Planning red tape ‘slashed’ on solar panels

The government says it is slashing the current red tape around planning permission for solar panels under new rules announced last week

Changes to permitted development rights rules will allow more homeowners and businesses to install solar panels on their roofs without having to go through the planning system.

Under the new rules, homes with flat roofs will be able to install panels without planning permission.

And current rules that require businesses to apply for planning if their solar panels will generate more than one megawatt of electricity will also be scrapped, allowing businesses to install more panels more easily.

This will avoid the current ‘costly planning delays’ on solar panels, with applicants having to wait more than eight weeks, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The DLUHC says the move will drive down energy bills for homeowners and businesses that install solar panels, as well as driving down emissions to support the government’s net zero commitments.

Housing and planning minister Lee Rowley said: ‘By cutting red tape in the planning system we can make sure homeowners and businesses can install solar panels without being held up by costly delays.

‘Crucially, these permitted development rights are still subject to important conditions, including their use in conservation areas.’

The minister for energy security and net zero, Graham Stuart, said: ‘Removing the 1MW restriction for industrial rooftop solar will help us meet our target of 70GW of solar power by 2035 while supporting hundreds of long-term skilled British jobs, bolstering our world-leading renewables sector and reducing bills for consumers with panels.’

The government has said that, where possible, already developed land should be used for solar panels. The changes will also make it easier for panels to be installed in canopies above car park so long as they are over 10m away from homes.

The government said the new rules were in line with its commitment to speed up the planning system and slash bureaucracy, as outlined by chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his autumn statement last month.

/0 Comments/by

Two-Thirds of Architects Now Calculate Environmental Impact

Image Credit: NBS

Today, NBS, the platform for connected construction information, reveals the results of its Digital Construction Report. The study explores the industry’s evolving relationship between digital technology and safety and sustainability – the sector’s biggest challenges. This year it showed two-thirds of professionals using digital tools to calculate environmental-related metrics, a sign that sustainable design is now intrinsic to construction processes.

 

Significantly, four in ten use digital methods to understand the embodied carbon attached to a project – that is, the amount of CO2 emitted during construction. A similar figure (38%) also uses it to quantify the energy demands of structures and the components that go into them. There’s room for improvement, but the figures show a clear push towards lower carbon outcomes.

Off-Site on the Up

Continuing with the theme of sustainable construction, NBS also analysed levels of off-site construction, an area often associated with greener building practices, due to greater control of materials and waste. The results found that MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) continues to gather pace.

Over half of professionals (57%) had been part of a construction project that had used or required off-site construction within the last year. This is an increase of 7% since 2021. This news comes despite the closure of several high-profile MMC factories.

Delving deeper, manufacturers are the group most likely to be involved with MMC – 7 in 10 had worked with an off-site element, followed by nearly two-thirds of contractors (63%) and over half of consultants (58%). This increase could reflect an industry drive towards net zero as well as recent government backing for further standardisation within MMC.

Living in the Cloud

The report also found that cloud computing is becoming further embedded within building practices, with four out of five now using it.

The stats highlight the positive way technology is supporting collaborative working, with three-quarters using it to share documents and information with clients (77%). A similar number (74%) use it to collaborate with team members and produce 3D models, specifications, and other important documents.

Taking Full Responsibility

NBS’ Digital Construction Report also highlighted increases in the number of professionals following naming conventions when sharing information (77%, up from 2021 figures) – an area that can improve the organisation and management of data. Additionally, over half of respondents reported using interoperable formats like IFC, revealing the growing importance of easily shareable construction data.

However, the report also showed that there are more opportunities to be unlocked by using digital technologies to help with compliance.

The study found that only a third of respondents (34%) were involved with detailed responsibility matrixes (DRM), a process that sets out responsibility for each element of design to ensure greater accountability. Worryingly, this figure has dropped since 2021 (39%). Notably, this figure hovered at around half for architects. This comes despite increased levels of legislation attached to the Building Safety Act, such as the introduction of planning ‘gateways’ which requires a detailed breakdown of responsibilities on an individual level.

