New School at the Heart of New-Build Homes Community

210 school places created by brand-new Castle Donington primary school

 

A total of 210 places are being created at a brand-new primary school in Castle Donington in the heart of a community of new-build homes.

 

The £4.2 million project is being delivered on behalf of housebuilders, Miller Homes, Redrow and Clowes Developments UK. The companies are required to provide a school as part of section 106 conditions, implemented by Leicestershire County Council.

 

Planning was approved in March 2020 with work initially starting in June 2020 but due to the national lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme was delayed.

 

Miller Homes has employed national contractor, Seddon, to carry out the construction on the new school, which will provide more education options for local families, as well as those looking to settle in Castle Donington.

 

Seddon is building the school on Welston Road at the centre of brand-new communities by Miller Homes, Redrow and Clowes Developments UK, comprising 895 houses. To accommodate the new community, a new catchment area is needed and will be accommodated by the build of the primary school.

 

Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the school will be lined with trees and a high timber fence, allowing for the building to blend in with the local landscape.

 

The school grounds will include a football pitch, soft social area, playground, hard games court and a habitat area. Plans are also in place to install two car charging ports in 24-space car park, acknowledging the increasing use of electric vehicles.

 

The school is just a short distance from the centre of Castle Donington with excellent prospects for high school at Castle Donington College.

 

James Corden, head of commercial at Redrow East Midlands, said: “Here at Redrow, we strive to build more than just houses – we want to create a better way to live.

 

“A sense of community is a vital part of choosing your new home, and we’re committed to investing in the local facilities that surround our developments, which is why we’re delighted to be supporting the creation of brand-new primary school in Castle Donington.

 

“We expect the development to popular with a lot of families and look forward to supporting the next generation of local children.”

 

Stuart Fanshaw, business unit director at Seddon, adds: “Building schools is key if we are to create thriving communities. With new family homes in the area, there is naturally a demand for more school places and this project has meant we can provide high-quality education right in the heart of the community.

 

“This will be a fantastically designed and well- placed school with top-class facilities, a beating heart of the neighbourhood. With just a short distance from home to school, this new project will create a true sense of place for residents and pupils.”

 

Work is scheduled to reach completion by July 2022.

 

For more information, visit www.seddon.co.uk.

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EDUCATING TO MEET INDUSTRY’S NEEDS

MP Damian Hinds says T-levels put technical skills on level footing

This September marks not only the first anniversary of T-levels, but also their expansion to a whole new range of topics.

These include building services, engineering for construction, digital business services, digital support services, health, healthcare science, on-site construction, and science, widening career opportunities for more young people.

It was during my time as education secretary that the decision was taken to press ahead with the introduction of T-levels. The aim is to put technical skills and qualifications on a much more even footing with A-levels.

On a visit earlier this year, I was shown around Alton College’s new gaming and creative digital studios now being used by students studying the college’s new T-level course in IT production, design and development.

And its sister college – Havant & South Downs College – was chosen to be in the vanguard of colleges nationally to launch the first three T-levels last year.

Initially these were in construction, digital and education and childcare, but this has already expanded its offer to a total of 12 courses across a wide range of sectors.

The established route into academic study has for a long time been the dominant path, which is of course right for many students, but not for all of them.

Offering T-levels not only broadens the post-16 education opportunity for young people, it also provides valuable skills for our economy, supporting key growth areas and those with high demand.

T-levels are a two-year qualification equivalent to three A-levels and focus on vocational skills and can assist students get into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. All courses feature English, maths and digital content, alongside the central subject.

A blend of 80 per cent classroom learning alongside 20 per cent ’on-the-job’ structured industry placement makes T-levels highly desirable as a qualification. But it also makes them directly relevant to employers, supporting the next generation of the workforce to acquire the knowledge and practical industry experience which are in demand by businesses and the wider economy.

The breadth of courses on offer will continue to expand, including accounting, finance and a range of manufacturing options due to be introduced in September 2022.

And the following year, 2023, agriculture, land management as well as legal services, catering and hair and beauty among those due to be launched.

Last year, I was delighted to establish and lead the all-party parliamentary group on T-levels, bringing together a cross-party body of MPs to raise the profile of these new qualifications among parliamentarians, the education sector as well as among students and their parents – although because of my return to government as security minister, I am unable to carry on in that role.

