5 The London Eye’s long-term future secured
8 The Flooring Show 2024: A record-breaking celebration of innovation and networking! 14 Porcelain Superstore on how to bring personality to the smallest of bathrooms 18 Kitchen Makeovers celebrates six months of success
It’s no secret the reputation of new-build housing is becoming increasingly negative among UK residents. In fact, a 2023 study by the CIOB found that almost a third of people would describe new builds as ‘poor-quality’, with over half of the respondents believing that older homes are of better quality
What exactly are the reasons behind this belief? In this article, the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) explores how the materials used in new builds compare to those of the Victorian era, and the impact of today’s homes on their residents and the environment.
Modern homes have both obvious similarities and stark differences to those of the 19th century. In the Victorian era, houses were built using local materials, due to the ease of transportation. Following the abolishment of the tax on glass and bricks in the 1850s, brick, timber and glass became standard materials in most homes.
In the 21st century, housebuilders are using more plastics in nearly every part of construction, from flooring to insulation, and fittings for applications like pipes, seals, windows, doors and cables, due to the low cost of the material.
Until relatively recently, copper was the material of choice for transporting water and heat. Plastic pipes have unfortunately become more commonplace, despite growing evidence highlighting its adverse health and environmental effects.
Increasing quality concerns around new build houses also bring into question the durability of the materials used, with common issues including cracks and leaky pipes. It’s no surprise residents are moving house more often, to avoid costly maintenance works.
Meanwhile, Victorian properties are more durable, with over a quarter of the
British population living in them. Thanks to the traditional building techniques that prioritised quality materials like handcrafted bricks and copper pipes, these homes have stood the test of time.
With plastics in all areas of the modern home, this unfortunately impacts on the longevity of today’s stock. Not only do plastics deteriorate more quickly than traditional materials, but they have associated fire and health risks, posing a serious threat to human health.
While modern homes excel in incorporating new technologies, appliances and building quality and environmental standards, there remain lessons to be learnt from the past. The average new build home has a lifespan of just 40-60 years, whereas Victorian properties incorporating natural materials have proven to hold for more than 100 years with some TLC. Among the most resilient materials are copper pipes and plated wiring, natural stone, all-wood floors and steel.
One lesson we can take from the past even predates the Victorians – copper has been used to transport water for over 4,000 years. Unlike plastic, it is fire resistant and infinitely recyclable, rendering it a superior and long-lasting material.
For more information on the sustainability credentials of copper, visit: www.cuspuk.com
SubOne of the UK’s most iconic visitor attractions – the lastminute.com London Eye – has had its long-term future secured, after Lambeth Council confirmed that it could remain on London’s South Bank
At the meeting of the Council’s Planning Applications Committee, Lambeth Councillors voted unanimously to support a recommendation from officers to discharge a condition attached to the 2003 planning permission that required the local planning authority to decide whether the attraction could be retained beyond 2028.
This followed the submission of a report for Merlin Entertainments co-ordinated by Lichfields which assessed the continued acceptability of the Eye in this location. The comprehensive assessment included Further Environmental Information assessing a range of topic areas, with assessments from Lichfields on planning, heritage, townscape and socio-economic impacts.
Lichfields identified the wide ranging benefits of the London Eye, including £143 million GVA per annum within London and over 200 direct jobs, as well as the benefits that elevated views of heritage assets such as the adjacent world Grade II* County Hall and the World Heritage site at The Palace of Westminster has to users of the London Eye.
The Council agreed with the conclusions of the report and that the benefits of the London Eye weighed significantly in their decision. In approving the report the Committee has confirmed that the Eye can remain in place – with current arrangements continuing beyond 2028.
This includes a requirement for 1% of the attraction’s annual turnover to be paid towards the maintenance and management of the public area surrounding the site. These monies are invested in partnership with South Bank Employers’ Group and South Bank Business Improvement District. Last night’s decision builds on the planning and EIA advice Lichfields has
provided on the London Eye since 1999 when Lichfields secured the temporary planning permission for the 32 capsule London Eye and subsequently a separate planning permission and listed building consent for its retention in 2003.
