The Building Centre

News

This weeks information and news provided by Construction Products Association.

Events

BuildArch 2008 Conference and Exhibition, Bangalore, India 20 -24 October 2008

BuildArch is an international exhibition and conference on Architecture, Building & Construction Technology, Materials and Interiors & Systems. The India Pakistan Trade Unit at UKTI http://www.iptu.co.uk is organising a trade visit which is conducted in conjunction with the British High Commission in Delhi and the British Trade Office in Bangalore. For those interested there is financial assistance for participants via UK Trade & Investment http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk Closing Date for applications is 5 September 2008 and there will be a pre�visit briefing on 7 October. For further information please contact Holly Topman, India Pakistan Trade Unit co-ordinator on 0121 607 0105 or email h.topman@birminghamchamber.org.uk

Building SMART Conference, 25 June 2008, London

This conference will bring some of the solutions for the construction sector in meeting targets for greater sustainability. To view the programme or further information visit http://www.buildingsmart.org.uk/conference

Sustainable Non-Dwellings: Regulations and Ratings, London, 10 July 2008

This conference will discuss the need to meet new and updated environmental criteria and legislation for non-domestic buildings, from BREEAM to EPCs, the Code and Part L. For further information and to book a place please visit http://www.greenbuildingconference.co.uk/cmpic/snd/

The Great Carbon Crunch, Conference, London, 16 October 2008

Construction News is running a conference in London in October about a united industry response to the green agenda in the built environment. Members of the Association will receive a �50 discount on delegate rates if you book before the end of August. For further information visit www.greatcarboncrunch.co.uk or to book contact construcionconferences@emap.com or phone 0845056 8069

Other Areas of Interest

Commission Hopes to Revive Blocked Soil Directive

Under the French Presidency, the Commission wants to breathe new life into a proposed framework directive on soil protection that was rejected by a small group of member states, including the UK, last December. For further information contact Jane Thornback (jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk)

ISO Establishes Sustainability Principles for Building Construction Sector Worldwide

The new ISO 15392:2008 standard establishes internationally recognised principles for sustainability in building construction. It will facilitate a common basis for communication between builders and architects, product manufacturers and designers, building owners, policy makers and regulators, housing authorities, and consumers. ISO 15392 is based on the concept of sustainable development as it applies to buildings and other construction works, from cradle to the grave. For further details visit

http://www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1131 For further information contact Jane Thornback (jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk)

Innovate for Homes

The latest selection of innovative products for mainstream housebuilders was reviewed by the Association and the Home Builders Federation this week. Presentations to the technical directors of major housebuilders are scheduled for October. Further entries are encouraged, particularly to address meeting higher Code levels. For more details visit http://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/activities/Page.aspx?Id=151 and to view previous entries visit http://www.hbf.co.uk/About-Innovate-for-Homes-92189b8 or contact John Tebbit

Code for Non-Domestic Buildings

As part of the development of a consultation package on how to move towards zero carbon in non domestic buildings, the Association met with CLG and other stakeholders to review the progress to date. It is intended that a consultation will be held this year on the target and dates for the Government�s ambitions in this area. For further information contact John Tebbit

Climate Change Committee Unveils its Work Plan

The Committee�s role will be to advise the Government and Devolved Administrations on the optimum level of carbon budgets consistent with achieving the 2020 and 2050 targets. The Committee welcomes comments on its proposed work plan; deadline for responses: 20 June 2008. See http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/legislation/committee/index.htm For further information contact Jane Thornback

CLG Issues Consultation for Proposed Amendments to Part G (Hygiene) of the Building Regulations

CLG have issued a consultation on the Proposals for amending Part G (Hygiene) of the Building Regulations and Approved Document G. The consultation document and impact assessment can be accessed via the Communities and Local Government website at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partgconsultation for the consultation document and http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partgimpactassessment for the impact assessment. The consultation closes on 05 August 2008. For further information contact Chris Derzypilskyj