PPD Security Ratings Made Simple

An illustrated guide aimed at ironing out confusion over standards and accreditation for security rated powered pedestrian doors (PPD) has been published by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA).

 

Guidance for Security Rated Powered Pedestrian Doors is a free 20-page illustrated document which defines principal burglary resistance security standards currently used in the UK . . . . .

Available from ADSA’s website CLICK HERE FOR THE DOWNLOAD

 

. . . .. it outlines the scope of each standard, how they vary from each other and how they apply to exacting benchmarks such as Secured By Design – an initiative managed by UK police.

The document clarifies the range of physical attack ratings against damage which may be caused during burglary or vandalism and outlines the levels of testing undertaken for products to achieve certification. These are depicted through diagrams and flow chart to help the reader make better sense of each standard and its processes.

It is also packed with interactive links for further reading and access to standards documentation – helping keep all related content in one place.

ADSA produced the guide after recognising confusion across the industry over the different standards. The initiative was prompted by an increasing number of enquiries to its technical support line from members and other industry professionals including architects, specifiers, building owners and facilities managers, seeking clarification on subtle differences between the likes of RC2, RC3 and LPS 1175.

Darren Hyde, ADSA’s Technical and Training Manager, said:

“This publication is a useful addition to the information that we currently offer through the ADSA Academy and our training courses. It extends a level of understanding to a larger audience – not just ADSA members but those in the wider development and building management industry.

“There are a variety of standards which apply to the security of automatic doors to ensure that they meet quality standards to protect property from attempted burglary and vandalism. Some of the requirements within these standards overlap but each is intended to meet a specific criteria and this publication outlines how these apply, together with the levels of testing which products must undergo.

“Ultimately, these standards raise the bar by ensuring our industry produces quality products that are resilient and provide peace of mind to the end user.”

For further information about ADSA membership CLICK HERE to email Rachel

 

 

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Wales: Investigation into Shop Collapse

Council investigates Spar collapse in Wales

Gwynedd Council stressed ‘the responsibility for ensuring that a building is safe rests with the owners of the property’

Two shop workers and a member of the public were dragged from the rubble of a collapsed company-owned Spar store earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to the store, previously a converted chapel on Plas yn Dref Street in Dolgellau town centre, following reports of a collapsed roof. Better Retailing understands the road near to the site will remain closed while an investigation is underway as to what caused the accident.

A spokesperson for the wholesaler and supplier of the store, AF Blakemore, said:

“Our customers’ and colleagues’ health and safety is paramount in all that we do.

“We are working with Gwynedd Council to establish the cause of the internal structure collapse. Structural engineers have been on site alongside council building control as we continue to investigate further. We are providing ongoing support to those who have been affected.”

Gwynedd Council stressed “the responsibility for ensuring that a building is safe and does not pose a risk to the public rests with the owners of the property”.

They told Better Retailing:

“Cyngor Gwynedd Building Control Service – like any other local authority – has statutory enforcement powers to take action against the owner of a dangerous structure under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984.

“In addition, the cost of any emergency remedial works carried out by the Council to ensure public safety will also be recovered from the owner of the property.”

Source: Better Retailing

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Lords overturn move to ease river pollution rules for developers

The government’s amendment to ease nutrient neutrality rules for rivers in sensitive areas was rejected in the House of Lords with 192 peers voting against versus 161 in favour.

Baroness Willis of Summertown said the Homebuilders Federation’s claim that urban development counted for less than five per nutrient loading was out of date.

She said an updated Defra, department for food and rural affairs, report showed that sewage effluent was responsible for closer to 30 per cent of river nutrients with agriculture accounting for 70 per cent.

“We are already dealing with extremely polluted rivers. In February this year the environment agency reported that only 14 per cent of our rivers are in a good ecological standard and that without new intervention this would drop to six per cent by 2027,” said Baroness Willis.

Conservative peer the Duke of Wellington said:

“More houses create more sewage. The government appears to be relieving housebuilders from the cost of this mitigation.”

