Construction National Autumn 2020

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COVER STORY

Modular industry offers an education in sustainability

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The front cover of this issue shows a modular building at Brampton Academy, supplied by Wernick Group – Britain’s largest independent hirer and manufacturer of modular and portable buildings.

It is a shining example of how offsite construction can provide a complete solution to modern building needs.

The voice of the offsite industry is the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), whose chief executive Jackie Maginnis is a long-term advocate.

Read her eloquent description of the contribution the industry makes to the education sector on page 14

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NEWS 9

No Stirling Prize, but 2021 Royal Gold Medal finds a fitting winner

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Landscapers go online for AGM and more

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North Wales nuclear potential to be unlocked

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Infrastructure body welcomes new appointee

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Scotland’s infrastructure plan unveiled

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HS2 funding helps create local employment opportunities

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Boys Smith to head up new design body

FLOORING

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Flooring show postpones 2020 event to double-up next year

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Video awards go off on cue

MODULAR & PORTABLE BUILDINGS 14

Modular industry offers an education in sustainability

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Going digital marks a BigChange for leading modular business

HOUSING

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Task force set up to deliver future homes

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Bye-bye, boiler: report draws a blueprint for the no-gas home

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Affordable housing in Scotland bucks the COVID trend

TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS AND EDUCATION

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Construction skills set for boost in Oxon

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Plant industry rewards its Stars of the Future

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Coventry tops the Guardian list

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Mowlem Award opens for applications

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CITB plan seeks to chart a course to recovery

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Cambridge centre celebrates anniversary in style

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Liverpool School of Architecture revamps its curriculum for 2021

For all other enquiries: Tel: 0161 710 3880 Fax: 0161 710 3879 Email: editorial@dmmonline.co.uk Suite 2, 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AW Editor: Chris Stokes Copyright Construction National.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Construction National. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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CONTENTS ROOFING 23

First roofers gain industry accreditation

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New NFRC president sets out his priorities

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Pedestal range meets new requirements

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WORKING AT HEIGHT 26

New NASC website goes live

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Careers website launched

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NASC president joins Build UK specialist board

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NASC joins bid to retain talent

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How you can tell a scaffolder is safe

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Scaffolder training begins to return to (the new) normal

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There is more to scaffolding than meets the eye

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Scaffolders’ body cements links with military

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Webinar marks accident reporting relaunch

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Company fined after fatal fall from height

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HERITAGE 32

Funding will revive historic high streets

HEALTH & SAFETY 33

Guidance will help keep sites safe during the pandemic

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HSE campaign targets dust on site

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CLC: Industry must lead the way in take-up of NHS COVID-19 app

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Training body warns of fall away in asbestos training

GREEN CONSTRUCTION 38

The green construction recovery really does grow on trees

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Report highlights long-term benefits of building carbon zero now

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Using nature to green Greater Manchester

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Futurebuild: the show goes on for 2021

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Experts highlight 30 products that have changed the world

HEAT PUMPS 41

Heat pump association welcomes Green Homes Grant announcement

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Work resumes on 60-home ground source conversion

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[WITH RECESSION LOOMING and the construction industry just emerging from lockdown, investment in

infrastructure is the buzz word for governments of all sorts. In September it was the turn of the Scottish Government to unveil its five-year plan for that country’s infrastructure upgrade.

The £24bn Draft Infrastructure Investment Plan includes investment in schools and hospitals, as well as the greening of existing infrastructure. Refreshingly, it puts as a first priority investigating the possibility of enhancing or repurposing existing infrastructure.

• Another organisation with a five-year plan is the CITB. The latest plan emphasises the recovery of the training sector from the COVID-19 emergency. It concentrates on a small number of priorities, with major investment in both on-site and classroom-based learning, grants for employers to upskill their workforces and a push to increase the proportion of learners completing their training.

• Scaffolding is one industry where safety training can be a life-or-death activity and fortunately training centres leading to the CISRS qualification are beginning to recover.

Asbestos awareness training can also save lives, and the body overseeing it has expressed concerns over uptake levels.

• The rewarding of the best learners has taken to the internet out of necessity. Rather than ditch the process, organisations like the Construction Plant-hire Association have made the effort – in the CPA’s case it held its Stars of the Future awards online.

An online awards ceremony was also the order of the day at BALI, the organisation representing landscapers – one of a plethora of associations to take to the worldwide web.

• An awards judging process that could not be carried out without personal examination of the entries was the whole spectrum of RIBA Awards, including the Stirling Prize. The process has been abandoned for this year.

RIBA’s Royal Gold Medal for 2021 has been announced, though. The most prestigious award in UK architecture has been awarded to Sir David Adjaye OBE. It marks the culmination of a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, both in architectural practice and teaching. It is an honour well earned.

• The homes we all live in are equally deserving of design excellence. And with the imperative to achieve zero carbon homes by 2050, and intermediate standards set for 2025 and 2030, the need to apply imaginative design is more vital than ever.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has been busy establishing his green credentials with the establishment of a new Future Homes Task Force and the appointment of Create Streets guru Nicholas Boys Smith to oversee local design standards.

• The abolition of heating powered by fossil fuels is looming – a fact that seems to pass some people by. Not so the suppliers of heat pumps and other green heat sources. Added to their voice is that of the NHBC Foundation, which is urging housebuilders to get the message.

• The main exhibition for green buildings is another that has fallen victim to COVID-19. Futurebuild, formerly Greenbuild, will hopefully go ahead next year. This magazine will continue to act as a media partner.

• One of the success stories in the move to modern methods of construction, or MMCs, has been modular offsite building. The champion of the industry is the Modular and Portable Building Association, one of whose luminaries created the structure that graces the front cover of this issue. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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No Stirling Prize, but 2021 Royal Gold Medal finds a fitting winner [

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS has announced that all national and regional RIBA Awards judging – including the Stirling Prize – has been postponed until next year.

In the announcement the RIBA said: “To maintain the consistency and rigour of our judging process, all RIBA Award winning projects must be visited in person; therefore it is unfortunately not possible to continue with this year’s awards.”

All the projects which have already been shortlisted for a 2020 RIBA Regional Award will be included in the 2021 awards, which will open for entries shortly.

RIBA president Alan Jones explained: “The RIBA Awards have been an annual celebration of architectural excellence for decades. Over the summer we explored flexible options for judging within the current public health challenges; however, given the increasing infection rates and local restrictions, we have no option but to press ‘pause’ for 2020.

“Our awards are judged in person; and as much as our teams of judges and staff are keen to visit and select the best new buildings in the UK, now is not the moment. Congratulations to all those projects which have been shortlisted for an award – we look forward to visiting next year.”

On a happier note, the RIBA was able to announce the winner of the 2021 Royal Gold Medal – the UK’s highest honour in architecture. The medal will go to celebrated architect Sir David Adjaye OBE. The Royal Gold Medal is approved personally by H M The Queen and is given to a person or group of people who have had a significant influence ‘either directly or indirectly on the advancement of architecture’.

Credit Nic Lehoux

Sir David has achieved international attention for an exceptional body of work spanning over 25 years. From the start of his career he has combined practice with teaching in schools of architecture in the UK and the USA, including professorships at the universities of Harvard, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Princeton.

His practice, Adjaye Associates, was founded in 2000 and today has studios in Accra, London and New York, with projects across the world.

The practice is best-known for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC (pictured), completed in 2016. q

Landscapers go online for AGM and more [

ON 10 SEPTEMBER the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) staged its national AGM online for the first time in its 48-year history. Members were invited to join some of BALI’s Landscape House team and executive board directors for a 150-minute webinar which included over 60 minutes of presentations that followed the formal meeting.

The event ran smoothly, with just under 40 members attending live on the day, utilising sound technology that BALI had invested in well before the COVID-19 crisis. It allowed members to virtually cast their all-important votes on crucial association matters. Some members who had sent apologies were still able to vote by proxy and their votes were received before the meeting and therefore included in the total counts.

They included the election of existing board directors who had offered to stand for re-election. Long-serving director Robert Field of registered contractor member Robert Field Landscapes, who had previously held the position of national chairman, decided to stand down from his duties on the board and did not seek re-election. BALI’s board of directors and the team at BALI HQ Landscape House extend their gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Robert for his support and guidance over the numerous years he has served.

The AGM culminated with the appointment of Adrian Wickham of registered affiliate Oracle Solicitors, who has now joined BALI’s board of directors.

Commenting on this year’s event, BALI’s chief executive Wayne Grills said: “On behalf of the board of directors we are incredibly

proud of the team at Landscape House for successfully hosting our first live AGM in this format. Members were impressed by the way in which the event was presented and took a little time to comment on social media on how well it had gone. Although I missed the interaction with members in the room, I felt we managed to retain the essence of what an AGM is all about: giving our members a voice and a vote on their association – how it’s run, who it’s run by and what our future direction should be.”

Following the formal AGM three speakers were invited to make presentations. They included the Royal Horticultural Society’s director of gardens and shows Helena Pettit – who provided an update on the RHS’s plans for 2021 – the MD of registered affiliate Ecosulis, Cain Blythe, and Jason Pollock, plant health regulation lead and trade adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cain focused on the subject of rewilding, which moved registered designer Jilayne Rickards MBALI to declare: “This is inspirational; such a great speaker. I would like more information on how garden designers can help introduce rewilding in small urban garden settings.”

Rachael Booth from registered affiliate Water Gems (Alba) added: “Great presentation; looking forward to having a chat with Cain after the AGM as we’re also working on a project called Rewilding Roborough Fields in Devon, so this couldn’t be better timed.”

The final presentation was made by Jason, whose comprehensive and detailed overview of the plant passporting regulations was equally well received. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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North Wales nuclear potential to be unlocked [A SITE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

is to be established to unlock the future potential of the former power station at Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd, North Wales. The development company – to be known as Cwmni Egino – will help exploit the economic benefits of small modular reactors and associated technologies on site, including the potential for a medical research reactor to provide a secure and sustainable supply of medical radioisotopes for Wales, the UK and Europe.

The power station (pictured) was designed by noted architect Sir Basil Spence ­– known for the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral following its bombing in World War Two – and became operational in 1965. It was the only nuclear power station to be sited inland, drawing its cooling water from the man-made Llyn Trawsfynydd lake. It was closed down in 1991.

The Welsh Government believes the exploitation of the technology would not only bring direct economic benefits to the Trawsfynydd area, but also to the wider region – supporting the case for the thermo-hydraulic testing facility at M-SParc on Anglesey and generating work for the AMRC Cymru facility on Deeside.

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates,

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said: “There is no doubt that there is huge potential for the development of small modular reactor technologies at Trawsfynydd. To be able to maximise and deliver this we are establishing Cwmni Egino to pursue this to the full, ensuring this great potential is unlocked.

“There is expertise and skill in the nuclear field in North Wales, with AMRC Cymru and developments at Bangor University, as well as the sites at both Trawsfynydd and Wylfa. I want to ensure that we make the most of this and are at the forefront of new developments.

“The establishment of a development company at Trawsfynydd shows our commitment to the nuclear sector in North Wales.”

The move was welcomed by the Nuclear Industry Association. Its chair Tim Stone commented: “The creation of a development organisation to maximise the future opportunities from the site at Trawsfynydd is a wonderful step on which the minister and the Welsh Government should be congratulated. It represents a proactive response from a government which recognises that government's responsibilities include ensuring that nationally significant infrastructure is provided in plenty of time to support national economic competitiveness and prosperity.” q

Infrastructure body welcomes new appointee [EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE on the National Infrastructure

Commission (NIC) have been bolstered with the appointment of Neale Coleman CBE as an expert commissioner. Professor Tim Besley, Professor Sadie Morgan and Bridget Rosewell have also been reappointed for a further five-year term.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak commented: “Infrastructure investment in the right projects, being built better and faster than before, is key to our economic recovery. The National Infrastructure Commission is an essential part in that effort, and these appointments will ensure that it has the right expertise to succeed.”

