UK Construction Journal V18N05

V18 N05

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NEWS - 6

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COMMENTS 12 Water Water… Everywhere 26 Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme – ESOS 28 Return on investment & your personality type.. Thinking beyond financial metrics 32 Good faith and construction contracts 36 Why a buoyant construction industry is fed up with politics 38 The problem with SUD’s is that they are designed by engineers 40 Has traditional marketing had its day?

45 Dr David Hancock calls construction industry to action packed NEC users group annual seminar 62 Tom Tom Telematics 63 Are electric LCV’s a viable solution for the construction industry?

Managing Editor Victoria Lee Editor Gareth Trevor-Jones Editorial Robert Atherton Designer Richard Gill Proof Reader Matthew Brown Approvals Sarah Smith Administration Alecia Rowe Credit Control Carol Ryan

CIVIL 14 DECC initiative pumps new light into water sources heating

EDUCATION 42 Setting new standards in education

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HOUSING 48 Vista – A new look for zero carbon housing developments

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PROFILE 50 Euro Garages 54 4 Crosses Construction 57 Enabling Zero Wase

LEISURE 58 West Warwickshire Sports Club

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ISSN 1461-1279 UK Construction Media Stirling House Ackhurst Business Park Chorley PR7 1NY T: 01257 231900 E: admin@ukconstructionmedia.co.uk www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk

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

CDM2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 Providing Skills and Knowledge The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM2015) received Parliamentary approval on 29th January 2015, and came into force on 6th April 2015.

On 2nd April the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published the final version of the HSE guidance document, L153, Managing health and safety in construction, which can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l153.htm.

The link goes to the final version, not the draft as indicated on the webpage.

The CONIAC industry guides have also been issued as final, and can be found at: www.citb.co.uk/health-safety-andother-topics/healthsafety/construction-design-and-managementregulations/cdm-guidance-documents

Callsafe CDM2015 Courses

The courses available from Callsafe Services Limited for CDM2015 are described below:

CDM2015 Briefing

This 4.5 hours course is designed to provide personnel who perform the duties of client, project manager, designer, principal contractor and contractor, who are familiar with CDM2007, with an understanding of the requirements of the CDM Regulations 2015.

CDM2015 Overview

This 1 day course is designed to provide all persons involved in construction projects, including current and potential clients, project managers, principal designers, designers, principal contractors and contractors with a broad overview on the CDM Regulations 2015.

CDM2015 Client

This 1 day course is designed to provide personnel who are tasked by their organisation to perform the Client’s duties with a sound understanding of the Client’s responsibilities & duties under the CDM regulations 2015 and what should be expected of the principal designer, designers, the principal contractor and contractors.

CDM2015 Reducing Risk by Design

This 1 day course is designed to provide personnel who perform the duties of a Designer with the necessary knowledge and confidence in the performance of the task for full compliance with the designers’ duties under CDM2015.

CDM2015 Principal Contractor and Contractors

This 1 day course is designed to provide principal contractors and contractors with the construction health and safety

management requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, including the preparation of the construction phase plan, which is required for all projects, even those with only one contractor.

APS CDM2015 Awareness

This 1 day course is designed to provide all persons involved in construction projects, including current and potential clients, project managers, principal designers, designers, principal contractors and contractors with a broad overview on the CDM Regulations 2015. This course has been accredited by the Association for Project Safety (APS).

CDM2015 APS Principal Designer Awareness

This 1 day course is only an awareness course. It will inform on what the Principal Designer should be doing, but does not go into the detail of how it should be done. It is aimed at clients and designers who might be taking on the Principal Designer duties, but employing a CDM Adviser to discharge the Principal Designer functions on their behalf or assist them with their CDM duties.

This course is currently being developed for accreditation by the Association for Project Safety (APS).

APS Design Risk Management & CDM2015 for Designers

This 2 day course is aimed at Design Risk Managers and Design Managers who do not lead the Principal Designer team, but who manage the requirements of design risk and CDM2015 for Designers. The course could be suitable for Principal Designers if they are experienced in the design requirements of CDM2007. This course has been re-accredited, after being amended for CDM2015, by the Association for Project Safety (APS).

APS CDM2015 Certificate in the Management of Pre-construction Health and Safety This 3 day course is aimed at those persons who will be performing the duties of the Principal Designer on behalf of their employer, who has been appointed to this role by the

Client. It provides knowledge on the requirements, methods that could be used to achieve these requirements and the personal qualities necessary. The course also provides for the additional services that could be offered by the Principal Designer for advising and assisting the client with the Client’s duties. This course is currently being developed for accreditation by the Association for Project Safety (APS).

CDM2015 APS Certificate in Principal Designer Service

This 3 day course is aimed at those persons who will be performing the duties of the Principal Designer on behalf of their employer, who has been appointed to this role by the Client. It provides knowledge on the requirements, methods that could be used to achieve these requirements and the personal qualities necessary. This course is currently being developed for accreditation by the Association for Project Safety (APS).

In-House Courses

All of the courses are offered as ‘in-house’ courses, where the trainer presents the course at a venue provided by the delegates’ employer, and are priced at a daily rate.

Public Courses

The APS accredited courses are occasionally available as publicly available courses. The dates and venues for these courses that will be available summer/autumn 2015 will be arranged soon.

Contact

Further details of courses can be found at: www.callsafe-services.co.uk To obtain further information, to discuss your specific requirements and/or to book a course, contact Gemma Esprey at: gemma.esprey@callsafe-services.co.uk or by phone on: 01889 577701.

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UKC NEWS

BiP Solutions acquires Pro-Mark Media BiP Solutions (BiP), the leading provider of business intelligence solutions for the public/private sector marketplace, has acquired Pro-Mark Media (PMM) – one of the UK’s leading construction media companies with an established portfolio of digital magazines and online channels.

The acquisition brings together two businesses with more than 50 years’ combined experience of providing the construction sector supply chain with targeted market intelligence and opportunities to promote its capabilities and expertise.

BiP has more than 30 years’ experience of helping businesses identify and win contracts within both the public and private sectors; many of which are construction orientated. While formed in 2013, PMM calls on more than 19 years experience of publishing magazines and providing online services that promote opportunities within the supply chains for construction projects. Both businesses have successfully moved their offerings to a digital platform, and are expert in bringing buyers and suppliers together through the provision of high-value content.

Ron Burges, Founder and Executive Chairman of BiP Solutions said: “The acquisition of Pro-Mark Media is an exciting venture for BiP Solutions and comes at exactly the right time for both companies.

Ron Burges, BiP Solutions

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The construction sector in the UK is set for considerable growth, and our combined expertise, market reach and intelligence will allow us to develop and create products that are rich in value and insight. We are delighted to welcome Pro-Mark Media into the BiP family, and believe that our customers – current and future – will benefit greatly from this venture.”

Adrian Dunleavy, Chairman of ProMark Media said: “Pro-Mark Media has combined a strong heritage with products right for today’s vibrant construction market and we now are delighted to be joining the BiP family. This transaction marks the next stage in the development of our business, it offers the potential for our clients to access a wider product portfolio and for our company to work within a dynamic and progressive organisation. Pro-Mark Media want to remain at the pinnacle of modern b2b media and by working with BiP going forward we are confident of achieving that.”

PMM, which employs 30 staff, will continue to be based in Chorley. BiP, which employs 160 staff at its premises in Glasgow and also has offices in London and Dublin, will share management and other resources with PMM. BiP’s brands include its flagship Tracker business intelligence service, the Delta e-sourcing solution for public sector buyers and an events portfolio covering

the defence, health and wider public sector. PMM’s brands under the UK Construction Media banner include UK Construction Online, UK Construction Journal and Building Scotland.

About BiP Solutions

••BiP Solutions offers business intelligence services, consultancy services, inhouse training and focused events, providing buyers and suppliers with invaluable procurement guidance ••BiP is an established authority on all aspects of public procurement, and advise thousands of organisations in the UK and Europe on how to achieve best practice in this complex and often changing environment ••In addition BiP provides compliant, innovative solutions, supporting procurement, supply chain and supplier engagement optimisation programmes for clients across the public and private sectors in the UK and beyond ••Established in 1984 ••160 staff based at HQ in Glasgow ••Offices in London and Dublin bipcorporate.com

Osborne starts £6.2M strengthening works at Portsmouth Harbour Osborne has begun strengthening and repair work the underside of Portsmouth Harbour Station in Hampshire. The station, which sits on a pier, supported above the tidal waters of Portsmouth Harbour by a 19-span viaduct, has four platforms and four tracks.

A comprehensive scaffolding structure is being installed over the water to provide safe access to the underside of the 250m long station, via a disused track.

The £6.2M project will see strengthening and repair to the main supporting sections, along with surface preparation and re-painting. Upgrading these sections will ensure the future of the structure for years to come.

Work will be carried out six days a week 24 hours a day and is planned to minimise the disruption to customers.

Portsmouth Harbour Station, situated beside Gunwharf Quays shopping centre and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, has regular services to London Victoria, Brighton and Cardiff Central.

Osborne Project Manager Martin Parsons said: “This is a technically challenging project, not only are we working on scaffolding over tidal waters, the tide itself gives us a limited working window. Collaborative working with both our customers and our supply chain partners is vital to ensure this project is carried out safely and without unnecessary disruption to the public.”

Crossrail’s final shipment of earth arrives at Wallasea Island The last shipment of excavated material donated by Crossrail to one of Europe’s largest nature reserves has arrived at Wallasea Island in Essex.

In a landmark partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), three million tonnes of material excavated from deep below the capital is being used to create a flagship wetland nature reserve twice the size the City of London, and one of the UK’s most innovative flood defence systems.

The delivery marks an important countdown for Crossrail and the RSPB. With over 40km out of 42km tunnels complete, Crossrail is on track to link all its rail tunnels with the big east/ west breakthrough at Farringdon. At Wallasea, the last load of excavated material will be used to complete the first area of the reserve and allow the sea wall to be breached and controlled flooding to take place this summer.

Mike Clarke, the RSPB’s Chief Executive said: “Wallasea Island is the biggest wetland creation project the RSPB has embarked upon and one of the most significant across Europe to date.

As well providing the material that makes this project possible, Crossrail has demonstrated a bold and inspired vision for the way in which industry and conservation sectors can work together for the benefit of people and wildlife.

“As the pressures on our natural world continue to grow, it is crucial that we recognise a world class economy and a world class environment go hand in hand. We hope that our partnership with Crossrail will inspire many more groundbreaking projects in future.”

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “Crossrail is delighted to be involved in delivering this major new wetland at Wallasea. This trailblazing partnership with the RSPB

is a key part of Crossrail’s sustainability strategy and shows that by working together, the construction industry and environmental groups can benefit both the economy and the environment.”

A total of over six million tonnes of material will be excavated by the Crossrail project - enough to fill Wembley stadium three times. Some 99% of the material has been reused or recycled with half being donated to the RSPB for Wallasea and the remainder used for agricultural land and recreational facilities.

The Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project is using excavated material from Crossrail’s tunnels to re-profile the land to allow for a mosaic of lagoons and raised islands once the sea wall is breached later this year. It will transform 670 hectares of farmland back into coastal marshland as it was 400 years ago. It will provide a thriving wetland for tens of thousands of migratory birds and help to combat future impacts of climate change on people and wildlife including coastal flooding.

The RSPB will require more than ten million tonnes of excavated material to create the reserve and is currently seeking partners to provide the remaining seven million tonnes.

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Taking your business to a better place H3 Partners is a leading provider of Business Change Programmes using Organisational Change Management frameworks to help transform businesses from within.

In the first of a series of discussions, UK Construction Journal speaks with Rod Horrocks, Director of H3 Partners, about the processes involved.

Could you tell us a bit about your company and what it does?

H3 has always focused on change management. We provide a range of services that cover the change management aspect of any business. This might include identifying stakeholders and deciding what communication needs they have and what media works best, running workshops on the forthcoming changes – whether process, organisational or business role changes – or conducting communication sessions where people can ask questions and receive an honest and confidential answer.

We also conduct training exercises and assessments, during which we monitor what the change is going to do to the business and whether the business has achieved that change and the associated benefits. Associated with that, we model the business processes to help people to understand how the change works in an end-to-end sense.

At what point did you realise there was a market for helping with performance management and how did you look to get involved?

Businesses are always trying to improve their performance and a key element of this process will be to agree what the key improvements should be and what measures will drive these. From our perspective, it is important that you can measure what you are trying to change. While the cost side of the equation is very easy to see, we want people to understand that they ought to also measure what the benefit is going to be. This is not always easy to identify however, which is where performance measurement comes in. People do not measure these things very well – they have tended to rely on accountancy practice, meaning that the performance measurement data is tends to be late, can have been manipulated and is focused on a single number.

For me this is about getting business leaders to actually understand where performance is poor, where performance is good, and what changes can be made to improve the business.

Where does the construction industry fit in and what issues do you commonly encounter?

The construction industry is not too different. Most businesses have difficulty putting in identifying the correct measures against business processes and key performance indicator targets. The additional problem with construction is that the working environment is not ideal for implementing measurement systems. Construction can be subject to significant changes that are not foreseen at the planning stage when you schedule the dates and estimate how much concrete is needed or how long it will take to dig a hole.

When you arrive on site or start the project can you be sure that the planning is correct and the dates set can be targets.

What can a construction companies expect when working with H3 Partners?

The first is that we demonstrate an understanding of the business and can empathise in how difficult the process of setting KPI’s is and how even harder it can be to make it work properly. We bring an enlightened view on what the business is trying to measure and what we use the results for. If you do not measure a process you cannot manage it and therefore if you are not going to measure it then forget trying the manage it. We encourage clients to use the measurement not to beat-up on the site manager or sub-contractor but to find out what is happening in the process and how to improve it; involving them in the discussion. Performance measurement is not well understood particularly when you think about setting targets and what the impact is of both under and over performing.

We are not talking about single measures as the process cannot be black or white. Our work with clients starts with an education and awareness on both the structure and management of measures and enables managers to design and implement them for themselves. Not forgetting that the implementation of the process will be enacted by humans and poor measurement can have a very negative affect on performance.

To read the interview in full, please visit UK Construction Online www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk For more information about how H3 Partners can improve your business please visit www.h3partners.co.uk or download H3 Partners’ Performance Measurement e-Book, available at www.h3partners.co.uk/files/2014/06/H3-Partnersebook1.pdf

caroline@h3partners.co.uk

www.h3partners.co.uk

UKC NEWS

Technal facade specified for first new market to be constructed in the UK for three decades A range of architectural aluminium glazing systems from Technal has been used for the redevelopment of Moor Market in Sheffield - the only new, purpose-built market to be constructed in the UK in the last 30 years.

The £18M project for Sheffield City Council is a vibrant addition to the city centre, replacing the Castle Market which had fallen into disrepair. The new building forms part of the first phase of the major redevelopment of The Moor, one of Sheffield’s primary retail sites, and features a striking glass canopied roof, copper shingle cladding and timber arches. The Architect was Leslie Jones Architecture and the Main Contractor, Bowmer and Kirkland.

The brief for the two-storey scheme was to create a landmark building and 73,000sq ft of retail space for over 180 market stalls for local traders. The contemporary design of the building envelope takes its inspiration from classic European markets with the use of ‘timber weave’ cladding alternating with projecting courses of

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red brickwork - echoing the Victorian red-brick architecture of Sheffield.

Over 1,200sq m of Technal’s GEODEMX SG structural glazing were used for the scheme’s perimeter and brass-clad entrance arch. This facade option has a specially-designed ‘toggle’ which removes the need for silicone to hold the glazed units in place, making it faster and simpler to install. The curtain walling was faceted to follow the curved contours of the building’s entrance and spans up to 13m high. This contrasts with the rectangular frames of the ground floor retail units created from a mix of GEODE-MX Visible Grid and GEODE-MX SG curtain walling.

According to Magnus Wills, Project Architect at Leslie Jones Architecture: “We were looking for a range of facade systems that would reflect the building’s contemporary appearance. A key design requirement for the curtain walling was to have slim sight lines to maximise natural light. We achieved this with the use of Technal’s structural glazing. This system gave us the benefit of discrete 50mm sight

lines and clear expanses of glass to create a striking entrance to the market hall.”

The projecting roof is clad in triangular brass shingles and supported by glulamtimber struts. These have created a ‘geodesic’ arch, which is formed from a network of triangles connected by 124 steel nodes. Internally, the building is a modern interpretation of a traditional market hall with extensive use of exposed timber, which was chosen for its aesthetic as well as its structural and environmental qualities.

The Moor Market has strong sustainability credentials, with underfloor heating and energy-efficient cooling and lighting incorporated into its design to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Further expansion for successful timber firm Timber importer Premier Forest Group has purchased a Cornish sawmill to further expand the Group’s portfolio.

This is the second sawmill purchase for Newport-headquartered Premier within the past six months, following their successful acquisition of Border Group’s Croespenmaen mill.

