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Ibstock ramps up next stage of investment at Nostell brick slip factory in West Yorkshire

Ibstock Plc (“Ibstock” or the “Group”) is embarking on the next stage of its major investment programme at its Nostell factory in West Yorkshire. Once fully operational, Ibstock will have the UK’s first fully automated brick slip manufacturing centre at the Nostell site, producing around 50 million brick slips per year.

As the leading brick manufacturer in the UK and with over 200 years of industry knowledge and expertise, the Group are increasing their presence in the fast-growing markets for brick slips, façades, and walling system solutions, as they continue work towards maximising the full potential of more modern methods of construction in the UK.

The new brick slips centre at Nostell is progressing in two key phases. Phase one is nearing completion and focuses on driving pace and scale of brick slips through automation using the first of its kind technology here in the UK. Phase two focuses on even more advanced technology which will significantly expand the brick slips product range and offering from 2025 onwards. The latter phase is a fundamental step in Ibstock’s journey to net zero.

The investment and innovation into the brick slips centre will not only continue to provide customers with a traditional authentic brick finish, but also enable a more modern installation approach. This will help meet the growing customer demand in mid-to-high rise new build and other key markets such as retrofit and the low rise modular offsite sector.

The Group will also continue to collaborate closely with developers and contractors on other new construction systems which will bring even more modern solutions and more carbon efficient building products to the supply chain, as well as influencing the design for manufacturing and assembly from early stages of conception.

Adam Foster, Project and Operations Director at Ibstock commented: “We are incredibly excited by what the development of our brick slips manufacturing centre at Nostell means for Ibstock as a whole – unleashing speed, scale, flexibility and precision in fast growing markets. The investment will increase our overall brick slip capacity by ten times more than what it is today, which is testament to our commitment to innovate for the construction industry.’’

“Not only do brick slips provide an authentic brick finish that will support planning applications, but also enable a more efficient installation for the targeted markets. Its light weight, promoting easier installation, manual handling, less waste in construction, as well as time efficiencies on construction sites.’’

‘‘The new manufacturing technology at Nostell also allows for more agile operations, with fast response times and lower minimum order quantities compared to current imported alternatives. Furthermore, the high precision and new process results in brick slips having a tighter tolerance for systems such as precast. The slips will be incredibly durable and safe from a combustibility perspective, meaning they can be specified with confidence across multiple system holders.’’

“For mid to high rise buildings, retrofit and low rise modular, using Ibstock brick slips can significantly streamline the specification process. We use a variety of materials to match regional styles nationwide, ensuring our slips can perfectly complement existing, handset bricks.

“Furthermore, the slips are available in a range of bespoke thicknesses, from 15mm and above, meaning they suit a wide variety of applications. The high precision manufacturing and rigorous quality process allows us to achieve unparalleled precision on dimensions for manufactured systems requiring a very tight tolerance.

“By scaling production capacity of our brick slips, we are enabling more key markets to take advantage of the inherent benefits they can deliver.’’

www.ibstock.co.uk

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Pushing the envelope on sustainability

Vincent Matthews (pictured below), Head of UK Marketing at SFS, discusses the benefits of working with a product manufacturer in construction to select an appropriate system solution.

UK’s built infrastructure bears testimony not only to changing architectural styles, but also a long and bitter history of political pragmatism, almost perpetual financial pressures and flawed specifications.

The country has failed to construct sufficient new housing in almost every decade since World War Two, and even when it has met Government targets, the resulting properties have often showcased a catalogue of shortcomings, ranging from poor thermal and acoustic insulation to catastrophic structural inadequacies, with the Ronan Point disaster having marked a low point in the development of factory-fabricated system building.  As we continue to await the full outcomes of the Grenfell inquiry, it’s highly likely that the over-cladding and overall modifications made to the council flats prior to the fire represent a seriously flawed effort to refurbish a 1970s tower block.

The poor workmanship and detailing together with apparent switching of specifications has cast a shadow across much of the construction industry, with Dame Judith Hackitt’s report serving as a wake-up call to specifiers that standards must improve radically. They come at a time when politicians and climate activists are demanding ever higher standards of energy performance in order to cut carbon emissions.