Neale Coleman CBE is currently director and founding partner at Blackstock Partnerships Ltd. Prior to that he worked at the Greater London Authority from 2000-2015 – leading the Mayor’s work on London’s Olympic bid, the delivery of the Games and their regeneration legacy – and was a board member of the Olympic Delivery Authority throughout its life. He was appointed CBE in the New Year Honours 2013 for services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sir Tim Besley CBE is School Professor of Economics and Political Science and W Arthur Lewis Professor of Development Economics at the LSE. Sadie Morgan OBE BA (HONS) MA (RCA) FRSA is a cofounding director at the award-winning practice dRMM Architects.

Bridget Rosewell OBE CBE MA MPhil FICE was appointed chair of the Independent Review into Planning Appeal Inquiries in June 2018. She is an experienced director, policy maker and economist.

In addition to those appointments, the Chancellor intends to launch a competition to appoint additional new commissioners to the NIC to further strengthen its expertise and diversity. q

Scotland’s infrastructure plan unveiled [THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT has published its Draft Infrastructure

Investment Plan, which details how £24bn will be invested to create tens of thousands of jobs as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Covering the five years from 2021/22 to 2025/26, the plan, or Draft IIP, includes investment to decarbonise business, industry and buildings, the provision of new health facilities and schools, and support for manufacturing innovation. It also places a new emphasis on enhancing and finding new uses for existing infrastructure before embarking on new projects.

Included in the plan are more than £8bn for environmental sustainability and the transition to net zero emissions, and more than £11bn for regenerating cities, towns, villages and rural areas – including £275m to revitalise town centres and nearly £2bn on health infrastructure and equipment.

The Draft IIP was unveiled in a statement to the Scottish Parliament on 24 September by Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson.

“We are living in turbulent times and it is essential that government shows leadership and provides stability and certainty,” he said. “The Draft IIP provides a robust pipeline of work that will help stimulate a green recovery and offer high-quality, sustainable jobs in all parts of Scotland.”

Further projects will be added to the Draft IIP when their procurement plans are sufficiently advanced. It may also be possible to bring more schemes forward after the UK Government publishes its Comprehensive Spending Review, which will clarify the Scottish Government’s budget for future capital investment.

The finalised plans will be prepared later this year following a period of consultation on the Draft IIP. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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HS2 funding helps create local employment opportunities [A NEW Employment and Skills Hub is being

established in west London to recruit, retain and develop a local, skilled workforce. The initiative – by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) – has secured over £250,000 of funding from the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund and is being delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Ealing, West London College and the Department for Work and Pensions.

It will help local people gain new skills and access employment opportunities created by local businesses, as well as OPDC’s and HS2’s infrastructure and development projects.

The funding is part of a combined total of £40m available to local communities and businesses that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of the new high-speed railway between London and the West Midlands. The award joins 125 other projects between London and the West Midlands that have also benefitted.

The Old Oak and Park Royal area of west London is currently undergoing an unprecedented transformation as it prepares for the opening of the new HS2 station. Plans to transform area are being led by OPDC and they project that the area around the station will have the potential to create tens of thousands of homes and jobs.

OPDC chair Liz Peace commented: “Park Royal is one of London’s largest industrial estates, home to 1,700 businesses and 40,000 employees, so its survival and long-term prosperity are key to the capital’s wider economic recovery. Through collaboration with project partners, the hub will be ideally

Boys Smith to head up new design body [HOUSING SECRETARY Robert Jenrick has appointed Nicholas

Boys Smith to establish a new design body, tasked with driving up design standards and supporting local communities to produce design codes defining beautiful design in each community. Local design codes are a key feature of the reforms to the planning system.

He will chair a new steering group that will advise government on how best to help communities set the local rules for local developments and ensure that ‘beauty, design and high environmental standards’ are fundamental to every planning application.

The design codes will massively increase focus on design and quality in the planning process and ensure local design and architecture is recognised and conserved.

As founding director of social enterprise Create Streets and co-chair for the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission, Nicholas Boys Smith has a wealth of experience in researching popular and healthy places.

He is a commissioner of Historic England and a senior research fellow at the University of Buckingham. He has written extensively on the links between design, wellbeing, value, sustainability and public support, as well as leading or supporting many urban design and community co-design projects.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “New places should be the conservation areas of the future: popular, beautiful, sustainable and supportive of public health and wellbeing. I am delighted to be asked to help achieve that and look forward to getting stuck in.” q

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positioned to tap into local networks and create opportunities for those seeking employment or wishing to develop new skills.”

HS2 and its contractors are expected to recruit for around 22,000 roles – many of which will be in west London and the surrounding areas. In addition, there will be an estimated 400,000 supply chain opportunities for businesses to work on the project. HS2 and its contractors will work with the new Employment and Skills Hub to support the local workforce and local businesses to make the most of those opportunities.

Applications for the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund are still being welcomed. q

Flooring show postpones 2020 event to double-up next year [THE FLOORING SHOW, the UK’s biggest national flooring event, has announced that it is moving dates to 28 February – 2 March next year, at Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) in Harrogate. It was originally scheduled to take place in September.

Event director Alex Butler said: “We have been in discussions with our exhibitors and visitors to find a new date for The Flooring Show that will work for the whole industry.

After listening to key stakeholders, it’s clear that moving to the early part of 2021 is the preferred option for the sector to meet and do business.

“As well as sourcing the latest products, we know that networking and making valuable new connections is a hugely important part of The Flooring Show. There is no substitute for those face-to-face interactions, and they will be much easier to facilitate next year.”

As Harrogate Convention Centre remains a Nightingale Hospital, show organisers have also confirmed the move to YEC. The purpose-built exhibition centre is based on the Great Yorkshire Showground just outside

Harrogate, with 2,000 free car parking spaces and a complimentary shuttle bus to and from the town centre. Exhibitors and visitors can still use their usual hotels as a base, enjoying Harrogate’s unique charm and plentiful amenities.

The regular autumn edition of The Flooring Show is still scheduled to take place on 19-21

September next year, so the industry has two shows to look forward to in one year.

“It’s a very positive outcome for the flooring industry to move the show to early 2021,” said Gavin Pugh, UK managing director of Associated Weavers. “We’re looking forward to exhibiting at both editions of The Flooring Show next year.” q

Video awards go off on cue [AS WITH MANY awards schemes in the construction industry, this year’s Flooring Industry

Awards were held via video link. The awards had originally been scheduled to take place at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire in June but that plan fell victim to the COVID-19 crisis.

Nonetheless the awards, managed jointly by Contract Flooring Journal and the CFA and hosted this year by former snooker champion John Parrott from his home, proved an entertaining affair. Following the announcement of the various category winners, punctuated by trick shots from John, the winner of the Installation of the Year was made. It went to Karndean Designflooring and RB Flooring for the Tool & Gauge Kitchen in Somerset – a café and shared kitchen facility within Frome Business Park that has been created in a converted warehouse.

Entries for the 2021 awards are now open and have been extended to include installations carried out up to the end of December this year. q

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Modular industry offers an education in sustainability Many are concerned about the impact COVID-19 will have on education; it is therefore even more crucially important that school building programmes get back on track as soon as possible, to ensure teachers and students have the best possible environments as they make up for lost time. Here JACKIE MAGINNIS, chief executive of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), considers how modern methods of construction can assist.

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BACK IN JANUARY the Department for Education (DfE) revealed the offsite schools framework, designed ‘to cultivate innovation and modernise the industry by increasing the adoption of modern methods of construction’.

The DfE programme will deliver some 30 offsite schools a year, with a projected pipeline of up to £3bn over the next four years.

I am gratified that some of our members have been appointed to bring their expertise in volumetric modular technology to the fore, to help deliver those schools as swiftly as possible.

Although many think volumetric modular construction is a new thing, in fact a number of companies have remarkable histories – in some cases between 55 and 80-plus years – in providing the highest-quality modular buildings: from temporary classrooms to multistorey teaching blocks complete with offices, catering facilities and welfare accommodation.

The modular industry has had a remarkable impact on reducing costs while increasing quality and safety. Having gained considerable momentum over the past few years, advanced modular techniques can now reduce build times by an impressive 50-60%. The demand for customisation has led the industry to develop methods for adaptation during the mass production process to meet individual schools’ requirements.

Innovations in volumetric modular technology augment the construction industry with a multitude of benefits that span from greener, healthier environments to maximised sustainability, heavily-reduced costs in many cases and faster build times. Doors, windows, heating, plumbing and even washrooms can be factory fitted together with internal and external finishes.

Riverside School

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Credit Portakabin

Minimising disruption Construction on a working school site is disruptive and presents many health and safety concerns. The noise and dust associated with traditional construction methods can hinder effective teaching and learning, together with reducing outdoor space.

Modular approaches are revolutionising the construction industry.

While traditional build processes are laced with pitfalls and hidden costs, and are highly disruptive, volumetric modular buildings offer predictability of costs and building programmes. They are easy to plan and budget and are quick to erect. Modular technology brings a host of benefits to the education sector, for example extensions to schools can be manufactured in well-managed factories and craned into position during holiday periods, so there is no disruption.

Offsite technology offers benefits that have had a huge positive impact on the construction industry, bringing longstanding traditional practices up to date. The first key shift away from traditional methods is that build processes take place in controlled factory conditions, which requires a change of mind-set and approach.

Historically, manufacturing operations have been considered extensions to construction processes, instead of an integral and important part.

That perception is changing. As offsite has become an increasingly dominant force that utilises high levels of technology, the lines between manufacturing, engineering and construction have become blurred, creating a need for new skills and redefining existing ones.

As units are factory manufactured, stringent quality control processes can be undertaken within these well-managed environments. These in-house conditions also prevent weather from inhibiting the construction process, guaranteeing efficiency.

In addition, modular construction enables site work and building processes to be completed simultaneously, reducing labour costs and build times.

Architectural creativity Modular builds used to mean prefab cabins, but today contemporary modular designs are very different. They are fully compliant with building regulations and conceived especially for use as an education space based on current research on how children can learn effectively. They are light and airy and add to the aesthetic of the school. Modular build classrooms can last for decades and many are designed in such a way that Brampton Academy they can be moved. Spaces can be deconstructed and then reconstructed in a new place.

Many contemporary architects are embracing volumetric modular to achieve striking facades with bespoke designs. Public sector clients appreciate cutting-edge building techniques, particularly with the short lead times of modular construction. Modular buildings are energy efficient – reducing on-going costs for schools and freeing up much-needed funds.

Learning about environmental impact With students becoming more conscious of climate change, it is no small thing for a head teacher to introduce the concept of sustainable construction approaches and how their new building will mitigate environmental impact. The modular way limits the amount of concrete, which is a significant issue for traditional builders. There is also minimal waste, as the classrooms are built to exacting design specifications and any cut-offs can be reused or recycled – reducing waste to landfill.

Transportation rarely poses issues, as pre-constructed, selfcontained units can be shipped to virtually any location. As modules are designed to withstand long-distance transportation and craning onto foundations, they are structurally stronger than most traditionally-constructed building materials. That approach reduces traffic to site, also decreasing carbon emissions and disruption.