But I know the parliamentary group will continue to do important work in helping to ensure T-levels become one of the main choices for students after GCSE, alongside A-levels and apprenticeships.

 

T Levels are two-year technical programmes, designed with employers, to give young people the skills that industries need. The ‘T’ stands for technical and from 2020, T Levels will give 16 to 19 -year olds a technical alternative to A levels.

 

Source: Farnham Herald

 

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Retrofitting for the Future

Gareth Woodfin, Cardiff Studio Lead at HLM Architects, on preserving the old to save the new and building a sustainable, net-zero carbon future

The demolition and replacement of buildings plays a large part in fueling the ongoing climate emergency.

In the UK, we lose more than 50,000 buildings a year through demolition, contributing to almost two thirds of the 200,000 tonnes of material waste the country produces each year. The construction industry alone is responsible for an estimated 20% of the UK’s annual carbon emissions, which demonstrates just how seriously we need to change tactics.

 

Repurposing existing structures for modern purposes 

Rather than replacing existing infrastructure with new builds, we should first consider how to make better use of what already exists.

Retrofitting city centre buildings could be the lifeline we need. This approach moves us towards the principles of a circular economy. Architecturally significant buildings could thrive with their external façades remaining and their internal infrastructure being made more energy efficient. Repurposing these buildings into centres of education, in particular, offers a solution as this injects much-needed new life into our changing, post-pandemic urban centres. In order to identify the opportunities that retrofitting offers, the challenges first need to be addressed.

The shell of a building typically provides half of the embodied carbon within a structure. By reusing an existing build, this value is immediately saved. As an example, older schools, specifically Victorian, were built in an era with a very different approach to the provision of:

  • Power
  • Heating
  • Lighting

The result of this is that the structures were designed to optimise external power and heat sources, with high ceilings and windows, providing well-lit environments with good ventilation.

While the methods of teaching and learning have developed since many buildings’ conception, these fundamental comforts are still relevant to a supportive learning environment.

Repurposing existing structures is key to enabling a retrofitting culture. Empty spaces in town centres can become learning hubs; university campuses can extend into surrounding buildings; and the high streets can become vibrant again, albeit with mixed and enhanced purposes.

Furthermore, it is almost incalculable how much more carbon would be saved by cutting down on the need to travel.

 

Building a sustainable, net-zero carbon future

HLM Architects recently demonstrated these benefits after completing a piece of work to develop a new university faculty estates framework.

Initially the focus was on the provision of new space but rigorous assessment of building occupation, utilisation, performance and high-level whole lifecycle assessments demonstrated that there was greater benefit in undertaking deep retrofit of existing buildings to provide the space they required in a smaller overall footprint.

We are all familiar with the phrase, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Why, then, have we been so accepting of the demolition of so many structurally sound and historically significant buildings in order to make space for newer structures?

Building new in this scenario contradicts the targets that we have given ourselves to achieve a sustainable, net-zero carbon future. We need to celebrate and reclaim what we already have and make retrofitting the new norm.

Source: Sustainability Magazine

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Historic University hall to get multi-million pound makeover

Students at the University of Nottingham will benefit from newly refurbished sustainable student accommodation on campus, thanks to an ambitious programme of works starting this month.

 

The regeneration of the University’s residential estate will begin with the historic Florence Boot Hall, which dates back to 1928. The hall of residence, which is located on Nottingham’s University Park Campus, was the first female hall at the University and was founded by businesswoman and philanthropist, Florence Boot – wife of Boots the chemist founder, Jesse Boot.

This is the first time since its construction that the historic development will close, with the aim of preserving the building’s heritage for future generations through a £15million comprehensive refurbishment. The works of the 200-bed hall of residence will include overhauling the building fabric, installing new en suite and shared bathrooms and updating the interiors.

This is the first phase of the University’s ambitious plans to revive all of its student accommodation over the next few years.

 

Professor Todd Landman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University, is leading the project management group on the project. He said: “We are delighted to commence the refurbishment of our heritage student accommodation Florence Boot Hall. The project team has engaged in a meticulous planning process with wide consultation across the University community in line with our Estates Development Framework, our sustainability commitments, and our commitment to our students.