Nick Thompson and Hannah Whitney, who led Lichfields’ work, said “We are very pleased with the decision and having advised on this project for 25 years seen it become such a popular feature providing many benefits for the local area, London and the UK. We are delighted that it will be in place for future generations to enjoy.”
Speaking following the decision, Merlin’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott O’Neil, said: “A landmark decision for a landmark attraction. The London Eye is both the centrepiece of Merlin’s central London offering and visitors’ itineraries, drawing millions to the South Bank each year to enjoy unrivalled views of the capital.”
“It is impossible to imagine the London skyline without the iconic structure of the London Eye, and with its longterm future secure, we will continue to invest and expand Merlin’s presence in this great city, which is one of our key gateway clusters. We will work closely with key partners locally, including the re-elected Mayor Sadiq Khan, to further boost London’s attractiveness to both international and domestic visitors, offering them experiences that bring joy and everlasting memories.”
Merlin’s Divisional Director of Gateway UK, Sunny Jouhal added: “It was clear from the council meeting that there is strong and enthusiastic support for the Eye – and a recognition of the immensely positive contribution it makes to the vibrancy of this part of London and the businesses and communities it works with on a daily basis.
“When the Eye first opened at the turn of the century, no-one could have envisaged it would become synonymous with all that is great about our capital city. Following this decision by Lambeth Council, we can now confirm that this attraction will continue to play its part, long beyond 2028, in attracting visitors to the South Bank. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with others to further boost footfall in the surrounding area – whilst also ensuring that our contributions help make this area a safe, sustainable and welcoming place to visit.”
Building services consultanc chapmanbdsp proudly announces the appointment of Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen, FCIBSE as Associate Director in their sustainability team
With a dynamic background encompassing academia and industry, Dorte brings a wealth of expertise in driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions within the built environment.
Beginning as a mechanical building services engineer, Dorte brings extensive
experience from her career with a strong sustainability focus, completing a PhD on improving energy efficiency to close the performance gap. She has consistently championed research and development whilst bringing leadership to foster sustainability as a function within commercial operations. She is passionate about building high performing teams with a culture where everyone can thrive.
In her new role at chapmanbdsp, Dorte will spearhead sustainability initiatives across the business as well as fostering industry-wide collaboration.
Ray Upjohn, chapmanbdsp Chief Executive says, “Dorte’s appointment reflects the fast-moving nature of sustainability today. Her expertise and leadership will elevate our commitment to innovation and best practice in this area, ensuring we continue to deliver groundbreaking solutions.”
Dr Dorte Rich Joergensen says, “I’m really excited to make a difference to the delivery of projects, to provide the best possible service to clients, and facilitate growth with everybody in the team expanding their knowledge and expertise around sustainability.”
As a company, chapmanbdsp looks forward to the impact of Dorte’s skillset as part of its mission to drive innovation and excellence in the built environment sector.”
To learn more about ChapmanBDSP, visit: www.chapmanbdsp.com
Celebrating its largest edition to date, The Flooring Show welcomed hundreds of brands and thousands of visitors to the Harrogate Convention Centre from 15-17 September, for a fantastic 3 days of purchasing, networking and innovation
Thanks to the expansion into Hall Q the show was able to welcome more names than ever before and consequently saw the highest number of exhibitors and visitors in attendance in its 62-year history.
Over 400 brands featured at this year’s show, across 6 halls and 2 hotels. The show featured an impressive array of displays from top flooring manufacturers.
Visionary professionals in the industry presented an extensive variety of products spanning the breadth of the industry. Attendees had the chance to view and touch numerous flooring samples, exploring a wide spectrum of colours, textures, materials, and designs. Suppliers seized the opportunity to present their latest collections, debut new products, and engage directly with distributors. Many exhibitors went the extra mile with interactive booths, offering games, prize draws, and live demonstrations to captivate visitors.
The Flooring Show is not just about purchasing. The show offers opportunity for improving industry knowledge and discovering new products. Across all three days of the show, the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), supported by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), hosted the Demo Zone. The expert instructors provided insightful demonstrations for visitors on a range of new techniques and products including
subfloor moisture solutions, smoothing compounds, adhesives, domestic vinyl, engineered wood floor, floating floor systems, carpet underlay, and LVT installations amongst others.
