Panasonic provides efficient heating solutions in social housing with Service Cloud software
Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions is the preferred manufacturer of air-source heat pumps for family-run installation company, Concept Heating Systems Ltd. Making the transition from boiler installations to heat pumps 10 years ago, Concept Heating is the Lancashire contractor for a large social housing provider, Together Housing, also in collaboration with Graham Plumbing, the accredited Panasonic distributor supplying the Panasonic units.
In a bid to decarbonise Together Housing’s social housing stock, Concept Heating turned to Panasonic to provide high-quality heat pumps for tenants. Panasonic’s Aquarea J Series air-towater heat pumps were specified to meet the request, along with its Aquarea Service Cloud software to help monitor energy efficiency. Panasonic and Graham Plumbing, have already provided sustainable heat pumps to over 700 of Together Housing’s properties, including onebedroom apartments, terraced houses, and semi-detached homes. This year, an additional 600 properties are expected to transition to airto-water heat pumps.
The Panasonic Aquarea Service Cloud app enables Concept Heating to identify when tenants are incorrectly operating their heat pumps, a common mistake amongst those converting from a gas boiler. To support this, Panasonic offers technical assistance through remote or on-site engineers and has Panasonictrained and accredited engineers at Concept Heating’s training centre in Bolton. The company is dedicated to educating tenants on the proper and efficient use of their heat pumps. The remote cloud platform provided by Panasonic is an essential tool for installers managing multiple properties and sites.
Director of Concept Heating, Paula Byrom, said, “Panasonic is our preferred manufacturer, and we find the units to be good quality and reliable. The service from both Panasonic and the team at Graham Plumbing regarding supplying the units has been very reliable, with no supply issues. The Panasonic Aquarea Service Cloud monitoring system is far better, in comparison than any of the other manufacturers currently on the market. We find the Smart Cloud app very useful, as we can see how the heat pumps are being utilised in each household. If the unit is not being operated efficiently by tenants, we can often either solve a problem remotely or visit the property to educate and advise the tenant on their operation of the units.”
Together Housing tenant, Graham, had his old gas heating system replaced with a Panasonic air source heat pump. “The old system was very inefficient,” said Graham, “and with the high bills these days, I didn’t want to switch it on too much, so it was pretty cold. With the heat pump, I can control how warm it is much easier. You set it to what you want and then the heating just clicks on when it drops to that temperature. I don’t have gas at all now so no standing charge, so there’s a saving there straightaway. It’s been fantastic.”
Providing tenants with a warm, comfortable and futureproofed home is at the heart of Concept Heating, Panasonic and Together Housing, plus lowering bills, is a welcome bonus. Following the comparison of a property with Q-Bot insulation and spray foam floor insulation versus without, figures indicated a saving in profit of up to 25%. Identifying the importance of insulation for effective heat pump operation, tenants of Together Housing found during the winter that their heating bills were as low as £1 per day. The 7-year warranty offered by Panasonic supports the investment in Panasonic heat pumps, ensuring higher energy efficient homes for years to come.
Panasonic Aquarea heat pump
The Panasonic J Series High Performance heat pump boasts an A+++ Energy Class, achieving average water outlet temperatures of 35°C and maximum output temperatures of 60°C. Bespoke software for maximum efficiency delivers low output temperatures. The Panasonic cloud control app and service app, with an easy-to-use remote controller for end user accessibility, enables a low carbon and holistic solution to heating. The Panasonic units are available in a range of sizes from 5, 7 and 9 kW, with an internal domestic hot water tank and external unit for ease of installation.
To find out more, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/ or www.conceptheating.com
Over 1100 objections lodged as Albrighton comes out in force against Boningale Homes green belt grab
A controversial housing scheme that threatens 52-hectares of Shropshire green belt has received unprecedented opposition following the end of the consultation phase.
Over 1100 objections have been submitted against Boningale Homes speculative plans to build 800 houses in Albrighton in a move that will rip the heart out of the village and turn it into a town with creaking infrastructure and major traffic issues.
Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG), which is made up of local volunteers, has welcomed the overwhelming support of residents and are now calling on Shropshire Council to stand on the right side of history by rejecting this speculative planning application that would destroy high quality greenbelt and farmland forever.
The scale of opposition is significant, with a 3700-strong petition already handed in (representing 83% of the local population) and now over 1100 objections lodged from residents.
Charlie Blakemore, Co-Chair of AVAG, commented: “We know that residents of the village are furious at Boningale Homes plan to rip the heart out of our village and destroy quality green belt, but even we are surprised at the scale of objections.
“Over 1100 residents have taken time to lodge their objections on the Shropshire Council Planning Portal, which clearly shows the level of deep feeling in the community that the location, and scale of this speculative proposal, is just not right.
“This is genuine livedin knowledge that the village’s roads, infrastructure and amenities would simply not cope with this scale of unplanned overdevelopment.”
He continued: “We’ve also seen a unanimous response from other local community groups, with Albrighton Flooding Action Group (AFLAG), Albrighton Development Action Group (ADAG) and Albrighton Parish Council all objecting and throwing their substantial weight behind our campaign.”
Claire Lakin, a founding member of Albrighton Village Action Group, continued: “We’ve long stressed that we’re not against new housing in the village and have been a strong supporter of the Local Plan that has put aside land to support the build of 771 properties.
AVAG, which has been supported throughout by local MP Mark Pritchard, has submitted its own 92-page document and a specially produced drone objection video.
The group has also arranged technical reviews by two planning consultants and a lawyer and has submitted a further four professional objection documents –all funded by donations from local residents and businesses.
Increased traffic, road closures, pressure on creaking medical and transport infrastructure and negative impact on the high street have all been cited, whilst there is massive worry about the ecological damage the proposed development is going to cause and the negative impact of mental health and well-being by stripping away 52-hectares of productive farmland and green belt.
“This level of development alone represents nearly a 25% increase in the population of Albrighton, so you can’t say that we’re not doing our bit to provide local housing. This proposal from Boningale Homes is just pure greed and, you can tell by its scattergun approach, that it’s just throwing lots of applications around hoping that one sticks.”
She concluded: “The level of public objections has been fantastic. We were also buoyed with recent news confirming that the Local Plan does not need to be revised upwards in line with the new NPPF consultation proposals.”
Albrighton Village Action Group has already raised over £10,000 towards supporting its campaign and are hosting several charity events in the coming months.
(l-r) Steve Thomas, Duncan Reeves, Willowe Keeley, Charlie Blakemore, Dipika Price, Mark Pritchard MP, Jayne and Stephen Czira
Panasonic’s Innovative T-CAP
Aquarea M Series Heat Pumps with R290 are Available Now
Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solution’s Aquarea M Series airto-water heat pumps are now available to market. The latest series has set a benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and impressive operation in the industry.
The M Series 9,12 & 16kW Single or 3 phase has been designed with a modular concept that allows for a variety of application choices, catering to different needs and property types. It provides four options in the line up, Standalone Remote Controller, Control Module, Hydro Box and AiO units, providing tailored solutions for every user. The system utilises the natural refrigerant R290, known for its low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. The hydraulic connection between outdoor and indoor units (Hydro Box & All In One) simplifies installation, eliminating the need for F-gas certification.
New solutions are offered with the M Series line up not previously seen with the L Series R290, using either the NEW Standalone Controller or Control Module optional product you can provide heating and DHW with no hydraulic additional indoor unit, these options are complimented by the Hydro Box or All in One to complete the solutions offered. This unit features Panasonic’s T-CAP technology, which maintains nominal capacity without a heater, even in extreme conditions, down to -20°C and can operate at temperatures as low as -28°C. T-CAP technology allows for maintained capacity whilst being a cost and space saving sustainable option, requiring less power. It offers quiet operation with a sound power level of just 53db(A) for a 12kW unit, and delivers high-temperature performance, providing a water outlet temperature of 75°C at -15°C and 55°C hot water at -25°C. Equipped with Panasonic’s scroll compressor, this unit ensures reliable and efficient performance.
