BEYOND THE BUILDING: June 2023

What does the green agenda and sustainability really mean?

In the latest GMI Blog, Associate Director of Marketing,?Ian Cheveau, asked Director of Safety, Health and Environment,?David Perks, why sustainability and the green agenda is so important for business.

IC: Why do construction companies like ours need to take note of green agenda issues and be on the journey to Net Zero by 2030; and why does that agenda have a significant impact on the environment, society, and the economy.?

DP: Environmental Impact: The construction industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, including resource depletion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Green agenda issues, such as climate change, resource conservation, and biodiversity loss, require construction companies to adopt environmentally responsible practices that reduce their impact on the environment.

There’s also the question of regulatory compliance. Governments around the world are enacting regulations and policies that require construction companies to comply with environmental standards. Failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, and damage to a company’s reputation.

IC: What about market demand?

DP: Consumers and businesses are increasingly demanding environmentally responsible products and services. We are seeing this more and more at the tender process. Construction companies that fail to adopt green agenda issues risk losing market share to competitors that are more sustainable. It’s something we are looking at all the time. Cost Savings come into play here too and by adopting sustainable practices can also result in commercial savings. For example, energy-efficient buildings can lower operational costs, while the use of recycled materials can reduce material costs.

IC: We are seeing more and more companies following the example GMI Responsible Business has set in the industry, does this fit with the sustainability agenda?

DP: GMI, as well as our competitors, have a responsibility to contribute to society’s well-being. Adopting green agenda issues is a way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. We do it incredibly well and it all counts. This has been prevalent in our recent Considerate Construction Scheme score (which are industry leading).

In summary, construction companies need to take note of green agenda issues to comply with regulations, meet market demand, reduce costs, and fulfill their corporate social responsibility. By adopting environmentally responsible practices, construction companies can improve their environmental impact, enhance their reputation, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

IC: Materials and the sourcing of sustainable materials is a big part of this isn’t it?

DP: Yes, 100%. Sustainable construction materials are those that have a low environmental impact, are locally sourced, and are recyclable or reusable. This can include materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and low-VOC paints. The same applies with energy as we hit our targets by through design features like proper insulation, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and the use of renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. At GMI we also look to minimise waste by reusing and recycling materials whenever possible. This can be achieved through careful planning, waste reduction strategies, and the use of sustainable materials. We see this strategy employed by every GMI site.

IC: Many companies like ours are committed to Net Carbon Zero by 2030. Can it be done?

DP: Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 is a challenging but achievable goal, although it will require significant efforts and investments across multiple sectors, not just the construction industry. We will need transportation, energy, and agriculture, for example, to all come with us.

To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible and then offset the remaining emissions through activities like afforestation, carbon capture and storage, and other carbon sequestration methods. We need to rapidly transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower and encouraging energy efficiency through building retrofitting, improved insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. That will make a difference, as will the promotion of electrification of transport, including electric vehicles and public transportation systems. We’re seeing more and more electric vehicle options in plant machinery and although it comes at a cost it’s something CCS monitors are looking at on visits.

UKREIiiF 2023

What is UKREIiiF?

The?UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum ?(UKREiiF) is an annual forum aimed at driving economic growth and investment across the UK.

Members of GMI's leadership team were part of the congregation as over 6,000 people descended on Leeds for the event.

The event, which was held at the Royal Armouries and will be back again for 2024, was attended by organisations and businesses, just like ours, from across the UK and beyond.

This was a great opportunity for us to connect with new potential investors and partners with our highlights being our meet and great with all the major metro mayors, including Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire Mayor; Lee Powell, GMI CEO's speaking event on the panel about Building Safety Act (who of GMI's massive internal campaigns)?https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/video-building-safety-act-culture-change-or-culture-shock/ ?and a fringe event hosted by GMI MDs who brought in The Telegraph's Liam Halligan?https://twitter.com/LiamHalligan . Liam gave a panel of North East and Yorkshire business leaders an address on insights and analysis on economic and financial matters.