The Campaign for Wool and the Wool Carpet Focus Group collaborated again in the Wool Trends Centre, creating a space where visitors could see a carefully curated display of the latest wool carpet trends from a selection of leading wool flooring suppliers, including organic textures, natural wool colours, bright shades for plains and patterning and ‘carpet art’ for hallways and stair areas. The Campaign for Wool and British Wool also used the show to promote the return of Shaun the Sheep as ‘ambaaa-ssador’ as part of a collaborative promotional campaign ‘Shaun Loves Wool’ to help educate and promote wool flooring as sustainable and good for the planet.
New for 2024, the Design Spotlight created a dedicated space in Hall Q for those visitors looking for unique, design-driven, innovative residential and commercial flooring solutions. Participating brands included Bjelin UK,
Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd, V4, Veeuze, and Welfloor.
The NICF Fitter of the Year competition took place across Sunday 15th and Monday 16th in the King’s Suite, with a focus on carpet installation. Five finalists, Darren Ash, Richard Long, Joni Reeves, Gareth Williams, and Steve Whitburn, went head-to-head, with Richard Long coming away as the 2024 champion. This year’s much-loved ‘judges challenge’ was awarded to Steve Whitburn after his impressive waistcoat made of waste carpet wowed the judges. Congratulations to all competitors!
Back for a second year, the Sustainability Trail showcased the exhibitors actively working toward a more environmentally friendly future through their implementation of sustainable practices. On Sunday 15th, at the exhibitor drinks reception, the champion of the Sustainability Award 2024 was announced. Well-deserved winners, Texfelt Ltd, believe it “Shouldn’t cost the earth to save the earth”. The extensive policies they have in place to reduce their environmental impact, clear goals for 2025 and beyond, and recent launch of their Springbond Eco-Step 8mm range made Texfelt Ltd deserving winners. A big thank you to our judges: The Carpet Council, Floorsauce, Unlock Net Zero and John Lewis.
Group Exhibition Director, Alex Butler, reflected on this year’s show, remarking “Thank you to all the visitors and exhibitors who supported The Flooring Show 2024. It was fantastic to see the entire flooring industry come together, and the sense of community and collaboration was clearly evident from start to finish. This year was extra special with the launch of Hall Q, and we couldn’t be happier with the feedback we’ve received. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for an even bigger and better event… watch this space!”
More content from this year’s show will be revealed over the coming months. Be sure to keep an eye on The Flooring Show’s website and social media platforms to stay up to date with the latest
happenings.
If you’re interested in visiting or exhibiting at our 2025 event taking place from 21-23 September at the Harrogate Convention Centre, head to theflooringshow.com to register your interest.
Please visit our website, to find out more: www.theflooringshow.com
LinkedIn | The Flooring Show Instagram | theflooringshow
As part of a £38.8m refurbishment of a Birmingham City Centre commercial office space, a wide variety of luminaires from high-performance lighting manufacturer, Light Forms, have been specified into the upgraded building
The office space sits within Brindleyplace; a large, mixed-use canal-side development in the heart of Birmingham. It is home to restaurants, shops, leisure offerings such as the Sealife Centre, and a number of commercial office buildings.
Wilmott Dixon Construction was appointed by the building owner CBRE Investment Management to combine two separate sites – 8 and 10 Brindleyplace – into one large building. The transformation would also create a more modern space with a focus on smart technology, sustainability and wellness. Not only was this better from an environmental perspective, it would help to attract future occupants of the office and ensure the area remains buoyant and commercially successful.
Given the focus on sustainability, LED lighting was an important part of delivering improved energy savings and a better carbon footprint. A plethora of solutions have been specified by Light Forms, fulfilling many of the lighting requirements of the refurbishment project. These were primarily specified by Wilmott Dixon Interiors, who were responsible for the internal fit-out of the renovated offices.
Light Forms was able to offer a wide variety of solutions for the project given its well-rounded and all-encompassing portfolio. This is alongside Light Forms’ commitment to offering flexible products that can be adapted and customised in a variety of ways to best suit the needs of each and every project.
These include Lightplane 2.5; a compact and streamlined luminaire that provides direct, indirect or direct-indirect illumination. Offering the adaptability that Light Forms is renowned for, Lightplane 2.5 can be suspended, wall or surface mounted. The Brindleyplace office is
using the prismatic lens for low UGR, which delivers a more pleasant and healthier working environment.
Elsewhere in the building, Light Forms Cygnus Round luminaires have been used, along with ValueDown. Cygnus Round is a minimalist, high-power LED track spot with a wide range of light sources and optics. ValueDown is a budget-friendly, recessed downlight spot fixture that may be specified in multiple outputs with a beam spread of 15, 25 or 40 degrees.
Other specified solutions include Nova Medium 62, Leo, Indus, Slimline 1.25, TinCan, Lightrod 80 and Panel Up and Under.
Completing the project are the EM surface, EM Recessed and EM Exit. These are all part of Light Forms’ LED Emergency luminaire range, which encompasses both emergency spotlights and exit signs. The lighting configuration and control was completed by Mymesh; wireless controls designed for professional and demanding environments.
Harry Prior, Managing Director from Light Forms said: “Brindleyplace offices are an enviable location within Birmingham city centre, offering ease of access, an attractive waterside setting and stunning architecture. To have our luminaires featured so heavily in this exciting renovation project to bring two spaces together was incredibly exciting. Furthermore, it truly demonstrates how much our portfolio can meet the needs of even the most ambitious refurbishments, including those where sustainability is a key part of the work.”
The overhaul has now linked the two formerly separate sites into one building, creating 212,000 sq ft of office space
over nine floors. The location also boasts of the city’s largest available floorplans at over 27,000 sq ft. Other improvements include internal reconfiguration such as the brand-new reception area. Extra facilities have been added including a café, business lounge and conference facilities.
The redevelopment has achieved a number of accreditations, including Fitwel; a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing. It has also been awarded other certifications including EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent.
Client: CBRE
Contractor: Wilmott Dixon
Architect: Associated Architects
Consultant: CPW
Controls: Mymesh
For more information on Light Forms, please visit: www.lightforms.com
Introducing two projects that are testament to the adaptability and versatility of designer bathrooms from Duravit:
• Richly varied bathroom interior harmoniously created with White Tulip by Philippe Starck
• Pared-down minimalism combines Nordic flair with Asian influences
A radically streamlined bathroom, or a carefully composed design with exacting attention to detail? These are examples of two reference projects that have been fully fitted out with Duravit products that showcase the potential for personalized bathroom design. American designer and architect Robert McKinley shows how different design styles can be combined with vintage elements to create a complete work of art. Whilst the Dutch influencer Melike Doganbas, masterfully proves how little is needed to create a room atmosphere full of clarity and lightness.
The bathroom as a journey
The award-winning designer Robert McKinley and his eponymous firm –Studio Robert McKinley – have been working with Duravit products for more than eight years. He and his talented team design holiday homes located on Long Island, New York. Each house has its own unique interior: featuring an eclectic yet tidy design inspired by the natural environment. “Each of our bungalows has its own charisma. Our latest bungalow is connected to the bay, the beach and the rugged coast where it is located,” explained Robert. “When we designed the house, we sought to blur the boundaries between tradition and modernity by mixing the old and the new and playing with textures and surfaces
that we felt connected in harmonious ways.”
To be able to offer the requisite standard, Studio Robert McKinley favours Duravit designs produced in collaboration with renowned designers. McKinley’s favourites include the Philippe Starck ranges and Happy D.2 from sieger Design.
Minimalism: the principle of simplicity
In stark contrast to Studio Robert McKinley’s approach is the style of bathroom design by the Dutch influencer Melike Doganbas, who pushes the principle of minimalism to its limits. True to the motto “less is more”, she radically rejects superfluous decoration, textiles,
and care products. Instead, she focuses on strict order, a neutral color palette, and natural light.
This approach is highlighted by the elegant Nordic console washbasin by Cecilie Manz with Satin Matt lacquer and a matching quartz surface. With its precise edges and clear forms, the above-counter basin of the series is an ideal enhancement to the overall design. The addition of the freestanding bathtub from the Zencha series by Sebastian Herkner creates a spacious atmosphere in the room, perfectly showcasing the selected products.