The Aquarea M Series also has an AiO model that can be connected to the outdoor 9, 12, 16 kW units. The unit features a 185 L capacity with all functionalities, including a back-up heater and a new expansion vessel that extends the elevation difference up to 30 metres. It boasts a seamless design, a DHW 3.6 COP rating, an additional CN-CNT port for easy integration into a BMS project. Also included is a Wi-Fi adapter to connect to Aquarea Smart Cloud and Service Cloud to ease remote management and enable remote service management, providing a comprehensive and convenient heating solution for modern homes.
To complement this, Panasonic has also introduced new remote controllers for the M Series outdoor unit. The remote controller is essential if no other indoor component is selected, and it comes bundled with or without Wi-Fi adaptor option. Additionally, a dual controller system has been developed, allowing for independent control of two zones within a property, offering users more flexibility in managing their heating and cooling needs.
For those seeking advanced control functions, Panasonic has introduced an optional PCB for the Control Module, Hydro Box All-In-One options. This PCB allows for 0-10 V demand control, SG readiness, and other advanced functions, offering users greater customisation and control over their heating systems.
Not only do the heat pumps perform efficiently, but they also enhance the aesthetic of any home. Featuring a modern design, the outdoor units are available in Anthracite Grey, with the indoor units available in sleek Monochrome options.
To find out more, please visit: www.aircon.panasonic.eu.
The five sustainable construction materials supporting the circular economy
The building and construction sector has one of the largest carbon footprints of any industry, accounting for 37% of global emissions.
As the scale of ongoing global construction is only set to increase to support a growing global population – equivalent to adding the surface area of Paris to the planet every year until 2050 – more sustainable practices must be considered to reduce environmental impact while supporting economic prosperity.
The importance of sustainable materials
The choice of materials used in a building project has by far the greatest bearing on its environmental impact. Research estimates that 82–87% of a building’s emissions can be directly attributed to the embodied carbon of its materials.
Quality and longevity are essential qualities when reducing a building’s maintenance over time. The use of recyclable materials is also key in decreasing the high levels of waste generated both during construction and at the end-of-life stage.
Five sustainable construction materials
Building materials must be more carefully considered in the design stage – prioritising those with a high recycled content and infinite recyclability – if net zero targets are to be hit.
1. Steel
Steel is one of the most versatile building materials around, used to make beams, bars, plates and pipes.
It’s also one of the most sustainable, with an average global recycling rate of 80-90% (variable depending on industry) and performs well in terms of embodied carbon, with figures of 1.55 CO2e/kg and 1.99 CO2e/kg for steel sections and bars respectively.
2. Iron
Iron is used in steelmaking and plays an important role in the structural elements of buildings, as a long-lasting and durable material.
As with steel, recycling rates vary depending on the product but are estimated at 52–90%, while recycled content is 28-52%. Iron also has an embodied carbon of 2.03 CO2e/kg, which is higher than steel but low compared with other materials.
3. Concrete
Used in building foundations and flooring, concrete is known for its relatively low carbon footprint compared to other materials. It can be recovered, sorted and crushed during demolition to create recycled concrete aggregate – which can be used to make new products.
Averaged across different products, its embodied carbon is also just 0.103 CO2e/kg.
4. Aluminium
Valued for its lightness and durability, aluminium is used in roofing, walls, windows and doorframes.
It can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality and has an average recycling rate in construction of 92–98%, but a higher embodied carbon of 6.67 CO2e/kg.
5. Copper
Flexible, corrosion-resistant and long-lasting, copper is widely used in pipework, cladding and roofing and is an infinitely recycled material.
In Europe, it’s estimated that 70% of copper from end-of-life products is recycled, which rises to 90% in civil engineering projects. Copper also performs strongly in terms of carbon footprint, with recycled tubes and sheets having an embodied carbon of 0.84 CO2e/kg.
Building a sustainable future
The onus is now on the construction industry to shift to recyclable, low carbon construction materials to shape a more sustainable future.
To find out more, visit www.cuspuk.com or follow CuSP on social media.
