News

Constructing the Gold Standard for Public Sector Frameworks – has anything changed?

Highly recommend taking a look at Professor David Mosey CBE‘s recent article in Building Magazine ‘Constructing the Gold Standard for public sector frameworks – has anything changed?’ Constructing the Gold Standard for public sector frameworks – has anything changed?

Digital Construction – A Creative Challenge?

Find out what we learned at our recent Digital by Default session where we got an insight into how gaming technology is being applied in construction. Digital Construction – A Creative Challenge?

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities publishes an open letter on the charges associated with managing safety in high rise buildings

On Wednesday (17 April), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities published an open letter from Lee Rowley, Housing Minister, and Philip White, Director of Building Safety, defending the Department’s changes with regards to building safety since the Grenfell fire. They argue that, in some cases, people will need to commission investigations or assessments to ensure than an individual building aligns with the safety case report that has been submitted to the Building Safety Regulator. They also emphasise that service charges must, by law, be reasonable and be communicated effectively to leaseholders.

Scotland announces plan to ditch climate change target

On Thursday (18 April), the Scottish Government announced plans to scrap its flagship target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 – however, the final goal of reaching net zero by 2045 will remain. Mairi McAllan, the Net Zero Minister, announced the move in an update to Holyrood on Thursday afternoon, following warnings made by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) back in 2022 that Scotland had lost its lead over the rest of the UK in tackling climate change. Scotland has missed eight of the past 12 annual targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes summary of the British Insulation Scheme for the last year

On Thursday (18 April), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published statistics on installation measures under the Great British Insulation Scheme between May 2023 and February 2024. Since the start of GBIS, there have been 7,506 measures installed in 6,238 households. Measure delivery has continued to increase, with 1,761 measures installed in February 2024 – the highest level since the scheme began. The most common measure so far has been cavity wall insulation, accounting for 55% (4,094 measures) of the total. This was followed by heating controls which accounted for 17% (1,278 measures) and loft insulation which also accounted for 17% (1,276 measures). The highest regional delivery has been in Yorkshire and The Humber (1,204 measures, 16%), followed by the South East (1,108 measures, 15%) and the North West (834 measures, 11%).

 

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes new proposals for better energy deals for consumers with smart devices

On Tuesday (16 April), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced a consultation on proposals to introduce minimum requirements for cyber security and grid stability, as well as minimum product standards for energy smart appliances in an effort to encourage consumer uptake of smart devices. The consumer protections are designed to ensure consumers with smart appliances can get the best deal, as well as incentivising people to shift their electricity use away from peak periods.

Labour unveils plans for new housing on ‘grey belt’ – BBC News

Labour has set out plans for building on the green belt to boost housing supply while improving “green spaces”.

Under new “golden rules,” councils will be required to prioritise building on brownfield sites and poor-quality areas in the green belt, dubbed “grey belt”.

IN THE NEWS

Gove puts another major building scheme on hold | Construction Enquirer News

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities issued an Article 31 notice this week on the plans for the redevelopment of the 140 and 150 London Wall sites, known as Bastion House and the former Museum of London.

Energy efficiency firms angry at lack of CITB support – Construction Enquirer

Construction Enquirer reports the Installation Assurance Authority Federation has criticised the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for not spending any of its £100 million cash reserve to promote training courses and a new National Energy Efficiency Centre Park, which has been calling for funding. The IAAF argues an opportunity is being missed to support the energy efficiency sector which has funded the CITB for over 30 years, despite receiving little funding back. The CITB in response has said it is committed to helping reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry and the retrofit sector.