Additionally, less than a third of suppliers (28%) currently use a PIM system to manage product information, pointing to information gaps in the construction supply chain. Nevertheless, well over half (56%) provide digital objects for the majority or all their products, a positive result.

Commenting on the survey’s results, David Bain, NBS’ Research Manager, said, “The uptick in professionals seeking environmental-related metrics shows an industry putting sustainability front and centre. The drive towards Net-Zero has no doubt been a catalyst alongside the evolving legislative landscape – there’s never been a greater emphasis on the environmental impact of building practices.

“The study has also yielded unexpectedly positive stats around off-site construction. Despite media headlines and high-profile factory closures giving the impression that MMC isn’t a popular choice, the results show a different story: more professionals are embracing off-site elements than ever before.

“Overall, we’ve seen some marked improvements that the industry should be proud of. There’s an opportunity here to improve digital information sharing, for which professionals have a legal requirement. The ‘golden thread’ and the use of structured data is creating a safer future for all.”

Click here for the full report

/0 Comments/by

One of Europe’s most advanced smart buildings completes

   

 

£13m project at Imjin Barracks is the first on British Army’s SLA Programme  

 

Vertically integrated off-site construction specialist Reds10 has completed work on the first project to be delivered as part of the British Army’s Single Living Accommodation (SLA) Programme at Imjin Barracks for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The SLA is the first site to benefit from a new wave of net zero carbon construction, and has become one of the most advanced buildings in Europe for Smart Building Control.

Located in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, the three-storey building provides modern, high quality and sustainable accommodation for Army personnel based at the HQ of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), comprising 69 single en-suite bedrooms, alongside best-in-class communal facilities.

The SLA is a true example of an innovative, digitally-enabled, intelligent building. It generates and analyses over 21,000 data points (including humidity, door and window contacts, sound levels, temperature, daylight, power metering, water and more), whereas a typical Building Management System (BMS) only has around 220 data points feeding into it. Large volumes of real time data are processed and accessed via a platform powered by Reds10’s SMART building technology, ThriveTM, optimising operational performance and maintenance. Advanced monitoring and control drive significant energy and cost savings, provide actionable insights, and enhance user engagement, comfort and experience.

The £13 million project has sustainability at its core, in alignment with the DIO’s 2020-2030 strategy. It has achieved a Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) ‘Excellent’ rating, scored more than 95% on the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) and complies with a BACS Class A building (BS EN ISO 52120). Compared with Class C, its integrated approach generates savings of:

 

  • 39% in heating
  • 24% in electricity (lighting)
  • 22% in electricity (auxiliary energy)
  • 20% in domestic water storage/circulation

Each bedroom is equipped with a programmable touchscreen that allows the occupant to customise their heating preferences, increase ventilation and identify any issues. Moreover, the touchscreen provides tenants with information on their monthly electricity and heating consumption, which is ranked on a building-wide leaderboard. The use of gamification helps to incentivise and motivate occupants to make conscious sustainable changes in their everyday lives.

 

With sustainability measures including the installation of photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, there is also an adjacent Nano Crystal Cell Battery holding up to 1327 kWh of energy. The battery ensures resilience and continuity in the event of grid failure and is anticipated to enable the building to go entirely off grid during summer months.

 

Mike Green, Chief Executive, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “The new accommodation being delivered by DIO and its partners at Imjin Barracks reflects DIO’s continuing commitment to providing the best possible accommodation for the Armed Forces.”

Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Army Basing and Infrastructure said: “It is excellent to see the result of significant investment in new modern accommodation for Imjin Barracks, as part of the enduring commitment across Defence to enhance living conditions for our people.

“I am delighted that this building is now ready for occupation. The facilities and interior have been completed to an impressive standard and the design will contribute to local efforts to reduce the Army’s carbon footprint.”