The Role of Aluminium Joinery Construction: A Strategic Choice
In today’s fast-evolving construction landscape, the demand for highperformance materials is higher than ever. Businesses in the construction sector are increasingly turning to aluminium joinery as a preferred solution for a variety of building applications. This trend is driven by aluminium’s exceptional properties, which offer a unique combination of durability, sustainability, and design flexibility. For B2B partners, understanding the advantages of aluminium joinery is essential for making informed decisions that can lead to long-term success in the construction industry.
Why Aluminium Joinery?
Aluminium joinery stands out in the construction industry for several key reasons. Firstly, aluminium is known for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. This property allows for the creation of robust structures that are also lightweight, making transportation and installation easier and more cost-effective. For businesses involved in large-scale projects, the reduced weight of aluminium components translates to lower logistics costs and faster assembly times on-site.
Joinery in Modern Choice for B2B Partners
Another significant advantage of aluminium is its resistance to corrosion. Unlike other materials that may degrade or rust over time, aluminium maintains its integrity even in harsh environmental conditions. This characteristic is particularly valuable for construction projects in coastal areas or regions with extreme weather patterns, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the structures.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing concern across all industries, and construction is no exception. Aluminium is a fully recyclable material, which means that the environmental impact of aluminium joinery is minimal compared to other options. Moreover, the use of aluminium in construction contributes to better energy efficiency. Modern aluminium joinery systems, such as those provided by Aluprof, are designed to minimize heat loss and improve thermal insulation, thereby reducing energy consumption in buildings.
For instance, incorporating solutions like roller shutters into your projects can further enhance energy efficiency. These systems not only provide shade and reduce the need for artificial cooling but also offer additional security and privacy.
Design Flexibility
Aluminium’s malleability allows for a wide range of design possibilities, enabling architects and builders
to create aesthetically pleasing structures without compromising on performance. Whether it’s sleek modern facades or intricate custom designs, aluminium joinery can meet the most demanding architectural requirements.
Partnering with Aluprof
For B2B clients seeking high-quality aluminium joinery solutions, partnering with a trusted provider like Aluprof ensures access to state-of-the-art products and expert support. Aluprof offers an extensive range of aluminium systems tailored to meet the specific needs of various construction projects. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability makes them a valuable partner for any business looking to enhance its construction capabilities.
Explore their range of roller shutters to discover how these solutions can add value to your projects.
In conclusion, aluminium joinery is not just a trend but a strategic choice for the future of construction. Its durability, sustainability, and design versatility make it an indispensable material for modern building projects. B2B partners who embrace aluminium joinery stand to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace, delivering superior results that meet the evolving demands of the industry.
aluprof.com
The Welsh Government Leads the UK in Sustainable Office Fitouts
Three Welsh Government buildings lead the UK in sustainable office fitouts, delivering on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, while saving taxpayer funds. The institutions behind these award-winning projects are Transport for Wales, North Wales Police and Public Health Wales – all of whom were recognised for their exceptional sustainability performance in a recent study by the Office Furniture Remanufacturing Association (available at https://ofrauk.org/study1/).
All three buildings lead on the Welsh Government’s push for Net Zero by 2025. Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has stated “As I start my term as the new Commissioner, I have set out an ambition for Wales to feel different. I want people to arrive here in Wales and it feel like a breath of fresh air, feel that there’s something unique about this country. And that uniqueness is truly putting the well-being of our people and planet first. I want everyone in Wales to feel the benefits of the Act in their day-to-day and feel like the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act is working hard for them, and for everyone.”
Transport for Wales (TfW) Headquarters, Pontypridd
The 68,000ft² TfW headquarters in Pontypridd has been meticulously designed to promote
collaboration and innovation among the public, government, and private sectors. Achieving exceptional standards of sustainability and costefficiency, this building has earned the Prosperous Future Generations Award 2021 for its exemplary social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
The interior design, conceptualised by Rype Office in collaboration with the Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind (MTIB), exemplifies sustainable practices creating a highly productive, healthy, low carbon and cost-efficient spaces. The building boasts four innovation rooms, a library, town square, casual working zones, flexible public use/enquiry space, external and internal meeting rooms, bike storage, showers, and drying rooms. The Rype Intercept sofa and Rype RePlastic coffee tables, made from postconsumer waste plastic, exemplify the commitment to sustainability.