The acquisition is the latest development in the group’s strategy; pushing them past the landmark figure of £100M annual revenues.

The Duchy Sawmill, which was established in Lostwithiel in 1958, employs 35 staff on a single 11 acre site. The business converts locally grown softwood logs into sawn timber for a variety of uses including fencing, pallets and agriculture.

In recent years the sawmill has made several technological advancements and it currently benefits from a computer controlled sawmill, timber drying kilns, a pressure treatment plant and extensive machining facilities.

The Duchy Sawmill has the extra benefit of being able to add value by processing raw materials to produce wooden gates, fence panels and garden furniture, it can also cut to length, produce feather edge boarding and offer a full range of preservative treated products.

Terry Edgell, Director and co-founder of Premier, one of the largest companies in Wales, said: “With the Duchy Sawmill, we saw a great opportunity to expand Premier’s reach and also to bring another well-respected national brand under the Premier banner.

“The experience we have gained from the purchase of our other sawmill means that we are well equipped to take over the Duchy Sawmill. We have also found that the opportunities we have generated since purchasing the first sawmill have exceeded not just our expectation but our capacity and we are confident that the Duchy mill will give us much needed additional sales volume and geographic expansion.

“It increases the volume of FSC and PEFC certified materials that the group currently distributes and improves our environmental credentials, as well as giving us control over the quality and product range and securing our sales capacity for fencing and pallet wood and value added products.”

This is the latest acquisition for Premier, who as well as their first sawmill in Croespenmaen, have also purchased in recent years Ron Lewis Holdings, which includes Clarks Wood Company and Y Goldberg & Sons and the iconic Irish brands Brooks Timber and Building Supplies and Dublin Plywood and Veneers.

FORE starts highly-sustainable London office development FORE Partnership, the pan-European real estate investment club for family offices and private investors, has begun development of a highly-sustainable, speculative office project by the River Thames in central London.

VIEW 58 will provide 47,000sq ft of Grade-A office space at 58 Victoria Embankment on the north bank of the Thames in Midtown, and is being delivered with development partner Kier Property.

The development has been sensitively designed by architects TP Bennett to retain the historic feel of the facade, while providing a contemporary, highlyfunctional office environment behind it.

Each floor opens into a central atrium and has exposed lifts and walkways.

Sustainability is central to VIEW 58.

FORE and Kier have adopted green construction practices, incorporating technologies not seen before in the UK, and are actively engaging with the local community. On the roof they will install 22 KW in solar photovoltaics that generate power from both the top and underside of the panels, which is the first use of this technology in the UK. During demolition, 99% of waste was diverted from landfills and was recycled.

The building is also designed to exceed

BREEAM’s ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating.

Basil Demeroutis, Managing Partner of FORE Partnership, commented: “The building has been designed with a highlysustainable ethos, underpinning a Grade-A specification. Not only does this future proof the building, but it also cuts the operating costs for tenants by almost a third.

“A key part of our philosophy is to bring sustainability mainstream, to use it as a tool to unlock value just like any other asset management strategy and to widen the view of ‘green’ beyond the traditional narrow focus on energy, water and waste.”

FORE has been keen to ensure the development benefits London and the wider community. During the planning process for the development, FORE operated the building as a charity hub with 24 non-profit organisations occupying the building for more than a year at no cost.

Phil Sutton, Associate Director at Kier Property, commented: “The building is expected to reach practical completion in the second quarter of 2016. The location, in the heart of London, is fantastic, and VIEW 58 has iconic views of the River Thames from every floor - including of course the three roof terraces.”

Letting agents for VIEW 58 are Savills and Ingleby Trice.

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UKC COMMENT

Water Water.... Everywhere...

With over 4,000 miles of inland waterways as well as many lakes and almost 20,000 miles of coastline, the UK has an abundance of water literally on tap.

It should therefore come as no surprise, with this abundance of water coupled with the continuing drive towards global carbon reduction, that the renewable energy technologies attracting more and more attention are Ground Source Energy Systems and heat pumps, particularly those that use surface water to act as energy sources. The interest is driven further by the recent launch of DECC’s UK “Heat Map” - a map showing potential heating capacities available from different water sources across the UK. Having designed many of the largest ground coupled systems in the UK, GSC Ltd with their Certified Geo-Exchange Designers (CGD®), is well placed to talk about ground coupled heat pump systems. Ground source energy systems are a proven technique for reducing carbon and an easy choice for clients from the green perspective; however the Achilles heel for clients is sometimes the costs for the bore-field or water wells in addition to the mechanical plant itself.

Drilling is a costly business and although operational efficiency levels and DECC’s renewable heat incentive (RHI) have made GSHP systems more attractive from the commercial perspective, and they have a good return on investment, for some the initial capital cost continues to be an obstacle. A possible solution - use an existing natural energy source such as a lake or river. Rivers generally at some point in their route pass by urbanisation, i.e. the load. The source conveniently passes through the areas where energy is required.

There are two different systems that couple buildings to a river energy source.

The open loop technique, where the water itself is pumped, or a closed loop system where heat exchange plates or pipe coils are installed within the river where circulating thermal transfer fluid (TTF) picks up or rejects heat to or from the body of water. Choosing the right technique is down to a number of factors but one vital element is the temperature of the body of water.

The UK temperate climate gives us warmish summers and reasonably cold winters. We can also experience extremes of weather; heavy snow and plunging temperatures during winter are not uncommon anywhere in the country. These temperature swings affect surface water sources directly and quickly, unlike borehole

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ground water systems which, with a few exceptions, are largely unaffected by day to day climatic conditions. Data gathered from a location in South Wales showed that the speed at which the river temperatures fall is clearly demonstrated by the 7 days between 24th November and 1st December 2010 in the River Taff running through Cardiff. As the air temperature fell in a harsh period of winter, river temperatures in Cardiff City Centre fell from over 8°C on 24th November to below 2°C by the 1st December.

is outlined as having a potential heat capacity of 90GWh and a temperature of 6.39°C with a temperature change of 0.8136°C as shown below.

In this same stretch of water between 2008 and 2012, temperatures in winter regularly reach 2°C and below as measured at 1m depth at Teddington Lock by the Environment Agency.

As air temperatures fall, water body temperatures fall almost in line, with only a short lag generally of a few days at most. Rivers, unless they are very deep and very slow flowing, do not stratify. The dense water at 4°C does not accumulate at the bottom as it might in a lake. The impact of this is to end up with a relatively constant well mixed temperature within the body of water. Water temperatures will drop close to zero, however, the movement of the water, interaction with the river bed and the magnitude of energy required to initiate phase change to freeze the water, keeps the water temperatures above 0°C in the main body of water.

The DECC Heat Map has been developed for assessment of the potential availability of energy from rivers and other water bodies in England. It provides temperature and heat capacity information for given surface water sections but these values are high level averages and must not be confused for design values.

In order to design a surface water system, absolute values must be known and understood, average values in the design process are used to estimate average system performance and no more.

For example, a section of the River Thames between Egham and Teddington

In 1982, river temperatures in this same general area of the river at Barnes reached just 1.3°C. So how low could the river temperatures fall in the UK? Extending the temperature log in the River Taff from 1st January 2010 to 30th September 2011 the minimum temperature fell to just 0.53°C.

The next question has to be - how does low winter air temperature affect the choice when considering a surface water heat exchange system? Well, in terms of a closed loop system, it doesn’t prohibitively impact the ability of the system to offer heat because the TTF can circulate through the submerged circuit at temperatures below zero. Even with the river temperature at just 2°C or lower, heat is still available and although it is not uncommon for a thin layer of ice to form on the plates whilst operating at these extreme conditions, this is short lived and even slowly moving water will continue to flow as normal around the plates – replenishing energy. Open loop systems however may not fare so well with source temperatures as low as 0.5°C. If we start with 0.5°C as a minimum design value, pass this through an intermediary plate exchanger even with a close temperature differential of just 1°C over the plate, we are already at -0.5°C leaving the plate on the heat pump circuit. Then deduct from this the heat extraction by the heat pump with a delta T of 5°C and the entering fluid temperature at the plate exchanger is now -5.5°C. This then results in a leaving water temperature on the plate back to the river of -4.5°C.

Fresh water on the primary or source side still freezes at 0°C and even though embodied energy may prevent it from forming into ice as it would standing still in a freezer at -5.5°C, areas of the pumped system where water doesn’t move (valve bodies, pipe bends or sensor pockets for example) can become a catalyst for the freezing to commence and lead to flash-freezing conditions. Furthermore, if the river pumps were to stop for any reason, it is likely that catastrophic failure of the heat exchanger system could occur.

One solution to the issue of low river temperatures with open loop systems

is maintaining far lower temperature differentials ( delta T ) by raising flow rate, however, this will increase pumping costs and pipe sizing considerably.

Alternatively, or as a complimentary strategy to higher pumping rates, design hybrid systems with boreholes to act as the source during these low water temperature periods possibly with boilers to energize the source water or even consider to take over some, or all, of the load of the building.

As previously outlined, a further alternative is to use closed loop heat exchangers within the water body itself. The system must still be well designed of course, taking into consideration, stratification, water flow and ecology etc. however this type of system is considerably more resilient to the issues of low river source water temperature. Clearly on larger schemes the installation of sizeable heat exchange plates submerged in a river might be a challenge from a number of perspectives.

Conditions change as the river meanders into an estuary but not as much as one might think. Using the Thames estuary as an example, the salinity of the sea water and fresh water mixing does not offer any real protection from the water freezing for some considerable distance out into the estuary.

Sea water salinity is generally between 32 – 37 Practical Salinity Units (PSU).

At 35 PSU, the freezing point of sea water is only -1.8°C depending on actual salinity, with the lowest ever recorded temperature in the world, of liquid sea water, being -2.7°C. The stories of the sea only freezing when the air temperature hits -25°C, give or take, is true, but again, due to the movement and thermal mass of the body of water, the sea is not below its freezing point and so the sea doesn’t freeze. However, in a pumped system that stopped pumping with fluid temperatures of well below freezing, or where areas of fluid do not move, sea water freezes just as easily as fresh water, albeit at a slightly lower temperature.

The salinity levels of the Thames vary from Teddington Lock in the West to Gravesend and beyond in the East.

Generally, water is considered fresh in the Thames Estuary, right up to Greenwich with fresh water described as water with salinity of 0.05% or less. Brackish water exists right out to Gravesend and only from Erith and beyond is there a marked increase in salinity.

DECC’s heat map is certainly a useful tool to help teams assess the potential of developing surface water heat exchange systems but once beyond a relatively high level of feasibility, detailed design must consider absolute temperature values and water conditions. Seasonal temperature fluctuation can have a significant impact on the development of these systems. Like all alternative energy systems, it is vital to fully understand the many factors that are involved in order to design and build the best sustainable solution. It’s a great idea to look at using the UK’s rivers and lakes as a source of heat but developers need to be sure that when the building needs it most….the heat is there to be had!

Iain & Andy Howley Directors of Ground Source Consult Ltd www.gscltd.co.uk T: 02476 629 762

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UKC CIVIL

DECC initiative pumps new life into water source heating Earlier in the year, the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) unveiled its latest innovation – a water source heat map, designed to assist local authorities, communities and developers in identifying the thermal potential of England’s many waterbodies.

Envisioned by the DECC as the first port of call for those looking to incorporate water source heat pump technology, the water source heat map forms an additional overlay to the existing National Heat Map and reveals the hidden energy in over 4,000 rivers, estuaries, canals and coastal sites that, when combined, could provide an estimated six gigawatts of low carbon heat.

Publicly accessible, the interactive webbased tool details heat demand across the country – including residential, commercial, industrial, public buildings and total heat demand – with a view to providing developers and homeowners with the information necessary to establish their own heat pump projects. Water conditions, such as temperature and flow rates, are also displayed in addition to the potential heat capacity of each waterway.

Though water source heat pumps have existed for decades, the inclusion of a water source heat layer is indicative of the Government’s renewed interest in lesser known forms of renewable energy.

Its inclusion is intended to help stimulate interest and underline the promise of water source heat pump technology.

But what are water source heat pumps?

For the uninitiated, water source heat pumps harness the latent heat present in our watercourses using electrically

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driven pumps to boost the temperature.

The resultant hot water can be fed into local heat networks or individual buildings to provide a low carbon alternative to conventional heating methods.

Water source heat pumps come in two varieties – open loop and closed loop.

While an open loop system abstracts water – passing it through a heat pump before discharging it at the source – a closed loop system channels a water/ anti-freeze mixture through pipes or heat exchange panels which, in turn, absorb heat from the water.

The widespread potential for water source heat pumps is undeniable – research indicates that a typical household could reduce its carbon footprint by up to 50%.

Apply this to densely populated urban areas or large-scale housing developments and the reduction is considerably more.

Battersea Power Station – a state-of-theart mixed-use redevelopment of the iconic London structure – is the latest in a number of high profile projects to consider the use of water source heat pump technology.

The developer recently commissioned SSE to carry out a comprehensive heat pump feasibility study. If installed, the technology will help to generate heat for the 4,000 new homes, shops, offices and public amenities being delivered at the power station.

Of the decision, Phillip Gullett, Chief Operating Officer at Battersea Power Station, said: “We are looking at a range of options to deliver the energy required for the homes, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities being created here at Battersea Power Station.

“Being located on the banks of the River Thames in central London, we are ideally placed to investigate what role water source technology may play in supplying our energy needs and we are delighted that SSE will be undertaking a feasibility study to establish the options available to us.”

Richard Parry, Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales, applauded the move: “We very much welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the huge potential of water sourced heat pumps to deliver a low carbon solution to the UK’s heating and cooling demands.

“We have a number of innovative projects already underway, or in development, on our canals and rivers. These are delivering benefits for waterside businesses and the environment and proving again that, 200 years after they were built, the waterways are still bringing a whole range of benefits to the nation.”

That developers are being encouraged to consider the energy potential of their sites and follow suit is hugely positive. One thing is clear however – with carbon reduction a priority, the Government can no longer rest on its laurels. Innovations such as the DECC’s water source heat map are integral to making renewable energy transparent and palatable to developers nationwide.

To view the DECC’s water source heat map please visit: www.tools.decc.gov.uk/ nationalheatmap/

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UKC NEWS

ISG wins £10M Yate Retail and Leisure scheme ISG has negotiated a £10M project to create a retail and leisure destination in Yate, South Gloucestershire for Shopping Centre Trustees - Crestbridge. The Yate Riverside development is anchored by a six-screen Cineworld multiplex cinema and includes a two-storey Next outlet, as well as restaurants and cafes.

Renewing the partnership with Crestbridge, which most recently saw ISG deliver 40,000sq ft of new retail units at Yate Shopping Centre, the Contractor will build Yate Riverside on land adjoining an existing overflow car park in the town centre. ISG will construct the shell and core infrastructure for seven restaurant/ cafe units and three retail outlets in

addition to the cinema complex. Sectional handovers will enable tenants to fit out units from early autumn, with the cinema expected to open in early 2016.

The contemporary design for the new steel-frame development includes the use of high-performance and visually striking composite cladding materials to external elevations, as well as large expanses of curtain walling. The new cinema incorporates a double-height canopy at its entrance, with raking rhombus design elements to its facade.

Andy Demetriou, Divisional Managing Director of ISG’s Retail and Hospitality business, commented: “Returning to Yate to deliver this highly anticipated mixed-

use development represents an important win for the business and reinforces our relationship with Crestbridge’s influential development team. Residents have been campaigning to bring a cinema to Yate for some time and we’re delighted not only to deliver a state-of-the-art six screen Cineworld, but further enhance the range and choice of food and retail outlets for the local community.”

The project team for the Crestbridge development includes, Hanover Cube as external project management, Haskoll as architects, Quadrant Harmon as consulting engineer, Sweett Group acting as employers’ agent and PQS and Lamorbey Associates as building services consultant.

University of Huddersfield granted planning approval for proposed building A £27.5M building, which will provide a new home for the University of Huddersfield’s Law School and the School of Music, Humanities and Media, has been approved.

The new structure will link into the Universityís new Student Central building, which was completed in 2014, at a cost of £22.5M and officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in January.

The proposed new building, which was approved unanimously at a Kirklees Council planning applications meeting in April, will provide 7,500sq m of

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space and will be six-stories high.

The iconic structure will provide new teaching space, including large, tiered lecture theatres when completed in September 2016. It will be built to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability ratings, thus ensuring its green credentials. BREAAM is regarded as the worldís foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings.

The Universityís Director of Estates of Facilities Colin Blair, who attended the planning meeting, told councillors that the plans demonstrate ìthe commitment

the University has to continuing the development of the campusî.

Following the announcement, Mr Blair said that he was delighted that the planning committee has approved the proposals: “We will now move ahead with the preparations for this important new building, working with a main contractor who will be announced when the tendering process is completed. The successful contractor will begin work on the site during the studentsí summer holidays, to avoid any disruptions during examinations.”

