Good Building Guide: Sound Insulation in Dwellings

New publication from IHS BRE Press provides practical guidance on designing and building homes with better sound insulation. With the global shift towards urban living and higher density developments, the issues surrounding noise in our homes is becoming ever more important. Unwelcome noise can be a major cause of stress and ultimately impact on the … Continue reading “Good Building Guide: Sound Insulation in Dwellings”

Route map for low carbon concrete

Approximately 5% of the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by humans currently arise from cement production. As a consequence, there is commercial interest in developing low-carbon cements and related binders suitable for use ‘at scale’ in concrete production. One variety of these is known as ‘alkali-activated binders’ or ‘AA binders’. Alkali-activated binders and concretes … Continue reading “Route map for low carbon concrete”

BRE Trust reports on latest built environment research

BRE Trust has published its annual review of some of the latest built environment research. Available online, the report outlines research projects and activities across areas ranging from infrastructure sustainability and resilience to occupant welleing and energy. Projects The BRE Trust Review includes summaries of completed projects and their results including the three-year Future Cities … Continue reading “BRE Trust reports on latest built environment research”

Delivering built asset operational excellence – Insight and tips from construction clients and supply chains

Report from the Constructing Excellence Asset Management group summarises an approach to delivering more value during the operational phase of buildings.  It is based on lessons learnt, insights and tips shared by major construction clients and CE members with the CE Asset Management Group since 2012. The report examines how clients and their supply chains … Continue reading “Delivering built asset operational excellence – Insight and tips from construction clients and supply chains”

The insurance market has failed to keep pace with the construction sector – it’s time to improve collaboration

Key players in the construction sector recently met with leading construction insurers to discuss current trends and debate the future outlook for their industries. The meeting of minds was organised following a discussion between Lucas Fettes & Partners and Constructing Excellence, the organisation charged with driving the change agenda in construction. In light of the … Continue reading “The insurance market has failed to keep pace with the construction sector – it’s time to improve collaboration”

Heat metering

Heating accounts for nearly half of final energy consumption in the UK (48% in 2013) and 78% of non-transport energy use (DECC, 2013). Heat is a utility, like water, gas, and electricity.  Communal or district heating systems are becoming more common and these involve the centralised generation of heat and the distribution of this heat … Continue reading “Heat metering”