Biophilia was incorporated into the design from the outset, with plants throughout the building cleaning the air, balancing the humidity and emitting oxygen.
30% of the furniture was sourced from two preexisting TfW offices, 47% was remanufactured, and 16% was made by local manufacturers, reducing
Government Sustainable
greenhouse gas emissions by 90,000 kgCO2e and reusing 31.8 tonnes of furniture. MTIB played a crucial role in the project, manufacturing various furniture items and providing employment for four local longterm unemployed individuals with disabilities.
North Wales Police Eastern Command and Custody Centre, Llay
The 93,400 ft² North Wales Police centre in Llay is hailed as the UK’s greenest police station, reflecting the force’s commitment to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
88% of the furniture was refurbished or remanufactured, saving 58 tonnes of CO2e emissions and avoiding 26 tonnes of waste. Furniture was sourced from Wrexham Police Station, Flintshire County Council offices, and local suppliers, supporting local circular economy businesses. Dr Greg Lavery, Director of Rype Office, describes how this was done: “At the start of this project we put a pin in the map at the new building in Llay and worked outwards looking
for furniture sources, upholsterers, powder coaters and carpentry workshops. We found some wonderful suppliers and working with them we were able to keep much of the furniture spend in North Wales, supporting the growth of small local Circular Economy businesses. We will continue working with them on future projects.”
Four local long-term unemployed individuals with disabilities were engaged for the project, providing 1,773 hours of paid employment and training.
The project received multiple awards, including the Constructing Excellence Offsite Project of the Year Award 2018 and the Constructing Excellence Client of the Year Award 2018.
with disabilities from South Wales were engaged for the project.
Bringing together 550 staff from 10 offices into one sustainable building in Cardiff Bay, this project emphasises collaboration, sustainability and value for money.
94% of the over 2,500 items of furniture were either remanufactured or refurbished, saving around 134 tonnes of CO2e emissions and diverting 41 tonnes of waste from landfill. Some of the refurbished furniture came from PHW’s 10 old offices, integrated seamlessly into the design.
The 6% new furniture was made in South Wales by local furniture manufacturers including Orangebox, who provided the wingback chairs and team collaboration booths while 13% of the 5,200m2 of carpet tiles were reused. Eight unemployed individuals
The Public Health Wales Cardiff fitout received a flourish of national and international awards for its sustainable and innovative solutions. Awards include:
Green Apple International Silver Award for Environmental Best Practice, Constructing Excellence in Wales Award for Value, Sustain Wales Award for Innovation in Public Services, HSJ Value Award, ICLEI Procura+ International Award , NHS Sustainability Award for Leadership, and the NHS Sustainability Award for Procurement.
For more information, please contact: Anna King at anna@informare.co.uk
NHS Public Health Wales Cardiff
Research shows over half of waste datasets published by government Conservatives
• The number of waste and recycling datasets published by the former Conservative government fell by an average rate of 6% each year between 2010 and 2022.
• In the first three years of Conservative leadership, an average of 30 datasets were published every year – by 2022, this figure had dropped to 12.
• The decline in waste and recycling reporting runs parallel to a slow in progress toward net-zero targets across a range of industries, with businesses now subject to less scrutiny.
A new analysis of statistical datasets published by the government has revealed a sharp downturn in the amount of environmental reporting carried out under the former Conservative government.
The research, released by the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP), shows that the number of waste and recycling datasets fell by more than half between 2010 and 2022.
In the first three years of Conservative leadership, an average of 30 waste and recycling datasets were published each year. By the end of 2022, there were only 12 datasets available.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs’ budget decreased significantly under the former Conservative government, while funding for environmental protection was also halved.
Austerity measures have restricted research activity, leading to several key waste and recycling statistical datasets being phased out.
With the Labour government emphasising its commitment to reducing waste and moving to a circular economy, campaigners are now calling on the government to deliver on its promises and reinstate key environmental reports.
