On-site actions for sustainable construction

steel and glass building

Environmental practices to deliver during build stage   Sustainability in construction is becoming more important as the industry works towards global net zero targets. Sustainable construction practices should be embedded into all stages of a project – from design, to construction to end-use. They must be examined to identify how to sustainably use resources and […]

Digital and data in construction

BIM model on laptop screen

How digital methods and data analytics are improving construction projects The use of digital methods and data analytics are increasingly contributing to the construction industry’s growth and sustainability goals. Around two-thirds of businesses have increased their use of digital and data to overcome challenges. According to McKinsey, Covid accelerated digital adoption at both organisational and […]

How to minimise embodied carbon in steel structures

person holding pencil near laptop computer

Using suppliers’ expertise to deliver sustainable construction     The UK’s construction industry was a world leader in identifying the impact of emissions created by construction. So we must now also be leaders in tackling and reducing emissions to meet global net zero targets.   Construction and the built environment are responsible for around 39% […]

Cost considerations for structural retrofits

Drawing of steel frame with markings and highlighted steel members.

A steelworker’s perspective on pricing retrofit projects Retrofitting will play an important part in the construction sector meeting net zero targets. Since around 80% of the building stock we’ll be using by 2050 is already built, bringing many of these properties up-to-date will require some substantial retrofits of both structures and systems. Existing buildings must […]

Construction Industry Insights – May 2022

Circular Hollow Section being cut with sparks

Fears of a summer slump as economic uncertainty impacts construction industry: Commentators across the construction industry appear to be echoing the Chancellor’s warning of “tough months ahead”. The industry had enjoyed a relatively strong start to the year, with record high contract awards buoying expectations in the face of ongoing market volatility. However, more recent […]

Safety on site post Covid

Two years on from the onset of the pandemic, how has Covid-19 impacted health and safety in construction?   Though Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted across England, their impact on construction sites is still being felt.   The pandemic caused short-term challenges for the sector but also created opportunities for improvement and delivered long-term changes. […]

Reaching net zero using whole lifecycle assessments

black metal canopy frame

How comprehensive carbon calculations will deliver sustainable construction   As the construction industry edges closer to net zero deadlines sustainable construction processes must continue to be a priority, irrespective of new challenges arising along the way.   Embedding practices that deliver environmentally-sound projects is made more straightforward thanks to industry-wide guidance and frameworks for measuring […]

Industry insights for Spring 2022

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Could material and steel price rises hamper the construction industry’s upward trajectory for 2022?   The construction industry continues to move at pace even in the face of ongoing challenges, the latest analysis shows.   Reviewing planning approvals, contract awards and project starts for the first few months of 2022, construction industry commentators from Glenigan […]

Industry Insights – Q1 2022

Elland Steel logo on top of building site

Encouraging figures point to a stable year ahead for the construction industry The construction industry has enjoyed a steady start to 2022, with encouraging output figures being reported by sector commentators.   Both national and industry data – from the ONS, Barbour ABI and Glenigan – point to the year ahead offering more predictability and […]

Construction industry insights – April 2022

Circular Hollow Section being cut with sparks

Peaks and troughs continue for the construction industry The construction industry continues to set records even in spite of “persistent pressures”.   Latest analysis from industry commentators shows both peaks and troughs in activity as planning applications and approvals, contract awards, and project starts are all reviewed.   Sectors like Residential show promising signs for […]