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Month: June 2021

More than 100 construction and built environment professionals met online last week to come together for an Inspiring Change Conference on the topic ‘Wellbeing: Prevention is Better Than Cure.’

The headline speaker was Rachel Suff, Senior Policy Advisor at the CIPD and author of the CIPD’s “Health and Wellbeing at Work 2021” report.

Further panel discussions centred on sharing best practice, inspiring stories from professionals who have encountered ill-health, and practical steps businesses can take to safeguard the wellbeing of their employees in a holistic manner.

Delegates heard panel presentations from representatives of:

  • HS2
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Civil Engineering Contractors Association
  • The Lighthouse Club
  • Mercer Marsh Benefits
  • Mott MacDonald
  • Ollio
  • The British Dietetic Association
  • Flourish Workplace
  • Diabetes Safety
  • Arcadis
  • Balfour Beatty.

Throughout the conference delegates discussed the latest developments in workplace wellbeing, with an emphasis on ‘prevention’ of harms rather than their mitigation, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges presented by both homeworking and working on site in the current climate.

Commenting, Katie Holt, Development Officer at the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, said: “I, like many others, am pretty zoomed out at the moment, but today’s Inspiring Change conference held my attention all the way through and was fascinating and thought-provoking as to current best practice and how a focus on wellness from a preventative angle will deliver better outcomes across the construction industry.”

Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Alasdair Reisner said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for everyone in all walks of life and specific challenges to those working in construction. This conference was an excellent opportunity to examine the business case for wellness strategies in organisations of all sizes, and to present current best practice from a wide range of experts across our sector.”

Recordings and material presented at the conference, which was supported by CITB and the Construction Leadership Council, are freely available to the whole industry here.

The Conference was also supported by the industry’s Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Programme.

To find out more about the forthcoming Inspiring Change Conference & Awards which are due to take place in November, including details of how to enter, click here.

Top stories

New homes not ready for climate change

New homes are unsuitable for climate change, with more than 570,000 residential properties built since 2016 not able to withstand future high temperatures, according to an assessment led by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

Read more >>

Senior business leaders join forces to create ‘Building Back Britain Commission’

Some of the most prominent figures in UK housing delivery have come together to form an independent industry group to provide ideas on how the government can build 300,000 homes a year while reducing emissions from the UK’s residential housing stock.

Discover more >>

School Partner, Countryside unveils new sustainability approach

Countryside has unveiled its ambitious approach to sustainability, setting 25 key targets focusing on three key areas: its operations and the homes it builds, the communities it creates, and its people.

Find out more >>

 

July’s Featured Topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

It is estimated that 13% of raw materials ordered for a project are discarded unused, therefore by reducing waste we will increase our efficiency and profitability.

In addition, reducing our consumption of raw materials, and being more efficient with what we use, results in a wide range of environmental and social benefits associated with the consumption of fewer resources and the disposal of waste products. Start your learning on the topic of waste & resource efficiency with the resources below:

Introduction to Waste 

A 45 minute module providing an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal.

Start learning >>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your Business

This guide will walk you through five steps to embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model.

Take a look >>

Case Study: Protec Closed Loop Scheme

A case study from Protec Temporary Protection on their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site.

Watch now >>

 

Benchmark your Sustainability Knowledge

Want to understand your sustainability knowledge level, and know how that compares to others in the sector? It’s easy to find out… just take an assessment today with our FREE tool. It’s designed to help you, or your company, assess your current level of knowledge and identify strengths and hot spots.

Once you’ve assessed, you get a tailored action plan – this list of 10 resources tells you where to focus your learning.

ASSESS NOW >

Top stories

School shortlisted at the Construction News Awards

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has been shortlisted in two categories at the Construction News Awards, Outstanding Contribution to the Industry and Supply Chain Excellence with Highways England.

Read more >>

School Partner BAM adopts plant-based fuels to help slash UK carbon

BAM has committed to running all of its UK construction machinery using recycled cooking oil, contributing to goals focused on reducing carbon emissions from its activities.

Discover more >>

School Partner, the Environment Agency commits to low-carbon concrete in net-zero push

The Environment Agency has pledged to use low-carbon concrete as a default product on new flood defences, as it pushes to reach net-zero by 2030.

Find out more >>

 

July’s Featured Topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

It is estimated that 13% of raw materials ordered for a construction project are discarded unused, therefore by reducing waste we will increase our efficiency and profitability.

In addition, reducing our consumption of raw materials, and being more efficient with what we use, results in a wide range of environmental and social benefits associated with the consumption of fewer resources and the disposal of waste products. Start your learning on the topic of waste & resource efficiency with the resources below:

Introduction to Waste 

A 45 minute module providing an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal.