 

Phil Cook, Defence Sector Lead & Director at Reds10, said: 

“It has been a pleasure to work on this first SLA alongside the DIO, the British Army, Arcadis and the rest of the project team, improving the lived experience for Armed Forces personnel. Thanks to true collaboration and agility throughout the project team, we have been able to deliver a SMART, sustainable space which reflects the way its occupants live and work in today’s modern society.”

The project was delivered for the Army by the DIO, contracting to off-site construction specialist Reds10, Technical Service Providers Arcadis and HLM Architects. Reds10 employed 3D volumetric construction with units arriving on site up to 90% complete, allowing for significantly faster programme delivery, increased security thanks to fewer people needed on site, minimal disruption to a live military site and stronger quality assurance.

The Army’s £1.4 billion SLA Programme is delivering 8,500 SLA bed spaces over ten years to improve living conditions for serving personnel. Additionally, 8,000 SLA bed spaces are being provided by the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme.

 

/0 Comments/by

The Rise of the Robots – China Leads the Way

While more and more consumers enjoy the convenience of having a robot vacuum their home or take care of the lawn, it is in industrial applications that robotics have made the biggest impact. State-of-the-art manufacturing processes are unthinkable without industrial robots handling part of the workload, whether it’s handling, welding, or assembling, which are the three most common applications of newly installed industrial robots in 2022.

Data from the International Robotics Federation (IFR) shows, the operational stock of industrial robots has tripled over the past decade, with almost four million robots in use across various industries by the end of 2022. According to the IFR, Asia leads the way in the shift to automated processes, with China in particular installing industrial robots at breakneck speed. In 2022, the country accounted for more than 50 percent of newly installed industrial robots worldwide, quickly catching up with industry leaders South Korea and Japan, who had the highest density of robots installed per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing industry in 2021.

According to the IFR, Asia leads the way in the shift to automated processes, with China in particular installing industrial robots at breakneck speed.

In 2022, the country accounted for more than 50 percent of newly installed industrial robots worldwide, quickly catching up with industry leaders South Korea and Japan, who had the highest density of robots installed per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing industry in 2021.

According to the World Robotics report, a record number of 553,000 industrial robots were newly installed last year, as the global operational stock climbed to 3.9 million by the end of 2022.

China alone accounted for more than half of new installations in 2022, making it by far the largest market in the world.

With just over 50,000 new installations, Japan came second last year, followed closely by the United States and South Korea.

Japan is also the largest manufacturer of industrial robots, according to IRF, accounting for 46 percent of global production in 2022.

While China is the largest market in absolute terms and in terms of growth, South Korea and Japan are ahead of the world’s manufacturing superpower in terms of robot density, i.e. installed robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers.

According to the IFR, South Korea had 1,000 installed robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry, compared to 399 for Japan and 322 for China.

 

 

/0 Comments/by

LONDON SPHERE – Re-review after planning refusal

UK Housing Secretary Gove will re-review London Sphere planning permission after Mayor’s refusal

Two weeks after London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced his refusal of planning permissions for the controversial MSG Sphere development planned in East London, the UK’s housing chief has issued a rebuke that may leave some glimmer of hope for the project’s eventual realization.

Several UK-based outlets are now reporting that Housing Secretary Michael Gove has asked the London Legacy Development Corporation to have the plans reviewed personally by his office before a final decision can be made. The countermand means another six week’s wait for the project, which has caused a torrent of backlash from critics and local residents since first being introduced in January of 2018.

James Dolan, Executive Chairman of the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., however, told the Evening Standard that Khan’s decision was the “end of the line” for his company’s pursuit of the project in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The Architects’ Journal reported the company’s plans to sell the land parcel it had purchased in advance of the development. Other cities outside the UK are now being considered for a restart, according to statements provided by Sphere Entertainment, the entity in charge of the Sphere and its now-open Las Vegas counterpart.

