Category: Industry news

Infrastructure Market Update: August 2021

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

Highways England sets out ambitious Net Zero Carbon Strategy:

Highways England announce their Corporate emissions, Maintenance & Construction emissions and Road user emissions in their Net Zero Carbon strategy. Find out More>>

Natural England sets outs ‘Defra 3’ biodiversity net gain metric :

Natural England launches the finalised metric, known as ‘Defra 3.0’, which will accompany the forthcoming Environment Bill. The metric provides a way of quantifying the habitat value of a site pre and post development with a proposed requirement that all development sites must achieve at least a 10% net gain post development. Read More>>

Supply Chain Sustainability School is shortlisted for two Construction News Awards:

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has been shortlisted in two categories at the Construction News Awards, Outstanding Contribution to the Industry and Supply Chain Excellence with Highways England. Find out More>>

August’s featured topic: Offsite

To build a more profitable and sustainable industry new and smarter construction techniques are needed. Offsite is making construction leaner, greener and more efficient.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of Offsite in the Infrastructure sector.

Offsite resources recommended for you this month:

Offsite Fundamentals -Systems – This interactive e-learning module provides an explanation of offsite, the common systems and materials used and the modern methods of construction hierarchy. Watch the Module>>

Offsite Procurement –  John Skivington, Direct at LHC provides an overview of offsite procurement in this short video. Watch the Video>>

CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre- Assembly Toolkit –  This standardisation and pre-assembly procedure are applied through a series of reviews. Guidance on key issues for S&P workshops is also found in this tool. View the Toolkit>>

Nudge Theory Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Join us on the 18th August from 11:00am -12:00pm at our Nudge Theory Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

This webinar provides an introduction to using behavioural science, or nudge theory, to drive sustainability improvements in an organisation.

By attending this session you will:

• Understand the key concepts and principles of altering behaviour using behavioural science insights or ‘nudge theory’
• Recognise how to apply this approach to sustainability problems
• Be given examples some nudges that have been shown to make people behave more sustainably
• Learn to design your own ‘nudges’ to drive sustainability improvements in your workplace

REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about Infrastructure or the School please contact [email protected]

We’re pleased to announce that we are industry partners of this year’s Offsite Expo, which will be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 21^st and 22^nd September. Our sector experts will be taking part in masterclasses on Training & Skills and Digital innovation, and attendees will also be able to check out our ‘Offsite for Everyone’ workshops focused on a range of job roles. We will be sharing registration links for these workshops over the next couple of weeks, but for now make sure you register for your free place at the conference here.

DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work

A key project of our Offsite group this year, the new DfMA Overlay is coming along well, and has raised some interesting discussions. We’ll be launching the Overlay in a virtual conference with keynote speaker Mark Farmer and other expert panellists on the 15^th September, so make a note in your diary and we will release the registration link soon.

Offsite training needs assessment

Another project for this year is updating the School’s Offsite training needs assessment, which we decided was in need of a refresh. The new assessment will be more similar to our Digital assessment, with descriptive maturity statements so learners can more easily benchmark their knowledge level. We hope to launch this in the next couple of months.

Upcoming training sessions

• Offsite for Project Managers Workshop, 13^th July 1-4PM. Register now
• Construction Playbook: An Offsite Response Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 20^th July, 1-2PM. Register now
• Offsite Fundamentals Workshop, 4^th August, 1-4PM. Register now
• Offsite for Quantity Surveyors and Cost Consultants Workshop, 7^th September, 9AM-12PM. Register now.

In case you missed it…

We joined forces with the Smart Construction Network on 22 June for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of play of homes retrofit in the UK, with some fantastic speakers. You can catch up via the recording which is now available on our YouTube channel. Watch now

Offsite resources recommended for you this month

NEW: CIRIA Offsite Standardisation and Pre-Assembly Toolkit – we found this a really useful resource to help facilitate the development of a project-wide strategy for pre-assembly. Get started

NEW: Construction Playbook Webinar Recording – we were joined recently by John Handscombe from Akerlof for a discussion on the government’s Construction Playbook. Watch video

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The list of resources will advise you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials.

You can also benchmark your company’s offsite maturity here.

Top Stories for Scotland this Month

Covid in Scotland: Sturgeon to confirm delay to lockdown easing

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to confirm a delay to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland. The first minister signalled the move to level zero – the lowest in the five-tier system – was likely to be pushed back by three weeks.

Read More

Investment of £26m to develop Energy Transition Zone in Aberdeen

More than £26 million is being invested in a major initiative in Aberdeen to accelerate the energy sector’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Read More

City Building starts work on its own training college

Scottish construction firm City Building has begun work on its new training college.

Read More

Waste and Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month

Introduction to Waste

Watch this 45-minute module providing an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal

Watch Now

Embracing The Circular Economy In Your Business

You’re considering (perhaps even committing to) changing to or developing a circular business model, which is great news. This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model.

Get Started

Case Study: Protec Closed Loop Scheme

A case study from Protec Temporary Protection on their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site.