Each individual material can be selected specifically for its performance characteristics, Credit Wernick tailoring every inch of a modular build. Eco-friendly materials are often specified, and waste is recycled for future projects wherever possible. Not only this, but components are also available in a range of sizes for expansions whenever necessary.

About MPBA The MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber or steel in any size and shape to meet individual client needs, while ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations. q •To discover how modular building can benefit education construction plans visit www.mpba.biz.

Going digital marks a BigChange for leading modular business [

MODULAR BUILDING SPECIALIST MPB Installations (MPBI) has seen a boom in business since implementing the latest mobile workforce management technology from BigChange.

The company’s installation and service teams have been equipped with rugged tablets that synchronise with office management software as part of a paperless, real-time system. MPBI has won significant new contracts thanks to the instant electronic reporting and service improvements provided by the system.

MPBI has a 15-year track record in installing and relocating modular and portable buildings for the construction, facilities, sports and leisure industries. Based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, the company handles projects of any size and complexity, from installing multistorey modular accommodation blocks to providing on-site support services covering major sports events – all backed by 24/7 rapid-response maintenance services.

MPBI’s mobile operatives have replaced all their paperwork – such as job sheets, safety checks and time sheets – using JobWatch, the fivein-one app from BigChange. The app also links to vehicle trackers and is used to capture photographs, to provide indisputable proof of work completed and any issues on site.

“BigChange really has transformed our business – eliminating paper, improving resource allocation and providing complete visibility of all jobs,” said Dan Shepherdson, MPBI’s general manager. “The biggest benefit, however, is to our customer service, where honesty and transparency are central to building trust with the customer. BigChange

ensures we can deliver that, and by providing an exceptional level of service we’ve already increased our business by up to 20% this year.”

MPBI’s business is complex, as jobs vary considerably and often involve third parties such as crane operators and hauliers. Planned contract work and new orders are loaded into the BigChange scheduler for automatic allocation – optimising resources and routes.

Live reports from JobWatch, coupled with tracking, keep management and customer services fully informed and the system auto-generates customer communications such as estimated arrival times and completed job sheets.

“BigChange provides MPBI with an end-to-end business solution so we can manage everything from initial order to job completion,” commented Dan Shepherdson. “It’s making it much easier to manage the work and operations are a lot smoother. With real-time reports, tracking data and photos from site, disputes with customers are very much a thing of the past. It’s good for business in every sense.”

MPBI has been particularly impressed with the ease of use of the BigChange software. Said Dan: “There is always resistance to change, especially when it involves a switch from paper to digital. Fortunately BigChange has kept things as simple as possible and during the COVID-19 lockdown we found BigChange webinars a great help; and the ‘Road Crew’ have been brilliant – someone is always available to help.” q • For further information call 0113 457 1000 or visit the website at www.bigchange.com www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Task force set up to deliver future homes [

A MULTIMILLION-POUND delivery hub is to be set up to manage the homebuilding industry’s efforts to meet the environmental targets set out by the government for new homes.

The initiative came from the new Future Homes Task Force, which comprises representatives from across all the sectors that shape new homes. It includes government, housebuilding, utility provision, material suppliers and environmental groups.

The challenge for the task force includes the construction and fabric efficiency of tomorrow’s new homes, how they are powered and how they take account of and impact on the environment within which they sit. Meeting those high-level ambitions in a realistic and deliverable way will require the co-ordination of numerous issues and regulatory requirements into an overarching masterplan.

One of the first objectives of the task force will be to establish a fully-funded delivery hub to implement that masterplan and drive forward

work on a day-to-day basis. Its full-time team will co-ordinate and facilitate activity. The hub will develop planning for the broad range of interlinked climate, natural environment and resource targets that will need to be met to meet the ultimate objective of net zero.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “This government is improving building standards and overhauling our outdated planning system as a priority. By putting communities in control of what is built locally we will deliver better designed, more sustainable buildings and the homes that are needed for the next generation.

“I look forward to seeing the recommendations and plans of the Future Homes Task Force later this year to support this exciting agenda as we work towards a cleaner, greener and more beautiful built environment.”

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, commented: “The environmental agenda is an absolute priority for the UK’s housebuilding industry and one on which we are committed to

Bye-bye, boiler: report draws a blueprint for the no-gas home [ACCORDING TO RECENT FIGURES, energy use in the UK’s 29 million homes accounts

for 14% of total UK emissions, and that increased between 2016 and 2017. To meet the proposed carbon and primary energy targets, the 2025 home must be designed and built to have minimal energy demand.

Under the proposed Future Homes Standard, newly-built homes from 2025 will not be permitted to use fossil fuels for heating. That change marks the beginning of the end for the traditional gas boiler.

In its latest report, The Future for Home Heating – life without fossil fuels, the NHBC Foundation explores the implications of designing and building low-energy homes without gas boilers. The report explains the key technical issues and discusses the choices facing housebuilders, designers and architects when specifying alternative heating and hot water systems.

Richard Smith, NHBC’s head of standards, innovation and research, commented: “Under the government’s proposed Future Homes Standard, which is likely to be introduced by 2025, new homes will no longer be heated using fossil fuels. Our new NHBC Foundation report provides housebuilders with a roadmap to achieving this standard and paves the way for the no-gas home.

“For both housebuilders and new homebuyers, the no-gas home will represent a generational shift in how dwellings are heated. As government targets on reducing carbon emissions come into effect and many people become more attuned to the climate change agenda, we will begin the shift away from the traditional gas boiler and gas cooking appliances.”

The report outlines technical elements for housebuilders to consider in designing and building no-gas homes, including the type of electric heat pump to install, the benefits of heat networks, ensuring the industry has a skilled workforce to install and deliver alternate systems to meet all the new demand and, importantly, consideration of how to market homes that do not have a gas-powered boiler or a gas cooker to potential buyers.

In summary, Richard Smith added: “With just a few years until the proposals are expected to come into force, this guide sets out the critical elements for house builders to consider, from designing homes with minimal energy demand to identifying the appropriate alternative heating systems and ensuring there are enough skilled tradespeople to fit and install new systems.” q

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leading the way. We have been set a huge challenge by government, but it is one we are determined to deliver. We will work with government and stakeholders to set ambitious but deliverable goals that will ensure we make our contribution to environmental targets and achieve our ambition of net zero homes and a net zero industry.

“The work of the task force will help deliver homes that we can all be proud of as a nation and future generations will thank us for.” q

Affordable housing in Scotland bucks the COVID trend [THE ANNUAL NUMBER of affordable

homes approved and started in Scotland has increased, despite the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. The Scottish Government’s quarterly housing statistics show that, in the year to the end of June, 12,276 affordable homes were approved – an increase of 1,436 (13%) on the previous year. Over the same period, 10,701 homes were started, an increase of 186 (2%) on 2019.

However, lockdown measures led to a decrease in the number of affordable homes completed in the most recent quarter. That covered a period in which all non-essential construction and house purchase activity in Scotland was paused, with restrictions only being lifted towards the end of June.

Despite those restrictions, approvals, starts and completions of affordable housing in the latest year all remain above levels seen prior to the beginning of the 50,000 affordable homes target period in 2016.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “There is no doubt that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the construction sector.

The lockdown meant nearly a third of the year saw little to no activity able to take place and a necessary pause in the delivery of affordable homes – but we remain committed to delivering the homes that Scotland needs. Our focus now is to get on with the job, and to do it safely.

“Backed by a commitment of more than £3.5bn, we are delivering more good-quality, secure and affordable homes, which will in turn help create strong, sustainable communities.

“We were on track to deliver on our commitment to meet the 50,000 affordable homes target by the end of March 2021 but, due to the impact of the pandemic, it is now unlikely we will do so – but we will continue to work with partners across the housing sector to ensure the delivery of the remainder of those homes, as quickly as it is safe.” q

Construction skills set for boost in Oxon [

TO MEET THE growing demand for trained professionals in construction trades in Oxfordshire, a new apprenticeship training centre is to be opened by Abingdon & Witney College in Bicester, specialising in the construction industry. The announcement was made following the granting of planning approval for the £1m refurbishment of four former warehouse units.

The state-of-the-art facility will provide exciting opportunities for apprentices to train for the fast-growing property maintenance sector, alongside traditional trades in plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery. Industry-standard equipment will include a professional gas centre, electrical training bays for wiring regulation training and a large carpentry workshop.

Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) secured £934,611 of funding for the project via the government’s Local Growth Fund. Since its inception in 2011, OxLEP, together with its partners, has secured over £650m-worth of government funding for Oxfordshire, with more than 50,000 new jobs created in the county to date.

Work on the centre started in July and is expected to be completed by next January, with the first cohort of apprentices starting in February.

Matt Phelps, vice principal for apprenticeships and employer engagement, said: “We are absolutely delighted to get approval for the centre. We’re grateful to our partners because it couldn’t have happened without them.

“We have a long track record of delivering high-quality apprenticeships, so we’re excited to bring this expertise to Bicester. There will be over 100 apprentices trained every year, alongside short commercial ‘ticket to trade’ training courses in disciplines such as ACS Gas and 18th Edition, and leisure courses in construction and wider building services for local people who are interested in learning a new skill in their spare time.

“With the coronavirus pandemic leaving many without jobs, there is an

opportunity for Oxfordshire residents to look at a career in a new sector – and this centre is the perfect place to start.

“There is a significant amount of building work happening in Oxfordshire at the moment and a shortage of skilled construction and building services workers, making training for current and future skills absolutely critical.”

Adrian Speller, technical director at Speller Metcalfe who are building the new centre, added: “The construction skills shortage has been a very real issue for our industry for many years, and we are delighted to be working alongside the college to deliver a purpose-built facility that will benefit both the local community and the industry as a whole.

“Sadly, support for adult apprentices can often be in short supply, but they are an incredibly valuable asset – often bringing many transferable skills; so this centre will be invaluable in supporting a wide pool of apprenticeships, from traditionally younger students through to those looking for a new career path.” q

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Plant industry rewards its Stars of the Future [

THE UK'S MOST promising apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector were revealed at the Construction Plant-hire Association’s (CPA) Stars of the Future 2020 online awards event.

Held in association with headline sponsor Sunbelt Rentals, the CPA’s Stars of the Future awards scheme identifies some of the industry’s brightest up-and-coming talent. Over 70 nominations were received for the awards – the highest figure in the eight years that the awards programme has been running.

This year marked the first time that the event has been hosted online. Plans were in place to host a physical ceremony at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Warwickshire earlier this year, but sadly that was unable to take place due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the CPA felt

it was important to continue with the awards programme to recognise and reward the talents and achievements of apprentices and trainees in the plant sector, especially in these challenging times.

Stars of the Future was originally introduced to recognise outstanding plant mechanics and plant technicians, but the scope of the event has been extended in recent years to reward further job roles in the construction plant sector and recognise new ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeships.

The CPA’s chief executive Kevin Minton opened the online awards event, before its training and safety manager Rob Squires announced the winners.

In addition to awards for Plant Technician and Plant Mechanic of the Year, drawn from college and employer nominations, there were awards for Lifting Technician of the Year, Plant

Operative of the Year, Hire Controller of the Year and the CPA Prize for the Best Personal Statement. The awards were capped off by the Judges’ Special Award, which went to Scott Laurenson of EMN Plant.

Stars of the Future 2020 had a two-tier judging process: the CPA selection panel and a panel of external industry-expert judges who decided the eventual winners of each category.

In his address, Kevin Minton said: “We would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners of Stars of the Future for 2020.

We were absolutely delighted to have over 130 attendees join us online. Although we weren’t able to meet the nominees and winners this year and personally hand over their certificates, glass awards and prizes, this doesn't in any way diminish their achievements.” q

Coventry tops the Guardian list [

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY’S Building, Town and Country Planning course has been named as the best of its type in the Guardian University Guide 2021 subject rankings.

