In our PBC Today November 2022 edition, our expert contributors explore the challenges and opportunities associated with retrofitting as a way of tackling the energy, cost of living and climate crisis, the development of a Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and the reaction to the Growth Plan
We also hear about the future of arbitration in the industry, how contractors can overcome a “noise epidemic” in workplaces and how living walls can meet biodiversity net gain demands.
Our MMC & Offsite section examines the need to accelerate digital engineering in MMC, modular construction’s role in tackling the housing crisis and how timber can “go mainstream” as a modern method of building.
In BIM & Digital, our authors discuss how data-driven insights can support the drive to net zero, the role of technology in regenerating old buildings and how preconstruction can give construction companies an advantage in these testing times.
There is much more besides. Here’s a selection on what’s on offer:
Retrofitting, and increasing the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) of the existing housing stock is one the most significant challenges (and opportunities) to reaching net zero, reducing energy bills and improving public health, says David Barnes, policy and public affairs manager at the Chartered Institute of Building.
David Partridge, chair of the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, discusses the development of a common standard in the UK built environment, and why it will be vital for both the industry – and the planet.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, chief executive of L&Q, reflects on what she said, heard – and wanted to hear – about solving the housing crisis at the Labour and Conservative party conferences.
Following the mini budget, Tracy Lovejoy and Melody Li of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors examine the key proposals in the government’s Growth Plan.
The government’s decision to no longer proceed with the reversal of IR35 reforms is a huge blow to the construction sector, and industry generally, argues Brendan Sharkey of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers MHA.
As the Law Commission consults on changes to the Arbitration Act, Emily Leonard and Amaney Ehtash of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson examine the key proposals and what the future may hold for arbitration in construction.
Dr Mark Woods, chief strategy officer at the Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), believes that digital engineering is a crucial tool in compressing development cycles across the construction sector; and highlights how this can be leveraged to support the industry through a turbulent time.
Housebuilding in the UK has remained largely unchanged for generations but a new report highlighting the rise of modular construction gives us the opportunity to deliver much-needed new homes and solve the housing crisis, says Steve Cole, director of Make UK Modular.
The construction industry has a pivotal role in tackling global warming by reducing carbon emissions across the lifecycle of the built environment and achieving net zero. Dr Omar Abo Madyan, research associate at the Centre for Smart Infrastructure & Construction, calls for the use of data-driven insights for resource-efficient decision-making.
BIM technology can help to unlock a more sustainable built environment while preserving and regenerating old buildings, says May Winfield, global director of commercial, legal and digital risks at Buro Happold.