What did Tracy say?What did Tracy say?

At UKREiif we met inspiring people with innovative projects and ideas, including Tracy Brabin, the Metro mayor of #WestYorkshire , at the Youth Pavilion!

?? ♂? At GMI, we're committed to attracting diverse construction talent and it was encouraging to hear discussions on expanding opportunities for young people in our industry.

Tracy Brabin said: “I want to create a region where equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything"

We couldn't agree more! ?? ??

GMI's verdict

This was the biggest and best UKREiif yet, more networking than ever before, more contacts and partnerships developed than ever before and more seminars and events than ever before. Topics of the moment included sustainability and the green agenda - mission to net zero, driving productivity and growth, UK Plc and maximising investments in key real estate and infrastructure, acceleration of the Levelling Up agenda.

Unlocking the Future of Building Safety: Discover the latest insights shared at GMI's seminar, empowering professionals to create safer, resilient structures.??

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Recently, GMI's Construction Director, Martin Watson, hosted a seminar that brought together industry professionals to explore the latest insights and advancements in building safety.

In the dynamic world of architecture and construction, building safety regulations serve as the cornerstone for creating structures that are not only aesthetically appealing but also safe and resilient.

This seminar highlighted the significance of adhering to safety regulations and sheds light on how GMI is empowering professionals and employees to build a safer future, not just for GMI but for the entire industry.?

Adhering to safety regulations is paramount for GMI, ensuring the well-being of occupants, mitigating risks, and fostering trust in the industry. By prioritising safety, we construct not just buildings, but also peace of mind and a brighter future for all.

Speaking about the seminar Martin said: “Safety is absolutely paramount in our business.?Adhering to safety regulations and being compliant within the new legislation is so important for GMI.

“Ensuring the well-being of occupants, mitigating risks, and fostering trust in the industry has never been more important. By prioritising safety, we construct not just buildings, but also peace of mind and a brighter future for all.”

GMI unites supply chain to deliver ￡200,000 Rebound Therapy Centre

A much-needed therapy centre for children with special educational needs has been formally handed over after companies from GMI Construction Group’s supply chain teamed up to donate ￡200,000 worth of their time, skill, equipment and cost of building materials.

The Rebound Therapy Building at Brooklands School in Skipton features a trampoline that will provide its more than 80 pupils with valuable therapeutic exercise promoting strength and co-ordination as well as developing communication skills and alleviating anxiety.

GMI Construction Group, together with McLaren Developments, all provided their services free of charge as part of a Yorkshire Children’s Charity initiative.

An existing garage had to be demolished by GMI and its supply chain partners and the foundations laid before work was completed on the building’s envelope, roof and internal fit out, including a trampoline and pit. Finishing touches to the exterior were applied and the car park reinstated,

All this was made possible by the dedication and skills of sub-contractors Hookstone, Stephensons, Cara Brickwork, Cog Scaffolding, EDSL Joinery, FCB Roofing, Gallant M&E, FAA Installations, ES Décor, Ascot Doors, Elite Aluminium, OGL and Active Flooring.

GMI, Brooklands School and the Yorkshire Children's Charity can't thank you enough. Watch out for our full video, coming soon.

GMI Construction Group has begun work on a 303-bed student accommodation in James Street, York.

It was awarded the ￡22m contract to construct the building after York-based S Harrison Developments secured planning consent for student use in 2022. The project has commenced after a forward funding deal was agreed by the developer with Singapore-based Q Investment Partners (QIP).

Due for completion in spring 2025, it is hoped the development will help address the shortage of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the city.

Following analysis of the rental markets of the top 50 UK universities it was reported in February that York had the highest demand for PBSA in the country.?Located just off Lawrence Street, it lies close to both the University of York and York St John University.

The four-storey building will comprise 108 individual studio rooms alongside 195 cluster bedrooms with shared living and dining rooms.