Khan had cited a WSP report on the project that questioned some of the environmental impact assessments in his decision, adding that the issue of light pollution was another decisive factor. No further plans for the 4.7-acre plot have been presented. Populous was in charge of the design, which would have cost around £800 million ($979 million USD) to construct.

 

Source: Archinect

/0 Comments/by

Putting Nuclear at the Heart of Climate Change

Twenty two countries have signed up to the goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, at the UN’s COP28 climate change conference.

The heads of state, or senior officials, from Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana,  Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the USA signed the declaration at the conference taking place in Dubai.

Speaking during the launch ceremony at the event, the US Presidential climate envoy John Kerry was reported by Reuters to have said that the signatories believed that the world could not get to Net Zero without building more nuclear energy capacity: “We are not making the argument that this is absolutely going to be the sweeping alternative to every other energy source. But … you can’t get to net-zero 2050 without some nuclear.”

The declaration says the countries recognise the need for a tripling of nuclear energy capacity to achieve “global net-zero greenhouse gas/carbon neutrality by or around mid-century and in keeping a 1.5 degrees celsius limit on temperature rise within reach”. It also recognises that “new nuclear technologies could occupy a small land footprint and can be sited where needed, partner well with renewable energy sources and have additional flexibilities that support decarbonisation beyond the power sector, including hard-to-abate industrial sectors”.

And there is recognition of the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency to support its member states to include nuclear in their national energy planning, as well as agreement on the importance of financing for new nuclear and it recognises “the need for high-level political engagement to spur further action on nuclear power”.

Those signing the declaration commit to:

  • Work together to advance a global aspirational goal of tripling nuclear energy capacity from 2020 by 2050, recognising the different domestic circumstances of each participant
  • Take domestic actions to ensure nuclear power plants are operated responsibly and in line with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, security, and non-proliferation, and that fuel waste is responsibly managed for the long term
  • Mobilise investments in nuclear power, including through innovative financing mechanisms and invite the World Bank and other international financial institutions’ shareholders to encourage the inclusion of nuclear energy in their organisations’ energy lending policies
  • To supporting the development and construction of nuclear reactors, such as small modular and other advanced reactors for power generation as well as wider industrial applications for decarbonisation, such as for hydrogen or synthetic fuels production
  • To supporting responsible nations looking to explore new civil nuclear deployment under the highest standards of safety, sustainability, security, and non-proliferation

They also recognise the importance of promoting resilient supply chains and, where feasible, of extending the lifetimes of existing nuclear power plants. The signatories also “resolve to review progress towards these commitments on an annual basis on the margins of the COP” and “call on other countries to join this declaration”.

The declaration comes with nuclear energy becoming increasingly recognised by countries as being a key part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. The Net Zero Nuclear initiative, which was co-founded by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and World Nuclear Association, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Atoms4NetZero initiative, calls for “unprecedented collaboration between government and industry leaders to at least triple global nuclear capacity to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050”.

World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León said: “The significance of the Ministerial Declaration cannot be overstated. The countries supporting this declaration are making a resolute commitment, placing nuclear energy at the heart of their strategies for climate change mitigation. Their vision is one that strives for a sustainable, cost-effective, secure, and equitable energy mix all over the world.

“On behalf of the global nuclear industry, I express my deepest appreciation for your collective effort in crafting this bold and pragmatic declaration. Your commitment to nuclear energy is not just a statement; we take it as a challenge extended to the entire nuclear industry worldwide.

“As we move forward, we will unite and work together in an ambitious spirit to translate today’s goals into tangible achievements. We will continue to maximise our efforts to extend the operations of the existing nuclear fleet and work together to accelerate the deployment of new nuclear projects. We will continue to set the highest standards of quality, safety and security and will continue to work together to attract and cultivate the brightest minds among young scientists, engineers and other professionals to come and join us.”

