Construction National

New green roof study shows plugs are best for healthy ecosystems

Maggie Fennell, Head of Boningale GreenSky, reveals the findings of a first-of-its-kind PhD study that was recently conducted with University of Sheffield’s Animal and Plant Science Centre to identify the best way to ensure that beneficial micro-organisms thrive on green roofs.

How to introduce micro-organisms on to a green roof in a beneficial and cost-effective way has long been a problem for green roof specialists.

Read more: New green roof study shows plugs are best for healthy ecosystems

NASC 2017 Yearbook Launch: announcing a surge in membership

The NASC’s widely respected NASC 2017 Yearbook has launched – including confirmation of the highest level of NASC membership, since formation in 1945.

The Yearbook is packed with almost 100 pages of the latest UK scaffolding news, updates on new and revised NASC guidance, CISRS training and Britain’s premier access and scaffolding projects, as well as details of the activities of the confederation in 2016.

Read more: NASC 2017 Yearbook Launch: announcing a surge in membership

CISRS tighten Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) entry criteria

CISRS has tightened up the entry criteria and course requirements for its popular basic Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS).

Effective immediately, there is now a pre-qualification requirement that the delegate/employer must ensure they can provide evidence of a minimum of two years relevant industry experience prior to attending the basic SITS course.

Read more: CISRS tighten Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) entry criteria

APS National Awards – setting a high industry standard for safe working

Outstanding work in construction design risk management was recognised and rewarded at a gala evening of fizz and fun when the ninth annual APS National Awards took place at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel in London. 

The glamorous night, organised by The Association for Project Safety (APS) was underpinned by a serious message; that the work of the sector saves lives and helps ensure the on-going health of everyone working in construction. 

Read more: APS National Awards – setting a high industry standard for safe working

Sustainable heating from the sea in Stromness

Innovative technology that draws heat from the sea is proving effective in keeping one of Orkney’s newest buildings warm.

The Warehouse Buildings – Orkney Islands Council’s multi-purpose facility in Stromness – are the first in the islands to be fitted with a sea-source heat pump, which uses warmth absorbed from Stromness harbour to provide heating for the buildings.

Read more: Sustainable heating from the sea in Stromness

Record attendance at Working at Height Best Practice Forum

A record number of delegates attended this year’s Working at Height Best Practice Forum, sharing their experiences and thoughts with like-minded professionals to help advance the safe operation of powered access, shape best practice and improve safety standards.

Facilitated by the UK’s largest powered access company, Nationwide Platforms, the event has grown in size and stature to become one of the UK’s leading powered access safety conferences. This year, the event was attended by more than 320 senior health and safety managers and directors representing a cross section of sectors, industries and professions throughout the UK.

Read more: Record attendance at Working at Height Best Practice Forum

Mick George Ltd land £3.3m infrastructure package

Works have this week commenced at one of the Eastern Region’s largest business parks. 

The Grovemere Property owned ‘Lancaster Way’ development, home to a diverse mix of over 70 businesses, currently occupies 175 acres, and is set to undergo major infrastructure enhancements.

Mick George Ltd will act as Principal Contractor to undertake the first phase of a £3.3 million civils & infrastructure package which will include installation of new roads, footpaths, drainage, pumping station and a balancing pond on the Lancaster Way Business Park in Ely. In preparation for these provisions, archaeological backfilling and compound installation has already been completed on-site.

Read more: Mick George Ltd land £3.3m infrastructure package

York Handmade praised for “magnificent” work at Highgate school

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a pivotal role in the construction of a brand-new building for one of London’s leading independent schools.

York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, supplied 150,000 bricks for Highgate Junior School in north London. 

The project has been shortlisted for a major prize in the prestigious Brick Awards, the Oscars of the brick industry.

Read more: York Handmade praised for “magnificent” work at Highgate school

NASC praised at Access Industry Forum (AIF) conference

The work of the NASC has been widely praised by speakers and delegates at the recent Access Industry Form (AIF) National Work At Height Conference.

The conference took place at the Holywell Park Conference Centre at Loughborough University on Thursday 13th October and involved around 100 industry professionals and representatives from the 11 AIF member bodies, including leading trade associations and federations involved working at height.

Read more: NASC praised at Access Industry Forum (AIF) conference

Do you know Mick’s Mates? Installations by a company you can trust

The revolution at Mick George Ltd shows no sign of letting up. Recognising that sourcing quality products is only half the battle, but installing them, is a completely different challenge, the business has launched ‘Mick’s Mates’, the latest service to take away any stress or anxieties you may have about installation. 

At Mick George Ltd, they understand you love your home, or are dependent on commercial properties, but no matter how good you are at DIY there becomes a point when you need to call an expert for help. Whether it’s major works, general maintenance or minor repairs, having confidence in the tradesman you choose is extremely important. 

Read more: Do you know Mick’s Mates? Installations by a company you can trust