Steph Hazlegreaves
Verified- Digital Managing Editor, Planning and Building Control Today
- Digital Managing Editor, Open Access Government
- Digital Managing Editor, BIM Today
United Kingdom
Managing Digital Editor @PBC_Today. Bringing you the latest construction headlines and industry exclusives. Get in touch if you have any #BIM & #mmc content🏗
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Articles by Steph Hazlegreaves
Modular school building cuts carbon emissions
Designed and built by McAvoy, the brand new Merstham Park School in Surrey provides 900 pupils aged 11-16 years with high-quality classrooms, play space, a dance studio and an all-weather sports pitch Adopting the Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green energy hierarchy for the Department of Education (DfE) Low Carbon Pathfinder project, it aimed to reduce the operational carbon of the 6,850m2 building. Designed within Archicad, McAvoy was able to compare different iterations for the modular building.
Winners of BREEAM Awards 2024 announced
BRE has revealed the winners of its annual BREEAM Awards 2024 – a celebration of the projects and organisations leading the way in sustainable building design, development and management Among this year’s winners was HAUT Amsterdam – one of the tallest timber-hybrid buildings in the world – which took home the award for the Best New Construction for a Residential Project.
Creating vibrant places: A vision for thriving communities
Luke Hillson, design partner at design and planning consultancy Marrons, examines the findings of a new report that asks individuals, businesses, organisations and government what needs to be done to drive a placemaking-led approach to building future communities In an era marked by dynamic societal shifts, urbanisation and evolving community needs, the concept of a vibrant place can be a crucial element in shaping the fabric of our country, and investing in them can enable us to lay the...
Raising industry standards with the Code for Construction Product Information
Steve Marr, UK compliance director for SIG, addresses the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) and its mission to standardise product descriptions in the construction industry How carefully do you look at the information on your product labels? What do words like ‘soundproof,’ ‘dampproof’ or ‘fireproof’ actually mean and how have these been tested?
Will power-hungry AI overwhelm the National Grid? Can electrical apprentices save the day?
The National Grid could struggle to supply electricity when power-hungry AI servers take a central role in society, and the UK will need many more skilled, highly qualified electrical apprentices to cope with a society so dependent upon electricity, writes SELECT president Mike Stark One of the big developments in recent years has been the increase of artificial intelligence (AI) in our everyday lives, from digital assistants and chatbots helping us on websites to navigation apps and...
Submissions open for Grenfell Tower memorial design
The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and RIBA have opened up submissions to select the team that will design the future memorial on the site of Grenfell Tower In November 2023, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission published its second report, detailing the community’s wishes for a permanent memorial. The report called on the government to honour its earlier commitments and fulfil its moral duty to deliver all sixteen of the Commission’s recommendations.
Delivering on ambitious housing policies
Labour’s landslide victory provides the new government with the political capital needed to push through the ambitious housing policies outlined in their manifesto As we enter a new political era, it is incredibly refreshing to see such a renewed sense of optimism within the industry, coupled with a belief that we can take significant steps towards addressing the housing crisis through the ambitious housing policies promised by the new Labour government.
UK leads the way in making premises accessible
Ian Streets, managing director of About Access, says access professionals are in demand for their world-beating expertise and understanding in making premises accessible Businesses globally, operating in a wide range of sectors, are increasingly turning to the UK for expert advice on how to make their premises accessible. The demand is being driven by multinationals expanding or upgrading their operations and seeking consistency of standards. Another factor is the growth of international tourism.
Building competence in supply chains: The impact of the Building Safety Act 2022
Alex Minett, global head of new markets at Veriforce CHAS, explores the role of competence in the new Building Safety Act and offers insight on how organisations can foster competence throughout their supply chains The Building Safety Act 2022, which took effect on 1 October, 2023, represents a pivotal shift in the UK construction industry’s regulatory landscape. This legislation introduces stringent dutyholder requirements to enhance accountability, particularly in higher-risk buildings (HRBs).
BRE sets out 100-day roadmap for new Labour Government
BRE’s 100-day roadmap calls for the Government to prioritise low-carbon innovation in construction, improving EPCs, and the creation of a Decent Homes Standard for the Private Rented Sector Gillian Charlesworth, CEO of BRE, said: “We urge the new Government to harness the full resource and capability of the built environment sector to develop and implement improved standards over the coming years, both at home and abroad.
Will Labour’s New Towns plan solve the housing crisis?
People live in houses, not planning permissions.
The New Era: Labour Government and the future of the UK housing market
The recent shift in political power to the Labour government promises significant changes across various sectors, with the UK housing market poised for a substantial transformation Labour’s manifesto outlined a series of ambitious plans to address the housing crisis, emphasising affordability, sustainability, and community empowerment. Here’s a closer look at how the housing landscape is expected to evolve under this new administration.