The subject category covers the study of all aspects of buildings except design – from construction to location – and encompasses the university's BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, BSc (Hons) Building Surveying, and BSc (Hons) Construction Management degrees.

The courses sit within the School of Energy, Construction and Environment, which boasts a strong portfolio of industryrelated research, particularly in the areas of low-carbon building technology, sustainable construction materials and engineering education, ensuring students stay abreast of new technologies and emerging issues.

Professor Michael Fitzpatrick, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Engineering, Environment and Computing), said: “We are delighted to be ranked

first for Building, Town and Country Planning by the Guardian University Guide. Our staff possess impressive academic and professional experience in the industry, while our students have demonstrated a strong work ethic and discipline for success. It is no wonder that we boast successful alumni working for some of the most prestigious names in the relevant industries.”

Charlie Shephard graduated with a first-class BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying in 2016, and now works as a trainee solicitor with the international law firm Pinsent Masons LLP. He commented: “The industrial placement gave me a huge insight into the infrastructure industry, allowing me to explore the various branches a surveyor can practice. Due to the legal nature of this work, and combined with the expert teaching on law and contract modules, I obtained a first-class degree and am now undertaking a training contract at an international law firm specialising in construction and engineering law.” q

Mowlem Award opens for applications [

THE B&CE CHARITABLE TRUST has opened its Mowlem Award 2020 for applications. The trust is looking to award £20,000 to an organisation that aims to deliver training, and/or promotes health and safety in construction. A panel of trustees will consider entries after the closing date for applications, which is 23 October, following its postponement from the original deadline in the spring.

Trustees will be looking for applications that make a significant difference to the construction industry. The successful application will benefit a minimum of 50 individuals within the year and will be from an organisation with recognised construction industry accreditations.

It will also be linked to an employer or placement to gain hands-on experience, such as apprenticeships or day release.

Nicola Sinclair, spokesperson for B&CE Charitable Trust, said: “As an organisation with its foundations rooted deep in construction, we are

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delighted to be able to hold the Mowlem Award again. The coronavirus pandemic meant that we had to postpone the 2020 award. Now we’re ready to support deserving organisations and welcome applications again. The successful application will need to demonstrate a passion for the industry and a commitment to nurturing new talent.”

Past winners include Essex Youthbuild, which picked up the award last year after impressing judges with the work it does getting disadvantaged youngsters the necessary credentials needed to work on building sites. Its chief executive Jane Cosh said: “Winning the Mowlem Award has been a great thrill for Essex Youthbuild. It is a prestigious award and endorses our practice of embedding safety in all the teaching we do with young people.”

Organisations interested in applying for the award should visit the award page on the trust’s website, at bandce.co.uk, before 23 October. q

CITB plan seeks to chart a course to recovery [

THE CITB’S STRATEGIC PLAN for the next five years – launched on 22 September – is aimed at supporting the training and, crucially, retraining community to rebuild after the recovery, improving productivity and making it easier for employers to bring in apprentices and other new entrants.

Amid what it describes as an unpredictable landscape, CITB has revealed it will focus on a smaller number of priorities to help modernise construction and increase productivity, collaborating with industry, governments and further education. As well as providing direct support to employers, CITB will use the next five years to ‘help fix the system’, making it easier for employers to recruit workers and to access training.

Between 2021 and 2025, the levy will be invested across Britain to: • Support 28,000 taster experiences of construction, and in the Go Construct initiative to help potential new entrants understand the opportunities in construction and how to access them • Give 19,000 people on-site experience to prepare them to start work in construction through on-site hubs • Create a new pathway between further education and employment for 8,000 learners, including 1,600 apprenticeship starts • Raise the share of apprentices completing their programmes from 60% to 70% through allocating £110m to support learners and employers on top of grant support • Help employers to invest in training – initially to rebuild after the pandemic, but increasingly to modernise and raise productivity through the Grants Scheme and other funding. That will see over £500m of funding to employers – 77% of the levy.

• Support employers to modernise by identifying the key competencies

required, including those that support digitalisation.

CITB’s chief executive Sarah Beale (pictured) commented: “The recovery presents construction with big challenges, but also major opportunities to do things differently and bring a wider range of new workers into the industry. Our Strategic Plan will support employers to realise these opportunities by helping fix the system that brings people into work and supporting them to do the training they need.

“We will focus on a small number of areas, such as providing new entrants with information and experiences, creating a new pathway from further education into apprenticeships and jobs, and boosting the numbers of apprentices completing their programmes.

“We will also help employers to train by addressing gaps in provision, making training accessible and targeting funding where it’s needed, including through the Grants Scheme.

“Over time, a greater share of this will support employers to modernise and raise productivity.”

Sophie Seddon – a director of SME building and maintenance provider Novus – recently joined the CITB Board as a trustee. Welcoming the plan, she said: “For many businesses, particularly small ones, the focus today is on survival and recovery; but looking forward we make it much easier to join construction and recruit from a much wider range of backgrounds. The plan sets out how we can do that through supporting apprenticeships, work experiences and pathways from FE.” The plan was developed during discussions over the summer with employers, the major trade federations and associations, and CITB board and nation council members, chiefly made up of employers. q

Construction training courses and/ or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges:

Fife College

Accrington and Rossendale College

Kirklees College

Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington BB5 2AS

Brunel Construction Centre, Old Fieldhouse Ln, Leeds Rd, Huddersfield HD2 1AG

Bath College T: 01225 312 191

Leeds College of Building

T: 01254 389933 F: 01254 354001 E: info@accross.ac.uk W: www.accross.ac.uk

W: www.bathcollege.ac.uk E: apprenticeships@bathcollege.ac.uk

Tel: 0344 248 0132 E: Sales@fife.ac.uk W: www.fife.ac.uk Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8DY

Tel: 01484 437000 E: info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk W: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk

City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP

T: 0113 222 6041 E: info@lcb.ac.uk W: www.lcb.ac.uk

Somer Valley Campus, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3RW

North Street, Leeds LS2 7QT

Stafford College

Tel: 01785 223800 E: info.stafford@nscg.ac.uk W: www.nscg.ac.uk Victoria Square, Stafford ST16 2QR

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Cambridge centre celebrates anniversary in style [

SINCE ITS INCEPTION 10 years ago, the Laing O’Rourke Centre for Construction Engineering and Technology, University of Cambridge, has focused on driving transformation in the construction sector, in collaboration with strategic industry partner Laing O’Rourke.

To mark the anniversary, the centre has published a milestone report, Transforming Construction, exploring a decade of work across education, research, innovation and thought leadership, highlighting what is possible when industry expertise and academic rigour meet.

Centre director Professor Campbell Middleton commented: “Our 10th anniversary comes at a pivotal time for the industry. The fourth industrial revolution brings unprecedented opportunities to modernise construction through the exploitation of information and new technologies that can inform and underpin better decision-making, to help shape society and improve the quality of life in an equitable and sustainable way.”

The centre strives for that vision and is in a good position to be at the vanguard of such a transformation, working with industry and policy makers to apply academic excellence and leadership where it is most needed - to turn opportunities into impact.

Laing O’Rourke’s CEO, Ray O’Rourke said: “The formation of the Laing O’Rourke Centre for Construction Engineering and Technology has allowed leading academics, industry pioneers and inspiring students to collaborate and apply radical thinking, shaping solutions that will drive a more productive, innovative and sustainable future.

“Since the centre’s launch we have seen an increasing adoption of modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing, and bear witness to how new technologies and working cultures are attracting a more diverse workforce.

“We still have some way to go to truly transform our industry, and see recognition of the role it plays in creating communities and sustaining economies.

“The research and innovation nurtured within the centre will support these aims and I look forward to helping drive this through Laing O’Rourke’s continued partnership with this world-leading seat of learning.”

The centre has focused on driving change by working across three core pillars: education and skills, research and innovation, and thought leadership and policy.

Education and skills An emphasis on education and skills is crucial for long-term, largescale change. The Construction Engineering Master’s degree is a highlyacclaimed advanced leadership programme for industry professionals, which has educated 126 professionals across 49 companies thus far.

The unique programme’s reputation continues to grow as industry acknowledges the power of the course to drive change, leading to a

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growing cadre of alumni who are moving into leadership positions from which they can effect change and implement the knowledge learned during the degree.

The centre also offers executive education opportunities – providing space for senior company personnel to reflect on their businesses’ activities and stay up-to-date on cutting-edge technologies.

Research and innovation The centre’s portfolio of collaborative research projects places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation to address industry challenges. The portfolio covers all three of the strategic areas highlighted by the Construction Sector Deal as key for delivering transformative goals, as well as prioritising the strategies and actions needed to achieve net-zero carbon and mitigate climate change.

Core research topics cover: • Digital techniques and • technologies • Offsite manufacturing • Whole life asset performance Key accompanying research themes include skills, productivity, procurement and net zero-carbon housing.

Thought leadership and policy The centre contains a wealth of expertise and sector knowledge, as well as an ever-growing body of research aimed at generating an evidence base to inform key policy decisions in government and industry. Its network of engaged researchers, industry experts and decision-makers ensures that research, innovative technologies, skills and leadership effectively deliver impact to industry and society. Its leaders have built the base upon which that work can grow and they are looking forward to increasing the scope and intensity of their advisory impact.

Collaboration Collaboration is key to delivering positive impact across all three pillars covered by the centre’s mission. Together those partnerships foster industry-relevant outputs and offer industry access to evidence-based research, world-class researchers and skill-development opportunities.

Industry, academia, government bodies and associated organisations can become strong allies in transforming the way infrastructure is designed, built and managed – together driving the innovation needed to achieve the Construction Sector Deal goals and secure the associated benefits.

Professor Middleton concluded with an invitation to potential students: “I hope you find this milestone report informative and exciting, and are inspired to join us to work together to deliver positive and impactful change in our industry.” q • For further information visit www.construction.cam.ac.uk or email comms@construction.cam.ac.uk

Liverpool School of Architecture revamps its curriculum for 2021 [

WITH SOME EXCITING new developments, 2021 is the perfect time to undertake a postgraduate qualification at the University of Liverpool.

As the first UK university to award a RIBAaccredited degree in architecture, the Liverpool School of Architecture has a long and proud tradition of quality architectural education.

Over the years, the school has applied its expertise to develop a range of Masters programmes fit for AEC professionals.

And some recent curriculum developments – as well as some upcoming ones – ensure that the school’s offering continues to reflect the requirements of employers and professionals in both the public and private sectors.

MSc in Building Information Modelling (BIM) The long-standing BIM programme now includes increased focus on sustainability themes and a greater emphasis on digital design.

It maintains its long tradition of educating students in the theoretical knowledge, practical implications and the various technologies associated with the BIM method, preparing them for further specific research or future roles in practice.

This is achieved through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials and group-based learning sessions and

practice and engineering consultancies.

Students will develop both practical skills in environmental assessment and a deeper understanding of climate-sensitive design, designing for climate change, sustainable architecture and computer modelling of sustainable environments – making it ideal for those who seek to enhance their knowledge of the increasingly key area of sustainable built environments.

This full-time programme is available to start in both January 2021 and September 2021. modules – all guided and delivered by academic staff, researchers and leading practitioners from the AEC industry.

The MSc BIM is available on both a full and part time basis, with intakes in January 2021 and September 2021.

MSc in Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Architecture (CRESTA) Formerly known as MSc Sustainable Environmental Design in Architecture (SEDA), the MSc CRESTA has also undergone a revamp to incorporate more emphasis on designing for climate change.