The ground floor student amenity space consists of a cinema, shared working space, gym, laundry room and reception/common room area. External works include parking spaces and a cycle store.

Designed by CSP Architects of York, it includes landscaped areas, including a pocket park on the south east corner of the site. A strip of land along James Street will be adopted as highway, allowing the creation of a 3.5-metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The site was previously home to an accident repair centre operated by Alton Cars, which has since moved to larger 22,000 sq. ft premises at The Airfield Industrial Estate, Elvington.

Once completed, the development will then be operated by the Prestige Student Living brand of Homes for Students with the first students moving in for the start of the 2025 academic year.

Andrew Hurcomb, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director, Yorkshire, said: “GMI has a strong track record of delivering student accommodation across the North of England and the Midlands.

“The James Street development is in an ideal location given its within walking distance of two universities and will help York confirm its position as a top study destination by expanding the range of quality facilities available for students.”

Martyn Harrison, from S Harrison, said: “We have been headquartered in York for over 70 years and have successfully designed and delivered many successful PBSA schemes in York, Leeds and Edinburgh in recent years, totalling thousands of bedrooms.

“Our ability to create exceptional developments in highly sought after locations means we have strong relationships with many leading PBSA and institutional investors, both in the UK and globally, and we’re very pleased to agree our first deal with QIP.

“High quality PBSA is in real demand in York, especially for schemes like this one, which is so close to both the University of York and York St John University. When this is combined with our local knowledge and QIP’s experience in the sector, there’s no doubt this development will prove to be very popular with the city’s student population.”

Exciting News: Our brand new Podcast is coming soon!

In a world where podcasts have become the go-to source for information, entertainment, and thought-provoking discussions, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our brand new podcast, entitled ‘Building Beyond’!

As we venture into the realm of audio content, we aim to bring you an engaging and captivating experience that will keep you hooked from the very first episode.

With the rising popularity of podcasts, Associate Director of Marketing, Ian Cheveau, recognised the need to create a platform that would allow us to connect with our audience in a more intimate and immersive way. Our podcast will offer a unique opportunity for us to share our expertise, delve deeper into trending construction topics, and engage in meaningful conversations with guests from various fields.

Already our CEO, Lee Powell, MD Yorkshire MD Andy Hurcomb has featured, as well as GMI project experts Dom Dickinson, David Bramwell, Andy Young and Lance Jones. Mina Roche and her team of successful document controllers have also guested.

Clients and Commentators have also been booked as we turn up the volume on what we are doing across the four regions where we work.

The upcoming podcast promises to cover a wide range of subjects such as digitisation in construction, women in construction, sustainability, safety and what creates a winning team. From this we will move to diverse construction interests and providing a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. Whether you’re passionate about technology, business, or even personal development, we have captivating episodes in store for you. Our aim is to deliver high-quality content that both educates and entertains, leaving you inspired and informed.

What sets our podcast apart is the meticulous research, expert guests, and thought-provoking discussions that will be the foundation of each episode. Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure that every episode brings value to our listeners, sparking intellectual curiosity and fostering meaningful conversations.

Moreover, the podcast will be easily accessible across multiple platforms, allowing you to tune in whenever and wherever you want. Whether you prefer to listen during your daily commute, while working out, or simply relaxing at home, our episodes will be just a click away.

To ensure that you don’t miss out on the launch of our much-anticipated podcast, we encourage you to follow us on our social media channels and sign up for our newsletter. By doing so, you will be among the first to receive updates, exclusive sneak peeks, and notifications about the release date.

Ian Cheveau said: “As we count down the days to the launch of our brand new podcast, we are excited about the opportunities it presents. This podcast is not just a new venture for us; it’s a chance to connect with you, our valued audience, on a more personal level. We look forward to sharing this incredible journey with you and hope that you will join us in this exciting endeavor.

“Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of captivating conversations, insightful discussions, and unparalleled entertainment. The countdown to the launch of our brand new podcast begins now!”

For more information and updates, please visit our website, gmi.co.uk and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Tik Tok and Insta.