What contractors and developers need to know about the JCT Design and Build Contract and party wall proceedings
Now that the long-awaited 2024 edition of the JCT Design and Build Contract has been published, Harkishan Singh, Senior Party Wall Surveyor at McBains, asks how many are aware of how the new version can affect party wall proceedings on both commercial and residential projects? The dynamics between Design and Build contracts and party wall proceedings play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of both commercial and residential projects.
Sustainable project management in the AEC industry
Sustainable project management has emerged as a salient approach to reconcile the demands of building development with the urgent need for environmental preservation The accelerating global environmental crisis necessitates a paradigm shift in every industry, particularly in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. As key contributors to the built environment, these industries bear a significant responsibility for the ecological footprint of our cities and landscapes.
Preventing disputes: Conflict avoidance agreements in construction contracts
The intricacies of construction contracts often lead to disputes that can delay projects, escalate costs, and strain professional relationships. One strategy to mitigate these issues is the use of conflict avoidance agreements These agreements, when crafted with foresight and diligence, can prove a vital tool in managing potential disagreements, thereby promoting a harmonious working environment.
How can invoice financing solve payment delays in construction?
Payment delays are a persisting issue that can disrupt project timelines, strain business relationships, and hinder growth. This is where invoice financing, a form of short-term borrowing designed to expedite cash flow, can be a game-changer Leveraging this financial tool, construction companies can convert their outstanding invoices into immediate capital, effectively bridging the gap between service delivery and payment receipt. But how exactly does this process work?
BSRIA appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Ashworth has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for BSRIA Ashworth takes up her position on the 1st of June 2024, following an induction period. Lisa Ashworth commented, “I’m excited to join a business that is already pivotal to the industry it supports and equally well positioned to grow further in the knowledge, data, and information market.
Putting the patient first: Accessibility in healthcare communication
Elspeth Bond, Marketing Executive at Synertec Ltd, explains why more must be done to improve healthcare communication strategies for patients in order to improve accessibility and inclusivity as well as promote greater efficiency across the NHS The importance of inclusivity and accessibility to healthcare communication is something that is often overlooked.
Top Lean Construction tools for project planning
The conventional approaches to project planning, once rooted in rigid structures and linear methodologies, have given way to a more agile, efficient, and collaborative framework known as Lean Construction Lean Construction seeks to eliminate waste, maximise value, and foster continuous improvement throughout every stage of a construction project.
Interactive digital media platforms impact on Canadians lives
Dr Hamed Taherdoost, Associate Professor and Chair of Research and Scholarly Activities Committee at University Canada West, explains the impact of interactive digital media platforms on the lives of many Canadians today The COVID-19 pandemic has damaged mental health in Canada. Stress, anxiety, and depression have all increased in Canada due to the pandemic. (1, 2) To develop effective mental health policies and treatments, it is crucial to understand how Canadians have dealt with the pandemic.
Transforming NHS procurement: how good data holds the key to integrated care
Lee Jackson, Managing Director of North West London Procurement Services, discusses the importance of robust data in supporting increasingly integrated health service delivery and NHS procurement processes Integrated care is about providing seamless services across a spectrum of healthcare providers. For me, good quality data lies at the crux of truly integrated care. Data is critical for achieving the best possible procurement negotiations and supplier competition outcomes.
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation: Recognising the Silent Epidemic
Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO at The Sleep Charity, outlines the drivers and impact of poor sleep and why sleep deprivation must be considered a public health priority In our fast-paced world, where productivity often takes precedence over rest, sleep deprivation has become a silent epidemic affecting both adults and children.
How digital workflows can streamline the concept and design stage of construction
Missed the first webinar in Trimble’s Concept to Construction series? Read on as we run through the highlights of how digital workflows can streamline the concept and design stage of construction The first and most critical phase of any construction project is the initial concept and design stage, with decisions made here that will affect the outcome of the finished structure or infrastructure, including its structural efficiency, operational use and embodied carbon.
Ensuring passive fire protection compliance with building movement
Craig Abbott, technical director at passive fire protection specialist FSi Promat, highlights the importance of considering building movement when installing life-critical fire-stopping systems to ensure compliance over the building’s lifespan Fire-stopping products are designed to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases through joints and service penetrations in building structures, such as walls, floors and ceilings.