He criticised the amendment for requiring planning authorities to assume nutrients from a new development would not affect a site and preventing them, or a third party, from doing a pollution assessment.

Lord Best, a member of the built environment committee, said:

“Housebuilding is not the main culprit. The first culprit is intensive farming and secondly the water companies who haven’t done what they should have done for years.”

The defeat of the amendment is a major setback for the government’s plans to overturn a European Court of Justice ruling in 2018 known as the ‘Dutch case’. The judge ruled that the additional release of nutrients in protected areas or important wetland sites in unfavourable conditions should be limited.

SME housebuilders could fold

Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders were worried that SME builders in areas affected by the directive would go out of business and that the planning moratorium was sprung on them with no warning.

Research commissioned by the Homebuilders Federation, HBF, shows developers have given water companies more than £1bn in the past three years to support infrastructure for new homes.

The trade body said that the EU habitats directive means there is a planning moratorium in 74 local authorities in England and Wales.

HBF chair Stewart Baseley said:

“New homes make a negligible contribution to the nutrients issue, around 150,000 homes across the country remain on hold. Whilst doing nothing to reduce the disgraceful pollution of our rivers the ban is deepening our housing crisis, reducing economic activity and costing jobs. After four years we need to see politicians delivering a solution to address this damaging ban so desperately needed homes can be built.”

The trade body released new research this week that 171 local authorities were sitting on £1.4 bn in unspent developer contributions under section 106 agreements. The HBF has calculated that the real figure is closer to £2.8bn as only half of the councils in England and Wales supplied data requested under the freedom of information act.

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New heritage professional learning programme at the Engine Shed


Join the Engine Shed, Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) dedicated building conservation centre, for a new programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD) events for heritage professionals this autumn.

 

The five sessions will cover key areas and agendas within the heritage and built environment sector including building conservation, heritage planning, climate change, energy efficiency and retrofit, and traditional building maintenance. Full and half day options are available.

The programme is aimed at graduates, heritage professionals and building practitioners from all disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice, in particular those who have entered the sector in the past few years or who are considering entry to the sector.

Five events will run during

October and November 2023: 

  • Tue 10 Oct: An Introduction to Building Conservation 

CLICK HERE

  • Wed 18 Oct: Heritage Planning 

CLICK HERE

  • Thu 2 Nov: Impact of Climate Change on Heritage 

CLICK HERE

  • Tue 14 Nov: Energy Efficiency and Adaptive Reuse of Buildings

  • (Holyrood Education Centre)

CLICK HERE

  • Fri 24 Nov: Traditional Building Maintenance

CLICK HERE

 

For more information & to book

please CLICK HERE to visit the Engine Shed website

 

 

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PERMAGROUP SPEARHEADS GROWTH WITH NEW M.D.

PERMAGROUP ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGAING DIRECTOR TO SPEARHEAD GROWTH

 

NATIONAL building products company, PermaGroup has appointed Duncan Kirkwood as its new managing director to spearhead the organisation’s ambitious growth plans.

 

Collaborating alongside long-standing director, Adrian Buttress, Duncan brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the roofing and building products industry, having held senior positions at the likes of Marley Building Materials, Icopal Limited and most recently as MD of Carlisle Construction Materials.

 

Duncan said: “I’ve known of PermaGroup for many years and have always admired the business and Adrian’s vision for it. For me, now is the perfect time to take on this new challenge at a business that I really believe in. I just love roofing and have been passionate about it my entire career, but I’m equally excited to expand my knowledge to the other areas of the business including modular builds and fencing – I can see real opportunities to grow the group as a whole.”

 

PermaGroup has plans to extend its products, services and training capabilities, with its successful PermaRoof Registered Installer Scheme potentially rolling out across other facets of the business.

 

Duncan added: “With me being based in the south, I’ve got fantastic connections that can further expand PermaGroup’s presence down here and into London. Adrian and I already have ambitious plans that we can’t wait to action but for me, it starts internally.

 

“Company culture is hugely important, and I’m eager to implement things that improve on what Adrian has already established across the group. Of course, no company growth can happen unless the employees and clients are brought on the journey too.”