By tradition, the building industry has relied on a mainly empirical approach for its product development and evolution of new technologies, but arguably, time has run out for trial and error.  Across both the new-build and refurbishment sectors, we require a step change in both quality and consistency of outcome, and this will require far better cooperation up and down the supply chain.

Undoubtedly, if projects are to meet, and in many cases, necessarily exceed current standards on insulation and airtightness, while also achieving excellence in terms of fire protection, acoustic control and structural stability, all while meeting budgetary and environmental targets, it will require clients, contractors, consultants and product manufacturers to work together far more collaboratively.

Every generation has had its own Modern Methods of Construction, with housebuilders almost universally switching to trussed rafters when they became available in the late 20th century, but the Millennium marked a genuine acceleration in the adoption of off-site manufacturing with significant developments in doors, windows, roofs, walls and floors, as well as other key elements like building services.  The latter largely reduces energy demand and water usage.

If we look, for instance, at rainscreen cladding systems as being amongst the most visible aspects to contemporary building projects, they can be considered to highlight one of the significant quandaries for specifiers and project management teams.  For such systems demonstrate how the law of diminishing returns effects efforts to cut heat losses through building elevations as unfortunately heat transmittance is not linear.

National building standards do not actually constitute a means of future-proofing designs against the potential predicted effects of climate change, which might render many buildings uninhabitable, or at least unaffordable to upgrade.  Bolstering the U-values of walls and windows beyond those required by Building Regulations is complex, with such aspirations demanding proportionately wider insulation zones to the point that it can significantly impinge on the living space negatively affecting sale or rental values.  Deeper rainscreen systems inevitably require significantly increased lengths of fixing, along with larger brackets, possibly with closer spacing.  Again, the realities of thermal transmittance come into play and will demand difficult decisions on materials as well as configuration.

Aluminium is one of the world’s most recycled metals, whose reuse delivers a dramatic reduction in embodied energy compared to smelting the virgin ingots from bauxite ore.  On the downside, though, aluminium has a naturally high thermal transmittance and a relatively low strength compared to steel, so the density of brackets and cold bridges will rise.  A proven alternative is to specify stainless steel brackets instead, while working with a manufacturer offering a comprehensive product selection and flexible design capabilities will greatly increase the likelihood of achieving the correct and – ultimately – most economic specification.

Accuracy is key as, while it is possible to utilise ballpark figures for a building’s thermal envelope, those involved often make assumptions about the choice of brackets and fixings that bear little relationship to the final specification.  As insulation thickness increases, the point thermal bridging effect of brackets becomes more pronounced, leading to multiple layers in thicker build-ups, which makes the thermal bridging effect worse.  Unfortunately, a vicious circle will arise which will almost certainly derail the specification when it is re-examined in detail later in the project.  Particularly, where very low U-values are targeted, getting appropriate guidance on bracket types and materials (i.e. aluminium or stainless steel) in the early stages will help to steer and inform setting out decisions.  Those decisions shape the internal floor areas and long-term building comfort that can be achieved, so dealing with them from the outset significantly reduces the possibility of performance gaps.

As a leader in digitalisation as well as AI, SFS has invested in creating a set of intuitive calculation tools, meeting a variety of design challenges and referred to as the “ConnectSuite.”  Most popular of these amongst specifiers at present is Project Builder, which enables design professionals to input the full construction details for a wall build-up where a rainscreen system is envisaged.  Data can include parameters such as Target U-values and preferred materials, while outputs can be used in project pricing and other activities.

Project Builder is fully compatible with SFS’s NVELOPE systems of cladding rails and bracketry, and has long been popular with engineers, architectural technicians and specialist installers, when designing exterior walls.  As an online tool, it offers the enhanced security and confidence of undergoing an internal evaluation process, carried out by SFS Technical Advisory Service engineers, prior to a full specification being issued 24 hours later.  Meanwhile, the company has also published a series of White Papers covering a variety of subjects including insulation within façade design.  Technical support of this standard will become ever more valuable as the uptake of MMC accelerates and design freeze is demanded earlier prior to manufacture.

