NFCC – Are MMC Homes Fit for Purpose

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have released a Position Statement on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The ambition to build homes quickly and sustainably, should not be prioritised at the expense of building safety. Today the NFCC is calling on the Government for tightened rules for the testing of MMC.

Gavin Tomlinson, NFCC Protection and Business Safety Scrutiny Committee Chair said:

“NFCC is concerned that MMC buildings are being designed, approved and built despite a lack of understanding about their performance. Given the current regulatory system has already been described and accepted by Government as ‘not fit for purpose’ even for traditional construction techniques, this adds additional uncertainty in the built environment.”

We’re concerned that MMC buildings are being designed, approved and built despite a lack of understanding about their performance

Gavin Tomlinson, Chair, NFCC Protection and Business Safety Scrutiny Committee

NFCC welcome the current reform of building safety, however, significant cultural change in the system must take place to improve competency levels across the sector and ensure that MMC is promoted and used in a manner which provides safe buildings for all. We believe that building ‘better’ means buildings that are safer for residents from the risk of fire, and for firefighters who respond when a fire does break out.

The construction sector is a strategically significant part of the UK economy. The sector has been struggling to meet growing residential demand, with supply and demand imbalances contributing to unaffordability, tenure shortages and homelessness. NFCC understands that the Government is very supportive of MMC and see MMC as central to the delivery of ambitious housing targets and the Affordable Homes Programme.

Across Government and the built environment NFCC cannot just speak for ease and speed. The safety of residents and safety of operational crews in fighting fires in these buildings is vital, as well as the need to prevent problems arising before remediation of them is needed, usually at greater cost.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC added:

“It is vitally important to make sure that products and technologies are safe for use, including their likely performance in a fire, before they are used in the built environment. Not only is this important for safety but it also helps to protect leaseholders from unnecessary costs that can arise when buildings need remediation, or interim measures, including things like waking watches.”

NFCC support reducing the environmental impact of construction wherever possible, and recognise the role that MMC can play in achieving this. However, this must not be at the expense of safety.

Ben Brook, NFCC lead on Climate Change added:

“We are understandably seeing a focus on sustainable building approaches and materials, including the use of timber and living walls. While these may present useful solutions to help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, they should also be supported by evidence and testing to demonstrate their long-term suitability and safety to provide reassurance for the lifetime of the building.”

The MMC position launched today, asks for a range of measures to ensure that new construction products and technologies do not contribute to the risk of fire and that there should not be a conflict between sustainability, improved building standards and fire safety.

 

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The Enormous Potential of Fusion Energy

Jacobs of Dallas, USA, have been awarded a contract to support the U.K.’s fusion energy research program. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has appointed the company on all lots of its new Plant Maintenance and Operational Support Services (PMOSS) framework.

Subject to competition under the framework, Jacobs’ project delivery professionals will be embedded in client teams at UKAEA, the U.K.’s national fusion laboratory, to work on some of the world’s most advanced research into machine design, robotics, materials science and fusion fuel.

 

“Assisting UKAEA to realize the enormous potential of fusion for generating safe, sustainable and low-carbon electricity delivers on our commitment to a clean energy future,” said Jacobs Energy Security and Technology Senior Vice President Karen Wiemelt. “Fusion power would be a new source of safe, non-carbon emitting and almost limitless energy, which makes this endeavor one of the keys to creating a more connected, sustainable world.”

“Delivering fusion energy is a quest – one of the biggest scientific and engineering challenges of them all, but the rewards will be enormous. Putting fusion electricity on the grid has the potential to provide ‘baseload’ power, complementing renewable and other low carbon energy sources as a share of many countries’ energy portfolios,” said UKAEA Chief Technology Officer Tim Bestwick.

