Energy storage, the politics of specification, off-site construction and bridging the skills gap were just some of the topics that arose during a high level debate organised by Energy 2016, part of UK Construction Week
Held at the BRE’s headquarters in Watford, the event brought together leading energy specialists, including Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party and Steve Fitzsimons, Senior Manager Infrastructure Services at EDF Energy, to discuss the key issues facing the construction industry and how Energy 2016 can help tackle them.
The need to encourage, excite and educate the younger generation about the construction industry was also a key topic. The expert panel expressed how exhibitions like UKCW can inspire schools, colleges, apprentices to take more of an interest in construction.
The topics discussed at the event will help shape the seminar content at Energy 2016 – the go-to event within UK Construction Week for the energy industry – ensuring that the show delivers on a programme that industry professionals will find educational, challenging and stimulating.
The debate began by discussing energy storage as the crucial facilitator for the future of renewable energy in both domestic and commercial environments. The panel went on to agree that getting the balance right between decentralised energy and centralised energy is critical. Steve Fitzsimons, Senior Manager Infrastructure Services at EDF Energy commented: “Our ability to plant sustainable renewables in cities and rural areas will be critical to the future of energy.”
The politics of construction was also discussed, with the correct specification of building materials being highlighted as a topical issue. Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party commented: “We must not lose track of the development of ecohomes and ensuring our properties meet the basic energy efficiency requirements. Recent thermal imaging results of existing housing stock showed that many of our homes are no more thermally efficient than in Victorian times – and this is simply not good enough.”
Perhaps the most agreed upon subject was the need to construct with flexibility in mind to future-proof buildings. Andrew Mellor, Partner at PRP Architects stated: “It was a good thing that the government scrapped the Zero Carbon Homes initiative because we probably wouldn’t meet it.”
Andrew also emphasised the need for a wider network, and to ensure a flexible structural system is in place to compensate for future technological advances and improved methods of construction.
Offsite manufacturing was another topic of interest, with Claire Hebbes, Head of Infrastructure (Development) at Lendlease explaining how moving labour off-site cannot only ensure quality, but also help up-skill the industry.
Another unanimous opinion was that consumer confidence in new policies is reliant on the right market mechanisms being in place to support a long-term transition. All agreed that if renewable energy is given the same timeframe and funds as nuclear, that energy efficiency targets can be achieved.
Policy and Practice Lead of the IEMA, Nick Blyth concluded: “Despite being used to working within the red tape we are a resourceful industry. However, as we’ve deliberated, talking to a consumer audience is as vital as a trade audience and it is events like UKCW than can help change the public perception of renewable technology and champion construction, as well as brining the whole industry together in October.”
Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 18 – 23 October, UK Construction Week combines nine shows in one location. With over 24,000 trade visitors last year – a figure expected to double at this year’s event – the show boasts over 1,000 exhibitors. Visitors are able to attend the Build Show, Civils Expo, Timber Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2016, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2016, Smart Buildings 2016 and Grand Designs Live.
For more information please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or follow @UK_CW on Twitter.
