Modified Wood Traps Carbon Dioxide

Wood pieces at different stages of modification,

from natural (far right) to MOF-infused functional wood (far left)

(Credit: Gustavo Raskosky/ Rice University)

 

An engineered wood material that could be used in construction has been modified to capture carbon dioxide.

The reportedly energy-efficient process, which also makes the material stronger, was developed by researchers at Rice University in Texas.

Structural materials like steel or cement come at a high cost, both in money and CO2 emissions – building construction and use accounts for an estimated 40% of emissions. Developing sustainable alternatives to existing materials could help mitigate climate change and reduce emissions.

Working to address both issues at once, materials scientist Muhammad Rahman and colleagues found a way to incorporate molecules of a CO2-trapping crystalline porous material into wood.

“Wood is a sustainable, renewable structural material that we already use extensively,” Rahman said. “Our engineered wood did exhibit greater strength than normal, untreated wood.”

In the conversion process, the network of cellulose fibres that gives wood its strength is first cleared out through a process known as delignification.

“Wood is made up of three essential components: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin,” Rahman said. “Removing the lignin is a fairly simple process that involves a two-step chemical treatment using environmentally benign substances. After removing the lignin, we use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to remove the hemicellulose.”

Next, the delignified wood is soaked in a solution containing microparticles of a metal-organic framework (MOF), known as Calgary framework 20 (CALF-20). MOFs are high-surface area sorbent materials used for their ability to adsorb CO2 molecules into their pores.

“The MOF particles easily fit into the cellulose channels and get attached to them through favourable surface interactions,” said Soumyabrata Roy, lead author on the study.

MOFs are among several nascent carbon capture technologies developed to address climate change. “Right now, there is no biodegradable, sustainable substrate for deploying carbon dioxide-sorbent materials,” Rahman said. “Our MOF-enhanced wood is an adaptable support platform for deploying sorbent in different carbon dioxide applications.”

“Many of the existing MOFs are not very stable in varying environmental conditions,” Roy added. “Some are very susceptible to moisture, and you don’t want that in a structural material.”

CALF-20, developed by University of Calgary Professor George Shimizu and colleagues, stands out in both performance and versatility under a variety of environmental conditions, Roy said.

“The manufacturing of structural materials such as metals or cement represents a significant source of industrial carbon emissions,” Rahman said. “Our process is simpler and ‘greener’, in terms of both substances used and processing byproducts.

“The next step would be to determine sequestration processes as well as a detailed economic analysis to understand the scalability and commercial viability of this material.”

 

Source: Institute of Mechanical Engineers

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Nuclear Offers Rewarding Careers

Actemium’s growth within the nuclear industry has meant additional responsibility, bringing new challenges and opportunities

The possibilities of rewarding careers within an exciting nuclear industry have never been greater, says Brian Berry, Actemium Design UK Business Unit General Manager.

Actemium is perpetually conscious of the necessity to adapt. Adaption to not only contribute to a safer, cleaner, energy-rich society but to make us the standard-bearers for such incentives and continue to promote ourselves as a rewarding organisation to join.

The developments within the nuclear industry and Actemium’s role in it are exciting. As such, we have long made conscientious efforts to attract graduates and apprentices into our industry and taken a closer look at how to progress the talent within our organisation to tap into potential — and now we’re seeing the results.

Everyone who has been welcomed into the business, whatever their role, should understand how vital a contribution they’re providing to Actemium as an important brand of VINCI Energies UK & RoI.

Exciting times for new technology and research

The recent disruption in the energy market hasn’t significantly impeded our sector of the nuclear industry. Actemium has predominantly focused on the area of decommissioning our nuclear legacy sites around the UK and assisting with the new-builds and power stations moving online. It has been, and remains, an exciting time for new technology and research in nuclear power.

There are the small and medium nuclear reactors that are being sited on former decommissioned lots and there have been ground-breaking breakthroughs on fusion technology in the UK which could make a significant contribution to energy in the future and consequently reflect very well upon the country and its standing in the energy industry. With the possibilities of developing nuclear power, hydrogen technologies and EV charging within the overall energy transition, Actemium is in the right place to capitalise on these opportunities.

However, looking at the wider picture, it raises issues that we need to confront. Actemium realises that the nuclear industry has not necessarily presented itself as the most attractive sector to be a part of, particularly with the lack of investment in promoting a more positive image and bolstering its legacy. The environment is, and should be, on everyone’s mind alongside the necessity towards mediating change.