 

Duncan will take on much of the day-to-day activities working with Adrian on the strategic development plans.

 

Adrian said: “Welcoming Duncan to the team is exactly the right move for us to take the next steps as a business. We both have the best interests of PermaGroup in mind, not just for the investors but for our team and clients too and we’re excited to unlock the business’ full potential. It’s fantastic to have Duncan’s expertise and a fresh pair of eyes on the PermaGroup, ready to drive it forward and I’m eager for us to start working together.”

 

To find out more about PermaGroup, please visit: www.permagroup.co.uk/

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CUTTING COSTS & MEETING FUTURE DEMAND

Heat storage specialist Caldera has engaged the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to design a heat cell gigafactory to mass manufacture its unique low carbon heat storage system at scale. The company plans to commence commercial production in 2025 and scale up rapidly thereafter, with thousands of heat cells being rolled out UK-wide.

In June, Caldera was awarded £4.3 million from the UK Government to develop its groundbreaking industrial heat storage technology – which takes cheap, green off-peak electricity and onsite solar and stores it in heat cells made of scrap aluminium and volcanic rock, ready to be released as hot water or steam when required.

The heat pioneers have already piloted the technology in homes across the south of England, where small-scale boilers delivered low carbon hot water and heating to a number of domestic customers.

Caldera is using the £4.3 million fund to build a full-scale industrial electric storage demonstrator – comprising up to 20 heat cells – at its base in Hampshire. The demonstrator will deliver process steam between 80 and 200℃, the ideal temperature for around 31 percent of the UK’s total industrial heat demand, in sectors including pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing and brewing.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre specialises in advising business on the latest manufacturing techniques and Caldera has now brought the MTC on board to design a new gigafactory to mass produce its electric boiler for a UK and global market.

“To date, all of our manufacturing has been on a near-bespoke unit-by-unit basis which is labour intensive with a high unit cost,” states Caldera CEO James Macnaghten.

“In order to drive down costs and meet growing future demand we need to explore how we can scale rapidly and automate as many processes as possible. A great benefit of our system is it is modular – our electric boiler is made up of multiple highly insulated cells, each of which is relatively small at around two metres high – and this really lends itself to manufacturing at scale,” James says.

Caldera has engaged the Manufacturing Technology Centre to define an efficient and lean method of manufacturing (MoM) and assembly for high volume production, to design a suitable factory layout and simulate in 3D the manufacture and assembly sequence of the product as a ‘virtual build’.

It is anticipated this will include automated production with robotics and state-of-the-art-processing. Work on the project has commenced already and will complete in late 2024 – giving Caldera a greenprint for production facilities which can be built in the years ahead.

“Industry is a major user of heat, and typically this is provided by steam boilers that burn gas or oil,” James continues.

“Our product delivers process heat at the sweet spot which many industries need. With continuing pressure to decarbonise we believe there will be strong global demand for Caldera’s electric storage boiler which offers a low cost, low carbon alternative to fossil fuel.

“Our partnership with the MTC will enable us to design a gigafactory with the very best technologies and processes baked in. Once demand for our product has risen sufficiently, we will then be able to build the facilities we need to scale up rapidly and roll out a commercial product with a vast potential market worldwide,” James concludes.

MTC’s Director of Power and Energy Matthew Kite said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Caldera in such a high-profile project, to rapidly automate and upscale their processes, ultimately in support of decarbonisation.

“We have a proven record across many different industrial sectors in defining efficient manufacturing operations and management (MOM) and assembly for volume production and this project aligns perfectly with the MTC’s support of the UK’s drive to ‘net zero’, where we are also working in many sectors such as hydrogen, nuclear power, offshore and onshore wind and in clean maritime.”

 

www.caldera.co.uk

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Council Leader calls for full RAAC funding

Council Leader Cammy Day has written to the Scottish Government Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning Joe FitzPatrick calling on him to fully fund the costs of work linked to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The Council has been carrying out surveys and remedial work since March this year with eight schools having RAAC identified.