University launches construction academy for on campus jobs The University of Manchester has launched a unique construction academy which will see unemployed people from across Greater Manchester receive training and potentially go on to full-time employment across its major capital developments.

The University of Manchester Construction Academy will support local people into the jobs that will be generated by the Universityís £1Bn programme to create world-class facilities for staff, students and visitors. The Academy is the only initiative of its kind in higher education.

The initial cohort of 13 has already begun their training and the rolling programme will soon begin again for a new group of learners. The waiting list to enrol is currently 150 and growing.

The learners will be studying for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme [CSCS] qualification - a requirement for employment on construction sites, Maths, English and Health and Safety. At the end of the study period the learners take an online examination. They can also opt to receive further training such as plumbing or electrical or go straight onto an available labouring job on site.

The Academy will operate via The Works, the employment and skills centre established by the University to support local people to find jobs, develop their skills and access training courses. A number of construction companies will contribute to the Academy through talks and tutorials.

The official launch saw the University give learners an introduction to its £1Bn Campus Masterplan, an introduction to Health and Safety by service providers Novus Property Solutions and a tour of the Campus to see some of the developments which have already completed or are underway.

Steve Grant, Assistant Director of Human Resources at the University, said: “The academy model is unique in higher education capital programmes and fairly unusual in any sector. The Academy is about placing people into real, full-time, sustained employment and the Campus Masterplan could generate more than 1,000 vacancies for unemployed people. We know that there are thousands of unemployed people, some of whom have a background in construction, living within the travel to work area who will benefit from engaging with the Academy.”

Barr Construction installs roof truss at Ashton Gate rebuild Leading UK construction firm Barr Construction took a big stride forward with the Ashton Gate rebuild successfully lifting the 106m Dolman Stand roof truss into place.

Weighing 75 tonnes, the roof extension was built at ground level over the past few weeks before two 200 tonnes cranes were used to lift the steel truss into place.

The lifting of the roof truss is one of the most complicated parts of the £45M rebuild of Bristol City and Bristol Rugby’s ground to-date.

Mike Henderson, Operations Manager for Barr Construction said: “Today has been a landmark event. The design has had to take in a lot of difficult parameters.

From working with the existing Dolman roof to the new South Stand, we’ve had to work to tight tolerances of 10mm at each end of the truss.

“When you consider that it is 106m

long and weighs 75 tonnes it’s not an easy piece of steel to slot in to place, but it was a momentous occasion to see that it has today.”

Bristol Sport Chairman, Martin Griffiths said: “It’s been a big week for the stadium. Last Wednesday we saw the gap close in the South Stand and seating being fitted, today the lift of the Dolman roof truss. It was quite an incredible feat of engineering to see it slot seamlessly into place.”

Barr construction has been on site since July last year. Phase I consisted of the demolition and rebuild of the South Stand with Phase II seeing the Dolman Stand remodelled to include an extended roof and new lower tier.

Phase III will start this summer and see the Williams stand demolished and replaced with a two-tier stand that will hold 11,000 people.

Murphy joins Class of Your Own to grow next generation of builders Leading international construction and engineering company, J Murphy & Sons Limited, has joined up to the Class of Your Own (COYO) scheme and ëadoptedí Blessed Trinity RC College in Burnley, Lancashire to help grow the next generation of young people into the construction industry.

At a launch ceremony held at Blessed Trinity RC College, Murphy Managing Director for the North, John B. Murphy met with pupils, the school board, and members of COYO, to officially adopt the school.

The scheme is directly funded by Murphy who will support Blessed Trinity RC College with expertise and practical help, including giving students opportunities to experience the technical side of the industry through site visits, mentoring, and professional support from Murphy employees. Crucially, the scheme also empowers the teachers too, by giving them the latest in industry knowledge so they can better deliver the curriculum and have confidence in what they are teaching.

Rob Houghton, Group Learning and Development Manager at Murphy, commented: “We worked with Class of

Your Own at the 2014 NEC Skills Show and saw that it was doing great things to improve the perception and attractiveness of our industry, which was why we joined its Adopt A School scheme. Blessed Trinity RC College has been using its own initiative to deliver construction related projects, but without any committed industry support, which was why we were so keen to adopt the school and provide practical assistance in showing young people what a great industry construction is.”

Sarah Fenton, Strategic Partnership Director at the CITB, commented: “Class of Your Own is a great initiative to give young people practical qualifications in construction, and educate them on the benefits of potentially working in the industry. With these qualifications young people can access University and higher apprenticeships. It helps reinforce what the CITB does by giving people qualifications, improving competencies and developing future skills.

It will be really positive if some of the students from Blessed Trinity RC College complete their qualifications and ultimately join the industry. Itís about helping support the talent pipeline for the next generation.”

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UKC NEWS

M&G Real Estate joins forces with Crest Nicholson to provide new private rented sector homes in Bath M&G Real Estate and Crest Nicholson plc, a leading developer of sustainable communities, have signed a deal to purchase 97 new private rental homes in Bath Riverside. The transaction is intended to form part of a longer term relationship with Crest Nicholson.

Under the terms of the Bath deal, M&G Real Estate will provide £25.2M to fund the development of 97 apartments and supporting community space, which form part of the wider Bath Riverside regeneration scheme within Bath city centre. Crest Nicholson is both developer and contractor of the scheme, of which the private rented sector (PRS) element will provide a mix of one and two

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bedroom apartments. It is anticipated that the units will be ready for tenancy between February and October 2016. An all-encompassing management service will be administered on-site to ensure a consistent and high standard of service.

Alex Greaves, Head of Residential Investment at M&G Real Estate, comments: “We very much welcome this initial transaction with Crest Nicholson and look forward to working with them on other schemes. We believe this to be the first transaction of its kind between an institutional investor and a listed house builder, marking a major opportunity for institutional investors seeking access to the UK residential

sector. Our residential strategy provides stable, income driven returns for investors and, in time, thousands of much needed, well managed rental properties.

“As we build on this initial agreement to bring scale to our portfolio of rental properties, it’s vital we continue to champion quality. It is our hope that the involvement of institutions like ours will lead to more homes coming on tap and higher standards, just as it has done with the student accommodation market.

We want our residents to be proud renters because we and our partners have developed high quality homes.”

www.jcbgenerators.com

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The Company, which employs some of the most knowledgeable electromagnetic and GPR surveyors in the UK today, adheres to strict in-house and external training guidelines in the use of RD8000 & CAT4 electromagnetic tracing equipment and IDS Detector Duo GPR equipment.

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Subvision Surveys is a firm believer in the fundamental importance of experience. The Company's skilled team of surveyors is trained in the use of electromagnetic equipment over a period of years rather than months.

Similarly, Subvision Surveys' in-house CCTV teams have considerable experience in undertaking surveys, producing reports and classifying defects, and are fully WTI trained in assessing both pipe and brick sewer surveys. Such experience is crucial to ensuring concise and accurate CCTV reports that are easily digestible by the client.

All on-site surveying teams hold valid CSCS and PTS Track Safety cards, and have been CRB/DBS checked and approved, while the Company's survey managers are IOSH qualified in managing safety.

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UKC NEWS

University building to become largest Passivhaus in the UK The University of Leicester’s cutting edge new Centre for Medicine building is set to become the largest Passivhaus building in the UK when it opens during the next academic year.

Plans for the £42M centre, currently being constructed on Lancaster Road, have been revealed, providing an insight into the environmental impact of the new building.

Developed in Germany in the early 1990s, Passivhaus is the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world and is set to reduce the University’s energy bill for its new teaching and research facility by six times, due to the excellent thermal performance of the building.

The key facet of Passivhaus is a ‘fabric first’ approach to construction and as such the building is incredibly well insulated and air tight to prevent heat leakage through the windows, walls, floor and roof.

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Comfort for staff, students and visitors from the local community and beyond, will be maintained by a state-of-the-art heating, cooling and ventilation system.

Paul Nesbitt, Operations Manager at construction company Willmott Dixon explained: “The University of Leicester’s new Centre for Medicine will achieve Passivhaus accreditation which means it will be super energy efficient. We have super levels of insulation, all of the glazing will be triple glazed, and we have a 1.6km underground heat recovery pipe network which will effectively provide free air conditioning and temperature control to the building.”

The Centre for Medicine will record a ‘-2’ energy performance asset rating, placing it in the ‘A+’ category and will even have its own green wall and roof, representing the University’s commitment to the environment. The green wall

and roof will have a planting regime specifically designed to attract insects and birds which will help pollination and to promote bio-diversity. External planting will also help to reduce the overall temperature of the building.

Dave Vernon, Project Manager at the University of Leicester added: “Users from the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology have been heavily involved in the design of the building and through our soft landing process are fully engaged in learning how to work in such an innovative building.”

Acting as a hub to bring together, for the first time, the University’s leading academics, researchers, clinicians and students; currently spread across multiple sites in the city, the new centre will completely transform medical teaching and improve the lives of many patients in the region and beyond.

Work starts on £40M development with Homerton College in Cambridge Hill, the top 20 UK housebuilder, is starting work on a new £40M joint venture development with the University of Cambridge’s Homerton College.

Magna, the first partnership between Hill and Homerton College, is located around the corner from the housebuilder’s flagship CB1 developments, Ceres and Vesta. It comprises 95 new homes, including 87 one-, two- and threebedroom apartments and maisonettes, eight four- and five-bedroom houses.

38 of the properties are affordable homes for Cambridge City Council.

Deborah Griffin, Bursar of Homerton College, says: “We chose to partner with Hill on this development as we wanted to create an exceptional residential development. As the College will be the freeholder and neighbours it was important that we could be proud of the design and quality of the construction.”

Rob Hall, Deputy Managing Director at Hill, comments: “While we are currently working alongside the University on the North West Cambridge Development, this is a rare opportunity to collaborate directly with the University’s largest college, and we are thrilled to have been chosen on such an important project. We have a proven track record of building award winning design-focused developments and it is the architecture of this scheme which really sets it apart. Our priority was to ensure that the new buildings sit sensitively within the existing surroundings, so we were delighted when the planning committee called the plans ‘well thought out’ and ‘a very good design’.”

The scheme, designed by bptw architects, incorporates pavilion-style buildings and landscaped green open spaces. The buildings have been designed to reflect the local vernacular, using warm red brick with metal panelling, and each of the properties will also enjoy its own private balcony, patio or private garden.

School girls think engineering is a job for the boys, finds Network Rail Survey Many girls believe engineering is a job for boys, according to a survey of 12 to 17 year olds published by Network Rail. Engineering is second only to the construction industry in struggling to overcome the gender divide, the survey found.

Some 39% of girls say certain jobs are more suited to boys. Of those, 40% cited engineering, with 58% naming building and construction. Finance was rated the third most ‘male’ job (29%).

The findings of the poll of 500 school aged girls will underline concerns among employers that they are missing talent because of entrenched attitudes by both sexes. Network Rail is at the forefront of efforts to attract more women employees, with Chief Executive Mark Carne pledging a ‘war on the macho culture of the rail industry’.

Loraine Martins, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail said of the research: “It’s no secret that the engineering sector in particular is male dominated and trouble attracting talented women into its sector, and organisations like ours are making a concerted effort to change that. This research shows that even girls aged 12 are sensitive to stereotypes, and are ruling themselves out of particular jobs. We must put as much energy into tackling bias whilst girls are still in education, as we do into overcoming gender bias issues in the workplace.”

Network Rail has a 14% female workforce and has pledged to increase this with a three pronged approach to drive change within the organisation which includes: • Plans to attract more female graduates, so that 30% of the intake are female by 2019 • A strategy to retain more women by tackling deep rooted cultural issues and making the workplace more transparent and welcoming • A strategy to support the career

development of women already at Network Rail in achieving senior level positions - with CEO Mark Carne setting a target that 20% of its talent pool of future leaders will be female by 2019 In an additional commitment to encourage more women to consider and pursue a career in engineering, Network Rail have signed up to the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Ten Step Plan, and are supporting a number of university technical colleges across the country in attracting more women to engineering and technical degrees.

Loraine Martins concluded: “We know that our industry is perceived as being pretty macho and that men have a better chance of succeeding than women. If this is the general consensus among adults, then it’s hardly surprising that these attitudes appear to have rubbed off on younger generations. We cannot afford to be complacent and must keep challenging ourselves; setting ambitious targets to increase the proportion of women in our workforce and working with more education institutions to tackle the problem sooner and with the urgency it deserves.”

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UKC COMMENT

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme – ESOS New guidance published February saw the Environment Agency publish updated ESOS guidance on behalf of the scheme compliance bodies; Natural Resources Wales, Scottish environment Protection Agency, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) Offshore.

The guidance helps to clarify a number of issues raised with the helpdesk, in particular with the scope of ESOS and qualification criteria with respect to overseas undertakings and UK establishments. Further more with: ••The application of ESOS to trusts ••Determination of corporate groupings ••Calculation of total energy consumption ••Auditing approach for the construction sector ••Notification requirements ••The approach to site visits ••The treatment of assets purchased or disposed of after the qualification date and before the compliance date ••The extent of inclusion of transport energy ••Liability for compliance in cases of disaggregation, and ••What records to keep in evidence packs.

The Environment Agency is keen for companies to understand ESOS as a

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benefit, not an ogre, and how compliance will deliver benefits to both companies and the environment through a flexible scheme.

According to the government, businesses could save £1.9Bn on energy bills, citing calculations that investing £15,000 a year on energy efficiency measures as recommended by the assessment could lead to bill savings of more than £56,000 per year.

Under the new EU legislation, member says are required to implement a mandatory programme of energy audits for ‘large enterprises’. Over 9,000 companies in the UK are required to comply, with initial audits due to be undertaken by 5th December 2015.

These large organisations (employing more than 250 people or a turnover in excess of e50M), are required to review total energy use, from building energy use, to transport energy use and industrial processes; thus calculating the amount of energy used per employee, and identifying measures that could save energy.

A number of energy managers have replied to surveys stating that getting ‘Board-level buy–in’ is proving difficult, finding it hard to lift energy efficiency from the bottom of the agenda despite its proven cost savings.

“Three quarters of businesses have yet to start their mandatory energy

audits which must be completed by the end of the year.” – EnergyLive News, March 18th 2015-05-20 This is the surprising news that numerous businesses, who must comply to the ESOS scheme are ignoring the fact that,

by December, the scheme will be up and running and companies could be fined up to £50,000 plus extra charges of £500 per day for up to 80 days.

Jo Scully, ESOS Project Manager, says: “The Environment Agency, DECC and the other UK regulators have been raising awareness of ESOS over the last year.

This has involved sending letters to more than 14,000 organisations, holding workshops, speaking at conferences and trade associations, publishing detailed ESOS guidance on our website and setting up a dedicated helpdesk. We encourage organisations covered by ESOS to begin assessments now if they haven’t already done so. The deadline is only seven months away so acting now is important to ensure compliance.”

If businesses want to know more, they should consult the ESOS guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/energysavings-opportunity-scheme-esos or email the helpdesk: esos@environmnet-agency.gov.uk

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UKC COMMENT

Return on investment and your personality type: Thinking beyond financial metrics

Michelle LaBrosse, CCPM, PMP®, PMI-ACP, Chief Cheetah and Founder of Cheetah Learning What comes to mind when you think of “Return on Investment?”

For most of us, our mind probably jumps to calculations of costs and revenues.

The end goal, no matter the project, is for the last cell in the spreadsheet to be black or green - not red.

In this month’s Know How Network, we want to encourage you to expand your thinking about ROI. Measuring the ROI for pursuing a goal needs to extend beyond financial metrics. Look at the capabilities you’ve created, the reputation you developed, the insight you’ve gained, and the relationships you’ve nurtured to get the complete picture. Getting a positive ROI on these non-financial metrics has a lot to do with your personality type. Knowing which dimensions of ROI are most productive for you to pursue has to do with your unique strengths and challenges for growing each of your four non-financial sources of capital.

Before we move on to maximizing ROI using the strengths of your personality type, let’s review the five sources of capital.

These are: our financial capital (money you REALLY have - not credit cards!), social capital, knowledge capital, brand capital, and infrastructure capital. Since we’ve all heard plenty about ROI based on financial capital, in this article we’re going to focus on the four sources of non-financial capital.

Depending on your personality type, you will have unique strengths and challenges for using each of these four sources of capital.

Knowing how you can best leverage your strengths and balance out your challenges with each of these sources of capital can

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help you much more quickly pursue the goals that are right for you. When you can achieve the goals that are important to you with less effort, in less time, and achieve better results, then you have increased your return on investing the truly most important asset you have: your time.

Below is an example showing my personality type’s strengths (I’m an ENTP) for each of the four types of capital.

So what does all this tell me about increasing the ROI on my projects? Let’s go through an example: one goal I currently have is to sail the Northwest inside passage in six months to a year from today. Which sources of capital will my pursuit of this goal help me develop? Let’s see: Social capital? Not so much, since this a goal I want to pursue on my own. Knowledge capital? Definitely - this goal both builds on my current sailing knowledge and will help me develop my skills in new areas.

