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Month: August 2021

DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work

The DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work is in the final stages of production and will be launched on the 15th September, at our online conference bringing together contributors and practitioners at the forefront of the industry.

We’ll be discussing key topics arising from production of the Overlay, including:

  • Are we at a tipping point in embedding DfMA as ‘business as usual’?
  • What are the key obstacles to this?
  • Which roles are best placed to introduce DfMA on projects?
  • What are the implications for designers and architectural practices?

Confirmed speakers:

  • Mark Farmer, Cast, UK Government MMC Champion
  • Dale Sinclair, Aecom
  • Connie Longmate, MHCLG
  • Sam Stacey, UK Research & Innovation
  • Jamie Hillier, Akerlof
  • Lanre Gbolade, L&Q
  • And more!

Don’t miss it, book your free place now. 

Offsite Assessment

Another project almost at completion is our new Offsite Assessment, which we’re expecting to launch in October. This feature will allow School members to better position their Offsite knowledge within current best practice with detailed maturity statements. A tailored plan of learning will be recommended following completion which contains the most up to date industry knowledge.

Upcoming training sessions…

  • Offsite for Quantity Surveyors and Cost Consultants Workshop, 7th September, 9 AM – 12 PM. Register now
  • Offsite Expo (various sessions), 21st and 22nd September, Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Register now

Offsite resources recommended for you this month…

NEW: Kier have recently relaunched the MMC Database, an interactive map detailing the full spectrum of MMC technologies and manufacturers available to organisations looking to choose offsite. Find out more

NEW: We were recently joined by James Hahessy who explained JLG’s journey into integrating BIM technologies into their logistics operation. You can catch up with the recording now on our resource library. Watch now

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

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The list of resources will advise you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials.

You can also benchmark your company’s offsite maturity here.

Action Sustainability and the Supply Chain Sustainability School will once again be supporting and sponsoring the Sustainability Summit at London Build Expo 2021.

London Build Expo is set for a huge return to Olympia London’s Grand Hall on the 17 & 18 November 2021. Learn from London’s leading architects, developers, contractors, engineers, suppliers and industry bodies, who are leading the way to a sustainable future for London’s construction industry.  **Use our unique link to get your free ticket now.**

We will be hosting a networking lunch on Wednesday 17 November between 11:15am – 12:45pm, located in the Built Environment Networking Hub. Join us to meet businesses that are outside your current network, enabling you to expand your connections to benefit your business. If you get there early, we’ll also be showcasing our Sustainability Tool, displaying how to easily and effectively measure and manage your organisation’s sustainability performance.

If you are unable to attend, you still have a chance to visit us at our stand A37, located near the Sustainability Summit stage.

Action Sustainability’s leading sustainability experts will also be joining panel discussions on the Sustainability Stage, along with other leading contractors, engineers, architects and developers. Please come and hear our speakers on Wednesday 17 November 2021:

15:00-15:50: Helen Carter, Lead Consultant, Action Sustainability will be speaking on a panel about Modern Slavery in Construction.

16:00-16:50: Vaishali Baid, Social Value Consultant at Action Sustainability will be speaking on a panel about Social Value in Construction.

Check out the full conference agenda here: https://www.londonbuildexpo.com/conference-agenda

London Build Expo is free to attend and promises to be two fun-filled days of high-level content, networking opportunities and endless entertainment.

Register your team for FREE tickets at https://www.londonbuildexpo.com/supply-chain-sustainability-school

Or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with the organisers at [email protected]

Top Stories for Scotland this Month

 

SEPA engages innovative modelling techniques to help Scotland better prepare for future flooding

SEPA is introducing new flood hazard mapping which will provide a clearer indication of surface water (also known as pluvial) flood risk now and in future.

Read Now >>

Kier, Morgan Sindall and McLaughlin & Harvey chosen for SCAPE Scotland Construction framework

Public sector procurement authority SCAPE Scotland has announced the three contractors that will help deliver up to £2 billion of public sector investment across its next-generation construction framework, following the conclusion of a rigorous procurement process.