Building a future with women in construction
Kate Morement, head of risk and compliance, Assent, says much progress has been made by women in construction over the last 20 years, but there is still more to be done I took a very non-traditional route into the world of construction. Having begun my working life as a shelf-stacker with a supermarket chain and rising through the management ranks before I realised that retail wasn’t for me, I took a temporary job with a housebuilder’s health and safety team.
dTwin: A revolutionary solution for the AEC/O industry
Nemetschek group were determined that dTwin should be one step ahead at all times; only then can we deliver on our promise to constantly help the AEC/O sector to successfully address the challenges it faces both now and in the future Of course, the AEC/O industry is a complex eco-system of experts, ranging from designers to builders, suppliers and maintenance operatives.
Cleartech wins 50% more jobs with enhanced digital estimations
CEO Feargal Cleary started ClearTech Engineered Solutions in Dublin, Ireland, in 2010, during a major industry downturn Cleary knew that the traditional operations and models in design and construction would soon give way to technology-driven and environmentally sustainable models that would require leaner operations. While large companies cut budgets to steady their businesses, Cleary aimed to build something more flexible: the first concrete post-tensioning service in Ireland.
Ratio EV charging products: Leading the way to net zero
Ratio manufactures design-led innovative and robust EV charging products that are tailor made to its customers’ needs. It continues to be a sustainable business whilst supporting the move to a net zero transport industry Ratio EV designs and manufactures EV charging products at its factory in Redditch in the UK and Nijkerk in the Netherlands.
Supporting the decarbonisation & retrofit of public sector buildings
Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement at public sector framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHC), reflects on the key takeaways in the development of its latest energy efficiency framework, Decarbonisation & Retrofit (N9) In the race to net zero, while being faced with the pressure to decarbonise its homes and other buildings, the public sector still lacks a long-term funded retrofit strategy from the government.
Marmox Multiboard products protecting the building envelope
Aside from dampening our spirits, the past winter has proved to be one of the wettest on record and will have reminded construction industry specifiers of the protection that render finishes can offer against driving rain Render coats can only be effective, however, if correctly applied over a suitable substrate and in a manner where the build-up plays its part in ensuring the outer envelope achieves all of its objectives under the Building Regulations, including continuity of thermal...
Placing trust in access consultant expertise on library project
Ian Streets, managing director of About Access, says taking a partnership approach early is key to improving accessibility at a community library The importance of early intervention by an access consultant in construction and renovation projects is illustrated by the case of a major programme of works at a community library.
Emerging trends in sustainable construction materials and how to prepare for them
The construction industry is being reshaped as new sustainable construction materials enter the market and different, more environmentally aware methods of construction emerge Awareness of sustainable construction materials trends and preparation for how they may affect operations stand contractors and housebuilders in good stead for the future. A growing number of construction businesses are beginning to embrace circular economy principles.
Collaborative nature of Archicad model brings city campus to life
Tasked with creating a state-of-the-art city centre campus for further and higher education, Bond Bryan and Simpson Haugh delivered a distinctive and inspirational learning environment for the Manchester College and UCEN using an Archicad model The collaborative nature of the project meant that the architects, engineers and specialist consultants worked in their preferred software with everything coordinated via IFC.
UWL 2024: Drive your company towards net zero with Re-flow field management software
Join Re-flow at Utility Week Live 2024 to witness how its field management software will revolutionise work efficiency and propel companies towards achieving Net Zero goals – all within scalable, easy-to-use project management software and its accompanying phone app A huge number of our partners openly praise how Re-flow’s field management software is already propelling them along on their Net Zero journey.
Why securing a building warranty before construction is important
As builders and developers navigate the intricate landscape of construction, securing a building warranty emerges as a crucial step towards mitigating risks and ensuring peace of mind In the construction industry, uncertainties and risks are inherent. From unforeseen structural issues to unexpected financial burdens, the journey from groundbreaking to completion can be fraught with challenges. Amidst this complexity, one essential tool stands out as a beacon of assurance: the building warranty.
Create multiple design options with Vectorworks' new AI Visualizer
As Kesoon Chance, senior industry specialist – interior architecture, explains, “Iterative Design is what happens when the ideas are flowing, and even if communication with your client is efficient, there isn’t a project existing or in planning that hasn’t gone through changes — it’s what’s needed to get the best possible collaboration with the designer and client.” Vectorworks’ new AI Visualizer allows you to quickly produce an image based on a Vectorworks file and/or text prompts and begin...
Digital Construction Today: Get the global view on BIM, digital twins, AI, IoT and much more
Digital Construction Today, a new website covering the adoption and application of technology in the global architecture, engineering and construction sectors, is now live At a time when the industry faces the dual challenges of embracing digital transformation and spearheading the decarbonisation of the built environment on the road to net zero, DCT brings you daily news from around the world, as well as thought leadership, opinion and insights from experts and insiders working across the...
