ACCELERATING THE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE

A new strategy to support growth in engineering construction, pledging more than £87 million to boost the number of skilled workers to help deliver key projects in areas including Scotland, has been unveiled.

The employer-led board of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has lifted the curtain on the three-year plan, spanning 2023 to 2025 inclusive, aiming to help bring talented new entrants with foundation skills into industry plus support ongoing training and the reskilling of workers moving from other sectors.

The strategy was developed following extensive consultation with industry, training-providers and UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, and builds on measures enacted by the ECITB to secure skills during the pandemic. The focus now is helping to address industry recruitment and retention challenges, as employers look to expand the workforce to deliver a growing number of projects on the horizon, the organisation added.

These encompass sectors such as nuclear new build and decommissioning, renewables, oil and gas, water treatment and food and drink, and hydrogen and carbon capture projects linked to the decarbonisation of the industrial clusters.

The ECITB flags a “looming” workforce and skills crisis, forecasting that 25,000 additional workers are needed by 2026 for major projects, including those related to net zero, placing employers in direct competition for labour from £650 billion of infrastructure projects in the wider UK economy.

The ECITB flags a “looming” workforce and skills crisis, forecasting that 25,000 additional workers are needed by 2026 for major projects, including those related to net zero, placing employers in direct competition for labour from £650 billion of infrastructure projects in the wider UK economy.

The organisation added that the UK Government’s Energy Security Strategy is placing greater pressure on industry and the engineering construction supply chain to expand to meet new energy-generating capacity targets.

The ECITB, which earlier this year saw the launch of its scholarship in Aberdeen aiming to prepare the next generation of engineers for the energy transition, is funded by a levy on engineering construction industry employers, and steered by a board comprising senior leaders from industry, including Daniel Gear, Shetland business manager for energy logistics firm Peterson.

It will allocate £73m towards training grants over the next strategy period, with 52 per cent to fund ongoing training, upskilling and reskilling, while the rest will support new entrants to start careers in industry via various pathways.

Chris Claydon, chief executive of the ECITB, said: “The engineering construction industry and its supply chain companies design, deliver and decommission many of England, Scotland and Wales’s critical infrastructure projects, and therefore is central to the nation’s energy security and energy transition ambitions.

“The ECITB’s new strategy is designed to help address the main workforce challenges facing this critical industry over the next three years. We have prioritised support for new entrants and new pathways to industry in anticipation of the forecast labour shortages, and will fund training to bridge skills gaps through support for new training around net-zero projects, including digital skills.

“In developing the strategy, [we have] listened closely to employers, training providers, government representatives and other key stakeholders. We aim to deliver what industry has said it needs – a focus on attracting and developing new talent and the provision of high-quality training across Britain. For the ECITB, our mission to lead industry learning has never been more important than it is now.”

 

Source: The Scotsman

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New RIBA-approved CPD for specifying render for MMC solutions

Architects and specifiers can access a new CPD on selecting the correct render system for MMC solutions.

 

The CPD, titled Modern Render Systems for Framed Construction and Other MMC Solutions, has been created by Saint-Gobain Weber to help specifiers understand what they should be looking for from a technical perspective to ensure the render systems they choose deliver the required performance.

As well as covering fire safety and sustainability performance, the CPD provides an overview of common MMC options and the aesthetic considerations of these types of projects. It also details the practicalities of installing the render system as well as maintenance.

Kelvin Green, Senior Product Marketing Manager, said:

“Render is a popular finish and it’s important to understand the different options depending on the type of construction. With MMC being less carbon intensive, this CPD also explains how render makes a genuine contribution to sustainability goals as well as the health and well-being of the occupants of the building.”

 

Weber’s commitment to training is widely recognised in the construction industry. This new CPD joins a growing library of resources available to help understand the benefits of the type of systems and solutions that Weber’s technical teams can deliver to specifiers.

CLICK HERE For more information

or CLICK HERE to book the CPD

www.uk.weber

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RICS: Demand for sustainable commercial property rises in the UK, but built environment must progress on decarbonisation

RICS Sustainability Report 2022 – UK

 

  • Occupier and investor demand for green buildings continues to rise in the UK as nearly half of respondents report lower rents and sale prices for non-sustainable buildings.
  • 55% note a rise in climate risk assessments by investors on their built assets, suggesting that climate issues could be influencing the behaviour of key market players.
  • Lack of tools, databases, established standards, and benchmarks identified as key obstacles.
  • Industry must, however, help drive the establishment of standards by adopting and utilising those that are available*
  • Contributors also highlight high costs or low availability of low carbon materials and skill shortages as a challenge.

