Information Bulletin: Architects - May 2011 Architecture/Engineering The roll-out of BIM across all public projects has met

with difficulties after a government response to a report on its effectiveness was delayed by three months the report will now be released in June 2011. On 20th May however, Paul Morrell, the Governments chief construction advisor, stated that the use of BIM will be mandatory on virtually all government projects within 5 years, with no lower cost limit. http://www.building.co.uk/news/all-government-projects-to-use-bim-within-fiveyears/5018349.article Free support on retrofit for construction SMEs It is estimated that over 200 billion needs to be invested in upgrading the current building stock to meet government carbon reduction targets. This presents massive opportunities for companies working in the built environment sector to provide materials, products and services. It is therefore important that companies are equipped with the skills and knowledge on sustainable construction to be able to take up these opportunities. FLASH (A European funded project to provide business support to SMEs) The FLASH programme has been set up by the Institute for Sustainability to provide a range of business support to SMEs in London to ensure that there is a skills base prepared for the growing retrofit market. The programme, which is free to London SMEs, aims to ensure that businesses are able to access practical experience and advice, academic knowledge and groundbreaking research findings, to develop their businesses and collaborate with others facing similar challenges. It has been designed to help businesses working in construction and other built environment industries, technologies and professions to seize the commercial opportunities presented by the demand for sustainable development and retrofit and prepare them to bid for future tendering opportunities. The programme has been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). (Award = maximum of 2.500 for 12 hours contribution) Constructing Excellence has been engaged as one of a small number of delivery partners by the Institute to manage the programme. If your company is interested in taking part then please fill in the application form and return to Jon de Souza, Constructing Excellence desouzaj@constructingexcellence.org.uk . For more information about the programme please call Jon on 07971239924. British Standards BS 4800:2011 Schedule of paint colours for building purposes. 75 BS 7801:2011 Escalators and moving walks. Code of practice for safe working on escalators and moving walks. 75 BS 8536:2010 Facility management briefing. Code of practice 71 BS 8536 allows designers, owners and facilities managers to work within common guidelines to ensure that facilities measure up to expectations.

BS EN 408:2010 Timber structures. Structural timber and glued laminated timber. Determination of some physical and mechanical properties. 75 BS EN 772-1:2011 Methods of test for masonry units. Determination of compressive strength 46 Building Regulations The DCLG has recently laid out their plans for the 2013 Part L revision. In economic terms, their assessment is that the benefits at approximately 39 billion, out-way the costs by a factor of 2. They are very keen to obtain feedback and evidence on both benefits and costs as well as ideas on improved compliance and deregulation what is not needed? The time line is challenging - the Zero Carbon Hub and AECOM are working on proposals for dwellings and non-dwellings respectively. There will be working groups set up to meet twice between now and July that will address Dwellings, Non-dwellings, Retrofit with The green deal (joint with DECC) and Compliance with performance. The findings will go to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) in July and it is hoped to produce a consultation document for Ministers to consider between in October and December. The consultation will be carried out in Spring 2012 with the aim of publishing the new Approved Document in October 2013 coming into force in April 2013.

The work already underway is looking at whole life costs and there is considerable concern about how to close the gap between design predictions and performance in use. Some of the current thinking in non-dwellings is to increase airtightness targets to 3 m3/m2/hr @50 pa (as little cost involved); lighting to 75 lumens/W (fewer fitting s but what about uniformity?); and to move U values below 2.0 W.m2/k which would be very expensive relative to the benefits. The thinking on dwellings includes a flat versus aggregate approach recognising differing house types will have different energy signatures; moving to an interim Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) specification that includes airtightness moving towards 5 m3/m2/hr @50 pa and updating SAP.