A way to reach net zero

The UK’s commitment to go carbon zero by 2050 is an excellent motive but ambitious, meaning we collectively have just under three decades to reach that goal. It is a high target, but it is needed, and it is important to remember that with this progressive push arrives opportunity with emerging technologies and solutions in the nuclear sector.

Today, there is a major initiative within the energy industry towards nuclear power generation. Nuclear generation increased by 100 TWh to reach 2653 TWh in 2021, meeting 10% of the world’s electricity demand. According to the Nuclear Industry Association, the average capacity factor of the world’s operating nuclear reactor rose to 82.4% from 80.3%. There is an immediate power demand which is inevitably going to draw on existing stations reaching end-of-life.

There are new nuclear power generation sites being built at such locations as Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Sizewell Point C in Suffolk, but these types of projects typically take twenty years to come into fruition, so Actemium is also looking at alternative development methods – pre-built, pre-tested and pre-commissioned construction – to increase efficiency.

This is but just one example of us confronting the challenges within our industry. We have recruited, and will continue to recruit, by identifying unique talent and the individual contribution our prospective employees can each provide.

We sincerely want all our employees to look back on their Actemium trajectory with pride and look forward to their Actemium future with enthusiasm.

Find out more about Actemium or careers at VINCI Energies UK & RoI

 

 

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OFF-SITE COMPONENTS HELP DELIVER ZERO-CARBON CONCEPT HOME

A concept house built with a new off-site system and additional materials supplied by Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions will soon enter a testing period, as part of a project designed to accelerate progress towards low carbon and net zero housing.

 The pioneering eHome2 is a three-bedroom family home built inside the world-leading Energy House 2.0 climatic chamber facility at Salford University. Over a period of nine months, the house will undergo rigorous whole-building testing – including thermal performance, energy efficiency, running costs and residential comfort, as well as its ability to cope with extreme temperatures and climatic conditions.

The house was built using a combination of off-site modern methods of construction, with Saint-Gobain Off-site Solutions brands Scotframe and Pasquill supplying advanced timber frame products and factory-installed pre-insulated walls.

eHome2, a collaborative partnership between housebuilder Barratt Developments, Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, and additional brands within the Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland group, seeks to change the way we build high-quality, sustainable and future-ready new homes in the UK.

As such, the data gathered from eHome2, which in itself is operationally net zero, will help inform how the housebuilding sector will design and build zero-carbon housing at scale using sustainable building materials and off-site solutions.

 

Futureproofing with Posi-Joists

Manufactured and assembled at Pasquill’s flagship Chorley site, the floor cassettes supplied to eHome2 are a timber frame construction which add to the sustainability credentials of the build.

As the project is being built to exceed Future Home Standards requirements, it has been designed to accommodate many more heating, ventilation and renewable energy services than the houses commonly built today. Pasquill’s Posi-Joist™️ cassettes’ metal webbed design creates a larger service void, allowing for easy and free routeing of utilities such as Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery systems (MVHR) throughout the home.

These top-hung Posi-Joist floor cassettes also help speed up the process of installation and reduce the thermal bridging at wall-floor interfaces.

Pasquill has also supplied the Roof Trusses for eHome2 in order to help create a thermally efficient attic space. Combining traditional Trusses with Attic Trusses has created a space that can also house additional services and pipework required to run future smart homes. Both the Posi-Joist cassettes and the Roof Truss systems add to the pre-manufactured value of the eHome2 build.

 

Thermally efficient panellised solution

eHome2 features a new proposed MMC category 2 closed panel solution from Scotframe. The wall panel system, which is assembled with BRE A+ rated Isover mineral wool between the i-stud based timber frame, provides maintenance-free and long-lasting insulation. This cuts energy bills, while innovative connections reduce thermal bridging design and enhance airtightness.

With the inclusion of critical vapour control membranes, service zones and externally fitted battens, the system speeds up on-site build time and ensures a high-performing fabric – achieving 0.13 W/m2k.

The result is a solution with a performance point that exceeds Future Home Standard requirements without the need for additional site-installed installation. It also means that the house can be erected from the slab to the finished roof in only two weeks, including cladding and windows.

Similarly, Scotframe’s system also delivers high levels of premanufactured value, with a reduced reliance on on-site labour and a reduction of on-site waste.

 

 

Next generation housing

Ross Baxter, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, said: “eHome2 is an investment in the future of UK housing, and has the potential to completely revolutionise how we design and build homes. The fact so many organisations are working together towards a common goal shows that collaboration undoubtedly is the best way for us to tackle the challenges facing the industry.