For more information, please visit: www.duravit.com
Clinical white décor might be the go-to for compact bathrooms, but expert advice from one of the UK’s leading independent tile retailers reveals colour and pattern can have a big impact
Porcelain Superstore, which is renowned for its bold tile collections, believes homeowners with small bathrooms can still inject plenty of personality.
Abbas Youssefi, Founder of Porcelain Superstore, said: “The bathroom is a great place to get creative, as it’s a more private space.
“Patterned tiles are a great choice for bathrooms, as they’re full of life. However, as bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side, the key is to not overwhelm the room. Less can be more, so instead of tiling your whole room in patterned tiles, a feature wall behind the shower, or a decorative floor will have lots of impact.”
Here Abbas shares his top tips on how to use tiles to bring personality into even the most cramped of bathrooms.
Go big
It might seem counterintuitive to use big tiles in a small space, but they are a solid option according to Abbas.
He said: “Larger tiles can make a small bathroom feel more expansive as they reduce the number of grout lines, creating a more seamless look. However, there’s always a balance - avoid overly large tiles that can look out of place in tiny rooms, as well as leaving you with awkward slithers of cut tiles at the edges.”
Choose wisely
While patterns can be used to make small bathrooms pop, it’s essential to pick the right type.
Abbas said: “While they’re undoubtedly beautiful, patchwork-style patterned tiles can easily be overwhelming. Instead, look towards geometric patterns with simple repeating designs. On-trend diagonal tiles will add a sense of dynamic energy to smaller floors.”
Line-up
Got a low ceiling? Vertical tiles can make a ceiling feel higher, while horizontal tiles
can make the room feel wider. Abbas said: “A huge trend right now is for extra-long wall tiles - at over double the length of traditional wall tiles, they will really help make narrow galley bathrooms feel wider.”
Don’t mix and match
Try and stick to a cohesive colour palette, to maintain visual harmony. If you’re using patterned tiles on the floor, finish your walls in plain tiles in a complementary colour.
Abbas said: “Visual clutter is best avoided.”
And finally
The key element to consider while choosing your tiles: natural light. Abbas said: “Glossy, lighter tiles are the way forward in small bathrooms that are short of natural light. These will bounce light around and increase the sense of space.”
Porcelain Superstore have a wealth of tiles suitable for making a small bathroom feel roomier. Head to the website now to shop the collection: www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk
Revamping your bathroom isn’t just about sprucing up your living space; it’s a smart decision with lasting advantages that go beyond looks
UK Bathrooms explores why a bathroom makeover is a wise investment, benefiting both your home and your lifestyle.
Upgrading your bathroom isn’t just for your comfort; it adds significant value to your property. A modern, well-designed bathroom leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers. Use top-notch materials and the best your budget allows in stylish cabinetry to enhance your home’s perceived value. Staying updated on design trends and new bathroom fixtures adds to your home’s appeal in the competitive housing market.
A bathroom renovation can be environmentally conscious. Switching
to energy-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets and water-saving faucets helps reduce water consumption. Choose eco-friendly materials like recycled glass or bamboo to show your commitment to the environment. Consider renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and energy-efficient LED fixtures, to decrease your home’s carbon footprint and attract eco-conscious buyers.
Beyond aesthetics, focus on making your bathroom functional. Consider the flow of space and invest in smart storage solutions like built-in shelves or recessed cabinets. Incorporate technology, such as sensor-activated taps, in-built speakers or underfloor heating, for a touch of luxury and practicality. A well-designed bathroom becomes a personalized sanctuary catering to both style and functionality.
The appeal of your bathroom goes beyond tiles and fixtures. Consider the overall design, including colour palette, lighting, and ambiance. Choose a cohesive colour scheme that complements your home. Experiment with lighting options for a visually pleasing
atmosphere. Natural elements like plants or stone finishes add warmth. Personalise the space with carefully selected artwork and accessories.
Safety is crucial in a wet environment like the bathroom. Choose slip-resistant flooring and strategically place grab bars for support without compromising design. Opt for a walk-in shower to enhance accessibility and reduce tripping hazards. Explore smart technologies, like mirrors with built-in safety features, for added protection. Prioritising safety positions your home as family-friendly and thoughtful, appealing to a wider range of buyers.
Your bathroom renovation is a comprehensive investment that goes beyond cosmetic improvements. It adds tangible value, enhances energy efficiency, improves functionality, boosts aesthetics, and prioritises safety. Whether you’re selling or enhancing your living experience, a well-planned bathroom renovation promises long-term dividends for your property’s value and daily quality of life. So, when considering your next home improvement project, think about the bathroom—a space where strategic investments yield remarkable rewards.
The UK’s fast-growing kitchen renovations brand, Kitchen Makeovers, is celebrating after having achieved its best six months in business on record
With new Franchise Development Manager Jon Head having joined the team and a recent achievement of gaining over 1,000 reviews, co-founders Will Frankling and Matt Oakley have been proudly celebrating with their network of franchisees.
“It’s empowering to see how all our recent efforts to improve the business have been proven successful – so much so that August was our most profitable month since launching in 2018,” said Will. “It’s been a significantly successful year for Kitchen Makeovers, almost doubling the size of our franchise network within the last 12 months. Our overarching goal in 2025 is to reach the milestone number of 50 franchisees across the UK. Our recent success is proof that we’re well on the way to this being a reality.”
Having worked in the home renovations industry for more than 30 years, Jon Head is no stranger to the sales and B2B side of the industry. Yet, his new role has proven to be a big shift for both himself and Kitchen Makeovers.
“Working with Kitchen Makeovers has been a real career highlight to date,” explained Jon. “My role is varied but I take such personal satisfaction in supporting franchisees in the daily operations of their franchise. As a brand, we’ve invested significantly in putting the right support structure in place for our network, and I believe my joining the team has really solidified that.”
Jon’s previous experience in various roles such as National Sales Manager for a number of Kitchen Makeovers’ suppliers,
including BA Components, has provided him with the relevant insider knowledge on how to work efficiently with suppliers. By offering this unique perspective, Jon is the perfect extension of Kitchen Makeover’s team.
Through his industry knowledge, Jon has confirmed partnerships with three new suppliers since joining the company – including Capel for improved kitchen appliances, significantly improving the quality of the products and services that Kitchen Makeovers have to offer, therefore widening their market. Since starting in the new role, Jon and the head office team have also taken significant steps to improve franchisee training by extending initial training to an in-depth five-day course. Jon has even supported suppliers by connecting them with franchisees, facilitating on-site training – for both new and more established franchisees.
“I hope I can continue to evolve the brand even further next year by increasing my time out on the field with franchisees as well as adding more dynamic franchisee training on difficult areas, such as sales, which based on feedback is a topic that can feel intimidating to new business owners,” added Jon.
‘I’m thrilled to welcome Jon to our team – he’s built such a fantastic rapport with the network already and was a key spokesperson at our recent network conference,” said Will. “He has been instrumental in the success of Kitchen Makeovers in recent months – we couldn’t have done it without him. We can’t wait to see what he will go on to achieve as we look to 2025 and beyond.”
To find out more about Kitchen Makeovers, please visit: www.kitchenmakeovers.co.uk/franchise/
With a stronger team and a new year ahead, the Council for Aluminium in Building has laid out its planned event support for members in a new document
Releasing this information towards the end of 2024 helps members plan their active year ahead and it is hoped more member company teams will be available to attend events. The brochure, available on the CAB website, was released at CAB’s Autumn Forum, held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 3rd October.
The Autumn Forum is the last of the main Members meetings of the year and chance for delegates to listen to topical speakers and to be able to network with other members. This years business forum was titled ‘Contemporary Façade Design and Delivery’ and included presentations from Ffion Lanchbury and Andrew Baker of Rio Architects, Oliver Bridge of Total Facade Solutions, along with the Q&A panel that included Andrew Lee of Bouygues, Liz Williams, Housing Delivery Specialist and Steve Bramhill of UL Solutions. With over 100 members and their guests in attendance, this year’s Autumn Forum proved to be a popular event.
As CAB moves into its fourth decade, the team decided that the events in 2025 should be reviewed, keeping the popular
events, modifying others and introducing some new meetings.