With its combination of academic and practical issues, the MSc CRESTA is an excellent preparation for specialist roles within architectural

MA Sustainable Heritage Management New for 2021, this interdisciplinary MA will provide students with a critical understanding of both the theoretical and operational aspects of heritage. Graduates of the programme will have an acute awareness of the moral and ethical issues that are inherent in heritage, which contributes to skilful negotiation of contested matters.

The programme launches in September 2021, with an online version to follow. q • Applications are now open for January 2021 and September 2021 intakes.

For further information about any of these programmes, and to apply, visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/architecture/ postgraduates/postgraduate-taught/

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First roofers gain industry accreditation

[ AN INTAKE of 50 roofers have become the first to be officially

accredited by RoofCERT, the UK’s only accreditation scheme for roofing operatives.

Administered by the NFRC, RoofCERT is professionalising the roofing industry by helping roofing operatives to demonstrate their competency and allowing roofing contractors to upskill their teams.

To achieve accreditation, roofers must pass a rigorous knowledge test, undertake six health and safety awareness courses and demonstrate their roofing competence via practical assessment.

They will need to renew their accreditation again after three years, to ensure they keep to up to date with changing standards and regulations.

The 50 operatives who gained their accreditation first came from 10 companies based across the country. Many other companies have operatives who are close to accreditation, so a steady flow of accredited roofers can be expected in the near future.

Commenting on the accreditations, the head of qualifications and standards at RoofCERT, Richard Miller, said: “These 50 roofers should be incredibly proud of themselves. They have demonstrated their technical knowledge, their understanding of six core areas of health and safety as well as their ability and competency in their particular disciplines. They are now proven to be masters of their craft, and that should stand them in good stead for their future career. I would like to thank all the companies who have supported RoofCERT by putting these operatives through the process.

“The construction industry is only going in one direction, and that is towards a greater focus on competency and professionalism. We know that there are going to be new regulations around building safety and greater expectations around competency down the line, and these roofers are now future-proofed for the changes to come.

“There are almost 2,000 funded places currently available for other operatives to do the same, and the​y should do so before the places go.

We have made many changes to ensure we can still accredit roofers through the COVID-19 pandemic, via methods such as e-learning awareness courses and online tests. We have seen a surge in demand for the scheme recently and places are starting to go. So, if you are a roofing contractor thinking about putting your team through the process, or an operative who wants to prove their competency, I would urge you to join these first 10 companies and 50 roofers and sign up now.” q

New NFRC president sets out his priorities [PROMOTING INCLUSION and

collaboration in the roofing industry will be the priority for the new president of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Kevin M Taylor FIoR (pictured), following his election at the NFRC’s first-ever virtual AGM on 6 August.

Said Mr Taylor: “I am passionate about professionalising our sector. However, professionalism is not just about technical standards and health and safety, but about culture, too. A professional industry is an inclusive industry, that is fair and respects people of all backgrounds. I therefore plan to make fairness, inclusion and respect key priorities in my time as president.

“The COVID crisis has shown what the construction industry can do when it comes together and collaborates. That is something I believe should continue, and I hope to work across the roofing sector with other trade associations, training groups and industry bodies – we are stronger together.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Pedestal range meets new requirements [THE UK’S LEADING STOCKIST

and online retailer of metal rainwater and drainage systems – Rainclear Systems – have introduced a new range of A1 fire-rated, non-combustible raised floor pedestals from manufacturer Harmer onto its website.

Suitable for external balconies, terraces, roof and winter gardens and the like, the new range has been designed to comply with the latest building fire safety regulations, introduced in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s report, following the Grenfell tragedy.

The introduction of the new Building Safety Regulator will hold manufacturers, architects, designers, and anyone involved in building projects to account for their choice of materials.

The process should ensure that anyone involved in the design, specification, construction and management of a project that includes external spaces can confidently specify non-combustible products that meet the new government requirements for fire safety. The regulations note, however, that a fire-rated pedestal used in conjunction with combustible decking would be counter-intuitive and ineffective.

In response to those more stringent safety measures, many manufacturers are addressing the need to provide safer solutions,

producing products that are classified as A1 or A2 fire-rated. The new range of pedestals from Harmer are A1 fire-rated.

Manufactured from steel, they will not crack, split or warp – providing strong support for decking or flooring joists. There is a large heightadjustable range suitable for every application and their highly-durable zinc nickel finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. The internallythreaded, rigid tube allows millimetre-perfect adjustment within the various height ranges, and a locking ring ensures absolute stability.

A totally flat, wide supporting base evenly spreads the load, while also protecting membranes and surfaces. The four holes in the base enable the pedestals to be fixed to the surface where necessary.

They come with either a ‘paving spacer head’ (top) for natural stone, concrete and porcelain, or a ‘decking head’ (above) which will accommodate joists up to 50mm, with holes in each side for easy fixing to joists.

Both types come in a range of various adjustable heights covering 25mm to 305mm and are designed to support up to 1,000kg compression.

The friendly, knowledgeable team at Rainclear Systems are always happy to offer technical advice and quotations. q • Visit www.rainclear.co.uk/supports/non-combustible-pedestal-support. html to browse and buy the range online. If you have questions or need any help, call 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk.

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If you are one of our many online readers simply click on any of the logos listed below and you will be automatically directed to that company’s website.

To get your company’s website listed on this page just give us a call on 0161 710 3880 or email ian@dmmonline.co.uk

Suppliers and Distributors of Scaffolding and Access Equipment

Construction finance from Aldermore offers fast access to working capital

The trusted name for chimney sweeping and relining. We supply and fit Stovax stoves and FuranFlex lining systems

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Working within the Construction Industry • Health & Safety Training • Roofing Training

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Helping the timber industries to come to the right decision!

Online Tradesman Search Facility & Directory

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construction national website

Welcome to our A to Z guide of the websites of some of the industry’s leading players.

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New NASC website goes live [

THE NEW WEBSITE of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation is now live. The site at www.nasc.org.uk, which features a broad range of scaffolding information and resources, has been designed for both scaffolding industry companies and those that wish to employ them.

For the latter, the new site boasts a simple ‘Find a Member’ function, enabling visitors to search for NASC members by postcode.

They are then able to refine that search by member type: contractors, equipment suppliers, scaffolding designers etc.

Visitors are also able to search by the proximity of the member’s office or depot to the given postcode, or by whether they operate in that postcode.

Each NASC member has a profile page that they can customise with their own company overview and each member page has its own ‘Contact Us’ message section, which connects members with potential customers in a matter of clicks.

The ‘NASC Shop’ now features more than 80 guidance documents covering a wealth of health & safety, contractual, technical, product and security topics.

Visitors can search by product type or use the magnifying glass icon at the top of the page to find specific titles.

As always, those titles are reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure they remain up-to-date and fit for purpose.

A great deal of broader NASC resources can be found via the ‘Information’ tab. That includes the NASC Safety Report.

The ‘NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter’ page might also be of interest.

The charter recognises the ever-growing number of organisations that

place NASC membership at the heart of their scaffolding contractor procurement policies.

The charter is open to any company that specifies ‘NASC-only’ in their scaffolding-related tender documents and/or has an established commercial relationship with a full NASC member for at least a year. q

Careers website launched [ RUNNING alongside the

website, a new careers website accelerates the NASC towards its objective of increasing its digital presence, and eventually going completely digital.

To respond to the impact of COVID-19 on recruitment, and to support NASC members in their recruitment efforts, the careers site has been refined so that members can advertise and recruit through the site in anticipation of redundancies following furlough. q

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NASC president joins Build UK specialist board [

THE PRESIDENT OF the NASC, Lynn Way (pictured), has been appointed a specialist contractor director of Build UK, following an election process.

In the role, Lynn, who is financial director and company secretary at Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding, will help provide strategic direction for the leading construction industry body.

Speaking of her appointment, Lynn said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been elected

by Build UK trade association members to join such a respected and influential group.

“I have been very impressed with Build UK’s activities throughout the coronavirus pandemic and have taken part in a number of their webinars in recent months. I’m now looking forward to getting further involved, representing the scaffolding industry and ensuring the needs and views of our industry are heard, as well as delivering for the construction industry as a whole.”

Lynn continues the NASC’s director-level input at Build UK, following on from former NASC president and TRAD Group CEO Des

Moore, who took up the same role in 2017.

Build UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry.

By bringing together clients, main contractors, trade associations representing over 11,500 specialist contractors and other organisations committed to industry collaboration, Build UK represents in excess of 40% of UK construction. q

NASC joins bid to retain talent [THE NASC HAS signed up to the Talent Retention Scheme, an initiative which was

launched in July by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the government, and backed

by CITB and many industry figures. Designed to retain and secure essential talent in the sector, the new online portal will support the redeployment of staff at risk of redundancy, allowing them to be temporarily loaned between businesses.

The online system will be free to use and open to apprentices, self-employed workers and direct employees, as well as giving displaced workers from other sectors a route to new employment within construction. q

How you can tell a scaffolder is safe [THE NASC is occasionally asked by main

contractors to provide evidence that NASC full contracting members are safer than nonmembers. The NASC does its part – each and every year going to great lengths to collate, analyse and publish a detailed Safety Report cataloguing accidents and injuries recorded by its members. The report can be read via the NASC’s website and hard copies are also available upon request.

According to Robin James, NASC managing director, that kind of candour is not widespread.

“Unfortunately, other parties do not follow our example,” he said. “The Health and Safety Executive provides only general construction industry statistics from RIDDOR reports and other scaffolding industry member organisations choose not to publish any safety statistics at all.

“That makes it nigh-on impossible to directly compare the safety of NASC members with non-members. But it doesn’t mean the NASC’s efforts are in vain. On a very simple level, the production of the annual Safety Report gives the NASC the opportunity to demonstrate in no uncertain terms the safety performance of its members.”

That is laid out in great detail for all to see and make their own judgements on. Perhaps more importantly, the report provides the NASC and its standing committees with the statistics it requires to best focus efforts on improving safety standards wherever possible.

In recent years, the NASC’s analysis of the

frequency and causes of accidents to operatives led to the creation of the SG4 site poster, production of a series of safety-related toolbox talks and the ability to prioritise the production and review of core NASC safety guidance. The proactive approach to safety continues this year.

The NASC has identified key findings and next steps from the latest accident statistics. In terms of this year’s report, the top-line figures speak for themselves; the lowest number of accidents recorded to date, zero operative fatalities (for the seventh year in succession)

and year-on-year reductions in falls from height and falls of materials. The results were reported in the last issue of Construction National.

Robin James continued: “While the NASC will not rest on its laurels, it is right at this time to celebrate its best-ever safety statistics.

That achievement is made possible by the commitment of the NASC and its members to put in place the highest standards of safety procedures and practices and make improvements in this area whenever and wherever possible.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Scaffolder training begins to return to (the new) normal [ DESPITE THE CONTINUING trying times we

all face, the scaffolding sector continues to train and qualify its operatives. Following several months of training providers being forced to close their doors due to the COVID pandemic, almost all CISRS-approved centres have now reopened across the UK. Prior to recommencing training courses, centres were required to submit detailed risk assessments with supporting documentation and photographic evidence outlining the restrictions and precautions they have put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

They cover each step of the training experience, from arriving at the facility, moving around the centre and getting to classrooms, to carrying out practical exercises and getting back home. The centres and the course delegates have responded very positively to the new regime.

David Mosley, CISRS managing director and NASC director for training, commented: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit the whole industry hard: scaffolders, employers and clients as well as the training providers.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead, but the sector has responded very positively and looked for ways to move forward in safe and productive manner.”