DCLG has challenging aims to achieve in terms of the Climate Change Act aspiring to 80% cuts in emissions by 2050 - of course, something like 70% of buildings in 2050 already exist. Not surprisingly, DCLG is looking to industry to help them get the best fit. More info. at http://www.thenbs.com/topics/Regulations/articles/partLaFlavourOf2013.asp?utm_source=eNewsWeekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2011-05-23 TRADAs latest Construction Briefing Building Regulations: Part F: Ventilation A Summary of Changes in 2010 Edition highlights government research which underlined the need for change to address underperforming Ventilation systems. http://www.trada.co.uk/downloads/constructionBriefings/Part%20F-Ventilation.pdf? enews=enews_26_Apr_2011&

The Government has published a group of reports presenting the findings from research projects commissioned by the previous administration. The reports and findings are of general policy interest, especially on the issues of building and the environment, but they do not explicitly relate to forthcoming policy announcements and are not necessarily a reflection or statement of the current Government's policy positions. (i) Domestic sector airtightness. This report by the Centre for Built Environment assesses the impact on airtightness of different methods of construction and the implications for future Building Regulations policy. The work found that certain construction types are intrinsically more airtight than others, and that dry-lined masonry cavity and steel framed construction require much greater attention to detail if they are to reliably achieve high levels of airtightness. The complexity of design can have a significant impact, and certain approaches are likely to be more robust than others. This report was commissioned in 2003 at a cost of 233,325. (ii) Condensation risk - impact of improvements to Part L and robust details on Part C. This report by Faber Maunsell evaluates the impact of higher insulation and airtightness levels on moisture performance and interstitial and surface condensation risks. It highlights how hygrothermally robust detailing and appropriate workmanship is critical to the achievement of energy efficient, healthy and comfortable buildings; and how possible degradation of building materials and the deterioration of thermal performance as a consequence of the calculated maximum amount of moisture should be considered. The report was commissioned in 2003 at a cost of 158,560. (iii) Evaluation of unventilated pitched roofs with vapour permeable membrane. This report by Faber Maunsell identifies an ideal calculation approach to predicting condensation risk in unventilated roof systems might be via a whole building simulation package. It also identifies why the performance of roof underlays should not be considered in isolation from the whole roof system including moisture vapour movement from the interior through the ceiling. The report was commissioned in 2003 at a cost of 113,103. (iv) Product emission labelling scheme - scoping study. The report by AECOM investigates the potential for introducing a scheme to label building products for their emissions of volatile organic compounds. It describes existing schemes, identifies relevant British, European, International and American standards, and outlines research into the health effects of volatile organic compounds. The report was commissioned in 2005 at a cost of 45,972. (v) Comparing PStar and co-heating test results. This report by AECOM compares the 'PStar' method for determining heat losses from a dwelling with the more established 'co-heating' method. The study showed that PStar tests take three days to complete and have the potential to be used for compliance purposes, but the results they produce are different from co-heating test results, and further investigations are needed. The report was commissioned in 2008 at a cost of 29,000. (vi) Reducing water consumption in buildings. This report prepared by WRc (as part of a CIRIA-led consortium) addresses issues connected with reducing water consumption in buildings. The report recommendations were used to inform a comprehensive review of Approved Document G to the Building Regulations. The report was commissioned in 2008 at a cost of 117,859. http://www.communities.gov.uk/archived/generalcontent/corporate/researcharchive/volume5/

Energy Housing Minister Grant Shapps has formally confirmed the Governments revised definition for zero carbon homes in a statement in the Commons. The regulatory threshold for zero carbon will be set to cover only those emissions which are within the scope of the Building Regulations, such as those from heating, ventilation, hot water, fixed lighting and building services. The Government has rejected calls to make house builders anticipate the lifetime emissions of each property because that would be unreasonable. Tough new standards for fabric energy efficiency (insulation, glazing) would be included in future changes to the Building Regulations. The Government was also working work with industry on options for a mechanism to deliver offsite measures on the lines of its Green Deal initiative. http://www.communities.gov.uk/statements/newsroom/1905627 Alongside the Governments response to the Smart Meters Prospectus consultation, DECC has set out the overall strategy and timetable for the installation of 53 million smart meters in 30 million homes and businesses across Great Britain, estimated to have a net benefit to the nation of 7.3 billion over the next twenty years. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/consumers/smart_meters/sm art_meters.aspx Environment The BCO's Environmental Sustainability Group (ESG) are in the process of producing a series of Environmental Briefing Notes (EBNs) that will provide members (only) with a better understanding of sustainability issues. This month sees the publication of two EBNs covering whole-life carbon and biodiversity in design. Both publications are available free to BCO members via the http://bit.ly/76lbJj - BCO Research Portal. Fire A new major study, commissioned by the DCLG on the spread of fire in roofing voids investigated a number of specific issues relating to fire compartmentation in roof voids, following a number of fires in relatively modern apartment buildings, which resulted in fires in roof voids that spread quickly throughout the roof affecting all the top floor flats. The key reasons identified for the spread of fire in the study were: combustible materials spanning beneath the non-combustible roof covering and lack of, or poor installation, of cavity barriers along the soffit and heat transfer through penetrations. At the same time, the difficulty facing fire crews gaining access to the cavities and voids of timber framed buildings was highlighted. The purpose of the investigation was to determine if recent and current building practice follows the guidance in the recognised building control regulation Approved

