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Category: Industry news

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

 

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]

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]

DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work

We’re gearing up for the DfMA Overlay virtual launch on the 15th September, where we’ll be joined by expert speakers from RIBA, Cast Consultancy, MHCLG, UKRI and top architectural practices for a series of short keynotes and interactive roundtable discussions on key DfMA topics. Don’t miss it, book your free place now. 

Sector news…

Deploying modular housing in the UK: Calls for the government and housebuilders to come together and harness the benefits of modular housing come from a new report, published by the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research on behalf of housing provider group Places for People. Find out more

Hydrogen Homes: Built using offsite methods by Totally Modular, new homes in Gateshead have recently opened demonstrating the use of 100% hydrogen appliances in a homes setting for the first time. Find out more

Other upcoming training sessions…

  • Digital Innovation in Offsite Construction – Lunch ‘n’ Learn with JLG Industries, 17th August 1 – 2 PM. Register now
  • 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: Last week we were joined by Nigel Fraser from Buildoffsite, discussing the Offsite response to the Construction Playbook, particularly how suppliers can evolve to make the most of the opportunities. 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.

Top Stories for Scotland this Month

 

SEPA and Robertson partner to build Scotland’s greener future

The construction company act as a ‘critical friend’ highlighting any systemic issues with environmental regulation

Read More >>

Scotland’s hot weather spikes water demand by 200 million litres a day

People watering plants and filling paddling pools pushed the demand for water by 200 million litres a day last week, Scottish Water has said.

Read More >>

Morrison Construction partners with social enterprise on training initiative

Morrison Construction has partnered with GTS Solutions CIC (GTS), one of Scotland’s leading social enterprises, to launch a training initiative aimed at bringing more people into the industry.

Read More >>

To build a more profitable and sustainable industry new and smarter construction techniques are needed. Offsite is making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of Offsite in Scotland.

Offsite resources recommended for you this month:

Offsite Fundamentals -Systems – This interactive e-learning module provides an explanation of offsite, the common systems and materials used and the modern methods of construction hierarchy. Watch the Module>>

Offsite Procurement –  John Skivington, Direct at LHC provides an overview of offsite procurement in this short video. Watch the Video>>

CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre- Assembly Toolkit –  This standardisation and pre-assembly procedure are applied through a series of reviews. Guidance on key issues for S&P workshops is also found in this tool. View the Toolkit>>

Recommended from Scotland

The School is working with partners and stakeholders on a series of new events for the Scottish Market taking place in Autumn 2021:

  • Offsite Virtual Conference – Focus on Timber Engineering with CATT (Centre for Advanced Timber Engineering) and Robertson Timber Engineering  21 October
  • Designing and Building Resilience into Infrastructure Projects with Nature Scot 28 October
  • Low Carbon Urban Regeneration in East Glasgow with Clyde Gateway and Scottish Water date TBC

The School is also contributing to the SP Energy Networks event “Sustainable Electricity Network of the Future” – due to take place during COP26

Keep your eyes peeled for further information on these and other new Scotland events coming up in the next few weeks! In the meantime, check out our full events page for all our training opportunities

Market Page >>

SSE Climate Academy

The School is working with SSE to deliver 5 workshops as part of a “Climate Academy” training series for their staff, as part of SSE being a key partner for COP26.

These workshops will take place during the period leading up to COP26. They will cover Climate Change, Net Zero, Adaptation, Biodiversity and Social Impact.

Introducing the School’s new Energy & Carbon E-learning Content

We have now developed and published four brand new resources on Climate Change and Carbon. Please take a look at these resources, inspired by our Leadership Group’s focus on carbon and the forthcoming COP26 taking place in Glasgow.

Get started today:

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 Supply Chain Sustainability School Scotland 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:

  • Balfour Beatty
  • Morgan Sindall
  • BAM
  • Robertson
  • Marshalls
  • Elliott
  • Cementation Skanska
  • Construction Scotland Innovation Centre
  • Reconomy
  • Zero Waste Scotland
  • Scottish Water
  • SSE
  • SGN
  • SP Energy Networks
  • Siemens Mobility
  • CITB
  • Kier

Together, this group meet quarterly to lead and steer the direction of the School’s activities, resources and strategy for Scotland. Five priorities were set for 2021-2022:

  1. Build carbon literacy and measure impact on carbon reduction
  2. Standardise engagement and activation of priority suppliers
  3. Increase access to the School’s online learning 
  4. Increase membership across Scotland
  5. Develop new learning content and pathways for Scottish Market

The Leadership Group have been instrumental in creating new Learning Pathways on waste and resource efficiency for Scotland, and oversee the delivery of specific training aimed at the Scottish supply chain.

