Can the UK’s Construction Lessen Its Plastic Usage?
Every year the UK uses over 5 million tonnes of plastic – that’s about 15 times as heavy as the Empire State Building. But did you know the construction industry …
Viewpoint
Life as we don’t yet know it: Building a smart model for sustainable energy production
The government’s new plans to implement a Smart Export Guarantee for solar panel owners from 1st January 2020 could represent a significant step towards creating a cleaner, greener future. The …
5 ways to Hygge this summer
After returning from a recent trip to Copenhagen, Ellina Webb has replenished her love for all things cosy and is looking to incorporate Hygge into the summer holiday season. For …
Taking design and safety to new heights
While everyone understands the dangers of working at height, not everybody is familiar with the challenges or solutions on offer. Understanding how protection works, and what’s best for each situation …
Don’t neglect your fixed ladder safety responsibilities
It is a common misconception that due to their static nature, fixed ladders do not need inspecting regularly as with standard ladders and stepladders. However, this is not the case, and …
UKGBC: real estate needs to wake up to true carbon impact
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today launched a new guidance document aimed at helping commercial real estate (CRE) companies get a handle on understanding emissions from their value …
There is no place like a modular home
How we are living in the perfect environment for modular construction Stopping the current housing crisis means that in the UK we need to build three million new homes over …
How To Stay Safe on Ladders
We’ve all seen hilarious accidents caught on camera for ‘You’ve Been Framed’, some involving ladders. And while the misfortune of others can be funny when we know that no serious …
Why modular buildings and lighting controls are a class act
As class sizes reach all-time highs and budgets keep shrinking, Martyn Frear, Business Development Manager at CP Electronics, explains why modular buildings and lighting controls can ease the squeeze on …
Japanese Knotweed – a growing problem for property industry
Adam Brindle, MD of The Grounds Care Group and Japanese Knotweed expert, explains the challenges faced by construction professionals in eradicating this most pesky of plants. The Japanese have long …
Improving access for everyone
By Christian King, general manager of Kee Systems. The lack of access into commercial and public buildings is still a key issue affecting disabled people in the UK. According to …
Frequently asked questions about personal fall protection
Personal fall protection is a type of protection which is entirely reliant on the user, available in either ‘fall arrest’ or ‘fall restraint’ form. Examples include lifeline systems and anchors. …
Paving the way to a flood-free future
Hard landscaping expert at Scott Parnell Ian Griggs discusses the benefits of using permeable paving to combat flooding. As an island nation, we’re at constant risk of flooding – and …
Where to use rooftop step-over platforms
We recently wrote about the benefits of Step-Over Access Platforms and how they provide an ideal solution when navigating around a premise such as in plant rooms and warehouses, however, …
The importance of thorough maintenance in Supermarket Refrigeration
Food consumption patterns have changed dramatically and refrigeration systems are heavily relied upon for many industries and businesses worldwide. One key area in which refrigeration is absolutely essential is in …
Tool-ready for R32
The first annual World Refrigeration Day, on 26 June 2019, is an opportunity for the industry to acknowledge the significant role of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps in many …
Window and door manufacturer extends Travis Perkins partnership
~ Euramax Solutions adds new products and colours to supplied range ~ Euramax Solutions, a leading manufacturer of PVCu windows and doors, has announced that it will extend its product range …
The road to zero carbon
Martin Fahey explores the road to net zero carbon So last week, the government announced a plan to get the country to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 making the …
Bathroom Design Essentials for Summer 2019
Margaret Talbot, marketing manager for VitrA bathrooms in the UK looks at top bathroom design ideas for Summer 19. The bathroom continues to evolve from a purely functional space to …
Safety in the replacement window industry
When installing or replacing windows, work at height can rarely be avoided, but following some very simple principles of how to work safely can reduce the likelihood of accidents, which …
The security of remote access
If you’ve ever been locked out of your house or car, you are familiar with that feeling of frustration — always at the most inconvenient of times. It’s even worse …
The only way is up
Sam Cannon looks at plans to take the London skyline higher Anyone who’s walked through London in the past year will notice cranes still continue to be a prominent feature …
Why the UK faces a perfect storm on motorway bridge safety
Concrete has been the mainstay of highway bridge construction for decades and has a wealth of benefits. It’s durable, versatile, and consistently meets the demands expected of it. Not to …
Plant Power: 10 plants to improve health and wellbeing in the office
While the health benefits of plant-based diets are well documented, new research uncovers the lesser-known uses of the nature around us. The UK’s leading online florist, SerenataFlowers.com, has identified 10 …
Construction and property business leaders dominate list of heavyweight firms calling for net zero carbon UK by 2050
More than 120 prominent business leaders have written to the Prime Minister urging the Government to adopt the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) recommendation for a UK 2050 net-zero greenhouse …
Carbon Monoxide – Are you covered?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is otherwise known as the silent killer. This is because it is a gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. So this begs the question, how …
Vivalda calls for prudence on cladding specification and testing
Vivalda Group’s founder and chairman, Peter Johnson, has urged contractors and architects to tread carefully in the wake of James Brokenshire’s recent announcement to fund the recladding of 166 privately …
Over half of consumers want their houses to be built with sustainable features
Over half of consumers believe it is important that their home is made using environmentally-responsible materials, according to research published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U …
Shhh, the heat pump revolution is coming
As heat pumps become more common as the primary source of heating for UK homes, Max Halliwell explores why it’s not just performance you need to look at. The government …
It’s time to recognise air pollution as an occupational health hazard
British Safety Council’s report makes the case for urgent action on the impact of air pollution on outdoor workers The British Safety Council has launched a report ‘Impact of air …
UKGBC consults on scope 3 emissions reporting guidance for commercial real estate
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today published a consultation paper inviting feedback on guidance for scope 3 emissions reporting. Scope 3 emissions refer to carbon impacts across a …
The hidden danger on Scotland’s roofs
When it comes to working on roofs, many people assume the greatest danger comes in the form of falling over the roof edge. Much has been written, including by us, about …
Testing the water
Water hygiene within large buildings is of paramount importance. Bob Blincowe, strategic account manager UK healthcare at Trend Control Systems, explains how a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) can prevent …
Can Green Roofs Reduce Storm Water Run-off?
As part of a sustainable drainage system strategy, it is essential that we find and implement alternative solutions to preventing localised flooding. In built up areas 95% of the ground …
Looking on the brighter side of the National Health Service
Reliable, clear and effective lighting in hospitals plays a key role in all aspects of operational effectiveness, patient recovery as well as staff productivity. Nathan Cole, global product manager at …
UKGBC responds to CCC net zero report
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today responded to The Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) report ‘Net Zero The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’. The report recommends a …
The benefits of epoxy paint and clear acrylic resins
Specifying the right coating for your premises can often be a difficult decision, says Rizistal UK product manager Alex Holdway. High build epoxy paint coats are two-component pigmented systems suitable …
Size matters: how to make the most of smaller outdoor spaces
From the Garden of Eden to The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the ancient courtyards of countless palaces, outdoor spaces have long played a significant part in the history and …
UK Green Building Council presents industry framework for net zero carbon buildings
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today unveiled a framework for the UK construction and property industry to transition new and existing buildings to become net zero carbon by …
R32 – what was all the fuss about?
AC and heat pump trainer Ben Bartle-Ross looks at how mainstream R32 has become Well, we survived R32 didn’t we? One thing that has always heartened me about our industry …