LSFA Insight - March 2023

LFSA INSIGHT

LSFA LAUNCH SUSTAINABILITY GUIDE

Raising awareness of the performance, productivity and sustainability benefits of light steel technology.

With an objective to support the specification of light steel frame (LSF) by developing a better understanding of the numerous technology benefits, the LSFA has created a Sustainability Guide to verify its environmental credentials.

This new guide was trialled at Offsite Expo and initial feedback, although very positive, has highlighted the requirement for further data and evidence to demonstrate that LSF is a highly sustainable method of construction. We are calling for LSFA members to come forward with data to give the report further credibility in the green agenda. Please email info@lsf-association.co.uk if you feel you can further assist.

Light steel technology is widely specified throughout the UK construction industry and members of the LSFA have demonstrated that it is a highly reliable, robust and sustainable method of construction. When designers research build systems – fire, thermal and acoustic performance together with structural integrity and cost – are key drivers. However, the sustainability benefits of light steel systems are not widely understood.

Timber may appear to have a ‘greener’ image, but it is well documented that steel is one of the world’s most recycled materials with recovery and re-use rates in excess of 90%. So, steel performs better than timber when all factors are taken into consideration across the whole life of the building and we need to evidence this more.

To download the current Sustainability Guide, go to: www.lsf-association.co.uk/library

LSFA WELCOMES

NEW STEERING GROUP MEMBERS

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new LSFA Steering Group members

Paul Smith, Head of Contracts UK and Ireland – Sigmat; Andy Higson, Business Director –Saint Gobain (Intrastack) and Mark Munns, Chief Executive Officer – Frameclad.

As the representative body for the light steel framing sector, it is important we not only have major manufacturers at our helm but also technical partners and members who represent our supply chain. The Steering Group meet on a quarterly basis to discuss key developments in the sector, knowledge share and agree the future objectives and activity of the LSFA. The last Steering Group meeting of 2022 took place on 01 December, and we would like to thank everyone for a frank and open discussion which will help shape our plans for 2023.

BUILDING SAFETY

Playing to the strengths of light steel technology, the Building Safety Act received Royal Assent in April 2022. The act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers.

These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator, and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed to be the biggest change in building safety for over 40 years. The overhaul of regulations will require building owners to demonstrate safety at each of three new ‘gateways’ for planning and design, construction and occupation. Compliance will be monitored by the newly established Building Safety Regulator, with significant powers to demand documents and stop works, and a new National Regulator for Construction Products, with power to remove dangerous products from the market.

For more details on the Building Safety Act and to download the full document, go to: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-building-safety-act

BEST PRACTICE GUIDE

Steel has become the market leading material for this application owing to its quality, speed of installation and design versatility. The guidance document has been jointly published by FIS, SCI and ASFP with the support of industry professionals.

To download the Best Practice Guide for Through-Wall Infill Steel Frame Systems, go to: www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/best-practice-guides/through-wall/

The Best Practice Guide for Through-Wall Infill Steel Frame Systems provides a clear definition and presents useful information relating to the performance characteristics of ‘through-wall’ systems.

Paul Smith

Andy Higson

Mark Munns

YOUR OPINION COUNTS

Thanks to all LSFA members who responded to our annual survey. We recognise these surveys take time to complete and there are many considered responses.

It is important we represent all members equally and your views will help our association shape our strategy for 2023. Some interesting findings emerged, and it is good to know that many are using and value the resources provided by LSFA membership.

We were interested to learn your feedback on the core remit and status of a trade associations such as the LSFA – with our independent, not for profit status coming out on top together with lobbying with a united voice and a vehicle to drive collaboration, also noted as a very high priority.

By identifying the key drivers for joining our association it ensures the LSFA Steering Group can prioritise activity and focus on the areas which matter most to our members such as driving credibility in the marketplace and creating opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

Our thanks also go to those members who expressed an interest in chairing a 2023 working group. These groups are fundamental in moving our organisation forward and we are keen to bring a depth and breadth of industry knowledge to the fore particularly when developing validation and guidance documents. On that note, our members put forward some excellent suggestions for the next in the series of guides which is very much appreciated. We would also like to thank those who expressed an interest in taking part in our factory tour programme and roundtable events.

With a breadth of technical advancements, product innovations and outstanding projects, the LSFA firmly believe the time is right to launch the Light Steel Framing Awards.

Many material sectors have dedicated awards, but historically our industry has been a little reticent to celebrate our achievements.

So, we will shortly be polling LSFA members to find out your views because only with the support of the industry can we make these awards an outstanding success.

WE NEED YOUR VIEWS WE NEED YOUR VIEWS

BEST OF BEST OF

MARKETING UPDATE

Informing architects, designers, engineers, specifiers, installers, developers and contractors, of the latest news, developments and innovations.

Print Distribution: 7,000

Digital Distribution: 27,850

ISSUE 5 - published July 2022

ISSUE 6 - published November 2022

ISSUE 7 - coming May 2023

ISSUE 8 - coming September 2023

DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS

Monthly broadcasts promoting the latest updates from the sector.

6,900 Subscribers

Most recent newsletter showed

2,770 recipients interacted with the stories

LINKEDIN

Social Media platform gaining traction

343 new followers in the last quarter

Total 4,179 followers

Recent posts gained

11,124 impressions

LSFA WEBSITE

PRESS COVERAGE

The LSFA Guides have received extensive media interest with features being published in Architects Datafile, ABC&D Magazine, Building Construction, Specification Magazine, PSB Magazine, Offsite Magazine Offsite Hub, and the Light Steel Framing Magazine.

Following some refinements, in 2023 the LSFA will launch a campaign to promote our Sustainability Guide across print, digital, online news channels and social media platforms to drive specification of light steel technology.

2,380 downloads in 2022

9,306 page views in the last quarter

33 Newsroom uploads in the last quarter

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

These platforms are valuable promotional channels for LSFA members. All have been developed by or in association with the LSFA. So, to maximise your membership, ensure your marketing team are proactively sending us your latest news, project and product images and interacting with our Linkedin activity.

To gain inclusion in the:

• Light Steel Framing Magazine

• LSFA Website Newsroom

• External Digital Newsletter

• LSFA Blogs

Submit your content to: info@lsf-association.co.uk

LSFA INSIGHT EVENTS UPDATE

The LSFA have already secured high-profile speaker opportunities for 2023 at leading industry events and plans are well underway for our Focus on Framing seminar which presents a great opportunity to promote the benefits of light steel technology to a highly targeted audience of construction professionals.

FOCUS ON FRAMING

07 – 09 March 2023

Excel, London

Futurebuild is about creating a better future for the built environment by providing the platform for inspiring ideas, innovative solutions and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable construction to help reach zero goals. The conference and exhibition bring together the entire supply chain to showcase, debate and understand the advancements in sustainable construction and the emerging technologies that will drive positive change.

LSFA EXHIBITING

We will be flying the flag for LGSF on stand G51

LSFA SPEAKING

Our chairman will be facilitating the Sustainable Steel session

08 March - 14.30-15.15

VISIT

www.futurebuild.co.uk

25 April 2023

The Building Centre, London

The only specialist event of its kind, Focus on Framing provides a solution for construction professionals looking to gain a greater understanding of the latest advances and best practise principles from light steel sector experts. Through informative speakers and case study presentations the seminar will focus on the fast-track non-combustible solutions that are having a significant impact delivering outstanding buildings across all construction sectors. Architects, engineers, specifiers and developers are looking for ways to reduce environmental impact – as the most recycled material on the planet, this event will bring steel’s sustainability credentials to the forefront of the industry.

Full programme to be announced in March 2023 but speakers include the Steel Construction Institute, leading manufacturers Fusion Steel Framing and Frameclad, Corstorphine Wright architects and digital experts - Trimble.

VISIT

www.lsf-association.co.uk/events

19 September 2023

Coventry Building Society

Arena

The 2022 Awards witnessed record entries and it was brilliant to see light steel framing systems featured throughout the awards categories including Education Project of the Year, Private Housing Project of the Year, Infrastructure Project of the Year – not to mention the Product Innovation Award. But the Best Use of Steel was the most fiercely contested category.

2022 Winner Best Use of Steel Technology

The teams at Broadland Housing Association, LSFA member Sigmat and R G Carter triumphed on the evening with their Canary Quay project – a four-phased light steel framed development of 323 high specification waterside apartments on the River Wensum near the centre of Norwich.

2023 ENTRY DEADLINE 26 May 2023

Now in the ninth year, the awards recognise projects large and small – it is technical innovation that catches the judge’s eye. So, if you have an outstanding light steel project, now is the time to start planning for the 2023 awards. Supporting information and good imagery is crucial to success! The judges love technical detail of the structural system, so do not wait until the building is finished to appoint a photographer!

VISIT

www.offsiteawards.co.uk

Winners of Best Use of SteelBroadland Housing Association, R G Carter and Sigmat

Best Use of Steel winning project - Canary Quay

SAVE THE DATE AND SIGN UP EARLY FOR OFFSITE EXPO 2023!

OFFSITE EXPO brings together those who are driving change in the construction sector – the event will play host to the leading UK and international offsite manufacturers and component suppliers showcasing a broad spectrum of panelised and volumetric modular systems, plus pod and prefabricated MEP solutions.

>4000

ALIGN YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WITH THIS INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT SECTOR

Maximise your business development potential at the UK’s biggest showcase of offsite manufactured construction technology and solutions.

BOOK YOUR EXHIBITION SPACE NOW!

For more information contact julie.williams@radar-communications.co.uk or call 01743 290042