Solar energy

An increasing number of structures constructed today have solar energy panels installed on the roof. This trend is expected to continue as more and more homeowners demand alternative energy sources. In addition to being less harmful to the environment, solar energy fixtures will also help reduce energy costs.

Bamboo flooring

The eco-friendly approach will inform the choice of flooring materials as well, and bamboo is fast becoming a popular option. A durable and widely available material, bamboo is expected to be a mainstay of home and business construction in the coming years.

Recycled materials

Although recycled and recyclable materials have long been used in the construction industry, this usage is expected to increase as time goes on.

For an increasing number of people, eco-friendliness also extends to the materials used, and recycled materials are fast becoming a popular option.

Energy efficient processes

Eco-friendliness is expected to increase with regard to processes as well. While there will be a continued focus on constructing eco-friendly structures, many builders will look toward making the construction process itself as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Smaller structures

The trend toward sprawling homes and towering structures over the past several years is expected to give way to the construction of smaller structures. Aside from requiring less space and fewer materials, such structures will also have reduced energy requirements, making them even better suited to eco-friendly applications.

Green roofing

Even roofing materials and processes will be increasingly informed by eco- friendly principles. As with flooring materials, many companies are now looking for alternatives that are just as effective, but will have reduced negative impact on the environment.

Increased emphasis on the “green” standard

Eco-friendly practices haven’t always been readily accepted in the construction industry, but this is quickly changing. Along with the growing realization of construction’s role in contributing to a more environment friendly industry, consumer demands will necessitate a shift towards providing more eco-friendly options. Some construction companies that have previously been resistant towards such changes may even adopt eco- friendliness as a primary approach.

More efficient heating and cooling

Reducing energy consumption has always been a priority in the industry– particularly with regard to cooling and heating concerns–and more companies will provide more eco-friendly options in this specific area. Again this will be the result of continued interest in reducing construction and maintain costs, as well as increased consumer demand.

Increased use of natural resources

More and more designs will feature stone as a primary component. Already a popular option in many areas of the industry, stone will play an increasing role in construction due to its widespread availability, comparatively low cost, and reduced environmental impact.

Availability of more eco-friendly options

It wasn’t so long ago that eco-friendly options were unavailable in even the largest construction depots and home supply emporiums. While most people would have had to turn to smaller specialty outlets for their needs, even the bigger chains now offer several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional construction materials. This trend is expected to continue well into the coming years, heralding a noticeable shift toward a more eco- friendly industry in general.

Kosovo’s Route 7 Motorway is a 63.4-mile (102-kilometer) dual-carriage motorway that will extend from Morinë, at the southwest border with Albania, to the north of Kosovo’s capital, Pristina. Upon completion by the end of 2013, the Kosovo Motorway will serve as the centerpiece of Kosovo’s national transport system, helping to promote trade and economic development in Kosovo and throughout the region. To date, the Bechtel-Enka team has delivered 38 miles (61 kilometers) of motorway from Morinë to the Gjurgjice interchange in northern Kosovo, seven months ahead of schedule.

“We are thrilled to have won this award and to be recognized for our work on the Kosovo Motorway, which is central to building the country and its economy. This award is testament to the hard work of our entire team and the ongoing support of the Kosovo government,” said Chris Jennions, Bechtel-Enka project manager for the Kosovo Motorway project. 

This is the second time that Bechtel and Enka have been internationally recognized for their work on the Kosovo Motorway project. Last year, the team won the program management award in the International Road Federation’s Global Road Achievement Awards 2012.

Bechtel and Enka have together successfully delivered major infrastructure projects in Central and Eastern Europe, including motorways in Albania, Croatia, and Turkey. They have completed more than 17,400 miles (28,000 kilometers) of highways and roads, 100 tunnels totaling 217 miles (nearly 350 kilometers) in length, and 25 major bridge projects.

Commenting on the ONS figures, Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association said; ‘Recent GDP figures have pointed to signs of growth in the overall economy, but construction has continued to face very challenging conditions with output already 7 percent lower than a year ago. Today’s new orders figures reflect these continuing difficulties.