Watch Now

Recommended from Scotland

Have you been to our market page recently? To learn about how we support the construction industry in Scotland to deliver more sustainable projects and see all our resources, make sure you have a read through our page

Take a Look

Recycle for Scotland

Take a look at Zero Waste Scotland’s Website to get more information and guidance on waste and recycling in Scotland.

Read Now

Waste, Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy In Scotland: Part 1 and 2

This 2 part self-enrol learning pathway provides an ideal blend of learning and information on the interrelated subjects of waste reduction, resource efficiency and the circular economy.

To access these, head to your dashboard and click on ‘Available Pathways’ and click enrol.

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self-assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The benefit of assessing is that it provides a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials…

Learn more >>

Wales Market Update: July 2021

Top stories for Wales this month:

School Partner Bouygues appointed for new Kingsway Scheme in Swansea:

Bouygues UK will start work this summer on construction of the multi-million scheme at the 71/72 The Kingsway site. The major new high-tech office development will provide space for 600 jobs in Swansea city centre. Find out More>>

Optimised Retrofit Project:

Optimised Retrofit is the retrofit of an existing home which provides effective, practical pathways to take that home to its lowest achievable carbon footprint. The Optimised Retrofit project will see more than 1,724 homes across Wales made more energy-efficient. Find out more about the project>>

A Fit for Future Programme for Government:

The ‘Fit for the Future Programme for Government’ is the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales  set of proposals to the new Government with the aim to deliver a prosperous, green, and equal recovery from COVID-19. Read More>>

July’s featured topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

Reducing waste has many benefits, it can save money, time and enhance business reputation.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of reducing waste in Wales.

Waste & Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month:

Introduction to Waste – This interactive e-learning module provides an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal. Watch the module>>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your business –  Considering (perhaps even committing to) changing or developing a circular business model? This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model. Read More>>

Protec Closed Loop Scheme Case Study –  Jim Riley – Major Projects & UK Sustainability Manager at Protec discusses their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site. Watch the video>>

Benchmark your Sustainability knowledge!

Our free Maturity Matrix tool has been designed to help you assess your company’s current Sustainability strengths and to identify the areas in which you can develop your competencies.

The assessment will help to benchmark your current knowledge of sustainability topics and then generate a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where your company should focus learning, with direct links to top resources. Get started today! 

ASSESS NOW >

If you have questions about Wales or the School please contact [email protected]

Infrastructure Market Update: July 2021

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

UK Infrastructure Bank opens for business:

The UK Infrastructure Bank will be tasked with accelerating investment into ambitious infrastructure projects, cutting emissions and levelling up every part of the UK.

First announced by the Chancellor alongside the Spending Review, the Bank will help to finance important projects in every region and nation of the UK in sectors including clean energy, transport, digital, water and waste. Find out More>>

HS2 starts race for £370m interchange station scheme:

The interchange scheme at Solihull is announced as the  last major station job on the first phase of HS2. The station will include an automated people mover, which will link to the NEC, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport, and carry up to 2,100 passengers an hour in each direction, with a service every three minutes along a 2.3km route. Read More>>

Infrastructure dominates May contracts awards:

Glenigan data states that the sector accounted for around a quarter of the value of all contracts handed out in May. Learn More>>

July’s featured topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

Reducing waste has many benefits, it can save money, time and enhance business reputation.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of reducing waste in the Infrastructure sector.

Waste & Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month:

Introduction to Waste – This interactive e-learning module provides an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal. Watch the module>>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your business –  Considering (perhaps even committing to) changing or developing a circular business model? This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model. Read More>>

Protec Closed Loop Scheme Case Study –  Jim Riley – Major Projects & UK Sustainability Manager at Protec discusses their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site. Watch the video>>

‘Bang on Budget’

Join us on the 7th July from 11:00am -12:00pm at our ‘Bang on Budget’ Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

The aim of this webinar is to help you improve your personal financial management.

By attending this session you will:

• Understand the nature of your debt situation
• Learn some practical tools to reduce debt
• Learn strategies to spend less money

REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about Infrastructure or the School please contact [email protected]

FM Market Update: July 2021

Top stories for FM this month:

Lawful Change:

Danielle Tonks, Business Development Manager and Law Firm Specialist for CBRE Global Workplace Solutions, offers valuable insight into the changing workplace patterns for the legal sector. Read More>>

Carry on at your Convenience:

Richard Braid, MD of Cistermiser looks at ways of balancing inclusivity and practicality when considering gender-neutral washrooms in workplaces and public areas. Find out More>>

Cleanology wins on Fair Pay:

Cleaning firm Cleanology’s long term commitment to fair pay in the cleaning industry has resulted in them being named winner of the Recognised Service Provider 2021 category at the recent Living Wage Champion Awards. Learn More>>

July’s featured topic: Waste & Resource Efficiency 

Reducing waste has many benefits, it can save money, time and enhance business reputation.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of reducing waste in the FM sector.