 

The PMOSS framework focuses on key UKAEA-led programs, including the Tritium Advanced Technology (H3AT) facility, which will open at UKAEA next year, aimed at to exploring fuel storage, breeding and recovery techniques for future fusion powerplants. Jacobs’ specialists will also be available to support other UKAEA facilities, such as Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE), which tests and designs robotic and remote solutions; the Material Research Facility (MRF), which researches specialist materials that can withstand extreme conditions; and Fusion Technology Facility (FTF) at Culham and in Rotherham, which will test fusion components in realistic conditions.

Jacobs has been at the forefront of fusion energy for decades, supporting UKAEA-managed Joint European Torus and ITER, the world’s largest fusion project based in Provence, France. Growth in fusion research is creating new opportunities for Jacobs’ engineers in a range of disciplines, including electrical, control and instrumentation, process plant, mechanical, chemical and nuclear; and for scientists specializing in chemistry, physics and materials. To find out more about the opportunities on offer, search careers.jacobs.com.

Jacobs are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With approximately $15 billion in annual revenue and a talent force of approximately 60,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

 jacobs.com

 

Foot Note:

Both fusion and fission produce some level of radioactive waste. However, fission power plants generate unstable nuclei, some of which are radioactive for thousands of years while fusion doesn’t create any long-term nuclear waste.
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North East Training Hub Opens

Newcastle Training Hub opens to support the next generation of skilled house builders in the North East

 

NHBC, the UK’s leading new home warranty and insurance provider, has unveiled its latest Training Hub at Keepmoat’s The Rise development in Scotswood, to support the next generation of skilled house builders in the North East.

Training more than 100 apprentices per year, with an initial focus on bricklaying, the purpose-built facility will immerse apprentices in a realistic working environment adjacent to the Scotswood regeneration site.

The NHBC Training Hub has been built in partnership with Keepmoat, New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC), Newcastle City Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority. It was officially opened on Thursday 1 December 2022.

This Hub is the second dedicated training facility built by NHBC – the first was launched in Tamworth in 2021 – and forms part of its ongoing commitment to support the next generation of house builders, equipping them with the skills to build high quality new homes. The scheme will train apprentices all year round with numerous cohort intakes throughout the year.

 

Speaking at the opening, NHBC Commercial Director, David Campbell said: “It’s vital we attract more young people into house building to help address skills shortages and the challenge of an ageing workforce.

“Our Training Hubs provide a realistic work environment where we can deliver an accelerated, front loaded, block release, homebuilding focused, bricklaying apprenticeship. Open to all house builders and their supply chain in the area, we look forward to doing our bit in tackling the skills shortage and equipping apprentices with the skills to build high quality new homes.”

 

The work is also part of Keepmoat’s ongoing commitment to combat the skills shortage in the area, whilst creating social value and a sustainable community in partnership with NHBC, NTWDC and Newcastle City Council, by generating opportunities in upskilling and employment close to The Rise.

 

Ian Worgan, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, said: “We’re extremely delighted to have the first apprentices starting their on-site experience at The Training Hub, and are excited to follow their journey to becoming the new generation of housebuilders. It’s so rewarding to be able to help kick-start young people’s careers in the construction industry, especially as we have witnessed a significant shortage in skilled labour in recent years, which makes this apprentice programme even more important.

“At Keepmoat we prioritise work experience and apprenticeships by committing to helping young people in the areas we develop, aiming to provide them with skills, knowledge and opportunities to succeed in long-term employment in housebuilding. We’re really proud to work in partnership with NHBC to deliver this incredible hands-on course, which will play an integral part in resolving the current shortfall in experienced bricklayers, as well the delivery of high quality, affordable homes in the future.”

 

NTWDC Director, Lee McGray added: “We are thrilled NHBC chose to build the Training Hub at The Rise, Scotswood, which we are confident will play a crucial role in tackling the current skills shortage and open the door to local youngsters looking to gain a qualification, work experience and a vocation.

“NTWDC is committed to providing local training and job opportunities and to date has improved access to employment, created 18 apprenticeship roles, safeguarded over 1,000 jobs and backed a number of school and non-development apprenticeships projects.”

