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This weeks information and news provided by Construction Products Association.

Events

World Green Roof Congress, 17-18th September, London

The two day conference will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced when implementing green roofs.  For further information visit http://www.worldgreenroofcongress.com/

Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition 2008, 16-18 September, NEC Birmingham

http://www.rwminfo.com/

Materials Conference, 25 September, London

This conference investigates the latest trends and opportunities for materials in the modern built environment and how a wide range of materials relate to current developments and future opportunities of climate change impact and life extension of structures. Attendance is free and booking and more details are available at www.ciria.org/workshop_250908.htm

Occupational Health Workshop 26 September in London

HSE is holding a workshop on occupational health and would like to engage more manufacturers in the process. The issues to be addressed are:

The major question is how can designers know what products are available that may help them to achieve what they intend without creating risks for construction workers. For more details on occupational health see http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction.healthrisks/index.htm and for the workshop contact Sue Parkyn (Sue.Parkyn@hse.gsi.gov.uk or 01582 444306) or Nick Patience (Nick.Patience@hse.gsi.gov.uk or 020 7556 2288)

Retail Construction and the Credit Crunch, 30 September 2008, London

Construction News in association with Retail Week will be holding a conference on Retail Construction and the Credit Crunch. This one-day event will offer the opportunity to network with the industry players who are pushing for growth over the coming two years. Members of the Association will receive a £50 discount to attend. Further information including booking a place is available here; http://www.retailconstruction08.co.uk/

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) – DEFRA Seminar, 7 October 2008

Defra will be hosting an "Introduction to CRC" seminar for trade associations and representative bodies - detailing the key points of the scheme -. If you are interested in attending, please email DEFRA on crc@defra.gsi.gov.uk   For further information contact jane.thornback@construcitionproducts.org.uk

Cost-Effectively Minimise Waste And Maximise Recycling, 21 October 2008, London

http://www.endswasteconference.com 

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

BWEA 30th Anniversary Conference, 21-23 October 2008, ExCeL, London

This is a major renewable energy event and the 30th anniversary conference and exhibition of BWEA, the professional association representing the UK wind, wave and tidal energy sectors.  Over 2,000 people are expected to attend.  Sign up online at http://www.bwea.com/30.

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

Eureka! Project Brokering Workshop, 28 October 2008, Birmingham
This seminar and half-day workshop will provide an insight into the EurekaBuild programme and help you meet potential European partners in two key areas for construction and its suppliers; ICT & Automation and Energy & Resource Efficient products and processes. The event is free to companies with a UK presence, with their costs being covered by the Modern Built Environment Knowledge Transfer Network and BERR.  There is a charge of £75 for European delegates. For further information or to book places, please contactalison.nicholl@mbektn.co.uk

Heat and Power for the Future:  Energy Conference & Exhibition,  October 29-30 2008, Aviemore Scotland
Green energy trade body Scottish Renewables is holding a conference in Aviemore, focusing on how small-scale renewable technologies can help meet Scotland's heating needs.  The event, which includes an exhibition, will examine how current technology can be used for new and existing residential and commercial properties.  The conference is aimed at those working in the building and construction industry in the public and private sector, including architects and contractors, as well as small-scale renewables practitioners.  The cost for the event is £85 +VAT. To find out more or register contact calum@scottishrenewables.com / 0141 353 4982 or book your place online

Living with Minerals 3 – Shaping UK Minerals Policy, 3 November 2008, London
This industry conference organised by the CBI Mineral’s Group includes a major exhibition followed by a reception in the House of Commons in association with the Associate Parliamentary Minerals Group. The conference will allow you to vote electronically and register your opinion on the major issues being discussed.

Topics to be covered at the conference are: Declining mineral reserves and the future security of supply; Mineral extraction in National Parks and AONBs; Carbon and proximity of mineral supply; Cumulative impact of policy; legislation and regulation. The conference will also focus on the outcomes of the work of the UK Minerals Forum, launched at LWM2 in 2006. Hear about the conclusions of this work and discuss and influence how it may impact future mineral supply policy. For further information contact sue.thornton@cbi.org.uk or call on 020 7395 8013

Implementing REACH – Are you ready?  25 November 2008, Piccadilly, London
Are you aware of the steps that need to be taken for REACH POST PRE-REGISTRATION? Do you fully understand SIEF formation? Do you have a strategy in place to deal with public pressure and supply chain communications? Are you certain of your legal obligations?  For further information see http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=evzmroIf90ctyI1

Seminar Mission to Chennai and Hyderabad, 8 – 12 December 2008
UKTI is organising a seminar mission to India to showcase the UK capabilities in India’s green building market in Chennai and Hyderabad. Programme includes site visits, group meetings and a reception hosted by the British Deputy High Commission. If you are interested in attending or for further information please contact Douglas Barrett db@britishexpertise.org

ECOBUILD 2009
This will be at Earls Court from 3-5 March 2009.

