Knauf Insulation has launched a free, online embodied carbon calculator that allows specifiers to get a more complete view of the carbon impact of their chosen insulation. In a single place, users can calculate the U-value of their chosen insulation – to reduce operational carbon – and the embodied carbon of the specified product.

“Regulation of embodied carbon is inevitable,” explained Diana Dzhambazova, Regional Sustainability Manager at Knauf Insulation, “but many specifiers are already being asked to calculate whole life carbon to meet client requirements, local authority expectations and emerging standards such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. This calculator makes that process faster and simpler.”

Users can use the U-value calculator to determine the insulation required to meet target U-values on a project and, with a single click, generate an embodied carbon calculation for their chosen insulation. The tool can also be used as a standalone calculator.

The calculator provides embodied carbon results instantly by weight, area and total project size, avoiding the need for additional manual calculations. Knauf Insulation’s product range is assessed using the latest EN15804+A2 standard for EPDs, and the calculator links directly to the relevant EPDs to make it easier for users to verify and cross-reference the source data.

Diana added: “Sustainability reporting must be rigorous, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. We’re the first insulation manufacturer in the UK to launch a tool like this – our goal is to continue helping specifiers deliver more sustainable buildings.”

Read more at knauf.com/en-GB

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Builders risk having sites shut down immediately if they fail to comply with a new ban on the dry cutting of engineered stone, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launches a major inspection drive targeting more than 1,000 sites.

The HSE has declared dry cutting of engineered stone, including popular quartz worktops, unacceptable due to the dangerous levels of silica dust it releases, which can cause silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease.

Inspectors are now actively targeting both construction sites and fabrication workshops. Any firm found breaching the rules faces an instant Prohibition Notice, stopping work on the spot.

The FMB says many small builders may be unaware of the scale of the crackdown or the severity of the consequences, with demand for engineered stone continuing to rise as more homeowners renovate.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “If you’re caught cutting engineered stone dry, your site could be shut down immediately. This is about preventing life-threatening illness – but it also puts huge pressure on small firms who may not know that the rules have changed. The message is: comply now or risk facing the consequences. There is support for our members on our website. Silicosis is entirely preventable, yet it is still cutting lives short in construction. We have seen the devastating impact of exposure to hazardous materials, with people losing their chance at a healthy retirement due to diseases like mesothelioma. These are avoidable tragedies. No one should be put at risk just for doing their job.”

The FMB is also warning of the financial fallout. For small firms, a site shutdown can trigger missed deadlines, broken contracts and significant financial penalties, costs that can quickly spiral.

Builders are being urged to act immediately and not rely on outdated practices. Even short periods of dry cutting can generate dangerous levels of airborne silica dust.

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Luxury developer Consero has officially launched its Oaktrees development in Send, Surrey. The homes are now listed on both the Consero website and Rightmove, and are being marketed by Seymours Estate Agents Ripley.

The launch marks the first time prospective buyers can explore the full details of the development of just four exclusive homes through the newly released Oaktrees brochure, which includes floorplans, specifications and internal CGIs.

The first property, Home 1, is now available to reserve for £1,595,000. Positioned at the far end of the collection and spanning 2,815 sq ft across three floors, the four-bedroom home has been designed to combine traditional Surrey architecture with contemporary family living.

A standout feature is the expansive principal bedroom suite with an ensuite complete with separate shower and bath, alongside a dressing area with bespoke fitted wardrobes. A vast open-plan kitchen, dining and living space spanning the width of the house overlooks the large south-westerly facing garden. The home also includes a separate formal lounge, private study and flexible top-floor accommodation.

The kitchens have been designed in a modern shaker style, featuring an extensive range of wall and base cabinetry centred around a substantial island, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. A carefully curated specification includes a multifunction range cooker with induction hob, integrated full-height fridge and freezer, instant boiling water tap, composite worktops and splashbacks, and feature under-cabinet lighting.

Jason Lawrence, Managing Director at Consero, said: “This is an important milestone for Oaktrees and the first opportunity for buyers to fully explore what these homes will offer. From the architecture and interior design through to the specification and landscaping, every element has been carefully considered. We’re delighted to now share the details of the homes for those who are interested in reserving off-plan,  and look forward to welcoming prospective purchasers when the show home opens later this summer.”

Consero is known for delivering some of the UK’s most distinguished residences and super-prime homes in locations such as the Wentworth Estate and St George’s Hill. The company is now bringing its bespoke quality to a wider audience through carefully selected developments in prime locations.

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A new report commissioned by Berkeley shows that Birmingham is rapidly strengthening its position as one of the UK’s most compelling destinations for property investment. With strong price growth, rising rental demand and billions of pounds of infrastructure investment, Birmingham is set to challenge cities such as Manchester and London.