Oliver Lawton, Co-founder of CuSP and Managing Director of Lawton Tubes, said: “The former government has set a dangerous precedent by relaxing its vigilance in regard to environmental reporting. Not only do these reports provide valuable insights that inform waste management policy, but they also hold businesses to account over poor waste treatment practices.”
waste and recycling government phased out under
“The diversion of funding away from environmental research and protection means businesses from some of the highest-polluting sectors are now under less scrutiny, derailing the progress that has been made by others to decarbonise.”
Much of the emphasis of the former government was on relaxing environmental regulations for businesses in order to facilitate economic growth.
In 2013, the Department for Business Innovation & Skills introduced a new directive stipulating that regulators should avoid imposing “unnecessary burdens on businesses”.
Following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU in 2020, regulations surrounding waste management reporting also changed.
For instance, the UK is no longer required to report on the treatment of waste across different NACE areas – a classification system used by the EU to categorise different economic activities such as construction and manufacturing.
Requirements for corporate sustainability reporting are also more comprehensive in the EU, where it is mandatory for all large and listed companies to disclose information on their environmental impact.
Fellow Co-founder of CuSP and Head of Sales at Mueller Europe, Andrew Surtees, said: “Over the last decade the UK has moved away from the European community in its commitment to corporate
sustainability, with funding cut for research and regulators given diminished powers.”
“In the construction industry, we have seen new products that are neither made with recycled materials nor recycled at the end of their lifecycle pushed by manufacturers, adding to already excessive levels of waste emissions at a time when the sector is falling further behind in its net-zero commitments.”
“The Labour government’s pledge to minimise waste is welcome but must be backed up by decisive action, starting with a thorough review of the current state of waste and recycling in industries like construction that have long been able to escape scrutiny.”
For more information, visit: www.cuspuk.com
Cordia launches flagship regeneration project in
Hungary’s leading residential developer, Cordia, has commenced work at its latest large-scale urban regeneration project in Budapest, Marina City.
flagship riverfront in Budapest, Marina City
The member of Futureal Group, and parent company of Birmingham based Cordia UK, will revitalise a 14-hectare, long neglected industrial area, transforming the space into a waterfront public realm spanning 1.2 kilometres of the Danube riverbank on the Pest side – including a multifunctional promenade and 90,000 sqm of car-free green space.
The £850 million project will create more than 2,500 apartments in several phases over the coming years, offering breathtaking views of the Danube and Buda hills.
The residential buildings take on an unprecedented architectural style for the capital city, with luxury penthouse apartments on the top floor and spacious homes on the upper floors, thanks to the buildings’ upward broadening and chalice-like massing.
The project will be served by direct underground connections and more than 100 shops, restaurants, full-service facilities, and sports amenities. Marina City also promises outstanding energy efficiency and zero local carbon emissions through unique architectural and engineering solutions.
Gábor Futó, co-founder of Futureal Group, said: “Since its foundation, Cordia and Futureal Group have been committed to revitalising neglected urban neighbourhoods. Over the past two decades, we have gained extensive experience in implementing long-term urban regeneration projects, through the iconic Corvin Promenade and the development of the South Buda City Centre, as well as many projects in Europe.
“It is our vision to make Budapest’s greatest asset, the Danube
riverbank, directly accessible to the people of the capital, creating a haven within the buzz of the city. Marina City will create unique homes where residents can wake up every day as if on holiday, rejuvenated by the wonderful riverfront views. We are looking forward to seeing our vision for a modern, smart and green city come to life.”
Marina City will extend the Pest Danube promenade by 1.2 kilometres, creating a direct, pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly connection between the river and the residents and visitors of the new neighbourhood. The waterfront public realm investment, worth £43 million, will triple the amount of green space in the area compared to its current state, thanks to its unique architectural design and landscaping, and offer numerous leisure and sporting activities.
Future residents can enjoy living in the waterside
environment, without giving up the proximity of the city centre – with nearby Duna Plaza providing convenient shopping options, accessible through public transport, with nearby bus routes and stations of the M3 underground line. There will also be bicycle infrastructure and electric vehicle charging points on site.