 

Other Areas of Interest

Work Requiring Building ApprovalsThe Department for Communities and Local Government has published a free leaflet informing householders of what work requires building regulations approval or use of competent persons schemes. The leaflet can be downloaded from the CLG website. 

SBEM Software for Non Domestic Buildings
BRE has released an updated version of iSBEM to run on Office 2007 (see http://www.ncm.bre.co.uk/news.jsp?id=178) The free version of SBEM has always run on the Access database of Office and this is an update to allow iSBEM to run on the latest version. There is nothing on the SBEM website to indicate any other changes. If members do find changes then please contact the Association john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

Specification for Software for Display Energy Certificates and Advisory Reports
The Department for Communities and Local Government has released a specification for software to generate certificates and reports for energy surveys. Although fairly basic, the specifications may be useful for those involved in this area. Details of the reports are available here and details of the certificate specifications are available here.  For further information contact john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

Responsible Sourcing – Practical Aspects
Track Record provided a seminar to interested members on the practical reality of implementing responsible sourcing schemes.  This centred on organisational policies and procurement rules.  For information on Track Record see http://www.trackrecordglobal.com/   For further information contact jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk

EU Announces Major Legislative Package for Energy Efficiency and Greening of the Energy Supply
The Commission has announced a wide ranging package of measures to increase the security of energy supplies and help meet the EU’s climate goals.  A second strategic energy review will focus on the financing in areas such as energy efficiency, low carbon technologies and infrastructures and the need to develop an energy policy for 2030 and 2050.  The package includes draft laws revising directives on energy labelling and the energy performance of buildings as well as improving energy efficiency which the Commission has felt has been too long neglected in favour of renewable.  For details click here. For further information contact jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk

Proposed Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
All buildings in Europe undergoing a major renovation would have to meet minimum national energy efficiency standards under a proposed revision of the EU's 2002 EPBD.  Under the proposal, energy performance certificates would have to be used in all sales and rent advertising, the inspection of boilers and heating systems would be improved and member states would have to introduce penalties for non-compliance.  For details click here. For further information contact jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk

REACH Guidance Note Issued on Waste Recovery OperationsThe new guidance concerns the impact of the REACH chemicals directive on companies that manufacture products from recycled materials and on what action they may need to take to comply with the Regulation – especially by the 1 December pre-registration deadline.  Find the guidance on the DEFRA website 

REACH - Chemicals Must be Pre-Registered by the Deadline of 1 December 2008Remember to pre-register your chemicals If you import or manufacture more than one tonne of a chemical substance in a year. This includes chemicals contained in finished goods. Pre-registration is free and may mean you won't need to apply for full registration for up to 10 years. You can pre-register online with the European Chemicals Agency  http://echa.europa.eu/reachit/pre-registration-it_en.asp?lang=_e
For further information contact jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk

UK Trade & Investment Launches New Report
UKTI has launched a new report on the opportunities for UK construction sector companies in South Africa. The press release which details further information on the report is available from the Association website.
Copies of the publication are available by contacting peter.cain@ukti.gsi.gov.uk

Part L Consultation Closing

Any members wishing to either put in their own response or comment on the Association’s draft response to the proposed changes to Part L 2006 Approved Documents and references in BR443 as to how to calculate thermal performance of multifoils, should note that the consultation closes on Tuesday 9 September. Full details of the consultation are available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partlconsultation and the draft response has been circulated to the Technical Committee. For further information contact john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.