Protecting long term value

Accurate, early technical design sets the tone for the project.  Whether the end goal is ‘just’ regulatory compliance, or creating a building which will be resilient for the climate in the year 2100, knowing that the thermal properties or energy efficiency of the building envelope has been set accordingly, makes it harder to change later on.  Installers often review specifications purely on a ‘cost per item’ basis, and will seek to change individual components, with limited awareness of how they contribute to the complete system.  Understanding that every element of the building specification has been set with a certain performance in mind makes it far easier to ‘defend’ that specification against cost engineering exercises that imperil long-term value and therefore the ultimate sustainability.

For further information, call 0330 0555888
or visit https://uk.sfs.com

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Meeting the challenges of water supply in tall buildings

Water supply systems for tall buildings must meet demanding standards, with building services engineers needing to balance robust performance with ease of installation. In this article Giles Coombes, Senior Product Manager at Polypipe Building Services, discusses how choosing a system with a tough multi-layer construction can help to solve these challenges.

A robust solution

Water supply systems must be able to perform not only when in use, but also help to facilitate straightforward installation to mitigate the risk of failures that could end up becoming costly. Multi-layer plastic piping systems, such as our own MecFlow Supply System, have been engineered to offer high strength and durability to meet these challenges. Our MecFlow Fusion range uses a pipe material that includes a central layer which has been reinforced by microfibres laid in a mesh formation to provide mechanical strength.

Secure, long-lasting joints are essential to prevent costly failures within a system, which is why we developed our unique patented CLICKWELD technology (left) – to combine all the reliability benefits of an electrofusion weld with added clip connections. This allows for pre-assembly installation before the final weld, cutting installation time on site by up to a third.

Where smaller diameter pipework is needed for apartment and corridor installations, press-fit jointing is a reliable option provided it is of sufficient quality. Our MecFlow Press system includes a leak-before-press function with visual inspection windows which give installation teams complete peace of mind that the pipework has been installed successfully.

Durability for the rigours of commercial uses

Within a multi-occupancy tall building, water supplied at high flow rates can create the potential for pipework to transmit noise which must be minimised for the comfort and wellbeing of the occupants. The increased density of a multi-layer composite pipe helps to reduce noise and acoustic vibration, while the smooth internal bore of MecFlow Supply Systems not only reduces noise, but it also includes anti-microbial protection to prevent the build-up of bacteria over time.

It is also highly resistant to abrasive liquids which is essential to noise prevention and long-term use, as wear and tear to pipework over time can change the water flow increasing the potential for pipework noise and system failure. In the case of traditional metal pipework, the possibility of both corrosion and consequent noise is increased, as the metal bore breaks down causing increased resistance and water flow noise which can be transmitted throughout the building.

Pre-fabrication

Tall buildings can throw up unexpected challenges during the build, and so we back our MecFlow Supply systems with dedicated technical and design support for specifiers, contractors, and installation teams. For total control, we provide tailor-made pre-fabrication solutions through our Advantage service.

We can remove many of the risks associated with installing supply systems on-site, as Advantage provides design, fabrication, delivery, and technical support in one end-to-end service. Advantage products are manufactured in a factory-controlled environment where every assembly is air tested as standard to ensure confidence.

REVIT files and environmental product declarations are also available for the MecFlow range. This makes it simple to design a system and create a pre-engineered, data rich 3D model. At the click of a button, you can transfer the design to us to provide a quotation against it.

An ideal choice

The performance capabilities of robust multi-layer pipework systems make them a smart choice when looking for a durable water supply system within a tall building. They are efficient to install, both as a standalone system and when used with a prefabrication service. Yet they’re tough enough to cope with the typical rigours of large construction projects and frequent heavy use. At Polypipe Building Services, we are committed to working with specifiers, contractors, and installers to provide the best solutions for their project – reducing the challenges they face which impact project delivery, and to help them to build better.

For more information about the MecFlow Supply System from Polypipe Building Services visit www.polypipe.com/mecflow

 

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OSB: A KEY MATERIAL IN AIRTIGHT TIMBER FRAME HOMES

Structural timber and modern methods of construction are set to play an important role in the UK achieving its net zero targets and meeting the Future Homes Standard.  With new homes expected to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions compared to current levels, the controlled manufacturing environment of offsite timber frame construction has seen OSB with built-in vapour and air barrier properties emerge as a potential game-changer and a key component in the creation of an airtight building envelope.