Centres were initially dealing with courses which had been cancelled due to the pandemic, but are now taking general bookings. Several centres are operating at a reduced capacity, so there may be a slight delay in booking certain courses in certain locations.

Potential trainees are therefore urged to ensure they book in advance. Many providers are putting on extra programmes, particularly short duration courses such as COTS and CPD, over weekends to take up the slack.

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CISRS cards At present CISRS is still asking industry to show leniency on recentlyexpired cards until course availability and capacity can be re-established. That is in line with other CSCS-affiliated card schemes and is supported by Build UK. The card administration, run by NOCN, has remained in operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, although at a reduced capacity. Anyone having issues with delayed cards or with clients not accepting a recently-expired card is advised to let CISRS know; they will be happy to confirm an individual’s card status.

David Mosley added: “We appreciate that we are not out of the woods yet and that the on-going commercial uncertainty may prove fatal to some centres, which will be a real blow for the industry. That said, the response to date from providers has been excellent, the feedback from the delegates has been very positive and the demand for training continues; as such we will press on with training following all the relevant procedures and like everybody else aim to get through this safely.” q

There is more to scaffolding than meets the eye Scaffolding has for too long been considered by some to be a high-risk, low-skill trade. That could not be further from the truth, writes DAVID MOSLEY, NASC director for training and CISRS managing director.

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THE ERECTION AND dismantling of scaffolding are undoubtedly safety-critical tasks; however, contractors recognise that and take the relevant steps to adhere to legislation, industry best practice and guidance, and to qualify their operatives via the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) to mitigate risk.

That has led to a decades-long trend of increasing on-site scaffolding safety standards and a directly proportionate decline in the number of accidents and incidents recorded.

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is eager to learn from accidents and incidents and openly publish their statistics. The most recent annual Safety Report shows NASC members recorded 74 accidents and injuries on site during 2019.

The 74 injuries recorded means that more than 99% of all NASC member operatives – a total over 17,000 employees – went through 2019 accident and injury-free. There were also no operative fatalities for the seventh consecutive year.

No other trade invites more scrutiny from third parties such as clients, site agents, engineers and the Health and Safety Executive than scaffolding; however, the sector does not seem to get the credit it deserves.

In the past 40 years the sector has taken on the responsibility for greatly improving safe working practices, technical guidance, operative competency and regulation of its contractors, manufacturers and other associated companies.

The NASC produces over 70 guidance notes, providing pertinent up-to-date safety, technical, contractual and product purchasing information on a broad range of topics – not only to its members but to all within the scaffolding fraternity and the industry in general.

The NASC committees and working parties who produce these documents are made up of representatives from over 100 member companies. They include SMEs as well as very large contractors, manufacturers, training providers, designers and HSE, plus third-party co-opted industry experts.

Top training The industry has a positive and proactive attitude when it comes to qualifying its workforce, enrolling around 400-500 apprentices annually for the past 20 years.

The standard CISRS training programmes also continue to thrive: 1,910 new entrant labourers, 2,973 trainee scaffolders, 1,699 scaffolders and 529 advanced scaffolders registered and qualified with CISRS between January and November 2019.

The scheme is based around off-site training at accredited providers, on-site experience, S/NVQ, health and safety testing and a skills test. It takes around 20-36 months to become a scaffolder. All elements must be completed satisfactorily prior to a scaffolder card being issued.

The process is robust and, despite some claiming otherwise, people do fail courses.

When that is the case they are required to go back into industry, get more experience, then repeat and satisfactorily complete the programme.

All CISRS programmes are regularly reviewed and standardised to ensure they reflect current practice and that providers pass on the relevant information to delegates via the 41 accredited centres around the UK. Sector training has come a long way in the past 40 years from Grandfather Rights and industry accreditation: via formal off-site

training Part 1, Part 2 etc (1979), requirement to complete S/NVQ Access and Rigging (1995), the first affiliate scheme approached

by CSCS (1999), Health and Safety Testing and card renewal (2000), New Entrant Labourer card (2003), removal of Assessed Route of Entry (1996-2006), Systems Scaffold Training (2006), Scaffold Inspection (2007) and Supervisory Training (2007).

One of the most recent additions, in 2017, was the CPD and refresher training requirement which must be completed every five years prior to card renewal.

As with all walks of life, there is room for improvement within the scaffolding sector; but the industry is not afraid to tackle any issues it encounters, usually finding a solution from those within its own sector and then rolling it out to wider industry.

It has made great strides in recent years. It is a safe, regulated and qualified trade and can provide a lucrative and very varied career. q • For more information on the NASC’s on-going efforts to drive safety standards upwards visit www.nasc.org.uk. For more on CISRS and CISRS cards visit www.cisrs.org.uk.

Scaffolders’ body cements links with military [ THE NASC has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), which recognises

the NASC as an organisation that is supportive of the armed forces. Delegates from the NASC have attended several events hosted by the armed forces to promote the scaffolding sector.

Despite the lockdown NASC has continued to develop partnerships that will support the objective of recruiting from the military. Discussions are advancing with Mid Kent College (MKC) to deliver scaffolding courses at the barracks in Chatham, Kent. They are very keen to work in collaboration with the NASC and CISRS to explore the possibility of delivering a bespoke PET course for ex-military personnel, as well as trainees that didn’t conclude the training.

The management team at MKC have strong links with senior officers and are happy to broker introductions with individual garrisons in order to create opportunities within the scaffolding industry.

Strong links have been formed with high-profile organisations that support ex-services personnel such as After the Military, who are keen to work in partnership with the NASC to achieve mutual objectives. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Webinar marks accident reporting relaunch [

THE International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has relaunched its worldwide accident reporting portal at www.ipafaccidentreporting.org. The relaunch is part of a major drive to gather the bestquality data from around the world – in order to analyse the data and uncover what it can teach us about improving safety in powered access.

To mark the event, IPAF hosted a free webinar looking at the latest available data in granular detail, to explain how the findings can be used to influence safety campaigns, best practice and technical guidance – as well as inform IPAF’s internationally-recognised training programme.

The webinar took place on 16 September and is now available as a recording online via www.ipaf.org/resources. It saw presenters outline how IPAF’s worldwide reporting project already helps reduce accidents through intelligence.

Peter Douglas, IPAF’s CEO and MD, gave an overview of its accident reporting project which he helped to initiate while serving as a member of the IPAF UK country council in 2012. He explained why every IPAF member should be actively engaged in this life-saving intelligence-gathering exercise.

The new IPAF reporting portal makes it easier to report an accident or near miss.

Near-miss information is ‘surprisingly useful in preventing more serious accidents’. It works on multiple devices, allows multiple users per company, and has a feature for users to register subsidiary companies.

The old portal is available until the end of this year, but anyone wishing to report an

accident or near-miss is encouraged to use the new portal right away.

The webinar also reviewed IPAF’s Global MEWP Safety Report 2016-2018, which presents key findings from 25 countries around the globe. All information gleaned through the project from its beginning in 2012 has been used to create safety awareness campaigns and inform the likes of the UK’s Health and Safety Executive and an on-going All Party Parliamentary Group inquiry into safety at height in the workplace.

Brian Parker, who is set to join IPAF as the organisation’s new head of safety and technical and a key part of IPAF’s Accident Project Work Group, looked in depth at anonymised and previously unpublished data including the latest statistics for 2019.

Deciding purely to focus on the data reported by IPAF’s UK members, he was able to take a granular look at some of the common underlying causes of accidents, locations and types of industry or activity in which they occurred.

While slightly over 60% of all the data gathered via the reporting project is from the UK, that proportion is decreasing all the time as members in other countries commit to using the portal and updating the project with detailed information about incidents.

Brian explained how data given via the IPAF portal tends to be more detailed and useful than those gleaned from national databases such as OSHA accident reports in the US. In fact, much of the third-party data has to be labouriously reviewed and cleansed to make it suitable for use in IPAF’s analysis.

He underlined his presentation with a plea for all IPAF members to engage with the newlyredesigned reporting portal, in order for IPAF to gather the best quality data and produce the most usable, industry-facing reports possible.

As an example, he outlined how information relating to accidents leading to injuries and deaths involving delivery drivers showed these almost always involve the loading or unloading process. IPAF plans accordingly to overhaul its Load/Unload Training course for 2021, as it did with its MEWPs for Managers training last year, after statistics showed many accidents could be traced back to poor planning or oversight of operations.

Peter Douglas adds: “Since taking up post as CEO, it has been a key objective of mine to lend renewed impetus to the IPAF global incident reporting project. I’m pleased that increasing numbers of members around the world see the benefits of feeding into this. I’m confident the new portal’s layout and added functionality will only increase take-up.” q

Company fined after fatal fall from height [ A SCAFFOLDING COMPANY has been fined following an

incident when a worker fell five metres and suffered a fatal head injury. Southwark Crown Court heard how, on 16 February 2017, two operatives employed by Wembley Scaffolding Services Ltd were dismantling a scaffold on Cricklewood Broadway, London.

During the process the scaffold collapsed, resulting in one of the operatives falling at least five metres onto a concrete pavement, causing serious head injuries. He died from his injuries on 4 March 2017.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company’s director, Sean Chapple, failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment, plan the work and provide a design for erection and dismantling of the scaffold. Sean Chapple himself was not knowledgeable about the measures required to do that without putting people at risk and therefore didn’t follow the correct measures to ensure safe erection and dismantling of the scaffold.

The company pleaded guilty to a number of breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £7,860 and ordered to pay costs of £8,940.

The director, Sean Chapple, also pleaded guilty to a number of breaches of both the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008. He was fined £1,000, received a 12 week prison sentence suspended for one year and was ordered to pay costs of £11,000.

After the hearing HSE inspector Saif Deen said: “This tragic incident led to the avoidable death of a young man. The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance in order to design and erect scaffolding in a safe manner, to prevent risk to workers using the scaffold. The death could have been prevented had the employer acted to identify and manage the risks involved, and to put a safe system of work in place.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Funding will revive historic high streets [

A NEW GOVERNMENT FUND to revive historic high streets across England has been unveiled by Historic England. From Plymouth to Hexham, 68 historic high streets will benefit from the £95m High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme, to help them recover from declining footfall and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lead partners for the schemes – mostly local authorities – are working with Historic England to develop and deliver schemes that will transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, work places and community spaces, restoring local historic character and improving public realm. The recipients include Bacup in Lancashire (pictured), a historic mill town on the edge of the Pennines.

The initiative is being funded with £40m from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund and £52m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund. A further £3m will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme.

Historic buildings on our high streets give great character to local towns and cities, making each one of them distinctive and appealing to people. Up to 48% of the nation's retail stock was built before 1919 and the loss of business occupiers in those historic buildings is placing them at risk and undermining the character, local identity and viability of the high street.

Launching the scheme, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “High streets sit at the heart of our communities and every part of the country deserves to have one they can be proud of. This fund will help breathe new life into high streets in towns and cities across the country – restoring

them to their full glory so that they are beautiful places for people to shop, work and enjoy.”

The HSHAZ scheme includes £7.4m to fund four years of cultural activities to engage communities with their local high streets and celebrate the role and importance of the historic areas as hubs of the community.

The cultural programme is being led by Historic England, in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson explained: “Whether it's a medieval market town, or a post-war city centre, every high street in England has a distinctive history that can be harnessed to help it achieve a prosperous future.

“Investing in heritage delivers good results for people – it means looking after and celebrating the places at the heart of our communities, and the buildings and public spaces which define their character. This investment for our Historic High Streets Action Zone scheme will unlock the potential of these precious high streets and help them thrive again.”