 

“It’s our aim to help national housebuilders and other volume housing providers find a way of delivering zero-carbon homes of the future at scale and speed. The project is a brilliant showcase of how off-site manufacturing can help achieve this, with innovative solutions driven by sustainability and performance that can help make the world a better home.”

Tom Cox, Technical and Development Director, Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, said: “This project is a fantastic demonstration of how off-site can deliver a high premanufactured value to housing developers. In particular, our brands Pasquill and Scotframe have made a significant contribution, with innovative timber-engineered panels and cassettes which have sped up the build and increased its sustainability credentials.

“When working with the Barratt design team on the project, designers chose to use the Posi-Joist™️ cassette system to allow for easy rooting of utilities, which are required for future homes design. Meanwhile, the new panel system itself has also had a number of tests carried out on it so it’s looking like it’s going to be quite an exciting solution for developers moving forward.”

 

Energy House 2.0 is a £16 million testing facility that is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and harnesses the University of Salford’s expertise in climate and the built environment.

Completed in February this year, the facility is the largest of its kind in the world, with two chambers which can accommodate two detached homes. These chambers can replicate weather conditions including rain, wind, snow and solar radiation, with temperatures ranging from -20 degrees to +40 degrees centigrade.

 

eHome2 features a range of sustainable building products and materials from Saint-Gobain brands including British Gypsum, Isover, Saint-Gobain Glass and Weber.

CLICK HERE For more information on the project

 

 

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Tackling Greenwash

New course qualifies construction marketers in tackling greenwash

1st February 2023, Manchester, UK – A new ‘Net Zero Masterclass’ has been launched by content marketing agency, Hattrick, to help sales and marketing professionals in the built environment become more confident climate communicators. It is the first of its kind to be accredited by the Carbon Literacy Trust.

The training offering is part of the agency’s own commitment to tackle the climate challenge and reflects the rising demand – and scrutiny of – environmental claims across the industry.

The interactive and action-oriented course is designed to help businesses make sense of the science, jargon, acronyms and disinformation that are clouding sustainability claims. It is delivered as two half day sessions in small groups, with everyone leaving certified as Carbon Literate with a personal plan for how they are going to make a difference.

“The built environment is responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions made up of operational emissions, energy needed to heat, cool and power buildings and from materials and construction. As the race to ‘net zero’ intensifies and customers are expecting ever more transparency, many sales and marketing professionals are worried about inadvertently greenwashing.” says Hattrick’s course facilitator and managing director, Malin Cunningham.

“There are so many acronyms and specialist terminology so it’s easy to get lost; what does ‘net zero’ really mean – and how is it different from ‘carbon neutral’? Why is it so important to stay as close to +1.5C degrees global warming – and how can such a small increase make such a big difference?

“According to the Chartered Institute of Marketing 40% of marketers do not have any qualifications in sustainability. I suspect that the figure is significantly higher – at a time when it’s more important than ever,” continued Malin.

Hattrick has delivered six cohorts since its launch in September 2022, training 41 individuals from 28 businesses including EarthShot Prize Finalists Low Carbon Materials, Amey, Tarkett and Cleveland Steel. Courses are running every month with the next session scheduled for Wednesday 22nd and Friday 24th February.

The Hattrick team – who are all certified Carbon Literate – also delivers the training inhouse and supports businesses with developing their own bespoke programme to deliver themselves.

For further information on Hattrick’s Carbon Literacy Course and to book your place visit https://www.wearehattrick.com/carbon-literacy-course.

 

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Waterproofing Ingenuity

BRIGGSAMASCO DISPLAYS WATERPROOFING INGENUITY IN MULTI-APPLICATION AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION
BriggsAmasco delivered a huge, multiple-application waterproofing programme as part of a stunning regeneration of London’s landmark Battersea Power Station. Phase Two of the multimillion-pound project – one of the largest urban regenerations of its type in Europe – includes more than 250 residential apartments, approximately 100 new retail, food and drink outlets, a 2,000-capacity events venue and 500,000ft2 of new office space.

Appointed by Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) and MACE, BriggsAmasco’s ingenuity and skills were crucial to ensuring three key elements of the project’s second phase were supplied with a watertight solution that excelled in terms of workmanship and sustainability.

