Internet review
The web site information included below includes two key and other informative sites. If there are any other interesting sites or sources of information that you have found useful, please e-mail me at s.todd@salford.ac.uk
The Building Research Establishmentwww.bre.co.uk
The Latest News section includes information on:
- 1.
Construction waste. The BRE has linked with regional development agencies (RDAs) to tackle the construction waste problem. A blitz on construction waste across East and South East England could mean cash savings for construction companies, as well as preventing thousands of tonnes of material being land-filled each year. CoRE – the Construction Resource Efficiency programme was launched in London on 26 July. It aims to get to the heart of how construction companies, particularly smaller companies, create waste and what they can do to reduce, re-use, recycle and save thousands of pounds in Landfill Tax. The aim is to maximise benefits but minimise effort and costs. If the one-year pilot programme in the East of England (EEDA), London(LDA) and South East England (SEEDA) regions is successful – in terms of at least 300 construction sites collecting data on waste and seeking to improve waste management – it could be rolled out across the other RDA regions in 2007. Companies signing up for CoRE and demonstrating full commitment to the programme can expect a free or subsidised package of support measures which could include confidential on-site consultancy and use of BRE’s online SMARTStart(TM) benchmarking software, which is normally only available under licence. All participants will be guided through the use of BREMAP, a free online geographical information system that enables users to find their nearest suppliers of reclaimed and recycled products or their nearest waste management sites. The CoRE programme is designed to target construction contractors including small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and to be regionally-led to ensure appropriate support is made directly available.
- 2.
“Fire Grid” emergency response system. The BRE is to lead a consortium that will work on an innovative £2.3 million project to develop a prototype emergency response system. The three-year “Fire Grid”project is supported by the DTI’s Technology Programme. In the event of a fire, it will provide fire fighters with information concerning the likely sequence of events before they actually unfold. This intelligence, previously only available in hindsight, will allow the emergency services to execute a more effective response to a fire incident. The information supplied will include details of how the fire is expected to spread, how the structural integrity of the building will be affected, and how the building occupants are likely to react in response to the fire. Although initially focussing on fire, the methodologies developed by ”Fire Grid” may also be extended to other hazards such as environmental incidents, natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
- 3.
Victorian terraces reborn. A pioneering partnership to transform Victorian buildings into energy efficient accommodation for 21st century living was launched on 23 June 2006 by HRH The Prince of Wales, President of The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment. The collaboration between The Prince’s Foundation, BRE, the East of England Development Agency and the University of Hertfordshire will begin with the refurbishment of a Victorian stable block at BRE’s Headquarters in Watford, Hertfordshire. The project will demonstrate and analyse how older buildings with solid walls, poor insulation, draughty windows, inadequate heating and in a state of general disrepair can be transformed to provide attractive, flexible and energy efficient accommodation for the future. Britain has the oldest housing stock in the developed world, and much of this is represented by the Victorian terraced housing which characterises the centre of our urban areas. There is much talk about the house of the future and the regeneration of our older urban areas, but the reality is that, at current demolition rates, the average house will have to last for 1,000 years before it is replaced. The project will benefit the East of England region where more than 50 per cent of ongoing construction output will be connected with existing building stock, rather than new build. The completed scheme will incorporate a demonstration house, an adjacent refurbishment education centre,workshops and first floor offices and meeting rooms. The layout will show the enormous versatility this type of older building can offer. The overall aim of the project is to find a route which makes the economics, technologies and environmental demands stack up into a viable blueprint for future similar refurbishment. Companies or organisations which believe they could contribute skills and expertise are invited to contact BRE.
- 4.