2025 kicks off with the popular Spring Forum which is to take place at The Deep in Hull. The format will be a conference followed by an evening dinner and afterdinner speaker for Members and their guests. The Deep, situated overlooking the Humber estuary, is an educational and conservation charity that features an impressive Aquarium. It offers both formal and informal conservation education to a wide-ranging audience, aiming to inspire and engage. Committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, The Deep plays an active role in breeding programs and field conservation efforts.
Engaging with members and the wider trade sector sees CAB taking a stand at the FIT Show in April 2025. The stand will primarily serve as a networking and meeting area for Members and guests, providing an excellent opportunity to educate visitors about our CSCS Training and Closed Loop Recycling Schemes, as well as the advantages of joining the Association. The entire team will relocate to the NEC to address any enquiries that current and prospective members may
have concerning CAB. For the first time, FIT is adopting post-event recycling and this initiative will be prominently displayed with our Closed Loop Recycling logos, ensuring that all visitors are aware of CAB’s commitment to sustainability.
CAB has recently initiated it’s membership drive in the home improvement sector, outlining the benefits of joining the Association and promoting product development based on one of the world’s most abundant metal, aluminium. Without aluminium, the advancements in engineering technology over the last century would simply not be possible. The membership drive explains the support services offered by the Association, but more importantly, it is about belonging to a ‘family’ where businesses meet and network, to the benefit of the whole Industry creating one voice for future change.
The team have decided to bring back the popular Technical Conference in May, last held in 2018. The event will return to Loughborough University which offers easy parking and excellent facilities for a day conference. A wide range of presentations will be delivered by industry experts which will provide comprehensive insights into the issues impacting the façade Industry. The CAB Technical Committee will oversee and organise this event to guarantee that the subjects addressed are pertinent and enlightening. This event is specifically for your technical teams, allowing them to engage in the Q&A sessions and networking opportunities during coffee breaks and lunch.
In a change to the yearly ‘Golf Day, AGM and Dinner’ midyear, CAB will be launching the ‘CABfest Golf Day & Festival’. Upon completing a round of golf or arriving later in the afternoon, Members and guests will be treated to an afternoon and evening filled with live music. To enhance the ambiance, a resident DJ will be present to keep the energy high while attendees savour a variety of street food, enjoy offerings from our CABfest bar, and indulge in a Pimm’s & Prosecco cart. The objective is to provide an event where Members can reward their teams, invite distinguished guests, or simply network with fellow members and attendees.
Replacing the Autumn Forum will be a series of Regional Workshops. These
have been well attended in the past and will be held at locations in the North, Midlands and South. Attendance at these events will be complimentary, allowing Members the opportunity to engage with CAB whilst also enjoying some networking time over coffee and a bacon roll. Delegates can then return to the office for the afternoon. The primary purpose of these gatherings is to facilitate local interactions and keep Members informed about Industry developments and the development of the Association.
Completing the year, CAB will hold its popular AGM in October. The 31st Annual General Meeting will also mark CAB’s inaugural Gala Dinner and
Awards Ceremony, intended to honour membership and provide an opportunity to acknowledge your management teams or enjoy an entertaining evening with your partner. The event will feature after-dinner speakers, opportunities for engaging activities at the tables, and several surprises throughout the evening. Our Marketing Committee is committed to presenting a diverse array of awards, and importantly, the nomination process will be straightforward, eliminating lengthy forms. This will facilitate the recognition of those who have made significant contributions to promoting the use of Aluminium in the built environment.
More information about CAB’s 2025 events is available through the CAB
website. It is important to recognise that an Association belongs to its Members and the more influence that Members can bring into the Association, the further it will grow. The CAB Board of Directors is committed to grow the Association and continue to increase value for membership.
Should you wish to learn more about the use of Aluminium used in Construction, please contact CAB, join the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future.
More information on our website at: c-a-b.org.uk
Decarbonisation and net zero carbon have become buzzwords in the construction industry and beyond, with many keen to express their green credentials - but what does it all mean?
There are many similar sounding terms with slightly different meanings, and it is important to distinguish between these when discussing a route forward.