Main Energy Centre 
The power station’s main energy centre is pivotal to the Battersea Power Station development’s heating and cooling provision; hence a high-grade waterproofing system was essential to safeguarding its below ground service equipment. For BriggsAmasco, this meant designing and installing a solution with sufficient durability to withstand heavy motorised traffic. Rather than use traditional tarmac or concrete – which at approximately 150mm-thick was deemed too dense for the task – BriggsAmasco specified an IKO Permatec system. To protect this initial waterproofing layer, a 40mm-thick IKO Permapark mastic asphalt system was installed. To ensure the mastic asphalt – a 100% CO2 neutral solution – was laid to the correct tolerance and at rapid speed, it was installed using BriggsAmasco’s state-of-the-art asphalt finishing machine. The combination of asphalt over the primary waterproofing was an industry-first. It meant the below ground waterproofing’s protection layer could remain in-situ, thus saving removal and recycling costs, and the environmental impact.

Grade II-listed chimneys
BriggsAmasco developed a system to re-waterproof the station’s landmark white chimneys, which were taken down and rebuilt in identical fashion. Environmental concerns meant the company specified IKO Permaphalt, rather than lead, for the task. This certified carbon-neutral product is the same waterproofing solution originally applied to the four chimneys, with the addition of advanced polymers to increase its performance. The material was applied to the chimneys’ base at a 20mm thickness across a 750m2 area in an application involving new and traditional installation techniques. BriggsAmasco exceeded its project remit by designing a mastic asphalt solution to waterproof and line a Peregrine Falcon’s nest, providing the resident birds with a 1m x 1m2 permanent home within the chimneys. The product was used as it is rot and vermin-resistant, as well as being waterproof and non-toxic.

Terrace waterproofing 
In collaboration with the insulation manufacturers, BriggsAmasco devised a super-slim PIR/VIP panel to ensure a series of apartment terraces within the revamped power station achieved the required thermal requirements. In each case the waterproofing required minimal build-up to optimise floor-to-ceiling heights, hence the insulation needed to compensate its slim composition by demonstrating superb thermal performance. The resulting system achieved a lambda value of 0.006 W/mK, eliminating the risk of cold-bridging for the long-term protection of the apartments. The panels were installed by BriggsAmasco as part of a waterproofing build-up finished with IKO’s GoldSeal Built-up Felt Roofing.

These large, complex elements of the programme saw up to 70 full-time BriggsAmasco operatives – which ranged from a specialist mastic asphalt installation team to a host of designers and project planners – install 45,000m2 of waterproofing and insulation.

Additional sustainable features innovated by BriggsAmasco as part of Battersea Power Station’s redevelopment included the company’s design, commissioning and installation of a series of sun tubes. The 8m x 1.2m stainless steel units will introduce natural daylight to significantly boost the low-carbon credentials of the receiving retail outlets. Overall, a further 8000m2 of IKO Permatec waterproofing was installed using our own fleet of zero-emission plant. IKO Enertherm inverted insulation and sedum green roofs, were installed by BriggsAmasco across the project.

BriggsAmasco completed further detailing in the form of lead flashings and cappings, which were installed to the main power station building and apartment terraces. The waterproofing programme’s carbon-friendly aspect was bolstered by the use of locally-sourced products, 99.9% of which were manufactured in the UK.

Onsite training/development 
As a company revered for its nurture of industry trainees, BriggsAmasco sponsored 20 operatives whilst they studied for NVQ qualification during the Battersea Power Station regeneration, all of whom successfully achieved NVQ 2 / 3. Their knowledge was bolstered, particularly in relation to safety, building standards, emergency response and management, by working full-time on site during the three-year, Phase Two project.

The success of this frontline learning process was typified by the experience of one BriggsAmasco trainee, who joined as a graduate then via spells as an administrator and planner, progressed to Battersea Power Station development project manager whilst she earned an amazing NVQ7. A further four, full-time staff also achieved this level during the project.

Doug McWhinney BSc FRICS, Senior Commercial Director at Battersea Power Station, said: “BriggsAmasco displayed ingenuity, workmanship and professionalism throughout this incredibly large, complex project. Their operatives went above and beyond to ensure each roofing application was completed on time and to the highest specification despite having to overcome a number of challenges including Covid-19 restrictions and mid-project design changes. They were a pleasure to work alongside and we thank them very much for their performance on the Battersea Power Station programme.”

The Battersea Power Station development brought all of BriggsAmasco’s well-renowned roofing skills to the fore. Logistically and technically, this huge project was the very definition of a specialist roof waterproofing application.

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Chameleon-like Smart Material

A new chameleon-like building material can change its colour – and how much heat it absorbs or emits – based on the outside temperature, its creators have said.