Start learning >>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your Business

This guide will walk you through five steps to embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model.

Take a look >>

Case Study: Protec Closed Loop Scheme

A case study from Protec Temporary Protection on their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site.

Watch now >>

 

Benchmark your Sustainability Knowledge

Want to understand your sustainability knowledge level, and know how that compares to others in the sector? It’s easy to find out… just take an assessment today with our FREE tool. It’s designed to help you, or your company, assess your current level of knowledge and identify strengths and hot spots.

Once you’ve assessed, you get a tailored action plan – this list of 10 resources tells you where to focus your learning.

ASSESS NOW >

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has been shortlisted in two categories at the Construction News Awards, Outstanding Contribution to the Industry and Supply Chain Excellence with Highways England.

The Outstanding Contribution to the industry award will celebrate an organisation who has achieved great things since it opened for business, that can demonstrate a sustained commitment to making the industry a better, safer, more efficient, more welcoming, more professional or happier place, as well as achieving things never thought possible.

The Supply Chain Excellence award recognises outstanding performance by a supply chain, where all partners have worked together towards common goals and can demonstrate improved performance between Jan 2020 to May 2021.

The Construction News Awards take place on 15 September 2021, celebrating 25 years of showcasing the very best in the industry.

Wish us luck!

Top Stories for Scotland this Month

 

Covid in Scotland: Sturgeon to confirm delay to lockdown easing

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to confirm a delay to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland. The first minister signalled the move to level zero – the lowest in the five-tier system – was likely to be pushed back by three weeks.

Read More

Investment of £26m to develop Energy Transition Zone in Aberdeen

More than £26 million is being invested in a major initiative in Aberdeen to accelerate the energy sector’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Read More

City Building starts work on its own training college

Scottish construction firm City Building has begun work on its new training college.

Read More

Waste and Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month

Introduction to Waste

Watch this 45-minute module providing an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal

Watch Now

Embracing The Circular Economy In Your Business

You’re considering (perhaps even committing to) changing to or developing a circular business model, which is great news. This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model.

Get Started

Case Study: Protec Closed Loop Scheme

A case study from Protec Temporary Protection on their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site.

Watch Now

Recommended from Scotland

Have you been to our market page recently? To learn about how we support the construction industry in Scotland to deliver more sustainable projects and see all our resources, make sure you have a read through our page

Take a Look

Recycle for Scotland

Take a look at Zero Waste Scotland’s Website to get more information and guidance on waste and recycling in Scotland.

Read Now

Waste, Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy In Scotland: Part 1 and 2

This 2 part self-enrol learning pathway provides an ideal blend of learning and information on the interrelated subjects of waste reduction, resource efficiency and the circular economy.

To access these, head to your dashboard and click on ‘Available Pathways’ and click enrol.

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self-assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The benefit of assessing is that it provides a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials…

Learn more >>

Wales Market Update: July 2021

 

Top stories for Wales this month:

 

School Partner Bouygues appointed for new Kingsway Scheme in Swansea:

Bouygues UK will start work this summer on construction of the multi-million scheme at the 71/72 The Kingsway site. The major new high-tech office development will provide space for 600 jobs in Swansea city centre. Find out More>>

Optimised Retrofit Project:

Optimised Retrofit is the retrofit of an existing home which provides effective, practical pathways to take that home to its lowest achievable carbon footprint. The Optimised Retrofit project will see more than 1,724 homes across Wales made more energy-efficient. Find out more about the project>>

A Fit for Future Programme for Government:

The ‘Fit for the Future Programme for Government’ is the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales  set of proposals to the new Government with the aim to deliver a prosperous, green, and equal recovery from COVID-19. Read More>>

July’s featured topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

Reducing waste has many benefits, it can save money, time and enhance business reputation.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of reducing waste in Wales.

Waste & Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month:

Introduction to Waste – This interactive e-learning module provides an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal. Watch the module>>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your business –  Considering (perhaps even committing to) changing or developing a circular business model? This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model. Read More>>

Protec Closed Loop Scheme Case Study –  Jim Riley – Major Projects & UK Sustainability Manager at Protec discusses their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site. Watch the video>>

Benchmark your Sustainability knowledge!

Our free Maturity Matrix tool has been designed to help you assess your company’s current Sustainability strengths and to identify the areas in which you can develop your competencies.

The assessment will help to benchmark your current knowledge of sustainability topics and then generate a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where your company should focus learning, with direct links to top resources. Get started today! 

ASSESS NOW >

 

If you have questions about Wales or the School please contact [email protected]

Infrastructure Market Update: July 2021

 

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

 

UK Infrastructure Bank opens for business:

The UK Infrastructure Bank will be tasked with accelerating investment into ambitious infrastructure projects, cutting emissions and levelling up every part of the UK.

First announced by the Chancellor alongside the Spending Review, the Bank will help to finance important projects in every region and nation of the UK in sectors including clean energy, transport, digital, water and waste. Find out More>>

HS2 starts race for £370m interchange station scheme:

The interchange scheme at Solihull is announced as the  last major station job on the first phase of HS2. The station will include an automated people mover, which will link to the NEC, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport, and carry up to 2,100 passengers an hour in each direction, with a service every three minutes along a 2.3km route. Read More>>

Infrastructure dominates May contracts awards:

Glenigan data states that the sector accounted for around a quarter of the value of all contracts handed out in May. Learn More>>

July’s featured topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

Reducing waste has many benefits, it can save money, time and enhance business reputation.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of reducing waste in the Infrastructure sector.

Waste & Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month:

Introduction to Waste – This interactive e-learning module provides an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal. Watch the module>>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your business –  Considering (perhaps even committing to) changing or developing a circular business model? This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model. Read More>>

Protec Closed Loop Scheme Case Study –  Jim Riley – Major Projects & UK Sustainability Manager at Protec discusses their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site. Watch the video>>

‘Bang on Budget’

Join us on the 7th July from 11:00am -12:00pm at our ‘Bang on Budget’ Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

The aim of this webinar is to help you improve your personal financial management.

By attending this session you will:

  • Understand the nature of your debt situation
  • Learn some practical tools to reduce debt
  • Learn strategies to spend less money
REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about Infrastructure or the School please contact [email protected]

FM Market Update: July 2021

 

Top stories for FM this month:

 

Lawful Change:

Danielle Tonks, Business Development Manager and Law Firm Specialist for CBRE Global Workplace Solutions, offers valuable insight into the changing workplace patterns for the legal sector. Read More>>

Carry on at your Convenience:

Richard Braid, MD of Cistermiser looks at ways of balancing inclusivity and practicality when considering gender-neutral washrooms in workplaces and public areas. Find out More>>

Cleanology wins on Fair Pay:

Cleaning firm Cleanology’s long term commitment to fair pay in the cleaning industry has resulted in them being named winner of the Recognised Service Provider 2021 category at the recent Living Wage Champion Awards. Learn More>>

July’s featured topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

Reducing waste has many benefits, it can save money, time and enhance business reputation.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of reducing waste in the FM sector.

Waste & Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month:

Introduction to Waste – This interactive e-learning module provides an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal. Watch the module>>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your business –  Considering (perhaps even committing to) changing or developing a circular business model? This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model. Read More>>

Protec Closed Loop Scheme Case Study –  Jim Riley – Major Projects & UK Sustainability Manager at Protec discusses their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site. Watch the video>>

‘Bang on Budget’

Join us on the 7th July from 11:00am -12:00pm at our ‘Bang on Budget’ Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

The aim of this webinar is to help you improve your personal financial management.

By attending this session you will:

  • Understand the nature of your debt situation
  • Learn some practical tools to reduce debt
  • Learn strategies to spend less money
REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about FM or the School please contact [email protected]

We are pleased to announce that Crest Nicholson has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

Crest Nicholson has taken the next step and joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome Crest Nicholson on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

We are pleased to announce that Electricity North West has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

Electricity North West has taken the next step and joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome Electricity North West on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

Founded in 2012, the Supply Chain Sustainability School was born just as the sector started to understand that the growing demand for sustainability cannot be met effectively without significantly upskilling the supply chain. Given the size and complexity of the sector’s supply chain, this must be done in collaboration.

Starting with 7 founding partners and £350K funding from CITB, our objective was to reach 600 learners through our virtual learning platform. We achieved 2,000+ new learners in the first year.

Today, we have 125 partners and engage with over 50,000 members from over 15,000 businesses. The scope of CPD accredited learning has expanded over the years to incorporate skills for offsite construction, digital, management, procurement, heritage and lean construction.

Our vision is to be the world class collaboration to enable a sustainable built environment. This means much more than training. It is about leadership. With a critical mass of tier 1 contractors, clients, suppliers and specialist sub-contractors there is an opportunity to change our industry for the better.

Working with Partners, academics, and industry bodies, the School has led pioneering work to set new standards in climate change, modern slavery, social value, fairness, inclusion and respect, waste and circular economy, ethical employment standards, air quality, wellbeing, procurement, offsite construction and much more.

We are proud to deliver global best practice in sustainable supply chain management.