Read Now >>

SSE have published their annual sustainability report

We are proud to support SSE in the run up to COP 26. Look at their sustainability report for more information.

Read More >>

Sustainable Procurement resources recommended for you this month

Built environment projects with major contractors can pass up to 80% of spending through to their supply chain. Subsequently, sustainable procurement is a critical part of client and contractor policies and strategies, which is often reflected in tendering processes. See our recommended resources for this topic below…

What is Whole Life Costing? An introduction to the concept of whole life costing by Wilmott Dixon

Read More >>

How to be a responsible supplier  Advice on what small businesses need to understand about clients who are using the new ISO standard for sustainable procurement – ISO20400

 Learn More >>

SDGs and Decision Making  Research Paper from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey

Get Started >>

Recommended from Scotland

Keep your eyes peeled for our new Scotland events coming up in the next few months! In the meantime, check out our market page for resources and news

TAKE A LOOK >>

Upcoming Events…

Offsite and Mass Timber Construction – Business Bytes

This 90-minute Business Bytes session will continue discussions that the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) is having with industry, to accelerate the use of renewable resources using factory based approaches and digital technology.

Register Now >>

Designing/Embedding Resilience in Infrastructure – Business Bytes

A 90-minute Business Bytes session to discuss nature-based solutions in infrastructure projects.

Register Now >>

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 >>

The Environment Agency (EA), an organisation aimed at protecting and improving the environment, have taken their next step on their sustainability journey by becoming a Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

Earlier this year, the Environment Agency revealed their roadmap for reaching net zero by 2030, whereby they are committed to cutting their emissions by at least 45% by 2030 and then offsetting the remainder.

With 84% of their total carbon footprint coming from their supply chain, the Supply Chain Sustainability School will play an integral role in supporting them with their Net Zero strategy. How they interact with their supply chain, will have a huge impact on not just their progress against their net zero goals, but also their resource consumption, what social value they can deliver through their supply chain, and how they protect and enhance nature. Discover further how EA plan to enhance their sustainability knowledge here.

Simon Dawes, Head of Sustainable Business Strategy at the Environment Agency, said: “We’re one of the first government organisations to join the school, and that’s indicative of our ambition to lead the way in terms of sustainability. But we also know we don’t have all the answers. We want to learn, share, grow, explore, and influence where we can.”

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “The role of the client in driving supply chain performance cannot be understated. I am delighted to welcome the Environment Agency to the School – they join a growing band of major clients with a mutual interest in developing their supply chain capacity in a consistent and collaborative way.”

The School is co-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with the direction of the School being led by over 130 Partners – working in collaboration, they share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change and each share a common desire to upskill the industry.

If your organisation is interested in becoming a Partner, contact Paul on [email protected].

To register as a FREE member of the School, click here.

Highways England’s commitment to net-zero by 2050

 

Highways England is inviting suppliers to showcase their innovative, sustainable technology for plant and equipment operations that supports the carbon net-zero target. This is a great opportunity for the supplier community to work with Highways England

The event is taking place on Tuesday 12 October from 10am – 3pm. To exhibit, please complete the criteria form.

Your submission will be reviewed and if it supports the requirements and output from this event, you will then be notified of acceptance.

Top stories

IPCC climate report: construction responds to ‘code red’ warning

Major construction firms have warned the industry needs to decarbonise rapidly in the wake of a ‘code red’ report on climate change.

Find out more >>

UK Hydrogen Strategy published, with Government targeting £4bn of private investment by 2030

The UK Government has today (17 August) published its much-awaited Hydrogen Strategy, outlining plans to unlock £4bn of investment in blue and green generation, storage and usage this decade.