‘Most encouraging were indications of growth in the private housing market. Government policies – particularly FirstBuy, Funding for Lending and the recently announced Help to Buy – are giving major house builders the confidence to build. Because private housing has a short time-lag between orders and output, these new orders should lead to a further rise in housing activity this year.

'Of greater concern, however, is the 50 percent drop in the infrastructure sector since the previous quarter and the 39 percent fall compared to Q1 last year. This came despite the government’s regular and enthusiastic pronouncements of support over the last two years, such as the Chancellor’s
£5 billion capital investment ‘boost’ in last year’s Autumn Statement, £20 billion in new private investment in infrastructure and a further £5.5 billion capital investment ‘boost’ in December.

‘As we have previously highlighted, the government must do better at translating such infrastructure announcements into new orders and real activity on the ground. Those aimed at housing are clearly delivering a beneficial effect; infrastructure must match this if we are to have a sustained economic recovery.’ 

Designed and built by students of Unitec's Te Hononga Maori Architecture Studio, the design takes its cues from the architecture of historical 'Hakari' stages. These structures acted as the centrepiece at large hui and were traditionally used to store food for guests and to display the mana of the hosts.

"It will be the first time in 170 years that this type of structure will have been seen in Auckland," says Rau Hoskins, Unitec Bachelor of Architecture Lecturer.

"It's a significant enterprise, not just in terms of the physical nature of the structure and the sense of occasion that it evokes, but also in terms of reviving the tradition and significance of this form of architecture that was used by our ancestors."

Jade Kake, one of twelve Unitec Bachelor of Architecture students working on the project, says Matariki Paparewa's been a fantastic experience in terms of teamwork and real-world application of the concepts they're studying - "we've all learnt so much."

"Matariki Paparewa celebrates the Maori New Year, referencing the seven stars of Matariki and also acknowledges local mana whenua," says Jade. "For me this project is really important in generating dialogue about what it means to be Maori in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland - particularly for mana whenua."

In addition to the Matariki Paparewa at Silo Park, the students' project work will be showcased at Auckland Art Gallery in the Lab, a dedicated project space within the gallery developed for the Triennial. The Matariki Paparewa Lab will feature a video time-lapse charting the project's progress and a live webcam that overlooks the gantry site at Silo Park, along with models, sketches and banner sewing. Matariki Paparewa is one of five Lab projects featuring in the Triennial.

Frith Walker, Place Manager from Waterfront Auckland, the Council organisation which manages Silo Park says it has been an absolute privilege to be involved in such a meaningful project.

NorthAm is one of the largest Mexican engineering and project management companies, with a track record in upstream, offshore and onshore, downstream and power projects. With its main operations in Monterrey, Mexico City and Poza Rica, the company has approximately 400 employees.

“The acquisition of NorthAm is part of our stated strategy to grow our upstream capabilities and the geographic footprint of our Global Engineering and Construction Group,” said Kent Masters, Chief Executive Officer of Foster Wheeler AG. “With NorthAm’s excellent reputation and strong relationships with key Mexican clients, this acquisition significantly strengthens our position in the growing Mexican market. In addition, it provides an excellent platform from which to further expand our business in the wider Latin American market.”

Foster Wheeler AG is a global engineering and construction company and power equipment supplier delivering technically advanced, reliable facilities and equipment.

The company employs approximately 13,000 talented professionals with specialized expertise dedicated to serving its clients through one of its two primary business groups. The company’s Global Engineering and Construction Group designs and constructs leading-edge processing facilities for the upstream oil and gas, LNG and gas-to-liquids, refining, chemicals and petrochemicals, power, mining and metals, environmental, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare industries. The company’s Global Power Group is a world leader in combustion and steam generation technology that designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for power stations and industrial facilities and also provides a wide range of aftermarket services.

Inspired by nature’s use of cyclic structures, Takuya Yamamoto and co-workers at the Department of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, have dramatically enhanced both the thermal and salt stability of self-assembling polymeric structures, simply by changing the shape of the founding polymers from linear to cyclic.

The team designed new block copolymers - structures comprising several polymers connected by covalent bonding - which self-assembled into shapes called micelles Micelles have a hydrophilic outer membrane, and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) core.

“We designed a cyclic amphiphilic block copolymer by mimicking fat molecules in the cell membrane of archaea,” explains Yamamoto. “Both linear and cyclic copolymers were then used to create identical self-assembling flower-shaped micelles.” The team discovered that although the chemical composition, concentration and dimensions of micelles built from the two differently shaped block copolymers remained the same, the cyclic-based micelles were able to withstand higher temperatures.

“The micelle from cyclic block copolymers withstood temperatures up to 40°C higher than the linear-based micelles,” explains Yamamoto. The researchers found that the tail ends of the linear copolymers were more likely to break loose from the flower-shaped structure during heating, allowing for bridging between micelles to occur. This meant that the micelles join together in an agglomerate blob at a relatively low temperature. The micelles created by the cyclical copolymers, on the other hand, had no ‘loose ends’ to form bridges, meaning the structures remained stable up to far higher temperatures.

The same structural differences allow for a greater tolerance of salt concentrations in the cyclic-based micelles. The loose tails in linear-based micelles allowed rapid dehydration to occur in highly saline environments, whereas the closed cyclic structures are structurally stronger, making them more resilient to salt.

“The combination of higher salting-out concentrations and thermal resistance means these micelles have numerous potential applications,” explains Yamamoto. “Possibilities include drug delivery systems, where heating is not possible and salt provides an alternative method for controlling how a micelle responds in order to release a drug.” The team also hopes that their micelles could provide the basis for many new materials in the field of green chemistry, because their structural robustness is based purely on their shape rather than on complex chemical reactions.

The launch of the new and improved www.trade-point.co.uk now offers its one million plus members a wide choice of products, of which 8,500 are available for next day delivery to site, as well as a dedicated TradePoint members’ area where deals and the latest information about the local trade supplier can be shared.

The TradePoint website, which launched back in 2011, was previously non transactional and was limited in terms of use for its members. The site has been significantly improved to help tradesmen improve and manage their businesses more efficiently.

Now, over 90,000 TradePoint members are active on the site, taking advantage of its many services and online deals, which are exclusive to the trade. Those not yet signed up to TradePoint are also able to apply online, rather than having to sign up in-store or over the phone.

Commenting on the update website, Trevor Culpin, Marketing Manager for TradePoint said: "Our new and improved website has taken a long time to develop as we wanted our TradePoint members to get what they need- a user friendly transactional trade website which offers next day delivery on a huge range of products. We’ve already had good feedback from our members and are looking forward to developing the site further as we add yet more products and launch a smart app for tradesmen on the go.”

With the HeavyJob mobile phone time card app, foremen and superintendents can enter time for workers and equipment, enter quantities, and write notes for cost codes, as well as mark work for T&M. The time card app is ideal for individuals or small crews like truck drivers or flagging crews who may not be issued a laptop, and also for larger crews who may prefer a mobile device to laptops.

“We understand that many crews work in remote locations where cell service may not exist,” said HCSS Vice President of Software Development Tom Webb. “We want crews to be productive wherever they are.  The HeavyJob time card app will still work in remote areas and it will store any entered data until the device is back in cellular coverage or a Wi-Fi network.”

The time card app is just one of many mobile apps offered as supplements to HCSS  HeavyJob and HeavyBid.  Those include a photo app, which allows field employees to snap job site photos and send them immediately to the office; a daily diary entry app, and an estimating app used to cost estimate, perform markup and pricing, and even collect signatures on the go.

With the mobile platforms, contractors are not limited to working on a single device.

“A foreman may begin entering his time card from a laptop in his truck, add quantities or take photos while standing at the site from his phone or tablet, while the project manager reviews job information back at an office desktop,” said Webb.  “This will allow companies to take a ‘right device, right person’ approach.”