Designed to provide a low-energy way of maintaining building temperature, the material was developed by researchers at the University of Chicago in the US.  On hot days, the material can emit up to 92% of the infrared heat it contains, helping cool the inside of a building. On colder days it emits just 7%, helping keep a building warm.

 

“We’ve essentially figured out a low-energy way to treat a building like a person – you add a layer when you’re cold and take off a layer when you’re hot,” said assistant professor Po-Chun Hsu, who led the research. “This kind of smart material lets us maintain the temperature in a building without huge amounts of energy.”

 

According to some estimates, buildings account for 30% of global energy consumption and emit 10% of all global greenhouse gas, the researchers said. About half of that energy footprint is attributed to the heating and cooling of interior spaces.

 

“For a long time, most of us have taken our indoor temperature control for granted, without thinking about how much energy it requires,” said Hsu. “If we want a carbon-negative future, I think we have to consider diverse ways to control building temperature in a more energy-efficient way.”

 

Researchers have previously developed radiative cooling materials that help keep buildings cool by boosting their ability to emit infrared, which radiates heat from people and objects. Materials also exist to prevent the emission of infrared in cold climates.

As global warming causes increasingly frequent extreme weather events and variable weather, buildings need to be able to adapt – few climates require year-round heating or year-round air conditioning.

Hsu and colleagues designed a non-flammable electrochromic building material that contains a layer that can switch between two ‘conformations’: solid copper, which retains most infrared heat, and a watery solution, which emits infrared. At any chosen trigger temperature, the device can use a tiny amount of electricity to induce the chemical shift between the states by either depositing copper into a thin film, or stripping that copper off.

In a new research paper, the team detailed how the device can switch rapidly and reversibly between the metal and liquid states. The ability to switch between the two conformations reportedly remained efficient after 1,800 cycles.

The researchers also created models of how the material could cut energy costs in typical buildings in 15 different US cities. In an average commercial building, they found that the electricity used to induce electrochromic changes in the material would be less than 0.2% of the total electricity usage of the building, but could save 8.4% of the building’s annual HVAC energy consumption.

 

“Once you switch between states, you don’t need to apply any more energy to stay in either state,” said Hsu. “So for buildings where you don’t need to switch between these states very frequently, it’s really using a very negligible amount of electricity.”

 

So far, Hsu’s group has only created 6cm-wide pieces of the material. “Many such patches of the material could be assembled like shingles into larger sheets,” the research announcement said. “The material could also be tweaked to use different, custom colours – the watery phase is transparent, and nearly any colour can be put behind it without impacting its ability to absorb infrared.”

The team is now investigating different ways of fabricating the material, and studying if intermediate states could be useful.

Source: Institute of Mechanical Engineers

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Cornish firm helps to deliver the UK’s first space launch facility

MWJV, a Cornish construction services consultancy, has been supporting the build of Spaceport Cornwall, which launched its first mission on Monday 9 January.

The company has been managing the construction of the spaceport facilities at Cornwall Airport Newquay, which first began in January 2022. Spaceport Cornwall is the first place in the UK to offer space launch capabilities.

Roger Hannaford, Financial Director at MWJV, said: “We’ve been working closely with Spaceport Cornwall and the contractors to ensure the project is delivered on time, on budget and to the highest possible standard. Our work has included project management, quantity surveying, health & safety management and the appointment of a NEC Supervisor.

“Working on Spaceport has been a fantastic opportunity and we’re now looking forward to finalising the project and celebrating its many future successful launches. It’s great to see such an innovative and nationally significant project come to life here in Cornwall.”

The spaceport project includes the construction of two new buildings and supporting infrastructure. The Space Systems Integration Facility (SSIF) was completed in September and is now occupied by one of Spaceport Cornwall’s customers, Virgin Orbit. The SSIF is where the rockets are assembled and includes a large cleanroom, crane, and airlock for satellite integration activities, as well as welfare facilities, meeting rooms, and a large final assembly area.

The second building, the Space Systems Operations Facility (SSOF), will be multi-purpose and is where on-site mission control will be based. The SSOF is currently being fitted out and is set to be completed by the end of March.

Construction has been carried out by two main contractors, each with a supply chain of subcontractors. The principal contractors are Kier, which has led the general construction, and specialist firm Bassaire, which has headed up the cleanroom elements.

MWJV Senior Project Manager Phil Knight said: “The project has been an interesting challenge for us to manage the delivery of the construction phase in readiness for Spaceport Cornwall’s first customer. The project has involved a complex supply chain comprising a multitude of specialist contractors required for the Space Systems Integration Facility fit out and supporting infrastructure.”