Discover more >>

SMEs ‘finding ways round’ material shortages

Construction SMEs are finding solutions to address material shortages, despite the widespread effect they have had on the industry over the past year

Read more >>

 

September Featured Topic: Sustainable Procurement

Built environment projects with major contractors can pass up to 80% of spending through to their supply chain. Subsequently, sustainable procurement is a critical part of client and contractor policies and strategies, which is often reflected in tendering processes. Find out more about this topic with the recommended resources below…

Upcoming virtual training: Sustainable Procurement Lunch ‘n’ Learn

A 1 hour Lunch ‘n’ Learn to provide you with an understanding about Sustainable Procurement and the ISO 20400 standard as a framework for embedding sustainability.

Don’t miss it >>

Recommended Construction resource: The Social Value Model – PPN06/20

Government has defined social value through a series of priority themes and policy outcomes which are important to deliver through government’s commercial activities. The Social Value Model provides a consistent approach for departments and suppliers and helps to streamline and standardise the procurement process.

Start now >>

More recommended resources:

What is Whole Life Costing

An introduction to the concept of whole life costing by Wilmott Dixon

Take a look >>

How to be a Responsible Supplier

Advice on what small businesses need to understand about clients who are using the new ISO standard for sustainable procurement – ISO20400

Read now >>

SDGs and Decision Making

Research Paper from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey

Find out more >>

 

Top stories

TfL plans £600m Warmer Homes framework

Transport for London is planning to put together a framework of prequalified contractors for £600m-worth of domestic energy installations.

Find out more >>

Millions of UK homes could be heated with hydrogen by 2030

About 3 million households in the UK could begin using low-carbon hydrogen to heat their homes and cook rather than fossil fuel gas under government proposals to attract at least £4bn of investment to the hydrogen economy by 2030.

Read more >>

Report calls for action for more modular housing

New report calls for the government and housebuilders to come together and harness the benefits of modular housing, published by the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research and Places for People.

Discover more >>

 

September’s Featured Topic: Sustainable Procurement

Built environment projects with major contractors can pass up to 80% of spending through to their supply chain. Subsequently, sustainable procurement is a critical part of client and contractor policies and strategies, which is often reflected in tendering processes. Find out more about this topic with the recommended resources below…

Upcoming virtual training: Sustainable Procurement Lunch ‘n’ Learn

A 1 hour Lunch ‘n’ Learn to provide you with an understanding about Sustainable Procurement and the ISO 20400 standard as a framework for embedding sustainability.

Don’t miss it >>

Recommended Homes resource: Sustainable Procurement – An Introduction

This video introduces sustainable procurement – making sure that the products and services an organisation generate benefits not only for the organisation, but also for the environment, society and the economy.

Start now >>

More recommended resources:

What is Whole life costing

An introduction to the concept of whole life costing by Wilmott Dixon.

Take a look >>

How to be a Responsible Supplier.

Advice on what small businesses need to understand about clients who are using the new ISO standard for sustainable procurement – ISO20400

Read now >>

SDGs and Decision Making.

Research Paper from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey

Find out more >>

Wates Group and Lloyds Banking Group are working together to pioneer sustainable technologies in a bid to accelerate the built environment’s transition to Net Zero carbon.

 

The new collaboration follows the launch of the Wates Innovation Network (WIN) Portal, a first-of-its-kind and free to use network that connects built environment customers to market-leading sustainable technologies and services.

Five suppliers will be chosen to present their product directly to Lloyds Banking Group and the most successful product will be piloted throughout their estate.

They are particularly interested to hear about products and services that will:

  • Reduce direct carbon emissions related to electricity, gas, and refrigerants
  • Improve energy efficiency in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies
  • Enhance building energy performance and control
  • Remove gas from building operations
  • Save water in commercial buildings
  • Increase thermal performance of the building fabric

The winning technologies will be piloted on Lloyds Banking Group’s estate of properties, helping them achieve their operational pledges to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and water use. The collaboration builds on the businesses’ existing relationship, which includes a ten-year programme of fit-out works by Wates Smartspace across Lloyds Banking Group’s estate.