Tibor Földi, Chairman of the Board, Cordia Group, added: “The launch of our pre-sale campaign targeting buyers of our previous developments has been extremely positive, with nearly 50 per cent of the first-phase apartments already sold. The exciting concept of Marina City, combined with Cordia’s proven track record, has generated such intense buyer interest that we will soon launch sales for phase two of the development.”
Marina City’s fundamentals, however, lie in its sustainability and outstanding energy efficiency. Cordia is using grid electricity from green sources during construction, and the buildings will be heated by air-to-water and ground-source heat pumps, eliminating the need for natural gas or district heating. Solar panels will also be installed on the roofs of the residential buildings, supplementing the grid electricity required to operate energy-producing equipment from green sources.
Each apartment in Marina City will be a smart home, including essential equipment such as heating-cooling intelligent control via a mobile application, automatic ventilation based on external and internal humidity sensing, and smart blind movement control. As a result, apartments’ heating, cooling, and hot water production energy costs are ranked A+ and A++ energy efficiency classes, corresponding to the A+2023 energy classification in Hungary.
András Kárpáti, CEO of Cordia UK, commented: “At Cordia UK, we are proud to be a member of Futureal Group, and share the same ethos – to bring underutilised urban neighbourhoods, like
Great Hampton Street in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, back to life. It is fantastic to see the plans for Marina City in Budapest come to life, and we take inspiration from successes in Central and Eastern Europe as we push forward with our redevelopment projects in Birmingham.
“We’re particularly excited to see Cordia leading by example in terms of the sustainability credentials of the new apartment buildings; this is an ambition we share in the UK. Our first build-to-rent project, The Lampworks, is set to be one of the most energy efficient projects in Birmingham, offering exclusively A and B+ EPC-rated dwellings.”
Cordia has enlisted the expertise of the internationally renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group in the urban rehabilitation project.
Garten Studio is responsible for landscape design, TÉRTEAM engineering office is handling flood protection system design, and building design is being undertaken by Dyer Group, Közti, Radius B+S, and Puhl and Dajka Architectural Office.
To find out more about Cordia, visit: cordiahomes.com
Construction sector insight: trends, concerns and the future for the industry
Author: Brendan Clarkson, Director, PKF Littlejohn Advisory
The construction sector in the United Kingdom is on the cusp of a significant transition. It is projected that a decline in interest rates towards the latter part of this year, in conjunction with a resurgence in supply chain efficiencies, may lay the groundwork for industry expansion. Although not completely resolved, the supply chain appears to be stabilising.
Nevertheless, vigilance is advised as the threat of insolvency persists among suppliers, particularly those still grappling with the economic aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, challenges including a reduced appetite for public spending and private investment, and a declining industry workforce, continue to pose risks to the sector’s recovery.
In July 2024, there were 2,191 company insolvencies in England and Wales, 7% lower than June 2024 but 16% higher than July in the year prior, according to Company Insolvency Statistics1. This number is still a
great deal higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2014-2019 period. Many of these insolvencies can be attributed to an unstable, and indeed unpredictable political and economic environment, a byproduct of a busy election year across the globe, compounded further by the continuously high cost of doing business.
Trends for the construction industry
In recent years, the construction industry has experienced significant cost volatility, particularly in terms of material expenses. A shortage of global raw materials, and the consequently increased demand for them, has played a large part in the demise of many businesses in the wider sector. It has also resulted, however, in the dissolution of many distributors and suppliers, leading to delayed shipping times and a requirement for overseas sourcing, which bears significant cost.
The introduction of new materials has similarly placed additional pressure on the sector. While new materials promise long-term savings and sustainable benefits, they could drive costs higher in the short term.
In addition to these challenges, the UK construction industry is having to address significant labour shortages. According to recent reports, the sector needs an additional 251,500 workers by 2028 to meet expected demand2. Key trades such as carpenters, bricklayers, and plasterers are in particularly short supply. This shortage is driving up costs and creating delays in project timelines. Efforts to address these shortages include adding key construction roles to the shortage occupation list to encourage skilled migration. However, the industry must also focus on training and retaining domestic talent to ensure a sustainable workforce for the future.