The Group’s next meeting is on 26 August. If you would like the Group to discuss any matter concerning the School, or are interested in joining the Group itself, please contact [email protected]

Top stories

New homes not ready for climate change – CCC

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).

Find out more >>

UK’s first hydrogen-fuelled demonstration homes opened

Two homes fuelled entirely by hydrogen are being showcased to demonstrate the potential of the new energy supply in helping the United Kingdom decarbonise its housing.

Discover more >>

ilke announces mainstream zero carbon home

Modular housing company ilke Homes has unveiled its “mainstream” zero carbon home which it says will save consumers £1,000 a year with the promise of “zero bills”.

Read more >>

 

August’s Featured Topic: Offsite

To build a more profitable and sustainable industry new and smarter construction techniques are needed. Offsite is making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of Offsite in the Homes sector.

Offsite Fundamentals -Systems – This interactive e-learning module provides an explanation of offsite, the common systems and materials used and the modern methods of construction hierarchy. Watch the Module>>

Offsite Procurement –  John Skivington, Direct at LHC provides an overview of offsite procurement in this short video. Watch the Video>>

CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre- Assembly Toolkit –  This standardisation and pre-assembly procedure are applied through a series of reviews. Guidance on key issues for S&P workshops is also found in this tool. View the Toolkit>>

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

Circular economy could deliver 80% of UK’s next carbon budget

By embedding circular economy principles in major policy frameworks, the UK could deliver 80% of the additional emissions cuts needed to meet its Fifth Carbon Budget, which covers 2028-2032.

Read more >>

Demand for construction workers close to 20-year high

The staff shortage in construction is continuing to bite, with 33,000 job vacancies for the period of April to June according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Discover more >>

SBTi to increase minimum target-setting requirements to 1.5C

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is updating its strategic approach to increase the minimum ambition for corporate climate action from “well below 2C” to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as envisioned by the Paris Agreement.

Find out more >>

 

August’s Featured Topic: Offsite

To build a more profitable and sustainable industry new and smarter construction techniques are needed. Offsite is making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of Offsite in the Construction sector.

Offsite Fundamentals -Systems – This interactive e-learning module provides an explanation of offsite, the common systems and materials used and the modern methods of construction hierarchy. Watch the Module>>

Offsite Procurement –  John Skivington, Direct at LHC provides an overview of offsite procurement in this short video. Watch the Video>>

CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre- Assembly Toolkit –  This standardisation and pre-assembly procedure are applied through a series of reviews. Guidance on key issues for S&P workshops is also found in this tool. View the Toolkit>>

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 >

FM Market Update: August 2021

 

Top stories for FM this month:

 

Circular Economy Investment grows but more needed:

Chatham House reports that Governments, investors and corporates collectively funnel more than $1.3trn annually into circular economy initiatives, but this is just a fraction of the money that is currently spent on linear methods of consumption and resource use. Find out More>>

Putting on a front:

Faced with so much disruption to traditional working patterns, what provisions can front of house specialists make to support new ways of welcoming people into the workplace? Learn More>>

What is next for Offices?:

The forced adoption of remote working has created opportunities, but is also exposing new social risks, according to JLL, which has been avidly measuring the effects of the disruption over the past year as workers adapted to homeworking. Read More>>

August’s featured topic: Offsite

To build a more profitable and sustainable industry new and smarter construction techniques are needed. Offsite is making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.