 

Progress is being seen in some aspects of the built environment on the drive to be more sustainable, according to the latest annual sustainability report produced by RICS, however the rate of advancement needs to accelerate significantly and become more widespread.

 

The 2022 RICS Sustainability Report, which collated sentiment from almost 4,000 chartered surveyor contributors, around 1200 of which are from the UK, across commercial and construction sectors globally, shows that some improvement in the push for sustainability has been made in the past year, notably in the commercial real estate sector as demand for green buildings continues to rise.

However, the data also shows there has been little or no change in some important areas in the past 12 months. Indeed, in construction, a significant share of professionals say they do not measure carbon emissions on projects.

Commercial Property: While the appetite to seek green buildings in the commercial property sector continues to rise in the UK, the change is modest.

Looking at investors and occupiers separately in the UK, around 65% of contributors note that occupier demand for green/sustainable buildings has risen over the past 12 months, however the UK is falling behind Europe as a whole, with Europe leading the way with around 52% of contributors across the region seeing a modest increase in demand, and just under one-quarter stating that occupier interest in green/sustainable buildings has increased significantly.

 

On the investment side around 45% of survey contributors in the UK report a modest increase in investor appetite for green/sustainable buildings over the past 12 months, which is 5% higher than the global average. A further 21% suggest there has been a more significant increase in demand. Comparing the UK to the rest of Europe where the pick-up in investor demand is again stronger, around 80% of those surveyed across the whole of Europe see an increase in investor demand for green/sustainable real estate in the past year.

 

As demand for sustainable buildings continues to increase not just in the UK but on a global scale, it is impacting both rents and prices, with a significant share of contributors seeing a market premium for sustainable buildings, and citing that non-green real estate assets are subject to a ‘brown discount’. For those buildings that aren’t classed as green or sustainable, 48% of respondents noted a reduction in rents, and around half also cited a reduction in sale prices in the UK, with both figures lower than as can be seen in the whole of Europe, with 57% of respondents noting ‘brown discount’ for rental properties, and 60% noting a ‘brown discount’ in prices.

 

In another signal that people in the UK are placing more focus on sustainable property, the majority of respondents (55%) note a rise in climate risk assessments by investors on their built assets, suggesting that climate issues are now rising up the agenda and could be influencing the behaviour of key market players.

The figures suggest Europe is seeing stronger progress on sustainability in the built environment due to the spotlight being turned on green buildings by the European Commission’s ambitious Green Deal. Policymakers in other regions turning their attention towards sustainable real estate will lead to market shifts elsewhere, the report notes.

Construction:

Survey respondents report that Construction professionals in the UK are beginning to embrace digital tools and technologies to complete sustainability-related analysis for construction projects, predominantly to assess energy needs and costs, but they are less likely to utilise these tools to reduce embodied carbon or to measure the impact on biodiversity. 47% of respondents in the UK report that digital tools and processes are used to complete sustainability assessments on less than half or none of their projects. By comparison, Europe’s figure is lower with 40% of respondents reporting that digital tools and processes are used to complete sustainability assessments on less than half or none of their projects, indicating that the UK is falling behind the rest of the region.

This year’s results also show that there is much room for improvement in measuring carbon emissions. 76% of professionals in the UK state that they make no operational measurement of carbon emissions on projects, which is in line with the whole of Europe, but slightly higher when compared globally (72%). With more than half of the UK respondents also saying that they don’t measure embodied carbon, even for those that do, less than 14% use it to select the materials they use in their project.

When probed on the barriers to reducing carbon emissions, around 38% of contributors identified both the lack of established / adopted standards, guidance and tools and high costs or low availability of low-carbon products as the most fundamental issues. Alongside this, contributors also highlight cultural issues and established practices as a challenge.