The project also involves the installation of specialist equipment, including a shipping container-sized frequency converter, groundworks for access and car parking, and a rooftop solar array to help meet the building’s sustainability requirements for its BREEAM certification.

 

Commenting, Ross Hulbert, Business Development Manager at Spaceport Cornwall said: “MWJV provided an excellent service in managing the delivery of these complex buildings. These facilities are key to attracting a sustainable space industry cluster on-site, bringing jobs and building local skills. We are also excited that we are providing great opportunities for local businesses, like MWJV, to expand their capabilities into the space industry.”

The spaceport is the first of its kind in the UK, allowing for horizontal launches of satellites with a modified Boeing 747 and detachable wing-mounted rocket. Previously, satellite manufacturers had to take their products to other countries for launch.

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NEW UK WIDE STANDARD FOR MMC

Boost for modern homebuilding as government launches work with industry to set UK-wide standard

 

  • Government will work with British Standards Institution to develop a new standard for homes built using modern methods of construction
  • The new standard will reduce costs and enable the industry to grow
  • New industry working groups to advise the government, ahead of a full consultation later this year 

 

More high quality new-build homes will be delivered through modern homebuilding, as the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities today (24 January) announced it has commissioned a new UK-wide standard for Modern Methods of Construction that will boost the sector.

Modern Methods of Construction are used by many homebuilders to deliver energy efficient homes more quickly, reducing waste while also creating a wider range of jobs in the construction sector.

The government has commissioned the British Standards Institution to develop a universally recognised standard for homes built using Modern Methods of Construction. This will reduce costs and allow more people to benefit from the technology – delivering more homes across the country and helping thousands of young people and families onto the housing ladder.

This week, industry representatives will come together for the first in a series of working groups to inform the new guidance and share best practise for using Modern Methods of Construction in areas such as manufacturing, logistics, design, and assembly of homes.

The move forms part of the government’s ambition to boost innovation in homebuilding and deliver more quality, future-proofed homes that communities across the country need.

 

The Housing Minister Lucy Frazer said:

“We want to help homebuilding step into the future. This means embracing the latest technology to deliver more high quality, energy efficient homes for generations to come.

“Our work with the British Standards Institution and the wider industry will help to do just that – allowing more homebuilders to take up modern methods of construction, creating new jobs and homes across the country”

 

 

Anthony Burd, Head of Built Environment at British Standards Institution Knowledge Solutions said:

“The British Standards Institution looks forward to working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and industry on this hugely important standard. As society’s needs change and in light of the role all of us have to play on the road to Net Zero, improving levels of building safety and ensuring better design – Modern Methods of Construction will be key to meeting these future challenges.

“The standard will provide essential requirements and guidance for best practice in the residential building sector and much needed assurance for the growing off-site sector.”

 

The government will also be inviting key stakeholders to specialist advisory groups, before launching a consultation on the proposals later this year.

The new requirements will be introduced by the British Standards Institution via a Publicly Available Specification. This specification will set out the recommended technical standards when building homes using a range of Modern Methods of Construction categories, as well as defining quality assurance and compliance processes for the sector.

A universally recognised standard will help increase choice and access to product warranties, insurance and mortgages – reducing costs for homebuilders and consumers when using Modern Methods of Construction. The changes aim to encourage greater adoption of Modern Methods of Construction, by levelling the playing field with traditional homebuilding.

 

Further Information:

  • The British Standard Institution will run working groups with 30 industry stakeholders to begin the process of developing the Publicly Available Specification for Modern Methods of Construction homebuilding. The first three working groups will run on 24, 25 and 31 January.
  • The government will also run specialist advisory groups with key stakeholders as part of this process.
  • A wider range of stakeholders will then be invited to comment on the Publicly Available Specification during a formal consultation process later this year.
  • More information on Modern Methods of Construction is available in the definition framework here.

 

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‘HIGHLY ENERGY EFFICIENT’ HOMES

KINGDOM Housing Association has announced it has acquired eight ‘highly energy-efficient’ homes for mid-market rent in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, from Scotia Homes.

The two and three-bedroom properties are Kingdom’s first mid-market rent homes in the Blairgowrie area and will be let and managed by Kingdom Initiatives.

The £1.5 million project is part of the larger private Hazelwood site and has been part- funded by the Scottish Government with a contribution from Perth & Kinross Council. The remaining balance has been financed by Kingdom Housing Association.