“The newly refurbished hall will offer our students accessible, comfortable, digitally enabled, and modernised accommodation that also embraces the history and tradition of the hall.”

Clegg Construction have been appointed to carry out the works on Florence Boot to create the high-quality, low energy accommodation. With triple glazed windows set to be fitted, it has been designed to be in keeping with the external original design of the building.

Energy-efficient air-source heat pumps will be installed, and improved levels of thermal performance will be achieved by insulating external walls internally. The slate roof will be replaced to match the existing tiles and there will be LED lighting throughout the residence, further reducing the carbon footprint of the site.

Sam Parker, Project Manager at Clegg Construction, said: “This scheme is a real honour for Clegg Construction to be a part of, restoring a historic piece of architecture with such a poignant legacy and ensuring its future using greener installations. The halls will have special significance for university students who arrive here and the building itself will benefit from additional bed-space, original and rejuvenated features, and improved heating and lighting.”

The build is due to be completed by the start of the 2022 academic year, ready for the 2022/23 student intake.

 

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WELCOMING FIRST PUPILS TO SUGAR HOUSE ISLAND SCHOOL

 

INNOVATIVE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL, SCHOOL 360, WELCOMES FIRST PUPILS TO SUGAR HOUSE ISLAND, EAST LONDON

School 360, an innovative new primary school, has opened its doors at Sugar House Island in east London. Operated by the Big Education Trust, the school will join its sister school, the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ School 21, in Stratford.

Granted planning permission in March 2020, the highly anticipated new school is the latest addition to the award-winning, mixed-use development and will be an integral part of its creative and diverse community.

The new building has been designed specially to support the school’s unique curriculum which is based on three pillars: developing the head to provide rich knowledge and deep understanding; the heart to focus on wellbeing and relationships; and the hands to encourage every child to learn about creativity, problem-solving and the arts.

With external and project-based learning key to School 360’s pedagogy, the outdoor spaces, including the rooftop playground, have been designed for both recreational sports and outdoor learning.

 

Facilities

Students will benefit from a green outdoor classroom, for reading and group activities, as well as a forest area, rooftop playground and a bike parking zone, containing a covered space for 58 bicycles and additional scooter spaces. This complements Sugar House Island’s vision for walking and cycling to take priority in the thriving community.

The rooftop playground and multi-use games area (MUGA) offer a range of play and learning experiences with an outdoor classroom and theatre, open play space and planting areas.

Inside, the school offers students a variety of learning experiences and spaces with a ‘Makerspace’ dedicated to arts, crafts and technology, ‘Oracy Stairs’ which offer informal seating and opportunities for students to share their voice and a flexible studio space designed for dance, sport and performances.

The school also boasts a dedicated SEN room to cater to students with special educational needs.

 

Technology

School 360 takes a cloud approach to technology. Being one of the earliest pioneers of the serverless school concept, the school obtained special permission from the Department of Education to allow all of its software to be cloud-based.

The classrooms have been designed to be flexible and allow for quick layout changes to increase students’ engagement levels. This has been achieved by removing the traditional static teaching position, allowing an interactive screen to be positioned in many locations, and including movable walls between pairs of classrooms.

 

Sugar House Island

School 360 is located within the mixed-use Sugar House Island development, which provides homes, offices and retail spaces within a collaborative and creative community. Once complete, the Island will bring together a community of 6,000 people, with 1,200 homes, offices, cafes, restaurants and community facilities.

Andrew Cobden, MD of Vastint UK, said: “We are delighted that School 360 has opened at Sugar House Island and are thrilled to welcome the first generation of pupils and staff.

“The new school is an asset to local families and an integral part of the Sugar House Island community. As a people-centred neighbourhood, School 360’s values align with our mission to create a thriving and sustainable community with creativity and wellbeing at its heart.”

School 360 will be led by co-headteachers Andrea Silvain, who joins from School 21, and Sarah Seleznyov, formerly Director of London South Teaching School. As deputy headteacher of School 21, Silvain has a particular focus on arts and wellbeing, while Seleznyov has spent 20 years teaching children, teachers and school leaders.

