A technical revolution in basic building materials could soon lead to major changes in the face of modern construction. Jon Herbert looks at a range of developments. Innovation is catching up with construction. Robotic brick-layers, automation and prefabricated factory house-building promise early technical answers to a severe skills shortage and also mark the end of   Read More …

Early in 2017 the Government unveil plans for 14 new garden villages and three new garden towns as part of a nationwide drive to provide new homes. By coincidence, it was also exactly 50 years since the birth Milton Keynes, the new town designed to redefine urban living. Jon Herbert reports. The late Victorians planned   Read More …

Sustainable electrification of the UK’s car and van fleet is crucial to the Government’s low-carbon strategy but despite accelerating technical progress, it still has a long way to go. Jon Herbert looks at the revolution that is not picking up speed fast enough. Some gear changes take longer than others … or don’t even involve   Read More …

Why is the construction skills gap proving hard to close with home-grown talent? Jon Herbert considers wider problems, surprising answers and an uncomfortable need for significant change. Young people are rejecting the construction and building industry with worrying implications. The Government recognises the problem and is concerned about both deep-seated construction industry efficiency problems and   Read More …

The planet marks World Cancer Day on 4 February each year, an international awareness event with a growing social media profile that is helping to cut the costs and emotional losses caused by many forms of occupational cancer that are still on the increase. Jon Herbert reports. One in every two people will be diagnosed   Read More …

The world is well behind the curve in keeping global temperature rises below 2°C — and preferably 1.5°C — this century, says the UN. However, progress is being made too. Jon Herbert looks at what countries, industries and companies are expected to do and the technologies that need to be invented. The year 2016 seems   Read More …

The idea that land is a commodity “they ain’t making no more” is not quite true in a sustainable context. The UK has pre-loved brownfield land aplenty. However, putting it to good use is a challenge for developers and an opportunity for innovative companies. Jon Herbert reports. In the UK, a brownfield site is land   Read More …

A new generation of low- and no-carbon fuels and aircraft technologies are in the pipeline, which will make aviation greener, quieter, faster and more efficient in the not too distant future. As a curtain-raiser, Jon Herbert looks at an unexpected breakthrough that is turning carbon dioxide (CO2) into a sustainable fuel. Aircraft and airports are   Read More …

Aviation and shipping combined have long been a major source of greenhouse gases (GHGs). While flight has flown into the spotlight recently, shipping by its distant nature largely escapes scrutiny. Jon Herbert looks at how the industry is facing up to change and whether the EU will have to step in. Surprisingly, Southampton has one   Read More …

After a series of adverse incidents, the UK offshore energy industry health and safety record has shown progressive improvement — and not by chance. As the economics of energy continue to make life difficult, there has also been a step-change reduction in incidents and injuries. Jon Herbert reports. Offshore, 2010 was a bad year for   Read More …