Waste & Resource Efficiency resources recommended for you this month:

Introduction to Waste – This interactive e-learning module provides an overview of waste diversion benefits and principles, as well as legislation concerning waste disposal. Watch the module>>

Embracing the Circular Economy in your business –  Considering (perhaps even committing to) changing or developing a circular business model? This guide will get you started; walking you through five steps to help you embrace the circular economy in your business by enabling a circular business model. Read More>>

Protec Closed Loop Scheme Case Study –  Jim Riley – Major Projects & UK Sustainability Manager at Protec discusses their closed loop scheme for waste materials on site. Watch the video>>

‘Bang on Budget’

Join us on the 7th July from 11:00am -12:00pm at our ‘Bang on Budget’ Lunch ‘n’ Learn!

The aim of this webinar is to help you improve your personal financial management.

By attending this session you will:

• Understand the nature of your debt situation
• Learn some practical tools to reduce debt
• Learn strategies to spend less money

REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about FM or the School please contact [email protected]

To meet our challenging carbon targets we must accelerate the speed that we are tackling the energy efficiency of the 27 million homes that need to be retrofitted by 2045. Smart Construction provides new materials, new technologies and new processes that can all help.

On 22^nd June, 2:15-4pm, don’t miss our virtual Business Bytes conference alongside the Smart Construction Network, Tackling the retrofit challenge through Smart Construction.

Register now

Upcoming training sessions

On 4th June, 1-2PM, we’ll be joined by Ken Farnon of Cooley Construction Services for a Lunch ‘n’ learn webinar: A question of perspective; tales from an offsite project manager. Register now

We also have a Lunch ‘n’ learn on the Construction Playbook with Akerlof on 15th June, 13:00-14:00. Register now

An Offsite for Designers virtual workshop will be held on 11th June, 9:00-12:00. Register now

We’re also running Offsite for Project Managers on 13th July, 1-4pm. Register now

If you missed our last session of Offsite Fundamentals, don’t worry as we will be running it again 4th August 1-4PM. Register now

In case you missed it…

On Tuesday 25th May we held a virtual UK – French conference in collaboration with Campus Hors-Site, Net Zero Carbon Homes – Does offsite construction provide a solution? If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.

Offsite resources recommended for you this month

Learn what designers need to do differently when adopting an offsite solution rather than a traditional build, with the Introduction to Offsite – Design e-learning module. Get Started

Buildoffsite have published an Offsite sector response to the government’s Construction Playbook, which you can access here.

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The list of resources will advise you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials.

You can also benchmark your company’s offsite maturity here.

Top Stories for Scotland this Month

Housebuilder appoints ‘Green Team’ to help meet environmental goals

HOUSEBUILDER CALA (East) has appointed a dedicated ‘Green Team’ to help meet the company’s sustainability ambitions Read More

Amey Consulting wins Clyde bridge design contract

The work will align associated and new roads to the 184-metre road bridge to be built over the River Clyde, as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal Read More

Location revealed for Dundee’s Eden Project

The former Dundee Gasworks site has been revealed as the preferred site to host the “transformational and regenerative” Eden Project Dundee tourist attraction Read More

Wellbeing resources recommended for you this month

Wellbeing in the Built Environment

This discussion paper charts the activities of the Wellbeing Special Interest Group explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarises observations of current wellbeing activity in the sector.

Take a Look

Happiness and Work

The preeminent happiness researcher shares some surprising results on connecting well-being, mental health, and how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work

Watch Now

Why Invest in Employee Wellbeing?

The term wellbeing covers many aspects of the way we feel about our lives, jobs, and relationships. Our feelings of well-being at work are influenced by day to day experiences with colleagues and management, how purposeful we feel and the work that we do. Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself.

Get Started

New for Scotland this Month

See our latest learning Pathways and any new events for Scotland

Supply Chain Optimisation: 23rd June

A 2-hour interactive workshop to discuss common barriers and enablers to effective supply chain collaboration and explore shared solutions which bring efficiency, added value and better outcomes for clients, prime contractors and their supply chain partners.

Register Now 

Homes Packaging Innovation Showcase: 24th June

Reducing and rethinking packaging is one of the biggest waste and resource efficiency challenges we face. Achieving cost reduction and fitness for purpose in the face of policy changes such as the imminent Plastic Packaging Tax and other Government led packaging waste reforms will challenge suppliers and customers in the built environment supply chain like never before. Register for this Business Bytes to learn more.

Register Today

Waste, Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy In Scotland: Part 1 and 2

This 2 part self-enrol learning pathway provides an ideal blend of learning and information on the interrelated subjects of waste reduction, resource efficiency and the circular economy.

To access these, head to your dashboard and click on ‘Available Pathways’ and click enrol.

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self-assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The benefit of assessing is that it provides a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials…

Learn More

FM Market Update: June 2021

Top stories for FM this month:

Facilities Show turn it attention to month – long virtual event:

Facilities Show Connect (1-30 June 2021) will bring together the global facilities industry through an online marketplace and virtual meetings. In place of an in-person event the Facilities Show team will this year host Connect, an immersive, AI-powered, online experience that gives attendees the opportunity to engage with new international suppliers and peers through an online marketplace and tailored meeting recommendations throughout June 2021. Find out More>>

Waste Adjustment:

As workplaces prepare for reoccupation, the role of waste management experts is more important than ever to help customers navigate uncharted territory and meet their environmental waste targets, reports Sara Bean for FMJ. Read More>>

Recycling consultation prepares ground for new legislation:

As part of the Government’s commitment to move towards a circular economy and net zero emissions, Defra is consulting on how to increase consistency in collection of recyclable materials from domestic and non-domestic premises in England. Learn More>>

June’s featured topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of considering wellbeing in the Facilities Management sector.