Kisa Zehra, RICS Sustainability Analyst, commented: “It is of benefit to all to embrace climate strategy, and we must reduce our impact as the built environment. Behaviour change is happening, with higher rents and prices being seen for the more desirable sustainable properties, and climate risk assessments by investors on their built assets rising across the globe. But, measuring all forms of carbon, is also critical to the changes we need to see from the built environment.

“Barriers to progress cited in the report have included a lack of established standards, guidance and tools. However, it is equally fair to say that industry must adopt these tools and standards where they are available and should make carbon assessment and management an integral part of business practice. Industry needs to work in collaboration to succeed. The work RICS is leading with partners, for example the ICMS coalition in developing a cost measurement standard that combines cost and carbon reporting, is a key example.

“RICS will continue to promote research, and demand policy changes while working in collaboration with industry, governments and our professionals to increase the impact of the built environment on positive climate strategy.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

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THE AIMS OF THE PLAYBOOK

The Government’s Construction Playbook, first published on 8 December 2020, sets out how the public sector can get projects and programmes right from the start, building social value into the foundations of the public procurement processes. We are set to see up to £31 billion of contracts across economic and social infrastructure being brought to tender over the next year ranging from building schools, hospitals and prisons to major infrastructure programmes undertaken by the public sector. The Playbook covers all aspects of the public works from preparation and planning to contract implementation which advocates for whole-life carbon approaches to emissions reductions in buildings and infrastructure. The Playbook aims to ensure these projects are right from the get-go by:

  • Improving building and workplace safety
  • Making further commitments towards the 2050 net zero target by using whole life carbon approaches; and
  • Promoting social value through levelling–up local communities and tackling economic inequality.

This month we have seen the Playbook get a further revamp which includes five key themes. The revisions address carbon reporting, digital and offsite manufacturing technologies and the Building Safety Act.

Building safety

The Playbook now refers and implements aspects of the Building Safety Act which came into force in April earlier this year. It includes accountability for safety through the lifecycle of a building, advice on embedding the right behaviours, and guidance for those involved in projects and procuring buildings.

The Playbook advises that projects need to be procured and contracts managed to make sure the right behaviours are embedded from the outset and that safety and quality is valued throughout. It emphasises that this is even more important at the handover between stages, with the seamless transfer of safety critical data and duty holder responsibility, together with a holistic view of risk and assurance.

If construction professionals are working on a project or a higher risk building that is in scope for the building safety regulatory regime, it would be useful to also read Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ guidance on Collaborative Procurement for Design and Construction to Support Building Safety to ensure compliance and commitment to higher safety and quality standards alongside the Playbook.

The new more stringent building control regime will provide rigorous inspection of building regulation requirements, ensuring that building safety is considered at each stage of design and construction.

Contract management

The Playbook advises of the need for early supply chain involvement. Public works projects and programmes should contract for early supply chain involvement in order to achieve more effective designs, reduce changes and potential cost increases downstream.

Early supply chain involvement extends the principle of early contractor involvement by formally engaging the tier 1 contractor alongside tier 2 and 3 sub-contractors and suppliers in the pre-construction phase to input into the design, costing, risk management and structuring of a project or programme.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a key focus of the first version of the Playbook; however, the update emphasises the need for projects and programmes to undertake benchmarking of key project deliverables including cost, schedule, GHG emissions, social value and agreed outcomes at each stage of the business case development. This will be supported by a new data IPA benchmarking hub in 2022 and involves using analysis of information and good practice from past projects and programmes to create data reference points to improve consistency and the overall robustness of cost estimates.

Frameworks and contracts

Construction companies should create and implement ‘Gold Standard’ supply chain frameworks, framework contracts and action plans. The Playbook has published and endorsed the 24 recommendations in ‘Constructing the Gold Standard’ which reviewed the landscape of current frameworks and proposed a new ‘gold standard’ for improving the economic, social and environmental value through framework contracts.

Its aim is to enable contracting authorities to easily identify frameworks which meet best practices and embody the principles and policies set out in the Playbook. There are a number of framework options to ensure competition and flexibility across government and the wider public sector which are contained in the supporting papers to the Playbook.

Digitalisation

To supplement the Playbook, the Government has published a number of additional papers / guidance notes, one being guidance on the modern methods of construction (MMC). MMC is a general term used to describe a range of alternative off-site and on-site manufacturing techniques and the Government has said MMC has “the potential to deliver significant improvements in productivity, efficiency and quality for both the construction industry and public sector”.