The signing of the ministerial declaration comes the day after the IAEA issued what it called a landmark statement saying the world needs nuclear energy to fight climate change and build “a low carbon bridge” to the future.

“The IAEA and its member states that are nuclear energy producers and those working with the IAEA to promote the benefits of peaceful uses of nuclear energy acknowledge that all available low emission technologies should be recognised and actively supported,” the statement read by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

“Net zero needs nuclear power. Nuclear power emits no greenhouse gases when it is produced and contributes to energy security and the stability of the power grid, while facilitating the broader uptake of solar and wind power,” it added.

COP28 – which stands for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the original 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – is being held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 30 November until 12 December. Representatives of nearly 200 governments are attending and the aim is to continue efforts to limit the global rise in temperatures to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Source: WNN

/0 Comments/by

Kensa Utilities Clinches Double Victory, Winning 2 Prestigious International Awards in a Week

Kensa Utilities, a Ground Source Heat Pump infrastructure asset company, is delighted to announce that they have achieved a remarkable feat by securing two prominent awards for their groundbreaking Heat the Streets project, which was part funded by the ERDF, in a week.

At the H&V News Awards, Kensa Utilities proudly accepted the coveted Heat Pump Project of the Year accolade alongside Coastline Housing. The Heat the Streets project, a testament to Kensa’s vision, offers a blueprint for decarbonising millions of homes across the UK, including flats and terraces. It recognises how the large-scale street-by-street rollout of Ground Source Heat Pumps can be achieved through its innovative Networked Heat Pump solution, the 21st-century equivalent to the gas network.

Judges said:

“Kensa have developed a technical and commercial model that makes budgeting a cheap and simple solution for occupiers and owners alike that can solve many of the conundrums in our cities, towns, and villages. The innovative, can-do, problem-solving approach impressed all the judges, making them a clear winner. The lessons learnt from this project will act as a benchmark for future schemes across UK.”

In another momentous win, Kensa Utilities secured the Best Home Energy Project title at the prestigious Fully Charged Awards in Amsterdam. Securing these accolades highlights the success of implementing a widespread deployment of Ground Source Heat Pumps through the groundbreaking Networked Heat Pump solution.

Wouter Thijssen, Managing Director of Kensa Utilities, comments: 

“These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire Kensa Utilities team. We are honoured to be recognised by industry leaders and peers for our commitment to sustainable heating solutions.”

By embracing renewable energy sources and implementing cutting-edge solutions, Kensa Utilities has set a new standard for environmentally conscious and economically viable heating projects. The ‘Heat the Streets’ initiative effectively decarbonised residential heating in new and existing homes throughout Cornwall. This was accomplished by linking Kensa’s highly efficient ground source heat pumps to Shared Ground Borehole Arrays, a pioneering approach involving drilling into the roads—a first in the UK.

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions rises, Kensa remains at the forefront of innovation, consistently delivering projects that meet and exceed industry standards.

To hear more about this ground-breaking project

CLICK HERE

and sign up for a free webinar from Kensa

Earlier this year, the Heat the Streets project won the

Lighthouse Heat Pump Award at the European Heat Pump Association’s 2023 Heat Pump Awards,

as well as Green Heat Project of the Year at the BusinessGreen Awards

 

/0 Comments/by

LOCATING & FIXING POTHOLES WITH AI

A UK startup is about to commercialise what it claims is the world’s first autonomous robot able to locate and fix potholes.

Robotiz3d has combined artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced robotics to automate road maintenance based on patented research developed at the University of Liverpool.

The autonomous vehicle uses advanced detection and repair technologies incorporated into the AI robotics system to assess and predict the severity of cracks and seal them before they worsen.

It can analyse the geometry of potholes and collect measurement data as it operates. It is expected that once in the market, it will help local authorities to predict road conditions accurately.

The latest Asphalt Industry Alliance Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance report found that the backlog of road repairs and budget shortfall is the highest on record.