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

Offsite resources recommended for you this month:

Offsite Fundamentals -Systems – This interactive e-learning module provides an explanation of offsite, the common systems and materials used and the modern methods of construction hierarchy. Watch the Module>>

Offsite Procurement –  John Skivington, Direct at LHC provides an overview of offsite procurement in this short video. Watch the Video>>

CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre- Assembly Toolkit –  This standardisation and pre-assembly procedure are applied through a series of reviews. Guidance on key issues for S&P workshops is also found in this tool. View the Toolkit>>

Self Care Lunch ‘n’ Learn 

Join us on the 19th August from 12:00pm -13:00pm at our Self Care Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

This Lunch n Learn will provide you with an understanding of how self-care practices can improve our lives. Learning, observing and engaging in self-care is a key life skill which helps us stay focused, feel happier and often lends itself to a better work-life balance. Understand practical ways to create self-care into our everyday lives to help us look after our minds and bodies and help us function at our best.

REGISTER NOW >

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

Infrastructure Market Update: August 2021

 

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

 

Highways England sets out ambitious Net Zero Carbon Strategy:

Highways England announce their Corporate emissions, Maintenance & Construction emissions and Road user emissions in their Net Zero Carbon strategy. Find out More>>

Natural England sets outs ‘Defra 3’ biodiversity net gain metric :

Natural England launches the finalised metric, known as ‘Defra 3.0’, which will accompany the forthcoming Environment Bill. The metric provides a way of quantifying the habitat value of a site pre and post development with a proposed requirement that all development sites must achieve at least a 10% net gain post development. Read More>>

Supply Chain Sustainability School is shortlisted for two 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. Find out More>>

August’s featured topic: Offsite

To build a more profitable and sustainable industry new and smarter construction techniques are needed. Offsite is making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.

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

Offsite resources recommended for you this month:

Offsite Fundamentals -Systems – This interactive e-learning module provides an explanation of offsite, the common systems and materials used and the modern methods of construction hierarchy. Watch the Module>>

Offsite Procurement –  John Skivington, Direct at LHC provides an overview of offsite procurement in this short video. Watch the Video>>

CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre- Assembly Toolkit –  This standardisation and pre-assembly procedure are applied through a series of reviews. Guidance on key issues for S&P workshops is also found in this tool. View the Toolkit>>

Nudge Theory Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Join us on the 18th August from 11:00am -12:00pm at our Nudge Theory Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

This webinar provides an introduction to using behavioural science, or nudge theory, to drive sustainability improvements in an organisation.

By attending this session you will:

  • Understand the key concepts and principles of altering behaviour using behavioural science insights or ‘nudge theory’
  • Recognise how to apply this approach to sustainability problems
  • Be given examples some nudges that have been shown to make people behave more sustainably
  • Learn to design your own ‘nudges’ to drive sustainability improvements in your workplace
REGISTER NOW >

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

We’re pleased to announce that we are industry partners of this year’s Offsite Expo, which will be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 21st and 22nd September. Our sector experts will be taking part in masterclasses on Training & Skills and Digital innovation, and attendees will also be able to check out our ‘Offsite for Everyone’ workshops focused on a range of job roles. We will be sharing registration links for these workshops over the next couple of weeks, but for now make sure you register for your free place at the conference here.

DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work

A key project of our Offsite group this year, the new DfMA Overlay is coming along well, and has raised some interesting discussions. We’ll be launching the Overlay in a virtual conference with keynote speaker Mark Farmer and other expert panellists on the 15th September, so make a note in your diary and we will release the registration link soon.

Offsite training needs assessment

Another project for this year is updating the School’s Offsite training needs assessment, which we decided was in need of a refresh. The new assessment will be more similar to our Digital assessment, with descriptive maturity statements so learners can more easily benchmark their knowledge level. We hope to launch this in the next couple of months.

Upcoming training sessions

  • Offsite for Project Managers Workshop, 13th July 1-4PM. Register now
  • Construction Playbook: An Offsite Response Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 20th July, 1-2PM. Register now
  • Offsite Fundamentals Workshop, 4th August, 1-4PM. Register now
  • Offsite for Quantity Surveyors and Cost Consultants Workshop, 7th September, 9AM-12PM. Register now.

In case you missed it…

We joined forces with the Smart Construction Network on 22 June for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of play of homes retrofit in the UK, with some fantastic speakers. You can catch up via the recording which is now available on our YouTube channel. Watch now

Offsite resources recommended for you this month

NEW: CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre-Assembly Toolkit – we found this a really useful resource to help facilitate the development of a project-wide strategy for pre-assembly. Get started

NEW: Construction Playbook Webinar Recording – we were joined recently by John Handscombe from Akerlof for a discussion on the government’s Construction Playbook. Watch video

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.