Carbon neutral is probably the easiest to achieve, particularly if you have deep pockets. Carbon neutrality simply means that all calculated carbon emissions have been offset to effectively neutralise the impact of them. The problem with this is it does not necessarily require any actual carbon reduction and carbon offsets can be purchased for as little as 10 USD per tonne.
The term net zero expands the definition to include all greenhouse gases usually expressed as a CO2 equivalent value. Furthermore, net zero is typically understood to require a reduction in carbon emissions first, with offsets only being the final step in the greenhouse gas mitigation hierarchy.
The differences are important as there are clear differences in outcomes. A company or building can claim to be carbon neutral by simply purchasing offsets. This often does nothing in the immediate term to reduce the emissions being emitted and contributing to climate change. For example, one of the preferred schemes is to plant trees. On face value this is a perfect initiative; trees absorb CO2 as they grow, they create habitats for wildlife and can reduce the ‘heat island’ effect which occurs when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of buildings that absorb and retain heat.
The problem with this is that the typically quoted value of around one tonne of CO2 per tree is not realised until the tree is fully grown. This can take over 100 years, by which point, the damage has already been done.
All of this is not to say that carbon offsetting should not be part of the solution. It can be an excellent funding mechanism for decarbonisation projects that may otherwise never see the light of day. Carbon offsets should still be utilised but only as a last resort, after all other avenues for active carbon reduction have been considered.
Given the delayed carbon sequestration from planting trees, the construction industry is facing an urgent need to prioritise immediate carbon emissions over annual emissions from building operations. This new focus is vital to align with global climate goals and to understand the true environmental impact of construction projects.
The traditional “fabric first” approach has been an industry standard in reducing a building’s energy demand by focusing on the building’s envelope to minimise heat loss. This approach has led to strategies like increasing insulation to levels seen in passive house standards. However, with the ongoing shift towards a decarbonising grid, this emphasis on insulation may need to be reevaluated.
Carbon emissions from building operations are continually decreasing as energy production becomes cleaner. Consequently, the added insulation’s impact is diminishing, sometimes leading to diminishing returns. A prime example is the move from double to triple glazing, which requires up to 50% more glass and thicker insulation, resulting in an inherent increase in embodied carbon.
These increases in embodied carbon can take decades to pay back through operational energy savings and may
never be achieved in some buildings’ lifespan. This brings forth a need for a more nuanced approach that doesn’t solely focus on U-values but also accounts for the whole life cycle impacts of the building. For instance, the construction industry can explore alternative materials like aerogels made from construction waste or wood fibres, which provide insulation with lower embodied carbon. Such innovative solutions can maintain high levels of insulation while reducing the overall carbon footprint.
The traditional hierarchy of design, which consists of reducing demand, improving efficiency, and incorporating renewable energy, also needs to be reevaluated. The problem lies in its lack of consideration for the building’s whole life carbon perspective. Different buildings have different needs. For example, an old building with a gas-based system may still benefit significantly from insulation improvements, while a new, airtight building heated by high-efficiency heat pumps may not and such improvements are likely to increase the embodied carbon with minimal impact on the operational energy.
This variance emphasises the importance of life cycle carbon assessments early in the design process. Such assessments should inform major design decisions through construction, considering not only the building’s operational phase but also its construction, maintenance, and end-of-life stages. By shifting the focus from solely operational carbon to a more comprehensive life cycle view, the industry can better align with global sustainability goals.
The case for whole life carbon assessments is clear and assessing a building from cradle to grave is the only way to truly assess its impact, while designing with cradle-to-cradle principles in mind allows the design to consider the future and ensures that at the end of a building’s lifecycle, building materials can repurposed for future use as part of a
To do this, the industry will need to rethink not only the design of the buildings, but the approach to design by incorporating the necessary expertise much earlier in the design process. It requires a major shift where short-term energy efficiency measures are balanced with long-term considerations of embodied carbon. The move towards considering immediate carbon emissions as more critical is not just a technological challenge but also a cultural one, requiring collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to redefine traditional practices. Only by embracing this holistic approach can the construction industry genuinely contribute to a low carbon future and reduce the greenwashing implications that can arise from only focusing on the more visible aspects of a building.