The new MMC guide explores when the adoption of MMC or a platform approach would be most appropriate for contracting authorities and contractors and appreciates that it is not a one size fits all method. The problems lie when traditional contracts have developed in a manner that suits traditional methods of construction, where each element of the construction is developed incrementally. MMC and platform approaches require product-led thinking, an increased fixity of design and earlier decision-making associated with manufactured elements.

The guide helpfully provides a table comparing the typical contracting stages against alternative approaches to contracting that could be taken when adopting MMC.

It is worth a reminder that the goal of the Construction Playbook is to create a contracting environment that delivers a sustainable, resilient and effective relationship between contracting authorities and the supply chain, focused on outcomes, and that creates long term value for all.

 

Source: Lexology

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GOVERNMENT PLAY BOOK

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Europe proposes windfall tax on energy companies

Ursula von der Leyen has said profits must be shared in these times

The EU chief has said profits made by energy firms during this period of the energy crisis should be taxed.

Delivering her annual State of the EU address in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “In these times it is wrong to receive extraordinary record revenues and profits benefitting from war and on the back of our consumers.

“In these times profits must be shared and channelled to those who need it most.”

She explained that the windfall tax proposal includes the fossil fuel producers who “have to give a crisis contribution”.

The EU chief added: “Millions of Europeans need support to pay their energy bills. Some companies produce electricity at low cost and make great margins.

“We propose a cap on their revenues that will raise more than €140 billion (£121bn) for member states to cushion the blow directly.

“These are all temporary and emergency measures we are working on, including our discussions on gas price caps. We need to keep working on lower gas prices.”

Source: Energy Live News

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RINNAI AND H3 OFF-GRID

Creating a healthier way of living with RINNAI

Rinnai’s innovative new product portfolio of H3 products – hydrogen biofuels, heat pump and hybrid technologies will deliver heating and hot water solutions for off-grid commercial and domestic properties. Operations Director Chris Goggin explains how the range is designed specifically to lower carbon, encourage greater cost efficiencies whilst producing enhanced product performance and system durability.

Personal preference of decarbonising commercial & home heating and hot water options will depend upon location and condition of domicile. It is likely that the proximity and densely packed urban populations will require clean gas dispersal, whereas rural locations not connected to the UK gas grid will necessitate a separate decarbonizing response. Heat pumps are the technically practical and economically feasible solution for home heating and hot water delivery to properties not connected to the UK grid.

Purchasing a heat pump is currently incentivized by the UK government which will provide a £5,000 grant through the national Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Heat pumps offer immediate decarbonisation and provide comfortable property heat as well as hot water. Heat pumps will become a vital part of UK carbon neutral domestic energy options in the near future.

Around 16% of UK properties are off grid and not connected to the national gas supply. Many of these properties are found in rural locations. Rural residences often retain large internal and external spaces that encourage effective heat pump installation.

A heat pump works by extracting heat from air outside and elevating its temperature using a compressor. Compressed heat is then dispersed indoors through radiators and underfloor heating. Residual heat is stored in a hot water cylinder used for showers and baths. Heat pumps ensure that all home heating will be carbon neutral.
Both the compressor and pump mechanism accept electricity. If installed correctly on to an appropriate property a heat pump will prove to be an energy efficient, effective tool of decarbonisation that delivers satisfying levels of comfort to the end-user.

Off-grid properties not connected to the main UK gas grid may also prefer alternative cylinder gasses. Renewable DME (rDME) is a molecule-based fuel that can be produced through a wide range of renewable feedstocks which allows for a quick and long-term sustainable production. rDME contains a similar chemical composition to both Butane and propane. rDME can be mixed with LPG in existing appliances for continuation in product operations.

rDME combusts cleanly and releases no “soot” emissions. Renewable Dimethyl Ether (rDME) has many fuel properties that make it easily used in sites and appliances using diesel as a fuel. It has a very high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel’s ignitibility in compression ignition engines.

rDME reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85%, better improving local air quality. NOx, SOx and PM readings are all heavily reduced through the implementation of rDME. Clean alternative fuels that can be sourced without problem, such as rDME, will be steadily introduced in the near future.

