This episode features a stellar line-up of industry speakers including, Richard Smith (NHBC), Dr. Jim Glockling (FPA / RISCAuthority), John Duffin (Keyfix), Andy Sharlot (IG Masonry Support), and Jamie Davies (Part B).Over the past few years, questions have been raised about the risk of fires in tall buildings. Following the Grenfell Tower Fire, a decision was taken to ban combustible materials in the cladding for buildings over 18m in height. This change to Approved Document 7 came into force on 21 December 2018. So what impact has this change had on how we design and construct tall building?This episode will discuss:What are the key considerations when designing tall buildings?How have specification had to change as a result of the move to non-combustible materials?How do we ensure quality and competence on site?How have products evolved to meet this new requirement?

This episode features a stellar line-up of industry speakers including, Will Arnold (Head of Climate Action at Institution of Structural Engineers), Dr. Oliver Jones (Research Director at Ryder Architects), Nitesh Mahdani (Strategic Sustainable Business Advisor) and Jemma Ison (Sustainability Manager at Keystone Group).Climate change is affecting us all. With the built environment and construction industry accounting for 38% of global carbon emissions, the sector has a responsibility to take action. But are we doing enough? What do we need to do as an industry to slow climate change and make positive steps to creating a more sustainable planet?This episode will discuss:What impact did COP26 have?Do we fully understand embodied carbon and how are we going to tackle it?Are current regulations going far enough?What do specifiers and manufacturers need to do to drive change?

This episode features a stellar line-up of industry speakers including, Mark Farmer (CEO at Cast), Stephen Wightman, (UK MMC Lead at Faithful+Gould), Kevin Dundas (MMC and Offsite Manager at Willmott Dixon), Scott Denham (Sales Director at IG Masonry Support) and Kevin Sherlock (Managing Director at Smartroof).The benefits of offsite construction and MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) speak for themselves – quality control, speed, control of waste, safer factory process when compared to on site to name but a few. Whilst offsite is very much part of the current industry agenda, all too often it seems we revert to traditional methods of construction. What do we need to do to change this cycle and get a much wider adoption of offsite across the industry?This episode will discuss:How critical is it that as an industry we take on board the benefits of offsite and challenge the way we design and build?How are organisations such as the AIMCH – Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes – helping to accelerate adoption?Where does offsite sit when we look at the perfect storm of increased regulations and legislation, skills and materials scarcity and a closer scrutiny on quality, competence and performance?Should we accept that more offsite assembly of selected components and systems, rather than whole house, is a route to adoption and a best of both worlds approach?Is adoption of offsite and MMC at a level we expect it to be?

This episode features a stellar line-up of industry speakers including, Martin Townsend (Director at BSI Centre for Sustainability), Ben Cheetham (Senior Technical Innovation Co-Ordinator at Barratt Developments), Robin Dryer (Director and Architect at CDC Studios), Ciaràn McAliskey (National Specification Manager at Keystone Group) and Colin Wells (Head of Technical at Keylite Roof Windows). What will be discussed?: • How will we address the performance gap? • How do we build as designed? • Is the target of 75-80% less carbon emissions from new homes when compared to current regulations achievable? • What are the key areas we should be looking at to help improve the fabric of buildings? • How can manufacturers support the drive for net zero? What role does product innovation play? The UK has set a target of being net zero by 2050. To help achieve this we have seen recent changes to Part L and also the introduction of the Future Homes Standard. This will see even more importance put on getting the fabric of new homes right. However, we are facing many challenges delivering to current standards let alone future, more stringent standards. So is this achievable? Listen to our podcast episode to find out! Visit our website: https://keystonegroup.co.uk/