There has been a marked increase in the volume of new construction projects being awarded in Ireland, it has been reported. Just over a quarter of construction companies have seen activity increase in the past three months, according to a survey by the Construction Industry Federation.

Meanwhile just 28 percent of those asked expect the level of tenders they submit to increase over the next three months, while 43 percent expect the level to remain the same.

Of the 328 companies that responded to the CIF’s Construction Confidence Index survey, 22 percent had seen employee levels increase in recent months.

The news comes as Eurozone figures have some countries pulling the opposite direction. A recent report, out last week, suggested that some countries, including Spain, France and various Eastern Bloc states, have contracted significantly in the award of new projects.

The number of employees had decreased at 33 percent of responding companies during the same period.

More than half (55 percent) of those asked said they had less confidence in the state of the industry in Ireland over the past three months.

Just over a quarter of surveyed members of the Construction Industry Federation say activity has increased over the past three months but the other 75 percent of respondents report either similar or lower levels of activity compared to the previous three months.

Looking ahead 28 percent of construction companies expect the level of tenders to increase over the next three months and 43  expect it to stay the same.

There has been a marked increase in the volume of new construction projects being awarded in Ireland, it has been reported. Just over a quarter of construction companies have seen activity increase in the past three months, according to a survey by the Construction Industry Federation.

Meanwhile just 28 percent of those asked expect the level of tenders they submit to increase over the next three months, while 43 percent expect the level to remain the same.

Of the 328 companies that responded to the CIF’s Construction Confidence Index survey, 22 percent had seen employee levels increase in recent months.

The news comes as Eurozone figures have some countries pulling the opposite direction. A recent report, out last week, suggested that some countries, including Spain, France and various Eastern Bloc states, have contracted significantly in the award of new projects.

The number of employees had decreased at 33 percent of responding companies during the same period.

More than half (55 percent) of those asked said they had less confidence in the state of the industry in Ireland over the past three months.

Just over a quarter of surveyed members of the Construction Industry Federation say activity has increased over the past three months but the other 75 percent of respondents report either similar or lower levels of activity compared to the previous three months.

Looking ahead 28 percent of construction companies expect the level of tenders to increase over the next three months and 43  expect it to stay the same.

Apps, Smartphones, and tablets have become increasingly useful for contractors. They’re no longer only for games and web browsing. A recent report by Eric Mower + Associates highlighted that Smartphone use by contractors on the job-site jumped 35% from last year, and the use of tablets rose 54%. New tools like Joist Contractor Estimating and Invoicing Tool are providing contractors with the ability to complete work on the spot, cut down paperwork, and have their fingertips on the pulse of your business at all times.

Here are a few benefits of using mobile technology in your contracting business.

Work on the go

You’re always working on the go, and your mobile device allows you to complete work from anywhere. During lunch, while in the truck, or at any other down time throughout the day you can catch up on work on your mobile device, rather than having to catch up on work later in the evening or on the weekend.

Utilize the Camera

Today’s Smatphones’s have amazing photo quality and you can share these photos with the touch of a button. Not only is it a simple way to track performance and share information about a project with your client. It’s also a great way to show past work to a prospective client went trying to close a sale. A tablet is perfect to show off prior work, the larger screen is great for showing off your best work.

Real-time Information

The great thing about mobile devices is the access to real-time information. If you need details on a product, or pricing, it’s as simple as opening your browser and making a web search. If your client sends an inquiry through email you can respond to them immediately. With information at your fingertips you’re always on the ball.

Combine Tools

A Smartphone is almost like a new age Swiss army knife. You can combine numerous tools into one (something we can all appreciate). For example your Smartphone can become your address book, a leveling tool, a GPS, email client, your invoice book, a flashlight, and more.

Reduce Paper

A mobile device can easily replace all of your paperwork. Examples include digital signatures, invoices, expense recording, estimates, and contracts. Paperwork is the last thing you want to worry about after a long day. With a mobile device you can capture information and complete your paperwork instantly, and the best part is everything is saved for you online. Meaning it cannot be lost or destroyed.