Register your interest here

 

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

Having been a member since 2014, Selwood 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 Selwood 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:

The Supply Chain Sustainability School Wales-Cymru Leadership Group represents a collaboration of prime contractors, utility companies, industry stakeholders, materials and service suppliers.
The group is comprised of procurement, operational and sustainability leads from several partner organisations, including:

  • Alcumus
  • BAM
  • Bouygues
  • CITB
  • Galliford Try
  • ISG
  • Kier
  • Morgan Sindall
  • NPTC Group
  • SEWSCAP
  • Siemens
  • Transport for Wales
  • Welsh Water / Dŵr Cymru
  • Willmott Dixon

This group meets quarterly to lead and steer the direction of the School’s activities, resources and strategy for Wales. At the last meeting in July, the group members were asked to respond to two questions posed by the School:

  1. ‘What should the School be looking at in Wales to support partners and members?’
  2. ‘Who should the School be linking with to maximise our impact?’

The Group Chair, Wyn Prichard, together with David Emery from the Supply Chain Sustainability School will be formulating an agenda for the next year based on members’ responses to these questions.

However, it’s not too late to give us your thoughts and ideas so please do consider attending the meetings or by using the email address below.

The Group’s next meeting is on 23rd September 2021. If you would like the Group to discuss any matter concerning the School, or are interested in joining the Group itself, please contact David Emery

FM Market Update: September 2021

 

Top stories for FM this month:

 

Workplace Futures return to the workplace:

Hear about this free to attend online event from the Workplace Futures conference team, which focused on some key challenges for FMs in managing the widescale return to the workplace. Find out More>>

Catering for the future:

FMJ hears from catering and vending specialists on how food and drink services are being adjusted to support new working patterns, meet variable demands and contribute to a more hospitable workplace atmosphere. Learn More>>

Getting back on track with carbon reduction:

Preparing for the widescale reopening of buildings, the need to maintain a low carbon footprint remains a priority. But with lockdown making it difficult to even produce an accurate analysis of energy management rates over the past year how can FMs help their customers to meet carbon cutting targets? Read More>>

September’s  featured topic: Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable Procurement is procurement that has the most positive environmental, social and economic impacts possible over the entire life cycle.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of Sustainable Procurement in FM.

Sustainable Procurement resources recommended for you this month:

What is Whole life costing? – Willmott Dixon provides an introduction to the concept of whole life costing. Read the document>>

How to be a responsible supplier –  This document provides advice on what small businesses need to understand about clients who are using the new ISO standard for sustainable procurement – ISO20400. Find out more>>

SDGS & Decision Making –  A Research Paper from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey which looks into ‘Can the SDGs Provide a Basis for Supply Chain
Decisions in the Construction Sector?’ Learn more>>

Wellbeing in the Workplace Business Bytes

Join EMCOR UK & Welfare Hire on the 21st September from 10:00am -12:00pm at our Wellbeing in the Workplace Business Bytes.

Join this Business Bytes session to understand where your organisation is on the pathway to embedding wellbeing and pick up hints and tips about what you can do right now to help make this happen.

By attending this session you will:

  • Hear from EMCOR UK about levelling up workplace mental and physical health, including how implementing ISO 45003:2021 Occupational Health and Safety Management can help.
  • Hear from Welfare Hire who will share their research and best practice examples of linking on-site welfare with wellbeing.
  • Understand the various impacts Covid on employee wellbeing and how to effectively manage them in the workplace.
REGISTER NOW >

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

Wales Market Update: September 2021

 

Top stories for Wales this month:

 

SO Modular to recruit 250 new employees:

SO Modular a timber frame company in South Wales has increased its production by 700% following a six-figure investment. The increase in production means the South Wales organisation will be recruiting around 250 new members of staff. Find out More>>

State of the Nation Survey 2021 :

The UK BIM Alliance launched this annual survey to measure the understanding and adoption of information management using BIM across the UK built environment. Read More>>

Launch of the Green Jobs Taskforce’s Report to Government, industry and the skills sector:

This video discusses the launch of the Green Jobs Taskforce’s Report to Government, industry and the skills sector. Watch the Video>>

September’s  featured topic: Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable Procurement is procurement that has the most positive environmental, social and economic impacts possible over the entire life cycle.

