// News Homebuilding supports 800,000 jobs and £50bn in economic activity


A new report highlights that home building in England and Wales produced £53.3 billion of economic output last year, showcasing the significant potential of delivering the homes the country requires.


The Economic Footprint of Home Building in England and Wales report illustrates the growth potential if the target of 1.5 million homes is met. This could support 350,000 additional jobs and generate £100 billion in economic activity over the next five years.


Research conducted by Lichfields for the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reveals that building 240,000 homes last year created £53.3 billion in economic output, £6.4 billion in tax revenues, and £9.2 billion in affordable housing. It also supported 834,000 jobs, including 10,000 apprenticeships and trainees.


The report further demonstrates how boosting housing delivery can benefit the economy. If Labour achieves its housing target of 1.5 million homes, it could result in 1,043,000 jobs annually, £330 billion in economic activity, and £57.5 billion invested in affordable housing. It would also generate £40 billion in tax receipts and £9.4 billion for infrastructure projects, which include schools and community improvements.


While the home building industry has welcomed recent planning improvements, it is calling on the Government to address other constraints, especially the availability of affordable mortgages. Builders can only deliver homes if buyers can afford them. The upcoming budget presents an opportunity for the Government to tackle these challenges and continue supporting much-needed growth in the housing sector.


Kier begins new campus building to enhance healthcare in Northern England


Kier has started work on a new healthcare project as part of the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC). This latest scheme continues Kier’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure for the nation’s health.


The 6,800m2 facility, named the Emily Siddon Building, is set to open at the end of next year near the center of Huddersfield. It will offer diagnostic services and support local businesses.


The ground floor will house a Community Diagnostic Centre, operated in partnership with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, providing thousands of additional tests, including MRI and CT scans. Upper floors will feature specialist clinical teaching facilities and space for local entrepreneurs as part of the university’s health and wellbeing innovation center.


Kier aims to construct the building to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards and achieve WELL Platinum certification.


RICS launches updated CPO standard and infrastructure policy paper


The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a new edition of its compulsory purchase (CPO) standard and an infrastructure policy paper for discussion at the Labour Party Conference. The updated CPO standard, titled ‘Surveyors advising in respect of compulsory purchase and statutory compensation 2nd edition,’ includes crucial revisions to enhance best practices for RICS members, particularly those specialising in CPOs.


This edition establishes 21 mandatory professional behaviour and competence expectations, ensuring adherence to RICS valuation standards. Additionally, the infrastructure paper, ‘The Future of UK Major Infrastructure Projects,’ offers comprehensive policy solutions to improve the UK’s planning system and support essential housebuilding initiatives.


RICS President-elect Justin Sullivan emphasised the importance of these crucial reforms in achieving the government’s ambitious housebuilding targets and enhancing skills in the built environment, highlighting that RICS members’ expertise and commitment are essential for successful implementation and future growth in the sector, ultimately benefiting communities across the UK.


Skanska receives Innovate UK funding to accelerate decarbonisation of concrete


The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) has secured Innovate UK funding to trial repurposed London Clay as a low-carbon alternative to cement. This funding, awarded alongside six other companies, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK concrete industry.


The SCS JV team will focus on developing a replacement for carbon-intensive Portland Cement using repurposed London Clay. Collaborators include HS2, Arup, Tarmac, the University of Leeds, Sika UK, Expedition Engineering, and the Mineral Product Association (MPA). By calcinating London Clay excavated from tunneling, they intend to replace Portland Cement in concrete for HS2 permanent works.


Traditional Portland Cement manufacturing consumes significant energy and emits high levels of CO2. Initial trials funded by HS2 have indicated that calcined London Clay could serve as a viable alternative. These promising results suggest potential carbon reductions and substantial cost savings for projects similar to HS2. However, further research is necessary. The funding will enable the team to scale up production and enhance the trial.Innovate UK is investing £3.2 million in seven innovative projects, including SCS JV, to advance the decarbonisation of the UK’s concrete sector.


UK launches first cross-country standard to prove net zero carbon in buildings


A pilot version of the UK’s first cross-industry Standard for net zero carbon aligned buildings has been launched. Leading organisations, including BBP, BRE, the Carbon Trust, CIBSE, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS, and UKGBC, have collaborated on this initiative.


The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is a free technical standard that helps the built environment demonstrate alignment with the UK’s carbon and energy budgets. Previously, there was no agreed methodology for defining ‘net zero carbon’ for buildings, leading to misleading claims. This Standard establishes consistent rules for assessing these claims.


Designed for anyone involved in funding, procuring, designing, or specifying net zero carbon buildings, the Standard outlines necessary requirements to support the UK’s net zero carbon transition. Developed through collaboration among industry leaders, it covers essential topics such as upfront carbon, operational energy use, and renewable energy, enabling a robust verification process for net zero carbon alignment.


4 Autumn 2024 M33


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