Document B and if not, why not. The other reason was to conduct research into fires within roof voids. There was a variation of the amount of detailed information provided in the submissions with a large proportion containing insufficient design detail of roof void compartmentation to allow the inspector to confirm compliance at the plan checking stage. It was also noted that a number of submissions were considered as good practice as they were clear and concise and were supplemented by three dimensional drawings of the wall and roof interface showing the multiple interface layers. For each fire that was investigated, the evidence showed that where the compartmentation was designed and installed in line with the recommendations of Approved Document B, it succeeded in preventing fire spread. Construction details shown in Building Regulations applications for approximately 750 residential buildings were reviewed. http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1732082.pdf Health and Safety/Employment Law Free Webinars see: http://www.elliswhittam.com/public/control.php? _path=/381/835/919

Redundancy & Restructuring - 26th May, 10.30am - 11.30am Helping you navigate your way through the legal pitfalls when restructuring to achieve the results you need for your organisation. Medical Capability - When and how is it safe to dismiss? - 2nd June, 10.30am - 11.30am How you can safely dismiss employees on the grounds of medical capability. Asbestos Awareness - 6th July, 10.30am - 11.30am Did you know that more people die each year from asbestos related disease than are killed on our roads?

Local Authorities may be facing a sharp increase in asbestos related compensation cases following a landmark ruling for the family of a woman who died after low-level exposure as a secondary school pupil in the 1970s. Last month, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier Appeal Court judgment that 49-year old Dianne Willmore, who died of mesothelioma in 2009, had been negligently exposed to asbestos while a pupil at a school run by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The Court ruled that her family was entitled to 240,000 compensation, which is the first payout for a former school pupil in relation to asbestos exposure. Campaigners are warning that thousands of former pupils will die of mesothelioma within the next few decades, which will have serious financial implications for local authorities and insurers despite improvements in asbestos management in recent years. With asbestos still present in a high proportion of schools, the NUT has called upon the Government to commission a full assessment of the asbestos risks to children at schools.

CIRIA - Guidance on catastrophic events in construction (C699) 70 (but see HSE report below) Health and safety has always been important in the construction industry, which suffers from a higher incidence rate of death, injuries and ill-health compared with other sectors. In recent decades there has been a concerted and increasingly successful effort to improve performance, following legislation, industry improvements and societal change. Harm to people is no longer considered an inevitable by-product of constructing. Companies and individuals have striven to improve performance and they have had some success. However, much remains to be done. In 2009 the HSE commissioned CIRIA, working in partnership with Loughborough University, to carry out a wide-ranging study of the subject of catastrophic events in construction, with particular focus on the issues that the industry needs to address. The research report Preventing catastrophic events in construction was published by the HSE in January 2011 (www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr834.htm ). This report is reproduced here and forms the core of this publication. Housing National Housing Federation's Housing Development Conference and Exhibition 2011 New homes in a new landscape - 11 - 12 July 2011, University of Warwick, Coventry The HCA will invest 4.5bn to deliver up to 150,000 new affordable homes from 2011-15. The new investment model is a radical shift in the way that housing associations deliver new affordable homes with a much higher level of risk for providers. Residential Price 630 Non-residential 560 (+65 if book after 13th May). http://www.housing.org.uk/events/find_an_event/development_and_regeneration/h ousing_development_conferenc.aspx Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has launched two HCA toolkits to help bring more empty homes back into use. The online Empty Homes Toolkit includes operational information and good practice; while the GIS Empty Homes Mapping Toolkit plots statistics and provides data such as housing need and antisocial behaviour. http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/empty-homes-toolkit? page_id=&page=1 Offices Conference Friday 3rd June 349+VAT: Maximise the potential of secondary commercial real estate through Refurbishment and Change of Use of Offices: Approaches to minimize vacant space and capitalize on potential in the market. The announcement in the budget of the extension of the Business Premises Renovation Allowance by a further 5 years until April 2017 offers an incentive to developers in the refurbishment market. Attend Estates Gazettes event on Refurbishment and Change of Use to understand how you can take advantage of the scheme and qualify for the allowance. www.estatesgazetteevents.com/newoccupiers2011