I’ll get a great knowledge ROI from this project. Brand capital? Possibly - I’ll gain bragging rights and will be able to make new connections with other people who sail based on this experience. Infrastructure capital? Yes, as pursuing this goal will require me to invest in supplies I’ll need to complete the trip, so I’ll be prepared to take other sailing trips in the future.

Choosing goals and projects based on the strengths of your personality type will help you get the greatest ROI in terms of social, knowledge, brand, infrastructure, and financial capital. You can learn about your own personality type’s strengths

Source of Capital

Strengths

Challenges

Social

Makes friends easily.

Loves to help people.

Finds opportunities for others.

Sometimes forgets to keep in touch.

Can be pushy with ideas.

Knowledge

Broad knowledge in multiple areas.

Good synthesizer across many domains.

Good at communicating information to others.

Gets bored easily and doesn’t go deep enough.

Loses patience with teachers who do not move fast enough.

Brand

Likes to be liked so has a pleasant personality.

People can trust them to share what is on their mind so they know where they stand.

Flexible and prefers to leave options open.

Can get overcommitted with a tendency to over promise and under deliver.

Sometimes can be insensitive to others feelings.

May be hard to pin down on the details – contracts are important to finalize terms.

Infrastructure

Resourceful and good at finding new ways to use what already exists when pushed up against the wall.

Good at acquiring needed tools quickly.

Likes to create new things and can sometimes forget what they already have in place.

Sometimes forgets to do maintenance on tools so they don’t work optimally when needed.

and challenges for growing your sources of capital in our new Cheetah Learning 15 hour online course, Project ROI. About the Author: Michelle LaBrosse, PMP, is an entrepreneurial powerhouse with a penchant for making success easy, fun, and fast. She is the founder of Cheetah Learning, the author of the Cheetah Success Series, and a prolific blogger whose mission is to bring Project Management to the masses.

Cheetah Learning is a virtual company with 100 employees, contractors, and licensees worldwide. To date, more than 50,000 people have become “Cheetahs” using Cheetah Learning’s innovative Project Management and accelerated learning techniques.

Michelle also developed the Cheetah Certified Project Manager (CCPM) program based on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality profiling to help students master how to use their unique strengths for learning, doing projects, and negotiating.

CCPM graduates are able to choose the right projects and complete those projects “cheetah fast” based on their personality.

They also learn how to leverage others’ strengths which significantly improves overall project team performance. When an employer has a cadre of CCPMs on staff, they achieve whatever they set out to achieve in record time. This is why over 90% of Cheetah’s clients experience an increase in both profitability and revenue within the first year of retaining Cheetah Learning for their Project Management training needs.

Honoured by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), Cheetah Learning was named Professional Development Provider of the Year at the 2008 PMI® Global Congress. A dynamic keynote speaker and industry thought leader, Michelle is recognized by PMI as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Project Management in the world.

COMMENT UKC

Foundation defects under the spotlight Marc Separovic (NHBC Technical Projects Manager) Foundation claims are relatively low in volume but have an extremely high impact, not just in financial costs, but also in terms of disruption to home owners and negative impact on industry reputation. Foundations perform a critical structural function on all buildings and are crucial to the overall performance; an area that should not be over looked.

New statistics show that foundation defects are reducing year on year; in fact properties benefiting from Buildmark cover in 2012 are performing 3 times better (in claims volumes) than properties on cover in 2005. This improvement correlates with risk management changes made by NHBC in the last 10 – 15 years. Some of the most significant changes included the re-write of Chapter 4.2 ‘Building near trees’ of the NHBC Standards, the introduction of a Foundation Depth Calculator and the Foundation Key Stage Inspections.

Although improvements have been made and the volume of foundation claims is reducing, the overall cost remains significantly high. Between 2005 and 2012 there have been approximately 1555 reported foundation claims with a cost of just over £57m. In fact one reported foundation claim this year has cost £600k.

Of the 1555 claims, 1124 claims (72%) at a cost of £35.5m were related to Strip or Trench fill foundations in shrinkable soils near trees. Foundation depths were not in accordance with the design and/or lacked heave precautions resulting in structural problems such as cracking and movement.

It is hard to believe how much influence vegetation can have on soil characteristics, especially shrinkable soils such as clay.

The roots of all vegetation (shrubs or trees) take moisture from the soil to replenish

the water loss from their leaves. In a shrinkable soil this can result in seasonal movements, shrinkage in dry periods and swelling in wet periods, or even with large or dense trees a permanent shrinkage for the lifetime of the vegetation. It is therefore critical that foundations are taken below this zone of influence from vegetation.

To understand the underlying risks of a site an initial assessment and basic investigation should be carried out in accordance with Chapter 4.1 ‘Land quality – managing ground conditions’ of the NHBC Standards. Where trees have been identified, existing, proposed or removed within potentially shrinkable soil, for foundation purposes further investigations should be carried out under the supervision of a consultant or specialist acceptable to NHBC, to confirm consistency, shrinkability of soils and the zone of influence, etc in accordance with Chapter 4.1.

Chapter 4.2 of the NHBC Standards provides guidance on foundation depths and heave precautions when building near trees in shrinkable soils. However, it is important to note that Chapter 4.2 guide to foundation depths are not those at which root activity or zone of influence and ground movement are non-existent but are of a depth that is considered to provide an acceptable level of risk.

To help assess foundation depths and heave precautions when building near trees in a shrinkable soil NHBC also provides the following additional resources – ••The Foundation depth calculator, available on Windows, Apple and Android operating systems, this foundation depth calculator can be downloaded free of charge.

••NHBC Standards Plus - Soil Identification book, Heave Precaution Data Sheets.

Foundation related claims are an on-going area of concern. Although significant improvements have been made and claim volumes are reducing, the overall cost is still significantly high.

Over the coming months NHBC will be focusing on various foundation related initiatives, some of the high level initiatives include – ••Providing further information on foundation related subjects – risks associated with fill and made ground, design of vibro stone columns, level of site investigations, pile designs, heave precautions.

••An accompanying tree identification app to the existing popular foundation depth calculator ••A new post construction homeowner landscaping guidance pack For any general enquires on foundations, please call our technical helpline on 01908 747384.

Marc Separovic (NHBC Technical Projects Manager)

03 MK SUB: Shrinkage of clay soils due to moisture extraction from adjacent trees; 15mm stepped superstructure cracking

29

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UKC COMMENT

Good faith and construction contracts Peter Sheridan, Partner, Sheridan Gold LLP In a recent article I referred to three recent cases (Yam Seng (2013), Emirates Trading (2014) and Bristol Groundschool v Intelligent Data Capture (2014)) in which it was decided that commercial contracts were, because of the factual background and the parties’ intentions on the facts of those cases, subject to an implied obligation of good faith.

Good faith as an implied obligation has even more recently been considered in further cases: Myers v Kestrel Acquisitions (2015) (found not to apply to a power to amend loan notes), D&G Cars v Essex Police Authority (2015) and MSC Mediterranean Shipping v Cottonex (2015). In the latter case, it was held by Leggatt J (the same judge as in Yam Seng) that a decision whether to accept a repudiatory breach of contract (so as to bring the contract to an end) is to be taken in good faith.

The Yam Seng, Emirates Trading, Bristol Groundschool and D&G Cars cases concerned “relational” contracts, that is contracts involving a long-term relationship to which the parties make a substantial commitment. This aspect of the decisions raises interesting questions as to the significance of these recent developments for construction contracts.

Where the contract in question is silent as to good faith and related concepts such as co-operation, collaboration, these cases make it more likely that there may be an implied obligation of good faith.

However, the new concept of an implied obligation of good faith is sensitive to context and the factual background will differ from case to case. These cases lay down no principle of general application.

One can see though that if parties form a joint venture to carry out construction works or enter into long-term construction contracts, the context may be such as to require honest conduct and (possibly) further conduct of a “fair dealing” nature.

Conversely, if the contract does contain a relevant express term, the likely effect is to exclude the implication of a general obligation of good faith. This is because the parties are likely to be taken to have

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addressed the issue sufficiently. For example, the standard form NEC3 contains an express obligation to act “in a spirit of mutual trust and co-operation”. It is unlikely that a further obligation to act in good faith would be implied. The parties could have included an express obligation of good faith but are likely to be taken to have considered this and to have opted instead for the different NEC3 obligation.

To some extent, the wording may be aspirational rather than obligatory, as words such as “spirit” and “mutual trust” are deliberately vague and not the usual language of contractual obligations. It is likely though that the courts would try to give them some practical effect.

If the contract contains an express obligation of good faith, the courts will normally give effect to such a provision.

The JCT standard form now has an optional provision at Schedule 8 under the heading “collaborative working”, which imposes an obligation on the parties to “work with each other and with other project team members in a co-operative and collaborative manner, in good faith and in a spirit of trust and respect”. This provision accordingly goes further than the NEC3 provision and expressly requires good faith, as well as other matters. However, it is not imbedded in the core clauses as in NEC3 but is an option, which means it is often not included in the contract.

In most construction contracts, there will be co-operation obligations, which arise from the nature of the relationship, as a matter either of construing the express obligations or as implied terms. There are for example cases about steps the employer must take so as not to hinder a contractor obliged to complete by a date.

The inclusion of a co-operation obligation in NEC3 and the JCT optional provision are therefore not particularly innovative, although the express obligation may be wider than the obligations recognised in case law. The JCT provision, for example, may go further in referring to the manner in which parties work with each other.

Where there is a good faith or similar

obligation governing the relationship, this will not of itself detract from a clear contractual right or obligation elsewhere. For example, if it is clear that notice is a condition precedent to a claim for a compensation event or for loss and expense, then a claim will still normally fail for lack of notice.

For more information, contact Peter Sheridan Partner at Sheridan Gold LLP T: 01737 735088 E: psheridan@sheridangold.co.uk www.sheridangold.co.uk

Peter Sheridan

COMMENT UKC

The pitfalls of basement conversions Pauline Lepissier, Thomas Eggar LLP The TCC has handed down a decision in Mr Edward Goldswain and Ms Jacqueline Hale v Beltec Limited (t/a BCS Consulting) and AIMS Plumbing & Building Services [2015] EWHC 556 (TCC), which Mr Justice Akenhead described as “a sad case”.

A firm of engineers was found not liable for the collapse of a house following construction work to convert a cellar, since it was entitled to expect that the contractors would understand its drawings and carry out the works accordingly. The TCC also declined to extend the scope of an engineer’s duty to warn where there could be a danger of works not being carried out safely.

Background Mr Goldwain and Ms Hale (the claimants) retained structural engineers, Beltec Limited (Beltec), to design the conversion of their cellar into living accommodation.

The claimants later retained AIMS Plumbing & Building Services (the contractor) to carry out the works.

However, these were not carried out with the adequate reinforcement or propping, leading to the collapse of the building.

The claimants sued Beltec and the contractor.

Engineers’ responsibility for temporary works Beltec was sued for a failure to exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the structural design for the works. A major area of complaint was whether Beltec should have spelt out more in its drawings, i.e the necessity for propping up and adequate reinforcement.

The judge considered that Beltec was engaged to design the permanent works, with no obligation to supervise or inspect.

It was clear that the temporary works were the responsibility of the contractor.

The conversion of basements has become commonplace in the industry, and the simple conversion required by the claimants is common practice.

Nothing in the documentation produced

by Beltec prevented the contractor from carrying out the works in a reasonably safe manner. Therefore, Beltec was entitled to expect that the contractors would carry out its designs in a reasonably competent manner and not be negligent.

Duty to warn The contractor engaged Beltec to carry out a single site visit to inspect the construction of the first pin. The engineer advised that this had not been done in accordance with Beltec’s design. The claimants relied on this in alleging that Beltec had breached their duty to warn the contractor and the claimants about the shortcomings in the contractor’s work.

The judge considered the authorities and drew the following conclusions: ••That a professional’s duty to warn could only arise within the scope of their contractual duties; ••That it was no more than an aspect of the duty to exercise reasonable care and skill; ••That whether, when and to what extent such a duty would arise, will depend on all the circumstances; ••That such a duty would often arise where there was an obvious and significant danger either to life and limb or to property, but could also arise where the careful professional ought to have known of such a danger; ••That in the latter cases, a Court would be unlikely to find liability merely if at the time the professional sees what is happening, there was only a possibility in the future of some danger.

and Beltec therefore remedied this by providing copies of its designs and explaining them to the contractor. Beltec had no particular duty to warn and it was not negligent in this respect.

Liability of the contractor The contractor played no part in the proceedings and was believed to be insolvent. The judge found that there was an overwhelming probability that it had been negligent. Unfortunately due to the contractor’s financial status, this was of little comfort to the claimants.

Conclusion Engineers will be reassured that the TCC declined to extend the scope of their duty to warn. In the context of the increasing popularity of basement conversions, homeowners should give careful consideration as to whether their contractor has the required expertise to carry out temporary works. If not, appointing a temporary works engineer might just be the difference between “a sad case” and a successful outcome.

Pauline Lépissier, trainee solicitor, Thomas Eggar, LLP

Pauline Lépissier

In the circumstances, during the above site visit, there was no evidence of actual danger as there was little to inspect. Nothing suggested that the engineer should have realised that the contractor was not competent to do the job it had been employed to do.

At the time, there was only evidence that the pin had not been constructed in accordance with Beltec’s designs,

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Creating Uncertainty - Avoiding the “No Payment Notice” trap?

OK, I admit it, I am a simple northern chap. I like to know where I stand on most if not all matters which impact on the industry I have chosen to work in for the last 30 years as well, of course, as keeping the current Mrs Vinden (there will be only one) happy. So I get a little concerned when I read a judgment of the Court which appears to go against the rules set out by Parliament in the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development & Construction Act 2011, particularly when previous decided cases have set out how we are supposed to interpret this legislation. So what am I talking about? Well it is all to do with payment to a Contractor and what happens when somebody should have issued a payment notice but forgets or neglects to do so. Let me explain.

I was pretty sure that successive judgements in Harding t/a Harding Contractors -v- Paice [2014] EWHC 3824 TCC and ISG Construction Ltd -v- Seevic College [2014] EWHC 4007 TCC had finally cleared up the question as to whether a successive adjudication requiring a decision on “the actual value of work done in an interim application for payment” could be used to successfully challenge a previous decision by an earlier adjudicator that “absent a payers payment notice or pay less notice, a Contractor is entitled to the full value of its interim application for payment”. The Courts have decided that such a proposition must fail.

Galliford contracted with Estura to build and refurbish the Salcombe Harbour Hotel in Devon under a JCT Design & Build 2011 form of contract. The works were virtually complete when Galliford issued its interim application for payment Nr 60 claiming a gross value of £12.66 million. With previous payments at £8.5 million this left £4.075 million as claimed. It is important to note that Galliford’s interim application for payment Nr 60 was effectively just £4,000 short of its projected final account. For reasons that are not clear, Estura and its appointed agent, PH Warr, failed to issue either a payer’s payment notice or pay less notice in time in response to Galliford's payment application. Yes, you’ve guessed it, the dispute ended up in adjudication with a decision that, absent a payer’s payment or pay less notice, Estura must pay Galliford the £4.075 million applied for.

Perhaps realising that it was in trouble and on the same day the decision in the first adjudication was issued, Estura commenced a second adjudication requiring the second adjudicator to decide on the merits and the actual value of Galliford’s interim application for payment with Estura. No doubt Estura intended to use the decision in the second adjudication to resist the payment due to Galliford from the first adjudicator’s decision.

It was also pretty clear to me that subsequent interim certificates might determine that no further sum was due to a Contractor because of an earlier overpayment and that, at least in the case of JCT contracts, until the final certificate was issued, an Employer could not demand repayment of monies overpaid to a Contractor in earlier interim payment certificates.

By the time the second adjudicator had been appointed the judgement in ISG Construction Ltd -v- Seevic College [2014] EWHC 4007 TCC had been handed down by the Court and Galliford requested the adjudicator in adjudication Nr 2 to resign on the basis that the value due to Galliford in respect of its interim application Nr 60 had already been decided and there could be no dispute. The adjudicator in adjudication Nr 2 agreed with Galliford and promptly resigned.

So you might understand my unease over the judgement in Galliford Try Building Ltd -v- Estura Ltd [2015] EWHC 412 TCC (“Galliford” and “Estura”) which appears to blow a hole in my understanding. Let me explain the background to this case so you can see what I am driving at.

So now we come to the enforcement proceedings in adjudication Nr 1. Did Galliford get its £4.075 million? The short answer is no. The Court decided that Galliford should receive £1.5 million immediately with any balance effectively held over until the final certificate was determined.

It seems that the Court was swayed by the financial position of Estura, accepting that it had insufficient funds to be able to pay over the full £4.075 million and that such an order might cause Estura to become insolvent and fail. This would have been in neither party’s interests and would have caused a “manifest injustice”.

I should add that the judge regarded the circumstances in this case as very unusual, stating that “those in the industry should take note that the course I propose to adopt in this case will be appropriate in rare cases only”.

