News feedResearch and Features
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The RICS Building Information Modelling conference
February, 2012
On February 9 2012, the RICS Building Information Modelling conference will bring together quantity surveyors, project managers, and others from the construction sector to discuss Building Information Modelling (BIM).
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Cost of BREEAM in Schools
January, 2012
In 2008 Faithful+Gould undertook research with the BRE Trust to establish the costs of complying with BREEAM in schools. The research was used to help set DCFS (Department for Children, Schools and Families) funding models for programmes such as the Building Schools for the Future. So is the research still relevant?
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Rail Industry - Unlocking the Potential
January, 2012
Rail projects continue to be strong performers in the UK, Europe and the US, although sector growth remains subject to challenges in the current economic uncertainty.
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New Part L regs ramp up retrofit costs
January, 2012
The cost of complying with the revised Part L of the Building Regulations (the energy and carbon part) might be more than first expected according to a new RICS paper.
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Building a Sustainable Estates Strategy in the Financial Services Sector
December, 2011
For the financial services sector, sustainability used to be a ‘nice to have’. However, as environmental regulations have become ever more prominent due to local, national and international policy agendas, it is now undoubtedly a ‘got to have’.
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Planning for Zero Carbon Homes
December, 2011
The 2011 Budget announced a number of changes which form part of the United Kingdom government's ambitions for an eco-friendly and low carbon economy, and "to be the greenest government ever.”
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NHS Estates
November, 2011
The NHS’s recent primary care focus has highlighted GP commissioning and the resulting structural, financial and cultural changes. But where does this leave the NHS property portfolio?
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Inaccuracy issues in embodied carbon assessments
November, 2011
As energy prices shoot upwards, buildings need to be operated in a low carbon manner. A sustainable built environment focuses not only on operational carbon, but also on the reduction of embodied carbon – the impact of CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture, transport and construction of building materials, together with end of life emissions.
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Counting the cost of heritage assets
November, 2011
The heritage sector has faced difficult times during recession, including public expenditure cuts, uncertainty about future levels of funding, and reductions in resource at national heritage bodies such as English Heritage and Natural England.
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Construction Inflation Report October 2011
October, 2011
The Faithful+Gould TPI forecasts follow the BCIS industry standard forecasts, adjusted to reflect Faithful+Gould's market intelligence, and are based upon a year on year percentage change.
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Sewers Under Strain
October, 2011
After more than eight years of discussion October 1st finally heralded the Private Sewer Transfer. New legislation paved the way for England and Wales' 200,000 kilometres of privately owned sewers to be transferred to water and sewerage companies.
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International Construction Intelligence - Q3 2011
October, 2011
This United Kingdom iteration of International Construction Intelligence presents data and intelligence about international costs and related trends for the construction industry. Our construction industry experts examine trends in carbon cap and trade, the performance of construction markets worldwide, and the impact of exchange rates on construction.
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5D BIM Explained
September, 2011
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been identified as a new paradigm which could help the construction industry move towards a position of significantly improved efficiencies, fostering a new culture of better partnering and collaborative practices.
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New Industry Standards Set to Transform Asset Management
September, 2011
In these austere times, estate holders want to significantly reduce their combined operating costs and capital asset investment costs. This means efficiently managing the total cost of ownership and maximising the utilisation and value of all their assets.
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Employee Profile: Emma McManus
August, 2011
Emma McManus, a graduate quantity surveyor, plays her part in delivering the growing work that we do for major supermarket retailers. In this feature Emma talks about her experience so far.
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Understanding the Lifetime Costs of Solar Panels
August, 2011
With a 10% “guaranteed” return on investment, fitting solar photovoltaic panels to the roofs of domestic properties has to be a very attractive investment for anyone with the 10k or so needed for a typical system.
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James Report Review of Education Capital
August, 2011
The recent report by Sebastian James drew a number of conclusions and has made corresponding recommendations on how to improve the management of education capital.
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Construction Inflation Report August 2011
July, 2011
The UK economy continues to be affected by the government’s decision to cut faster and further in order to tackle the budget deficit. Although the government is confident in its fiscal plan, concern is mounting regarding a slowing in the rate of economic growth, though recent figures released by the ONS show manufacturing output rose by 1.8% in May – up from a 1.6% drop in April.
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Funding of flood and coastal erosion schemes
July, 2011
Following consultation with a number of interested organisations, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced changes to the way funding will be allocated to flood and coastal defence projects.
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Timber frame method needs robust CDM fire safety assessment
July, 2011
There are hundreds of fires on construction sites every year, risking the lives of workers and members of the public. Fire safety in construction focuses on preventing fires from starting and ensuring people's safety in the event of fire.
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UK tightens carbon emissions targets
July, 2011
An ambitious Fourth Carbon Budget for 2023-2027 was announced in May, outlining a tougher carbon emissions reduction strategy for the UK. The statement by Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, committed the government to a legally binding reduction of 50% of carbon emissions by 2025, a far more ambitious goal than the European Union’s target of a 20% reduction by 2020.
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Showcasing UK building talent in Greece with the British Embassy
July, 2011
A reception held recently at the British Ambassador’s residence in Athens celebrated the completion of the architectural designs of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).
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Cautious Optimism at MIPIM 2011
May, 2011
MIPIM brought together key property professionals to explore major international property development projects, connect with potential partners, and strike deals over four intensive days in Cannes, France.
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Project Assurance
May, 2011
Can you accurately assess if your project is on track to deliver?
Construction projects are expected to deliver on time, within budget, to the required quality and in line with stakeholder objectives. Recession makes this even more important. Stakeholders are seeking complete confidence that the project can reach close within the agreed parameters.
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Fire sprinklers compulsory for all new homes in Wales
May, 2011
Wales may become the first country in the world where sprinklers will be compulsory in all new residential schemes. The law will apply to newly built houses and blocks of flats, care homes, university halls of residence, boarding schools and any schemes where the existing building is converted for residential use.