Opinion – Page 5
-
Comment
We don’t just build – we must enhance the communities in which we work
The key to the success of a construction business – whether a housebuilder, consultancy, project manager or contractor – is how it engages with local communities and becomes a force for good, says Kelly Sowden, regional social value and stakeholder manager at Sisk
-
Comment
Intensification must come with flexibility built in
We undoubtedly need more building in our cities, but it must be easily changeable if we are to extend its shelf-life, writes Sadie MorganÂ
-
Comment
Smart technology can play a vital role in decarbonising the built environment
Reds10 has been working on one of the most advanced buildings in Europe for smart building control. The technology used points the way towards a greener, more sustainable future for the built environment, says the firm’s chairman Paul Ruddick
-
Comment
We must avoid carbon tunnel vision in workplace design
Embodied carbon has primarily been a consideration at construction level but the impact of fit-outs over a building’s lifetime on the overall carbon footprint can no longer be ignored, writes Anja Schellenbauer
-
Comment
What the second staircase guidance means for the industry
The long-awaited guidance will give developers confidence to proceed on projects, but debates will continue, writes Andrew Mellor
-
Comment
‘Get used to it.’ Can contractors’ hardening attitudes to risk be really much of a surprise?
Last year’s business failures have hit a nerve. Firms finally seem fed up with construction’s rough and tumble, writes Dave Rogers
-
Comment
What’s stopping the wider adoption of timber in construction?
The Timber in Construction Roadmap was published in December 2023 after months of industry collaboration. Andrew Carpenter provides some insight from the inside on key barriers and opportunities present when exploring the use of structural timber
-
Comment
The government must do more to boost UK infrastructure
The chancellor missed an opportunity for meaningful demand-side stimuli in the Budget. With an election looming, the government must be more ambitious if it is to win the confidence of business leaders, says KPMG’s Holly Davis
-
Comment
Election year: why there is so much at stake for construction
Politicians are looking for a positive message and ways to kick-start economic growth,which might be why they are suddenly keen to be seen visiting construction sites
-
Comment
Construction industry gossip: Time for a bit of site seeing
The latest chatter around the industry
-
Comment
Why definitions are proving a challenge in the context of building safety
What constitutes a high-risk building? Investors and insurers are looking beyond the inconsistencies within the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø Safety Act to ensure greater fire safety protections, says Steven Rodd, partner at Workman LLP
-
Comment
‘We’ve had enough. Sort yourselves out or we’ll stop working for you.’ A specialist tells main contractors what to do next
There is a rot at the core of how construction is procured and it begins with clients and main contractors. Something has to change, says Mike WhartonÂ
-
Comment
Championing permeable materials in a world of climate change
As the UK grapples with the fallout of storm Jocelyn and rising rainfall, Sean Scott explores the spectre of flooding that looms large over our homes and communities
-
Comment
This Budget was a missed opportunity to close the skills gap
Given the limited impact of Jeremy Hunt’s headline announcements he should really have focused on solving other pressing matters, says Si Harris of Randstad UK
-
Comment
‘If you can’t see it, you can’t be it’: why International Women’s Day is important for construction
Today we profile 12 women around the world succeeding in male-dominated professions – here’s why we need to share their positive stories
-
Comment
A celebration of diversity: An introduction to the Women in Construction special report
Be inspired by female construction leaders from around the world interviews with 12 industry leaders of today and tomorrow
-
Comment
This was not the Budget to fix broken Britain
Radical thinking and major surgery are urgently needed, but the chancellor offered little  in yesterday’s statement to get the industry excited, writes Richard Steer
-
Comment
M&S High Court decision won’t tip the scales away from a retrofit-first future
The low-carbon case for retrofit has become so strong that economic arguments for new-build may no longer secure support, suggests Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis.
-
Comment
Let’s give social impact the attention it deserves in commercial schemes
Engaging in socially responsible practices is morally commendable and strategically advantageous, says Alex Groot, project director at M3 Consulting
-
Comment
To retain or rebuild? M&S case shows the industry needs rules
The High Court ruling overturning Michael Gove’s decision to deny M&S permission to redevelop its Oxford Street store shows that a framework setting out the conditions for redevelopment is urgently needed