Constructing Excellence

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On 24 September 2026 the Constructing Excellence Climate Action Group session explored how Passive House principles can move beyond sustainability ambition to deliver practical, affordable and high-performing buildings. Two contrasting case studies—143 council homes in Ealing and an extension to St Keyna Primary School in Bath and North East Somerset—demonstrated the benefits of rigorous energy standards for comfort, air quality, construction quality and operational performance.

The latest Construction Client Leadership Group Client Forum brought together construction clients and industry partners to explore two practical ways to improve outcomes: using evidence to target social value and investing time in the foundations of high-performing teams. Both presentations offered simple, accessible approaches to challenges that can otherwise feel complex—and both prompted a lively discussion about how clients can put them into practice.

The CE Procurement Group explored how artificial intelligence is already changing construction procurement, but the strongest theme was not technology itself; it was the impact on people. Speakers looked at AI from both sides of the process: John Simons described how Scape is testing AI to support tender evaluation, while Lucy Howard shared the bidder’s perspective on how AI is changing bid development, technical input and accountability.

We are delighted to welcome our newest member to the Construction Client Leadership Group and Constructing Excellence. NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited, part of EDF UK, is responsible for the delivery of Hinkley Point C, the UK’s first new nuclear power station to be built in a generation.

Constructing Excellence’s AI Programme continued with a thought-provoking discussion delivered in collaboration with ARCOM, the Association of Researchers in Construction Management, bringing together academic insight and industry experience to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping construction practice, skills and decision-making.

The Government’s Call for Evidence on a Strategy for the Built Environment Professions, Trades and Occupations closes on 12 August 2026 and will help inform a new national strategy aimed at strengthening skills, competence, accountability and professional standards across the sector. To inform its response, Constructing Excellence has worked with BRE Academy, a leading provider of built environment training and professional development, to gather evidence from across industry.

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Constructing Excellence East of England Awards who are setting new standards in collaboration, innovation, sustainability and social value: ✨ Building Project of the Year – Bedford Academy New NZCiO Classroom Block ✨ Client of the Year – Oaklands College ✨ SME of the Year – Neville Special Projects Ltd ✨ Regeneration & Conservation – Market Place – Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council ✨ Social Impact- Chas Berger’s Stamford Hill Regeneration Scheme ✨...

We are pleased to welcome our latest member Constructing Change. Constructing Change is a dynamic initiative addressing systemic issues within the construction industry by fostering collaboration with the education sector, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, supply chains, government, academia, and institutions.

This State of the Nation summary reflects insights shared by Constructing Excellence Regional Partners during the July 2026 Regional Partnership meeting and provides a snapshot of opportunities, challenges and emerging trends across the network. Sentiment across the regions is best described as cautiously positive.