BRE Trust launches Schools Design Forum. The Schools Design Forum(SDF) is a new initiative by the BRE Trust and the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) to address the need increasingly felt by many involved with schools to improve the way sustainability is delivered both in the terms of the way schools are designed and constructed today as well as the way they engage with pupils and the community to promote truly sustainable communities of the future. The objectives of the SDF are to:
deliver a realistic but stretching vision of a sustainable school and its links with the community;
integrate school sustainability in a way that contributes to social regeneration and sustainable communities;
produce a road map for LAs, schools, the industry and other stakeholders,that integrates all the disparate demands of sustainability into a national best practice format for sustainable delivery;
work collaboratively with LAs, schools, the industry and other stakeholders in creating this ”road map”;
identify obstacles and barriers and recommend solutions which enable the vision to be realised;
champion and advocate a ”users” national agenda for sustainability alongside government;
share and promote best practice;
disseminate practical advice to reduce the disparity between those that do it well and those that do not; and
stimulate and exploit research and innovation to achieve the full sustainability potential of schools.
- 5.
BRE launch EcoHomes XB – EcoHomes for existing housing. The BRE in collaboration with the Housing Corporation has launched EcoHomes XB. EcoHomes XB is a sophisticated yet simple tool designed specifically to assist landlords such as housing associations and local authorities in planning, and measuring the benefit of improvement works to their housing stock and aiding the overall environmental performance. Because of the variety of existing property types,there is an equally wide scope of potential for improvement. However, there are a limited number of measures that can realistically be adopted. BRE has worked very closely with the Housing Corporation to ensure that EcoHomes XB is as user-friendly as possible, being organised around a list of practical, adoptable measures. EcoHomes XB adapts the BREEAM/EcoHomes methodologies and criteria to the constraints of the existing stock. Topics covered by EcoHomes XB are:management policies, energy, transport, pollution, water, health and waste.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyorswww.rics.org.uk
The Latest News section includes:
- 1.
Updated comment on HIPs. The RICS is seeking clarification on a number of key issues, following the announcement on by Housing and Planning Minister, Yvette Cooper, that Home Condition Reports (HCRs) would be a voluntary rather than a mandatory component of a Home Information Pack in England and Wales from 1 June 2007. Following a round of meetings with the Department for Communities and Local Government and other key organisations over the last two weeks the following issues have emerged:
Government remains committed to the mandatory introduction of HIPs on 1 June 2007.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are to be included in the HIP as a mandatory document.
Government is committed to encouraging the voluntary uptake of HCRs and will review whether they should become mandatory if significant voluntary uptake does not arise.
Yvette Cooper has written an open letter to all trainee Home Inspectors and we have agreed to circulate this to all candidates registered with our Safe As assessment centre.
The issues which RICS is currently addressing with Government are:
Qualification requirements for undertaking EPCs within HIPs. RICS does not consider that it is any longer appropriate for it to be a requirement to qualify as a Home Inspector in order to undertake EPCs for inclusion within HIPs.
HCRs. RICS are consulting on whether members consider that an HCR in the form developed by Government would be most suited for consumer take up in a voluntary environment. Members can add their views to the debate on our discussion forum
Home Inspector Qualification. RICS does not see the need for experienced professionals to have to undertake an additional qualification. Any new knowledge and skills needed can be acquired and maintained through more appropriate approaches.
Certification schemes. RICS considers that any future regulatory requirements can be met through existing regulatory structures operating in the market and if appropriate through a Designated Professional Body regime (similar to the recognition RICS already has from HM Treasury for regulating insurance intermediaries).
- 2.
Part P. Approved Document P came into force in England and Wales on 1 January 2005 and states that reasonable provision shall be made in the design,installation, inspection and testing of electrical installations in order to protect persons from fire or injury. Part P also requires that sufficient information shall be provided so that persons wishing to operate, maintain or alter an electrical installation can do so with reasonable safety.
- 3.
Sustainability is key to restoring rural communities. The RICS highlights the decaying state of buildings in Britain’s countryside as a worthy cause, but preservation is not the answer to rural problems. Rural villages need functional buildings and workable infrastructure in order to create sustainable communities.
- 4.