Nevertheless, it is inevitable that other parties who fail to issue the appropriate payment notices will now attempt to advance similar “manifest injustice” defences in future cases.

Those of us who advise parties on the likely outcome of adjudications concerning the failure to issue valid payment notices would be wise to keep the Galliford -v- Estura case in mind. The facts might be said to have been unusual but are they really? I confess to being left a little unsettled and uncertain and, as we all know, uncertainty rarely translates into a good thing.

Peter Vinden is a practising adjudicator, arbitrator, expert and mediator. He is Managing Director of The Vinden Partnership and can be contacted by email at pvinden@vinden.co.uk. For similar articles please visit www.vinden.co.uk

Regent House, Folds Point, Folds Road, Bolton BL1 2RZ t. 01204 362888 f. 01204 362808 tvp@vinden.co.uk www.vinden.co.uk

UKC COMMENT

Why a buoyant construction industry is fed up with politics Lindsay Whitelaw, CEO of URICA The UK construction industry is feeling confident – the most confident it has felt in a decade. It has recovered strongly since the bleak years of 8/09. So why is it despondent with British politics?

Ahead of the hotly-contested election, the industry said it was favouring the Conservatives, a survey from Glenigan Construction Insight found. However, 71% of respondents said the industry’s needs are not being met by politicians.

The issues the industry cares about most, the survey found, include house building, demand (through schemes like Buy to Let) and skills shortages. Despite a few bumper years, the sector is still not at its 2007 peak – and there are pressing challenges ahead.

While ever-increasing house prices might sound like a good thing for construction, if they push up land values too far they can throttle the industry. What’s more, any perceptions of instability around bubbles could have a negative effect on sentiment.

Meanwhile, a skills shortage has now overtaken materials shortages as the biggest constraint to growth for the industry, according to the Construction Index1. The Index’s survey shows confidence and workloads rising, but with labour shortages in critical areas like bricklayers and quantity surveyors now affecting many firms.

The main contenders The Conservatives are offering the industry support in a few ways: ••Extending the Help to Buy scheme until 2020; ••Introduce the Help to Buy ISA; ••“Unlocking” brownfield sites; ••200,000 new “starter homes” for the under-40s; ••“National Infrastructure Plan”, which promises £100Bn in infrastructure over the next parliament.

Given it is the incumbent leader though, it might be judged by its record – which is mixed to say the least. Home building hit its highest level since the financial crisis last year, and a 25-year high in London2, but the recovery was slow. Critics say the government did too little, too late.

Home building is “moving in the right direction”, but with a lack of urgency, according to the executive director of the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association3.

Labour, meanwhile, the main opposition party, has included a few measures in its manifesto, including:

36

• At least 200,000 new homes built by 2020 (implementing the Lyons Review); • A promise to get “the public sector building again”; • An “Infrastructure commission” to address infrastructure shortages.

The house price trap, the skills gap Why the industry feels its needs are not being met by these promises can perhaps be understood in the context of Britain’s housing market – a big element in overall construction. In England alone, some 240,000 new houses per year are needed to satisfy demand, according to a CBI report4.

“The imbalance between demand and supply of housing in the UK is creating serious economic and social challenges,” the report says.

Indeed, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to attribute the current political ferment – which is creating fears of a fragmented government – in part to the housing situation. One thing the parties don’t disagree on is the need for more houses. While this problem is most acute in London, it stretches to many regions in the UK. Meanwhile, on the skills shortage, recent data from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills implies the construction sector needs to find more than one million new recruits over the 10 year-period from 2012 to 2022, according to the Brickonomics blog. That is a staggering challenge, and will need a concerted government effort to improve the image of the sector and promote it as a career route for young people.

An uphill battle The daunting nature of these challenges paints the parties’ promises as mere tinkering. But a radical overhaul of the British housing market is unlikely from any party – because the banking sector is so exposed to it5. The Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has said the housing market poses the single biggest risk to our future financial stability6.

In this less than perfect world, the Glenigan survey suggests the industry is staking its fortunes on a Conservativeled government – perhaps because of its more traditionally pro-business stance.

After all, higher-than average growth is key to an expanding construction sector.

In 2013, the latest full-year statistics available, the construction industry contributed a whopping £92.4Bn to the UK

economy – just over 6% of output. It offers huge benefits in terms of job creation, as well as the potential for the UK to lead on initiatives like low-carbon construction. Any party that gets into power would do well to listen to its needs and support it where possible – like improving skills, reducing bureaucracy and helping SME construction companies with access to finance.

About Lindsay Whitelaw, CEO of URICA Lindsay is a Scottish businessman who co-founded Artemis, a leading UK-based fund manager that manages an asset base of more than £19bn. He is also Chairman of The Artemis Charitable Foundation and a trustee of the Active Earth Foundation.

About URICA URICA was born out of deep frustration by the banks’ lack of financial innovation for SMEs. Founded in 2012, URICA rewrites the rules by providing SMEs with early cash payment of their invoices without any need for debt, security or personal guarantees. At the same time it provides their customers with a strengthened supply chain and an opportunity for extended credit. It’s not invoice discounting because that’s just debt by another name. Financed by the government via the British Business Bank and RSA, URICA was developed by business people for business people.

1 http://www.theconstructionindex. co.uk/news/view/two-thirds-ofsurveyors-hit-by-skills-shortages 2 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ business-25982505 3 http://www.propertywire.com/ news/europe/uk-new-homebuilding-201405159130.html 4 http://www.cbi.org.uk/ media/2876609/homes-for-growth.pdf 5 http://coppolacomment. blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/thehousing-conundrum.html 6 http://www.cbi.org.uk/ media/2876609/homes-for-growth.pdf

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UKC COMMENT

The problem with SuDS is that they are designed by engineers Richard Steel, Technical Director Water and Soils Team, Atmos Consulting The statement in this title may well raise eyebrows, but it is not meant in a derogatory way, just as an observation that so often SuDS are designed simply to manage drainage on site without any consideration for how they could be used to the benefit of the development.

With a little more thought earlier in the design process, for instance, SuDS can be used to improve ecology, introduce an attractive water feature or even to create an amenity such as a venue for water sports.

In reality, however, I have seen many sites where attenuation ponds for a SuDS system is simply an unattractive square hole in the ground; but it doesn’t have to be that way. A well-designed and wellmaintained SuDS can actually add value to the development because people want to live or work around an attractive water feature; a fact reflected in prices for both domestic and commercial property.

Moreover, with the right design approach it is possible to create a feature that ends up being safer and easier to maintain - so developers are missing an opportunity.

We are currently awaiting new guidance from the Government in April which will call for the inclusion of SuDS in every residential development of more than ten homes – so now is certainly the time to think more deeply about the issue.

The new guidelines have been partly inspired by recent floods but also by a desire for greater sustainability of water resources by ensuring as much as possible is put back into the ground. So almost all developments are likely to require some kind of attenuation measures to store water from run-off and achieve green field rates. This attenuation can take the form of an attractive water feature within the development.

It may sound like an additional expense but by considering SuDS right from the very start of the planning and design process developers can use water

38

features to inspire the landscape entire project and make it more attractive and more valuable to the end user.

Good design can also keep maintenance to a minimum, something to think about because so many water features in the past have been poorly designed, have low visual quality and are neglected in the long term due to a lack of understanding and ownership in terms of maintenance.

Certainly it is a much easier to think about effective SuDS early in the master planning process rather than trying to retrofit them into existing plans. Architects might want to consider green corridors between rows of houses, for instance as well as carefully-placed lakes and ponds with the development landscape.

The opportunities are multiple and there has never been a better time for landscape architects and engineers to take a step a back and see the intrinsic benefit of SuDS – they are far more than an unattractive square hole in the ground.

Atmos Consulting is a leading environmental consultancy with a team of multi-disciplinary consultants includes EIA consultants, project managers, ecologists, ornithologists, noise consultants, planners, hydrologists and GIS specialists.

Together the provide expert technical, environmental and planning support and advice to utilities, developers, industry, communities and the public sector throughout the entire project life-cycle from feasibility to implementation.

With offices in Edinburgh, Inverness, North Wales, Norfolk and County Durham, we are strategically located to assist in the efficient delivery of successful projects. www.atmosconsulting.com

Richard Steel

COMMENT UKC

CDM 2015

How Will The Changes Affect the Construction Industry?

The new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations brought in at the start of April this year look set to introduce a number of changes to the industry when the transitional period is complete in October 2015. Here, we highlight how the construction industry will be affected by the changes.

Definition of the Client The new regulations have slightly realigned which parties can fall under the title of ‘Client’. The new regulations determine that all clients who are receiving construction work which does not further their business interests should be referred to as a ‘Domestic Client’. This brings the rights and responsibilities of non-profit organisations and charities in line with homeowners rather than for-profit business owners.

Definition of Pre-Construction Phase The redefined pre-construction phase can now overlap with the construction phase – extending until all design and preparatory or design work is completed.

Increased Client Duties The CDM 2015 has increased the responsibilities and duties of the client. The client is now responsible for ensuring suitable arrangements for the management of the project are completed. The client must also ensure that a contractor has drawn up a suitable and substantial construction phase plan.

The new regulations also dictate that the client must ensure that the principle designer has prepared a sufficient health and safety file for the project.

Appointment of Principle Contractor and Principle Designer CDM 2015 also includes more clearly defined regulations for appointing the principle contractor and principle director – necessitating the latter is appointed at the very beginning of all design work, including feasibility.

Reduced Health and Safety Bureaucracy The new regulations have been designed to try and reduce the bureaucracy attached to health and safety rules. Streamlining the process – the HSE hopes the new regulations will reduce the drain on funds and time.

Paul Manchester, Director of Manchester Safety Services, adds: “The new CDM emphasises the importance of genuine safety on construction sites without compromising the quality and accuracy of the reporting.”

Construction Phase Planning The new regulations clearly dictate that the principle designer must assist the principle contractor in the preparation of the construction phase plan. The principle designer must also prepare the project’s health and safety file as the job progresses. However, if the principle designer does not continue until the end of the project, the principle contractor assumes this responsibility.

The principle contractor must liaise with the principle designer throughout the duration of the project – keeping the latter abreast of planning and management of the job.

the construction plan. The new risks specified include burial under earth falls, engulfment in swampland, risk of drowning and falling from a height. Additionally, the regulations stress the importance of health monitoring on sites which potentially put workers at risk of contamination from chemical or biological substances.

The new regulations have also been designed to protect workers who are working near high voltage power lines, in compressed air atmospheres and in wells, underground or in tunnels.

Existing Projects Projects which were not notifiable under the previous CDM and no principle contractor has been appointed, must appoint a principle contractor as soon as practicable after 6 April. The newly-appointed principle contractor must then produce a construction phase plan and a health and safety file.

If the principle contractor has been appointed but the project is due to be completed before the transitional implementation stage concludes on 6 October 2015, there is no requirement to appoint a principle designer. However, if the project is due to continue past this date, a client must appoint a principle designer. If the client does not appoint a principle designer, they will assume all the latter’s responsibilities.

Detailed Risks The new regulations have specified additional risk concerns which must be considered by the principle contractor when developing

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UKC COMMENT

Has traditional marketing had its day?

Benjamin Dyer, CEO of Powered Now I sympathise with the construction industry.

When we were talking to business angels about potentially investing in our start-up technology company, which targets the building sector, the level of ignorance and prejudice we encountered was appalling.

We tried to explain that this was a multi-tens of billions pound industry, employing millions, but the investors seemed to be stuck on the wolfwhistling, black market caricature.

But in one area they did seem to have a point. Of all the major industries, construction is arguably the one with the lowest technology penetration, despite some honourable exceptions.

And when it comes to marketing using technology, there is still some way to go.

The danger of the old It’s very easy to stick to old methods, but it’s dangerous.

The music industry, and now the newspapers, have tried to keep their old business models going, and have ended up being massacred, with the major spoils being shared between brash new startups. That’s less likely in construction, however this doesn’t mean that there is no threat, particularly to mid-size companies. James Chandler of Chandler Building on the Isle of Wight, puts it this way: “You can’t ignore technology, even in the building trade. Builders that want to be successful must move on.”

The majority of the population in the UK and an ever increasing chunk of the world population have smartphones.

Where people used to buy a paper, look in the library or consult an industry publication, they now turn to Google.

If you are a large house builder, you can maybe still afford billboard, radio or TV advertising, but that’s out of the reach of most anyway and on a gently declining ramp.

More and more people are spending their leisure time with YouTube, online games, Snapchat and on-demand TV over the internet. The majority may be younger, but there is only one direction of travel. These are all leisure activities, but they also have a huge influence on

40

business behaviour over time. People forget that Microsoft was once an upstart supplying ’toy’ PCs, but has gone on to dominate the corporate space.

It’s what works that counts Being at the bleeding edge of technology just for its own sake is not important.

What is important is what works.

The rise of the internet that has altered the landscape. Construction businesses, like most other industries, still put huge store on trusted relationships, but even here things are changing.

Face-to-face selling remains vital, but you must remember how much background research people will also do on you to complement what happens in person, e.g. using LinkedIn, so ensure your personal and company profiles are current.

Even for the largest businesses, the web can still generate leads. To do that. It’s not just about the content of the site, it’s about ranking highly for the most searched for phrases. This is a whole science in itself (called Search Engine Optimisation) and a full article could be penned on the subject.

Benjamin Dyer

It is critical to have a convincing website that showcases the key strengths and services of your business, carefully presented to not come across as tedious corporate musak. That’s because prospects will use your site to get a feel before they meet, or sometimes even agree to meet, your sales person. And if you haven’t put the effort in, you can be sure that your competitors have.

Incidentally, that’s one advantage of the internet, where you can flatter your competitors by pinching all of their best ideas, while never breaking copyright laws.

Make your choice Things are changing all of the time, and it pays to keep up. There are lots of new technology ideas around, not least in marketing, and effort needs to be expended in tracking them, and implementing the best.

In construction, just like every other industry “No pain, no gain” is a true adage.

COMMENT UKC

Modular building - a better way?

Phil Lidgerton, Buildingmaterials.co.uk Whilst spring and early summer certainly makes getting up the mornings much easier, there’s nothing like an unexpected traffic queue to dampen a person’s spirits.

This morning was a case in point as I waited for the temporary traffic lights to change, which were in situ because a new housing development was being built. It’s a big project and seems to be going up at a relatively fast past, but I did note that these traffic lights were going to be tormenting the traffic for a minimum of eight weeks, whilst the main road is re-modelled.

Obviously coming from the building trade there’s nothing I like more than to see active development taking place, as this is great for the entire industry from material supplier to eventual customer.

However, after mentally making a note to take an alternative route to work in future, I recalled a recent news story about a 57-floor skyscraper called the Mini Sky City.

This skyscraper has been built in China, which was a pre-fab modular development that went up in a mere nineteen working days. That is an astonishing amount of time in anyone’s books and of course is testament to clever design.

Without getting into debates about health and safety and discussions on the proverbial red tape that can occasionally dog our plans in the UK, I do wonder if there are things to be learned from employing such a process more often in Britain? Obviously a lot of the work that went into building the modular sections took place prior to the build, and effectively this does mean nineteen days is more of a headline grabbing number. However, it does show how quickly a project like this can be undertaken and completed if compromises are willing to be made.

One of the main criticisms against modular design, and at least cited in this particular project in China, is its lacking of the bespoke element that people want from their buildings. I suppose the fear is there could be an influx of identikit buildings popping up all over the place, which all look the same. This not only makes the city environment look bland, but also doesn’t allow for the people who use these buildings to be able to form a unique

identity and feel as though they are an individual and not a part of the mass crowd.

Whilst this particular development may suffer criticism, there are a lot of modular designed buildings out there that can and do offer a wonderful level of customisation.

Of course, there are always people who will want something truly unique. These people will always reject modular design as much as they might reject flat-pack furniture. However, there are plenty of companies out there and existing buildings on the market that can fulfil the brief of being singularly exclusive.

Clearly modular design is not for everyone, but in a climate when the consensus is that buildings are not going up either fast enough, or cheaply enough there will always be a market for a stack ‘em high and move them quickly philosophy.

Personally, if modular design can be used to build faster and ultimately more cost effectively, whilst also reducing the time I have to wait at temporary traffic lights, I’m all for it. Ultimately, when it comes to the wider market, price and time will always tell.

Phil Lidgerton is founder of: www.buildingmaterials.co.uk Phil Lidgerton

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UKC EDUCATION

Setting new standards in education

Priority School Building Programme

The Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) is a centrally managed programme set up to address the needs of the schools most in need of urgent repair.

Through the programme, 260 schools will be rebuilt or have their condition needs met by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) The PSBP is being overseen by the Department for Education (DfE) and represents a concerted effort on behalf of the DfE to improve England’s education infrastructure.

The first school to be rebuilt as part of the Government’s PSBP opened to its pupils in May 2014. Pupils and teachers at Whitmore Park Primary School in Coventry have had their dilapidated school building completely rebuilt as part of the £2.4Bn programme.

As of February 2015, 16 PSBP schools have now opened in new buildings, 55 schools are currently under construction and all the schools are due for completion by the end of 2017 - two years earlier than originally planned. Given the success of the PSBP, Ministers have also announced a second phase of the programme, worth around £2Bn. Schools Minister David Laws said: “The opening of Whitmore Park marks a major milestone in the Priority School Building Programme, which is making great strides in ensuring that vital building work takes place at some of the schools in the worst state across the country.

“It is providing much better value for money than previous school building schemes, and forms part of the Government’s drive to deliver the best schools for young

42

people in order to help deliver both a stronger economy and a fairer society.

“Whitmore Park Primary has become a model for PSBP schools, with procurement taking only 13 weeks and building works complete in just 11 months.”

Caroline Kiely, Executive Headteacher at Whitmore Park Primary School, said: “I’m sure the new school environment will make a real difference to the staff and children here at Whitmore Park.

“Our previous building was past its best so the new school will mean that less money will have to be spent on repairs and can be spent on better equipment or more staff instead.”

The £5M project comprises a new build primary school for 630 pupils with a 39-place nursery. The two wings share a central hub comprising the entrance, studio and hall, making it an efficient and effective design.

Stephen Beechey, Managing Director Education and Investment at Wates, the contractor who built the school, said: “The Priority School Building Programme is proving itself an extremely successful means of ensuring new school facilities result in inspirational learning environments that encourage educational excellence.

“This can clearly be seen in the delivery of Whitmore Park. Wates has maintained a close working partnership with the Education Funding Agency throughout the design and build programme to maintain cost and time efficiency, leading to completion of the first school under the programme.”

With Whitmore Park Primary School complete, a raft of new school rebuilds have begun on-site. In December 2014 Hessle High School and Sixth-Form College hosted an official turf-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of an £18.5M scheme to replace its deteriorating school building. Excited students and staff from the school were joined by council dignitaries, representatives from the EFA and the contractor, Galliford Try, to celebrate the start of work.

Situated in East Yorkshire, Hessle High School and Sixth-Form College has accommodation for 1,450 pupils, including 200 sixth form students, and is currently split over two sites. The fit-for-purpose rebuild - one of five such PSPB projects being rebuilt or refurbished by Galliford Try across the region - will allow the school to operate from a single site and provide stateof-the-art science labs, ICT and teaching areas, and sports facilities for up to 1,550 pupils, including 230 sixth form students.

The Hessle High School and Sixth-Form College scheme is due for completion by summer 2016. In total, ten schools will be rebuilt or refurbished under the PSBP in the Hull and East Riding area.

Withernsea High School, also in East Yorkshire, will too benefit from the PSBP. The 1,000-place secondary school has received a £13M investment which will provide a three-storey school building alongside a partial refurbishment of the existing school. While the new build element is due for completion in summer continued page 44

www.yeomanshield.com

sallyann@yeomanshield.com

2015, the full programme of works will be completed in summer of the following year.

Speaking at the turf-cutting in December, Richard Williman, Headteacher of Withernsea High School, said: “Having worked so closely with the EFA, BAM and the local authority on the planning of our new school, seeing the cutting of the first turf is a really exciting day. This development will have such a profound impact on the whole Withernsea community that today has even greater significance.

We look forward to seeing the building evolve over the next 18 months.”

Paul Cleminson, Project Director for BAM Construction, added: “We understand how much these facilities mean to the community of Withernsea, as well as to the school itself. We’ll be making every effort during the build to make sure the broader community knows what’s going on, and also benefits economically and socially from the work we are doing here. From our considerable experience in this sector we know that a new school is a very significant thing for a community and we appreciate that our approach to building it has to be as professional as the technicalities of the construction. We’re looking forward to getting involved and making a rapid start.”

Investing in the school estate With the first phase well and truly underway, the Department for Education has set about detailing Phase II of the PSBP together with the proposed school conditional funding allocations.

Here the Government has redoubled its efforts by dedicating an astounding £6Bn of investment to improve the condition of the school estate. Such investment is indicative of the Government’s long-term economic plan to ensure good quality schools that are safe and fit for learning.

44

The investment is a hearty endorsement of the Priority School Building Programme, which has seen ageing school infrastructure improved faster and cheaper than those built under the previous school building initiative Building Schools for the Future (BSF). While construction could take as long as three years to begin under the BSF, the PSBP has seen waiting times slashed to a single year and overall project costs reduced by a third.

Of the £6Bn of funding announced, £2Bn will be invested in rebuilding and major refurbishment projects to address the needs of school buildings in the very worst condition. In total a further 277 schools will have one or more of their buildings addressed under the second phase of the PSBP. The remaining £4Bn will be allocated to schools, local authorities, academy trusts and voluntary-aided partnerships to fund the improvement and maintenance of UK schools as Nicky Morgan, the Secretary of State for Education, explains: “For the first time in years, we have reliable information on the condition of school buildings from the property data survey - the most comprehensive survey of the school estate ever undertaken. All of those responsible for schools will now receive funding in proportion to the size and condition of their schools. Where necessary, we are providing additional support to those responsible for schools with the most severe condition need.”

The funding announced will, for the first time, cover three years - from 2015 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018 - to guarantee certainty and stability for the various local authorities, academy trusts and voluntary-aided partnerships. The measure will enable those responsible to plan effectively and make good strategic

investment decisions that deliver the best possible value for their schools.

In an effort to increase transparency, the Government will also collect information from all bodies responsible for the maintenance of the school estate on how they have used their funding. This information will be simple, high-level and easily accessible to the public.

In summation Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “It is crucial that we invest properly in education, so that every child has a fair start in life. Thousands of pupils will benefit from better, brighter, warmer classrooms thanks to this funding.

“Children can’t learn and teachers can’t teach in schools that are cold and have leaking roofs.

“To create a stronger economy we have to invest in a fairer society so that our young people can be successful in the future.”

The Government is determined to raise the standard of schools and the education they provide as part of its longterm plan. The PSBP is building on the progress which has already been made in delivering a more efficient, faster, less bureaucratic approach to building schools.

Thanks to the decisions taken following Sebastian James’ ‘Review of School Capital’ to improve efficiency and reduce waste in central school building programmes, the Government is building or improving the condition of almost 900 schools.

COMMENT UKC

Dr David Hancock calls construction industry to action at packed NEC Users’ Group Annual Seminar “The construction industry stands at a crossroads,” Dr David Hancock, Head of Construction at the Cabinet Office told an audience at this yearís NEC Users’ Group Seminar.

Delivering a presentation entitled ‘Delivering the vision of Construction 2025’ to more than 240 NEC contract users at the Institution of Civil Engineers’ One Great George Street headquarters in London, Dr Hancock added: “Having survived the recession and with a full development pipeline ahead, it’s time to collaborate as an industry, to future-proof construction and change it for the better.

“In order to meet the targets set by Construction 2025, we need to make the industry more accessible and more attractive to young people, incorporating a wider range of skills than those traditionally associated with construction, as we adapt and move into the digital world.”

Broadening perceptions of the construction industry was also highlighted as an opportunity to close the gender gap, moving away from the traditional image of construction as macho, dirty and physically demanding, and raising awareness of the increasing roles played by those in IT, risk management and consultant advisory services.

Dr Hancock reiterated the importance of collaborative working, underpinned by a strong contractual framework: “Good contracts won’t necessarily lead to good outcomes, but poor contracts will inevitably lead to poor outcomes. Once the contract is in place, behavioural competencies are at the forefront of many successful projects, promoting collaboration at all levels of the supply chain.

“As members of the UK construction industry, we want to be known for our talented and diverse workforce, use of technology and the way in which we efficiently deliver sustainable outcomes to drive growth across the economy.”

The NEC Users’ Group seminar is the

highlight of the NEC calendar and an essential diary date for members and non-members who use, or have an interest in NEC3 and its developments.

During the sell-out day-long event, a programme of keynote speeches, interactive workshops and panel sessions took place representing an unprecedented forum for project management and procurement discussion and networking.

Dr Hancock was followed by speeches from Simon Rawlinson, Member of the BIM Task Group Core Team and Partner at EC Harris LLP, Tim Cummins, from the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management and Phil Bennett, Network Rail’s Finance and Commercial Director for Infrastructure Projects (Southern Region).

The seminar provides an opportunity for NEC users to share best practice, get the latest insights from industry studies, and network with fellow users and solutions providers.

As interest in and uptake of NEC products and services continues to grow year on year, the event also offered attendees an invaluable opportunities for industry professionals to gain insight into how NEC3 is being used to invest in infrastructure both across the UK and internationally. The Hong Kong Government has recently committed to using NEC contracts for all its public works, and once again, a delegation from Hong Kong was in attendance to share best practice and learn from its UK counterparts.

The event concluded with first ever NEC Users’ Group Awards, established to recognise and celebrate the world’s finest examples of NEC3 contract collaborations.

The winning submissions will now be championed globally as the pinnacle of contract collaboration.

Rekha Thawrani, General Manager for NEC: “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year’s seminar and the first ever NEC Users’ Group Awards.

“Once again, this sell-out event was a

wonderful engaging mix of insightful presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussion and excellent networking opportunities for attending delegates.

“This event is a standout opportunity to publicly recognise and celebrate the worldís finest examples of NEC3 contract collaborations so congratulations to our sterling and inspirational award winners.

Many thanks to all our key speakers and all the users who joined us.”

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Employees in the UAE? What you need to know about compulsory health insurance New health care regulations introduced in 2014 by the Dubai Health Authority mean that employers need to ensure that health care cover for international workers across Dubai is up to scratch. Non-compliance could lead to your company trade license and the residency visa for your employees being denied.

The Middle East has seen a recent boom in opportunities for the construction industry with significant investment in large scale developments across the region. In the UAE alone, there are currently over US$727B worth of projects planned or underway, up 9% compared to a year ago1. If you already have employees residing in the UAE, or are planning to send workers abroad, it is vital to ensure that you have the proper health care cover in place to protect your employees and their family’s health - and also ensure that, as an employer, you remain compliant with local regulations.

As well as making health insurance mandatory across the region, the new rules require all new

policies whether group or individual issued on or after 1 January 2015, to comply with standards including minimum level of benefits This brings Dubai alongside Abu Dhabi in rolling out a compulsory employer-paid health insurance system and the penalties could be hefty.

What do you need to do?

Employers need to act now to, first of all, ensure all workers in the UAE have access to health care cover. If you already have a plan in place, it also makes sense to review your arrangements to ensure they meet the regulations and that you have the right cover, for the right people, in the right place.

How can Elect help?

At Elect, we understand how important it is to have local knowledge to help employers manage the costs, risks and complexities of health care and other employee benefits.

And as part of Mercer, we have a global network of benefit experts in more than 130 countries – including the UAE – helping employers of all sizes to deliver benefits that are compliant and also affordable.

We have developed a ‘what you need to know’ guide to help you get up to speed on the new health care requirements.

Download our guide here Get a free review of your benefits If you’re setting up cover for the first time, Elect offers an exclusive international private medical insurance plan through Aetna’s strategic partner in UAE. Aetna has over 50 years’ experience insuring employees living and working outside of their home countries. As well as being compliant, the plan is designed specifically with smaller businesses in mind and gives you access to first class, but affordable benefits. If you already have health care cover for your employees, we can review your plan for free to make sure you have the right cover in place no matter where your

1

employees are based in the Middle East – and let us quote you to see if we can improve the cover and affordability of your benefits.

As well as all of the features you’d expect from a quality plan we also offer: • Exclusive discounted rates • Emergency & routine medical care for your overseas employees • No deductions or penalties due to pre-existing conditions • Worldwide access to maternity services • Cover for all costs accrued through routine management of chronic health conditions, ensuring your employees well-being and health is maintained Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

Call 0800 0232 785 Request a free quote Visit our website: www.electemployeebenefits.co.uk Download our ‘what you need to know’ guide on UAE healthcare

Source: www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/xe/Documents/realestate/construction/gccpowersofconstruction/me_construction_gccpoc2014_sectoroverview.pdf

UKC HOUSING

Vista – A new look for zero carbon housing developments

Winner of Housebuilder Awards Best Low or Zero Carbon Initiative

Vista is Morris Homes’ 17 acre zero carbon development, first launched in November 2012.

Crowned the country’s Best Low or Zero Carbon Initiative at the industry leading Housebuilder Awards, Vista impressed the judges with its energy saving design of the 295 zero carbon homes as well as the Design Team’s skill in combining contemporary architecture with emission reducing technology.

Based in Peterborough, Vista offers a diverse collection of bespoke two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in a superb location.

Each of the homes boasts an ecofriendly design, together with stunning contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, plus a high specification throughout.

Externally, the elevations are very contemporary and this design reflects the cutting-edge environmental credentials of the development. Features such as solar panels are standard to all house types, together with energy efficient gas boilers. While each house type will also boast enhanced water efficiency to reduce consumption and general fabric enhancements to promote insulation.

Morris Homes is undertaking the project, with the support of the Homes and Communities Agency and Peterborough City Council.

Councillor Marco Cereste, leader of Peterborough City Council said: “The Vista development is a vital first step in the regeneration of the South Bank area,

48

which is a key site in our wider growth plans for Peterborough. It is the larger of only two such schemes currently being delivered in the country and is considered a national exemplar of sustainable housing.”

Cindy Vials, Regional Sales Director at Morris Homes, said: “Vista is a flagship new site for us, bringing the largest development of its kind in the UK to Peterborough, and buyers will soon be able to purchase one of the fantastic energy efficient properties on site.

“The homes at Vista are not only some of the most environmentally friendly on the market, setting the benchmark for future ‘green’ builds, but are also packed full of beautiful design features, making them a real asset to the area.”

Vista will provide some 295 homes when complete, with 120 of these affordable homes.

Vista demonstrates how new and manageable zero carbon technologies, fabrics and systems can be combined to provide homes that the local community can afford, combined with good architectural an urban design.

Properties have a dedicated recycling and composting area, bicycle stores and areas of biodiversity, which are combined with amenity spaces for the residents, with some 2.7 acres of public gardens and wetlands surrounding the development.

A new irrigated green wall utilises a timber crib system alongside the railway to mitigate noise and create a linear nature reserve on the boundary of the site.

Based in Cheshire, Morris homes is one of the country’s largest privately owned house builders.

The Company specialises in transforming brownfield sites and existing buildings into well-designed, energy efficient housing, with over 90% of the company’s development taking place previously used sites.

With a wide variety of skills and decades of experience throughout the Company, Morris Homes can tackle the most complex schemes and deliver successful schemes for affordable housing and community investment, with an emphasis on sustainability and keeping the local ecology safe.

Morris Homes has a reputation as a responsible developer and prides itself on combining exceptional build quality, high specification, good design and energy efficiency with first-rate customer care.

Morris Homes was the first housebuilder in the UK to comply with SAP 80+, the Government’s accreditation for scheme energy efficiency.

Working alongside Morris on the Vista development are sustainable architecture specialist Browne Smith Baker and Architect Barnes Walker, with Architect, Barnett North LLP working on the 120 affordable homes on site.

It is expected that Vista will lead the way for other housing developments that will help the Government meet national targets to reduce UK carbon emissions from homes by 29% on 2008 levels ahead of 2020.

Suppliers of the highest quality paint, wallpapers and decorating sundries

2 - 2a Derby Road (opposite the co-op) Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2HE

Since opening in 2009 in the heart of busy market town Ashby de la Zouch, Ashby Decorator Centre has been committed to bringing its customers the highest quality paint, wallpapers and decorating sundries from some of the UK’s most sought after suppliers.

We are proud stockists of paints from Farrow & Ball, The Little Greene, Sanderson, Paint Library and Dulux Trade. You’ll be sure to find the perfect colour for your home, from colour pallets with unsurpassed quality, purity and depth of colour.

Tel: 01530 564375 You can order designer and trade paints from us online and get nationwide delivery by visiting

If it’s wallpapers you’re looking for, our paper library gives a relaxed atmosphere to browse an extensive range of wall coverings to suit any home, from supplies such as Today Interiors, F & B, The Little Greene, Premier and Dixons.

www.designerpaintstore.com

With friendly, knowledgeable staff who are happy to help you choose the perfect paints and wall coverings to suit your requirements and assist you in achieving the exact, high quality, long lasting results you’re looking for.

Ashby Decorator Centre is also a painting and decorating contractor and would be pleased to offer a free quote for any decorating works you have. For more information or to book an appointment, please ask in store, telephone or E-mail.

Pinnacle Spray Renders Ltd have been a leading render applicator for more than 30 years in the UK. Based in Wimborne, Dorset and with an area office in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire; we operate on a national basis contracted by many of the UK's top housebuilders, commercial developers and self-builders.

The company has built up a successful business as one of the first contractors to introduce to the UK the spray technique of 'Monocouche' or 'single-coat' render. Pinnacle use products and system renders by Weber , Parex and Kilwaughter's K-Rend. Pinnacle is also an approved installer of the Weber.therm XP External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems.

