Intelligence

Office building performance review by climate tech firm IES identified €108k of annual energy savings

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1032, Fire in roofs containing PV panels – and lessons from past incidents

The New Homes Quality Board, code of conduct and ombudsman service is a milestone in improving the building industry’s relationship with consumers, reports Huw Morris

Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer at npower Business Solutions, makes the case for business-generated power to reduce costs, lower emissions and increase energy security

Winner: Daniel Connal Partnership / Kier Construction for the Dyson Building, an exceptional example of contemporary architecture

Highly Commended: Jenner Group for F51. To design and construct a legacy building requires vision and a collaborative approach

Winner Glider for HMP Five Wells demonstrated outstanding development or application of digital technologies that have a positive impact on building performance and construction sector productivity

During high winds, metal cladding panels failed, became detached from a tall commercial building in a major UK city and fell to the ground.

Winner Daniel Connal Partnership for YMCA Norfolk Community Hub, a disused former British Legion social centre that was transformed to provide services in a deprived, under-resourced area

Winner: Midland Heart for Project 80 – Eco Drive, a research and development programme in conjunction with Birmingham City University, product manufacturers, industry bodies and contractors to better understand the Future Homes Standard challenge

Highly commended: A smart, sustainable commercial development in Kai Tak, Hong Kong from Hip Hing Construction Co for Airside

Winner: NPS Leeds Ltd for the roof of Leeds Town Hall, a Victorian Grade I listed asset damaged by water ingress and corrosion

Highly commended: Architectural Conservation Professionals for the Former Engine Station, a project that shows how small, unused buildings can have a big, positive impact on the local community

Some lingering effects of Covid-19 could jeopardise safety in construction. Ed Barnes, Product Innovation Manager at health and safety company Seton, reveals the dangers of sign blindness

Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager for the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, discusses the importance, specification, inspection and maintenance of fire doors

If the construction industry is going to meet the UK’s net-zero carbon targets by 2050, it needs to make significant changes now. Professionals must collaborate and build on their understanding of the environmental challenges that lie ahead.

Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at workplace hazard monitoring business Casella, on how environmental boundary monitoring can help identify potential hazards, ensure compliance and protect the public

The BPF Pipes Group has updated its guidance for engineers designing polyethylene pressure pipe systems for below-ground gas applications. Julia Trew, Standards and Technical Manager at BPF Pipes Group, outlines what’s new

Steve Dunning, Managing Director of Martindale Electric, explores why building engineers must ensure safe isolation processes are part of all projects involving electricity

Robert Walton, Chief Operating Officer at Constructionline, outlines the implications for the building profession of the upcoming Procurement Bill