News, Products, Services RIBA response to Budget 2012


The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP’s Budget Statement to the House of Commons.


Key announcements of interest to the RIBA included:  The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - will be published soon and will include a ‘powerful presumption’ in favour of sustainable develop- ment. The Government has committed to ensuring that there is support to help local authorities get plans up to date quickly.


 Housing - an extra £150million to go into the Get Britain Building fund on top of the £420million detailed last year. The Chancellor stated that this new money would see 3,000 new homes built.


 Sustainability - the Government will consult on simplifying the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) energy efficiency scheme with the aim of reducing administrative burdens on business. The Chancellor announced that if significant administrative savings were not deliverable, then he will bring forward proposals in autumn 2012 to replace the CRC with an alternative environmental tax.


 Infrastructure - The Growing Places Fund (originally launched in November 2011 with £500million) increases by £270million to help local development. The Government will also make up to £150million available in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from 2013-14.


RIBA Head of External Affairs, Anna Scott-Marshall, said, “The 2012 budget underlines the importance of new development and infrastructures in kick-starting growth in the economy. City Deals, the introduction of TIF and the expansion of Enterprise Zones could equip cities with the necessary tools to help them develop and grow.


“Whilst the RIBA welcomes the additional funding for the Get Britain Building cheme, we urge the Government to ensure that developers and developments selected for funding meet the highest quality credentials so homebuyers benefit as well as house builders.


“We look forward to seeing the details of the NPPF when it is published and comes into force next week.”


Climate change Minister urged to rethink cladding solution


Cladding eight million homes with up to 8in of insulation to cut greenhouse gas emissions is an inappropriate ‘one size fits all’ approach which needs rethinking, that’s according to Sean Farrell of living walls and green screens company Mobilane.


Farrell says: “While applying an insulating cladding to houses will save householders money on their energy bills, the long term impact will seriously affect the visual heritage of our nation with brick facades and period features at risk of being destroyed.


“We need a multifaceted approach to tackling green house gas emissions in suburban areas as not all the techniques we have available suit the demands of the landscape and the building. Introducing green screens and living walls are proven to improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide and particulate pollutants in the atmosphere. They also aid energy efficiency, for example we have independent tests that show buildings with ivy covered walls require 23% less energy to maintain an internal temperature when covered with snow than a building that is traditionally clad.


“While I commend Greg Barker and his commitment to implementing the green deal I do think that more consultation with the industry is required if we are to find workable and practical solutions to address green house gas emissions.”


6 New Log Book helps surveyors shine a spotlight in hidden horrors in the home


Surveyors can uncover hidden horrors in homes across the UK thanks to a pioneering new project, which will improve the standard of the service they offer.


The Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers (SSE) Home Log Book is set to revolutionise the property industry by providing an in-depth, detailed examination of the inside as well as the outside of people’s homes.


Now, the Institute is preparing to provide accreditation for surveyors who can then implement the scheme, which uncovers hidden, internal as well as external, problems, including toxic mould audits, not covered in standard reports.


For a fee agreed with the property owner, ISSE trained and certificated surveyors carry out a thorough examination of a property to establish if hazardous decorative or structural materials have been used, determine the adequacy of ventilation, identify security features and examine the likelihood of external environmental impact, such as flooding.


The ISSE surveyor will then draw up a schedule of any required repairs with a full quotation from an approved contractor, trained and qualified in compliance with ISSE licensing regulations.


Following an increase in demand for its PV48 solar roofing system, Sandtoft is offering its PV training in Scotland.


The one day session will take place at Edinburgh’s Telford College and is free of charge. Open to anyone wishing to learn more about photovoltaics, it focuses on the installation of Sandtoft’s PV48 solar roofing system, guidance on the feed-in- tariff and the pros and cons of solar energy.


Sandtoft already carries out its solar training at sites in Doncaster and Surrey and demand is high. Within the last six months, over 200 contractors have attended the sessions to help increase their knowledge of photovoltaics and the company’s PV48 system.


The training is led by Simon Dixon who has over 30 years’ experience in the roofing industry and is a regional and national judge for the SkillBuild competitions. He said: “Roofing contractors need to get to grips with new technologies,


The ISSE Home Log Book - or report - is then stored on a cloud-based system, along with supporting documents and guarantees, providing an easy-to- access paper trail showing what work has been carried out, when and by whom.


William Kidd, Chairman and Fellow of the ISSE - which aims to improve standards and training within the industry, said: “Because the Home Log surveys will be carried out by ISSE accredited surveyors and the repair and conservation work they subsequently recommend will be carried out by ISSE approved contractors, we can not only improve the service we offer the public but raise standards across the entire property market.


“The log book will be of immense value to anyone buying, selling or renting a property or homeowners keen to carry out repairs. Not only will they be able to see at a glance what needs doing to a property, but all the documentary evidence of what has already been done will be easily accessible for future reference.”


Further information about the ISSE and the Home Log Book, which is operating as a pilot scheme at present prior to being rolled out across the UK, can be obtained by calling the ISSE on 0800 136770 or visiting its website at www.isse.org.uk


Sandtoft expands solar training across the UK


particularly installing photovoltaic panels. Solar roofing solutions will continue to be an important growth opportunity for roofing professionals, enabling them to upskill and offer clients a much broader range of services. Effective training in this area will also help to minimise the risk of weather-related roof failures. We have trained people from organisations of all sizes and at all levels ranging from trainees through to directors. The high level of interest and feedback we have received highlights a strong desire for more advice on photovoltaics and most importantly, systems that are easy and quick to install. This new course in Scotland ensures we can offer a broader training service and that we can meet this growing demand.”


In addition to offering training at Doncaster, Surrey and Edinburgh, Sandtoft can carry out the sessions at contractors’ sites if preferred. Anyone interested in taking part in the training should contact Sandtoft’s technical services on 0844 9395 999.


Reader Enquiry: 99 New Mapei training course: Ultratop System


The free of charge course incorporates a balance of theoretical data and practical demonstrations and focuses on the specification of the Ultratop system, substrate preparation prior to installation, the actual application including mixing, pumping and levelling and finishing options.


Mapei have extended their training offer portfolio with the addition of a new course dedicated to the Ultratop System. The one day course covers a comprehensive induction to the cementitious, self-smoothing floor topping which is seeing increased polularity in specification in the UK market.


Ultratop is a hard wearing yet highly aesthetic flooring system, which can be finished to a multitude of effects and is available in 6 colours. It can also be enhanced with the use of coloured aggregates.


A number of one day courses are planned for 2012, which will be held at Mapei’s state-of-the-art production facility in Halesowen on the 5th July, 30th August and 20th September. Lunch, information pack and certificate of attendance is provided along with the opportunity to experience a tour of Mapei’s UK manufacturing site and offices.


Call 0121 508 6970 or email uktraining@mapei.co.uk for further information and to book a place.


www.mapei.co.uk


0121 508 6970 Reader Enquiry: 4


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