In the last financial year, local authorities spent £93.7m on reactive maintenance, such as patching and filling potholes.

Robotiz3d said official testing is underway and is making substantial progress towards commercialising its technology.

Source: Construction Management

/0 Comments/by

Collaboration on Power Transmission & Distribution projects

Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hoban Group – a leading construction company based in South Korea aiming to create a differentiated offering through advanced designs, specialised products and customer-centered services.

The Memorandum of Understanding will see Balfour Beatty work directly with Taihan Cable and Solution Co. Ltd, a specialist cabling subsidiary of Hoban Group, on potential large-scale onshore Power Transmission and Distribution projects across the UK.

As the largest Power Transmission contractor in the UK with over a century of experience and employing c.3,000 people in the Power Transmission and Distribution sector alone, Balfour Beatty will combine its expert capability in providing secure energy with Taihan Cable and Solution Co. Ltd.’s 70 years’ experience in developing innovative cabling products.

The partnership will operate with a focus on delivering sustainable, low-carbon solutions, prioritizing Modern Methods of Construction and Building Information Modelling to drive efficiencies and productivity throughout future projects.

Chris Johnson, Chief Technology Officer at Balfour Beatty, who attended the signing event alongside Mr Kim Sun Kyu, Chairman of Hoban Group, said:

“At Balfour Beatty, our unique end-to-end capabilities means we are perfectly positioned to capitalise on the emerging UK energy market opportunities and deliver the critical national infrastructure required for the UK to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

“This latest partnership with Hoban Group is built on true collaboration and will further strengthen our ability to deliver high quality sustainable solutions for large-scale onshore Power Transmission and Distribution projects.”

 

Mr. Kim Sun Kyu, Chairman of Hoban Group, said

“The partnership will strengthen the strategic relationship two parties have been developing and we will deliver collaborative business models such as exchange of technical knowledge and resources.  This collaboration will assist UK Government’s Net Zero target.”

The partnership bolsters Balfour Beatty’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for clean, secure energy across the UK –  building on the company’s Memorandum of Understanding with Aker Solutions and Holtec Britain, which it signed last year.

 

Source: Balfour Beatty

/0 Comments/by

MMC: PROMOTING COLLABORATION

Exploring modern methods of construction and mitigating disputes

Construction has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years with the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). These innovative approaches have revolutionised the construction process and introduced strategies to mitigate construction disputes. From modular construction to 3D printing, MMC techniques offer numerous benefits such as increased efficiency, sustainability, and affordability, while addressing common sources of conflicts. In this article, we delve into the exciting world of modern construction methods and explore how they can help minimise construction disputes while highlighting potential challenges.

Design and planning

Inadequate design and planning are common primary causes of construction disputes. Traditional methods often lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and errors during construction. However, modern methods such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) have significantly improved design and planning practices. BIM enables stakeholders to create a comprehensive virtual representation of the project, facilitating effective collaboration and reducing designrelated disputes. By identifying clashes and optimising design solutions before construction begins, BIM can minimise conflicts between parties and enhance project coordination.

While BIM has transformed information creation and dissemination, it does have drawbacks. Its effective implementation is expensive and complex, discouraging so far, its widespread adoption, especially on smaller projects and in less affluent regions. Differing levels of BIM adoption within a project team can also be an issue, as it relies on common standards and specific software and file formats. Compatibility issues and data loss may occur without adherence to these standards. Furthermore, BIM heavily relies on accurate and complete input data to generate reliable models. Flawed or incomplete data can lead to inaccuracies and rework during construction.

Local statutory requirements should also be considered when using MMC methods like modular construction. In the UK, the “Manual to the Building Regulations” published by HM Government, points out that existing approved technical guidance documents may not be applicable to MMC. Designers may need to go further to ensure compliance with Building Regulations for such structures, rather than relying solely on established guidance. Demonstrating the overall robustness of a structure can become more challenging and burdensome for designers compared to traditional methods, potentially leading to conflicting conclusions on compliance with regulations.