About the Author: Brendon Sedo is a Founder of Joist, a free contractor estimating and invoicing tool for iPhone, iPad, Android, and the web.

The two 10.5 x 13.5 metre steel gates, weighing 27 tonnes each, were lifted by a 500 tonne mobile crane and placed into position in the lock barrel at the entrance to Millbay’s inner dock basin, with divers working to complete the fitting in the early hours of Wednesday (22 May).

The £4 million King Point Marina is being developed by waterfront regeneration and destination specialists Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc.

The wave gates have been constructed to withstand a one in 200 year storm event, and will be capable of reducing a four metre wave outside the harbour to just 40 centimetres inside the marina.

KingPoint Marina is situated at the heart of Millbay in Plymouth, and will be a centrepiece for English Cities Fund’s regeneration of 20 acres of former Plymouth dockside to create a vibrant waterfront city quarter.

Building work is due to be completed later in the summer. The marina will extend Sutton Harbour Holding’s existing facilities at the 5 Gold Anchor Sutton Harbour Marina, which lies approximately 1.5 miles to the east of the new King Point Marina.

Jason Schofield, Chief Executive of Sutton Harbour Holdings plc, said: “The installation of the wave gates at King Point Marina is a major milestone for the project, and a truly impressive feat of engineering – the last time anything like this was carried out in Plymouth was the installation of the lock gates at Sutton Harbour back in 1993.

“Construction work is progressing well and to schedule, with piling completed, most of the pontoons in place and the shoreside building well under way. We are already taking enquiries for the 2013/14 season, and look forward to welcoming more boat owners from across the country to enjoy the South West’s excellent cruising waters and see why Plymouth is rightly known as Britain’s Ocean City.”

KingPoint Marinawill provide sheltered berths for vessels from five meters to 25 metres in length. The two-storey shoreside building will offer showers, toilets and amenity areas for berth holders on the ground floor, surrounded by terraces with direct access to the marina pontoons.

The first floor has been designed as a flexible space offering 165 sq m that could accommodate a waterfront yacht club restaurant or marine related businesses, with timber decked terraces commanding superb views over Millbay and Plymouth Sound.

The wave gates have been installing by specialist marine civil engineering contractor Land & Water, with design services provided by Opus International. Exeter-based construction company Devon Contractors is building the shoreside facilities and the piling and installation of pontoons has been carried out by Walcon Marine.

The wider Millbay area is being developed by English Cities Fund (ECf), which is a joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal and General Property and the Homes and Communities Agency, and is creating a vibrant residential and cultural quarter in this waterside location close to Plymouth city centre.

Work is continuing on the building of 48 high quality apartments and townhouses at Cargo 2, opposite the award-winning original Cargo development in Millbay Road and overlooking king Point Marina, and will be completed in early summer.

April's retail sales report for the world's largest seller of bulldozers, excavators and wheel loaders continued the sluggish sales pattern of recent months. Sales turned negative during the December three-month period for the first time in 30 months and have remained lower ever since. Worldwide dealer-reported machinery sales dropped 11 percent from a year earlier during the March period and fell 13 percent during the February period.

Caterpillar is encountering tougher year-earlier comparisons in most geographic markets. Falling demand for mining equipment because of lower prices for mined commodities, such a coal and iron ore, also has choked down sales of mining equipment.

In Asia, where a dismal market for construction equipment in China and falling demand for mining equipment have weighed on sales activity for months, April sales were down 20 percent, following a 24 percent reduction in March and a 26 percent reduction in February. The modest month-over-month improvement in the rate of decline was helped by improving sales activity in China, where machinery demand typically strengthens during the spring.

April-period sales fell 3 percent in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, after an 8 percent decrease during March and 9 percent decrease in February. Latin America has been Caterpillar's best market lately, helped in part by accelerated construction activity in Brazil for upcoming international sporting events. Latin American sales rose 28 percent during April, following a 12 percent increase in March and a  3 percent increase in February.