Future capacity of rDME is set to rise sharply: a demonstration plant is to be opened later this year, whist the first operational commercial site manufacturing rDME will be on-line during 2024 and located in Teesside.
Rinnai hot water heating units and systems which are off-grid can also be powered by BioLPG – a lower carbon intensive alternative source of fuel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

rDME and BioLPG will become increasingly accessible and easy to use making both fuels ideal for off-grid locations. Rinnai continuous flow water heaters are compatible with BioLPG and blended rDME so do not require adapting in order to access or accept either fuel source for off-grid energy demands making Rinnai continuous flow hot water units well suited to off-grid properties regarding high power outlet and designed hot water needs.

Europe and the wider world have entered a new age in terms of energy provision and security. Importation feasibility and morality have become serious issues: BioLPG and other fuels like rDME successfully navigate these ethical issues and deliver all suited power requirements for off-grid properties.

Biofuels such as rDME and BioLPG perform identically to commonly used carbon emitting fuels and end product produced by the UK gas transmission network. All off-grid carbon reducing energy demands can be met by Rinnai’s H3 range, BioLPG, rDME, heat pump, hybrid heat pump or solar power products.

 
Rinnai are also offering free CPD sessions on biofuels and hybrid solutions to all UK property owners.

CLICK HERE to email us today

or call 01928 531870 to book.

RINNAI H3 PRODUCT ROADMAP TO LOWER CARBON

AND NET ZERO DE-CARBONISATION

Rinnai’s product and service offering is based on H3- Hydrogen, Heating and Heat Pumps – which allows any site in either residential or commercial sites to maximise the energy efficiency and performance in striving for NetZero and Decarbonisation. Additionally, Rinnai is developing and introducing electrical formats to all existing product ranges within the next few months. Rinnai’s new “H3” range of products includes a wide selection of commercial heat pumps as well as hydrogen blends-ready and hybrid hot water heating systems.

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

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

Rinnai units are UKCA 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. System design services are available if needed and cost comparison services are accessible to all customers who require further cost detail.

Rinnai’s Innovation Manifesto clearly outlines the path to carbon neutrality and maintains a pledge to fully decarbonize company operations by 2050. Rinnai will further support the global clean energy transition by introducing a wide variety of domestic heating options across multiple energy vectors.

Rinnai is committed to decarbonisation. Rinnai’s water heating products are all hydrogen-blends ready NOW including the world’s first 100% hydrogen powered water heater. Rinnai products also accept BioLPG capable of delivering NetZero carbon emissions. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

For more information on the RINNAI product range

CLICK HERE

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NEW WEBINAR SERIES

KEYSTONE GOES LIVE WITH NEW WEBINAR SERIES

Keystone Group is delighted to launch Keystone Live this autumn with a series of free webinar debates featuring expert industry speakers. Introducing four separate webinars, the series covers a range of topics and issues including the delivery of net zero housing, offsite construction, designing with non-combustible materials and how the industry is tackling climate change.

The first online debate, ‘How are we going to deliver Net Zero Housing?’, takes place on Thursday September 29th.With the UK facing the ambitious target of being net zero by 2050, the latest changes to Building Regulations are an all-important stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard. But with more stringent standards in the pipeline, is this achievable?

Moderated by experienced journalist Ruth Slavid, this first webinar also poses the following questions:
•    How do we address the performance gap?
•    How do we build as designed?
•    What are the key areas we should be looking at to help improve the fabric of buildings?
•    Is the target of 75-80% less carbon emissions from new homes when compared to current regulations      achievable?
•    How can manufacturers support the drive for net zero?
•    What role does product innovation play?

Featuring debate, discussion and Q & A, the webinar has a stellar line-up of industry panellists including Martin Townsend, Director for BSI Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, Ben Cheetham, Senior Group Technical & Innovation Coordinator at Barratt Developments, Robin Dryer, Director and Architect at CDC Studio and representatives from Keystone Lintels and Keylite.

The second in the webinar series on Thursday October 12th, ‘Does Offsite Construction Offer a Credible Solution to Addressing the Need for More Housing, Improved Quality and Better Value?’ focuses on the benefits of offsite construction and why the industry needs to increase its adoption. Panellists include Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast, Stephen Wightman, UK MMC Lead at Faithful+Gould and Kevin Dundas, MMC & Offsite Manager at Wilmott Dixon.