Bill Banks, Kingdom Group chief executive, said, “The new homes at Hazelwood mark Kingdom’s first mid-market rent offering in the area and have been completed to an extremely high standard. Modern methods of construction mean these homes are highly energy-efficient and the inclusion of solar panels means tenants will be able to make the most of renewable energy. The homes also benefit from fast fibre internet connectivity which is ideal for home working.

“Kingdom has a great track record of collaborative working and through our partnership with Perth & Kinross Council and Scotia Homes, Kingdom Initiatives is able to offer these new homes to help meet current housing needs in the area. Demand for the properties was very high with around 130 people enquiring about the eight homes.”

Councillor Tom McEwan, Perth & Kinross Council’s housing and social wellbeing convener, added, “These excellent mid-market homes for social rent will help to meet a particular housing need in Blairgowrie. They have been built to an extremely high-standard, with a range of energy-efficiency measures included to help keep tenants’ energy bills down and reduce the carbon footprint of the development. I am delighted that the council was able to make a significant contribution towards the cost of the homes.”

Lesley Lindsay, development lead from Scotia Homes, commented, “Scotia Homes are delighted to deliver Kingdom Housing Association with eight high-quality homes. Our on-going development at Hazelwood, Blairgowrie gives us great pride, and the delivery of multi-tenure homes helps to further enrich the development. Kingdom Housing Association have been a delight to work with, and we look forward to further building our relationship with them.”

Source: Project Scotland

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COLLEGES ADOPT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

UK colleges are increasingly incorporating drones into their curriculums – and are turning to heliguy™ for consultancy, supply, and training. Find out how Oldham College and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are introducing drones to help students working towards qualifications such as T Levels and HTQs.

  • Rising number of UK colleges are incorporating drones into their curriculums – and turning to heliguy™ for consultancy, supply/support, and training;
  • Drones are being integrated into a range of syllabuses to help students work towards qualifications such as T Levels and HTQs; 
  • Find out how and why Oldham College and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have introduced drones into their teaching provision, and how heliguy™ is supporting them;
  • Oldham College is using drones within its new T Level Construction curriculum, and will also introduce UAS as part of its HTQ construction qualifications and the Introduction to Modern Methods of Surveying course;
  • SRUC is utilising drones to bolster its course delivery of Forestry and Arboriculture, and Agriculture – with qualification levels including Certificate, Advanced Certificate, HNC, and HND;
  • heliguy™ has a track record of working with the education sector, supporting universities such as Cranfield, Cambridge, and University College London (UCL).

UK colleges are increasingly incorporating drones into their curriculums, recognising the technology’s value to real-world applications and helping to prepare students for a digital future.

With UAS playing an ever more important role in the world of work, drones are fast-becoming an integral component within higher and further education, as colleges aim to bolster career development pathways, provide authentic learning experiences, and cultivate skills in industries where drones are driving accurate, efficient, and safe data collection.

As such, a rising number of colleges are seeking drone supply, support and training from heliguy™, who has a track record of working with the education sector, including universities such as UCL, Cranfield, Nottingham, Cambridge, Newcastle, and Stirling, to facilitate ground-breaking research.

heliguy™ is helping colleges integrate the technology and associated workflows into courses such as construction, forestry, and agriculture – for students working towards a range of qualifications, including T Levels and HTQs (Higher Technical Qualifications).

This blog will focus on two colleges: Oldham College and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) – highlighting why they are incorporating drones into their curriculums, and how heliguy™ is supporting them.

Oldham College Introduces Drones For T Level Construction Course

Oldham College – which offers an extensive range of technical and professional qualifications – is a recent adopter of drones, having purchased the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and DJI Mini 3 Pro, as well as the Emlid RS2+ GNSS receiver, from heliguy™.

 


As part of the offering, drones will be used within the new T Level Construction curriculum: A sector that is increasingly benefiting from the deployment of UAS.

T Levels are two-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to three A-Levels. They are developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or related technical study through further or higher education.

 

Tom Leahy, Oldham College’s Head of Department for Building Services Engineering, said: “Drone technology sits within the Building Technology Principles topic and will be used on our T Level provision, which includes Design, Surveying and Planning – where drones will be used throughout the full course – and Building Services Engineering, where they will be used during the core year.

“Learners are required to understand the benefits of using technologies from other industries and how the construction industry is incorporating these technologies, such as drones.

“The course content will cover surveying using drones and how they can be used for construction – including thermal imaging – as well as site security, site inspections, and virtual walkarounds.”

Oldham College will also introduce drones as part of its HTQ construction qualifications and the soon-to-be-launched Introduction to Modern Methods of Surveying.