The revised Part F and Part L requirements of the Building Regulations, which address ventilation and conservation of fuel and power, are paving the way to even more stringent Future Homes Standard in 2025. It will place even more importance on the design of a building’s envelope. Timber frame manufacturers that can provide high-performance, airtight envelope solutions will be well-positioned to meet these changing regulations and capitalise on the move towards low-energy construction.

Pushing the envelope

In order to meet the evolving standards, there is an innovative solution to simplify the path to airtight building envelopes. The increasing demand for double sheathed timber frames in both structural applications and the development of offsite closed panels, led to innovation for producing an airtight OSB/3 panel with airtightness engineered into the panel substrate. Manufacutured from MEDITE SMARTPLY’s sustainably managed forests in Ireland, SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels can be used as the airtight layer on the warm side of the insulation in timber frame construction systems, helping to create an airtight building envelope.

Each panel features alternating layers of wood strands coated with a high quality formaldehyde-free resin and wax binder system to deliver outstanding levels of airtightness. A specialist coating is then applied to ensure vapour resistance and provide a quality assured OSB solution for super-insulated and passive buildings, and enabling the elimination of a traditional additional vapour control membrane from the construction.

By seamlessly integrating air and vapour barriers into highly engineered OSB panels, this streamlines the installation process, minimising the risk of air leakage that often plagues traditional timber frame structures. This cutting-edge solution not only simplifies construction but also ensures a certified, proven approach to creating airtight building envelopes that will pave the way for low-carbon, energy-efficient homes of the future.

High-quality fresh air

Whilst airtightness is important for avoiding heat loss, an appropriate ventilation strategy should also be considered as without it, a building can potentially suffer from moisture and condensation issues and a reduction in indoor air quality.

To maintain a healthy indoor air quality whilst minimising energy loss, controlled ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is a requirement in Passive House buildings. This involves extracting hot air from wet rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens and supplying fresh air to living areas and bedrooms. The fresh air is filtered and is heated by the extracted air through a heat exchanger. In very cold climates, the fresh air can be heated through ground or air source heat pumps.

Airtight timber frame homes

Testament to the benefits of OSB with built-in vapour and air barrier properties is an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff.  Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12, two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.

Built to strict Passivhaus standards, the homes offer improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.

One of the principal benefits of a Passivhaus build is the significant reduction in energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.

Showcasing an impressive level of airtightness, the average air test result for the 12 homes in this development came in at below 0.5 ACH. Furthermore, a Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm, allowing for thicker insulation.

Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several Passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past two years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the Passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.

“Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”

For timber frame contractors, OSB that features integrated vapour control and air barrier properties will enable timber frame contractors to consistently achieve the stringent airtightness levels needed and create airtight, high performance building envelopes that surpass the new Future Homes Standard with ease.

To find out more visit https://mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-osb

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Changing water infrastructure

‘By 2050 the UK water deficit is anticipated to be 4017 mega litres per day’, was the stark announcement at the National Water Framework Consultation launch in January 2022.

Since then, all water companies have been developing plans to upgrade the UKs water supply to meet this demand and reduce current usage levels, Per Capital Consumption (PCC) to 110 litres per day from its current average of 150.

Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage.  Thames Water have recorded post installation savings of 12-17%. All water companies are now working on plans for Advanced metering infrastructure, where all new connections or meters use the latest generation of smart meters.

New meter locations, underground no longer works

The industry has recognised that the most effective methods of installing the advanced metering infrastructure is to locate the meter above ground.

The use of the Groundbreaker water management system co-locates the water meter on the exterior wall of the dwelling, alongside gas and electric meters.  It has the advantage of providing a better environment for smart technology over traditional underground boundary boxes and the additional benefits of readability for the consumer as well as extended signal transmission and easy meter exchange.

Design out leak paths: comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with “Water Safe” initiatives

The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system future proofs the network and minimises the risk of developing leaks.  The position of the meter allows for a joint free water supply, eliminating joints in the water supply pipe maintains the integrity of the supply pipe.  The use of an uninterrupted supply has been recognised as best practice by Water UK and the Home Builders Federation.