 

The Rise development is designed to breathe new life into the west of the city through a housing-led regeneration programme, which when complete will comprise of around 1,800 new homes with its own heating system and a neighbourhood centre, including community, retail and health provision space.

 

For more information, please visit: Apprenticeships | NHBC

 

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£26m loan for sustainable homes

Octopus Real Estate completes £26m loan for sustainable homes at The Climate Innovation District as part of Leeds South Bank regeneration

  • 247 new homes to be delivered in prime city location
  • Properties will be net-zero carbon, highly energy efficient and sustainably delivered by Citu’s on-site manufacturing facility

Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Group and a leading UK specialist real estate lender and investor, has provided a £26m loan facility to pioneering sustainable developer Citu as part of the second phase of Citu’s Climate Innovation District. The development is a major pillar of the Leeds South Bank regeneration scheme – one of the largest regeneration programmes in Europe.

The Climate Innovation District will deliver over 900 high quality, low-carbon, energy-efficient homes. The second phase of the development, funded by Octopus, will include 247 residential units – comprising 161 apartments, 69 houses and 17 affordable homes – as well as six commercial units. These homes will sit at the foot of the award-winning bridge that connects the banks of the River Aire, and will be set amongst multiple climate-resilient public green spaces.

The loan provided by Octopus covers the refinancing of existing debt, and will fund the remaining construction costs, professional fees and associated costs required to complete and sell the units.

All the properties will be delivered using Citu’s own on-site manufacturing facility that produces a timber-framed component system of building, originally designed in collaboration with local Leeds Beckett University.

The completed units will include a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system which captures and recycles heat from the home. The properties will also benefit from green roofs, rainwater collection, photovoltaic solar panels, and fully electric heating, with no gas boilers. Citu estimates that on average each home will save 4 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to traditionally built homes, plus around 60 tonnes of embodied carbon per home.

Nick White, Head of Development Origination, Octopus Real Estate, commented:

“This is exactly the kind of loan we want to be doing more of at Octopus Real Estate; supporting a regional housebuilder pushing the boundaries of sustainable development to deliver real change. Citu’s Climate Innovation District is a model of how to economically build zero carbon neighbourhoods that create greener, healthier, smarter and better-connected cities.

“At Octopus we are on a mission to reimagine real estate investment to create much-needed sustainable housing that is fit for the future and provides real social value to local communities. The team at Citu are fully aligned with our goals, and we’re thrilled to help them realise the next phase of this innovative development.”

 

Chris Thompson, Founder, Citu, concluded:

“It’s essential that we change the way we live in our cities. At Citu we develop places that encourage and enable bold change, so we look for long-term funding partners that share this vision. We are pleased to be on that journey with Octopus. Together, we’re building a legacy for the city of Leeds and proving that essential change is both achievable and deliverable for a better, lower carbon future.”

 

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RECOGNITION AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY

Brett Martin was recognised for its innovation in sustainable technology and building materials. Brett Martin launched BioPlus, its first Bio-based Polycarbonate glazing product in May 2022, which replaces over 70% of the fossil-based material with bio-circular materials, mostly sourced from used cooking oils. The raw material production process reduces carbon emissions by 84% and Brett Martin extrudes the product with 100% renewable energy in a mass balanced process, certified by ISCC Plus.

The highly regarded RISE Awards take place annually, bringing together academia and industry to celebrate those who are making an impact on the way we build and live in the future with new sustainable technologies, products and initiatives. The awards showcase exemplar case studies from the built environment sharing emerging best practice in research, innovation, sustainability and enterprise for new and innovative products, technologies, processes, projects and schemes.

Brett Martin’s winning poster was titled ‘Delivering a lower carbon reality for sustainable construction’ and details how the company has taken actionable steps towards reducing carbon emissions and creating sustainable materials through its BioPlus range.

Brett Martin is pleased to have been recognised for its contributions towards sustainability within the built environment and strives to continually innovate to produce ecological practices for the industry.

To find out more about Brett Martin visit: www.brettmartin.com

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US-BASED MODULAR BUILDING SPECIALIST ANNOUNCES UK EXPANSION

Global modular building specialist, Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), has announced ambitious plans to expand in the UK.