All the schools have remained open throughout, however the measures being put in place by the Council including temporary classroom blocks and replacing roofs, comes at a significant financial cost.

The programme of surveys is now being extended to cover other Council properties.

Council Leader Cammy Day said:

“The RAAC crisis has grabbed the headlines and is having an impact right across the UK. This is understandably causing concern across our communities, but it’s something we’ve been aware of and dealing with for much of this year.

“The safety of everyone using our buildings is quite rightly our priority and, since March, we’ve been inspecting our estate to identify any that may contain RAAC. The work is being carried out in line with UK Government advice and we’ve contracted independent structural engineers to do the surveys.

“Our initial focus has been on our schools and, so far, eight have been identified as needing remedial work. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to keep all schools open while this work is carried out.

“We’re now widening our programme to other buildings across our estate, including housing, libraries and leisure centres, and will report back regularly on progress and what works, if any, are required.

“Of course, this all comes at a significant, and growing, cost and I’ve written to the Scottish Government seeking assurances that this will be fully funded, as is the case down south.

“We’re in contact with parents, pupils and other affected service users.”

For further details, visit our dedicated RAAC webpage: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/raacupdates.

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Urgent Action Needed to Restore Investor Confidence in Offshore Wind Market

Industry warns urgent action needed to restore investor confidence following renewables auction

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Industry body RenewableUK is calling on the Government to take urgent action to rebuild investor confidence in the UK offshore wind market following a clean power auction that risks undermining targets to boost energy security and jeopardising the industrial opportunities of offshore wind – one of the UK’s most important growth sectors.

The latest auction of clean power contracts has failed to secure any new offshore wind, a technology crucial to meeting the Government’s energy security targets.

In response, RenewableUK is calling for urgent action from Government to fix the investment framework through a package of reforms to the CfD, support for supply chains and fiscal measures to attract clean energy investment into the UK in the face of global competition.

The results of the 5th round of Contracts for Difference (CfD), show that 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable capacity was successful overall. This is the lowest level since 2017 and just over a third of the 10.8GW in last year’s auction.

In this auction round for clean power contracts, up to 5GW of offshore wind was eligible to compete which could have powered nearly 8m homes a year and saved consumers £2bn a year compared to the cost of electricity from gas – a £24 annual saving on an average household bill. However, offshore wind projects did not bid into the auction as a result of the maximum price being set too low.

Industry has previously warned that prices needed to rise to reflect the impacts of the invasion of Ukraine, inflation in key commodities like steel, and increased financing costs from spiralling interest rates. However, offshore wind developers saw the maximum price they could bid in this year’s auction cut by £2 to £44 per megawatt hour (MWh).

The auction secured 1.9GW of solar at £47.00 per megawatt hour and 1.5GW of onshore wind capacity at £52.29/MWh, as well as 53 megawatts (MW) of tidal power at £198.00/MWh. The new projects will come online from 2025 onwards. Industry is warning that the failure to secure any new offshore wind capacity risks putting our energy security and net zero targets at risk, keeping the UK dependent on fossil fuels for longer. The auction also failed to secure any innovative floating offshore wind farms, a sector in which the UK aims to be a world leader.

So far, only 27GW has been secured of the Government’s 50GW offshore wind target for 2030 and future auctions will now have to support 4.5-5.8GW a year to get back on target. National Grid forecasts that – regardless of progress on other renewables and nuclear – we will need at least 73GW of offshore wind by 2035 to decarbonise the grid. Offshore wind generates more power per megawatt of capacity than any other renewable source, and the UK’s unique wind resource and shallow seas mean it has been the central technology in plans to end the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity.

Commenting on the results, RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail said:

“Industry has warned that rising costs should have been properly priced into this auction. If the UK isn’t offering prices that allow investors to make a return, they will simply invest elsewhere. These results should set alarm bells ringing in Government, as the UK’s energy security and net zero goals can only be met if we have offshore wind as the backbone of our future energy system. We need the Government to show that the UK is open for business.