Steve Leigh, Managing Director of Groundbreaker commented, ‘Portsmouth Water have demanded surface mounted meter housings as the standard required for all new properties for over 15 years. Working with them we have established the effectiveness and reliability of Groundbreaker.’  He continued, ‘With the need to maximise the effectiveness of smart metering programmes, I can’t see that there is a viable alternative – putting smart technology in a hole in the ground just does not work.’

Water efficient homes

Whilst smart meters can go some way towards achieving PCC reductions, alone they will not achieve the target level of 110 l/m.

Recently announced policies by United Utilities have recognised that water efficient homes are the key, as part of their new Environmental Incentives Scheme, all new properties developers will be encouraged to install water conservation measures requiring an output of 14 litres a minute or less.

One of the elements of this is the installation of a flow regulator within the water supply system.

Flow regulators modulate the rate at which water enters customer premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a reduction in the volume of water used by customers even when ‘variable use’ appliances (i.e., showers, taps, hosepipes) are used.

As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the volume of water used by the customer is also limited – without a degradation of service.

More importantly, flow regulators do not require any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, thus leading to ‘natural’ reduction in per capita consumption.

As these products are fitted to the main water supply, and not each individual outlet, they remove any risk of consumer interference and ensure that minimum standards of water supply are maintained as specified within the Water Industry Act and Water Fittings Regulations.

Groundbreaker supply two products that fulfil this role.  In properties with a meter Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo can be installed between the water meter and manifold in any underground or surface mounted water meter enclosure.  This means fitting does not interfere with occupier.  Entry to the premises is not required. It is an easy, low-cost intervention that can be introduced without expensive excavation or retrospective work.

For properties are not metered, the new addition to the range is the LoFlo Inline.  This is fitted on the main water supply pipe, normally just after the main stop tap.

Both products have the added advantage of offering whole site protection against backflow or contamination of water services from private water pipes – the only products available that can offer this facility.

Achieving targets

Although it is recognised that improvements to the vast UK water network cannot be achieved overnight.  The new policies being introduced by our major water companies will take UK water usage towards the targets required to maintain a secure supply and work towards UK Net Zero targets.

For further details please contact Groundbreaker Systems at www.groundbreaker.co.uk

  • Steve Leigh is a Fellow of the Institute of Water and Managing Director of Groundbreaker Systems and was winner of the Home Builder Federation’s “Utility Individual of the Year for 2016”.
  • Groundbreaker Systems won the HBF’s ‘Utility of the Year’ in 2018.
  • Groundbreaker Systems are 2023 winners of the Building & Facilities News as Company of the Year for Innovation in Sustainable Water Management
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Wernick Group celebrates 90 years of business

Wernick Group proudly announces its 90th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the company’s rich history of delivering innovative and sustainable modular solutions.

The Wernick Group of companies has a proud legacy stretching back to 1934, growing from a humble maker of poultry crates to becoming Britain’s largest family-owned provider of portable and modular buildings, and off-grid power solutions.

Since its founding, the business has been at the forefront of the modular building industry. Whilst maintaining an enduring status as a family-owned and run business over the past nine decades, Wernick continues its mission to improve people’s lives through the provision of sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

CEO Jonathan Wernick, commented, “Samuel Wernick, my great-grandfather, started his working life as a poultry dealer. He manufactured wooden crates to transport the chickens which led him to start manufacturing as a commercial enterprise. It was Sam’s ability to adapt to the opportunity of manufacturing these crates that led to the birth of the Wernick Group a few years later. This ability to adapt quickly to opportunities remains one of the key strengths of the Wernick Group 90 years later. He would be immensely proud of everything the company has achieved over that time.

Today, the Wernick Group consists of six distinct businesses: Wernick Buildings, Wernick Hire, Wernick Refurbished Buildings, Wernick Events, Wernick AVDanzer, and Wernick Power Solutions. Each company within the group holds focal importance in delivering comprehensive and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

The last decade, in particular, has seen a vigorous expansion through a combination of shrewd acquisitions and organic growth. The Wernick Group currently has forty operating centres throughout the UK, working across both the public and private sectors. The Group of companies combine to offer the sale and hire of permanent and temporary modular buildings, site accommodation, and off-grid power solutions.

