News

Arup has welcomed a fresh intake of apprentices and newly qualified graduates to support its Nottingham team’s work on a wide range of major projects. Two recently recruited apprentice technicians and two new university graduates are now part of the 100-plus strong city team. Four further Nottingham-based apprentices have also recently completed their part-time degrees with the company.

Have you set gaining environmental professional registration as a goal for 2022? If you apply evidence-based environmental and sustainable thinking in your role, gaining environmental professional registration will allow you to demonstrate your expertise and boost your credibility as a recognised environmental professional. Becoming registered helps you to build your knowledge further through CPD and allows you to connect with a network of professionals working across many disciplines.

In the previous issue of Building Engineer, I gave an update on key areas of progress the Association has made towards its strategic objectives; you can read more about this in the annual report on page 38. As we start the new year, I want to introduce you to some of the next steps and highlight key new initiatives for 2022.

Earlier this year the Welsh Government released a consultation on a set of proposals looking to reform the legislation around building safety in Wales.

The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) has signed an open letter to the UK government urging it to embed engineering into current primary school learning and support and commit to securing our future as a nation of innovators.

Housing Minister Eddie Hughes MP has announced new rules that mean smoke alarms must be fitted in all rented accommodation.

Building Engineer prides itself on presenting high-quality technical information and industry insight, and would like to showcase the expertise of the members themselves.

Entries are now open for the 2022 Building Controls Industry Association Awards. The closing date is 14 January.

CICAIR has announced two sanctions on Approved Inspections, leading to a removal of both their licences.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has revised its rules highlighting transparency, ethical behaviour and sustainability following a nine-week consultation with members, clients and the public.

The Oglesby Centre, a £4.3m three-storey extension to the historic recording and rehearsal venue in Manchester, won three gongs from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in its 2021 awards: a National Award, a North West Award, and a North West Sustainability Award.

The Welsh Government has launched a call for expressions of interest in Building Remediation Passports.

This consultation (stage 2B) is the final stage of a three-part consultation about proposed changes to the Building Regulations.

The Global Cement and Concrete Association’s (GCCA’s) roadmap marks the biggest global commitment by an industry to net zero so far.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Finance has launched a consultation on proposed increases in energy efficiency standards for new buildings.

Renewable hydrogen produced by the UK’s world-leading fleet of wind farms and stored in disused oil and gas fields can help avoid future winter energy supply crunches, according to research published by Energy Networks Association (ENA).

Following NHS England’s publication of its Net Zero Carbon Delivery Plan, Wates, Arup and HKS have launched the Decarbonising Health Estates Partnership (DHEP). Its aim is to decarbonise existing NHS buildings by driving sustainability within hospital infrastructure.

Deirdre Hargey, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Communities, has approved additional funding of up to £15m to ensure stability in the region’s social housing construction sector following recent volatility in materials costs.

To understand the value of being a chartered environmentalist (CEnv), look no further than the experiences of those who are currently registered as one.

The Construction Industry Council presented its ‘Carbon Zero: the professional institutions’ climate action plan’ at COP26 as part of the Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day. Watch it on the COP26 YouTube channel.