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]

To meet our challenging carbon targets we must accelerate the speed that we are tackling the energy efficiency of the 27 million homes that need to be retrofitted by 2045. Smart Construction provides new materials, new technologies and new processes that can all help.

On 22nd June, 2:15-4pm, don’t miss our virtual Business Bytes conference alongside the Smart Construction Network, Tackling the retrofit challenge through Smart Construction.

Register now

Upcoming training sessions

On 4th June, 1-2PM, we’ll be joined by Ken Farnon of Cooley Construction Services for a Lunch ‘n’ learn webinar: A question of perspective; tales from an offsite project manager. Register now

We also have a Lunch ‘n’ learn on the Construction Playbook with Akerlof on 15th June, 13:00-14:00. Register now

An Offsite for Designers virtual workshop will be held on 11th June, 9:00-12:00. Register now

We’re also running Offsite for Project Managers on 13th July, 1-4pm. Register now

If you missed our last session of Offsite Fundamentals, don’t worry as we will be running it again 4th August 1-4PM. Register now

In case you missed it…

On Tuesday 25th May we held a virtual UK – French conference in collaboration with Campus Hors-Site, Net Zero Carbon Homes – Does offsite construction provide a solution? If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.

Offsite resources recommended for you this month

Learn what designers need to do differently when adopting an offsite solution rather than a traditional build, with the Introduction to Offsite – Design e-learning module. Get Started

Buildoffsite have published an Offsite sector response to the government’s Construction Playbook, which you can access here.

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.

Top Stories for Scotland this Month

 

Housebuilder appoints ‘Green Team’ to help meet environmental goals

HOUSEBUILDER CALA (East) has appointed a dedicated ‘Green Team’ to help meet the company’s sustainability ambitions Read More

Amey Consulting wins Clyde bridge design contract

The work will align associated and new roads to the 184-metre road bridge to be built over the River Clyde, as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal Read More

Location revealed for Dundee’s Eden Project

The former Dundee Gasworks site has been revealed as the preferred site to host the “transformational and regenerative” Eden Project Dundee tourist attraction Read More

Wellbeing resources recommended for you this month

 

Wellbeing in the Built Environment

This discussion paper charts the activities of the Wellbeing Special Interest Group explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarises observations of current wellbeing activity in the sector.

Take a Look

Happiness and Work

The preeminent happiness researcher shares some surprising results on connecting well-being, mental health, and how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work

Watch Now

Why Invest in Employee Wellbeing?

The term wellbeing covers many aspects of the way we feel about our lives, jobs, and relationships. Our feelings of well-being at work are influenced by day to day experiences with colleagues and management, how purposeful we feel and the work that we do. Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself.

Get Started

New for Scotland this Month

See our latest learning Pathways and any new events for Scotland

Supply Chain Optimisation: 23rd June

A 2-hour interactive workshop to discuss common barriers and enablers to effective supply chain collaboration and explore shared solutions which bring efficiency, added value and better outcomes for clients, prime contractors and their supply chain partners.

Register Now 

Homes Packaging Innovation Showcase: 24th June

Reducing and rethinking packaging is one of the biggest waste and resource efficiency challenges we face. Achieving cost reduction and fitness for purpose in the face of policy changes such as the imminent Plastic Packaging Tax and other Government led packaging waste reforms will challenge suppliers and customers in the built environment supply chain like never before. Register for this Business Bytes to learn more.

Register Today

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

Top stories

Hard hat scheme aims to protect heads and hearts

Fortel Group, a leading supplier of labour to the construction industry, has partnered with the School to launch a campaign, encouraging those within the industry to embrace diversity and boost conversations around mental health.

Read more >>

Exploring Skanska’s electric vehicle charging retrofit

How EDF-owned chargepoint provider Pod Point assisted Skanska on its mission to become carbon-neutral by 2045 by retrofitting a key office with chargepoints for EVs.

Discover more >>

Green light for ‘net zero’ equivalent for nature

The government is expected to announce a legally-binding target for 2030 to drive action to halt the decline of nature and wildlife.

