Intelligence

To spray or not to spray? The IMA sets out the case for the use of spray foam insulation, while RPSA Chair Alan Milstein highlights the issues surveyors face with this type of insulation

CHAS’ Alex Minett discusses steps all organisations can take to prevent modern slavery within their networks

John Cranna discusses the crossover of his roles as a structural engineer and an expert witness – and why ethics are key

It’s fair to say that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis. While significant global factors have caused it (and these factors are not easily solved), we need to be honest about our health if we are to make strides to recognise and tackle it.

Kirri Porter-White, CABE Head of Competency and Learning, emphasises the critical role of CPD for progression and standards

CABE’s Building Inspector Competence Assessment Scheme has been approved as an independent provider by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and enables professionals to apply to the BSR’s Register of Building Inspectors..

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1183 Incompetent design of simple steel beams

The establishment of the Building Safety Act (2022) brings the introduction of clear accountability and statutory responsibilities for accountable persons.

Whitecode’s Managing Director Alex Hill discusses whether the UK’s energy infrastructure is equipped to handle the government’s widespread introduction of new low carbon initiatives.

There is plenty of innovation happening in the construction sector, and – subject to safety testing and certification from official bodies – these materials, products and systems could move from left field into the mainstream.

These innovations are not endorsed by CABE

Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer at Npower Business Solutions, says energy resilience and sustainability measures should be the investment priority this year.

The UK Environment Agency has been trialling ways to work with the environment to tackle flooding in urban and country environments. So have they cracked it?

A Southern Water pilot scheme is significantly reducing sewage spills from storm overflows.

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 995, Defects found in precast (prefabricated) concrete façades.

Embedding sustainability in the construction industry – with all the challenges and opportunities this brings for building engineers – was centre stage at this year’s international conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Elecosoft’s David Simpson and Mark Chapman discuss how different ways of thinking, planning and doing can streamline operations.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire and the closure of 17 schools in Edinburgh in 2017 due to safety concerns, an independent review of building and fire safety proposed a clear culture change. SOCOTEC UK has a guide to registration requirements for higher risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).

Landscape Designer Catriona Rowbotham has been tasked with boosting the biodiversity and wellbeing of staff at CABE’s headquarters on an industrial estate surrounded by busy roads.

Colin Donnelly, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, says many companies understand the need to decarbonise – but there is a significant lack of action.

Matt Lamy explores the Flitch End development in Braintree, which uses an innovative air source and electric hybrid solution to heat 56 separate apartments.