Sales of Caterpillar's engines remained weak and choppy, sinking 5 percent in April, after dropping 6 percent in March and slipping 7 percent in February. Sales of engines to industrial end markets were down 7 percent, after plunging 24 percent in March. Engine sales to the petroleum market were off 6 percent in April, following a 1 percent decline in March.  

As providers of construction-specific accounting software, we’re often given the chance to witness innovations in the construction world when they are still in their early stages. Recently, we have played witness to a number of small revolutions affecting the ways in which accounts within the construction industry are managed.

The financial year began with changes in legislation that required firms to report payroll information in real time to HMRC, a movement expected to result in greater confusion and workloads for accountants, but which actually negates the onerous task of end-of-year reports. Now a new innovation is making waves in another part of the market: that of using Twitter to source suitable materials and manufacturers.

‘SpecifiedBy’ gives building products specifiers the chance to use the hashtag #socialspec to crowdsource recommendations for new products, materials and manufacturers. Its founder, Darren Lester, believes the social network/crowdsourced approach has the potential to become a ‘useful; modern tool for the construction industry that could lead to changes in the way building products are specified.’

Integrity Software’s Marketing Manager Richard Boston heralded the service as an innovative use of social media for the construction industry: ‘Whilst currently the facility seems to largely service smaller firms, in time, there could well be an appetite for larger construction firms to buy other products in this way.’

‘Such an open format for buyers and sellers to connect is likely to have a great impact on related costs for such products and services. It would be interesting to see how firms who take up the use of such innovative buying means track these differences through their construction accounting software.’

Five years ago just one in twenty engineers had to work while they commuted A tenth (11%) of engineers say they would not be able to perform their job effectively unless the worked while they commuted each day according to specialist recruiter Randstad Construction Property & Engineering. 

The research of over 2,000 Brits on commuting habits across different employment sectors found that a tenth of engineers have to work while they travel.  In 2008, just one in twenty  engineers (4.5%) said they worked while they commuted.

The engineering sector currently faces a skills shortage due to a combination of low graduate numbers, and demand from overseas for UK engineering talent. This shortage has put strain on those engineers employed in the UK and is resulting in an increased pressure to work while on the move.

Across the engineering sector, 17% of workers feel they could work while they commute but choose not to.

Owen Goodhead, managing director of Randstad Construction Property & Engineering, said: “Engineers are some of the most spread thin professionals in the UK workforce. Having to do more with less resource has increased staff workloads and left engineers feeling they are working the equivalent of a seven and a half day week. It’s little wonder there has been a rise in the number of working while they travel. Being able to relax and unwind at home is vital for the long-term health of the profession. Engineers extending their work-day into travel time enables them to get additional work done without it leaking too much into their work/life balance.”

Engineers also have some of the longest average daily commuting times and distances compared to any other industry. On average, engineers travel a total of 21.4 miles a day. This is higher than the wider UK average of 18.5 miles. The average time spent commuting each day by engineers currently stands at under 47 minutes – six minutes more than the UK average of 41 minutes. 

The distance that engineers travel each day has risen over the last five years, up from an average of 18 miles per day in 2008. Despite longer distances, the average time spent commuting each day by engineers has stayed relatively stable over the last five years with a slight fall from 48 minutes in 2008 to 47 minutes now.

As the construction sector continues its 34-month long slump, successful Australian owned business FDC Construction & Fitout, credits its growth on specialising in leading edge technology projects that demand a high skill set and teamwork to mitigate risk.

Focusing on sectors that are  seen as significant growth markets, including data centres, specialised commercial buildings and technology rich corporate offices, FDC has managed to continue its prosperity in the tough industry climate.   

“By concentrating our efforts in those sectors that have been robust in the past five years, not only has FDC managed to double in size, but we have been able to provide employment opportunities to those that have been left jobless by the downfall of other large construction companies,” FDC Managing Director, Ben Cottle says.

