Portakabin introduces biometric security accessories
Posted: 14 January 2008Modular building supplier Portakabin has introduced a range of security accessories that include biometric technology that verifies a person’s identity before allowing access.
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Price hikes put timber firm on course for £100m turnover
Posted: 10 January 2008The dramatic rise in timber prices over the last year coupled with strong sales on timber trussed rafters has set James Donaldson & Sons on course to turnover £100m in the year to April.
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Heads reshuffle at HeidelbergCement
Posted: 09 January 2008HeidelbergCement has completed the management reshuffle of its UK operations after last year's acquisition of Hanson.
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New HQ for Baggeridge after takeover
Posted: 09 January 2008Baggeridge Brick's management has moved into Wienerberger's head office in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, as part of a restructuring following its takeover.
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Sustainability - expert guide
Posted: 08 January 2008 Contract Journal has collated information on meeting the environmental challenges facing construction in one easy-to-use resource. Whether you are looking for news and guidance on green building, recycling, waste management or renewable energy you can find it here. From BREEAM standards to the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) we chart the standards and regulations that matter, along with the tools and guidance you will need to meet them. Read all the news on sustainability from Contract Journal Contract Journal’s analysis of the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) sustainability survey (2007) Sustainable construction information: <
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Skanska hands Tarmac five year ModernaHus deal
Posted: 08 January 2008Skanska has handed a five-year deal to Tarmac for the supply of precast concrete components for ModernaHus, its residential housing solution.
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Marshalls lays down positive picture
Posted: 07 January 2008Landscape products manufacturer Marshalls’ revenue for continuing operations increased 7% last year to £403m.
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Glass firms hit with huge fines for price fixing scam
Posted: 12 December 2007Four flat glass manufacturers - including Britain's Pilkington - have been handed fines totalling £350m by the European Commission for price fixing.
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BRE questions efficiency of wind turbines
Posted: 12 December 2007 A report into domestic micro-wind turbines has found that, until they are more efficient, in many applications their installation will do more environmental...
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Lafarge ups onsite activity at Kent works
Posted: 05 December 2007Lafarge is due to increase onsite work at its proposed new cement works at Snodland, Kent, after beginning the final design, costing feasibility and contractor...
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Cemex gets the go-ahead to double tyre use
Posted: 05 December 2007The Environment Agency (EA) has granted Cemex a permit to double the use of tyres as part-replacement for coal at its Rugby Works.
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Building product manufacturers meet to discuss sustainability strategy
Posted: 05 December 2007Jewson sets up the Green Procurement Group to look at ways of reducing waste.
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Osborne invests £8 per tonne in reducing its carbon footprint
Posted: 05 December 2007Osborne has set up and structured a 'carbon offset fund' to invest in and research more sustainable working practices.
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QPA calls for holistic approach to sustainable construction
Posted: 30 November 2007 The Quarry Products Association (QPA) has called on the government to broaden its focus on sustainability in construction to include materials supply.
In its response to the department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s (BERR) draft strategy for sustainable construction, which closes for consultation today (30th November), the trade body welcomed the “joined up approach” to improving sustainability.
However, it said the omission of any mention of need for a steady and adequate supply of minerals needed to be addressed.
The QPA cited the progress the minerals industry had made in terms of sustainability, including the improvements it has made in health and safety performance which compare favourably with targets in the draft strategy. It also pointed out the aggregates sector was already working closely with conservation organisations, an idea that forms part of another recommendation.
QPA’s director general Simon van der Byl said: “The q
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SWMPs still not on the agenda
Posted: 28 November 2007Construction businesses may be increasingly aware of site waste management plans (SWMPs), but they are still not putting them into practice, according to...
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New guidance for steel work
Posted: 28 November 2007 New guidance has been developed to improve information flow in steel construction projects. Allocation of Design Responsibilities in Constructional...
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Recognition for NFRC fixing method
Posted: 21 November 2007The National House Building Council (NHBC) is set to formally recognise the zonal fixing method launched last year by the National Federation of Roofing...
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Specification focus: Drywall: Seeing is believing
Posted: 21 November 2007Seeing is believing Drywall systems are now an integral part of most modern buildings, and at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre traditional gypsum...
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Barratt Development's Mark Clare to lead UK-GBC task force on zero carbon homes
Posted: 21 November 2007Barratt Developments chief executive, Mark Clare, has been appointed chair of the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) task group on zero carbon homes.
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Specification focus: Drylining tests the water
Posted: 21 November 2007As construction continues to move away from wet trades, the drylining sector is taking the initiative, offering the opportunity to increase speed of construction and improve the technical performance of buildings. James Stagg reports.
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