Opinion
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CommentData centres and energy demands – how do we square the circle?
The insatiable energy demands of AI-driven data centres could have a profound effect on UK energy markets. We need a joined-up conversation, says Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis.
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CommentOut of the classroom and into construction: I’m looking for a career in the built environment – and it isn’t easy
Even with excellent A level results, many school leavers are still struggling to navigate the best route towards a career in construction, writes Oscar Sitwell - and two industry veterans, Mark Farmer and Colin Wood, offer some advice
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CommentFragmented and misunderstood – why our sector risks losing a generation
If we want young people to join our industry, we must show them an industry worth joining, says Ashley Wheaton, vicechancellor at the University of the Built Environment
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CommentThe main event: why local stakeholders are the most important people on major projects
It is not political backing but winning the support of the people ‘on the ground’ who are most affected by a project that is key to its eventual success, writes Beth West
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CommentHow to find out what people really think about new homes
Councils should seek the views of a representative sample of the local population, rather than a minority with vested interests, argues Paul Smith
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CommentTime to deliver: how alliancing can unblock the building and renewal of Britain’s infrastructure
The case is well established, the policy environment has caught up and tools are available. What remains is the willingness to apply these principles, say Jason Russell of AtkinsRéalis and Jacqui Archer of Aecom
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CommentIs maintenance spending going to be enough to overcome the social infrastructure backlog?
The government’s commitment to repair and maintenance is certainly encouraging, but Karl Horton of the Building Cost Information Service believes additional funding is likely to be needed
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CommentBricks, bots and building back better: Why the UK must embrace circular construction
We still demolish too much and recycle too little. An urgent shift in mindset is required, writes Richard Steer
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CommentSolid foundations for industrial strategy rely on driving out construction error
Avoidable error costs the sector up to £25bn each year. Cliff Smith of the Get It Right Initiative outlines ways in which firms can improve reliability and productivity
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CommentThis month’s construction industry gossip: Expanding horizons
The latest chatter around the industry
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CommentThe case for optimism in construction
Amid the economic doom and gloom, some commentators believe confidence is returning, just slowly. So what will give it a boost?
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CommentA year of change signalled national ambition, now we must think local to deliver success
Devolving greater power, trust and transparency to local authorities is not just a matter of administrative convenience, it is vital for effective public good, says Mark Robinson
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CommentBuilding safety reform was essential, but there’s lots more work still to do
It was supposed to act as an enabler of safer housing, not an unintended barrier to progress. Here’s how we can make the Building Safety Act work better, says Lee Powell
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CommentA good start but there’s a lot more work to do: road testing the national infrastructure pipeline
Effective management of expectations is a key element of a successful product launch. Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis believes NISTA has set itself a massive task with the introduction of the new pipeline
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CommentThe government must be brutal in reducing planning burdens to help SME housebuilders deliver
There is no chance of meeting the 1.5 million homes target without smaller firms delivering. This government should be bolder in reforming planning to help them do it, argues Paul Smith
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CommentWhy procurement reform has taken decades – and why now is different
Calls for change are nothing new in our industry, but now we really do have the tools and the need to make it happen, says RLB’s Paul Beeston
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CommentConstruction must undergo systemic change to reap the benefits of technology
Despite decades of technical advances and a revolution in technology, the benefits have not flowed through to improved productivity, says Paul Ruddick, chairman and founder of Reds10
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CommentAnother UK consultant now owned by a US firm but Mace’s decision to sell up makes sense
To scale up, it needed outside investment and there was only one place it was coming from, writes Dave Rogers
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CommentUK steel sector needs to educate partners for a sustainable future
The sector needs to educate its construction partners to create a sustainable supply chain that helps achieve net zero targets and manages the transition of UK suppliers to low carbon UK steel production, says Jonathan Davis, preconstruction technical director at William Hare
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CommentNo one wants to be a fat, dumb client. This is how we avoid it
It is time to create a national capital projects delivery unit to ensure we really learn lessons and avoid wasting time and money over and over again, writes Beth West