 

VBC is on track to become a $1bn modular construction company over the next three years and is now targeting the UK build-to-rent, affordable housing, student accommodation, and hotel sectors.

 

This follows VBC’s merger with Polish modular manufacturer Polcom earlier this year to extend its reach into Europe, and strategic acquisitions, which include the assets of the modular business Katerra, to facilitate efficient servicing of projects across the US.

 

Led by Vaughan Buckley and headquartered in Philadelphia, VBC is one of the world’s largest modular businesses. It offers advanced steel-framed modular and innovative timber construction technologies. Both solutions are highly efficient, cost-effective and have significantly less environmental impact than in-situ construction.

 

With proven capabilities in the multi-occupancy residential and hotel sectors worldwide, VBC uses a technology-enabled design and engineering model and precision manufacturing to deliver higher quality, highly sustainable offsite building solutions which reduce build programmes by up to 50 per cent. This approach is helping to address the chronic undersupply of housing globally.

 

Andy Smith, UK Director of VBC, “Residential – both build-to-rent and affordable housing – is one of the fastest growing segments of the offsite sector, driven by the high cost of private rental, the lack of affordable housing, and changing demographics. There is a critical need to increase the housing stock in high density urban areas and to radically improve the productivity of UK construction.”

“We now have a dedicated management team in place in the UK and there are plans to have an offsite manufacturing facility for VBC here, in addition to our existing and extensive modular production resources in mainland Europe.”

“Our aim in the next three years is to secure a strong order pipeline in our target sectors in the UK – student accommodation, build-to-rent, affordable housing, defence, custodial, and hotels – and to raise the profile of VBC here, ahead of our expansion into Western Europe. We are already in advanced discussions with a number of hotel groups, private developers, major contractors, and social housing providers.”

“VBC has the resource and proven expertise in the industrialisation of construction, using a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) approach and data intelligence to drive continuous improvement. We have dominated the hospitality and affordable housing spaces in other countries with our innovative timber volumetric and steel-framed offsite solutions. We also manufacture ‘components’ inhouse – such as bathrooms and cabinets for kitchens and bedrooms – giving us complete control and security of supply for fixtures, fittings and finishes from design to manufacture, installation and handover.”

 

Vaughan Buckley, CEO of VBC said, “VBC is set to become the leading provider of optimised, cost-effective, sustainable solutions for modular buildings around the world. We have tremendous capabilities in the engineering and delivery of advanced modular solutions and buildings which are fully finished and even furnished offsite. Having technology-led production facilities on multiple continents, we are now well placed to drive change, transform construction, and address the housing crisis in the UK, Europe, US, and globally.”

 

With strong financial backing and investment in place, VBC now has more than 500 employees and over 1.25m sqft of manufacturing space in the US and Europe. Its board has decades of experience gained from blue chip organisations including Google, BP, Harley Davidson, and PIMCO.

 

VBC also has more than 50 designers in its globally integrated multi-disciplinary design team and its highly innovative data-driven approach means its customers benefit from reductions in waste, faster design and build, and improved energy efficiency.

 

www.vbc.co

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Time for Timber

On Tuesday 1 November 2022, the Time for Timber team handed out trees at Manchester Piccadilly train station to raise awareness of its latest campaign to promote the use of timber as a low-carbon building material.

 

The UK has set itself ambitious targets of reaching net zero by 2050, and if the carbon output of the construction industry is not addressed, this goal will not be met. As such, the use of structural timber represents our greatest opportunity for transitioning to a much more carbon efficient method of construction.

 

The purpose of the tree giveaway was to increase awareness through the media and the public, that by planting and growing more trees, further carbon can be captured and stored. The timing of the campaign could not be more appropriate, coinciding a mere week before the COP27 Climate Change conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, where countries from around the world are coming together once again to try and form a plan to tackle climate change.

