ecobuild: news & product showcase; NEWS
WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL GET ‘SMART’ WITH LIGHTING
February data signalled a solid rise in UK construction sector output, extending the current sequence of growth to 14 months. The stronger expansion in activity was supported by a sharp rise in new work intakes. However, accelerated growth of both new business and output were insuf- ficient to prevent a fall in employment. Meanwhile, a fourth successive improve- ment in confidence was indicated. The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS
FM Conway is turning Westminster green in its latest project to install energy saving lights, which should save the City Council millions of pounds. The £3 million scheme will see FM Conway’s Lighting division upgrade the City of Westminster’s 14,000 existing street lights.
The ‘Smart Lights’ initiative will deliver an average energy saving of around 20 per cent as well as associated carbon and financial costs. It enables streetlights to be automatically dimmed or brightened using state-of-the-art wireless technology and a computerised central management
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system (CMS). The lamps will be moni- tored by the council and the CMS enables an operator to remotely control the light intensity of the lamps on a street-by-street basis. Lights can be dimmed by up to 75 per cent, ensuring that energy is not wasted on lighting empty streets.
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GROWTH OF CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ACTIVITY ACCELERATES All three of the broad construction
Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) posted 54.3 in February. Up from 51.4 in January, the index posted its highest reading since March 2011. February’s data pointed to a solid expan- sion of construction sector output that was in line with the series average.
categories monitored – housing, com- mercial and civil engineering – registered growth of output in the latest survey period. Continuing the recent general trend, commercial was the strongest per- forming of the sub-sectors, with the latest increase in activity the fastest since September 2010. A rise in civil engineer- ing output was solid, and in contrast to the decrease recorded in the previous survey period. A modest increase in resi- dential construction was indicated. UK construction companies reported
a marked rise in new business during February, with growth the fastest in 21 months. Panellists commented that an increase in successful tenders had sup-
ported the rise in new work intakes. Some companies also noted that new contract opportunities were larger and, in some cases, of higher value. February data signalled a reduction of
employment, despite expansions of both activity and new business. Job cuts due to reorganisations at some companies out- weighed hiring activity to accommodate higher workflows at others. Nonetheless, the decrease in staffing levels was only marginal. Similarly, sub-contractor usage also fell in February at a marginal pace. Reflective of increased output, pur-
chasing activity rose again in February at a solid rate. Insufficient stocks and capac- ity at vendors led to a further marked lengthening of suppliers’ delivery times.
Meanwhile, input cost inflation persisted, largely driven by higher energy bills and price rises at some suppliers. However, the latest increase was the slowest in nearly two years. Sustaining the recent trend, optimism
at UK construction companies strength- ened in February. Anecdotal evidence suggested that better visibility over pipeline work had led to the rise in confi- dence. Expectations for improved client sentiment, new marketing initiatives and healthier economic conditions were also frequently cited as factors having a posi- tive impact on confidence during February.
SUDSCAPE HITS HEIGHTS FOR TROWBRIDGE COUNCIL
The redevelopment of the Civic Hall Trowbridge Park for Trowbridge Town Council has involved the instal- lation of an innovative hard landscaping system that offers unique eco-friendly qualities. Sudscape is a SUDS compliant, porous paving system, which has been used to surface the first-floor balcony of the new building from where the Lord Mayor can address the public. Sudscape is largely comprised of recycled car tyres, which form a sub layer coupled with a top layer
of resin bound aggregate. Sudscape is available in a range of colour finishes, which means that it complements the interior scheme of the new building. In addition, Sudscape requires very little on-going maintenance, with no need for pressure washing or any specific cleaning regime.
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PLUMBASE LAUNCHES ECOBASE ecobuild stand N1610
Plumbase has announced it will launch Ecobase, its new energy saving solutions showrooms targeted at both the installer and end consumer, at Ecobuild on 20 March. Launching with three regional showrooms and further showrooms planned across the Plumbase 200 store portfolio, Ecobase aims to become the place for the trade and their consumers to get the best advice, latest product information and the point of reference for those looking to make energy savings within their
homes or their businesses. The launch at Ecobuild will include an Ecobase guide to energy saving solutions, as well as featuring a wide range of energy efficient products from leading brands. Visit the Ecobase stand N1610 at Ecobuild for expert advice and energy saving solutions for the whole house.
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