Wernick Group’s Chairman David Wernick commented, “We are a 4th generation company with my son Jonathan running the Group as CEO. We take great pride in what we’ve achieved over the last 90 years and are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our employees during this period.”

www.wernick.co.uk

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GRAHAM begins construction of low-carbon residential project in Edinburgh

GRAHAM has initiated the construction of a £59m ($73.99m) low-carbon residential project in Edinburgh, named Burnet Point.

To be located in Abbey Lane, the project is claimed to be the first-ever mixed-use residential development of its kind by student accommodation provider Unite Students.

Unite Students group development director Tom Brewerton said: “This is the company’s first combined development of purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent and affordable housing. We look forward to contributing positively to the student and private rental market in Edinburgh to help address the supply-demand imbalance in the city.

“This development reflects Unite Students’ ongoing commitment to providing high-standard, affordable student accommodation in locations where demand is greatest.”

The project will utilise a low-carbon concrete and timber composite, an eco-friendly alternative to natural wood.

Burnet Point will feature 298 student bedrooms, including a variety of cluster and studio flats, with communal spaces and accessible landscaped roof areas.

In addition, the scheme will offer 66 flats for rent.

Of these, 17 units will be designated as affordable and managed by Hillcrest Homes.

The completion of Burnet Point is scheduled for September 2025, aligning with the 2025/2026 academic term.

GRAHAM Building North regional managing director Gary Holmes said: “Burnet Point is a unique project which prioritises sustainable construction.

“The demand for student accommodation continues to grow and the build-to-rent market remains buoyant, giving us a strong pipeline of projects in the coming years.”

Last month, GRAHAM, on behalf of Wirral Council, announced plans to initiate two motorway improvement schemes in Birkenhead’s town centre.

From Global Data

 

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Net-zero construction: Bath leads the way in cutting emissions in construction

Bath and North East Somerset Council have announced a planning policy to reduce carbon emissions and work towards net-zero construction

This approach, in collaboration with the University of Bath, shows six initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero targets through local collaboration.

The report presented by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) in “Civic Partners in Net Zero“ sets an example of sustainable construction practices across the UK.

Achieving net zero by tackling construction pollution

Since January 2023, the Council has implemented strict local planning policies requiring that all new building developments achieve net zero operational energy. Major developments must also meet an incorporated carbon target, surpassing national building regulations. Bath and North East Somerset were the first UK local authorities to introduce these planning policies.

What happens in our cities – in construction, in transport, in waste processing, in energy consumption – has a major impact in how we reach our net zero targets as a nation

The council worked with the university to review the impact. So far, they found that initial assessments reveal a significant improvement in the projected outcomes of new applications, showing a promising shift towards eco-conscious construction practices. Industry support for the policy aims has been strong, showing a collective commitment to combatting climate change.

Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, praised the joint effort, highlighting sustainability as a priority research theme for the institution.

Initiatives across the UK

The “Civic Partners in Net Zero” report also features other initiatives from across the UK including:

  • Coventry University and Coventry City Council’s new technology enables active recharging of electric vehicles, changing transportation in urban settings.
  • Lancaster University’s collaboration with educators integrates sustainability into everyday teaching, inspiring future generations to embrace eco-friendly practices.
  • Wrexham University allows communities and industries to drive the net zero transition, promoting a culture of environmental management.
  • The University of South Wales explores the potential of biotechnology to support a circular economy by transforming waste into clean energy and fertilisers.
  • The University of Southampton teams up with a theatre company to emotionally engage primary school audiences with climate science.

Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities and Deputy Mayor of Salford City Council, said: “The ideas presented here are important and exciting. Important because what happens in our cities – in construction, in transport, in waste processing, in energy consumption – has a major impact in how we reach our net zero targets as a nation, and we in the Key Cities are determined to play our part. Exciting because they demonstrate the ingenuity in our universities and councils, and the strength of our growing civic partnership across the network. These are ideas we can build on, both as a network and in partnership with our communities, stakeholders and the government.”