The failure to secure any new offshore wind is a major blow for consumers that could, and should, have been averted. Building wind farms means we stabilise the cost of energy for the long-term and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, prices of which can be manipulated by dictators and despots. It’s not too late to get back on track, but without urgent changes, we risk pricing ourselves out of the global race for clean energy investment.

Renewables don’t only enable us to fight climate change, they also help to drive economic growth, creating jobs and supporting supply chains across the UK. This result for offshore wind means putting economic growth on hold, with over £10bn in investment and thousands of jobs delayed.

RenewableUK’s Executive Director for Policy and Engagement, Ana Musat, said:

“There has been a perfect storm of inflation, supply chain disruption and spiralling interest rates that mean the cost of financing and building offshore wind have risen sharply. Offshore wind remains the UK’s cheapest option for large-scale power, so slowing deployment will cost more and leave consumers exposed to volatile global gas markets for longer.

“We urgently need Government to provide reassurance that next year’s auction round will offer investable parameters, and that in the longer term a joined-up strategy for maximising the potential of the offshore wind sector is developed. As part of that, the industry needs to see credible plans to evolve the CfD to maximise deployment of our cheapest forms of electricity generation, a commitment to develop and fund supply chain growth and an internationally competitive fiscal regime which attracts capital into the UK”.

Source Renewables UK

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Trenchless Technology

 

What Is Trenchless Technology In Construction?

Trenchless technology is simply the method to install, renew, and repair underground cables, pipes, and ducts with none to minimal excavations from the earth’s surface. As per the OSHA repost for trenchless technology, this modern digging method has benefited numerous projects in addition to minimizing disruption to residential areas.

This technology makes several induction processes quite easy such as; installation beneath canals, rivers, and other obstructions is also conceivable using trenchless techniques with little interruption to the surrounding area.

However, trenchless technology, also known as “no-dig” technology, refers to a set of construction and repair methods that allow for the installation, replacement, or rehabilitation of underground infrastructure without the need for extensive excavation and traditional open-cut methods. This technology is used to minimize disruption to the environment, traffic, and surrounding infrastructure.

Important Stats for Using Trenchless Technology in the Construction Industry 

The statistics show the significance of using trenchless technology in the construction industry;

  • In North America, the market size of trenchless pipe rehabilitation will be increased to $6.48 billion by 2023.
  • The Trenchless pipes rehabilitations market size was noticed at $4.12 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $4.37 billion in 2023.
  • More than 20,500 projects related to Trenchless technology have been completed collectively in the past years.

7 Different Methods of Trenchless Technology 

  • Horizontal Auger Boring 

This involves drilling a pilot hole along a predetermined underground path and then enlarging it to accommodate the desired utility (such as pipelines or cables). It’s commonly used for installing utilities beneath rivers, highways, and other obstacles. The method is frequently employed when conventional excavation or trenching is impractical or when only a small amount of surface disturbance is needed.

The installation of subterranean utilities like pipes or cables in a comparatively deep arc or radius following an established subsurface path using surface-launched drilling equipment is known as directional boring, sometimes known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD).

  • Pipe Bursting 

This method is used for replacing old or damaged pipelines. A bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place. Pipe bursting is a method of replacing underground pipelines (for example; natural gas pipes, sewerage, or water) that does not need digging a standard construction trench. Instead of a trench, “launching and receiving pits” can be used to lay pipes.

In a pipe-bursting process, five essential pieces of equipment are used including a polling machine, a hydraulic power pack, a retaining device, and an expander head.

  • Sliplining

Using this method, a new pipe with a lower diameter is inserted into a previously installed pipe. It can be used to fix pipelines that have mild rust or damage. A method of fitting with uninterrupted pipes and lining with separate pipes are both referred to as sliplining. In this technique, a new pipe is inserted by being pulled or pushed into an existing pipe, and then the annular area is grouted. A series of discrete pipes or a continuous pipe may be employed.

  • Directional Drilling 

Drilling non-vertical wells is known as directional drilling (also known as slant drilling). It can be divided into four major categories: surface in seam (SIS), which horizontally contacts a vertical well target to recover coal bed methane, utility installation directional drilling, directional boring, and oilfield directional drilling.