Morgan Sindall lands Major Construction Works Framework
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties business has been appointed to Norfolk County Council’s (NCC) Major Construction Works Framework The Major Construction Works Framework will run for three years from 1 April 2024 and will help meet ongoing requirements for construction work. Morgan Sindall has been appointed to Lot 2 of the three lots. Works will have a value of more than £4.5m, and the total value of all projects in this lot over the term is estimated at £300m.
Carbon negative mews development commended at SBD awards
A carbon negative mews development in London, Walthamstow, has been highly commended at this year’s Secured by Design (SBD) ATLAS award The Arbour is a carbon-negative mews development consisting of 10 modern and spacious properties. It has been built with zero construction waste and is energy-positive, generating more energy on-site than it consumes on an annual basis, thus incurring no energy bills.
Neurodiversity-friendly design: Creating spaces where everyone can flourish
How do we put the conversation around neurodiversity-friendly design into practice? Magdalena Arent, building performance consultant at Holmes Miller, says architects must drive good design and ensure the built environment is more accommodating and welcoming to neurodivergent individuals A disability is a challenge or condition, either physical or mental, that makes it more difficult for someone to participate fully in the world around them.
Fire Safety Event demonstrates impact of movement on passive fire protection
FSi Promat will highlight the need to account for movement in buildings when specifying passive fire protection at this year’s Fire Safety Event Speaking at the ASFP stage at 12pm on Tuesday, April 30, Technical Manager at FSi Promat, Paul Nash, and the passive fire specialist’s National Commercial and Marketing Manager, David Roulstone will take an in-depth look at the application of fire stopping and how movement can affect its performance.
Heat pumps as a renewable energy source to stabilise the electricity grid
Swedish heat pump company Qvantum is developing renewable energy sources to shape a more reliable and efficient future for the electricity grid As society rapidly electrifies, variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are playing an increasingly significant role in the energy mix. This shift has contributed to fluctuating electricity prices, necessitating innovative solutions.
Online education: A new and fresh approach
The University of Birmingham is harnessing the power of online education to ensure students are job-ready and a step ahead of the competition As the world evolves and moves towards a format of immediacy and increased connectivity, we’ve seen an incredible uptick in the demand for online education and technology-based options.
Lessons learned from Post Office's Horizon IT scandal
Harish Rao, Technology Director at Crown Workforce Management, provides an opinion on the management lessons learned from the Post Office’s software deployment disaster HR leaders outsourcing their workforce management should be taking urgent note of the implications of the Horizon IT scandal. Businesses must review the delegation of control concerning their data with service providers.
Smart connected lighting: Creating a sustainable urban ecosystem
Clare Thomas, Head of Logic and Gary Bennett, Regional Director of UK and Ireland from Urbis Schréder, walk us through smart connected lighting, including their views on creating a sustainable urban ecosystem With energy prices relentlessly rising, there has never been a better time for the government and local authorities to reduce overhead costs and increase energy savings.
How Britain’s construction sector could benefit from using robotics
Britain must leverage the use of construction robotics and automation or risk being left behind on the global landscape, the National Roboatrium’s Pete Felton writes The construction industry worldwide is on the brink of a groundbreaking transformation, as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to revolutionise traditional building processes.
Premium paints for superior protection against viruses, bacteria and mould growth
Find out here how Protection Paints provides premium paints that protects against viruses and bacteria and prevents the recurrence of mould growth Welcome to Protection Paints, where we prioritise your safety above all else. As a sister company of Thermoguard, renowned for its expertise in anti-fire protective paints and coatings, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality solutions tailored to your needs.
Mobile printers: Creating value form your government or utilities operations
Joe Barnes, Regional Product Manager from Zebra Technologies, explains how to realise more value from your government or utilities operations by using mobile printers Today’s government and utilities operations are increasingly driven by efficient processes that enhance accuracy, productivity, and expectations around solutions that further enhance the public’s experience with you. So, how does your technology work for you?
Moody’s global data and automation solutions
Moody’s can support you with data-driven, automated solutions that identify and control different areas of risk Government departments and agencies know how important it is to manage risk efficiently and effectively. From fraud to money laundering, organised crime to terrorist financing – understand who is in your network and who you are working with, so you can make decisions with confidence.
Knee OA therapy offers pain relief to patients
A patient with knee osteoarthritis (OA) provides a testimonial for “wonder” therapy that has her relieved painful symptoms Ms Huang (63 years old) felt aches and pains here and there, which she simply brushed aside as symptoms of getting old until one day, her knees hurt so much that she couldn’t bear it anymore. Only when her mobility diminished, and she couldn’t stand up for very long, did she realise the gravity of her problem and sought medical advice.
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