Pinnacle Spray Renders Ltd.

Henbury Manor, Henbury Park,Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3RL

01258 858147 or 01258 857327 info@pinnaclesprayrenders.co.uk www.pinnaclesprayrenders.co.uk

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UKC PROFILE

Euro Garages Euro Garages is one of the UK’s largest privately owned forecourt operators with an expanding portfolio of almost 200 freeholdowned sites predominantly located across the north of England and the Midlands.

The Company has more than 3,200 staff members and in 2015 it reported that turnover had increased by 47% to £646M. The results were boosted by the acquisition of 48 existing petrol forecourt sites in the Midlands and East of England, which was completed in May. The Company has enjoyed impressive growth helped by rises in like-forlike fuel and non-fuel sales.

Blackburn-based Euro Garages was founded in 2001 by Mohsin and Zuber Issa with the acquisition of a single petrol filling station in Bury, Greater Manchester. Since then it has established itself as one of the UK’s fastest growing forecourt operators and is well known for its innovative approach to forecourt trading. The Issa family buys underperforming sites in highdensity locations or unused Greenfield land and then redevelops the area so it becomes a useful amenity for passing commuters and the local community.

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Not content with just forecourts, Euro Garages has also completed several new to market site developments such as Calder Park in Wakefield and at Kettering in Northamptonshire, where existing sites have been redeveloped to hep them reach their full potential.

To ensure its forecourts remain at the forefront of design, Euro Garages has made a number of high profile partnerships, including ones with Subway, Starbucks and Burger King. These carefully selected partners are guaranteed to provide customers with a unique and convenient forecourt experience as well as maximising both fuel and retail sales across the portfolio. The Company currently operates 48 Starbucks with 61 Subway stores across the estate, and there are plans to open 100 each by the end of 2015. While a new partnership with Greggs has seen 12 Greggs stores added to its forecourts and there are plans to have 30 of the bakery outlets in the Euro Garages portfolio by the end of the year.

Euro Garages ensure that customers can receive the same high-standard experience on all of their forecourts and

retail sites, being committed to providing excellent customer service, good value products and a wide range of facilities.

Each one of the forecourts features a convenience store and the Company currently operates more than 150,000sq ft of retail space with more than 80% of customers shopping at the convenience stores when topping up with fuel.

Euro Garages features products across several categories including car care, groceries (chilled and ambient), newspapers and magazines, sandwiches and tobacco. Since 2008, all convenience outlets have been SPAR-branded stores.

SPAR was recognised the brand as an ideal fit for the business as it offers a number of advantages such as product choice, sales improvement and stock and category management.

Peter Dodding, Retail Director from SPAR distributor James Hall & Co, said: “Forecourt retailing is an area of strong expansion for SPAR and a strong partner with ambitious development plans such as Euro Garages will help us develop even further in a sector where our profile continues to grow.

“We can offer central control for multi-sale retailers on range and pricing policies, which will help Euro Garages maximise profit.

“SPAR is a very strong symbol group and this partnership demonstrates how we can support retailers and help them grown their business in a very dynamic marketplace.”

To ensure customers can access both convenient and quality brands, Euro Garages has a partnership that includes many fast food outlets at its petrol stations.

The first Subway franchise was launched at the Ashton Road site in Cheshire in 2005 and since then, the Company has opened further outlets across the portfolio in the north west and Midlands. Subway outlets in the Company’s portfolio include ones at Rylands, Beehive and at Heathrow Airport.

Euro Garages has worked closely with Subway over the last seven years and both have benefited from the relationship.

The Company obtain an income stream and increased footfall on forecourt and Subway has developed a profitable business model, which both are looking to continue to develop as the size of the network is expanded further.

Operating a fast food partnership with Burger King, the Company has six different outlets, including ones in Uttoxeter and at Rivington Services. The network of fast food outlets is sure to develop as the portfolio of forecourts is further expanded.

Since 2010, Euro Garages has had a licensing agreement with Starbucks when

it opened one of the UK’s first drive-thru outlets in Deeside. The initial agreement was to open 20 drive-thru sites, which was later expanded to 50 following the success of the stores at Beehive and Blackford Bridge, as well as the Deeside outlet.

In December 2011, Euro Garages announced a new five-year agreement to open a further 100 Starbucks roadside outlets that will create up to 2,000 new jobs.

Kris Engskov, Managing Director of Starbucks UK & Ireland, said: “Customers told us that they want great coffee when they’re on the go and the success of our first drive-thru stores shows that this is a huge opportunity.

“The north west of England is a region of high strategic importance for us as we believe it offers great potential for growth. We’re enormously excited about our partnership with Euro Garages.

“We’re looking forward to contributing to the job creation story here and across the UK.” Euro Garages’ single biggest investment to date is the £12.3M development of Rivington Services on the M61 in Lancashire. Reopened in May 2011 following an 18-month investment programme, the location was previously known as Bolton West.

Work comprised of demolition of much of the old northbound and southbound sites, creating one of the UK’s leading motorway services facilities with brand new

forecourts, amenity buildings and facilities.

Now, the forecourt houses Starbucks, Subway, SPAR and Burger King outlets in the glazed foodcourt areas, brand new convenience stores, a wide range of quality facilities and carefully landscaped grounds offering relaxing outdoor dining.

Over the years, the success of Euro Garages has been recognised by numerous awards including the Sunday Times Fast Track, Real Business Hot 100, The Forecourt Trader of the Year Awards and the English Asian Business Awards among others.

In the next 12 months, the Company plans to create a further 2,500 new jobs through a combination of acquiring sites and opening new to market forecourts, with a focus on the South of England.

Managing Director, Mohsin Issa said: “Our continued success has been underpinned by the robust brand offer we provide to our customers, ongoing capital investment in our sites and our commitment to expanding our national footprint to consistently outperform the market in challenging retail trading conditions.

“However, we are not resting on our laurels. With the backing of our supportive lenders and brand partners, we are pushing ahead with plans to increase our national coverage, particularly in the south of England. This means bringing our brand partnerships to even more customers, investing in our sites and creating more jobs.”

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info@signs-nis.co.uk www.signs-nis.co.uk

UKC PROFILE

4 Crosses Construction

Building and Civil Engineering Founded in 1994, 4 Crosses Construction Ltd undertakes general building and civil engineering projects from its base in Anglesey.

With over 20 years in the business, 4 Crosses has grown steadily and has built up a reputation for providing a quality product through consistent performance and the flexibility to meet Client requirements, within budget and to programme.

With a head office in Anglesey, 4 Crosses provide services across North Wales, Merseyside, Wirral, Manchester, Cheshire, Shropshire and Powys.

In 2013, the Company was accredited with ISO 9001:2008 for its quality management system, which provides Clients with the reassurances that projects will be delivered within a measured and professional manner. As part of its Quality Assurance procedures, 4 Crosses rates all its contractors and continually reviews its methods of working to ensure best value is achieved for Clients and a good working relationship is maintained with its entire supply chain.

Health and Safety is also a priority of the Company, with membership of both CHAS and SMAS. It is due to the 4 Crosses’ commitment to quality that the Company has an impressive Client list, including the Ministry of Defence, with whom 4 Crosses has a close relationship. This has seen the Company work on a number of sites in Central and North regions within these high security environments. Contracts for the Ministry

54

have ranged from £1,000 to £800,000.

Further to this sees a high number of repeat Clients from local Council and Housing Associations, where a number of new build, refurbishment and alteration projects have been undertaken, ranging from £15,000 contracts to refurbishment programmes worth some £1.1M. During summer 2013, 4 Crosses was contracted to carry out works to a number of schools over the shut down period. These were completed on time and in budget of £700,000.

Civil Engineering projects are also undertaken by the Company and a large amount of road constructions and infrastructure works have been undertaken for major North West House Builders, such as Redrow who contracted 4 Crosses to undertake roads and infrastructure works worth some £362,000 at a site in Stretton.

Projects:

The Kings School, Chester Founded by King Henry VIII in 1541, Kings School is one of the country’s premier private education facilities. Due to its popularity and decision to become coeducational, the School needed to extend and improve its facilities and undertook a scheme of development plans with a local architect. Main Contactor, Jimsul Construction Ltd was appointed to the project and 4 Crosses Construction was contracted to carry out all the substructures, infrastructure, external hard and soft landscaping. The project involved

the construction of a new Art and CDT classroom block, Junior School Assembly, staff room, Music facility, History classrooms and upgrading the existing infrastructure. The project was completed over a phased 32 week period with careful planning required to protect staff and pupils and ensure exams were not disrupted.

Farmhouses, Anglesey County Council Anglesey County Council hold a stock of 80 tenant farms across the Isle of Anglesey, which were in serious need of refurbishment. In July 2011, the Council initiated a scheme to improve these properties, which had not been modernised since the late 1970s.

The substantial works have involved stripping the properties to a bare masonry shell and reconstructing and extending so that they meet and exceed current requirements. The Council has designed the works to ensure that the properties wont need further maintenance for some 40 years.

4 Crosses have worked within challenging environments of a working farm, with well planned works required to keep working areas away from cattle and machinery, as well as retaining facilities for the tenants who remained on site during the works.

Amlwch Leisure Centre 4 Crosses Construction was contracted to upgrade, extend and modify the Amlwch Leisure Centre to comply with DDA continued page 56

info@flintshirefabrications.co.uk

www.flintshirefabrications.co.uk

G DAVIES PLANT HIRE

Plant Hire, Demolition and Civil Engineering Contractor.

We are pleased to be associated with 4 Crosses Construction Ltd and wish them continued success for the future Swn Y Nant, Llangernyw, Abergele, Clwyd LL22 8PP Tel: 01745 860675 Mobile: 07831 403363 Email: gdaviesplanthire@yahoo.co.uk

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requirements. The challenge for 4 Crosses was to complete the programme within a very tight timescale of just eight weeks.

Fast and decisive communications, tight cost control and extensive planning led to the project being delivered with minimum disruption and within time.

Woodland View, Wirral Archway Homes contracted the Company to carry out all site preparation works up to DPC, with construction of plot bases, roads, sewers, and external works.

The Client was keen to initiate construction as soon as possible as a number of potential buyers were very keen o the site, therefore a restrictive programme was put in place to speed up construction and allow for partial occupation f the site while the development was completed.

Archway Homes demands the highest level of quality on site to produce excellent developments to the highest standard.

Pedestrian link way, Connah’s Quay This project involved the construction of a new pedestrian link for Keren Association, to allow access from a car park to the shopping precinct in Connah’s Quay.

The original steps were demolished during the construction of a new medical centre and a new link was required.

The Client required a cost effective and durable pedestrian link that would blend with the new Medical Centre and existing buildings. 4 Crosses worked with the design team to create a solution that overcame the issues of a restrictive and difficult site due to the surrounding buildings and a main drainage culvert running directly below the site.

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Barn conversion, Penhesgyn Isaf, Anglesey Built in 1836, this existing barn had fallen into disrepair when it was purchased by the Client with the intention of creating a split level dwelling.

A number of modifications had to be made to the design and the 25 week contract began in spring/summer 2007. During the contract a great deal of meticulous With over 40 years experience, we can provide all reconstruction and detailing works aspects of domestic and commercial building were encountered work.

Over the years, we have undertaken all that were needed manner of building projects and have won to achieve the desired concept. countless awards for the quality of our work.

Many issues needed to be discussed and We are pleased to be associated with resolved during the works, and 4 Crosses Construction and wish them communications with the Client continued success for the future were imperative to enable costings to Bwthyn-Y-Bryn, Llanrwst Road, Conwy LL28 5LF be given regularly and decisions to Mobile: 07767 270 610 be made quickly.

Professional Building Contractor in Conwy County covering the whole of north wales

Email: c.andccontractors@yahoo.co.uk

www.candccontractors.co.uk

PROFILE UKC

Enabling Zero Waste Binning construction refuse Following the launch by Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) of the ‘Enabling Zero Waste’ project, UK Construction Excellence spoke with Paul Jennings, Director of Construction Waste Programme at CEW about the scheme and how he sees waste management affecting the industry in the future.

whole waste agenda and particularly in construction. Yonna was involved in a major project in North Wales a couple of years back and it is acknowledged that she made massive savings on the scheme by her ability to persuade constructors and the supply chain that doing things her way was the right way and the better way.

The Enabling Zero Waste project itself is intended to put Wales at the forefront of global efforts to reduce construction waste. Can you provide a little more information about it?

In essence we recruited, through a formal process, four construction projects to become part of the overall project. We were looking for diversity of construction in terms of building type and so on.

There are a number of CEW initiatives we are taking forward like recycled content in building product and recycled aggregate. The idea is to monitor the projects to see if we can fit those initiatives into these projects so that we can produce a report which shows whether the work we are doing is actually helping construction companies achieve Welsh Government targets.

Are there any specific methods being used by CEW to look at issues on projects?

We have used BIM by taking the information provided by project managers and uploading it onto a BIM system.

Basically what we’re doing is not redesigning anything, as that work has been done, but lifting off information from either 3D modelling or 2D drawings and looking at buildability issues. We’re hoping that by using BIM we can hypothesise or make changes, in the virtual sense without anything changing on site, and with those changes we can say ‘had they been able to do this, or done that, then there may have been a saving in waste’.

The two BIM practitioners helping us with the project are Gillard Associates in Cardiff and Arup. Alan Gillard is involved in the Castleoak care home project and the Milbank School, while Arup is involved on the ice arena and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

How did the Project come about?

In essence this is a result of our overall programme. We manage the Construction and Demolition Waste Programme. I direct this for CEW on behalf of the Welsh Government Waste Strategy Branch so we are entirely funded to push this agenda for waste prevention and landfill diversion.

The overarching government target is zero waste to landfill so what we had been looking to do is to recruit a number of projects and to assist those projects in every way we can, given limited resources, to see if we can enable zero waste or to test the reality of the aspiration.

How were the construction projects chosen?

We went out to seek expressions of interested from companies who had clearly defined projects. We needed planning to be in place, we needed them to be about to or just starting on site and we needed completion within our timescale, which is effectively about a year from now, so that we can then compile our final report for the Welsh Government.

The four projects are a care home to the east of Cardiff – which is being contracted

by Castleoak – the Cardiff Bay Sports Village Ice Arena, Millbank School in Cardiff and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

How is CEW involved at project level?

We will be having regular meetings with the site team. We have a waste consultant on board, Yonna Hughes of BQMC, who has considerable experience in the

What impact do you hope the programme will have on the waste industry?

I’m hoping it will inform strategy in terms of what we have and what we don’t have.

We are working with the waste industry to a far greater extent than what we would have envisaged eight years ago.

The waste industry is still a provider of the construction industry and achieving our goals will depend, to a great extent, on the infrastructure that is available to constructors to get their waste dealt with efficiently, effectively, and, of course, within regulation.

Why are you so passionate about waste management in the industry?

The country is very dependant on waste management in construction. Particularly in the refurbishment projects as it’s very difficult to see how you can avoid waste arising in the first place. If you are building new then it should be an aspiration – there really shouldn’t be any waste at all.

But when you look at the well-known fact that in 2050 80% of the buildings that will be around are already in existence today, more and more refurbishment work will be taking place over new build. We need to have a very efficient waste management industry ready to deal with those things and recover everything that is recoverable.

Landfill is not an option - we are running out of them very quickly in Wales and we need things in place to deal with this.

How is the ‘Enabling Zero Waste’ project helping this?

Reporting from this project, and we have to accept that there are only four schemes, there is a great deal of enthusiasm for ‘Enabling Zero Waste’ in Welsh Government circles and who knows, next year our funding might let us do ten or 20. Let’s keep gathering that live evidence and keep facing the realities on-site and examine exactly why these things happen, and how we can avoid or prevent waste. From inside the waste industry, I hope, they will say ‘actually we can do that, we can resolve that, and we need to concentrate on that material, or this material is difficult so what can we do to deal with it?’

Do you have any advice for companies looking to change the way they deal with waste on their own construction sites?

I guess the single piece of advice I would offer is that somehow this is addressed at the beginning. We have to move waste from the last item on the agenda to the second - Health & Safety, then waste. I think doing that would bring about massive change because instead of being an afterthought there would be a formal plan.

The larger organisations and the people – those who are determined to achieve the targets that the Welsh Government has laid down – plan their waste well in advance. They look at what they are going to be doing, where they are doing it, what kind of materials will be used, if there’s demolition, what would improve the efficiency of the operation. All of those things are part of the resource planning - a project plan that considers the arising of waste and how that’s going to be managed – and it’s so much better when its considered right at the beginning and not when you’re halfway through the build and suddenly in need of another ten skips.

Another element we are promoting is ‘Surplus Centre’. At the end of every scheme - almost without exception - there will be surplus material, either through over ordering, changes of design or any number of reasons that materials get left over.

