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Logic PM are pleased to announce that they have been accepted on the Bloom Framework, which is administered on behalf of the DfE. Being able to bring our extensive knowledge of Education to the market, allows the future growth of the Business in this sector.
The UK construction industry has seen rapid transformation in recent years; most notably in exterior design and the types of material used. Among the reasons for these changes are:
Climate Change: an increased awareness of climate change has led to sustainable materials, design and building methods becoming increasingly important
Supply: the pandemic and Brexit have had an undeniable effect on supply chains and the availability of materials and skillsets, as well as the prices of many building materials
Manufacturing: an increased use of technology in building design has had a direct impact on the way many building components are produced
With such rapid changes, such as the increased use of technology in building design and a strong move towards sustainability, how are local authorities affected and how can they adapt to this fast-moving industry?
Challenges for Local Councils:
In an effort to tackle climate change, the British government has set net-zero carbon goals. The expectation is that the construction industry will use more sustainable materials and building methods to contribute to reducing emissions. This also puts pressure on local councils to play their part. Councils are responsible for large portfolios of buildings used for a wide range of purposes so this can be a daunting task.
Many councils are now looking to retrofit existing properties to be more environmentally friendly. Demolition leaves a high carbon footprint but modernising structures, fitting insulation and finding energy efficiencies typically leaves a much smaller footprint.
A further challenge faced by local councils is the need to source new materials within limited budgets. This is becoming increasingly challenging with the rising cost of building materials. Sourcing new suppliers takes time and making decisions about which materials to use in place of existing ones requires discussion and knowledge.
In a recent article published on their website, RICS recommends that local councils should allocate time and resources to upskilling their staff to keep pace with the rapid transition to sustainability. RICS points out a knowledge gap within local councils and an urgent need for up-to-date, relevant training so that council employees understand in detail the way their decisions can support or detract from the net-zero carbon goals.
With digital technology so assimilated into the mainstream and the widespread use of mobile devices, the way people interact with the built environment around them has changed. When entering buildings, visitors are able to scan a card, app or fingerprint instead of walking through an open / unlocked / automatic door. Energy use, building capacity and usage and much more can be monitored remotely and managed much more efficiently, changing the way buildings are designed and how they function.
Working with a team of professionals with expertise in both sustainability in construction and digital technology in building design can give local councils the edge when working towards net-zero carbon goals. Contact The Logic Group today to find out more about how we can support councils in harnessing the opportunities made possible by the new construction trends to improve their local area and the planet.
RICS, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, calls for the government and industry to futureproof UK construction sector.
In a recent article published by RICS, they set out their stand as a major advocate of environmental, economic and social sustainability within the construction industry. They call on the British government to support a long-term vision for the future of construction by mitigating economic obstacles, driving decarbonisation and delivering high quality infrastructure.
Construction is critically important to the British economy. The construction industry employs nearly 10% of the UK workforce and contributes around 7% of UK GDP. Despite numerous challenges, the industry proved largely successful throughout the pandemic and shows continued growth throughout 2022. However, with so many additional health and safety hoops to jump through over the past couple of years, has sustainability taken a back seat?
RICS Recommendations to Industry:
RICS suggests leaning on the expertise of industry professionals to enable carbon measurement and reporting at the earliest stages of all new projects. This will allow decision makers to compare the financial costs and carbon footprints of their project before designs are finalised and materials are ordered, meaning that more sustainable methods and materials can be considered. The organisation is also working with the UK Green Building Council to develop a UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
Furthermore, RICS is recommending that businesses within the construction industry make use of their Whole Life Carbon Assessment tool, which measures carbon throughout the lifecycle of a building project.
RICS Recommendations to Government:
Commit to continued investment in upgrading the UK’s infrastructure
Help to mitigate the triple threat of: materials supply, rising costs and labour shortages by reassessing visa requirements and ensuring smooth, efficient transit of materials
Lead by example. Government should prioritise value, quality, carbon management and lifecycle over price alone in procurements
Encourage vertical integration and greater efficiencies to drive up productivity in the construction sector
Commit to a culture of collaboration and conflict avoidance, particularly between the public and private sectors, and across the supply chain. Implement the Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP)