Research and Features
Green retail: carbon reduction in store and supply chain
March 2010
Major retailers continue to invest significant money and effort to get their "green" messages across. Our work with leading UK supermarkets evaluates and influences carbon reduction and sustainability in their property and construction programmes.
Sustainability in older people's housing
February 2010
The Extra Care sector could lead the way on sustainable home provision. Older residents stand to benefit as they typically spend more time at home and more money on lighting, heating and cooling. Faithful+Gould has produced the Department of Health technical brief Extra Care Housing Design for BREEAM and CSH Assessments.
Electrification: putting the spark back into the railways
January 2010
In the rail sector, the drive to reduce carbon emissions is positioning electrification as part of a wider environmental solution. The initial high capital investment costs have historically been the main stumbling block. Life cycle costs, however, more than offset the initial installation costs and ongoing maintenance.
New guidance for asbestos surveys
January 2010
The Health & Safety Executive has reviewed its guidance on asbestos surveying. The new guidelines place greater emphasis on the responsibilities of the duty holder, and on the competency of the asbestos surveyor. Find out about the new survey types.
Sustainable procurement through the supply chain
January 2010
We are seeing growing interest in environmentally responsible supply chain management. Find out about setting upfront sustainability targets in projects, and consider how green leases can form part of a sustainable procurement strategy.
Taking the temperature of NHS Estates
January 2010
With a budget increase of only 2.4%, 2010 will bring significant challenges for the NHS. Capital expenditure on buildings and facilities is likely to shrink in favour of front-line services. Sustainability and ‘using what you have' are the watchwords in shaping the future of the health sector's estates.
Sustainable construction and waste management leads to savings
January 2010
Environmental issues remain high on the agenda following the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. The construction industry can reduce its environmental impact by implementing strategic waste management planning.
Food and beverage manufacturing remains buoyant
November 2009
The UK food industry is one of the few sectors to buck the trend of falling exports. Manufacturers seek to maximise business efficiency, working smarter to get the most from their facilities.
Fire Risk Assessments at the forefront of tower block safety
November 2009
Local authorities and social landlords across the UK are urgently reviewing tower block fire safety. Find out how to formulate, procure, implement and budget for your fire safety strategy.
Getting ahead of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme
November 2009
The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme could affect up to 20,000 organisations. Has your organisation considered the implications? Plan to meet and beat these new and emerging risks and opportunities.
Construction inflation report
October 2009
A detailed look at inflation in the UK construction industry.
We have combined BCIS data with expertise from our own knowledge forum to produce a forecast providing valuable tender price intelligence.
International Construction Intelligence - 2nd Quarter, 2009
September 2009
International Construction Intelligence presents data and intelligence about international costs and related trends for the construction industry.
In this issue we present the latest results of our international cost parity survey.
Greener housing
September 2009
Improving the environmental performance of existing housing stock will play a crucial role in meeting the UK's ambitious CO2 emissions reduction targets.
Exploring Light Rapid Transit - the ticket to sustainable transport
September 2009
Transport infrastructure projects continue to be strong performers in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US, as the global recession continues to bite.
Waste sector expands despite recession
August 2009
There are growing moves to consider waste as a resource, rather than a problem.
The waste management industry is one of the few expanding sectors in the current recession.
Future proofing the office sector requires modesty
June 2009
Office buildings of the future need to be flexible and modest in order to reduce costs and adhere to environmental targets.
Rightsizing your property portfolios
June 2009
During the current economic uncertainty, property portfolios are being scrutinised and resized to ensure optimum efficiency. This can be a very complex task.
Construction inflation report
April 2009
A detailed look at inflation in the UK construction industry.
We have combined BCIS data with expertise from our own knowledge forum to produce a forecast providing valuable tender price intelligence.
Sustainability policy changes ahead
March 2009
The economic recession has had little effect in slowing the pace of change to sustainability policy.
The last six months has seen huge activity in the UK's sustainability policy area - we outline some of these key policy changes.