Wellbeing Resources recommended for you this month:

Wellbeing in the built environment- This document explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector. Read more>>

Happiness and Work- Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work. Watch the video>>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself. Find out more>>

Delivering Social Value in FM

Join VINCI Facilities at our ‘Delivering Social Value in FM’ Lunch N Learn on the 10th June – 11:00am -12:00pm.

VINCI Facilities will discuss their approach to creating social value. VINCI Facilities became the first Facilities Management and Building Solutions company to join Social Value UK, the national network in raising the profile of social value and social impact.

At this lunch n learn you will:

• Find out about VINCI Facilities business model, and how they use their commercial operations to support and sustain programmes for educational and residential support.
• Discover how VINCI Facilities measure, monetise and report social value.
• Have an opportunity to submit questions to VINCI Facilities during a live Q&A session.

REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about FM or the School please contact [email protected]

Infrastructure Market Update: June 2021

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

Environment Agency- reaching net zero by 2030:

The Environment Agency outline their road map for cutting carbon emissions and reaching net zero by 2030. This document sets out their commitment to cut our carbon emissions by at least 45% and offset the rest. It breaks down the sources of their emissions and the tangible actions they will take to reduce them. Find out more.

Laing O’Rourke sets sustainability and diversity targets:

School Partner Laing O’Rourke has set itself the target of being net zero in operations by 2030 and having equal numbers of male and female employees by 2033. The organisation’s decarbonisation target also sees the company develop a plan to tackle Scope 3 (indirect) emissions by 2050. Read more.

New state -control body to run rail projects:

The Transport Secretary announces that Great British Railways, a state-owned body  will set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England and manage all infrastructure. GBR will come into effect in 2023 and replace Network Rail as manager of rail infrastructure in the UK.  Learn more.

June’s featured topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of considering wellbeing in the Infrastructure sector.

Wellbeing Resources recommended for you this month:

Wellbeing in the built environment- This document explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector. Read more>>

Happiness and Work- Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work. Watch the video>>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself. Find out more>>

Benchmark your Sustainability knowledge!

Our free Maturity Matrix tool has been designed to help you assess your company’s current Sustainability strengths and to identify the areas in which you can develop your competencies.

The assessment will help to benchmark your current knowledge of sustainability topics and then generate a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where your company should focus learning, with direct links to top resources. Get started today! 

ASSESS NOW >

If you have questions about Infrastructure or the School please contact [email protected]

WATES ANNOUNCE ONLINE INNOVATION PORTAL TO BOOST TRANSITION TO NET ZERO

The Supply Chain Sustainability School are pleased to support and promote Wates’ new self-service, interactive and intelligent marketplace for sustainable technologies.

The Wates Innovation Network (WIN) portal is the first initiative of its kind and has been created by the Wates Group, one of the UK’s leading family-owned construction, development, and property services companies, to help businesses ‘build back better’.

The portal will connect companies directly and free-of-charge, with Partners that can offer solutions to help meet sustainability targets. It aims to create an industry leading network that will accelerate the transition to net zero by showcasing smarter solutions to design, construct and maintain buildings.

Ian Heptonstall, Director at Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “The transition to NET ZERO is a huge challenge for our industry and to achieve this we need to think differently and adopt new technologies, products and processes. I’m delighted to provide the School’s support to Wates in the rollout of their new WIN portal. This is a great initiative that will foster innovation and raise awareness of the sustainable solutions that are available now and which can accelerate our journey to NET ZERO.”

There are currently more than 40 Innovation Partners featuring on the portal, all approved by a screening panel of environmental experts. Users can filter sustainable innovations based on their requirements to find the product and supplier most suitable for them. The new portal will enable users to connect with businesses directly and better support them in providing tangible environmental and operational savings.

John Dunne, Group Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director at Wates, said: “The market for sustainable solutions is expanding fast and companies who are not investing in innovations will soon be unable to compete. The issue is 95% of market ready sustainable technologies never get considered because key decision makers do not know they exist, or suppliers don’t have access to the key corporate decision makers. The WIN portal is bridging that gap, showcasing innovation and helping businesses to meet bold environmental targets.”

Wates has been a Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School since 2013 and has played an active part in the development of the School as a world-class collaboration, to enable a more sustainable built environment.

FM Group Update June 2021

This Group represents the needs and interests of 21 Partners who either deliver, supply to, represent, or are clients of FM services. The quarterly meetings of the Group are chaired by Alison Bettany, Head of Supply Chain Commodities for EMCOR UK Ltd.

The meetings contain a mix of providing information about School activities, collaborative learning and developing new initiatives.