Property Week event on London Offices, 14th June 2011, London. 299+VAT. Key topics to be discussed include: Optimizing and redefining landlord/tenant relationship New developments which are redefining the London offices offering Finance and Investment London offices: 2011 and beyond http://londonoffices.propertyweek.com/ Refurbishment and Change of Use of Offices - 23rd June 2011, Birmingham This event assesses the needs of the occupier market and how to maximise the potential of secondary office space through change of use and refurbishment. Including case studies, cost analyses, the opportunity to network with your peers and to visit recently refurbished space this event will help inform you of the potential of this market. Book by 20th May 2011 for early booking rate (249 + VAT). www.estatesgazetteevents.com/changeofuse Planning The Localism Bill which contains major reforms of the planning system has completed its report stage and Third Reading in the Commons and is now bound for scrutiny in Lords. During a series of votes in the lower chamber the Coalition saw off a sequence of Opposition amendments. The amended bill includes change to the neighbourhood planning regime which means forums must have at least 21 members and a revised text, backed by the Royal Town Planning Institute, for the new duty for local authorities to cooperate with neighbouring councils over planning issues. Professional practice/Management Crossrail Chairman Terry Morgan's 'Briefing: Risk management critical to Crossrails success' has been published in ICE Proceedings: Management, Procurement and Law. With a positive outcome from the UK governments 2010 comprehensive spending review, the Crossrail Cross-London railway project has started awarding its main construction contracts. The author explains how risk management has already benefited the project and why its adoption by the supply chain is critical. (If you want to see this, please ask me for it) Retail/Supermarkets Supermarkets Conference on 10 June 2011 Key topics include: Insight into food retailers' overall property strategy What supermarkets are demanding in-store design, construction and interior fit-out What you need to know about current and future supermarket activity

Early indicators on the effects of 'localism' on the planning process for food retail New requirements for industrial developers from online retailing and sustainability strategies http://supermarkets.building.co.uk/programme/ Sports Sport England has published the following Design Notes: Comparative Sizes of Sports Pitches & Courts - April 2011 Update Drowning detection systems for public swimming pools Kitbag Document - costs for the development of community sports facilities for the 2nd quarter 2011. http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_guidance_notes.aspx? sortBy=alpha&pageNum=2 Timber TRADA Technology has rebranded its Wood Information Sheet, Timber engineering hardware and connectors. Timber engineering components have widely replaced traditional carpentry joints, because of their ease of use, ready availability and the avoidance of complex machining of timber members. First published in 2009, the new edition of TRADA Technologys Wood Information Sheet Timber cladding for building refurbishment is a revision with minor corrections. It covers advantages of timber cladding, design principles, cladding to improve weather resistance or appearance, cladding to enclose external insulation and timber cladding details. http://www.trada.co.uk/techinfo/library/send/5888ADD2-CC48-427D-8B1E26388CE61779/Timber%20cladding%20for%20building %20refurbishment/index.pdf?enews=enews_26_Apr_2011& Spon Press has published Timber bridges by Christopher Mettem TRADA Members Price: 55.00 Non members Price: 75.00 Bridges built in timber are enjoying a significant revival, both for pedestrian and light traffic and increasingly for heavier loadings and longer spans. Timber's high strength-to-weight ratio, combined with the ease and speed of construction inherent in the off-site prefabrication methods used, make a timber bridge a suitable option in many different scenarios. This handbook gives technical guidance on forms, materials, structural design and construction techniques suitable for both small and large timber bridges. Eurocode 5 Part 2 (BS EN 1995-2) for the first time provides an international standard for the construction of timber bridges, removing a potential obstacle for engineers where timber construction for bridges has not - in recent centuries at least - been usual. Clearly illustrated throughout, this guide explains how to make use of this oldest construction material in a modern context to create sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, practical and durable bridges. Worldwide examples include Tourand Creek Bridge, Canada; Toijala, Finland; Punt la Resgia, Switzerland; Pont de Crest, France; Almorere Pylon Bridge, the Netherlands.