 

Andrew Orriss of the STA said: “It was genuinely refreshing to chat with members of the general public and to hear how many support methods that strive to reverse the negative impacts of carbon intensive methods of construction. Real action must be taken now if we are to stand any chance of combatting climate change.”

 

Time for Timber’s overarching cause, which was explored through the tree giveaway, is to educate and promote the use of timber as a construction material as it presents itself as a truly vital solution to the ongoing climate crises. If the UK is to build more homes, schools and offices in a way that supports the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050, timber must be utilised in an even greater capacity.

 

Andrew Orriss said: “The Housebuilding industry has an enormous task to pick up the volume, and perhaps this is where the supply chain can help to alleviate some of the pressure. Furthermore, MMC/Offsite allows us to pre-manufacture elements of the house building process, contributing 55% to quality and speed, which was confirmed by Homes England. This represents a quick and efficient way of meeting these ambitious targets.

 

There is a real risk that if immediate change isn’t implemented, the net zero goal for 2050 will not be met, and the adverse effects of climate change will continue to worsen.”

 

CLICK HERE To find out more about Time for Timber

 

 

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Inspirational Modular Housing Development Completed

THE first large-scale affordable modular housing development in Scotland has been completed within budget and one month ahead of schedule.

Delivered by Riverside Scotland and Connect Modular, part of The Wee House Group, the ‘groundbreaking’ £9.8 million project will provide 63 low energy affordable homes in Dundonald in South Ayrshire.

The gold accredited Secured by Design development has helped to sustain 60 local jobs with the energy efficient new homes built offsite at Connect Modular’s manufacturing facility in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

The modular homes are 90% complete when they depart the factory with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics installed, leading to a ‘significantly’ shorter build programme and earlier occupancy.

In comparison to a traditional build project The Wee House Company said that fabrication under factory conditions improves quality, reduces waste, negates the impacts of adverse weather, and allows for overlap of site preparation and build phases.

The work has also helped to inspire the next generation of construction workers after Hector Hodge became fascinated by works over the past year as he walked past the housing development on his way to nursery.

Hector was made guest of honour at a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the housing development. Hector’s dad, David; MD of Riverside Scotland, Diana MacLean; and Jennifer Higgins, MD of Connect Modular cheered Hector on as he cut the ribbon.

Hector Hodge ‘Something of a Site Mascot’ cutting the ribbon at the site opening

 

David said, “We live in the village and having a live building site on our doorstep has been a dream for Hector. A real highlight for Hector was seeing the modules arrive on a convoy of lorries and be craned into position. He was fascinated with the process! He is mad about diggers and it’s been a real joy to visit the site with him and watch him bond with the workers.

“We were honoured to be asked to officially open the new homes. It’s a lovely memory for Hector to look back on when he’s older, and possibly working in construction, having been so inspired by this development. These homes were much-needed in the village and its lovely to see new faces and welcome our new neighbours to the community.”

Jennifer Higgins, MD at Connect Modular, added, “We are thrilled to hand over this award-winning development ahead of schedule.Riverside Scotland’s willingness to embrace this evolution in construction on a large-scale project brings us a huge step closer to a housing stock that will achieve a Net Zero Scotland by 2045.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome Hector and David to the site throughout the project. It’s wonderful to see how inspired and interested Hector is in construction. He struck up a real friendship with our site manager, Archie Stobbs and his visits always brightened up our day. You never know, our youngest ever apprentice may join us for real some day!”

Diana MacLean, MD of Riverside Scotland, added,“This nationally significant affordable housing scheme has raised the profile of offsite construction in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“While we are a smaller housing association we have big ambitions which we are able to achieve by being part of the wider Riverside Group.

“By providing high-quality, low energy homes at speed and scale we are helping to tackle climate change, prevent homelessness for our veteran community and help these residents to live in affordable, warm homes during the largest cost of living crisis our nation has faced for the past 40 years.

“We are delighted that Hector could help to cut the ribbon during the completion ceremony. He has become something of a site mascot, and it’s heartening to hear that local residents have embraced the development as an important project for Dundonald.”

