Opinion

Business consultant Paul McDevitt has produced this interesting fact file on why construction companies should focus on staff engagement. Improving staff engagement in the UK construction industry is crucial for enhancing productivity, safety, and overall project success. This article explores key s

Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, writes on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day always brings a focus on what more could or should be done to support our industry’s workforce. Greater awareness of some of the issues can only be a positive thing, but for

Stewart Macleod, managing director of the property business within AtkinsRéalis, outlines the importance of responding to the Scottish Government's policy consultation on a Passivhaus equivalent standard. The Scottish Government’s Passivhaus equivalent policy is currently out for consul

John McGuire, partner at Thomas & Adamson, writes that while embodied carbon is a big focus for designers and occupiers in both commercial and residential property and construction, legislation as it stands means it is costly and slow to get innovative designs and materials signed off.  Wit

As the Prospecthill Court Retrofit Project comes to an end, River Clyde Homes' head of energy & sustainability Duncan Smith shares the challenges and benefits of bringing multi-storey blocks up to a modern standard.

Clare Booth from Aberdeenshire housebuilders Coldwells Build explains why the company is embracing the Passivhaus standard. The Scottish Government is currently undertaking a consultation on a policy to introduce a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent for newbuild housing across Scotland. The internationa

Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, the Grenfell Inquiry’s Final Report (also called the Phase 2 Report), was published in September. It paints a bleak picture of years of failures by government and others in the construction industry and calls for far-reaching reform

On the eve of the Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit, Dougie Herd from headline sponsor Campion Homes says housebuilders are ready to build more accessible homes if the government provides the necessary support. Scotland is at a pivotal moment in addressing the need for accessible housin

Scott Brewster, managing director of Brewster Brothers, explains how important it is to include the carbon footprint of the materials we use in the construction of our built environment, as well as the carbon footprint of its operational life. Almost 20 years after the first Scottish Government repo

Heather Holbrook looks at how the shift to online retail has led to high vacancy rates in UK retail properties, necessitating the repurposing of these spaces. Even a short walk up most of Scotland’s high streets will tell you a lot about the transformation they have undergone in recent years.

The theme for Scotland's Climate Week 2024 is ‘Stories for Change’. In this article, Jamie Goth, associate director at the Scottish Futures Trust, looks at the success of the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard so far. The Scottish Government launched the Net Zero Public Sector Bui

Matthew Jackson, associate director at Scottish Futures Trust, highlights why the right location is crucial for EV chargers to be effective. When you picture the perfect holiday, what comes to mind? For me, it usually involves a road trip through rural Scotland with my family using our electric car.

Dr Joel Callow from Beyond Carbon channels his inner car showroom salesman to explain why Scotland needs absolute targets for energy in housing. “The fuel economy? Yes I have very good news on that front madam, you won’t be disappointed with your purchase. This car has been benchmarked a

Holmes Miller associate Ruaridh Nicol explores some of the key challenges currently facing the industry when it comes to sustainable design, and how these can be overcome. As the climate crisis continues to drive one of the biggest calls for change across the globe, sustainability has become front a

Ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Housing Day, Muir Group CEO Martin Smith looks at some changes on the horizon, particularly from the Programme for Government, and how we can overcome today's challenges to give the people of Scotland the homes and communities that they deserve. The shortage of home