Welcome to the February edition of PBC Today. The clock is ticking on the UK’s 2050 net zero deadline while of more immediate concern, rocketing energy prices have put the focus on heating our homes
In our cover story, Philip Dunne MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, argues that the UK needs a national mobilisation “war effort” to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, while tackling our dependency on fossil fuels.
Claire Fallows, a partner at international law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, argues that the government’s move to downgrade housebuilding targets to “advisory” is a bold move in the housing crisis that could come with a heavy cost.
Elsewhere, Mick Hansford of the Institution of Civil Engineers looks at the key issues for infrastructure in 2023, Dr Mike Pitts reflects on the first year of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero programme, and Steve Hodgson of the Property Care Association calls for a science-based approach to tackling damp in homes.
This edition also takes a look at the issue of mental health in construction, with Daisie Rees-Evans of the Chartered Institute of Building and James Garbett of the charity Mates in Mind offering their insights into the industry’s efforts to get people talking.
There is much, much more on offer. Here’s a selection of what’s in store:
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Why the UK needs a national “war effort” mobilisation to tackle the energy and sustainability crisis
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has called for a national “war effort” mobilisation to tackle the energy and sustainability crisis facing the UK and move away from fossil fuels. Chairman the Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP explains that the clock is ticking.
Mark Hansford, director of engineering knowledge at the Institution of Civil Engineers, examines the key themes for infrastructure in 2023, from decarbonisation and resilience to transport and digitalisation.
Downgrading housebuilding targets is a bold move that could come at a cost in the midst of the UK housing crisis, says Claire Fallows, partner in the real estate team at Charles Russell Speechlys.
Dr Mike Pitts, deputy challenge director for Transforming Construction at Innovate UK, looks back on the first year of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero programme and the final year of the Transforming Construction challenge.
In November, a coroner said the tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak from prolonged exposure to harmful mould in his home should be a “defining moment” for the housing sector in increasing the understanding and awareness of damp and mould. Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the Property Care Association, makes the case for a more responsive, science-based approach.
Workplace pressures, complex supply chains and a macho culture have made many construction workers hard to reach when it comes to talking about mental health. Daisie Rees-Evans of the Chartered Institute of Building looks at the industry’s efforts to make changes.
Omar Abo Madyan, research associate at the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure & Construction, University of Cambridge, examines how to tackle carbon blind spots and data gaps that are holding back construction material efficiency.
The government believes a new Infrastructure Levy will ensure developers pay a fair share towards supporting communities, but Grant Leggett of Boyer London believes the proposals do not simplify contributions and could lead to greater complexity.
Jim Saywell, director of UK sustainability and physics at Buro Happold and member of the NABERS UK Design Review Panel, explores the NABERS energy rating system and how schemes like this can help office owners and operators close the performance gap, bringing benefits to people, planet and budgets.
With an ambitious, UK-wide goal to reach net zero by 2050, the UK needs to make sure its domestic buildings are up to scratch. But something crucial is still missing: a scalable solution that can be adopted at speed. MMC could provide the answer, says Sam Hart of Built Environment – Smarter Transformation.