Data centre development has surged in the past five to ten years as digital reliance increases across every industry.  With the latest engineering across electrical, data, communications and security, plus innovative building techniques and design, these facilities store the booming information linked to our modern lifestyles and business.   Whilst some of FDC’s projects are refurbishments of ageing but operational data centres, most are new developments for private or institutional clients.

With an impressive portfolio of data centres, one of the largest in Australia, FDC has relied on their internal skill and experience to underpin this sector success, plus the collaboration with intelligent clients and consultants. Innovative design, procurement and building techniques have seen improvements in space efficiency, flexibility, security, capacity, and cost and construction cycle.   

Similarly, some commercial buildings that FDC are delivering are technology rich, which allows them to offer integrated fitouts during construction and dramatically reduce delivery times, whilst ensuring the technical needs will be fully and professionally managed.    The most recent examples of this include FoxSports, Thales and Vistaprint.    Workplace design is also evolving, so technology is a pivotal part of those projects.   

“At FDC, we have focused our energies on sectors where we can honestly say we are leaders and innovators.   This delivers a lower risk, more streamlined outcome for the client and wider project team.  This has been, and will continue to be, the seed for growth in this struggling economy.” says Ben.

It builds on the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan for Growth and Jobs, which was released in May 2012, and it is hoped around 1,400 employment opportunities will be created off the back of the scheme. 

Central to the initiative is maximising the use of reduced capital budgets and the money is going to be used in various sectors that will help the economy. Some £30 million has been set aside to increase housing supply, while £25 million has been earmarked for an investment scheme in education that will further accelerate the 21st Century Schools Programme.

The construction industry is set to be the biggest winner, as a significant number of jobs will be created thanks to the series of building works being undertaken. Speaking about the initiative, finance minister Jane Hutt said it means "every Welsh pound is used to boost jobs and growth". 

"The main benefits of investment are gained over the long term. But in present circumstances, the jobs created in constructing new infrastructure are vitally important and this latest package is expected to support around 1,400 jobs during the construction phase," she added.

Ms Hutt stated the investment is a clear statement of the government's determination to stimulate growth and encourage more economic activity. By doing so, Wales hopes it will be able to buck the trend of poor growth seen in the UK as a whole. 

Indeed, the Confederation of British Industry Wales has reported the Welsh economy is growing. Emma Watkins, director of the organisation, told the BBC the nation will see a steady improvement towards the end of the year and this is expected to continue into 2014. 

She pointed out many companies in the country are performing well and this should act as a sign of things to come as more investment in announced.  

Described as the ‘ultimate’ sea vessel for the continued exploration and observation of the world’s oceans, the SeaOrbiter will stand 27 metres above sea level whilst simultaneously being submerged for a further 31 metres below the waterline.

Weighing approximately 500 tonnes of recycled aluminium, the SeaOrbiter will scour the seas guided by the path of the current, but also has a small propulsion system.

Undoubtedly revolutionary in its concept, the vehicle will allow a team of scientists to permanently observe the oceans as it drifts around the world; something that has not yet been realised. It also functions on a sustainable basis by using the energy of the sea to power itself.

Further to this, the SeaOrbiter will include the world’s first submerged astronaut training facility, where 6-8 astronauts will be able to experience the depths of space in the confines of the depths of the ocean.

“SeaOrbiter has a multi-level atmospheric pressure module and a pressurised module. The latter is open undersea, allowing the 6 to 8 aquanauts to live permanently at the heart of the ocean and to have immediate access to the marine world. The lock chamber connects with the atmospheric pressure upper decks housing the crewmembers in charge of logistics and responsible for preparing supplies for the aquanauts,” the SeaOrbiter team said.

Going rogue

Jacques Rogerie is an outspoken French architect and the brains behind the SeaOrbiter project. Considering himself a ‘worthy descendent of Captain Nemo and Jules Verne,’ Rogerie has certainly turned some heads with his colossal boat.

“The ambition of the vessel is undoubted and should be applauded for its goals; ultimately the increase in human knowledge and learning in Oceanography,” Rogerie said of the project.