Find out more >>

 

June’s Featured Topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of considering wellbeing in the construction sector.

Wellbeing In The Built Environment – Document

Exploring the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector.

Read now >>

Happiness And Work – Video

Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work.

Start watching >>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? – Document

Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself.

Find out more >>

 

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 >

FM Market Update: June 2021

 

Top stories for FM this month:

 

Facilities Show turn it attention to month – long virtual event:

Facilities Show Connect (1-30 June 2021) will bring together the global facilities industry through an online marketplace and virtual meetings. In place of an in-person event the Facilities Show team will this year host Connect, an immersive, AI-powered, online experience that gives attendees the opportunity to engage with new international suppliers and peers through an online marketplace and tailored meeting recommendations throughout June 2021. Find out More>>

Waste Adjustment:

As workplaces prepare for reoccupation, the role of waste management experts is more important than ever to help customers navigate uncharted territory and meet their environmental waste targets, reports Sara Bean for FMJ. Read More>>

Recycling consultation prepares ground for new legislation:

As part of the Government’s commitment to move towards a circular economy and net zero emissions, Defra is consulting on how to increase consistency in collection of recyclable materials from domestic and non-domestic premises in England. Learn More>>

June’s featured topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of considering wellbeing in the Facilities Management sector.

Wellbeing Resources recommended for you this month:

Wellbeing in the built environment- This document explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector. Read more>>

Happiness and Work- Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work. Watch the video>>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself. Find out more>>

Delivering Social Value in FM

Join VINCI Facilities at our ‘Delivering Social Value in FM’ Lunch N Learn on the 10th June – 11:00am -12:00pm.

VINCI Facilities will discuss their approach to creating social value. VINCI Facilities became the first Facilities Management and Building Solutions company to join Social Value UK, the national network in raising the profile of social value and social impact.

At this lunch n learn you will:

  • Find out about VINCI Facilities business model, and how they use their commercial operations to support and sustain programmes for educational and residential support.
  • Discover how VINCI Facilities measure, monetise and report social value.
  • Have an opportunity to submit questions to VINCI Facilities during a live Q&A session.
REGISTER NOW >

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

Infrastructure Market Update: June 2021

 

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

 

Environment Agency- reaching net zero by 2030:

The Environment Agency outline their road map for cutting carbon emissions and reaching net zero by 2030. This document sets out their commitment to cut our carbon emissions by at least 45% and offset the rest. It breaks down the sources of their emissions and the tangible actions they will take to reduce them. Find out more.

Laing O’Rourke sets sustainability and diversity targets:

School Partner Laing O’Rourke has set itself the target of being net zero in operations by 2030 and having equal numbers of male and female employees by 2033. The organisation’s decarbonisation target also sees the company develop a plan to tackle Scope 3 (indirect) emissions by 2050. Read more.

New state -control body to run rail projects:

The Transport Secretary announces that Great British Railways, a state-owned body  will set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England and manage all infrastructure. GBR will come into effect in 2023 and replace Network Rail as manager of rail infrastructure in the UK.  Learn more.

June’s featured topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

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

Wellbeing Resources recommended for you this month:

Wellbeing in the built environment- This document explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector. Read more>>

Happiness and Work- Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work. Watch the video>>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself. Find out more>>

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 Infrastructure or the School please contact [email protected]

WATES ANNOUNCE ONLINE INNOVATION PORTAL TO BOOST TRANSITION TO NET ZERO

The Supply Chain Sustainability School are pleased to support and promote Wates’ new self-service, interactive and intelligent marketplace for sustainable technologies.

The Wates Innovation Network (WIN) portal is the first initiative of its kind and has been created by the Wates Group, one of the UK’s leading family-owned construction, development, and property services companies, to help businesses ‘build back better’.

The portal will connect companies directly and free-of-charge, with Partners that can offer solutions to help meet sustainability targets. It aims to create an industry leading network that will accelerate the transition to net zero by showcasing smarter solutions to design, construct and maintain buildings.

Ian Heptonstall, Director at Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “The transition to NET ZERO is a huge challenge for our industry and to achieve this we need to think differently and adopt new technologies, products and processes. I’m delighted to provide the School’s support to Wates in the rollout of their new WIN portal. This is a great initiative that will foster innovation and raise awareness of the sustainable solutions that are available now and which can accelerate our journey to NET ZERO.”