  • Utility Tunneling 

A passageway constructed underground or above ground to carry utility lines like steam, electricity, sewage lines, & water supply pipes is known as a utility tunnel or utility corridor. Cable television, telephone, and fiber optic communications services are occasionally carried as well. One may also be called a cable vault, services trench, services tunnel, or services vault.

Shorter wire isolation is frequently referred to as an underground conduit or cable duct. However, direct-buried cabling is a significant substitute as compared to ducts or tunnels.

  • Trenchless Pipe Lining 

Trenchless tunneling methods involve creating tunnels underground for various purposes, such as transportation, utility installation, or environmental remediation. In simple words, an excellent substitute for conventional pipe replacement is trenchless pipe lining.

 

Traditional pipe replacement takes more time, costs more money, creates more mess, and harms your yard more. Lining is different from digging in that it involves far less excavating, requiring less time and labor to finish. When a pipe is formed inside another pipe, this is called lining. This pipe preserves the durability of the current one without harming the surrounding building or landscape since it is made of a unique epoxy.

  • Microtunneling 

Similar to HDD, Microtunneling is used to create small-diameter tunnels for utility installation. It’s controlled by remote guidance systems and is often used in urban areas.

Microtunneling is the digging method or technique that is used to create small tunnels. It is difficult for a machine to be driven by an operator in these narrow tunnels. So, the Microtunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) must have to be remotely controlled from a control room.

However, Microtunnel Boring Machines are similar to regular tunnel boring machines (TBMs), but on a smaller scale. These machines typically range from 0.61 to 1.5 meters (for instance; 2 ft. 0 in to 4 ft. 11 in). These machines are completely operated by a controller from its room on the earth’s surface.

Any construction project, including trenchless operations, must reduce the dangers to the environment and the general public. While trenchless techniques strive to reduce disturbance and environmental damage, specific safeguards and procedures can further reduce risks.

Here are a few methods to accomplish this:

  • Enhanced Workplace safety 

OSHA standards compliance aids in reducing workplace fatalities, injuries, and accidents. It protects workers from potential risks like falls, exposure to toxic substances, and electrical mishaps and encourages a culture of safety.

  • Environmental Impact Assessment

Conduct a thorough analysis of the environmental impact before starting trenchless activities. Determine any potential effects on the area ecosystems, water, air, and soil. Create plans to reduce. Make sure to use the equipment that helps to maintain the environmental condition as well as workers’ health and safety.

However, operations run more smoothly when the equipment is well-maintained and effective. Regular maintenance keeps workers safe by preventing equipment failures and decreasing downtime from breakdowns.

  • Prepare worksite properly 

Assign knowledgeable managers to supervise trenchless activities. Their direction makes ensuring that work is done safely and effectively, reducing costly errors. Utilize technology to improve safety and effectiveness, such as real-time monitoring, remote sensing, and equipment tracking. Incidents and downtime can be avoided due to these types of technologies.

  • Improved Employee Morale

All employees who are involved in trenchless activities should receive appropriate training. Workers who have received proper training are more productive and less likely to violate safety regulations, reducing the risk of fines and project delays.

 

  • Offer competitive advantage

Engineers and contractors can work together to interpret and implement regulations that pertain to trenchless operations. Everyone who is involved in trenches operations should exchange safety-related paperwork, such as danger assessments, incident reports, and training logs. By doing this, accountability and transparency are maintained.

 

Trenchless construction frequently results in cost savings, partly because it prevents the need to relocate existing utilities. Alternative tunneling techniques interrupt subsurface utilities more, and whether you transfer those services or divert your digging plans to avoid them, your costs could quickly increase.

However, trenchless technology is considerably higher in price than deep-cut excavation, but it frequently costs less in the long term because it doesn’t interfere with utilities.

In recent years, trenchless techniques’ capabilities and trustworthiness have increased. Knowledgeable and qualified owners are aware of the importance of choosing the best trenchless technique(s) for a project’s success, safety, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.

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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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