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, also highlighted the collective effort needed to replicate and upscale these initiatives.

Working towards net-zero-carbon construction

Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Deputy Chair of Key Cities, said: “In Bath and North East Somerset, I am proud of the strong and longstanding partnerships we have with our two universities so it is great to see our collaboration with the University of Bath on net-zero-carbon construction so well reflected in the report.

Source: Open Access Government

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Cash incentive to boost number of construction industry apprentices

Telford College’s apprenticeships team is helping to signpost businesses to as much as £10,000 for each candidate which fills a much-needed skills gap in the sector.

“The Construction Industry Training Board has grants for approved apprenticeships at level two and above that focus on core construction skills needed across the industry,” said Telford College business development manager Chris Field.

“Employers are entitled to £2,500 a year through the CITB for attendance whilst completing the apprenticeship, payable in quarterly instalments.

“On top of this, there is also £3,500 achievement grant which is payable on completion of the full apprenticeship.

“For an apprenticeship which runs for two and a half or three years, that could add up to more than £10,000.

“You have to be a CITB registered employer to be entitled to this grant aid – for smaller-sized construction businesses, this is free. Even for the larger companies, it’s worthwhile and the membership fee is a tiny fraction of the incentives which are available.”

Telford College’s construction-related apprenticeships which qualify for the CITB grant support include property maintenance, bricklayer, groundworks, highways maintenance and road surfacing operative.

Chris added: “We are here to support employers every step of the way. We recognise that they are experts in construction industries – not in filling out paperwork for grant applications. That’s where we come in, with our experience and expertise.

“It’s about encouraging the next generation into the construction industry to keep pace with huge demand for skills.

“Construction companies might not know about the grant support which is available through these channels – or think it’s too good to be true and there must be a catch. There isn’t.”

He added: “We can liaise with industry bodies and help with the paperwork. You can trust us to manage the process and make it an easy process.”

From The Shropshire Star

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Major modular housing scheme moves forward

Specialist low carbon developer and modular manufacturer Starship is bringing forward a project in Wallasey, Wirral, which is set to be one of the largest modular carbon zero housing developments in the North West.

In partnership with North West housing association, Onward Homes, and supported by Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Brownfield Land Fund, which has allocated £195,000 to the project, Starship will deliver 13 carbon zero homes across a 64,000 sq ft site in Wallasey.

Constructed using low carbon Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the Greenleas project will use eco-friendly construction methods by prioritising energy efficiency from the start of the design and development process.

Situated on undeveloped land at the bottom of Greenleas Close in Wallasey, the three-bedroom homes will be built with strong eco-credentials, holding an impressive EPC rating of A.

Onward Homes is one of the largest providers of social housing based in the North West, with more than 35,000 homes across the region. This development is Starship’s first project with Onward Homes and is expected to be completed in just over 40 weeks.

The MMC homes will be built in Starship’s Wirral Waters based factory, with each home taking a week to build and a day and a half to be erected on site.

Image credit: Starship

Dave Dargan, co-founder and chief executive of Starship, said: “At Starship, we are purpose driven to build better, and we have a strong commitment to low-carbon living, ensuring that everything we do is led by our commitment to the green agenda.

“Forming a partnership with Onward Homes is an exciting opportunity for us to continue delivering gold-standard, carbon zero homes and developing long-lasting communities with sustainability at their core. Greenleas will become a fantastic new addition to Wallasey, providing people with modern homes in the heart of one of Wirral’s most up and coming areas.”

Bronwen Rapley, chief executive of Onward Homes, added: “Onward is committed to becoming a leading environmentally-friendly landlord across the North West, providing warm and affordable homes in greener neighbourhoods for our customers to enjoy. Starship’s cutting-edge homes promise to make a real difference in this part of Wallasey, helping local people take their first steps on the property ladder while ‘treading lighter’ on the local environment through sustainable design and manufacturing.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Liverpool City Region portfolio holder for housing and spatial planning, said building on brownfield sites was a central part of plans “to ensure there is a great choice of high-quality homes, right across the city region, as part of our ambitious plans to tackle the housing crisis.”

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