There are currently more than 40 Innovation Partners featuring on the portal, all approved by a screening panel of environmental experts. Users can filter sustainable innovations based on their requirements to find the product and supplier most suitable for them. The new portal will enable users to connect with businesses directly and better support them in providing tangible environmental and operational savings.

John Dunne, Group Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director at Wates, said: “The market for sustainable solutions is expanding fast and companies who are not investing in innovations will soon be unable to compete. The issue is 95% of market ready sustainable technologies never get considered because key decision makers do not know they exist, or suppliers don’t have access to the key corporate decision makers. The WIN portal is bridging that gap, showcasing innovation and helping businesses to meet bold environmental targets.”

Wates has been a Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School since 2013 and has played an active part in the development of the School as a world-class collaboration, to enable a more sustainable built environment.

Top stories 

No new gas boilers should be sold from 2025 in order to meet environmental goals

No new gas boilers should be sold from 2025 in order to meet environmental goals for the middle of the century, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) think tank.

See more >>

School Partner Taylor Wimpey targets nature net-gain under new sustainability strategy

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has published an updated environment strategy, with headline targets including science-based emissions reductions and a commitment to increase habitat at all new sites.

Read more >>

Housebuilding industry can lead the way on biodiversity

A new guide launched by NHBC Foundation, in partnership with the RSPB and Barratt Developments, says that biodiversity should be considered at the earliest stages of planning new home developments to encourage wildlife and help reverse habitat decline.

Continue reading >>

 

VIRTUAL TRAINING: Tackling the retrofit challenge through Smart Construction

To meet our challenging carbon targets we must accelerate the speed that we are tackling the energy efficiency of the 27 million homes that need to be retrofitted by 2045. Smart Construction provides new materials, new technologies and new processes that can all help.

By attending this conference you will:

  • Learn why residential retrofitting is so important to our net zero ambitions.
  • Understand the key retrofitting tasks we need to focus on to achieve EPC A housing stock.
  • Discover how digital technologies can help.
  • Hear how new technologies and products are currently being tested across the UK.
  • Discover some of the innovative business models that are being trialled to deliver retrofit at scale.

Register now >>

 

June’s Featured Topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the homes sector was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of considering wellbeing in our sector.

Wellbeing In The Built Environment – Document

Exploring the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector.

Read now >>

Happiness And Work – Video

Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work.

Start watching >>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? – Document

Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself.

Find out more >>

 

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 >

 

FM Group Update June 2021

This Group represents the needs and interests of 21 Partners who either deliver, supply to, represent, or are clients of FM services. The quarterly meetings of the Group are chaired by Alison Bettany, Head of Supply Chain Commodities for EMCOR UK Ltd.

The meetings contain a mix of providing information about School activities, collaborative learning and developing new initiatives.

The group is actively developing a number of initiatives:

  • Developing a collaborative programme of learning events suitable for an FM focused audience
  • Engaging Partners in the direct delivery of some of this content
  • Focusing on social value in response to growing stakeholder interest and the Government’s procurement policy notice PPN 06/20
  • Supporting the School’s work on wellbeing, in particular its impact on productivity in the workplace
  • Considering how to adopt the approach taken by the School’s housing partners to packaging and single use plastics
  • Developing content for the Group’s annual FM Conference.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Wales Market Update: June 2021

 

Top stories for Wales this month:

 

New top team to lead Wales into a brighter future:

Climate change, new green jobs and recovery from the pandemic will be at the heart of the new Welsh Labour Government, as First Minister Mark Drakeford reveals his new Cabinet team. The new climate change ministry will bring together the environment, energy, housing, planning and transport portfolios. Find out more>>

Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Carbon Reporting Guide:

The Welsh Government have released the ‘Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Carbon Reporting guide. Read More>>

NMITE is offering bursaries to Engineering students:

NMITE will provide a cash bursary to all new applicants joining its Pioneer Cohort in September 2021 of £4,000 in the first year. Find out More>>

June’s featured topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

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

Wellbeing Resources recommended for you this month:

Wellbeing in the built environment- This document explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector. Read more>>

Happiness and Work- Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work. Watch the video>>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself. Find out more>>

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]

How can offsite help us deliver Zero Carbon Homes?

