April Event - Retrofitting as a Sustainable Solution

Richard Quartermaine

This event brought us a five man band with the presentations being kicked off by Richard Quartermaine of Sweett (UK) Ltd. Richard discussed the Green Deal and in particular the practical considerations of undertaking such projects.

Uly Ma's book

Uly Ma then brought a colourful and common sense approach to waste, and in particular highlighted a project case study at the Olympic site. Uly described how the impact of ‘No waste’ management was far more reaching than simply reducing skip hire costs. When also considering the reduction in time and labour, these savings were the equivalent of what multimillion pound construction scheme may wish to achieve through the cost of sales.

Simon Green

Simon Green of Lakehouse was next on. He explained a noticeable trend towards more tenders involving the Green Deal, emphasising that the devil is in the detail. Dr. Terence Lewis, also of Lakehouse, brought case study examples and highlighted the need to engage tenants and to understand the ‘what’s in it for me’. Educating the tenant and behavioural changes were key in his opinion to the Green Deal achieving success.

Finally, Andrew Eagles of Sustainable Homes described a process called Carbon Reduction Options for Housing Managers (CROHM). This process involves understanding your stock’s current energy performance, and providing a detailed assessment of the most cost-effective options for improvement.

The evening was well attended and provoked an interesting debate at the end which carried on through into the networking afterwards. 

March Event - London 2012 ODA - Project of the Year 2011

Ruari Maybank from ODA 43 members attended a fact-filled presentation giving an insight to the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and Stadium - in fact the entire Olympic Park project including the infrastructure and landscaping  as it currently stands.  Apart from the presentation and video there were many questions asked.  Ruari focussed on the main areas of Sustainability, Carbon, Costs (of course!), Variations (vigorously challenged), Procurement mechanisms and then followed up with legacy arrangements, stakeholder interaction and let's not forget statistical analysis!! Click here for Velodrome project PDF.

We were wooed with tales of velodrome competitors having toilet facilities WITHIN the centre of the track. Allegedly something new.What did they do before in all their Spandex?

Interesting points arising - Even the way the doors open into the velodrome was modified as apparently the opposition were known to open the doors surrepticiously, let the cold , denser air in to slow the cyclists down. The ODA even gave money back as they did not need it all.  Something quite rare! The "mix" was 1:2:4  not just concrete but constructed with 1 year to go; 2 years of planning; 4 years of building.


No LCEC session is complete with a networking session, this one was no exception especially with the discussion points raised from the talk!


Postscript: Ruari Maybank has emailed to say "I regret that for reasons of brand protection, I am unable to share the presentation, but would note that most of the points raised are available on the learning legacy website and in ICE proceedings papers.

http://learninglegacy.london2012.com"

February Event - Procurement Best Practice

Judging by the attendance the subject of procurement in the industry is still a hot topic!

Richard Ward, a lawyer and partner at Eversheds, co-opted to the BSI, started the session with an overview of BS8534 from its early roots through to its function as a supply chain tool.

This was followed by David Hutchinson, past VP if ICE now with Parsons Brinckerhoff,  who described how he was 'roped in' to working with the BSI.  He noted that for him the main targets were cost, time & performance though many other aspects of import were included such as HSE.


All in all a very interesting, informative session with plenty of questions and topics for discussion over a glass or two of wine afterwards!

January Event - An Evening with Paul Morrell & the AGM

Paul Morrell answered questions from the floor ably assisted by LCEC officers Rajvant Nijjhar and Kathy Bagster.  Paul observed that "we are at an interesting point in history where we cannot afford to hold on to historic models of doing construction" which statement includes the recessionary environment and eco-issues.  A lively and interesting evening as always when Paul gives us his views.  A personal question, how does Paul relax? The answer: he likes to sail, watch plays, ballet & opera and for Sunday's "friends, family and food".

One of the main features of the AGM is the election of officers for the current year. All the current team were re-elected except for Hugh Bantin who has decided to step down. The Officers are grateful to Hugh for his contribution to the success of the LCEC.

December 2011 - Wine Tasting Event

In her usual way Julia Trustram-Eve created a great evening of wine tasting on December 7th.  Julia never fails to entertain with her taste challenges and amazing knowledge of wines.  The quality of the wines that are produced in our green and pleasant land inevitably make a very welcome appearance.  Always surprising, always engaging. 


A great start to the Festive Season! 

LCEC at the Constructing Excellence Awards 2011

The committee members at the Constructing Excellence 2011 Awards.  A full account of the awards and the winners of the event can be visited from here when it is posted to the CE web site.

Clock wise from the left : Rajvant Nijjhar, Keith Maynard, Paul Brampton, Hugh Bantin, a guest, Barry Dobbins, Andrew Bowles, David Hucker, a guest, Kathy Bagster

November 2011 - Energy from Waste

One of today's key topics which concerns everyone. The challenges offered by the fundamental issues surrounding the generation of energy from waste in a eco-friendly way that can adapt to emerging technologies were outlined by Andy King, Energy & Waste Section Leader at Morgan Sindall. The subject is very relevant to the construction industry particularly at the design stage which was echoed by those attending, "very relevant" being the most used words!

Andy's presentation can be downloaded from Click here or watch the following: