The complexities and sometimes confusions of sustainability in construction put specifiers in a daunting position, with even apparently responsible choices of material –including picking recycled aluminium – leaving a host of questions still to be answered In an effort to help, SFS has published a series of well researched White Papers on the subject, including Sustainability in Aluminium Rainscreen Subframe Solutions, with subject areas ranging from the verification of scrap metal streams, through the design of rainscreen brackets to reuse and end-of-life strategies, explored in detail ..read more

The Build Chain connects subcontractors and SME housebuilders with nearby suppliers, fostering a tight-knit local supply chain that fuels projects with efficiency and sustainability The platform allows subcontractors and SME housebuilders to submit enquiries for materials and connect instantly with relevant new suppliers. This leads to benefits like cost savings, a quicker procurement process, and increased efficiency. Additionally, The Build Chain is designed to make it simple to adopt a diverse, local supply chain. Why is a local supply chain so important? Using a local supply chain can make ..read more

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties business has been appointed to Norfolk County Council’s (NCC) Major Construction Works Framework The Major Construction Works Framework will run for three years from 1 April 2024 and will help meet ongoing requirements for construction work. Morgan Sindall has been appointed to Lot 2 of the three lots. Works will have a value of more than £4.5m, and the total value of all projects in this lot over the term is estimated at £300m. Projects will include a mix of refurbishments, remodeling, and new building. Morgan Sindall is currently working on mult ..read more

A carbon negative mews development in London, Walthamstow, has been highly commended at this year’s Secured by Design (SBD) ATLAS award The Arbour is a carbon-negative mews development consisting of 10 modern and spacious properties. It has been built with zero construction waste and is energy-positive, generating more energy on-site than it consumes on an annual basis, thus incurring no energy bills. Designing Out Crime Officers worked with the developer throughout the build The unique nature of the carbon negative mews development meant that some of the design aspects needed very specific ..read more

The failings identified with RAAC should not be seen simply as an issue for schools, hospitals and other public sector buildings. Dan Haynes, director, head of building surveying at AtkinsRéalis, says it is very much an issue for the private sector too, and should be subject to regular monitoring Towards the end of summer last year, the term reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), also known as Celcon, Durox and Siporex, suddenly became very familiar as the Government declared its presence in our buildings posed a significant threat to safety. The announcement came after two roof failin ..read more

Martin Huber, CEO and co-founder of 3D modelling and spatial data company Amrax, discusses how 3D visualisation can help construction firms embed deeper circularity As businesses and industry come under pressure to step up their environmental efforts, it’s widely established that the circular economy offers a critical opportunity to conserve natural resources, limit waste and reduce emissions. This becomes even more important in the context of the construction sector which is one of the largest generators of waste in the world. It’s estimated that building and construction activities account f ..read more

As population growth fuels demand for new buildings and materials, the construction industry faces a pivotal moment. Embracing a circular economy model is crucial to reducing waste and emissions while meeting future demands, explains Summit Rosenberg, associate, KOMPAS VC The built environment, which encompasses all homes, offices, and public infrastructure, is currently responsible for 40% of global waste, yet only a third of this is estimated to be recycled. As we look to the future, the numbers will likely get worse – as the global population increases, so will the demand for new buildings ..read more

Similar to his intervention on the Marks & Spencer Oxford Street store redevelopment, levelling up secretary Michael Gove has put the London Wall West on hold Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove issued a Article 31 notice on the planned London Wall West development, preventing it from gaining further approval. Set across 140 and 150 London Wall, the planned development has been the source of significant local complaint. London Wall West will offer “flexible space for cultural use, an elevated public space with outstanding views including of St Pa ..read more

FSi Promat will highlight the need to account for movement in buildings when specifying passive fire protection at this year’s Fire Safety Event Speaking at the ASFP stage at 12pm on Tuesday, April 30, Technical Manager at FSi Promat, Paul Nash, and the passive fire specialist’s National Commercial and Marketing Manager, David Roulstone will take an in-depth look at the application of fire stopping and how movement can affect its performance. Appearing as part of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) passive fire protection seminar programme, FSi Promat will build on the work i ..read more

The Police Crime Prevention Academy are running free RIBA Approved CPD sessions on Secured by Design in April, May and June This CPD will explore the Police Secured by Design initiative, which operates across a wide range of building sectors including residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure, as well as promotes security standards for a wide range of applications and products. These principles have been proven to reduce crime risk by up to 87%, by combining standards of physical security and principles of crime prevention through environmental design. Th ..read more