All Building articles in 30 March 2012
View all stories from this issue.
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CommentDoing business in China: The meaning of Guanxi
When doing business in China, exchanging gifts, building friendships and developing mutual trust are more important than signing the contract
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NewsFears NPPF could see leap in planning appeals
Uncertainty caused by transitional arrangements opens doors to appeals, say industry figures
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CommentHaving a blast
The star of this safety blunder is quick off the mark when he spots an opportunity
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FeaturesSustainability in China: A great leap forward?
New building codes in development, a fledgling eco rating system and an influx of western expertise - are these signs that China is finally pushing forward with energy efficiency? Building reports on the rise of sustainability amid the world’s most relentless construction boom
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CommentLack of clarity gives developers opportunity
Under the NPPF, areas without local plans are in limbo
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NewsHousing stats: New build sales and completions in February 2012
This month’s data shows the gap between private and public sector registrations continuing to grow
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NewsSupreme Court ruling on solar will cost £700m
Government forced to commit extra money to scheme after feed-in tariff appeal turned down
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FeaturesPaul Sheffield: ‘You can hear somebody saying, “Well, it was all right when I left …”’
Paul Sheffield could barely have chosen a worse time to become chief executive of a UK construction firm, but two years after taking over at Kier, his growth strategy appears to be paying off. By Allister Hayman
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CommentConstruction Law, by Julian Bailey: A little light reading
New tomes on construction law and Scottish arbitration are well worth picking up - if your back can take it
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NewsBig housebuilders take lion’s share of stalled projects fund
Small housebuilders blast portion of cash destined for major players
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CommentWonders & blunders with Patricia Moore
Patricia Moore praises the sensitive yet glorious refurbishment of King’s Cross station in London, but shies away from drab, dingy Euston just a few yards down the road
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CommentDispute boards in the UK
They’re endorsed by the World Bank and pioneered in the US, so why are dispute boards not more widely accepted in the UK?
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CommentHow the Budget hit building
Construction remains one of Britain’s best hopes for growth, even though George Osborne’s Budget last week failed to provide the industry with many treats, says Simon Rawlinson
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FeaturesSpecial report: Building envelopes
Upgrading a facade not only brings aesthetic benefits, it can help extend the building’s life and improve environmental performance. Here we look at facade systems that can be installed with minimal disturbance and, crucially, do not require a building to be vacated. Andy Pearson reports
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Comment
Inbox: Burning issues
This week’s hot topics include regulating the biomass energy sector, the problems of public sector procurement and the enduring importance of building control officers
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NewsMore changes at Laing O'Rourke
A handful of senior managers leave, including managing director of contractor’s investment group
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NewsDECC considers limiting roll-out of Green Deal
Barker trails ‘soft launch’ with ‘controlled growth’