Thursday November 3rd sees the webinar series ask the question: ‘Is the Construction Industry Doing Enough to Tackle Climate Change?’. Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action at Institution of Structural Engineers, Dr Oliver Jones, Research Director at Ryder Architecture and Nitesh Magdani, Director of Net Positive Solutions will offer their insight and perspectives and what we need to do as an industry to slow climate change.

The final webinar on Thursday November 16th, Designing with Non-Combustible Materials will explore the challenges and key considerations when designing tall buildings and how products have evolved to meet new regulations. Ready to share their experience are expert speakers including Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Innovation & Research at NHBC and Nigel Shields, Director of Quality at Durkan.

Keystone Group Marketing Director, Hayley Lowry commented “The Keystone Live series of webinars explores key themes from various industry standpoints.  Debated by commentators, consultants, specifiers, contractors and product specialists – these free events are set to provide a complete 360˚ analysis of the issues at hand and are not to be missed.”

For more information about Keystone Group CLICK HERE 

or to book your free place on these webinars CLICK HERE

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HOPES AND FEARS FOR CABINET SHAKEUP

Trade bodies and experts from the built environment sector have voiced their hopes and fears in the wake of the cabinet shakeup from new prime minister Liz Truss.

Quite rightly, much of the attention of the construction industry is focused on the appointment of Simon Clarke as secretary of state for the department for levelling up, housing & communities, and Jacob Rees-Mogg as secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS).

Following the cabinet reshuffle, figures from across the construction sector have revealed the areas they hope Liz Truss’ new government will address.

Continued investment in the levelling-up agenda

Caroline Gumble, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said: “We want to see the new prime minister continue the government’s existing agendas on levelling up and net zero, both of which can make a positive difference to what we’re sure will be their number one priority: the cost of living crisis.

“The levelling-up agenda provides significant opportunities for the construction sector through local job creation and stability, while property retrofit schemes to improve energy efficiency, for example, will further boost the sector and go some way to helping residents mitigate rising energy costs.”

James Butcher, director of policy at the National Federation of Builders (NFB), commented: “The election of a new prime minister means that the proactive work of government can restart, having had a period of stasis over the summer.

“Liz Truss said during her election campaign that, ‘A recession is not inevitable’, so we hope she will take the opportunity to ensure we have a healthy pipeline for our industry and across all work types.

“We want to see continued investment in major infrastructure, public sector capital projects, housing, and implementation of a national retrofit strategy to support builders in the domestic sector as well as our net zero ambitions.”

Reformed planning laws

Rico Wojtulewicz, head of housing and planning policy at NFB, stated: “The biggest blocker to our nation’s construction potential, not least to meet our housing need, is the horrendous state of our planning laws.

“As the former housing secretary Robert Jenrick stated over the weekend, the planning reforms the last government decided not to proceed with were its ‘greatest missed opportunity’.

“He could not be more right; we must have a revolution in planning laws, and that will require radical and bold leadership.”

Paul Breen, managing director at affordable housing specialist Living Space, said: “This is a prime opportunity for a new government to address the unprecedented delays and blockages that are hampering the planning system.

“While waiting lists for quality, energy-efficient affordable homes are at unprecedented levels, we are continually tackling bureaucratic issues that delay delivery of much-needed new homes; Living Space currently has almost 1,000 affordable new homes stalled within the planning system.

“We need more resources afforded to local authorities, and planning officers [need to be] given greater remit to progress schemes that not only deliver vital new homes but, in turn, secure direct jobs and supply chains that maximise benefits to the regional economy.”

Retrofitting prioritised

Brian Berry, chief executive at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), added: “We welcome Jacob Rees-Mogg into the role at BEIS and I strongly urge the delivery of a nationwide programme for retrofit to be their number one priority, especially in the face of rising bills for consumers and tough times ahead for the nation’s small, local builders as economic pressures bite.

“While direct government intervention to help struggling homeowners with energy bills will be vital over the coming months, it is ultimately a short-term strategy; long-term, we must improve the efficiency of the UK’s leaky homes and reduce our energy use.

“Retrofit creates a pipeline of work for local builders, opens up vocational training routes, and crucially slashes energy bills.”