New EU Chemical Labelling Scheme

MEPs have formally approved an EU deal to reform the bloc's rules on hazard classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) for substances and mixtures of substances.  A compromise deal was negotiated between MEPs and governments in the summer and will enter force once ministers have rubber-stamped it.  The new CLP regulation will implement a scheme devised through the UN for application worldwide -  the globally harmonised system (GHS).  For further information contact jane.thornback@construcitionproducts.org.uk

Consultation on Reducing Form Filling for HSE

HSE are consulting on proposals to remove several legislative form filling requirements that apply to most businesses operating from a factory, office or shop in Great Britain. The areas are premises notification - employers are currently required to fill out a form to notify HSE or their local authority of any factory, office or shop premises, and certain railway premises, where employees work - and secondly, the general register - factory employers are required to keep a set of records and forms called the general register. For further information  see http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd219.htm

Association Members Win Technology Funding

Several Association members were awarded funding by the Technology Strategy Board for technology projects to develop new materials. Pilkington are involved in two projects (both on photovoltaics), H+H are leading a project on novel cellular vacuum panelsm, and Hemcore are part of a project looking to develop bio-based natural fibre insulation. Full details are available at the TSB’s website at http://www.innovateuk.org/content/news/investment-in-new-materials-technologies-to-help-m.ashx or contact john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

Application invited for Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2009

Applications are being sought for these prestigious Awards from businesses of all sizes – two people partnerships through to multi-national giants. It costs nothing to enter and yet the value it can bring to a business is significant and proven. For the 2009 Awards the application deadline is 31 October 2008. Applications can be made online at http://www.queensawards.org.uk where further information on all the criteria is available.

Aggregates Levy Appeal Succeeds in European Court of Justice

An appeal to the ECJ by the British Aggregates Association against the legality of the aggregates levy has been upheld and has been referred back to the Court of First Instance to re-examine the case.

SME Survey on Access to Government Contracts

British Venture Capital Association (BVCA), the Federation of Small Business (FSB) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) are conducting a short online survey to gain an understanding of SME’s experiences of bidding to win public sector contracts. The survey takes 10 minutes to carry out and the practical advice and tips gained through the research will be circulated among all survey respondents. To participate visit http://www.theidfactor.com/sme.php

Revisions to Code for Sustainable Homes

With Part L being revised in 2010, the Code will also need to be amended. The Association is canvassing members’ views on changes that they would like to see. A major issue is whether changes should be kept to the minimum necessary i.e. only energy for Part L, or more extensive with new areas such as enhanced fire protection being brought in. Members are asked to respond by the end of September to john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

EU Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption, Production and Industry

After several delays, the Commission has now adopted this action plan which aims to improve environmental performance and in particular the energy efficiency of products and to stimulate market uptake. For the package see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/escp_en.htm For further information contact jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk

New Consultation Paper - Simplifying CO2 Emission Calculations

DCLG have just released a consultation document that contains proposals on how the arrangements for showing compliance might be streamlined through simplification and better co-ordination of the requirements to carry out CO2 emission rate calculations, thus reducing the burdens. You can find the full document at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/co2calculationsconsultaton and responses are needed by 26 August 2008. For further information please contact john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

MatUK

The steering group looking at strategic research needs for materials in housing met to progress the chairman’s draft report. Several themes have been identified and the draft is being reworked to take on board comments. For further information contact john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

DEFRA Sustainable Products and Materials Progress Report

Government has issued a series of reports relating to actions to promote green consumerism, including progress reports on sustainable products and materials, the England waste strategy, and a vision and trajectories for improvement in energy efficiency of a range of energy-using products. Find the reports at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/consumerprod/

For further information contact jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk

New Zealand High Commission Delegation

The antipodean group was visiting the UK to learn more about the initiatives and practical progress on implementing sustainable construction. For further information contact Jane Thornback (jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk)

European Chemicals Agency Issues First REACH Hit-list

A first draft list of substances that could eventually be subject to tough authorisation requirements prohibiting marketing and use unless firms can show there is a compelling reason to allow them has been issued for consultation. See http://echa.europa.eu/consultations/authorisation/svhc/svhc_cons_en.asp For further information contact Jane Thornback (jane.thornback@constructionproducts.org.uk)

Short Term Business Attachment: Infrastructure, Russia

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is seeking an industry secondee to undertake a three month attachment in Russia to complete an in-depth analysis of infrastructure opportunities in Sochi and the Krasnodar Region arising from Sochi hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics. It is envisaged that the secondment will commence in October 2008. Among other advantages, the STBA secondment will be valuable for organisations to gain experience in the Russian Market. For further information or to apply for the position please contact Peter Cain (peter.cain@ukti.gsi.gov.uk)

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