Unless somebody thinks about that, those materials will ultimately end up in a skip. If you speak to waste management companies, and I do, they will tell you there are always unused materials in a skip. That comes about because there’s a handover date, and somebody is under pressure to clean the site and make it presentable, and so whatever is lying around gets chucked in the skip.

We have a pilot scheme, which is now in Swansea. At the beginning of a job an area is set aside and if surplus materials arrive they are put into that area.

Make a phone call and those materials will be held in a surplus centre and redistributed in community projects.

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UKC LEISURE

West Warwickshire Sports Club Centre for Sporting Excellence West Warwickshire Sports Club (WWSC) is the athletic hub of Solihull. To date the Club has performed well due to its premier location, surroundings and excellent facilities. However, in an increasingly competitive market the decision was taken to not only rejuvenate the existing spaces, but to enhance the building to create further flexibility and truly rationalise the available space.

AJG Property Services Limited were appointed to project manage the new development, whilst Peter Hunt Architects created the design. The result is a twostorey extension to the rear of the existing building totalling 416sq m, along with the refurbishment of a further 313sq m to enhance the bar, function rooms and kitchen facilities. A new gym facility has also been created at ground floor level with multi-purpose rooms which can be utilised both for gym classes, as well as functions or meetings.

The extension has been carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the existing building. Facing brickwork has been selected to match the original and the roof pitch creates a non-existent join.

WWSC and their appointed professional team have considered and implemented, where appropriate, best practice sustainable solutions including design, construction materials and techniques and in operation control. These sustainable features are

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intended to reduce environmental impact and thus help future generations to meet their own needs. The design is cohesive and incorporates systems and materials that are compatible with each other rather than adopting an array of sustainable products.

The building design has incorporated fundamental principles to achieve a low in use energy building, namely the maximisation of natural daylight and natural ventilation. By utilising fundamental design principles the in use energy of the building can be greatly reduced and any technology driven primary or renewable energy solutions are therefore also reduced.

Natural ventilation and daylight is promoted and provided by opening windows in appropriate occupied spaces. The design minimised the need for mechanical ventilation - although where utilised heat recovery has been provided - and artificial lighting.

Minimising in use energy not only depends on passive design and renewable sources, but also requires high levels of insulation to minimise heat loss during the cooler times of the year and exacting construction to minimise air infiltration. The designs pay particular attention to detail the interface between materials and junctions and the selection of insulation materials.

Electrical current using equipment such as ventilation fans, heating pumps and lighting were selected based on energy

consumption ratings. Energy will be metered for heating and cooling, specialist equipment, lighting and small power so as to provide the users with direct feed-back of consumption and where the energy is being used. The intention is to empower the users, enabling them to understand and manage the building better, resulting in greater energy savings.

Consideration has also been given to in use night-time light pollution, water course pollution and noise attenuation and the design was developed accordingly.

The internal and external lighting design minimises any light pollution and spill to adjacent land and roadways by careful selection and positioning and operation control of the luminaires.

The Main Contractor on this ÂŁ800,000 project was Hardyman Group. Work commenced in February 2014 and completed on schedule in October 2014.

COMMENT UKC

The best advice for all invasive plant species Ashfield Japanese Knotweed (AJK) is a new company set up because of the success and popularity of the advice on dealing with invasive species given

by Ashfield Solutions since 2006.

Headed up by Richard Newis, AJK has been created because the independent advice given by the Japanese knotweed section was so popular that it was decided setting up a new company would be the best way of ensuring this success continued.

AJK provides independent advice to anybody affected by invasive species prior to them engaging in the physical work on site.

Rather than getting advice from a contractor who commercially benefits from that advice, customers of AJK know that the advice given will be independent to not only stay within legislation but also ensure the minimum amount of work needed to help meet objectives is undertaken.

Although only Japanese knotweed is in the company name, all invasive species are dealt with, and AJK has recently been procured to survey a large land portfolio in Northern Ireland for all Schedule 9 plant species.

Often, people who have these problems on their land, whether it is a commercial site, industrial, railway or residential property, the trap that people affected fall into is they go directly to contractors for a quote.

People who need to remove invasive species will typically find a quote for a

contractor themselves. This, Richard said, means “people then feel obliged to go with that contractor” because getting two or three other quotes can treble or quadruple costs just to find out where the best value for money lies.

Even then, the customer generally won’t know if the advice given is actually the best way to remove invasive species on a given site.

AJK’s expertise means that although its services are more expensive than one quote, the costs will be easily recovered because the cheapest contractor who provides the best value will be found and more importantly, for the appropriate work that is needed on any client’s site.

It is this approach that Richard wants to change in the industry.

“Yes, clients will have to pay for us, but the savings over the long run will far outweigh the costs of us,” he said.

“Some clients see it as another level of management and it’s about changing that attitude of the industry going straight to the contractor.”

As a member of the Property Care Association (PCA) and their Invasive Species Working Group, AJK can provide detailed advice rather than just general because of its specialist experience in this field.

Advising within all industry sectors, the Company has worked with a number of different council bodies. Given that councils have huge amounts of land

in their respective portfolios and are commonly having to deal with frozen budgets for the year, getting the correct direction for dealing with invasive species is crucial in saving money.

Because of AJK, a site being purchased by a client was reduced in value by £100,000 to allow for the appropriate management of Japanese knotweed.

Original costs provided by a contractor were £4,000, however this was based on an inappropriate management plan that didn’t meet the client’s objectives.

The stress is taken away from homeowners who may have seen the value of their property drop by half because of knotweed on site. Thanks to the Company, these worries are alleviated and the client can be sure that thanks to the strategy drawn up and contractors recommended by AJK, the work will be entirely to their requirements and for the best value for money.

AJK has ambitious plans for its future and the more people understand the value of the organisation, the more this type of consultancy will be sought out.

The three-year plan will result in a dedicated member of staff for each sector; residential, commercial, industrial, highways and local authorities.

For more information, please visit www.ashfieldjk.co.uk, or contact Richard Newis on 0845 873 1466.

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www.faro.com

UKC COMMENT

TomTom Telematics

Giles Margerison, Director UK & Ireland for TomTom Telematics, considers how telematics technology can help he construction sector tackle its environmental challenges.

A government and industry strategy to improve sustainability in the construction sector saw the Strategy Forum set targets in 2010 for reducing carbon emission by 200,000 tonnes a year.

Reports suggest however that the industry has failed to meet these targets and that more needs to be done.

Construction companies can ill-afford to ignore the fact that an environmental policy will invariably prove to also be a financially beneficial one. An investment in improving environmental sustainability makes sound business sense.

Rising energy and building materials costs are putting firms under increasing financial pressure but cutting energy consumption can have a significant impact on improving margins. This is particularly true of the construction vehicle fleet.

Regardless of the size, nature and makeup of a fleet, a focus on how vehicles are used can deliver immediate green results. It is possible to minimise the financial and environmental cost burden of fuel consumption as a variable overhead and achieve substantial bottom-line savings that might otherwise have to be recovered through an increase in prices, or through budget cuts elsewhere.

Implementation of smart vehicle allocation and scheduling is a perfect start for firms across the construction supply chain, helping reduce overall mileage and carbon footprint. Dispatching the most appropriate workers to jobs requires accurate management information. This will range from assessing the urgency and priority of jobs to the location of employees and traffic flow en route.

Advanced fleet management systems, which combine tracking, navigation and live traffic information, enable managers to make decisions by monitoring vehicle locations, movements and driver performance. Jobs can then be allocated to the most appropriate field operative based on who will arrive quickest. The optimal route may not necessarily be the shortest but will be the one which minimises fuel usage, idling and time spent on the road.

According to multi-stake holder

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organisation Constructing Excellence, around ten per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions are associated with not only the manufacture of construction materials and the construction process but also their transportation.

More effective fleet and route planning has consequently been a key goal for companies such as Hope Construction Materials to maximise efficiency.

The construction materials supplier has integrated TomTom Telematics’ WEBLFEET platform with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software SAP, allowing the company to analyse data such as time spent at its depots, time spent on its customers’ sites, vehicle location and expected journey durations.

Historic road-use data can also be analysed to avoid wasted mileage, while drivers are able to avoid congestion by using live traffic information provided by navigation devices.

Coupled with smart routing, factoring in not only congestion but also traffic lights, roundabouts and other obstacles, this can mean journey time savings of up to 15% – and further marked emission reductions.

Hope Construction expects more efficient routing from its technology investment to cut miles out of drivers’ journeys greatly reducing fuel consumption and its carbon footprint.

Poorly maintained vehicles can also have a significant impact upon environmental efficiency. According to the UK’s Department for Transport fuel consumption can increase by as much as ten per cent with incorrectly inflated tyres, six per cent with misaligned wheels and a further ten per cent with clogged air filters or outof-tune engines. Telematics platforms can provide insight into how vehicles are performing by reporting trouble codes directly from their engines. If a vehicle is low on oil or has an engine fault, management can be immediately notified to ensure problems are quickly fixed.

Furthermore, telematics technology can be used to tap into vehicle diagnostics to provide in-depth analysis into each employee’s driving style, based on key elements of efficient driving, such

as speeding, idling, fuel consumption and even harsh steering or braking.

Engine idling is a particularly costly problem for the construction sector but with such insights, staff can be rewarded for good performance with training targeted at those who require it most. Employees can even be empowered to correct poor driving style on the move, through real-time feedback on driving style via their in-vehicle navigation devices.

As firms look safeguard their reputations and financial futures, telematics offers a logical option to improve environmental sustainability through better management of fleet operations.

Giles Margerison

COMMENT UKC

Are Electric LCV’s a viable solution for the construction industry?

Alternative fuels have come a long way, but sadly still carry with them a black cloud of uncertainty and doubt. The question whether electric LCV’s are really ready to be introduced heavily into the mobile workforce is debatable, they have their benefits but equally – they are not without their challenges.

A focal point is range. The last thing you want to be worrying about is whether your mobile workers are not going to make it to the job on time because the van has run out of charge. Not only this, but questions have been raised by many regarding the existing infrastructure and availability of charging points. More and more are being added every day, and according to Zap Map – the UK currently has a total of 8,232. These are however split into slow (seven+ hours to charge) , fast (three - four hours) and rapid – (30 minutes to one hour). Currently there are just over 1,000 rapid charge points in the UK, which is sparse to the say the least.

The concentration of charging points is higher, as you’d expect – within busy cities. This means that if your fleet predominately does city driving, you shouldn’t rule out the EV, and with 2014 seeing an 144% increase in EV registrations – it must be working for some.

The benefits are there for businesses.

You will reduce your running costs and bolster your green credentials, which for many consumers is an incredibly important part of where they give their business. If you’re a larger entity and fall under the Government’s recent Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme – then investing in EV’s could mean the difference between meeting the mandatory requirements and not.

The biggest consideration is going to be if current EV’s on the market are fit for purpose. There are only all electric light commercials currently available, with no larger vans currently on the market.

Range of electric LCV’s can be significantly lessened by load weight, driving style and even the weather (the lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles do not

fare well in cold conditions.) So if you do require your mobile workforce to be hauling equipment, tools and generally taking maximum advantage of the vehicles load capacity – you may struggle.

There are of course certain tax benefits to running zero emissions vehicles; the Government offers you an EV grant for both cars and vans – 35% off the cost of a car (up to £5,000) and 20% off the total cost off a van (up to £8,000). This is for the full cost of the vehicle (purchase price paid) for the basic vehicle, including number plates, vehicle excise duty and VAT. The fleet benefits include reduced running costs, absolutely no road fund license needs to be paid, and company car drivers can enjoy zero benefit-in-kind taxation as well as zero tailpipe emissions. It’s been reported that you could save up to £800 in fuel a year by switching to electric, which

when added to all the other savings – it can start to look like an attractive package.

Electric LCV’s may be viable for those in cities who have the infrastructure ready to meet the demands of construction.

Certainly electric cars are have already shown us that challenges are there to be overcome, and with BMW recently releasing their critically acclaimed i8 – the image that the electric vehicle is not viable is slowly being washed away.

About Nickie Brooks – Alternative Route Finance.

Nickie Brooks is the Director for Alternative Route Finance, a vehicle leasing and fleet consultancy company. She has over 35 years’ experience in all things fleet. The company is proud to offer a bespoke service, irrespective of fleet size.

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Why is wheel alignment so necessary?

An informed comment by Andy Cornish, Managing Director of Steertrak Ltd If the wheels on a commercial vehicle are misaligned by only a small amount, this can have a signifi cant impact on the handling characteristics of the vehicle, reduce tyre life and play havoc with fuel economy. Poor wheel alignment increases the tyre rolling resistance, which in turn causes tyre scrub and impairs fuel economy.

A well-known UK haulier recently undertook fuel trials with Steertrak and saw an improvement in mpg of 5% and, on certain vehicles that were signifi cantly out of alignment, they saw a 10% improvement in fuel effi ciency.

What causes wheels to go out of alignment?

Every time a vehicle mounts a kerb, hits a pothole or runs along the verge, there is a chance that the wheel alignment may be affected. Repeated knocks over time will undoubtedly mean the alignment will need to be reset: however, more frequently it is down to maintenance. When rolling chassis parts are changed, quite often vehicles simply don’t get set up straight afterwards.

What are the secrets of good wheel alignment?

The three main pillars of good wheel alignment are the right equipment, the right technician and the right knowledge.

The right equipment The first thing to remember is that wheel alignment on commercial vehicles is different to wheel alignment on cars. Many people learned basic “tracking” on cars at college or during an apprenticeship, but the same procedures and equipment simply do not work on commercial vehicles. The equipment must be able to reference the centre line of the chassis, and all measurements have to relate back to this centre point. Some equipment incorrectly uses the back axle as a reference point, but this means that, if the back axle is misaligned, then you end up just setting all axles out of alignment. It is also no good just using gauges that hang on the rubber of the tyre or against the rim. These systems cannot be expected to be accurate enough to align the wheels and axles correctly. The best equipment is able to perform what is called “runout compensation”, which means it can fi nd the true running centre of the axle stub to make the vital measurements. Finally, the equipment has to be capable of measuring all axles including the front steered axle, second steer, lift and drive axles, and trailer axles.

The right technician The wheel alignment process cannot be separated from the general operation and maintenance of a vehicle. A customer might think they have a

wheel alignment problem, but the underlying problem may be mechanical – such as seized or worn king-pins, a bent track bar, worn joints or incorrect steering pump pressures. To be able to get to the root cause of the problem, the technician performing the wheel alignment needs to be able to think beyond what the wheel alignment equipment is telling them. Tyre selection, tyre pressures and road terrain are other factors that the wheel alignment technician needs to consider.

The right knowledge Vehicle manufacturer specifications often have quite broad tolerances within the specifications they set. This is because, when they assemble vehicles, they cannot envisage all possible end user scenarios.

They don’t see what final equipment or load space is fitted onto the vehicles, and they don’t know anything about the final loads that are being carried and the terrain being driven on. A vehicle may set within the manufacturer’s tolerance range, but that does not necessarily mean that it has been optimised for a specific end user. To get the best value out of wheel alignment, it is necessary to set a vehicle up according to how it is being used. That is where the speciality knowledge and skills of companies like Steertrak can really make a difference. If done correctly, improvements in mpg of around 5% are regularly achieved, as is an increase in tyre life of 20% or more.

Steertrak is now in its 30th year of trading and aligns over 19,000 vehicles annually. So, to find out more, call the author of this article, Andy Cornish, direct on 01684 276 700 or visit www.steertrak.co.uk

Our goal is to get your vehicle's steering or axles aligned with the minimum of fuss, getting the vehicle back on the road in the shortest time possible. The Steertrak engineer will come to you at a time and location of your choice. Typically the job will take 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What we offer: • Specialist HGV, LGV, PSV, Trailer and 4X4 alignment • Precision laser equipment • Mobile fleet - we come to you • Nationwide coverage • Central control centre - one stop shop • Quality assured • Full Health & Safety program

BETTER DRIVER COMFORT

LESS CARBON EMISSIONS

If correctly aligned the vehicle will run true, and the driver will not have to constantly fight the steering to keep the vehicle straight. This will help reduce driver fatigue and lower the potential risks of longer term arm, shoulder and neck problems.

CO2 emissions are the prime greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, and industry is increasingly being asked to find ways to reduce its emissions. As CO2 emissions are directly proportional to fuel consumption, wheel alignment can have an immediate impact in reducing total carbon emissions.

IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY Poor alignment increases the rolling resistance of tyres.

About 30% of a vehicle's fuel is used to overcome the tyres rolling resistance, and just a small amount of misalignment can increase fuel consumption dramatically. Savings of up to 5% on fuel can readily be achieved through accurate alignment

REDUCED TYRE WEAR Poor alignment will cause uneven tyre wear and drastically reduce tyre life. Steertrak customers have shown improved average tyre life of over 20%, making the exercise completely self-financing.

CONTACT US TODAY 01684 276900

email: sales@steertrak.co.uk

website: www.steertrak.co.uk

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Estimating & Valuation Software 01204 669689

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