Enhanced quality control

Construction disputes often arise due to issues related to quality control and workmanship. Modern methods of construction, such as modular construction and prefabrication, offer controlled factory environments for manufacturing building components. These controlled conditions ensure higher quality control, leading to fewer defects and errors. By minimising the risk of poor workmanship, MMC techniques reduce the likelihood of disputes related to construction defects, delays, or noncompliance with specifications.

However, prefabrication introduces new challenges. Damage during transportation and handling is a common problem, especially with partially finished modular units containing delicate components. Offsite construction requires precise measurements and alignment of components. Any deviation from the required dimensions can result in assembly difficulties, poor fit, and compromised structural integrity. Maintaining tight manufacturing tolerances and constructing in situ elements with equal accuracy are important considerations.

Streamlined project timelines

Delays in project completion are a common source of disputes in the construction industry. Modern methods of construction, such as modular construction and prefabrication, offer significant advantages in terms of project timelines. Off-site manufacturing allows for simultaneous construction activities, reducing construction time and minimising the impact of adverse weather conditions. By accelerating project schedules, MMC techniques mitigate the risk of delays and associated disputes, promoting smoother project execution and client satisfaction. This can increase the criticality of early stage works – if, for example, off-site manufacture of modular units requires certain substructures to be in place prior to their arrival, any delays in their completion could lead to unforeseen storage and transportation costs which might not arise with traditional methods.

A further consideration is the impact that late changes may have upon production processes. Alteration of manufacturing lines can have significant implications on cost and programme, which may have been possible to resolve promptly with in situ construction. Ensuring the design is finalised well before production commences is critical.

Clearer contractual arrangements

Construction disputes often stem from ambiguous or poorly drafted contracts. However, modern construction methods have encouraged a shift towards more detailed and standardised contractual arrangements.

With MMC techniques, contracts can include specific provisions related to modular construction, 3D printing, or prefabrication, addressing potential challenges and clarifying responsibilities. Both NEC4 and FIDIC contract suites have introduced and addressed BIM protocols, as the adoption of BIM increases worldwide. Clearer contractual arrangements minimise disputes by establishing a mutual understanding of project expectations, deliverables, and risk allocation.

However, these new techniques come with new challenges that must be resolved. Methods like modular construction often require substantial costs for the contractor at an early stage of the project, which needs careful consideration. Dealing with changes can be challenging due to the lack of flexibility often associated with MMC, and managing the supply chain becomes crucial when timely delivery of components and materials is critical. Untangling liability for defects can also be complex, given the intricate contractual frameworks underlying these elements.

MMC techniques require close coordination between designers, manufacturers, and construction teams, encouraging proactive problem-solving and reducing the likelihood of disputes arising from miscommunication or lack of coordination.

Collaboration and communication

Effective collaboration and communication are vital in preventing and resolving construction disputes. MMC promotes enhanced collaboration through the use of digital technologies and platforms. BIM, for instance, fosters communication among different project teams, facilitating early identification and resolution of conflicts. Furthermore, MMC techniques require close coordination between designers, manufacturers, and construction teams, encouraging proactive problem solving and reducing the likelihood of disputes arising from miscommunication or lack of coordination.

Conclusion

Modern methods of construction have ushered in a new era for the construction industry, not only in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and affordable construction techniques, but also providing opportunities to mitigate construction disputes. If integrated and properly coordinated, through improved design and planning, enhanced quality control, streamlined project timelines, clearer contractual arrangements, productive collaboration, and effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, MMC techniques have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of conflicts arising during construction projects.

As the industry continues to embrace these innovative methods, efficiencies in construction techniques will continue to be realised – provided all stakeholders are willing to work collaboratively and embrace change.

 

Source: Lexology

/0 Comments/by