NEWS T
Building safety and quality is good for growth
he Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has urged the government and business leaders to focus on the economic value and social benefits of improving the UK’s built environment and not to fixate on short-term costs.
The Association welcomed the Chancellor’s renewed commitment to
reform planning, invest in critical infrastructure and deliver significant growth in housebuilding as part of last week’s Spring Statement. However, it warned against focusing on targets at the expense of quality and safety. “Improving our built environment will have enormous social and economic benefits, but it cannot – and must not – be done on the cheap,” said BESA chief executive officer David Frise. He said there was growing concern that the government’s slogan: ‘Back the builders not the blockers’ could encourage people to aim for speed over quality. “It is great that we have ambitious targets, but the best way to create sustainable growth is to ensure our built environment is the best it can be. Whether it is 1.5 million new homes in this parliament or one million, the key thing is that they are good quality homes that support the health, wellbeing and safety of people,” said Frise. “Likewise in the commercial and industrial sector where delivering safer and more sustainable facilities should be front and centre in our economic policy.”
Approved
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed a further £13bn, on top of the £100bn announced in Autumn Budget, to support spending on infrastructure, housing, and defence over the life of this Parliament. Construction market research firm Glenigan estimates there is up to £129bn worth of new projects approved and waiting to break ground.
BESA members have also confirmed that
there is a huge amount of pent-up demand in resilient markets like data centres, life sciences, healthcare and defence. However, Glenigan’s latest index revealed a 19% drop in project starts compared to the last quarter, and a 16% decline year-on-year due to caution among developers created by “rising costs and policy uncertainty”. The Office for Budget Responsibility also calculated that planning reforms included in the government’s National Planning and Policy Framework would lead to 1.3 million homes being built in the UK over the next five years, slightly below the Chancellor’s target. “Planning reform and infrastructure investment is hugely important, but we must also keep a close eye on our net zero targets and safety responsibilities,” said BESA’s director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson. “There is a lot of frustration about the delays and additional costs being caused by our current planning system, but the industry must take its share of responsibility by making sure its planning submissions identify, clarify and justify how designs comply with Building Regulations. “Planning controls are there for a reason. This is not just about cost but about ensuring long- term value through safe and sustainable design.”
Ofwat’s £100M Water Efficiency Fund welcomed
C
istermiser, one of the UK’s providers of water and energy saving management solutions, has welcomed the launch of Ofwat’s £100 million Water Efficiency Fund as a crucial investment in securing the UK’s future water supply.
The fund, designed to accelerate water-saving innovations and initiatives, represents a significant step in addressing water scarcity and improving
sustainability across homes and businesses. With non-household water use accounting for a substantial proportion of demand, Cistermiser
is urging decision-makers to prioritise proven technologies that deliver immediate and measurable savings.
Commenting on the fund, Richard Braid, managing director of Cistermiser, said: “We strongly support Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Fund and its potential to drive meaningful reductions in water usage. However, innovation doesn’t have to be complex – smart solutions like our infrared urinal controls and sensor-activated WC dual flush, are designed to prevent costly leaks and offer businesses a simple yet effective way to reduce water waste and enhance sustainability. If the UK is serious about addressing water shortages, we must embrace proven, readily available technologies alongside new innovations.” Toilets are a major yet often overlooked source of water waste. The Waterwise Leaky Loos
report estimates 1.5 million leaking toilets across the UK, each wasting up to 400 litres daily - enough to fill four million bathtubs. The main culprits are failing flush valve seals, faulty fill valves and dual flush issues.
As water companies and businesses look to meet ambitious efficiency targets, Cistermiser is calling for greater awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of upgrading to intelligent washroom controls.
Cistermsier’s range of Commercial Washroom products supports the prevention of constant water flow and a reduction of water usage in commercial buildings helping drive sustainability target achievement and a reduction in annual water costs.
OMICRON Zero • Eurovent certified performance
• First air-source simultaneous heating & cooling unit using R290 as a near zero GWP, natural refrigerant solution
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Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk Swegon qp BSEE
Dec23.indd 1
10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2025 5
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