The group is actively developing a number of initiatives:

• Developing a collaborative programme of learning events suitable for an FM focused audience
• Engaging Partners in the direct delivery of some of this content
• Focusing on social value in response to growing stakeholder interest and the Government’s procurement policy notice PPN 06/20
• Supporting the School’s work on wellbeing, in particular its impact on productivity in the workplace
• Considering how to adopt the approach taken by the School’s housing partners to packaging and single use plastics
• Developing content for the Group’s annual FM Conference.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Wales Market Update: June 2021

Top stories for Wales this month:

New top team to lead Wales into a brighter future:

Climate change, new green jobs and recovery from the pandemic will be at the heart of the new Welsh Labour Government, as First Minister Mark Drakeford reveals his new Cabinet team. The new climate change ministry will bring together the environment, energy, housing, planning and transport portfolios. Find out more>>

Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Carbon Reporting Guide:

The Welsh Government have released the ‘Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Carbon Reporting guide. Read More>>

NMITE is offering bursaries to Engineering students:

NMITE will provide a cash bursary to all new applicants joining its Pioneer Cohort in September 2021 of £4,000 in the first year. Find out More>>

June’s featured topic: Wellbeing

The evidence for investing in wellbeing in the built environment was already compelling but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the mandate for action based on the relationship of building, public, and ecological health.

Take a look at the selected resources below to start to develop your understanding on the importance of considering wellbeing in Wales.

Wellbeing Resources recommended for you this month:

Wellbeing in the built environment- This document explores the business case for wellbeing in the built environment and summarising current wellbeing activity in the sector. Read more>>

Happiness and Work- Discover the surprising results on connecting wellbeing, mental health, and understand how employers can play a role in improving our lives at work. Watch the video>>

Why invest in employee wellbeing? Employers can have a major influence on an individual sense of wellbeing, which can have a multitude of benefits for the organisation itself. Find out more>>

Benchmark your Sustainability knowledge!

Our free Maturity Matrix tool has been designed to help you assess your company’s current Sustainability strengths and to identify the areas in which you can develop your competencies.

The assessment will help to benchmark your current knowledge of sustainability topics and then generate a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where your company should focus learning, with direct links to top resources. Get started today! 

ASSESS NOW >

If you have questions about Wales or the School please contact [email protected]

How can offsite help us deliver Zero Carbon Homes?

Decarbonisation of homes must be a priority if we’re to achieve our climate targets, both in new build and retrofitting, and there is a huge potential for job creation in the sector. How can offsite construction techniques help us grasp this opportunity?

By manufacturing homes and retrofit solutions offsite, environmental pollution and disruption is reduced on-site. Buildings can also be more easily standardised and constructed to the highest energy efficiency standards. In addition, modular construction and design for disassembly means that we can operate more in line with circular economy principles and reduce primary resource extraction.

In the next couple of months we’ll be exploring this topic in more detail across two virtual conferences, free to attend.

The first is in collaboration with our French counterpart Offsite school, Net Zero Carbon Homes – Does offsite construction provide a solution? 25^th May, 1-3pm, with live French translation. Register now

On 22^nd June, 2:15-4pm, we’re hosting a Business Bytes alongside the Smart Construction Network, Tackling the retrofit challenge through Smart Construction. Register now

Other Offsite events coming up…

Offsite for Designers virtual workshop, 11^th June 9:00-12:00. Register now

Lunch n Learn on the Construction Playbook with Akerlof, 15th June, 13:00-14:00. Register now

Offsite resources recommended for you this month…

The Design for Manufacture and Assembly e-learning module gives an introduction into the benefits of DfMA and the use of offsite construction techniques. Get Started

Offsite Project Management: The Basics with Ken Farnon, Director at Cooley Construction Services Watch video

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The list of resources will advise you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials.

You can also benchmark your company’s offsite maturity here.

Did you know a NEW digital topic area has launched?

Adoption of digital technologies is crucial to maximising the potential of offsite construction, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Check out the learning available in our NEW topic to help you on your digital journey. Get started

Infrastructure Group Update May 2021

The Infrastructure Group is the largest in the School with 63 Partners. Around 40 Partners regularly attend the quarterly meetings chaired by Graham Edgell, Director of Procurement and Sustainability for Morgan Sindall Group.

The meetings contain a mix of providing information about School activities, collaborative learning and developing new initiatives. At each meeting we try to invite a high level speaker to address the group about significant strategic issues, from within the sector and from other sectors.

The group is actively developing a number of initiatives:

• Forming a cross-School group on social value in response to the Government’s procurement policy notice PPN 06/20
• Developing a supply chain mapping initiative driven by Highways England
• Delivering a partnership between 11 Delivery Implementation Partners (DIPs) on the Highways England Regional Development Programme (RDP) to provide a consistent approach to development and performance management for the supply chain
• Setting up a group to enable utilities clients to collaborate around regulatory requirements
• Adopting the approach taken by housing partners to packaging and single use plastics

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Top stories 

New Homes Partners join the School

Countryside, Persimmon and Saint Gobain have recently joined the School’s world-class collaboration of over 120 homebuilders, clients, contractors and sub-contractors driving the direction of the School, sitting on the Homes leadership group.