Sarah Seleznyov, said: “We are delighted to launch School 360 this September. We look forward to welcoming children on their education journey – Reception children in 2020-21, and opening to younger children in subsequent years”.

Andrea Silvain, said. “Our new primary school is led by our values of courage, curiosity, kindness, responsibility, and joy, and will draw on the strength and expertise of the amazing creative community within Sugar House Island. By working together collaboratively we can think differently and learn together.”

The first reception class is settling in with few places left for new students. There is a high demand for school places in east London where, in recent years, local schools have excelled in producing high performing students. School 360 aims to continue this legacy in the area, providing high quality teaching and a welcome environment for local families.

The new school was designed by architects Penoyre & Prasad, and constructed by Mid Group.

With centuries of history, Sugar House Island is a distinctive, urban environment with diverse architecture – made up of a mixture of old and new buildings. The newly launched ‘Soapbox’ is a collection of 211 modern, spacious homes, welcoming everyone from solo occupants to couples, sharers and families, with four-bedroom mews houses due to launch later in 2021. The much-anticipated homes are filling up quickly, following the huge success of Sugar House Island’s first phase: Botanical Mews. Sugar House Island makes life easy for residents, with a range of services available including a concierge, parcel storage, secure underground parking, individual basement storage, and a dedicated residents’ app.

With 40% of the new homes offering three or more bedrooms, local families are moving to the area and making full use of Sugar House Island’s welcoming environment.

The characterful development is just a 10-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, surrounded by waterways, with rich, industrial heritage.

 

For more information on School 360, visit https://bigeducation.org/school360/. For further information on Sugar House Island, visit https://sugarhouseisland.com/.

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Recognising Plastic-Saving Tactics

Waterlogic, a leading global designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of purified drinking water dispensers, presents its latest Oceansaver Accolade to DPD, the leading express parcel delivery service. The accolade recognises organisations that have made a significant contribution and commitment to the reduction of single-use plastics that not only impact climate change, but also dangerously pollute the world’s oceans.DPD is committed to being a truly sustainable business. Since 2020, the company has provided its people (approximately 22,000) with reusable metal bottles and has installed Waterlogic water stations at its 87 depots, ensuring that the bottles can be easily refilled. DPD estimates this has helped save over 1 million plastic bottles, corresponding to over 82.8 tonnes of plastic – and, based on its people filling up on average twice a day, five days a week, an estimated 3.75 million plastic bottles of water will no longer be needed. In addition, DPD’s Hub vending machines, which typically dispensed 100,000 plastic bottles of water a year, now only provide cans.

“Our partnership with Waterlogic is an important part of our vision to be the leader in sustainable delivery. At DPD, our aim is to drive and inspire more sustainable behaviour in our employees – behaviours that will hopefully extend outside of the workplace. We believe that becoming more sustainable is the right decision to help protect our planet and the people in it, and we are really proud to be presented with this accolade and to have our efforts to remove single-use plastics recognised,” comments Olly Craughan, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at DPD.

The Oceansaver Accolade aligns with Waterlogic’s overall company mission to pioneer the application of advanced technology that delivers the most sustainable, safest water, effective against COVID-19. DPD was chosen to receive the accolade due to its work in reducing employee plastic use and its overall plastic use, whilst increasing recycling from 63% to 70% over the course of 2020. DPD now recycles more than it buys, utilising reusable transit packaging: last year, 136 tonnes of shrink wrap were purchased, whilst 336 tonnes were recycled. DPD also donated £200,000 ($275,000) across 140 organisations from its Eco Fund, which supports sustainability initiatives, including electric vehicles and emission-free cities. Looking forward, the company aims to reach a recycling goal of 80% by 2025, with zero to landfill and the complete removal of single-use plastics. It is also well on track to meet its target of reducing its CO₂ per parcel by 30% by the same year.

Waterlogic’s Oceansaver Accolade programme demonstrates how front-and-centre environmental sustainability is when it comes to the company’s operational mindset. The company hydrates nearly 50 million consumers daily and contributes to the reduction of 23.8 billion single-use plastic bottles, and was one of the first to introduce point-of-use (POU) water dispensing systems. These connect directly to existing water supplies and reduce the need for environmentally unfriendly single-use plastic bottles. Waterlogic is working with its customers and leading on new ways to encourage more sustainable hydration, including its Freefill initiative that it has championed alongside major organisations like DPD. By installing bottle filling stations that staff and customers can use, 1.1 million refills were recorded in 2020 alone as communities embraced reusable bottles.

Alistair Dicken, Head of Corporate Accounts at Waterlogic, comments, “As a long-term hydration solution supply partner to DPD, we have been delighted to support its green journey through the provision of innovative bottle filling stations across its distribution centres. The bespoke branding opportunity we provided for these stations enabled DPD to convey a powerful message to users, aligned to its wider sustainability programme – ‘You never need to use plastic again’. We are delighted to recognise DPD’s genuine commitment to sustainability with the Waterlogic Oceansaver Accolade.”

Waterlogic has already presented accolades to Goldman Sachs UK, Interserve on behalf of E.ON, the Iberostar Group and Ramsey Health Care in Australia, amongst others, and will continue to recognise deserving, sustainability-focused customers across the world.

About Waterlogic

Waterlogic is an innovative designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of drinking water dispensers and accessories designed for offices, factories, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, schools and public spaces. From freestanding, countertop and integrated dispensers to bottle filling stations, fountains and boilers, every solution focuses on delivering the best quality water in the safest and most sustainable way. Founded in 1992, Waterlogic was one of the first companies to introduce mains-fed dispensers to customers worldwide, and has been at the forefront of the market promoting product design and water quality, the application of proprietary technologies, sustainability and world-class sales and service. Waterlogic has its own subsidiaries in 20 countries and its core markets are the U.S., Australia and Western Europe, plus an extensive and expanding independent global distribution network in over 50 countries.

 

www.waterlogic.com

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‘Colossal’ Skills Drive needed to meet £650bn Plan

The government’s announcement of a record £650bn investment in infrastructure projects over the next decade will be a massive boost to the building services sector but will need to be matched by an unprecedented surge in training and recruitment, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

A mixture of public money, private sector investment and the recruitment of more than 425,000 skilled workers is proposed to deliver the updated Infrastructure Pipeline plan published this week. Over £30bn worth of social and economic projects are due to be launched this year, according to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority as part of an overall £200bn of work underpinning the government Build Back Better programme.

‘Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030’ lays out a detailed plan that could lead to a surge in new opportunities for apprentices, graduates, and experienced workers with the right skills, according to the Association.

Transport, energy, and utilities will command the largest share of the work, but there are also big plans for social and digital infrastructure between now and 2025.

BESA welcomed the updated plan as a “vote of confidence” for the sector but pointed out that the programme relies heavily on improving productivity through greater use of digital technology and innovation. Increasing use of Modern Methods of Construction will also be crucial as the projects unfold, but all of that will need to be supported by an upsurge in specific skills many of which are currently in short supply, the Association added.

 

Turmoil
“The current turmoil in our supply chains is a stark reminder of how failing to invest in training and retaining high quality people can undermine the best laid plans,” said BESA’s director of training and skills Helen Yeulet.

“The government’s infrastructure plans are extremely exciting, but will place even greater strain on the industry’s workforce unless accompanied by a colossal push to bring new blood into the sector and upskill existing workers.”

However, competition for skilled staff is expected to continue heating up over the next two to five years and will require employers in construction and engineering-related fields to look closely at what they have to offer.

“People shortages are likely to continue for an extended period,” said Yeulet. “This is not just about Brexit. We have seen a whole shift in the economy, which was accelerated by the pandemic and has led to record pay packages for people working in transport, logistics and hospitality.

“On the plus side, it has also started to redress the balance for many people in low paid jobs and means employers in our sector need to make sure what they are offering is attractive,” she added. “They need to make sure they are treating existing staff fairly and have clear career progression plans in place to entice new people into our sector with the right skills to take us forward.”

BESA said it was seeing encouraging growth in the numbers of young people interested in workplace-based training where they can work towards high level qualifications including degrees via an employer, who offers a guaranteed job at the end.

The rise of technical training including the introduction of T-levels is also helping to promote careers in building engineering and related disciplines giving further hope for the future.

“The current turmoil in labour markets should be something of a wake-up call for many employers,” said Yeulet. “There are a lot of workers who feel undervalued and treated like commodities. Investing in their professional development and rewarding them properly is the best way to demonstrate that their skills are valued.

“Building engineering will play a crucial role in rebuilding the economy and driving us towards a lower carbon future, so it is very important that we don’t undervalue our own product. Ironically, this difficult period could be a great opportunity to leave our ‘low-cost cut price’ culture behind and show clients why the whole industry deserves to be better funded and rewarded.”

To access a wide range of building engineering training courses and information go to: www.theBESA.com/academy

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Planning Submitted for £22 million school

PLANNING application for a new replacement special school in north Powys has been submitted by the county council.

Powys County Council wants to build a new £22m school for Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown.

As part of the proposed development, the new school building will have purpose-built and state-of-the-art facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and physiotherapy rooms and garden as well as a community café.

The new school will be funded by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme, which will fund 75 per cent of the project. The remaining 25 per cent would be funded by the council.

This project is part of the council’s Transformation Programme to deliver aspirations in Vision 2025 – the council’s Corporate Improvement Plan.

It will also help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-2030.

The new school will be built by Denbighshire-based company Wynne Construction, who carried out a pre-application consultation in July and August to seek the views of residents in Newtown and Ysgol Cedewain’s school community.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet member for Education and Property, said: “I would like to thank all those who took the time to take part in the pre-application consultation and I’m delighted that we have now submitted our planning application for this exciting project.

“Our ambitious plans for Ysgol Cedewain will see us provide a world-class facility for our most vulnerable learners.

“When open, the new school will provide vulnerable learners with facilities that meet their needs while providing an environment where staff can thrive and learners enjoy learning.”

For more information about Transforming Education in Powys, visit www.powys.gov.uk/transformingeducation

Source: Country Times

 

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Getting Career Ready with West Fraser

West Fraser, formerly known as Norbord, is always keen to help young people with a positive start in the world of work as one young student found out when he joined the company for a four-week internship.  “We joined the Career Ready network a couple of years ago as we wanted to help support the organisation in its efforts to let young people experience a real working environment. I was really pleased to be chosen to mentor this year’s student, Michael McFarlane”, said West Fraser’s Market Intelligence Manager, Theresa-Marie McConnachie.

Career Ready is a charity whose aim is to provide school-age students with work experience and a good initial CV.  Students are prepared for an internship by undertaking a registration process of form and log-book completion, participation in masterclasses and an interview with the employer.

West Fraser was also given a list of requirements and set up a full programme before Michael joined.  “We were determined that Covid was not going to prevent Michael from getting a real feel for the company and what it’s like to work in a large international operation.  We devised a full four-week schedule for him so he experienced all departments and aspects of the company, albeit remotely!” said Theresa-Marie.

Michael, a 17-year old high school student, with his sights set on a career in bio-medical engineering, was a little daunted when, first thing on a Monday morning, he was taking part in a Zoom call with five people he had never met before!  “The people at West Fraser are all so friendly and welcoming so I really didn’t have anything to worry about”, said Michael. “Earlier this year I didn’t think the placement would go ahead so I was really pleased when it did, and I really appreciate the time and effort everyone at West Fraser put in to making it happen; especially Theresa-Marie and Frances Reekie”, he said.

“I had been accustomed to remote learning during the pandemic but the 90-plus Zoom calls I’ve taken part in since joining the team has been an experience.  It has given me the chance to speak to so many interesting people, not just in the UK but also in Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, and learn what they do and how each part of the operation works.  I had no idea that so much goes in to producing a panel of wooden building material!”.

Theresa-Marie adds “I really wanted Michael to leave us with transferrable skills so, once he had built up a bit of knowledge of our company, I asked him to put together a PESTLE analysis, (a framework to analyse Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors influencing an organisation from the outside), and he rose to the challenge very well!  He has been involved with data analysis exercises and has compared European construction forecasts.  Michael didn’t have much experience of an Excel spreadsheet but he definitely does now!”

The end of the internship was marked by a presentation from Michael on what he has taken away from his time at West Fraser.  “I have learnt the importance of good timekeeping, the benefit of teamwork and I feel I’ve improved my listening skills.  I’m quite a sociable person but this internship has given me the opportunity to meet five or six new people every day and I’ve learnt to listen and interact with them on a deep level.  That is definitely something that I will take with me that will benefit my studies and future jobs.  I also now have a LinkedIn account and I’ve had help with my CV too”, said Michael.

Clearly Michael has been enjoying his time at West Fraser and he has certainly made a lasting impression.  “As a result of Michael’s outstanding behaviour, we were pleased to award him a grant to pursue engineering.  The West Fraser grant initiative is designed to help bring more talent into the industry and help young, deserving people pursue their dreams”, commented West Fraser HR Director, Hazel Smith.

For further information on the opportunities available to young people at West Fraser, contact Carol Brown – carol.brown@westfraser.com.

For further information on Career Ready visit the website https://careerready.org.uk/

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USA – Post Covid Ventilation

More than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world and sent almost everyone home, people are getting ready to return to classrooms, workplaces and public spaces as they adapt to a new normal of rules, conditions and restrictions. Post-Covid architecture is in the spotlight today with the design and construction industry engaged in an important conversation to improve sustainability, promote better and safer buildings, and prioritise occupants’ wellbeing above all else.

Stronger scientific evidence and experts’ suggestions now point to smarter, automated ventilation as an integral part of such post-Covid building standards.

A simulation on educational environment

In February 2021, The New York Times collaborated with leading engineers, specialists in building systems and experts from Harvard University to build a simulation using 800,000 points of data. Although there are slight differences in classroom design between New York and Australian cities, the simulation reveals important facts on how ventilation helps limit aerosol transmission in educational facilities in specific and all public spaces in general.

According to the study, the lack of sufficient ventilation creates an ideal environment for airborne virus to spread around and transmit. It is estimated that 3% of the air each person in the room breathes are exhaled by other people.

This image illustrates how the breath of an infected person disperses throughout the room when all windows are closed. The darker lines signal where the contaminants are most concentrated. Within a short period of time and without fresh air coming into the room, the contaminants quickly circulate and remain, posing high health risks for occupants.

 

This image illustrates how the breath of an infected person disperses throughout the room when all windows are closed. The darker lines signal where the contaminants are most concentrated. Within a short period of time and without fresh air coming into the room, the contaminants quickly circulate and remain, posing high health risks for occupants.

The situation gets better when we leave a window open because fresh air coming into the room helps dilute the contaminants, lowering the risk of exposure for other people in the room. In the simulation, experts manage to achieve four air exchanges per hour.

The best scenario comes from integration between natural airflow and mechanical systems (in this case the addition of a fan and an air cleaner). Instead of dispersing throughout the room, the contaminants focus only where the fan is blowing and are diluted everywhere else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The simulation once again proves that it is not just about natural ventilation. The smarter, pandemic-proof solution should be an automated, integrated operation of high free air windows and the building management system (BMS). That change in standard and perception now receives more and more support from leading experts in Australia.

Experts call for changes to the National Construction Code (NCC)

In a recent interview with ABC News, Professor Geoff Hanmer from the University of Adelaide expressed his concern as “the way that we deal with naturally ventilated buildings. That’s most aged care facilities or schools. When people shut the windows because it’s cold outside, there’s no ventilation. And the level of ventilation reaches hazardous levels quite quickly.”

While significant improvements were introduced to the NCC 2019 in terms of glazing, ventilation, filtration, air changes per hour etc., there are strong calls for standards and requirements to be updated to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in built spaces as well as for the overall health and wellbeing of building occupants. Many recommendations centre on window automation and building management systems, applicable for both new builds and retrofitting existing buildings, following Australia’s hard-earned lessons with hotel quarantine and outdated ventilation systems.

Joining the conversation, Professor Catherine Bennett at Deakin University also agrees upon the evidence of COVID-19 as an aerosol transmission and encoding safety regulations are “something we should move to, particularly for aged care, or for our quarantine centres…”

The changing ventilation standards in a variety of settings, she hopes, could be “a legacy of the global pandemic” towards a safer living environment.

 

Source: Architecture & Design

All simulation image credits belong to The New York Times.

 

 

 

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