Nathan Garnett, event director at UK Construction Week Birmingham, commented: “Construction is a critical part of the economy which employs over two million people.

“The growth of the sector helps drive the economy but, like all industries, it is currently facing strong headwinds that are stalling that growth.

“It is for this reason we hope that the new Liz Truss administration will commit to helping the UK retrofit 30 million homes, helping not just the construction sector, but also consumers battling with high energy prices.

“This also ties in with commitment to net zero targets that the industry is willing and able to meet if given the right support, across projects like HS2, renewable energy projects, and building new nuclear power facilities.”

Taxation, restrictions and policy

Wojtulewicz stated: “Liz Truss has promised to be a low-tax Conservative, and we cannot wait a day longer to see the fruits of that promise.

“The last government put up national insurance contributions, removed the sector’s entitlement to use red diesel, and has added a myriad of levies to housebuilders; it’s high time to roll back the burden on business and give the industry the room to invest in the future.”

Source: Development Finance

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“a unique national moment”

Official national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has begun. Read this guide to changes in workplaces, building maintenance, and personnel that facilities managers will need to consider.

In what’s being described as “a unique national moment”, the mourning period will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral on 19 September, and businesses may wish to implement adaptations to their day-to-day operations this week.

 

Visible Construction or Maintenance Work

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the period of mourning and has published specific advice for the construction and building services industries.

It states: “There is no precedent for the death of a monarch within the life of anyone working in the UK construction industry, and as such, it is likely to raise significant questions from businesses about how they should respond.”

The CLC urges businesses to carefully consider the nature of construction work on the day of the State Funeral, particularly within Central London. Activities at times or locations where large crowds are likely to gather to pay their respects should be avoided.

For essential works, organisations should ensure that planned work is reviewed to take the mourning period and State Funeral into account, and also to consider the number of people gathering and pressure on the transport system.

 

Service Personnel May be Called to Volunteer in Ceremonial Events

The CLC also reminds businesses that, if they employ workers who also work in the armed forces reserves, or voluntary services such as Saint John’s Ambulance, they may be asked to support the State Funeral or other planned events:

“Businesses will need to understand their obligations in this area and should consider proactively offering paid volunteering time for those who either have obligations or who are keen to volunteer.”

 

Project Delivery Impact

Facilities managers should also keep in mind the realistic impact of the mourning period on project delivery over the next fortnight. The CLC is looking to develop guidance in this area, on how best to manage the impact on cost and time where projects are impacted

Organisations should work closely with their clients and suppliers and communicate openly about any changes required to working hours or operations.

 

Flag Protocol

Flags flying from Royal residences, government buildings and military establishments have been half-masted since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and organisations with flags should follow suit.

 

Photographs and Official portraits of Her Majesty in Buildings

Some workplaces, particularly those with official links to the Royal Family, display photographs of Royal visits and portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is keen to emphasise that these should not be removed and that it is not disrespectful for them to remain in place. In fact, it is customary to leave these in place, as portraits of previous monarchs are commonplace in older public buildings.

 

Supporting Employee Wellbeing During National Mourning

Bereavement can have a strong effect on employee wellbeing, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II will affect individuals differently. Organisations should be aware that national mourning may cause people to recall moments of bereavement in their own lives, and a compassionate approach is required.

Some organisations may wish to provide extra support to those struggling, in the form of a quiet space to reflect or an official way for employees to honour the Queen, like a book of condolence.

Setting up a Book of Condolence

Any organisation can open a book of condolence. Although there is no set format, this usually constitutes a trestle table covered in a white tablecloth, on which the book is placed. An arrangement of flowers (usually lilies or other white flowers) and a framed formal photograph of Her Majesty is also traditional. Business can also encourage workers to sign an online Book of Condolence on the Royal family website.

Employers might also wish to direct employees mourning the Queen to make a donation to a Royal charity.

 

Childcare for Employees

Monday 19 September will be marked as a Bank holiday across the UK, coinciding with the State Funeral and the last day of national mourning. Schools will also be closed, meaning that some employees may need extra support from their employer to accommodate childcare needs.

 

Should Offices Close for the State Funeral?

As with any other Bank Holiday, business closures or provisions for employee absence are a private matter between employer and its employees.

