Safer cycling, live bomb test, prefab solutions and world’s biggest biomass

BLOG from Howard Chapman, Editor of Buildingtalk

Follow Buildingtalk on Twitter and subscribe the Buildingtalk newsletter

Whats new in building – read the latest Buildingtalk Newsletter

Safer cycling with new trucks

Living in London, I see at first hand the dangers of cycling and the death toll is rising. Heavy goods vehicles make up just 4 per cent of the cities traffic, but are involved in around half of cyclist fatalities. So, well done to CEMEX and Tarmac for introducing the new Mercedes-Benz Econic truck which is a massive improvement and will save lives.

Tender prices andamp; skills shortages

Record UK new construction work is set to beat the pre-recession peak of 2007 and there are strong signs of big tender price rises ahead.

However, construction skills shortages are still a major concern with 56% of vacancies in the sector judged hard to fill in the latest UKCES poll.

Prefab solutions

On the modular build front, the UKs largest project is a andpound;40m accommodation block for Hinkley Point Nuclear Power; plus the Government are looking at German prefabricated housing solutions for the UK housing shortage.

Live bomb test

Our video of the week is a live bomb test we are showing to celebrate 10 years since Wrightstyle launched their multi-pane bomb resistant glazing system.

Other news

• How the construction industry has fallen in love with energy efficiency and finding better tariffs
• UK is building worlds largest Biomass plant – 299MW – fed by US forests
• UK construction targets under threat if public procurement fails to improve, new research warns
• Brick shortages ease in UK
• Wavin new heating, plumbing andamp; drainage portal
• GEZE launch new series of breakfast and tea-time RIBA-approved CPD seminars
• Euroheat (HBS) re-classify biomass boilers for better RHI returns
• MetsŠWood to exhibit at Timber Expo, part of UK Construction Week
• New BM TRADA Marine Plywood Q-Mark scheme

Latest project stories

• Klober vapour permeable roofing underlay used in church restoration
• JDP aesthetic drainage system specified for Cardiff school
• Senior curtain walling and glazing for GirlGuiding HQ
• REHAU reversible windows for luxury care home

Buildingtalk on Twitter

UKs tallest bridge – Queensferry Crossing rising from Firth of Forth

Is this the ultimate tree house? Comes with zip wire and style

How to build a hi-tech, eco-friendly home in the city

Barking Mad

And finally, have we gone Barking mad? There are reports of 10 bids for every new apartment in Barking despite it being voted UKs Worst Place To Live.

SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO BUILDINGTALK

READ MORE BLOGS

COMMENTS

@Buildingtalk @TarmacLtd its great to see the industry following our lead on this fantastic initiative for improved visibility of