See more >>

School Partner Lovell announces 62% reduction in CO₂e

Lovell has announced it has achieved a 62% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the past decade and are taking further measures to “significantly reduce” its future carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

Read more >>

Net Zero targets only possible with a National Retrofit Strategy to green our homes says FMB

The Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK Government will set a target of cutting carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 is welcome news in tackling climate change, but they must lead a campaign to green our homes to make this possible, said the Federation of Master Builders.

Read on >>

Fuel of the future? Inside the UK’s first hydrogen-powered homes

The UK is testing how hydrogen can be piped into people’s homes through the existing gas network at a world-leading research site.

Take a look >>

NEW Digital topic area launched

Digital technology has the potential to transform the Homes sector, but only if it is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you on your digital construction journey.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Recommended Digital resources for the Homes sector:

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation?

Watch Now >>

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation.

Start now >>

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation.

Get Started >>

Industry Launches Skills Hub to Improve the Quality of Procurement

In April we launched the first ever construction-focused skills hub, dedicated to improving the quality of procurement practices.

Our new topic area in procurement aims to provide a wide range of free resources to help organisations of all types and sizes improve their procurement skills. Procurement is a critical part of client and contractor policies and strategies and this new topic area will cater for businesses at all stages of their procurement journey.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Top stories

UK to speed up target to cut carbon emissions

Radical new climate change commitments will set the UK on course to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035, the UK government has announced.

Read more >>

School Partner Kier trials Formula 1 tech to cut diesel emissions

Kier has trialled a fuel-saving technology that it found succeeded in cutting diesel consumption of an onsite generator by 41 per cent with procurement partner Sunbelt Rentals.

Read on >>

Industry Launches Skills Hub to Improve the Quality of Procurement

In April, the School launched the first ever construction-focused skills hub, dedicated to improving the quality of procurement practices.

Take a look >>

NEW Digital topic area launched

Digital technology has the potential to transform construction, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you on your digital construction journey.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Recommended Digital resources for the Construction sector:

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation?

Watch Now >>

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation.

Start now >>

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation.

Get Started >>

**Keep up to date with the latest resources recommended for the construction sector HERE**

Benchmark your Sustainability Knowledge

Want to understand your sustainability knowledge level, and know how that compares to others in the sector? It’s easy to find out… just take an assessment today with our FREE tool. It’s designed to help you, or your company, assess your current level of knowledge and identify strengths and hot spots.

Once you’ve assessed, you get a tailored action plan – this list of 10 resources tells you where to focus your learning.

ASSESS NOW >

Partner Corner (May 2021) – Advanté Ltd

Primary Service / Product

Oasis® Welfare Units
Advanté pioneered instant start welfare with their first Oasis unit in 1998. The launch of Oasis Welfare provided construction sites with access to welfare facilities before any service connections were available. This prevented delays starting work on site and complied with new H&S Regulations.

Oasis Welfare inspired a whole new industry for self-contained welfare units, while remaining at the forefront of the instant start welfare market, through close client collaboration and innovation.

23 years on, Oasis welfare units provide much more than just welfare. Improvements driven by the needs of Clients has led to the expansion of the Oasis Welfare range to include different layouts, sizes, facilities, and technology.

The Oasis Welfare range focuses on creating positive environments for people working in construction, as well as reducing sites’ carbon footprint and community impact.

Sustainability Credentials

The evolution of Oasis Welfare has been driven by our Clients’ ESG sustainability aims and the Government’s net zero carbon targets. The EcoLogic, EcoMax and (new) EcoLogic SOLAR welfare ranges are all designed with staff wellbeing, environment, community, and economic impact in mind.

Staff wellbeing:

• Suitable welfare facilities
• Pleasant environment enhances wellbeing

Low environmental impact:

• Hybrid Technology limits generator use and CO2 emissions
• Telemetry monitors and improves performance
• Renewable energy gained from solar
• LPG = greener fuel alternative to Diesel

Low community Impact:

• Low noise = happy staff and neighbours
• Promotes positive image of construction
• Quality facilities attract diverse workforce

Low economic impact:

• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduced welfare running costs
• More staff catered for with one unit

How Do You Use the School as a Partner?

Our first involvement with the School was engaging with the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme, to promote and develop FIR culture and staff engagement within our business. The vast resources made available by the School have helped fast track our learning.

We joined the School as a Partner in March 2019, to support our wider sustainability aims and work collaboratively with a cross section of industry professionals. We gain a valuable insight into Clients’ changing requirements, enabling us to respond with effective, sustainable solutions at the earliest opportunity.

Advanté organised a Supplier Engagement event to demonstrate our commitments to maintaining a sustainable supply chain, in the procurement of products and services, and in the delivery of our service to our clients.

We worked with Partners of the School to develop a policy to treat people responsibly, which resulted in the launch of the People Matter Charter. Since signing up to the commitments of the Charter, we encourage others to do the same, so that we can work together to address people issues, such as equality, diversity and staff retention, in the workplace.

What is the biggest sustainability issue facing the industry?

The Construction Industry’s (and therefore our) biggest challenges are the current and widening skills shortage and achieving the UK Government’s net zero carbon targets.

We aim to promote a positive image of construction by delivering high quality welfare units. We recognise that excellent site welfare and office facilities are required, to retain staff and attract a more diverse workforce into the industry.