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

Sustainable Procurement resources recommended for you this month:

What is Whole life costing? – Willmott Dixon provides an introduction to the concept of whole life costing. Read the document>>

How to be a responsible supplier –  This document provides advice on what small businesses need to understand about clients who are using the new ISO standard for sustainable procurement – ISO20400. Find out more>>

SDGS & Decision Making –  A Research Paper from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey which looks into ‘Can the SDGs Provide a Basis for Supply Chain
Decisions in the Construction Sector?’ Learn more>>

Wellbeing in the Workplace Business Bytes

Join EMCOR UK & Welfare Hire on the 21st September from 10:00am -12:00pm at our Wellbeing in the Workplace Business Bytes.

Join this Business Bytes session to understand where your organisation is on the pathway to embedding wellbeing and pick up hints and tips about what you can do right now to help make this happen.

By attending this session you will:

  • Hear from EMCOR UK about levelling up workplace mental and physical health, including how implementing ISO 45003:2021 Occupational Health and Safety Management can help.
  • Hear from Welfare Hire who will share their research and best practice examples of linking on-site welfare with wellbeing.
  • Understand the various impacts Covid on employee wellbeing and how to effectively manage them in the workplace.
REGISTER NOW >

 

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

Infrastructure Market Update: September 2021

 

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

 

Construction Leadership Group Council pushes for Net Zero Carbon:

The Construction Leadership Council is calling on businesses from across the industry to play their part in securing net zero carbon construction 2050. To help achieve this, the CLC has announced CO2nstruct Zero – a cross-industry change programme to drive carbon out of all parts of the construction sector, from manufacturing and design to construction and operation of assets. Learn More>>

Opposition to HS2 gathers momentum:

MPs back bid to halt HS2 as petition triggers Parliamentary debate. A debate is confirmed for 13 September after public petition gathers more than 150,000 signatures. Read More>>

Highways England A303 project halted by court ruling:

The legal challenge against the decision to grant consent for the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down scheme past Stonehenge has been upheld by the High Court judge. Find out More>>

September’s  featured topic: Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable Procurement is procurement that has the most positive environmental, social and economic impacts possible over the entire life cycle.

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

Sustainable Procurement resources recommended for you this month:

What is Whole life costing? – Willmott Dixon provides an introduction to the concept of whole life costing. Read the document>>

How to be a responsible supplier –  This document provides advice on what small businesses need to understand about clients who are using the new ISO standard for sustainable procurement – ISO20400. Find out more>>

SDGS & Decision Making –  A Research Paper from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey which looks into ‘Can the SDGs Provide a Basis for Supply Chain
Decisions in the Construction Sector?’ Learn more>>

Wellbeing in the Workplace Business Bytes

Join EMCOR UK & Welfare Hire on the 21st September from 10:00am -12:00pm at our Wellbeing in the Workplace Business Bytes.

Join this Business Bytes session to understand where your organisation is on the pathway to embedding wellbeing and pick up hints and tips about what you can do right now to help make this happen.

By attending this session you will:

  • Hear from EMCOR UK about levelling up workplace mental and physical health, including how implementing ISO 45003:2021 Occupational Health and Safety Management can help.
  • Hear from Welfare Hire who will share their research and best practice examples of linking on-site welfare with wellbeing.
  • Understand the various impacts Covid on employee wellbeing and how to effectively manage them in the workplace.
REGISTER NOW >

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