LATEST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SAINT-GOBAIN PAM UK’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS

Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading materials company Saint-Gobain, has released its latest sustainability report, demonstrating the successful steps it has taken to maintaining a commitment to sustainable development.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s third Sustainability Report outlines its environmental policy for achieving key sustainable targets, alongside setting future objectives for reducing carbon emissions, energy usage and landfill waste.

Paul Minchin of Saint-Gobain PAM UK commented: “Our products manufactured in the UK are made from 97 per cent recycled materials. As a leading manufacturer of ductile iron pipe systems, access covers and gratings, above and below ground cast iron drainage systems and fittings, we have an inherent advantage in meeting significant sustainability targets. Nevertheless, we strive to continuously meet ethical and economic goals, and our third Sustainability Report looks forward to the coming years and what we can do to further improve the environmental impact of our operations.

“Some of the most significant improvements in waste management can be seen at our sites in Holwell and Telford. At the Holwell plant, we have reduced waste being sent to our on-site landfill by 83 per cent in 2011. This was achieved through a range of initiatives, such as introducing reusable refractory ladle linings and selling used sand for building block manufacture. Our Telford site has also dramatically reduced its waste. In 2009, 3,200 tonnes of waste were sent to landfill at Telford, whereas 2011 saw this cut to 848 tonnes.

“A significant project has been on the Holwell Cupola furnace– the largest in the UK – which has really helped reduce our environmental impact at a local level. We replaced a wet scrubber system with a new control system, delivering a new dry bag filter solution, helping to meet stringent environmental targets for emissions reduction in particular. A heat exchanger was also fitted to recover waste heat from combustion gases. These steps have dramatically reduced water usage, electricity, raw materials and refractories to landfill. This investment was also a key factor in obtaining CEMARS – Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme – accreditation, recognition we are particularly pleased to receive, highlighting our recent environmental efforts.

“Other notable achievements include a 4.3 per cent reduction in carbon emissions between 2010 and 2011, with a target of 7 per cent by 2014, plus a significant reduction in water usage of 18 per cent since 2009 across the company. In fact, the Cupola project at our Holwell site has cut water usage by 28,000m3 – a reduction of 63 per cent at that site alone.”

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TWO AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE SELF-BUILD LAND SALES AT HAMPTON

Peterborough-based Metrix Marketing (www.metrixmarketing.co.uk) and t2 Studios (www.t2studios.net) are working together to promote the sale of self-build housing plots at Hampton.

Hampton, the 7,000 home township being built south of Peterborough, has been growing at the rate of nearly 500 houses per year with around 20 building companies active on the site.

However, O&H Hampton – the company which owns the land and is managing the development – also has a small number of plots available for sale to people who want to build their own homes.

Roger Tallowin, general manager at O&H Hampton, said: “We have a long-term vision of a thriving, sustainable community. We see self-build homes as an integral part of that community.”

The company recognised that selling individual plots to would-be self-builders was going to be very different to selling relatively large sites to house building companies. So it called in Metrix Marketing to advise on a marketing communications programme to attract new potential purchasers.

Metrix recommended an internet-based campaign because more than 100,000 people in the UK search online each year for available plots to self-build. Metrix introduced t2 Studios, an integrated design and media agency with which it has a close working relationship.


Between them, the two companies created a new website – www.ohland.co.uk – which provides details of the self-build plots on offer at Hampton as well as helpful facts, figures and advice on how to build your own dream home.

Metrix also assisted with media publicity, including a large feature in Self Build & Design magazine, and other promotional activity including advertising designed by t2 Studios.

Roger Tallowin said: “Metrix Marketing and t2 Studios have helped us to raise our profile in a very difficult and competitive market.”

The self-build plots on offer are in Winsor Crescent in Hampton Vale West. They overlook a nature reserve on the northern edge of the Hampton community and have impressive views of a peaceful countryside landscape from almost every angle.

The group of 13 plots all have key services – provided by O&H Hampton – including foul and service water drainage, and utility connections for drinking water, gas, electricity and telecommunications. Each plot has a gated private driveway and a waste bin and utilities store are also supplied.

Five of the 13 plots have now been sold.

For information about the availability of plots in Winsor Crescent, visit www.ohland.co.uk or call O&H Hampton on 01733 293220.

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2000th Rå Build for H+H

H+H’s Rå Build method of aircrete construction has recently been specified for the 2000th time at a Linden Homes development in Northfields, Colchester, demonstrating the popularity of the system. Originally the build method was to be timber frame, however, the specification changed to aircrete due to the cost saving available.

Craig Hart, MD of specialist contractor Hart Construction explains: ‘Linden Homes was frustrated with timber frame and it was decided that we should use a faster, more robust method and one that was more cost effective. By switching to Rå Build we were able to save in excess of 10% as we can get the inner shell of a masonry home built very quickly.’

The 265 houses and 100 apartments in the second and third phases of Northfields are being constructed using H+H blockwork and Celfix thin joint mortar. The external walls are solid aircrete using 3.6 and 7.3N/mm² 200mm thick Plus Blocks insulated with 150mm EPS insulation finished with a Weber Therm XT render system giving U-values down to 0.19 W/m²K. Separating walls use two leaves of 100mm Jumbo Bloks, complying with Robust Detail E-WM-10.

The Rå Build method uses the fast setting Thin Joint system with large format blocks to build the inner aircrete leaf directly to full storey heights - with intermediate floors and roof installed - ahead of the external brickwork or cladding. This provides a fast, stable and weatherproof shell, allowing first fix trades early access whilst the external cladding is completed. Further time is saved by the use of retrofitted joist hangers, avoiding any block cutting at floor level, and enhancing air permeability levels.

The housing scheme is set within a new sustainable neighbourhood to provide new homes, an attractive open park and school with useful transport links for the local community. The homes will be offered for private sale, some under the Government’s NewBuy scheme, with an additional allocation for social housing.

Craig continues, ‘We have worked with H+H for over 13 years and we are always impressed with the results that can be achieved with their product. The work being carried out at Linden Homes, Northfields has only confirmed my high opinion of the company.’

Properties available at Linden Homes, Northfields include ‘The Ardleigh’ a two bedroom-terraced house and ‘The Farnham’ a three bedroom-terraced house. Both styles have an open plan layout with a separate kitchen area and additional sliding door access to the rear garden. There is a three bedroom - detached house style available with a similar layout. The development also features Waltham Place, a three-storey apartment building consisting of private apartments, ranging from studio flats to two bedroom flats.

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SCAPE APPOINTS FAITHFUL+GOULD TO LEAD ASSET MANAGEMENT, SURVEYING AND DESIGN SERVICES FRAMEWORK

Local authority controlled company Scape has appointed Faithful+Gould, a global construction project and cost management consultancy, as the lead supplier in a major, four year, National Asset Management, Surveying and Design Services Framework (AMSandDS).

The new framework supercedes Scape’s design framework which has been successfully providing professional design services since 2008. The scope has widened and enables UK public sector bodies to have instant access to a complete suite of professional construction consultancy services. These include asset management; construction design and management consultancy; building surveying; architecture, structural engineering; building services engineering and planning.

Public sector organisations can use the framework to supplement their own resources when delivering property and construction projects. Feedback highlighted that many state funded organisations like the flexibility of being able to choose how they can access support – either as an external consultancy or an in house service – so that option was retained in response to demand.

Scape awarded Faithful+Gould the contract, which commences on 1st September, on the basis of a high quality submission and the most competitive price. The framework has the potential to generate and contribute a total construction and projects value of £1bn to the Public Sector over a four-year period.

Mark Robinson, Scape’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We’re delighted to be working once again with Faithful+Gould in delivering a more holistic solution to our public sector clients. Many have told us about the difficulties they are facing in managing their estates with reduced budgets and fewer staff. We took the opportunity to respond to that challenge.

“By cutting out wasteful procurement processes, and offering a full range of design and technical services at an affordable price, authorities up and down the country will be better placed to access expert advice to achieve their facilities management programme targets in future.” 

Jon Sealy, Faithful+Gould’s UK Managing Director, commented: “Appointment to the new Asset Management, Surveying and Design Services framework represents a significant opportunity for Faithful+Gould, our supply chain and our SCAPE partners. It is rewarding that they have acknowledged that we were successful because of our high quality submission and the fact we also offered the public sector real value for money. We recognise these are hugely important factors and this valuable contract is a strong addition to our public sector portfolio.

Faithful+Gould was selected for a second term by Scape following a competitive OJEU compliant process. This saw six private sector firms compete for the contract at full tender stage.

Scape specialises in providing a range of national and regional procurement frameworks so that the UK public sector can procure construction services more quickly and efficiently without having to go through lengthy and costly OJEU processes. The firm also offers a range of tried and tested pre-designed building solutions across sectors including education, health, leisure and blue light services.

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Redland Acquires Technology for InDax Solar products from Schott SOLAR

Redland, part of the Monier Group, has strengthened its position as a technology leader for the interface of PV products to pitched roofs by acquiring Schott Solar’s InDaX technology for the manufacture of roof-integrated photovoltaics.

The contract was signed on 16 August 2012, and, in addition to the framing technology, includes the rights to use the InDaX name, as well as patents related to the product. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The acquisition is a strategic addition to our existing solar and roofing activities. We are planning to develop the InDaX system into a major part of our solar portfolio in future. We are confident that through the integration of this state-of-the-art technology we are well prepared for further growth in the promising in-roof segment along the lines of our strategic priorities”, says Pepyn Dinandt, CEO of the Monier Group.

The system is an essential part of the so-called portrait roof and has already been launched by Monier in Germany, Italy and South Eastern Europe. Further launches are planned for France later this year and the UK in January.

Through the acquisition Monier secures that both its own customers and customers of Schott Solar will continue to be able to be offered a premium in-roof product. “The InDaX allows Monier to tap into promising new distribution channels in the PV market. We are building on a technology that will allow us to more strongly benefit from a trend that sees solar systems becoming independent of feed-in-tariffs and being increasingly used for decentralised own consumption”, explains Jens Milnikel, Director of the Business Line Solar Roof Systems.

Experts from the business line and the Technical Centre of the Monier Group had already closely cooperated with Schott Solar for the market launch and further development of the InDaX system bringing in their leading roofing expertise.

Monier will not take over the PV laminate production, but rather build on partnerships with established manufacturers purchasing their systems, as it does for its other photovoltaic systems.

“By building on our proven model where we focus on leveraging our roofing expertise and partnering with quality PV-laminate manufacturers we will be able to offer a premium product. Experience from the markets shows that InDaX is the leading product in this segment. We are now able to also offer former Schott Solar customers who would have been forced to look elsewhere an attractive roof-integrated photovoltaic system”, says Dr Gerrit Sames, CTPO of the Monier Group.

In June this year, Schott had announced that it will cease production of crystalline photovoltaics. The equipment for framing and finishing, taken over by Monier, will be relocated to a company site north of Milan in Italy.

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LARKFLEET AND ECO-BUILDING PRODUCTS SPONSOR CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT AWARD

Housebuilder and developer Larkfleet Group and specialist builders’ merchant Eco Building Products are to sponsor Peterborough City Council’s 2012 Development and Environment Awards.

The awards aim to recognise design or construction projects which are innovative or lead the way in sustainable development.

It is the second time that the council has run the awards and the second time that Larkfleet has been involved – it also sponsored the first set of awards in 2010.

This year some new categories are being introduced and the awards now cover a range of projects from housing and commercial buildings to open spaces.

To be eligible, a project must have been completed between 1 June 2011 and 23 September 2012. The winners of the construction categories will be entered into the relevant category of the 2013 LABC (Local Authority Building Control) East Anglia Regional Awards.

Karl Hick, managing director of Larkfleet Group, said: “These awards are especially relevant to Larkfleet as the company is leading the way in building development.

“Houses built by Larkfleet Homes are more energy-efficient than those of any other builder operating in this area and many are fitted with technologies such as solar power generation. At the same time, other Larkfleet Group companies are involved in the development of innovative new building materials and processes and in retrofitting existing homes with energy-saving technologies.”

Eco Building Products, which is part of the Larkfleet Group, is a leading supplier of alternative energy technologies, insulation materials and other products aimed at making new and existing buildings ‘greener’.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “Peterborough has an excellent reputation for energy-efficient building and we hope these awards will help to further promote that approach to design and development in the local construction industry.”

Kevin Dawson of Peterborough City Council, said: "We are grateful to Larkfleet and Eco Building Products for their support for these awards. It is great to have Larkfleet involved for a second time.”

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RINGWAY MOBILISES IN PREPARATION FOR NEW HIGHWAYS CONTRACT

Ringway, the leading service provider for Local Authority Highways Term Maintenance, is currently mobilising in preparation for the new Highway Service Term contract with Hertfordshire County Council, which goes live on 1 October 2012.

The seven-year contract (with a potential five-year extension) is estimated to be worth approximately £35 million in the first full fiscal year. The contract will cover all aspects of road and footway maintenance and improvement, street lighting and winter service.

Matt Kelley, Ringway Divisional Manager, said: “We are obviously delighted to have secured this prestigious contract with Hertfordshire County Council and believe our commitment to quality at Ringway will ensure that all the work we are responsible for will make a real difference to the county in the months and years to come.”

Vince Gilbert, Head of Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, added: “We are looking forward to working closely with Ringway. Having followed a rigorous tender process to achieve the very best value for Hertfordshire and to deliver a local service which meets the needs of local people, we believe we have chosen the right company for the job.”

In carrying out small repairs and routine maintenance to winter maintenance and larger construction projects, Ringway will be able to deploy its vast experience and range of services across Hertfordshire.

Subject to performance, the Hertfordshire contract may grow in size and scope throughout the contract period, encompassing additional schemes and major maintenance projects. Awarded in March 2012, after an 18 month tender period which included an extensive period of competitive dialogue, the contract sees Ringway replacing the incumbent contractor, Amey Lafarge.

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Haul of stolen plant machinery recovered with TRACKER Plant

Police in Chorley, Staffordshire has recovered £300,000 worth of plant machinery, thanks to TRACKER. Police on the trail of a stolen vehicle, used its fitted TRACKER device to follow the signal to a remote farm, which led to the discovery of a haul of machinery and resulted in the arrest of three people. Large items of plant were found on the farm, including JCB diggers, Caterpillar vehicles, road rollers and forklift trucks, as well as an assortment of smaller items such as generators.

Using VHF and GPS technology, TRACKER’s SVR system enables the police to pin-point a stolen vehicle, whether it is hidden in a container or lock-up. To date TRACKER has recovered more than 19,500 stolen vehicles - worth a staggering £428 million - since 1993. Each month TRACKER helps to recover an average £2million worth of stolen vehicles.

Inspector Dave Challinor, commander of Burntwood neighbourhood policing unit said, “It was a good partnership, working with TRACKER and the police. This is a really good recovery of property believed to be stolen from all over the UK.”

“TRACKER is the only stolen vehicle recovery provider working with all 52 police forces in the UK and once again this partnership has proved a thorn in the criminal’s side,” explains Stuart Chapman, Police Relationship Manager for TRACKER. “The power of our unique vehicle recovery system helped police uncover a plant theft operation and a collection of vehicles worth over £300,000. By working together with police, we are sending a clear message to thieves, as well as helping to return stolen vehicles to their rightful owners.

“Security is a high priority for the plant sector, as thieves target sites for expensive pieces of machinery, as this case shows. With this in mind, we are bringing plant owners a powerful security system with the launch of TRACKER Plant. Designed specifically for the plant sector, this new product will help protect valuable assets and close the net on criminals.”

TRACKER Plant has been created to offer protection against the growing threat of plant theft. Based on TRACKER’s stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) system, TRACKER Plant significantly increases the chances of recovery. It is Thatcham approved, offering added quality assurance and the possibility of an insurance discount. Furthermore, TRACKER has combined the power of its SVR technology with its fleet tracking capabilities to ensure that TRACKER Plant enables owners and hirers of plant machinery to also monitor its actual usage on and off-site. This helps to boost efficiency whilst benefiting from the ultimate security system in the event of theft.

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Kier North Tyneside completes work on the final Decent Homes refurbishments in North Tyneside

Five years ago, local authorities were challenged to ensure that all of their council housing met the Decent Homes Standard by the end of 2010.

The basic principles of the Decent Homes Standard are:

It must meet the current statutory minimum standard for housing. Homes below this standard are those defined as unfit.

It must be in a reasonable state of repair. Homes which fail to meet this standard are those where either one or more of the key building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair; or two or more of the other building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing- or major repair

It must have reasonably modern facilities and services. Homes which fail to meet this standard are those which don't have three or more of the following:
- Reasonably modern kitchen (20-years-old or less)
- A kitchen with adequate space and layout
- A reasonably modern bathroom (30-years-old or less)
- An appropriately located bathroom and WC
- Adequate insulation against external noise (where external noise is a problem)
- Adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats

It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. This means that your home must have both effective insulation and efficient heating

Thanks to the council's 'Better Homes - Better Lives' programme, 8,359 properties in North Tyneside have benefited from a total investment of £150million in its housing stock. And on Friday 10 December, a property in Wallsend was the 8,360th and final home to undergo refurbishment work.

Tenant Diane Harbour, 46, is delighted with the work that has been carried out. She said: "The improvements to my home have been fantastic. The final works are now taking place as I'm getting new windows fitted, but since I moved in back in March 2007, I've had plenty of other improvements, such as new kitchen, bathroom, doors and radiators.

"All of the council staff and builders have been fantastic. They've respected me and respected my home, and kept me up to date with all of the jobs scheduled to take place, which have been carried out exactly when they said they would be. Also, I've loved how I've been able to make decisions with regards to design and layout, from choosing colours of paints to picking where I wanted my washing machine- it's those personal touches that make the property feel like home.

North Tyneside Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said: "I'm delighted that the work, on behalf of our tenants to bring housing up to the Decent Homes Standards with modern facilities, is almost complete. Our tenants deserve to have decent housing and this work has helped improve the quality of life for people living in the borough. Now our aim is to maintain the standard of these homes, which we will do through continued investment and by working closely with our tenants."

Kier North Tyneside is a joint venture company (JVCo) formed between North Tyneside Council and Kier Building Maintenance to deliver a repairs and maintenance service for North Tyneside's social housing and public buildings.

John Norton, Kier North Tyneside operations director, said: "We are proud to have been part of a project which will benefit local residents for years to come. By working in partnership with our colleagues at North Tyneside Council, we believe we have made a real difference in improving the quality of life for people across the region. We have been working on improving homes through the Decent Homes programme since we started working with the council in September 2009, and it is testament to the team involved that this work has been completed on time and to budget."

Since March 2006, properties brought up to the Decent Home Standard have benefitted from a range of home improvements, including new kitchens, bathrooms, PVCU window and doors, electrical rewiring, central heating upgrades and roof covering replacements.

North Tyneside Council has also worked with its tenants to agree the quality and choice of fixtures and fittings installed in their homes to ensure it exceeds the government's minimum standards. Tenants have been able to choose different colours and styles of kitchen unit doors, worktops, wall tiles, taps, PVCU doors and gas or electric fires when completing work in their homes. Additionally, North Tyneside Council has focussed on improving the energy efficiency of its homes by installing a range of energy efficient products.

In conjunction with Warmzone, the local authority has put in cavity wall and loft insulation to reduce energy costs, as well as installing high efficiency condensing boilers and PVCU double glazed windows and doors, saving tenants over £8.9m in energy bills, along with reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 48.5 tonnes. And over the next five years, approximately £80m will be spent on maintaining properties to the Decent Homes standard.

In March 2006 the council had 9,392 non-decent properties, representing 58 per cent of its stock that failed the decent home standard. By the end of this year, the council will only have its sheltered units classed as non decent, amounting to six per cent of its stock, which are being addressed through the Quality Homes for Older People project.

Cllr John Goodfellow, cabinet member for Housing said: "The Quality Homes for Older People project is revitalising sheltered housing in North Tyneside and is ensuring the council meets the Decent Homes standard."

This programme is supported by £112.5m in PFI credits from the Government's Private Finance Initiative and will take place between 2011 and 2015.

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Construction Cruise planned for North Africa in September 2013

A Construction Cruise is planned for four cities, three countries in the North Africa in September 2013, encompassing stops in Algeria, Tunisia, Tripoli- Libya and Benghazi-Libya.

The sparkling sailing trip is being run by Expotim International Fair Organisation Inc. and is showcased on

Those on the trip will be able to meet with the sector professionals in each country during the 10-day period.

“CONSTRUCTION CRUISE NORTH AFRICA INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION and CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS EXHIBITIONS cultivate firm relationship with related customers, oversee the market&competitors, scrutinize needs and behaviors of professional buyers but also, enables the exhibitors to introduce and promote their company in 3 different countries” the event's website says.

The company says the advantages of the Construction Cruise will include its time efficiency, building brand image in specialised industry events in 3 countries, Luxurious accommodation and its networking opportunities.c

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Timber Expo 2012 to focus on importance of correct specification, installation and maintenance of passive fire protection products within timber frame construction

Chiltern International Fire (CIF) will be exhibiting at Timber Expo 2012 as an official show partner, this year highlighting the importance of passive fire protection.

Visitors to CIF’s stand will get an overview of the range of services the company offers, including its redeveloped fire resistance testing facilities and training opportunities. The particular focus this year will be on the importance of correct specification, installation and maintenance of passive fire protection products within timber frame construction and how CIF can help companies ensure they meet the required standards.

In addition, Peter Barker will be presenting on Passive Fire Protection during the afternoon of the 25 September in Theatre 2. This will be based on one of the company’s popular training days.

Mark Cummings, Deputy Technical Manager, said: “Timber Expo is an excellent platform to demonstrate our expertise on fire-related issues, to meet clients – established ones as well as potential new ones – and to really be part of the exhibition by presenting topical seminars.”

Other activity CIF is undertaking at the exhibition is:

‘Fire Protection Measures – Understanding Your Responsibilities’ – a half day seminar on the morning of the 25 September, in the Aylesford Lounge, Floor 2 of the Ricoh Arena. This is being run in association with ASFP, FPA, BM TRADA Certification and legal firm Browne Jacobson. It will be a free event and delegates will also be able to visit Timber Expo in the afternoon.

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Advances in Civil Engineering Materials and Materials Performance and Characterization: two journals to be launched by ASTM

ASTM International, known worldwide for its 13,000+ technical standards and its thousands of related publications, is launching two new journals: Advances in Civil Engineering Materials (ACEM) and Materials Performance and Characterization (MPC).

Advances in Civil Engineering Materials (ACEM) publishes high quality articles on the properties and performance of materials such as concrete, asphalt, steel, polymers and polymeric composites, and wood for use in pavements, bridges and buildings, and other related applications.

Materials Performance and Characterization (MPC) seeks articles about both the theoretical and practical aspects of the structure, processing, properties and performance of materials used in mechanical, transportation, aerospace, energy systems and medical devices. These materials include metals and alloys, glass and ceramics, polymers, composite materials, textiles and nanomaterials.

Advances in Civil Engineering Materials and Materials Performance and Characterization are peer-reviewed and online only. Both journals are currently seeking original technical papers, review papers and technical notes.

All papers submitted for publication to ASTM International go through a meticulous process of peer-review and editing to ensure the highest quality information available. A total of 17 papers have already been posted and additional papers will be added throughout the year. In addition, both journals will also feature special issues focusing on particularly important topics in each of these rapidly changing fields.

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3M TO SHOWCASE NEW ADVANCED PIPE LINING SOLUTION AT NO-DIG 2012

Diversified technology company 3M will unveil two novel solutions to aid asset management in the utilities sector on stand 303 at No-Dig Live 2012 to be held from 2-4 October at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry.

Scotchkote Pipe Renewal Liner 2400 from 3M is a liquid lining solution for BS EN ISO 11295:2010 Class D (water quality) which can also be applied at specified lining thickness to help provide structural enhancement in excess of Class B requirements for potable water pipe lining applications.

Drawing on 3M’s extensive experience in coatings technology, the product has a 1:1 volume mix ratio, and is formulated using advanced aliphatic polyurea chemistry, helping to both minimise water absorption and extend design life, ensuring rapid cure and restoration of the pipe to service. The new product has undergone stringent testing at locations across the globe and is suitable for ductile iron, cast iron, steel and non-asphaltic cement mortar lined (CML) pipes in diameters between 4” and 24”.

Also on display will be a new liquid metal based system for the rapid restoration of sunken or rocking access covers, helping to negate the labour and traffic diversion costs traditionally associated with access cover maintenance. Using a compound which is simple to mix and apply, manhole covers with many years of life left in them can be quickly restored to a stable, correct position in relation to the surrounding road surface. The system comes in a kit which contains everything needed to perform the task, including tools and consumables.

Meanwhile, stand visitors can discover more about the latest techniques for the application of protective coatings to pipe interior surfaces through a process developed by Whirlwind UK, a leading innovator in contract services for water pipe rehabilitation and a key strategic partner to 3M in the utilities sector.

Paul Woolvine, General Sales & Marketing Manager – Infrastructure Protection Products at 3M, commented: “Extracting maximum service life from pipes is a key business driver for water companies and was a major reason for the development of the new lining product. Applied by authorised applicators and quick to cure, it rapidly and consistently restores water pipes to serviceable condition and helps meet both current and future AMP specifications. “Our access cover repair solution has once again been designed to help reduce the cost of asset management, extending the life of these products through a simple-to-apply solution which minimises traffic disruption and labour costs.”

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ARMACELL SECURES CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH BRITISH GAS

Working for Wandle Housing Association, family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services business, Osborne, has completed Clarson House – a £16 million residential development on Camberwell New Road in London SE5.

The development comprises 103 flats and maisonettes in four blocks arranged around a central courtyard. The homes will be a mix of social rented and shared ownership, and include 11 units for disabled residents and three commercial units at street level.

The homes have all been built to the Code for Sustainable Homes level 3. To ensure a positive impact on the local environment there is a children’s playground in the centre of the square, wild grass has been seeded on part of the roof space and bird boxes have been installed.

Gary Bellenger, Head of Asset Investment at Wandle, said: “Wandle is proud to be making a signicficant contribution to the regeneration of the the Elephant and Castle area. Clarson House is a landmark new building for London Borough of Southwark residents, which provides good quality affordable homes with local transport and facilities nearby.”

Sara Thakkar, Chief Executive at Wandle, said: “Wandle continues to do what it does best – working with strong partners to build innovative, sustainable and affordable homes for Londoners. Our financial strength and our continued ability to provide mixed tenure homes enables us to invest in shaping Southwark as a truly vibrant community where people want to live and work.”

Stephen Scard, head of Osborne’s homes team, said: “This development was designed to offer residents a range of options – right down to 57 possible layouts and 43 types of kitchen – so that each home is different and new residents could quickly make each one their own. It was an extra challenge to ensure that each apartment and maisonette was built to the right specification and same standards but the end result is a very high quality development that should be a great success for Wandle Housing Association.”

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Miller Construction commence works on 8th school in Leicester BSF Programme

Miller Construction has commenced works on Children’s Hospital School, Willow Bank, the eighth school to benefit from the Leicester Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

With funding of £2 million, the school will undergo a full refurbishment and benefit from new ICT systems. Works are expected to be completed in February 2013.

Chris Webster, Chief Executive, Miller Construction, said: “We are delighted to have commenced works on Children’s Hospital School and kick-started phase three of the Leicester BSF Programme. We established a successful partnership with Leicester City Council during the delivery of the first phase and through our continued work on the second phase.

“We are currently on site with three schools in the second phase, Rushey Mead Secondary School, Crown Hills Community College and City of Leicester College, and look forward to delivering phase three. We are confident that by continuing close collaboration with Leicester City Council, the learning environments delivered will more than meet 21st Century education demands.”

Children’s Hospital School marks the first school in the third phase of the programme, which will see the delivery of a further three new schools: St Paul’s Catholic School, a mixture of both new build and major refurbishment works; and Hamilton School and Netherhall School, two separate schools on one site, which will involve a new co-location of a Special Education Needs school with a secondary school.

Councillor Vi Dempster, Assistant City Mayor, said: “I am delighted that work has started on site at Children's Hospital School. The BSF programme is becoming more and more exciting as each new school enters into the construction phase of their project. This can only be good news, not only for the current and future students at these schools but also for the city as a whole, as the programme brings new employment opportunities."

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National awards recognises partnership putting customers at the heart of decision making

Kier Stoke and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have won a national Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Award. The partnership was announced the winner of the Excellence in Working Together category for its project ‘Reigniting the Customer Experience’ at the central region finals earlier in the year and has now gone on to win the category nationally.

The award recognises Kier Stoke and Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s work to ensure their responsive repairs service was both time efficient and cost effective, while meeting the needs of the local community.

The winning project began in May 2010 with Kier Stoke working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to launch a ‘systems thinking’ review of its service provision. A team made up of representatives from the two organisations and residents monitored customer calls, visited the contact centre and followed the responsive repair logging process from the initial call through to completion.

In order to implement the recommendations made by the team, a new dedicated call centre was launched - initially as a trial including a small number of residents in August 2010 - and then rolled out across the city in January 2011. The centre has reduced call waiting times for residents from five minutes to an average of just one minute, and it now takes an average of only three minutes for the initial call to be logged.

The changes introduced improved performance dramatically; the average repair on a social housing property is now undertaken in four days (97 hours) and, on average, customers now rate the service as 9.9 when asked for a score out of 10.

Kier regional managing director, David Mawson, said: “We are delighted to have received national recognition for the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm that have been evident from both Kier Stoke and Stoke-on-Trent City Council through this project, which ensures we deliver an unsurpassed service. To receive a TPAS Award is a superb accolade and demonstrates the commitment from both organisations to true partnership working.”

Cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and community safety, Cllr Janine Bridges, said: “To receive national recognition for the good practices being undertaken by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, our tenants, and our partners Kier is a wonderful achievement for all concerned. We want to make Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live, as outlined in our Mandate for Change, and by ensuring our customer responses are more efficient and client driven we are making great strides to achieving that goal.”

Michelle Reid, chief executive of TPAS, warmly congratulated the project on its success: "Reigniting the Customer Experience was a project that showed genuine collaborative work between tenants, landlord and the contractor. It helped all involved learn to challenge old system shortcomings to tailor a new approach with excellent results.”

The TPAS Awards are open to social housing providers, tenants and contractors to give recognition to excellent work and, vitally, to share best practice among the sector so more people benefit.

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Historic Peterborough Restaurant Scheme Secured by ISG

ISG has been awarded a project to create a new Carluccio’s restaurant and a speculative retail unit by developer Hammerson. The scheme will link the property firm’s Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough with the adjacent Grade II listed Miss Pears Building.

ISG is already on site at Queensgate Shopping Centre delivering a scheme to create a new two storey Primark store for Hammerson. This latest project will see the contractor complete refurbishment, extension and new-build elements over a tight, 15-week programme, while tackling the challenges of a listed building and severely restricted site access.

The Miss Pears Building is a former 1860s alms house, which was extended in 1902 following a donation by the eponymous Miss Pears. Until recently, the area of the building that will become the Carluccio’s restaurant was a tea room and ISG will carry out a complete strip out, including demolition of some interior walls and creation of new door openings. An extension to the side of the existing building will complete the new restaurant space and ISG will hand over the scheme as a shell ready for fit out by Carluccio’s in early September.

The new-build retail unit will be located on the corner of the alms house and the shopping centre, connecting the two buildings. The original façade of the alms house will be retained as the rear internal wall of the unit, complete with leaded windows, and the side wall will be formed by the adjoining shopping centre. ISG will erect a steel frame with a reconstituted stone façade and curved glass frontage to create the retail unit and install a stainless steel coated roof. The unit will also be handed over as a shell ready for fit out by the new tenant.

ISG’s Phillip Allerton, managing director – East, commented: “This is an innovative project that will maximise the impact of the architectural features of the Miss Pears Building, while providing contemporary accommodation for Carluccio’s and the new retail tenant. It is an excellent example of how ingenious design can maximise the footprint and value of a client’s property assets and we are confident that our project management experience and proactive approach to overcoming logistical challenges will contribute to an outstanding construction solution.”

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Michelin to provide and maintain tyres for Komatsu trucks at China Coal Pingshuo

China's leading producer of coal from open-cast mines (73 million tonnes in 2007), China Coal Pingshuo has contracted Michelin to provide and maintain 53/80R63 tyres for the Komatsu 930E trucks that it operates in the mine.

The leader in the Chinese market for giant 63-inch tyres, Michelin had previously signed a tyre supply contract with Pingshuo in May 2007. In May 2008, the same customer chose Michelin as its 2007 Supplier of the Year from a list of 186 companies.

The services, which Michelin will begin to provide with immediate effect, will help to extend tyre life, thereby keeping the mine's vehicles operational for longer periods. This in turn will help to reduce operating costs and increase productivity, while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The goal of the service contract is to optimise conditions of use for the 63-inch tyres fitted on vehicles operated in the mine. To achieve this goal, specialist Michelin technicians, in cooperation with teams from China Coal Pingshuo, will manage the service shop, where tyres will be fitted, removed and repaired. Tyre pressures will be checked and maintained at the right levels, and other operations will be carried out to ensure that tyres are used in the best possible conditions.

At a time when raw materials and tyres are in short supply, this partnership with China Coal Pingshuo demonstrates Michelin's commitment to supporting its customers' efforts to reduce operating costs while ensuring the highest standards of workplace safety.

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Bloor Homes to be supplied with tangle free wall ties by Tec Ties

Tec Ties, the tangle free tie company, has won a contract to supply its closed end, tangle free wall ties to national housebuilders Bloor Homes.

Tec Ties will supply Bloor Homes’ building sites via Browns Builders’ Merchants Limited in Derby.

Bob McGrouther, National Sales Manager for Tec Ties, said: “Bloor Homes has decided to use our tangle free closed end wall ties for their health and safety benefits.

“The closed end of the wall tie prevents tangling and is an in-built safety feature to eliminate accidents and injury to those on site.”

He added: “We are delighted that the safety aspects of our products have been recognised by national housebuilder Bloor Homes. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship with both Bloor Homes and Browns Builders’ Merchants.”

Chris Burton, Group Commercial Director, of Bloor Homes, said: “Bloor Homes were looking for a closed end wall tie that would prevent any snagging. Tec Ties provides the ideal solution.”

Jerry Wheeler, Managing Director of Browns Builders’ Merchants Limited, said: “We are delighted to be asked by national housebuilders Bloor Homes to supply these innovative wall ties to their building sites and to extend our existing relationship with them further.”

Based in New Mills, in Derbyshire, Tec Ties manufactures a range of construction fixings, including the tangle free wall ties.

“Bricklayers do not have the time or inclination to untangle wall ties so Tec Ties tangle free ties offer a no waste, low cost solution to builders and contractors," said Bob McGrouther.

Tec Ties supplies the tangle free wall ties in bundles, rather than boxes, which removes packaging waste and makes them easier to store, particularly in inclement weather. The stainless steel tangle free wall ties provide excellent corrosion resistance and long term durability.

The company’s products range from cavity wall ties to restraint ties, movement ties, starter ties, replacement wall ties, and remedial ties, through to wind post and brickwork supports, sliding anchors, channel systems, masonry reinforcement, timber connectors, and plasterers beads.

Tec Ties’ best selling wall ties include:
1. TT4 Housing Ties
2. TT2 General Purpose Ties
3. TTDT Double Triangle Ties
4. TTSPE Movement Ties
5. TTID Insulation Discs
6. TTFC Frame Cramps, and
7. TTTF Timber Frame Ties

Tec Ties distributes its range of products through builders’ merchants across the UK.

Tec Ties was established in 2003 by its owners, Managing Director Bob Wood and Finance Director Diane Morlidge, who entered the construction fixings market with their unique range of cavity wall ties.

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Wool Has Firm Designs on a Future in Architecture

The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) has helped architects from across the world see wool in an entirely new light, through an initiative which aims to drive a wool renaissance programme.

Members of the IWTO executive, of which Jo Dawson from H. Dawson Wool is Treasurer, met with a number of prominent architects in New Zealand, one of the world’s major wool growing nations, to demonstrate how wool can be used in modern design and architecture. Those involved – who came from nations including Japan, Germany, France and the USA - were then encouraged to come up with ideas to use wool in unusual and innovative ways. The result was the production of prototypes, products and projects which used wool, rather than man-made or synthetic products.

IWTO produced a book to commemorate the project, entitled ‘Wool in Architecture and Interior Design.’ The book serves as a lasting reminder of the work carried out and products created following the initiative.

Treasurer of IWTO, Jo Dawson, said: “The results of the IWTO’s collaboration with the architects were staggering. By seeing wool as a raw material with strength, beauty, flexibility and incredible capabilities, the architects were able to work it into designs where it would never normally have been present. The book which was produced demonstrates the range of potential applications and the creative potential of wool in the built environment.”
Peter Ackroyd, President of IWTO, said: “My predecessor, Gunther Beier, who pioneered this project, recently noted that everyone knew about the use of wool in carpets and curtains, however none of the participants were aware of the fact that wool is an ecological insulation material, which as well as being fire retardant, is environmentally friendly, natural, renewable and sustainable as well as being fully biodegradable.

“The architects were able to use this new information about the properties of wool to develop some extremely interesting applications. New products were created and a number of innovative project ideas were produced as a result.”

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