In our mission to decarbonise instant start welfare for construction sites, we created our next generation of innovative, market-leading Oasis Welfare units – EcoLogic SOLAR.

EcoLogic SOLAR welfare units proven successful in creating an effective, near carbon-free solution to powering self-contained welfare units. Their advanced telematics have shown impressive levels of solar energy gain, even during some of the darkest winter months. Some of EcoLogic SOLAR’s benefits include:

• NEW hybrid EcoLogic SOLAR power system
• Large solar array = increased carbon-free power supply
• Silent-running welfare when powered by solar or stored energy
• Next-generation telemetry improves unit performance
• Impressive reduction in CO2 emissions
• Reduced welfare running costs
• Contributing solution to ESG challenges and reporting

One message for School members?

Speaking from an SME perspective, it can be a daunting task to keep up to date with all developments and focus within the industry, as well as the resulting need for upskilling and training your staff to stay abreast. Engaging with the Supply Chain Sustainability School makes this much easier. The wealth of information and training resource available is easily accessible at any time of day, to suit individual members of your team, and to fast track your company’s staff learning.

Infrastructure Market Update: May 2021

Top stories for Infrastructure this month:

Tarmac & JCB successfully trial new pothole fixing machine:

Tarmac and JCB have successfully trialled what has been described as “a brand new revolutionary pothole fixing machine” in partnership with Rutland County Council.

With the ability to repair a pothole in less than eight minutes, Tarmac’s highway services team carried out a full day of demonstrations with the JCB PotholePro on a 140 square metre patch of asphalt at Ashwell Business Park in Rutland. Read more

HS2 signs £52m early environment works contract with Balfour Beatty:

HS2 has signed a new £52m contract with Balfour Beatty to create new woods and wetlands as part of early environmental works on the route between the West Midlands and Crewe – also known as Phase 2a – of the high speed rail project. Read more. 

UK construction industry – toxic and dysfunctional?

A report from the Times in the UK highlighting the woeful state of the construction sector. These systemic failures are a serious barrier to sustainable procurement. Read more. 

Did you know a NEW digital topic area has launched?

Digital technology has the potential to transform the built environment, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you get t grips with what’s needed.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Digital Resources recommended for you this month:

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation? Watch Now >>

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation. Get Started >>

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation. Get Started >>

Embodied Carbon in Infrastructure Business Bytes

Join BAM Nuttall, Costain & Willmott Dixon at our Embodied Carbon in Infrastructure Business Bytes on the 18th May!

Our panel of experts in this field will discuss what embodied emissions are, how to measure and reduce them. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and join in the debate.

REGISTER NOW >

If you have any questions about Infrastructure or the School please contact [email protected]

Top stories for Scotland this month:

Campaign to tackle modern slavery launched

Communities and businesses are being urged to be vigilant and report signs of modern slavery as Police Scotland launches a new campaign to raise awareness of the issue. Read More

Green jobs in Scotland

Scotland’s low-carbon economy transition ‘could create up to 367,000 jobs’ Read More

Edinburgh Council proposes how it will become a net zero organisation by 2030

Draft plans include ensuring that all new council operational buildings are constructed to the highest energy criteria and electrifying all council car and van fleets. Read More

Did you Know a NEW digital topic area has launched?

Digital technology has the potential to transform construction, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you on your digital construction journey.

Take a Look >>

Digital resources recommended for you this month…

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation? Watch Now

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation. Get Started

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation. Get Started

Have you caught up on our Biodiversity resources?

The Supply Chain School is working with Nature Scot to communicate out some of the resources they have developed for organisations working in Scotland. The conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s natural heritage is the responsibility of Nature Scot, the public body who oversee the development and management of protected sites, species, and scenic areas.

You can find these new resources on the Scotland page

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The benefit of assessing is that it provides a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials…

Learn More

FM Market Update: May 2021

Top stories for FM this month:

A positive outlook for FM this year?

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management has just released its Market Outlook 2021 report, finding that a majority of FM professionals believe the market will improve in the next 12 months, despite ongoing concerns. Read more here. 

7.5 million workers in the UK hoping to do their jobs from home permanently:

New research from Deloitte shows more than one in five UK workers are hoping to work from home all, or almost all, of the time once lockdown restrictions have lifted. Read more. 

Building owners & developers capitalising on health & wellbeing will benefit in post – pandemic world: 

A new report from JLL highlights the key trends over the next five years that developers and building owners will need to address to meet the radically altered needs of occupiers, who have been forced to re-think their relationship to the office as a result of the pandemic. Find out more. 

Did you know a NEW digital topic area has launched?

Digital technology has the potential to transform the built environment, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you get t grips with what’s needed.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Digital Resources recommended for you this month:

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation? Watch Now >>

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation. Get Started >>

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation. Get Started >>

Benchmark your Sustainability knowledge!

Our free Maturity Matrix tool has been designed to help you assess your company’s current Sustainability strengths and to identify the areas in which you can develop your competencies.

The assessment will help to benchmark your current knowledge of sustainability topics and then generate a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where your company should focus learning, with direct links to top resources. Get started today! 