 

As well as drone hardware supply and support, the staffing team at Oldham will benefit from heliguy™ training, including dedicated surveying tuition from the in-house GIS team, and the Ofqual-regulated TQUK Level 4 drone pilot training course – an advanced version of the GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) – delivered by heliguy™’s training instructors.

 

Tom said: “We chose heliguy™ due to their experience with drone technology and wide range of testimonies.

“The service provided gives us the technology, and more importantly, the continuing professional development required for all of our delivery staff.

“It is very important that all our staff are fully up-to-date with industry developments and current methods used within the construction industry. Staff also need to be confident in the delivery of drone technology, so using a reputable company like heliguy™ that can provide the drones and the required training, is essential.”

SRUC Adopts Drones For Agriculture And Forestry

SRUC is Scotland’s national provider of college and university-level education in the land-based sector.

The institution has turned to heliguy™ for the DJI M300 RTK drone and L1 LiDAR and photogrammetry sensor; the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced; and the Phantom 4 Multispectral, to bolster its course delivery of Forestry and Arboriculture, and Agriculture – with qualification levels including Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND).

 

 

Lecturer Philip Sage, who specialises in land management, forestry and land-based engineering, said it was vital that students were au fait with drone technology, given its ever-increasing role in forestry management, monitoring tree health and characteristics, and capturing precise and accurate spatial data.

He said: “Drones have become an everyday bit of kit within the sector, and more and more students are asking about using drones as a tool for forestry and ag-tech.

“So we have decided to introduce them as part of our courses to help students feel comfortable around them and understand how to maximise their capabilities within the industry and properly analyse the data they collect. For example, the image below shows a point cloud of our walled garden and orchard.

 

“Using drones in this way helps to prepare the students for the real-world application of drones in forestry and agriculture – whether it is conducting mapping for land management, using multispectral drones for managing crops and monitoring their health or efficient nutrient applications, or utilising thermal cameras for deer surveys.”

The drones will also be used for SRUC’s research and survey work.

“Drones are a great enabler for conducting scientific research – feeding into work addressing health and productivity in animals, animal welfare and crops; and wildlife conservation, promoting low carbon farming and increasing farm output through efficiency and innovation,” said Philip.

One such project includes a joint initiative with Forest Land Scotland to assist a study into the management of individual ash trees affected by ash dieback.

Philip added: “This research will provide the students with an opportunity to see the drones being used on a real-world project and show how UAS can make a difference. For example, the thermal drone image below is of an ash stand which was taken to assess the extent of ash dieback.”

 

 

To provide the students with comprehensive tuition, SRUC’s six-strong forestry staffing team has completed the UK CAA-approved A2 CofC drone training course through heliguy™.

Philip has also undergone dedicated surveying training – including RTK and PPK, and LiDAR data capture and processing – delivered by heliguy™’s surveying specialists, as well as heliguy™’s Ofqual-regulated Level 4 Drone Training Course, which includes the completion of workbook assessments.

 

He said: “It was important to complete the Level 4 course, as well as the specialist surveying course, as it adds credibility, deepens understanding, and widens knowledge about surveying workflows, which in turn benefits our students and enables us to pass on more information to raise the standard.

“heliguy™ was recommended to me: We have received really good support and have benefited from a two-way service, where their consultants have worked with us to provide the best drone solutions tailored to our course requirements. The training has also been excellent.”

Summary

Drones have become an essential tool for a range of industry verticals, so it is no surprise that more and more colleges are starting to introduce the technology into their educational provision. In doing so, they are laying the foundations to provide students with the skills required for a modern-day working environment.

Having played a leading role within the drone sector for almost 20 years, heliguy™ has witnessed the evolution of UAS as commercial tools and understands the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning and how drone adoption can pave the way for enhanced opportunities and employment credentials.

As such, heliguy™ takes pride in supporting educational establishments and is committed to help colleges, schools, and universities integrate the technology into curriculums to facilitate the development of an innovative and tech-savvy workforce of the future.

Richard Dunlop, part of the heliguy™ surveying team, said: “Aerial drone surveying is embedded into a number of industries, and it has a growing role in AEC, forestry and agriculture.

“It has been a pleasure working alongside Oldham College and SRUC with our drone technology and training, and it is great to see educational bodies opening themselves up to the benefits of drone surveying, showing them how drones can be used to complement and elevate existing workflows. “heliguy™ looks forward to supporting education and the new T Level courses with a variety of courses planned for the year ahead.”

 

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