Given this complexity, strategic planning and effective cost management is essential for the industry to successfully navigate these financial challenges.
Addressing concerns for the future of construction
Emma Reilly FCICM from Top Service, an expert in construction industry debt recovery, predicts that the UK construction sector is projected to experience a modest decline in activity for the rest of 2024, with growth anticipated to resume in 2025. The upcoming year is expected to bring a significant shift in the sector, with spending moving from repair and maintenance (R&M) activities to new builds. This too follows the priority of the recently elected Labour Government.
“Historically, R&M spending has shown resilience during economic downturns, maintaining steadier demand. However, the current economic climate, characterised by higher borrowing costs, is reshaping spending patterns,” she says. “This shift indicates a reorientation in the industry’s focus, prioritising new construction projects over repair and maintenance work. It’s a change that reflects both a response to consumer demand and a strategic adaptation to the evolving economic landscape.”
The residential sector, especially new build residential output, continues to be the most significantly impacted segment within the UK construction industry. The sector has experienced a sharp decline, primarily due to the compounded effects of high interest rates, which have resulted in increased mortgage costs which make home buying less attainable.
Meanwhile, the construction industry is witnessing a rise in insolvencies, underscoring the growing financial pressures and challenges within the sector. This trend is particularly pronounced among mid-sized contractors and developers, who are having to contend with inflation and a reduction in new project starts. Additionally, securing performance bonds and credit limits has become more difficult as financial institutions adopt a more cautious approach due to market instability. This rise in insolvencies highlights a broader concern regarding liquidity and financial health in the industry, prompting firms to adopt more a cautious and strategic approach to financial management and project planning.
Businesses in the construction industry need to prioritise prudent financial management to thrive in a tough economic environment. If they sense difficulties, then seeking help early, in turn, means that restructuring professionals have more options available to them to help steer the ship, and leave you to focus on business growth, rather than a fight for survival.
Brendan Clarkson
1 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/company-insolvency-statistics-june-2024
2 https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/construction-industry-research-reports/construction-skills-network-csn
21Finance
‘Brokers’ New Deal to Become Leeds United Community Partner
Specialist finance broker, 21Finance has agreed a multiyear deal with sports-rights specialist, Eleven Sports Media to become a Leeds United Community Partner.
21Finance will use its Community Partnership status to reach fans during every stage of the matchday journey, through high impact digital displays and powerful fan engagement platforms installed throughout Elland Road.
Other branding opportunities will also be made available through Eleven’s award-winning StadiumTV and StatTV, a dedicated club channel for fans, to engage supporters on arrival. The company will be invited to attend invitation-only partner events, which provide a platform to connect and network with other local businesses within the Community Partnership.
The 21Finance team explained why the company is keen to participate in community-driven sports partnerships: “Although we are a national operator, community is central to 21Finance’s ethos, and we are keen to work closely with local communities around the UK and to support sport
across the regions. Being a Leeds United Community Partner enables us to connect with fans and residents in Yorkshire.
“The Community Partnership also allows us to enhance brand visibility and add weight to our marketing effort by increasing our brand exposure through various channels.”
21Finance makes loans simpler for its customers. It matches people with the right loan product, providing professional support, from start to finish, across all applications, regardless of the level of complexities.
With a portfolio of clients ranging from firsttime buyers to experienced investors and brokers, the finance expert’s product offering includes bridging loans, development finance, commercial mortgages, second charge mortgages, residential mortgages, personal loans and insurance products.
Since being established, Kent-based 21Finance has been able to build strong relationships with trusted and varied lenders, operating in both the regulated and non-regulated space, with a whole of market approach. Their aim
is to make loans simple, with a no jargon, no fuss approach to helping clients achieve their funding requirements.
The 21Finance team of experts offers personalised assistance throughout the entire application process. It prides itself on delivering transparent advice and providing tailored mortgage solutions and bridging loan options. For further information, call 020 4525 3196 or email hello@21finance.com.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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For more information, please visit www.eleven.tv
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