ASSESS NOW >

If you have any questions about FM or the School please contact [email protected]

Wales Market Update: May 2021

Top stories for Wales this month:

Sustainability leaders address construction students:

NPTC Group of Colleges has developed a series of talks for their construction students focused on ‘Constructing the Future- Buildings, People & Planet’. Construction and Building Engineering Students from NPTC Group of Colleges are in for a treat this Spring as the College has been successful in organising several high profile guest speakers to deliver a range of innovative virtual presentations. Find out more. 

Whole home surveys  underway for optimised retrofit project:

The Optimised Retrofit project, supported by Welsh Government, is now live, with Whole Home Surveys being delivered across Wales by more than 100 trained industry professionals. The collaboration of 68 partners (Including The Supply Chain Sustainability School), and 26 social housing providers, and managed by Sero, will see the decarbonisation of more than 1,750 Pathfinder homes to enable the creation and refinement of the tools required to roll out the large-scale decarbonisation of homes across Wales and beyond. Read more.

FE Colleges lead the way on the future of apprenticeships:

ColegauCymru believes that the Welsh Government’s confirmation of investment in the FE-led work-based learning sector is essential to support Wales’ economic recovery post-Covid. Find out more. 

Did you know a NEW digital topic area has launched?

Digital technology has the potential to transform the built environment, but only if the sector is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Look at the learning available in our NEW topic to help you get t grips with what’s needed.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Digital Resources recommended for you this month:

An Introduction to your Digital Journey How and when should you start your digital transformation? Watch Now >>

Digital Leadership Identify the necessary leadership skills and competencies which are essential to successful digital transformation. Get Started >>

Cyber Security This e-learning module are to identify the necessary skills and competencies around cyber security which are essential to successful – and safe – digital transformation. Get Started >>

Delivering Social Value in Wales

Join us on the 19th May at our ‘Delivering Social Value in Wales’  lunch ‘n’ learn where you will hear from School Partner, Willmott Dixon, on their approach to creating social value in Wales.

At this lunch ‘n’ learn you will:

• Find out about Willmott Dixon’s business model, and how they use their commercial operations to support and sustain charity programmes for offender rehabilitation, residential and educational support.
• Discover how Willmott Dixon measure, monetise and report social value
  Find out what is expected of WD’s supply chain in this areaHave an opportunity to submit questions to Willmott Dixon during a live Q&A session

REGISTER NOW >

If you have questions about Wales or the School please contact [email protected]

The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, has today launched the first ever construction-focused skills hub, dedicated to improving the quality of procurement practices.

The construction sector has not increased its productivity over the forty last years and the Supply Chain Sustainability School members often cite procurement as a blocker to innovation and improved performance. The procurement hub has been set up to increase the skills level for those who buy products and sub-contract services within our industry. By improving these procurement skills, the School hopes to drive productivity improvements and increased value for clients.

A joint venture with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), the Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) and King’s College London, this programme will demonstrate the value of good procurement to the built environment sector, providing free self-assessments, e-learning modules, an innovative cloud-based performance tool and a library of best practice procurement resources.

The Supply Chain Sustainability School’s new topic area in procurement, aims to provide a wide range of free resources to help organisations of all types and sizes improve their procurement skills. Procurement is a critical part of client and contractor policies and strategies; therefore this new topic area will cater for businesses at all stages of their procurement journey, featuring four key topics: Procurement for Beginners, Procurement for Professionals, Supplier Relationship & Management and Collaborative Construction Procurement.

The School is co-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with the direction of the School being led by over 120 Partners – working in collaboration, they share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change and each share a common desire to upskill the industry.

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “In the 25+ years since the Latham Report, there have been various calls for the construction industry to improve the way it procures. Although the industry has pockets of good practice, there is still a need to embed better procurement in all tiers of the supply chain. I am proud to have worked with Partners such as CIPS and Kings College London to lead a programme of work to develop learning resources for all levels of competence through the Supply Chain Sustainability School, which will be made available free of charge to the industry.”

Duncan Brook, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), said: “Improving procurement skills and capabilities throughout the construction sector has been highlighted in a number of studies and reports as an essential part of addressing some of the poor commercial practices which affect performance, reduce quality and impact safety. It is important that improvement in procurement practices happen at all levels of the supply chain. We at CIPS have been happy to support this important procurement education initiative by the Supply Chain Sustainability School. We would encourage everyone to take advantage of these excellent educational resources and invest the time to improve their procurement skills.”

Professor David Mosey, Centre of Construction Law, King’s College London said: “Industry training on collaborative procurement is long overdue. A practical understanding of collaborative relationships, tools and systems is essential to help us resolve age-old problems and to improve efficiency, value and risk management. King’s College London Centre of Construction Law have been glad to support the Supply Chain Sustainability School in developing their modules, workshops and online tools on Collaborative Construction Procurement, and we strongly recommend them.”

The Supply Chain Sustainability School provides free practical learning and support in the form of sustainability training, networking, e-learning modules, tailored assessments, action plans and a library of over 2,900 online resources. Sign up for free this spring to take full advantage of the new topic area in procurement.

The new topic page can be found on the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s website