After another summer of unusually high temperatures in the UK, conversations about how our buildings respond to a changing climate are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
But while much of the focus around climate change in construction has understandably been on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, there’s another question we need to consider: Will the buildings we’re constructing today still perform effectively in the climate they’ll experience 20, 30 or even 50 years from now?
That’s the question being raised by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), which is calling for climate resilience to become a standard consideration when roofs are designed, refurbished and maintained. Keep reading to find out more.
As children across the country head back to school this week, many adults will also be settling back into familiar routines after the summer. It might not mean buying a new pencil case or packing a school bag, but this time of year can still be a useful prompt to think about learning.
What could you improve? What new skill would make your job easier? Is there something you would like to understand better, or perhaps a role you would like to work towards in the future? Would a return to formal education help you achieve your goals, or could you get there through small, practical steps taken over time? Explore these ideas further by reading this week’s blog.
The Government has published its long-awaited new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introducing another significant set of changes to England’s planning system.
There have already been plenty of headlines about a new ‘default yes’ for development around railway stations, greater support for housebuilding and plans to make the planning system simpler and more consistent. But what exactly is the NPPF – and what could the latest changes mean for housing development in England? Keep reading for a summary at some of the key things worth knowing.