The difference that HSHAZ funding can make is already being seen in the Coventry demonstrator scheme. The Coventry HSHAZ, which was awarded £2m of funding, centred on revitalising the historic retail area known as The Burges. Some 21 buildings are subject to restoration and improvements works, alongside work to restore the public realm.

So far, many of the buildings have had roof repairs (above), windows replaced and six shop fronts have been restored to their former glory.

The work to complete the rest of the transformation is on track to finish at the end of November.

Carol Pyrah, executive director of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “We know how difficult coronavirus has been for high street businesses, so while everything has been closed our contractors have been working hard, with social distancing safeguards, to restore the buildings. The project will make this area a really attractive and different destination for shopping within the city, and we hope it will boost the businesses based there. q

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Guidance will help keep sites safe during the pandemic The government is regularly updating its guidance for employers, employees and the self-employed on how to work safely during COVID-19. That includes specific advice for those who work on or run construction sites and other outdoor facilities. Here GREIG McGARVA of specialist suppliers SafeSite Facilities explains the latest position.

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THE GUIDANCE sets out how to manage health, safety and security risks on site and makes specific references throughout to the importance of increasing the frequency of hand washing and sanitising, as well as enhancing cleaning procedures. That is particularly important where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full, and where a twometre distance is not possible.

One of the key steps that should be taken is to ensure hand washing facilities or hand sanitiser is available at all entry and exit points to the site. Providing hand sanitiser in any meeting rooms or communal spaces is also recommended. Encouraging all site operatives, as well as visitors, to make use of these facilities is essential to reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Steps are also set out in the guidance for sites that have been closed and wish to reopen, including increasing cleaning protocols and providing additional hand sanitisation measures, before work can recommence.

Section 5.3 of the guidance focuses specifically on hygiene and outlines the steps that should be taken on site to ensure everyone maintains good hygiene throughout the working day. These include: • Providing extra handwashing and sanitisation facilities, for example • portable pop-ups – particularly on large or busy sites.

• Displaying clear signage to encourage correct handwashing techniques • and frequency.

• Providing hand washing facilities and sanitiser in additional locations, • as well as in washrooms.

• Increasing cleaning procedures in areas of high footfall, and • establishing more frequent waste collection.

Increasing handwashing and sanitisation facilities for workers handling goods is recommended to reduce infection transmission through contact, for instance after contact with objects coming into the workplace and after contact with vehicles and equipment at the worksite. As well as ensuring personal hand hygiene, all tools, controls and machinery should be sanitised after they have been used.

Employers, employees and the self-employed are urged to prioritise safety in the event of an accident, fire or security breach. That includes safeguarding those who are responsible for the provision of first aid and ensuring appropriate handwashing and sanitation measures are followed immediately after an incident.

The importance of good hand hygiene in relation to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings is also covered in the government’s safety guidance for construction sites. If face covering are being worn by site operatives or visitors to the site, it is important that hands are washed properly – or hand sanitiser is used – before and after they are put on and taken off. q • Further information about working safely during the pandemic can be found at www.gov.uk/workingsafely. For more information about SafeSite Facilities and the measures they can help with, visit www.safesitefacilities.co.uk, email info@safesitefacilities.co.uk or call 0800 114 3194. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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HSE campaign targets dust on site [ HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTORS

across Great Britain are targeting construction firms in a month-long inspection initiative in October.

It is the fourth health-focused initiative of its kind, and as in previous years inspections will focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease: looking at the measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica and wood dust. The campaign is part of HSE’s longer-term health and work strategy to improve health in the construction industry.

While the primary focus during the programme of inspections will be on health, if a HSE inspector identifies any other areas of concern they will take the necessary enforcement action to deal with them. That will include making sure that businesses are doing all they can to protect their workers from the risk of coronavirus and make workplaces COVID-secure.

Inspectors will also be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls.

If necessary, they will use enforcement to make sure people are protected.

The construction initiative will be supported

by HSE’s Dustbuster campaign, aimed at influencing employer behaviour by encouraging builders to download free guidance and advice, increasing their knowledge and capability to protect workers’ health.

More than 3,500 builders die each year from cancers related to their work, with thousands more cases of ill-health and working days lost.

HSE’s chief inspector of construction Sarah Jardine explained: “Around 100 times as many workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work than are actually killed in construction accidents.

“Our inspection initiatives ensure that inspectors are able to speak to dutyholders and visit sites to look at the kind of action businesses in the construction industry are taking right now to protect their workers’ health, particularly when it comes to exposure to dust and damage to lungs.

“There are a few simple things that everyone can do to make sure they are protecting their

health and their future: be aware of the risks associated with activities you do every day, recognise the dangers of hazardous dust and consider how it can affect your health. We want businesses and their workers to think of the job from start to finish and avoid creating dust by working in different ways to keep dust down and wear the right mask and clothing.”

For more information on the programme of inspections, follow the campaign on Twitter at @H_S_E, or on Facebook @hsegovuk and @SaferSites. You can also join the conversation at #Dustbuster. To sign up for HSE’s construction e-bulletin go to hse.gov.uk/construction/infonet. q

CLC: Industry must lead the way in take-up of NHS COVID-19 app [INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE urged businesses of all sizes in UK

construction to lead the way in ensuring the widest possible uptake of the NHS COVID-19 app, which launched in England and Wales on 25 September.

The app enables QR check-in at venues and sites. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) believes that will be an important way for NHS Test and Trace in England and NHS Test, Trace, Protect in Wales to contact numerous people when coronavirus outbreaks are identified.

Commenting, the CLC’s co-chair Andy Mitchell CBE said: “We believe the construction industry can lead the way in encouraging the widest possible roll-out of this app, which will be vital in our national fight against COVID-19 in the weeks and months ahead.

“Construction is uniquely placed in that we have been operating throughout the pandemic using site operating procedures to ensure

COVID-secure environments – a model of safety best practice that has been taken up in other sectors and across the world.

“In addition, as well as employing some 2.3 million people, our industry is highly visible to the public in all parts of England and Wales.

“That’s why we are urging all employers in our sector to ensure QR codes are displayed prominently on sites and in workplaces, and that steps are taken to encourage employees to download the app and use it regularly on a daily basis.

“Throughout this emergency the construction industry has risen to the challenge of keeping the economy going while protecting the safety of our workforce. The NHS COVID-19 app will be another weapon in our armoury to ensure that where coronavirus outbreaks do occur, those who have been exposed are able to be contacted and told to isolate, which will be key to suppressing this disease over the next six months.” q

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Training body warns of fall away in asbestos training

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THE UK ASBESTOS TRAINING ASSOCIATION (UKATA) has raised concerns about the lack of asbestos training that has been undertaken in the construction industry since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the re-opening of construction sites in May, the number of workers undertaking asbestos training courses continues to remain well below average and is at its lowest level for five years, prompting UKATA to speak out.

The association points to figures showing a fall of 66% in those undertaking training by its approved providers over the past six months.

Prior to the crisis an average of 18,000 workers a month completed asbestos training – a figure that fell to 6,000 over the period from March to August.

UKATA’s chief operating officer Craig Evans commented: “Our concern is that health and safety training is being overlooked as construction sites push to make up for time lost during the lockdown. This not only increases construction workers’ risk of exposure to deadly asbestos, but also the buildings’ users.

“Asbestos-related health issues, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, are not identified immediately after exposure to asbestos. It takes between 15 years and up to 60 years before deadly asbestos-related diseases present themselves.

“The latency period of asbestos, coupled with a substantial drop in training numbers, could mean that the UK will be facing a greater number of deaths from asbestos over the next 15–60 years. To reduce this risk it is important that delivery of asbestos training returns to pre-COVID levels.”

Deaths from asbestos exposure have increased dramatically in the past 15 years following the widespread use of the substance between the 1950s and 70s. Since 2018 there have been more than 5,000 deaths annually in the UK from asbestos-related cancers – the largest single industrial killer ever seen in the UK. The HSE recommends that asbestos refresher training courses should be undertaken to help ensure awareness of asbestos is maintained. The asbestos regulations also make it clear that asbestos training for non-licensable and licensable asbestos works should be carried out at least annually.

To ensure asbestos training continues to be accessible during the pandemic, UKATA approved its 200 member companies and individuals to deliver asbestos courses by video conference technology.

Craig Evans added: “It is now vitally important that all construction employers and workers ensure that all asbestos training is up-to-date.

These are difficult times, but this is a matter of life or death.”

In addition to the increased risk facing construction workers, UKATA pointed to the possibility that offices and public buildings may contain deteriorating asbestos that poses extra risks to workers.

Craig Evans continued: “Our concern is that the fabric of the many workplaces and public buildings that have been closed during the COVID-19 outbreak will have declined. The very people who manage the buildings may have been furloughed and therefore they will not have been inspected for deterioration of any asbestos present. This increases the risk of exposure to deadly asbestos fibres for the buildings’ users.”

UKATA confirmed that the majority of its approved training providers are now fully operational and either delivering courses remotely online or faceto-face observing social distancing guidelines.q

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The Pavilion Manchester. Photo courtesy of Sheppard Robson LR

The green construction recovery really does grow on trees Decarbonising construction to produce more sustainable and better performing buildings will be crucial to creating a more viable ecological future. Here, ANDY GOODWIN, managing director of sustainable specialist contractor B&K Structures, considers the pitfalls surrounding a green construction recovery.

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IT CAN BE DONE – lockdown provided evidence of just what can be achieved in a few short weeks. But mitigating climate change is no small task; and as we start to return to work it is clear that both a ‘green recovery’ and securing a more resilient economy have been at the forefront of the government’s statements and plans.

The government’s response to climate change has been to set net zero carbon targets by 2050; but if further restrictions come into play I simply cannot see how this is achievable if we limit the use of our most sustainable, replenishable and natural construction material – timber.

There is a lot resting on the government’s shoulders at present, and as we wait for the decision of the MHCLG consultation the shift in the media mood is tangible. Roger Harrabin reported on BBC News that the government is planning to reduce the maximum height of structural timber buildings from six storeys to four to reduce fire risk. Harrabin rightly pointed out that such an action would contradict other advice to increase timber construction because trees lock up climate-heating carbon emissions.

Likewise, under the banner ‘Do you want beautiful, sustainable and safe tall buildings? Use wood’, Rowan Moore of The Guardian shared his perspective, stating: “This is the engineering of timber so that it can act as an alternative to steel and concrete. Its environmental benefits are compelling: whereas concrete is a particularly devastating material, said to account for 4%-8% of the world’s CO2, timber locks up the carbon absorbed by the growth of trees. While construction is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, building in wood has the potential to reduce them.”

Until recently the benefits of carbon sequestration were not widely discussed; but with the growing evidence of global warming and the need for change, sustainability is now back at the top of the construction agenda. Timber creates a natural carbon store through sequestration. For example, cross laminated timber has a net store of 676kg of CO2, /M3. In simple terms, the use of timber will have a positive impact on the environment – embodied carbon is therefore pivotal in the fight to reduce our carbon footprint.

We have been advocating that for years, and now it appears that potentially

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banning engineered timber in the external walls of residential sectors above 11m has created a groundswell of support for timber construction.

It is clear that the UK is out of step with the approach being taken by leading economies in Europe. Even within the UK, devolved governments are taking a more pragmatic and practical approach: the Scottish building regulations are eminently sensible – building up to 18m in structural timber is permitted when supported by evidence of non-combustible cladding and welldesigned fire management systems.

