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Metrology challenges for infrastructure
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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Measurement Network has interviewed a range of players in the infrastructure sector to understand where there are challenges and opportunities presented by improvements in metrology (the application and science of measurement). Four high impact applications (building; assessment of corrosion of reinforcing rods in concrete; discovery of underground services; and defence of critical infrastructure) have been explored in depth and the underlying common themes summarised. The key messages are that there are opportunities for improvement of existing infrastructure, and better design of future infrastructure, but that often there is a need for metrology action in terms of identification of signatures of the state of the system and the implementation of convenient and common processes, frameworks and standards for the whole supply and value chain to use. The benefits to the UK economy could be many hundreds of millions of pounds.
Output in the construction industry
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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The estimated total volume of construction output in the fourth quarter of 2012 grew by 0.9% compared with the third quarter of 2012. The small rise in the total volume of construction output halts the decline first seen in the third quarter of 2011. The private housing and infrastructure sectors provided the greatest contribution to the increase in the fourth quarter, growing by 5.9% and 4.2% respectively, but are partially offset by decreases in new public non-housing work and private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 4.9% and 4.8% respectively.
Encraft’s analysis of likely Green Deal take-up across the UK
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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Encraft have published a briefing document based on the most detailed and rigorous analysis yet of the potential uptake of the Green Deal across the UK. This shows that more than 20,000 installation jobs could be supported by the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) nationally, and breaks these jobs down into specific skill sets. The report is supportive of the Green Deal, but is critical of the way the government have potentially oversold the economic potential of the scheme. By comparing the potential jobs in one area of the country with existing employment in the same area, Encraft have shown that in most of the construction skills required, existing companies already employ at least four times the number of people needed.
Broken ladder: The locked out generation
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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A paper from the Home Builders Federation reveals how difficult it is for young people to get access to home ownership in England and offer a comparison over the last decade.
Consultation on the strategic road network and the delivery of sustainable development
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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The government has published revised policy for consultation, setting out the role of the strategic road network in enabling economic growth. The new policy will replace Circulars Circular 02/2007 Planning and the Strategic Road Network, and DfT Circular 01/2008 Policy on service areas and other roadside facilities on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England. Comments are requested by 25 March 2013.
Planning, connecting and financing cities – now: Priorities for city leaders
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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This report from the World Bank provides a policy guide local officials can use to create the jobs, housing, and infrastructure needed to turn their cities into hubs of prosperity for current and future residents. It presents a practical framework for sustainable urbanization, which is organized around the three policy pillars of the title. The coordination among these pillars is critical, particularly the relationship between land use planning and hazard risk, housing, infrastructure, and urban transport. This framework has already helped to reshape core urbanization policy debates and to integrate action across the urban space in countries such as Colombia, India, Uganda, and Vietnam.
10 principles for liveable high density cities: Lessons from Singapore
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
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This report draws upon Singapore’s successful urbanisation experience. Despite its population density, the city-state has consistently ranked favourably in various surveys measuring the liveability and sustainability of cities around the globe.
Responsible sourcing of materials in construction
Posted on: 8 February 2013
By: mackene
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There is an increasing focus on the responsible sourcing and stewardship of products and materials used in construction, with stakeholders requiring information on the associated social, economic and environmental impacts over the lifespan of a building project. In line with developments in this rapidly changing area of the industry, the BRE Trust has funded the development of new guidance on the benefits of responsible procurement and how to ensure sustainable principles are embedded across the supply chain. Covering sector-specific approaches to responsible sourcing for materials including timber, steel and concrete, the guidance provides an outline of key sustainability standards and certification methods. It also features case studies on two major commercial projects using responsibly sourced reinforced steel and PEFC timber used in a hybrid steel-timber extension. [Price £13]
BRE is also currently undertaking a review of BES6001 and is keen to gather a wide range of stakeholders’ views on the responsible sourcing standard. Click here to take part in the survey. The consultation period is open until 10 April 2013.
English housing survey 2011 to 2012: headline report
Posted on: 8 February 2013
By: mackene
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In April 2008 the English House Condition Survey was integrated with the Survey of English Housing to form the English Housing Survey (EHS). This report provides the headline findings from the third round of reporting of the EHS. The report is split into two sections. The first focuses on the profile of households including: trends in tenures; demographic and economic characteristics of households; rents and housing benefit; recent movers; mortgage difficulties; and overcrowding and under-occupation. Section 2 provides an overview of the housing stock in England including: the age, size, and type of home; energy efficiency of the housing stock; decent homes; and homes affected by damp and mould. Additional annex tables provide further detail to that covered in the main body of the report.
English housing survey 2010: homes report
Posted on: 8 February 2013
By: mackene
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The Department for Communities and Local Government has published its annual report on housing in England. This report, formally known as the housing stock report, is the detailed report of findings relating to the housing stock from the English housing survey.
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