Welcome to PBC Today May 2022. In this edition, our expert contributors from across the architecture, engineering and construction sectors explore issues ranging from how we can realise levelling up and the cost of poor housing to the NHS to the role of social value in the built environment, improving compliance and safety, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on projects and planning
In our cover story, Joseph Daniels, founding CEO of Etopia, argues that Modern Methods of Construction can play a key role in achieving true “levelling up” by delivering homes that are built with better materials, more energy efficient and that harness technology and data.
Meanwhile, Gillian Charlesworth, CEO of the Building Research Establishment, looks at a recent report revealing the staggering cost of poor housing; Simon McWhirter of the UK Green Building Council examines the importance of embedding social value in the built environment; and David Philp and Dr Ahmed Alnaggar of the Construction Innovation Hub discuss a new partnership with Cardiff University’s Digital Compliance Network to help firms navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
Lorna Stimpson of Local Authority Building Control looks at the impact of the Building Safety Act; Dr Abi Hird discusses the launch of the new Design Innovation Network; and Lesley Rudd of Electrical Safety First examines the “tenure lottery” affecting social housing tenants.
In MMC & Offsite, Katie Saunders of Trowers & Hamlins explores the shifting attitudes towards Modern Methods of Construction; Stewart Dalgarno discusses a study from Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes Innovation Project showing the health and safety benefits of panelised MMC; and Ian Atkinson of Womble Bond Dickinson discusses a recent expert roundtable exploring how the UK can fully embrace MMC.
We also preview two big upcoming events – The Offsite Show and Digital Construction Week.
Here’s a selection of what’s on offer in the PBC Today May 2022 edition:
The levelling up agenda is more than just a phrase, it is tangible progress. Joseph Daniels, founder of Etopia, says MMC housing can play a huge role in realising lasting change across Britain.
Addressing poor housing in England would save the NHS £1.4bn a year – it’s time we take action, says Gillian Charlesworth, chief executive of BRE.
The conflict in Ukraine is having significant and far-reaching economic consequences. Tom Duncan and Sadia McEvoy of law firm Ashurst examine how it will affect current and future UK construction projects.
With construction facing an increasingly complex regulatory system, the Construction Innovation Hub has partnered with Cardiff University’s Digital Compliance Network to help firms navigate the evolving landscape. Impact director David Philp and digital construction lead Dr Ahmed Alnaggar explain.
The Building Safety Bill is working its way through Parliament with Royal Assent expected sometime in 2022. So, what does this mean for the building control profession and what should every building control surveyor be doing now to prepare? These are the questions that LABC’s chief executive, Lorna Stimpson, has a simple answer for.
Values-based procurement has a crucial part to play in driving economic equity. LHC Group interim chief executive Elaine Elkington explains why, exploring the role of public sector procurement in delivering quality housing for all and supporting a more diverse supply chain for social landlords.
Katie Saunders, a partner at law firm Trowers & Hamlins, examines the shifting attitudes towards Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the barriers that remain to its widespread adoption.
Panelised MMC for new homes can reduce health and safety hazard exposure by 20% on site, according to the latest report from the Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes Innovation Project (AIMCH).
With the UK 2050 net zero target in mind, it is time to think and talk more about reducing construction waste, says Irina Leigh, production innovation architect at L&Q.
Ceri-Ann Droog, global digital director at Atkins, examines the benefits of data for your planning, construction design, decommissioning strategy and more.