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Sunshine Energy System

New energy system set to reduce carbon emissions and provide homeowners with annual savings on their energy bills goes live in Nottingham

An award-winning community energy scheme in Nottingham has introduced a brand-new energy system, which predicts to reduce residents’ energy bills over the next year.

Trent Basin is a housing development currently made up of over 70 energy-efficient homes being built on the banks of the River Trent that form an active energy community. The scheme is being delivered by developer Blueprint alongside a joint venture between the University of Nottingham and SmartKlub who have formed Trent Basin Energy Services Company (ESCo) Ltd with a vision to push the boundaries of energy efficiency targets.

The new system transfers solar energy from the individual homes to an energy centre, which determines where the energy is best placed to be used – whether that’s in residents’ meters, to reduce their energy bills, or out to support the grid.

 

Mark Gillott, Professor of Sustainable Building Design at the University of Nottingham and a Director of Trent Basin ESCo Ltd, said: “At a time when energy bills are at the forefront of people’s minds, it’s never been more important to ensure that we’re utilising our energy as efficiently as possible. This is the first energy system of its kind in the country, providing a different way of generating, storing, and using energy within the built environment.

“A key component of the scheme is the innovative way we can manage energy assets – both financially and technically. This installation marks the beginning of a 12-month trial, during which time we’re aiming to reduce the energy bills of homeowners and show that a smart, local energy system works to not only reduce cost, but also carbon too.”

 

Earlier this year, the Trent Basin scheme scooped the Community Award at this year’s British Renewable Energy Awards 2022, celebrating community groups that have been active in delivering a renewable energy project or programme of installations in their local area. More recently, it was also Highly Commended in the Research with Impact – Institution category at the Green Gown Awards 2022, where it was praised for its environmental and social co-benefits.

 

Charles Bradshaw-Smith, Co-CEO at SmartKlub and Managing Director of Trent Basin ESCo Ltd, said: “My vision is to create a community energy model at Trent Basin that can be adopted by every housing developer across the UK. A model that not only delivers greener and cheaper energy to residents, but also supports the grid as it meets the massive challenge of supplying power to legacy housing neighbourhoods as they fit heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers over the next 20 plus years.”

 

So far, the scheme is estimated to have saved the equivalent of 34 tonnes of CO2 per year and benefited at least 262 people.  Nick Wood, who lives at Trent Basin, was drawn to the development for the opportunity to play his part combatting climate change.

He said: “When choosing to move to Trent Basin, the energy scheme was key in my decision-making process. Knowing that I’m not contributing to the ongoing climate crisis has made me feel like I’m doing my part and working with the University and SmartKlub has been a breeze – they’ve been there every step of the way. All this combined means we have a cheap, green, energy source that is produced locally and even my car now runs on sunshine!”

 

  1. Mark added: “While our vision is to enable all future housing developments to embrace renewables to lower their energy costs and carbon footprint, providing a no-hassle energy solution for homeowners and developers, it’s not just new builds where this concept could be used. There’s the potential for retrofitting these technologies into our existing housing stock too, which currently represents 22% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the London Energy Transformation Initiative.”

 

The Trent Basin community energy initiative has benefitted from £6m investment through two Innovate UK funded programmes – the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and Project SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks). For more information, please visit: www.projectscene.uk/trentbasin/

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Large Scale Lithium Refinery Announced

The UK has provided a £600,000 grant to Green Lithium to kickstart the site – which is set to provide 250 long-term skilled jobs in Teesside.

Mobile phones, wind turbines and fighter jets are other products that require lithium to function.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is levelling up in action. The refinery will deliver more than 1,000 jobs during its construction and 250 long-term, high-skill jobs for local people when in operation.

“It is also allowing us to move quickly to secure our supply chains of critical minerals, as we know that geopolitical threats and global events beyond our control can severely impact the supply of key components that could delay the rollout of electric vehicles in the UK.”

 

Source: Energy Live

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