Government advice suggests that “we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off” and that employers should respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day off.

 

Source: TwinFM

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REPORT SHOWS PLASTIC PIPES HAVE LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT THAN OTHER PIPE MATERIALS

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A new report from respected independent researchers McKinsey and Company has looked into the impact of plastics on climate change and concluded that plastics actually have a lower total greenhouse gas contribution than alternatives in most applications.

The report covers municipal sewer pipes and residential water pipes in construction as well as other areas such as food, packaging and furniture and summarised that plastics “…play an important role in enhancing use efficiencies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

 

Lower greenhouse gas emissions

Plastic pipes have become increasingly popular as long-lasting engineered solutions in both below and above ground applications for many technical reasons.  Now their carbon credentials have been significantly boosted by the July 2022 report.  It clearly summarises, after rigorous and extensive research, that “plastics have a lower total greenhouse gas contribution than alternatives in most applications.”

The extensive report compares plastic with other materials in 14 areas within several industries including building and construction, and incorporates HDPE, PVC-U, concrete and ductile iron for below ground applications, and PEX and copper for above ground applications.  It covers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the entire cradle-to-grave lifecycle of all materials in the study.

The results are impressive and show, for example, that PVC-U sewer pipe overall has 35-45 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its equivalent in concrete or ductile iron.  This was partly due to it being able to carry out the same function but with less weight and the associated lower transport and installation costs.  In above ground water pipes, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe has 25 per cent fewer overall GHG emissions than copper pipe.  Despite copper’s high recycling rates, the ongoing thermal losses from copper pipe are significantly higher than from PEX pipe.

The full report can be accessed on the BPF website at Third Party Publications and Independent Studies (bpf.co.uk)

 

EPDs

Independent studies by the Belgian research organisation VITO measured the environmental footprint of various plastic pipe systems based on life-cycle assessment data from TEPPFA (https://www.teppfa.eu/sustainability/environmental-footprint/epd/).  The work was validated by the Denkstatt sustainability consultancy in Austria.  These EPDs compare greenhouse gas emissions (given by impact category GWP, Global Warming Potential) and use of fossil fuels (given by impact category ADP, Depletion of Abiotic Resources).  For hot and cold water supply inside buildings, the contributions to all seven categories from any of the four plastics manufactured to European Standards (polybutylene, crosslinked polyethylene, polypropylene or multi-layer) are significantly lower than copper systems for the same application.

 

Increased recycling rates

Most plastic pipes can be recycled multiple times.  An Australian report showed 6-7 recycles without any significant reduction in the pipe material quality requirements, giving plastic pipe a potential overall 600-year lifetime if the average life of each plastic pipe is around 100 years (source: DSEWPC, Waste and Recycling in Australia (2011, 2012)).  Many of the original plastic pipes installed back in the 1950s and 1960s remain in the ground today, continuing to perform successfully; proof that this is an extremely robust pipe material with a low carbon footprint.

In recycling terms, data from the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) shows that 51,980.4 tonnes of PVC-U and 198,932.4 tons of PE/PP recyclate (external pre- and post-consumer) were used in plastic piping systems across Europe in 2021 alone.  This figure is increasing year on year due to the efforts of both plastic pipe manufacturers and end users.  For example, BPF Pipes Group member Genuit Group now uses recycled plastic in 49.4% of its pipe products (2021 figures) and continues to invest in low carbon materials and products.  The plastics industry is further increasing capacity for chemical recycling to break plastics down into petro-chemical feedstocks which enables them to be recycled indefinitely.

More work is being done on standards which allow the extensive use of recycled plastic pipe product and bringing standards into line; for example, National Highways allows the use of 100 per cent recycled material for surface water drainage pipes in their MCHW Series 500 standard.  European standards for PP, PE and PVC-U underground drainage ancillary fittings, shallow chambers, manholes and inspection chambers (BS EN 13598 Parts 1
and 2) and PP and PVC-U stormwater boxes (BS EN 17152-1) allow the use of recycled material from any source.

The BPF Pipes Group produces guidance on installing below and above ground plastic pipes, intended to encourage best practice and circularity across the entire industry.  All guidance documents are available at https://www.bpfpipesgroup.com/support-downloads/guidance-notes/

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