Decarbonisation of homes must be a priority if we’re to achieve our climate targets, both in new build and retrofitting, and there is a huge potential for job creation in the sector. How can offsite construction techniques help us grasp this opportunity?

By manufacturing homes and retrofit solutions offsite, environmental pollution and disruption is reduced on-site. Buildings can also be more easily standardised and constructed to the highest energy efficiency standards. In addition, modular construction and design for disassembly means that we can operate more in line with circular economy principles and reduce primary resource extraction.

In the next couple of months we’ll be exploring this topic in more detail across two virtual conferences, free to attend.

The first is in collaboration with our French counterpart Offsite school, Net Zero Carbon Homes – Does offsite construction provide a solution? 25th May, 1-3pm, with live French translation. Register now

On 22nd June, 2:15-4pm, we’re hosting a Business Bytes alongside the Smart Construction Network, Tackling the retrofit challenge through Smart Construction. Register now

Other Offsite events coming up…

Offsite for Designers virtual workshop, 11th June 9:00-12:00. Register now

Lunch n Learn on the Construction Playbook with Akerlof, 15th June, 13:00-14:00. Register now

Offsite resources recommended for you this month…

The Design for Manufacture and Assembly e-learning module gives an introduction into the benefits of DfMA and the use of offsite construction techniques. Get Started

Offsite Project Management: The Basics with Ken Farnon, Director at Cooley Construction Services Watch video

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.

Did you know a NEW digital topic area has launched?

Adoption of digital technologies is crucial to maximising the potential of offsite construction, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Check out the learning available in our NEW topic to help you on your digital journey. Get started

Infrastructure Group Update May 2021

The Infrastructure Group is the largest in the School with 63 Partners. Around 40 Partners regularly attend the quarterly meetings chaired by Graham Edgell, Director of Procurement and Sustainability for Morgan Sindall Group.

The meetings contain a mix of providing information about School activities, collaborative learning and developing new initiatives. At each meeting we try to invite a high level speaker to address the group about significant strategic issues, from within the sector and from other sectors.

The group is actively developing a number of initiatives:

  • Forming a cross-School group on social value in response to the Government’s procurement policy notice PPN 06/20
  • Developing a supply chain mapping initiative driven by Highways England
  • Delivering a partnership between 11 Delivery Implementation Partners (DIPs) on the Highways England Regional Development Programme (RDP) to provide a consistent approach to development and performance management for the supply chain
  • Setting up a group to enable utilities clients to collaborate around regulatory requirements
  • Adopting the approach taken by housing partners to packaging and single use plastics

 

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Top stories 

New Homes Partners join the School

Countryside, Persimmon and Saint Gobain have recently joined the School’s world-class collaboration of over 120 homebuilders, clients, contractors and sub-contractors driving the direction of the School, sitting on the Homes leadership group.

See more >>

School Partner Lovell announces 62% reduction in CO₂e

Lovell has announced it has achieved a 62% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the past decade and are taking further measures to “significantly reduce” its future carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

Read more >>

Net Zero targets only possible with a National Retrofit Strategy to green our homes says FMB

The Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK Government will set a target of cutting carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 is welcome news in tackling climate change, but they must lead a campaign to green our homes to make this possible, said the Federation of Master Builders.

Read on >>

Fuel of the future? Inside the UK’s first hydrogen-powered homes

The UK is testing how hydrogen can be piped into people’s homes through the existing gas network at a world-leading research site.

Take a look >>

 

NEW Digital topic area launched

Digital technology has the potential to transform the Homes sector, but only if it is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you on your digital construction journey.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Recommended Digital resources for the Homes sector:

 

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation?

Watch Now >>

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation.

Start now >>

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation.

Get Started >>

 

Industry Launches Skills Hub to Improve the Quality of Procurement

In April we launched the first ever construction-focused skills hub, dedicated to improving the quality of procurement practices.

Our new topic area in procurement aims to provide a wide range of free resources to help organisations of all types and sizes improve their procurement skills. Procurement is a critical part of client and contractor policies and strategies and this new topic area will cater for businesses at all stages of their procurement journey.

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