In this issue
Are you entered into the CEW Awards?
Lovell joins CEW waste team
Building Better Buildings
Surplus Reuse Initiative
Welsh Government: Energy Efficient Wales
Inclusive design in the Built Environment - who do we design for? - Aberystwyth
Welsh Government - Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales - Member Opportunities
CEW Awards 2016: Deadline for Entries



Lovell joins CEW waste team
 

Constructing Excellence in Wales' Enabling Zero Waste team are delighted to be working in collaboration with Lovell at Loftus Garden Village. 

The Garden village is situated in the heart of Newport, previously occupied by the former Pirelli Cables factory. 

The project consists of a four phase plan with the construction of 250 homes for the Seren Group. CEW will be working alongside Lovell to compare waste data across the phases and look to reduce waste arisings at every opportunity. Building Information Modelling (BIM) will also be used to examine the potential for visualisation, project management, clash detection, improved efficiencies and waste minimisation.

For further information please contact the CEW team on 02920 493322


Building Better Buildings



Do we already need to think about building better buildings? Really? The short answer is yes, as we should be constantly improving and we think you might need to mind the gap.

As the industry continues to face the reality of the performance gap by investigating why our most energy efficient and sustainable designs are still missing their design intents, we have two seminars next month which can help frame discussions. 

At our Building Better Buildings seminars, we’ll be hearing from the Zero Carbon Hub and about the InnovateUK’s recent Building Performance Evaluation project. Both organisations continue to find that actual energy consumption is often much higher than design calculations suggested. Through the Building Performance Evaluation project 100 sites participated with energy data collected from a variety of buildings and design teams have been reformed to investigate the building. Occupants have been involved and their feedback provided, and procurement methods have been reviewed. With a project duration of four years the breadth of building types, procurement models and the duration of data collection means there is much to learn from. 

Constructing Excellence in Wales, keen to promote debate on the performance gap and get all professions discussing this together feel these seminars will provide everyone with at least one action to take away. It’s clear from recent research that the performance gap is attributable to every stage of a construction project, so we each have a role in ensuring we “mind the gap” and continue to work with clients, the building occupants and the full design teams and contractors to deliver better buildings. 

Our Building Better Building workshops take place on 22nd March in Cardiff and 23rd March in Ewloe, near Wrexham and will include case study projects from the housing, community and healthcare sectors.


Surplus Reuse Initiative

Within the construction and demolition industry surplus will happen, despite measures put in place to reduce it. Surplus occurs as a result of over ordering, standardised pack sizes, product batching and concern over product arrival delays. 

CEW is launching a project which aims to prevent surplus materials from becoming waste and to maintain the quality of surplus construction materials.

Building upon the existing pilot site in Swansea with Care and Repair Cymru, CEW wish to work with organisations to establish a network of surplus reuse hubs across Wales. Participants will receive support from CEW to establish the facility with the aim for it to be self-sustaining in the long term.

If you would be interested in working with CEW to prevent waste, increase reuse and to help support local communities please register your interest in the project via Sell2Wales by 1st April 2016.

CEW welcomes applications from all organisations based in Wales whether you are a private or public company, not for profit organisation or a charity.

For further information, please call 02920 493322.


Welsh Government: Energy Efficient Wales

This week saw the Welsh Government launch their Energy Efficiency Strategy, setting out their vision for a low carbon future for Wales for the next ten years. The strategy outlines their role and that of other organisations, businesses and householders. So what is it all about?

In his introduction, Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Natural Resources, outlines:

Besides addressing the energy “trilemma” of affordability, security of energy supply and the need for decarbonisation, the strategy is designed to play a major role in driving economic growth – supporting the growth of green jobs and skills throughout Wales and increasing the competitiveness of our businesses.”

The strategy clearly sets out the Government’s vision, the need for action and the opportunity this provides. Within the prioritising action chapter, they discuss: overcoming barriers, supply chain development, skills and education, innovation and finance. It’s in these areas we believe the Constructing Excellence in Wales network can continue to lead the way. Whether your business delivery focuses on new build or refurbishment works the strategy sets the drivers for working in Wales. Even with limited devolved powers, we can demonstrate real leadership on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The strategy clearly outlines how action on energy efficiency can:

  • Contribute to the Welsh Government’s wellbeing goals,
  • Help develop and secure green growth, jobs, skills and supply chains,
  • Ensure the most cost-effective means of meeting our commitments to reduce carbon emissions,
  • Lower energy charges to businesses and for the public sector,
  • Directly address fuel poverty by reducing the cost of heating the homes of vulnerable

More information on the Welsh Government’s energy efficiency support is available from the Warm Homes programme and Resource Efficient Wales

So, is your company ready to accept Carl Sargeant’s invitation to “confirm Wales as a beacon of best practice in sustainable development”? If you feel your company is undertaking innovative refurbishment and energy efficiency initiatives, either on your own estate or through the work that you deliver, we want to hear from you.


Inclusive design in the Built Environment - who do we design for? - Aberystwyth

Date: Thursday 10th March 2016
Time: 9.45am - 1pm
Location: Aberystwyth
Cost: Free

Download: Flyer

Wales can lead the way in establishing sound principles of inclusive design. This interactive training is aimed at planners, architects and anyone whose work impacts on the built environment who want to be a catalyst for establishing Wales as an exemplar for inclusive design practice. Building on the commitments set out by the Welsh Government in the Framework for Action on Independent living and in the context of proposed changes to Design and Access Statement (DAS) requirements, this half-day course will provide delegates with a clearer understanding of the principles of inclusive design and how to use these principles in their working lives.

The workshop-style training will cover:

  • The social, legal, moral and economic context of inclusive design
  • Who we are designing for and the impact of a disabling environment
  • The principles of inclusive design
  • The design process – beyond regulatory codes and towards a philosophy 
  • Addressing access with or without a DAS

Recognising and overcoming conflicts of interest Whether you are new to the concept of inclusive design or familiar with the principles, this training will provide new material for you to expand your knowledge, understanding and application of the approach.

The training is coordinated by the Design Commission for Wales, RSAW, Constructing Excellence in Wales and RTPI Cymru on behalf of the Welsh Government. The training will be led by Sandra Manley.

This event is free but you will need to register to secure a place.  If you have any queries please contact DCFW or telephone 02920 451964. This course is a core curriculum subject for RIBA/RSAW members and is CPD-certified.


Welsh Government - Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales - Member Opportunities

Welsh Government are looking for members to join the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales. Members will assist BRACW in its statutory role to provide advice to the Welsh Ministers (usually via the Planning Directorate’s officials) on the exercise of their powers to make building regulations covering Wales, and on other related matters.

Members will be required to commit to a minimum of ten days per year. More information can be found on the recruitment pages of the website.

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