Global concerns to mitigate climate change have prompted some cities and governments to consider the embodied emissions of the materials we use to construct buildings, particularly the sum of all the energy required to extract, process, manufacture, transport, build and maintain each material. With that consideration in mind timber is an attractive option, since it can achieve less embodied and operational emissions in comparison to concrete and steel. In addition, the prefabrication of timber components with precision can deliver a highly-efficient building envelope that improves insulation, saves on heating and cooling and minimises thermal bridging.

In these highly uncertain times, the construction sector needs absolute certainty that there will be no backtracking on the government’s commitment to strengthen Part L of the Building Regulations. We simply must not lose sight of the UK’s ambition to create a low-carbon economy. q

Report highlights long-term benefits of building carbon zero now [ON 10 SEPTEMBER the UK Green Building

Council (UKGBC) published a new report, Building the Case for Net Zero: A feasibility study into the design, delivery and cost of new net zero carbon buildings. The publication came ahead of World Green Building Week, which ran from 21-25 September.

With expert input from engineers, designers and cost consultants, the new report looks at the implications of designing for net zero today.

The study looked at two real-life buildings at design stage: one residential block and one office building. The team considered the base designs and produced two further design iterations for each: one ‘intermediate’ scenario, looking to meet 2025 net zero performance targets, and one ‘stretch’ scenario with 2030 targets in mind. The targets used were drawn from work undertaken by RIBA, LETI and UKGBC, covering embodied and operational carbon.

To meet the 2025 targets in the intermediate scenario, the residential block design had to be altered by replacing traditional gas boilers with air source heat pumps, improving fabric insulation and reducing glazing areas to minimise heat loss. The office building design had to be altered by replacing a conventional steel and concrete structure with hybrid steel and cross-laminated timber in the superstructure, removing some fit-out finishes like suspended ceilings and introducing active chilled beams.

The cost analysis found that, for the residential building, the cost uplift was only 3.5% and for the office building it was 6.2%.

Those costs are relatively marginal and more than likely to be at least recouped through associated increases in rental and capital value, plus reduced operational costs.

The study went one step further by calculating the costs required to achieve the 2030 targets in the stretch scenario.

Unsurprisingly, the design changes required to meet that resulted in a more significant uplift in capital expenditure. The analysis for the residential building found a cost uplift of 5.3%, while for the office building the study found the uplift could be as low as 8% or as high as 17%. That highlights the need for supply chain innovation and investment early on, so as to scale the market for low-carbon solutions, thereby bringing down costs over time.

The report was co-authored by UKGBC, JLL and Hoare Lea, with expert insights from Alinea, Bennetts Associates, Cast, Cundall, EPR Architects, Heyne Tillett Steel, Landsec, Legal & General and Robert Bird Group.

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of UKGBC, said: “We’ve known for some time that taking action to make buildings greener today will add value and save costs in the longer term. But the precise cost benefit analysis of achieving net zero carbon standards on new buildings today has remained elusive. This study provides long-awaited evidence that building today to the standards of energy and carbon efficiency required by 2025 doesn’t have to cost a fortune and is likely to be offset by enhanced value in due course.

“But unsurprisingly, when it comes to building

to 2030 standards of efficiency, the current capital cost increase on a baseline 2020 design is more challenging to accommodate. To overcome that, we need a long-term consistent regulatory trajectory that tightens standards over time so as to provide the certainty and level playing field required for the supply chain to innovate and costs to come tumbling down.

“Yet again, we are reminded that more visionary policy making and bold industry leadership must go hand-in-hand in the quest for net zero carbon outcomes.” q

Using nature to green Greater Manchester [

THE IGNITION PROJECT in Greater Manchester has published its first report for businesses, Nature-based solutions to the climate emergency: The benefits to business and society.

The report provides organisations with the data they need to make informed decisions about the types of urban nature-based solutions (NBS) available to them and how they can help meet sustainability objectives to benefit business, society and the environment.

It highlights the benefits of using NBS across the built environment and aims to inspire confidence in business leaders and investors to increase the use of NBS. The information in the report is based on key findings from research conducted by the project team into the vast quantity of available scientific literature on NBS. The report presents five different nature-based solutions with their

numerous benefits collated into one place, and shows how all five have a multitude of economic, social and environmental benefits.

Key findings include: on average sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) retain 60-72% of rainwater run-off, street trees reduce air temperature by 3˚C, green roofs and green walls result in energy savings of 6.7% and 8% respectively and urban parks and green space increase property value by 9.5%.

The full detail of the research is stored in the NBS Evidence Base at www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.

IGNITION is a groundbreaking project with the aim of developing innovative solutions for Greater Manchester’s natural environment. The project is backed by €4.5m from the EU’s Urban Innovation Actions initiative, and brings together 12 partners from local government, universities, business, the Environment Agency and NGOs. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Futurebuild: the show goes on for 2021 [

FOLLOWING NEWS that exhibitions at the major venues will be able to recommence in October, organisers of Futurebuild were quick to confirm that next year’s event would be going ahead at the beginning of March.

Futurebuild – previously Ecobuild – has led the way in tackling climate change in the construction industry for over 10 years. The event brings together over 27,000 industry influencers to debate ideas, showcase products and drive real change across the built environment.

In 2021 the event’s stages will put a spotlight on six key areas to support industry transformation — whole house retrofit, digital impact, future installer, district energy, circular materials and intelligent buildings.

Event director Martin Hurn explained: “Futurebuild offers a recognised platform to showcase and promote the solutions and technologies that can really drive change, debate current issues and exchange best practice.”

One of the target sectors of next year’s show is manufacturing.

Manufacturers of construction materials are urged to bring their products to this very specific marketplace.

Martin Hurn continued: “The Government’s plan for green recovery is a good first step, but so much more is needed. Manufacturers can play a vital role in transforming our industry.”

The construction industry currently faces two main challenges: recovery after the current COVID pandemic and achieving net zero carbon.

The Chancellor’s recent announcement of £3bn in funding to reduce emissions generated by current infrastructure brings us closer to the UK’s target of net zero by 2050, but to achieve that, action needs to have taken place by 2030 at the latest, say Futurebuild’s organisers. And with this year’s show having been wiped out by the pandemic, the need to come together to debate the issues is even more urgent. q • Futurebuild will be taking place from 2-4 March at London’s ExCeL. As with previous shows, Construction National will be acting as a media partner for the event. Potential exhibitors and visitors can find out more at www.futurebuild.co.uk.

Experts highlight 30 products that have changed the world [

TO IDENTIFY key innovations in the built environment sector, Futurebuild surveyed a range of specifiers to identify the game-changing products that have shaped how they work. To inspire others in the industry, the organisers highlighted 30 products that have changed the face of the built environment and identified some future game changers.

The industry experts surveyed included Jane Wernick – consultant structural engineer at engineersHRW – Bill Dunster OBE, architect and founder of ZEDfactory, and Duncan Baker-Brown, co-founder of BBM Sustainable Design. They identified a variety of innovative materials and technologies that they regularly use – from thermal energy modelling to CO2 absorbing paint.

“We know that many of the innovative products we need to reach net zero carbon targets already exist,” explained Futurebuild’s Martin Hurn. “We need to work together, share knowledge and ideas and collaborate to make sure we can use current innovations to their full potential.”

As well as identifying products that have influenced their work, the specifiers also identified the game-changing products that they would like to see developed to meet any current challenges they face. For example, zero-carbon concrete, plasterboard alternatives or green roll-out roofs.

“As humans, we spend nearly all our time indoors,” explained Chaline Church, interiors architect and founder of Freespace Design. “In the near future, I’d like to see a range of circular products be brought to market to create healthy Hemp insulation – one of the 30 game-changers identified by industry experts interiors. For example, healthy bonding agents could replace bad glues and resins in furniture to reduce toxicity, which across the built environment. Three quarters of Futurebuild visitors could boost our comfort and immune systems.” come to the event to see the latest innovations.

Product pioneers can showcase their innovations at Futurebuild To read more about the game-changing products influencing specifiers and 2021. The event will bring together a receptive audience of specifiers to reveal your game-changer visit www.futurebuild.co.uk/game-changers. q and key decision makers looking for products to help them drive change

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Heat pump association welcomes Green Homes Grant announcement [THE Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) has

welcomed the establishment by the government of its £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme. In particular, the GSHPA said it was ‘very pleased’ to see heat pump technologies included in the announcement of eligible measures under the scheme.

The heat pump industry, says the GSHPA, has the ability not only to reduce emissions, but also to upskill the UK heating workforce and to create new employment by significantly increasing the ground source drilling segment and other associated roles.

The Green Homes Grants will give homeowners, including owner occupiers and social/private landlords, vouchers to install one or more of the following: • Solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation • Air source or ground source heat pump • Solar thermal In addition, households can use their voucher for further energy saving measures. These include one or more of the following: • Double or triple glazing/secondary glazing, when replacing single • glazing • Upgrading to energy efficient doors • Hot water tank/appliance, tank thermostats/heating controls The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said of the scheme: “The Green Homes Grant is a vital part of our plan for jobs as we

secure the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus. This is going to be a green recovery with concern for our environment at its heart. It will help to protect and create jobs, while also saving people money and cutting carbon.”

The GSHPA pointed out that steps were already in place to enhance training and consumer awareness of heat pumps and to further improve standards across all aspects of the heat pump industry as the market develops. These will now be accelerated in partnership with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and others.

Reducing emissions through the electrification of heat contributes to the delivery of Net Zero 2050, to significant improvements in urban air quality, and to energy security and the UK balance of payments, by onshoring energy resources.

Bean Beanland of the GSHPA said: "With the electricity industry rapidly increasing the options for heat pump compatible tariffs, there has never been a better time for homeowners to invest in heat pump technology.”

The GSHPA brings together over 120 practitioners, consultants and other interested parties from across the UK ground and water source industry to develop a strong, dynamic and sustainable environment for low carbon heating and cooling systems that are based on heat capture, storage and transfer, including heat (and cooling) sharing networks and demand-side management and response. q

Work resumes on 60-home ground source conversion [ WORK HAS RECOMMENCED at a site in Oxford where 60

homes are being equipped with ground source heat pumps. The scheme, part of the £41m Energy Superhub Oxford project, is being delivered by specialist installer Kensa. It was halted by the COVID-19 restrictions, but has now got the green light to proceed.

The 60 homes in Blackbird Leys will demonstrate how decarbonisation of heating using ground source heat pumps can interact with local energy systems to allow millions of homes to cut carbon and costs, and adopt a ‘smart cities’ model.

Cllr Tom Hayes, deputy leader of Oxford City Council, visited the project as work resumed. He declared: “I am delighted that Blackbird Leys residents are first in line to benefit from a heat pumps system that saves them money and shrinks the city’s carbon footprint.

Oxford’s Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change was clear that greener homes would be better homes, cheaper to heat.

“It was brilliant to visit the site of the new heat pumps, talk with the people making this aspect of Energy Superhub Oxford happen, and see at a social distance the positive impacts for local people.

This year we have taken exciting steps forwards as part of the Energy Superhub Oxford project, with the installation of electric vehicle chargers, electrification of the city council’s fleet, and delivery of the electricity transformer to the National Grid substation in Cowley.”

The residents at Blackbird Leys will have their night storage heating system replaced with Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pumps coupled with Switchee heating controls, which will constantly sense, learn and respond to the inhabitant’s behaviour.

The smart heating system at Blackbird Leys is expected to save residents 3,520 tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime and cut their current night storage heating bills to levels lower than that of mains gas – all without adding strain to the UK’s electricity grid: a triple-challenge the renewables industry must overcome to ensure low-carbon ground source heat pump technology is more widely adopted by society. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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