Chain Sustainability School (the “School”) has today released its groundbreaking industry report focused on “Packaging Optimisation in the Housebuilding Sector.” This comprehensive report addresses a critical issue in the built environment – packaging waste – and provides practical solutions for reducing its impact on both cost and carbon.

 

Packaging waste has emerged as a significant challenge within the built environment industry, contributing to economic and environmental concerns. This report addresses these critical challenges and whilst focusing on the housebuilding sector, known for its substantial packaging demands, its insights extend beyond and are relevant for wider construction, facilities management, infrastructure, and more.

 

Ten School Partners have collaborated to co-fund this project, with a total of over 30 organisations joining forces to make this report possible. It encompasses real-world, actionable examples of packaging optimisation, including source elimination, reuse strategies, and optimal recycling conditions. It covers various packaging types, offering a comprehensive guide to implementing effective change.

 

Importantly, the report sheds light on the policy challenges that organisations dealing with significant packaging volumes are likely to encounter. It addresses key concerns such as the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility, providing essential insights for navigating regulatory landscapes.

 

Key highlights of the report:

 

  • Real-world examples of successful packaging optimisation strategies
  • Insights into source elimination, reuse, and recycling optimisation
  • Coverage of major packaging types and their optimisation potential
  • Examination of common barriers to change and ongoing trials to overcome them
  • Analysis of policy challenges faced by organisations dealing with substantial packaging volumes

 

Packaging remains a substantial cost and environmental burden for businesses. The UK construction industry alone generates around 55,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with an estimated 35,000 tonnes originating from packaging. Less than half of this plastic packaging is recycled, reinforcing the urgency of effective solutions.

 

Matt Nichols, Regional Director at Reconomy and Chair of the School’s Waste and Resource Use Leadership Group, said:

“Packaging and the waste created by its treatment remains a major contributor to cost and carbon across the entire built environment. Our Housebuilding sector is not alone in experiencing major challenges to address this problem, so this opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the industry whilst drawing upon insights from so many expert stakeholders within the School partnership could not be missed. This project report contains content applicable not just for Housebuilding, but for anyone interested in optimising and reducing the endless flow of packaging arriving at project sites every day. I cannot recommend it enough”.

 

Mark Turner, Waste and Resource Management lead for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the report:

“This has been a brilliant opportunity to help deliver our School mission to enable a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration. We have worked closely alongside four of the UK’s largest Housebuilders and in total over 30 leading organisations within the built environment to produce this report. Insights from the Housebuilders, their suppliers, product manufacturers, along with waste management and policy experts have provided a window into the opportunities for packaging optimisation. Most crucially, all of these organisations have entered into the spirit of open collaboration, providing solutions and practical examples for others to follow. We can only thank them.”

 

To access the full report and contribute to sustainable packaging practices in the housebuilding sector and the broader built environment, read the full report here.

 

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