Features:
Can you provide property advice to support London charities?
Delivering affordable rural housing through the planning system.
Letters of intent – friends or foe?
- 5.
Discussions:
HCRs and the BS Faculty.
Legislation on defective premises.
Should ISURV be included free in your membership?
- 6.
Research:
RICS/Blackwells’ book – Building Procurement.
Costing cross compliance.
The prospects for renewable energy over the next 15 years.
The Chartered Institute of Buildingwww.ciob.org.uk
This redesigned web site allows more information to be more accessible and usable. The current homepage includes information on:
- 1.
Industry news:
CIC Chairman offers to help Ruth Kelly achieve the best possible implementation of the HIPs.
Olympic Delivery Authority announces its Procurement Policy at Leeds Business Summit.
Olympic Park Delivery programme and the Explanatory Document for the Olympic Stadium.
- 2.
CIOB headlines:
Members required to provide quality assurance for CIOB Site Management programme.
Winners of CIOB and RICS scholarships join Manchester Business School’s MBA for Construction Executives.
CIOB Publishes Making Money from Sustainable Homes: A Developers Guide
- 3.
A guide to finding a builder. The CIOB strive to improve standards in the construction world. This is both beneficial for the customer and the builders. Our easy step-by-step guide will help you choose your builder and the signs to look for.
- 4.
Health and safety. The CIOB has always taken a strong stance on health and safety issues in the construction industry. The Health and Safety forum regularly provide news items and information to the web site.
The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)www.dti.gov.uk
The main menu of this site is structured as:
About DTI;
Contact;
Help with this site; and
Site Index.
The sub-menu includes information on:
Better business framework.
Business sector.
Employment matters.
Energy – the DTI’s Energy Group deals with energy-related matters, from production to supply. It is committed to ensuring competitive energy markets while achieving safe, secure and sustainable energy supplies and,ultimately, a low-carbon economy. This section explains our challenges and objectives, and the policies and strategies to meet them. This section covers recent policy, including consumer, energy efficiency and sustainable energy policy. It details the long-term goals outlined in the Government’s 2003 White Paper: to cut UK carbon dioxide emissions; maintain the reliability of our energy supplies; promote competitive energy markets; and to ensure every home is adequately and affordably heated. There is information on specific energy sources, including coal, nuclear power, oil and gas, renewable energy and sustainable technologies. There are also pages on fuel poverty, and national and international energy markets. Other key topics include our environment; the safety, security and quality of UK energy; and current measures to sustain our energy supply, including EU Emissions trading. UK energy statistics are provided, including production, consumption and prices. There is also information available on the Coal Health Claims scheme. The latest developments on the ongoing Energy Review are also available.
Europe and world trade.
Innovation.
Regional economic development.
Science.
The What’s New Section includes:
Consultation on a European Commission proposal to adapt the Aerosol Dispensers Directive 75/324/EEC (ADD) to technical progress.
Proposals to update the gas priority user arrangements.
Implementing the Directives 2002/96/EC and 2003/108/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the UK. This consultation seeks views of businesses,manufacturers, retailers, producers and enforcement authorities on draft regulations implementing Directives 2002/96/EC and 2003/108/EC relating to waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Building Products Onlinewww.buildingproducts.co.uk
Building Products magazine gives the latest news on products/services,and now have included a keyword search facility combined with a unique enquiry to any company or item featured over the last 12 months.
The features section includes information on:
Brassed off. With the price of copper rocketing and its availability dwindling, Tony Robson voices his concerns for the future of brassware.
Warm reception. Mark Roberts describes how Part L is making energy efficiency and environmental considerations all part of the package when specifying windows and doors.
Iron will. Mike Rawlings lays out the acoustic advantages of using cast iron drainage instead of the modern materials that manufacturers currently favour.
Shedding light on the energy debate. While the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is still not finalised, Neil Jones argues that current projects should still strive to meet its obligations.
Stephen Todd
