There is a big danger that Welsh housing is under performing in terms of its warmth, efficiency and low carbon ratings – basic factors that as an industry Welsh construction needs to address. Fundamental to this is a growing realisation that homes designed to meet current and future standards of energy performance may fall short of expectations. This was brought into sharp focus by the then Minister responsible for Building Regulations, the Rt. Hon Don Foster MP when he spoke at EcoBuild in 2013. Yesterday almost 50 people attended a South West Wales Best Practice Club and Zero Carbon Hub event to discuss the findings of the report Don Foster championed to find out what the performance gap actually is, why it matters and what can be done about it.

Why is there a performance gap? This gap might arise in a number of ways within the overall house-building process and, if significant and widespread, may constitute a considerable risk. 

Why is closing the gap important? A gap in a building’s performance would mean that new housing cannot be relied upon to play its expected role in the national carbon reduction plan. For owners and occupants, energy bills may be higher than expected, undermining buyer confidence in new (low carbon) homes. For these reasons, even though the origin, size and extent of the gap have not been precisely identified to date, its investigation is seen as a high priority by government and by a wide spectrum of interest groups across the sector.

To help close the gap between design and as‐built performance, the Zero Carbon Hub is leading a major project that collaboratively engages industry and government in seeking and implementing solutions.  Follow our links to find out about the findings of the Closing the Gap Between Design and As-Built Performance Evidence Review Report, Closing the Gap Between Designed and As Built Performance - End of Term report and what the Zero Carbon Hub is doing. 

Morgan Sindall Ltd are working with Monmouthshire County Council on the Raglan VC Primary School Development. This development will provide the community of Raglan with a state of the art education facility. The scheme encompasses the construction of a 210 Primary School along with a new footbridge access from a newly formed community car park.

The school is a steel framed structure enveloped in a mixture of rendered block work and composite cladding panels under a standing seam and single ply membrane roof. Internally the space is divided by the construction of acoustically rated lightweight partitions.

The school is a steel framed structure enveloped in a mixture of rendered block work and composite cladding panels under a standing seam and single ply membrane roof. Internally the space is divided by the construction of acoustically rated lightweight partitions.

To ensure the delivery of this modern academic facility, Morgan Sindall are looking for subcontractors capable of providing the following services and work packages:

• Dry lining, Partitions & Ceilings
• Landscaping (Soft & Hard)
• Fire stopping
• All finishing trades (i.e. Carpentry, Decorating, Tiling)

A meet the buyer is being held during which there will be an opportunity for you to meet with representatives from Morgan Sindall, to discuss the potential elements of works in which you are interested. In addition to discussing the tender process, guidance will also be given during the one-to-one meetings regarding the standards and requirements expected of subcontractors.

Please note that booking an appointment slot for this event is mandatory: there will be no opportunity to make appointments on the day.

We ask that each company books no more than one appointment slot. Up to two representatives from each company can attend the appointment slot.

To book a place Register Here or for more information visit Business Wales or call 03000 603000