Having an extensive and impressive back catalogue of aquatic architecture including the Pavillion of the Sea in Kobe, Japan and the Museum of Underwater Archeology in Alexandria, Egypt, the SeaOrbiter has been a part of Rogerie’s plans for the past 30 years.

Making a splash

The project has attracted considerable attention from media and educational outlets, and its business partners include Rolex (who will be keen to see its watches keep ticking 31 meters down) and National Geographic. To ensure that interest in the vessel continues during its life, a multitude of onboard cameras will capture the ocean outside and relay the video on a continuous stream, and it is hoped capture the imaginations and hearts of the next generation of land-loving oceanographers.

Having excelled in testing stages and come through a series of prototypal considerations, the SeaOrbiter is nearing construction readiness.

The SeaOrbiter team said: With our diverse range of technical and industrial partners we have carried out a wide ranging design and modelling tests. For example from our tank tests on a 1:15 scale model at Marintek in Norway, we have developed better sea keeping qualities in the stabiliser disk and keel and have improved the propulsion system. In this development process we have also enlarged the interior spaces, resulting in modifications to the thickness of the disk and the height of the vessel.

The SeaOrbiter is coming to an ocean near you, and you can’t miss it.

Thomsen, who oversees the worldwide operations of Guardian’s flat glass manufacturing, marketing, distribution and product development, will discuss the challenges facing the glass industry and propose solutions for reconstructionist strategic thinking to create new demand for glass.

Glass Performance Days, the world’s largest technology and innovation conference for the glass industry, occurs biannually in Finland. The 2013 event, with a theme of Glass Technology, Design and Sustainability, will focus on glass architecture and the environmental impact of buildings. It is being held at the Sorsapuistosali in the center of Tampere.

Before being named president in 2011, Thomsen was group vice president of Guardian’s North American flat glass operations and chief technology officer for the company’s Science & Technology Center. Prior to joining Guardian in 1999, Thomsen was vice president of engineering and fabrication operations at Optical Imaging Systems Inc. He also held engineering, management and research and development positions at Honeywell Space and Aviation and GM-Hughes Electronics. Thomsen has authored over 40 publications and holds more than 60 patents in the areas of displays, sensors, coated glass and glass materials.

Guardian team members are also presenting during the conference, which includes 180 presentations and 20 workshops. Guardian’s Brent Boyce from the company’s Science & Technology Center (STC) will chair a technology session on advanced glass coatings that includes a joint presentation with Intermolecular, Inc. Marcus Frank from Guardian Europe will also present during this session.  In addition, participants can review the latest glass innovations at the Glass Expo product exhibition.

The index assesses the effectiveness of participants’ sustainability agendas – and the degree to which these are embedded within core business processes. 

Being a ‘platinum business’ means Laing O’Rourke has demonstrated a structured approach to the management of socioeconomic and environmental issues – with clear accountabilities at both board and operational level. It also denotes robust data collection systems that point to year-on-year improvement – and a commitment to open and transparent reporting. 

Laing O’Rourke last entered the CR Index in 2011, when we achieved a silver ranking and a score of 85 per cent. 

There were significant improvements across the board this year – notably in relation to our environmental impact, where we scored 100 per cent (up from 82 per cent in 2011). This was largely due to a reduction in carbon emissions and construction waste, along with an increased use of responsibly sourced materials.  Our approach to community management also received top marks (100 per cent up from 97 per cent). 

“This achievement is a credit to everyone at Laing O’Rourke,” said Paul Lynchehaun, Director of Health, Safety and Sustainability. “I want to thank our project teams in particular. Their commitment to drive performance improvements where it matters most - through our core delivery activities - is borne out in this impressive result.

“Additionally, there has been a considerable amount of work undertaken at corporate level to fine tune our approach to sustainability. This has resulted in a range of long-term targets, which we’ll be formally rolling out in the coming months.  

“The new framework has been developed by our hub and regional sustainability steering committees, who will be reviewing the lessons learned through this recent exercise to ensure an even better result next time.”