In fact, the report, commissioned by Berkeley and prepared by PriceHubble, shows that Birmingham is projected to see proportionally more price growth than either city over the next four years, while still retaining its cheaper house pricing.*

The past decade has also shown proportionally more growth: average new-build prices in Birmingham have risen by 57%, significantly outperforming London, where growth has reached 25% over the same period.

Rental performance reflects this demand. Average rents in Birmingham have increased by 37% over the past five years, with a further 14% of growth forecast by 2030. At the same time, average apartment yields have risen significantly, from 4.5% in 2021 to 8.1% in 2026, outperforming both London and Manchester and highlighting the city’s strong income potential for investors.

This growth is being reflected in developments such as Glasswater by Berkeley. The canalside development in Birmingham’s Eastside sits at the heart of Birmingham’s £4 billion Knowledge Quarter, a major innovation district designed to drive long-term economic growth.

The development is also set to benefit from forthcoming HS2, with the new Curzon Street station just a short walk away, a project which is expected to deliver a £10 billion economic boost to the West Midlands by 2034, alongside nearly 31,000 jobs.

In fact, the West Midlands has become the UK’s leading destination for inward investment outside London, securing 130 foreign direct investment projects in 2024–25 alone.

This harmonises with the city’s growing reputation: in 2025 Birmingham was ranked the 13th best city to visit in Europe by Time Out, while the West Midlands welcomed a record 101.5 million visitors in 2024.**

Stephen Kirwan, Managing Director, said, “Birmingham is undergoing a period of sustained transformation, with investment in infrastructure, employment and regeneration driving long-term growth. For buyers and investors, the city offers a compelling combination of strong fundamentals, relative value and future potential, which is increasingly positioning it alongside other major UK cities.”

Reece Parkinson, Founder & Director of Birmingham-based company Swift Property, added, “The market in Birmingham over the past five years has been phenomenal. We’ve seen huge spikes in demand and significant growth over that time.

“With new developments like Glasswater Locks coming on to the Birmingham scene, there’s been a massive boost to the housing quality in the area. As a result, we’ve seen a wider range of purchases being drawn to the city. The high quality and luxury feel of developments like this are significant factors in enhancing the Birmingham rental market and helping the city challenge both London and Manchester.”

Set alongside the Digbeth Canal in the city’s Learning Quarter, Glasswater Locks offers a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments within a new waterside neighbourhood close to the future HS2 Curzon Street station and Birmingham city centre. The development also boasts a selection of exclusive resident facilities including a new Hyrox gym, cinema and gaming room, lounge and coffee bar as well as a 24 hour concierge.

Prices start from £212,000. For more information, visit Glasswater Locks.

*PriceHubble, Glasswater Locks, Birmingham, April 2026.

**Birmingham is Officially One of the Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2025, According to Time Out

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More than £830,000 in funding for local infrastructure has already been provided by Bellway as part of its Rowden Chase development in Chippenham.

The money represents the first of three payments the housebuilder will make to Wiltshire Council during construction of the 225-home development, which will total more than £2.78 million.

Bellway is making the payments under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge on new development that local councils use to fund essential infrastructure such as schools, roads, public transport and community facilities.

Construction work is continuing at Rowden Chase, part of the wider 1,000-home Rowden Park Garden Village neighbourhood being created to the south of Chippenham. Two showhomes opened their doors and the first properties will be ready for occupation in May.

A range of two to five-bedroom houses are being built for the private market at Rowden Chase, alongside 68 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership comprising one and two-bedroom apartments and two to three-bedroom houses.

Christel Hawkins, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said: “Creating sustainable and desirable communities where people want to live is about more than building new homes. It’s also about investing in the facilities and services which are important to people’s everyday lives.

“The financial contributions we are making through the CIL for Rowden Chase will help to fund vital infrastructure projects such as the building of new schools, upgrades to the highways network and expansion of GP surgeries.

“This investment will therefore benefit not only new residents at Rowden Chase but the wider community. This is also true of the new facilities being created at Rowden Park Garden Village, which include a large public open space featuring a riverside park, a local centre and land for a primary school.”

Bellway’s Rowden Chase development represents phases four and five of the Rowden Park Garden Village neighbourhood and is situated at the southern end of the wider site, partly bordering the planned riverside park to the north-east.

The newly-opened showhomes are located at the western edge of Rowden Chase, where the entrance to the development is accessed via a roundabout junction with the B4643.

The homes at Rowden Chase, which have been designed to reflect the local architecture of Wiltshire, will feature low-carbon technologies such solar panels and electric vehicle charging points to enable residents to minimise their energy bills and allow for the use of greener modes of transport.

Wiltshire Council collected just over £9.23 million in CIL payments from developers during the 2024-25 financial year. Infrastructure projects in Chippenham which the council has earmarked to receive CIL funding include an expansion of Abbeyfield School, upgrades to the A350 Chippenham Bypass, Junction 17 of the M4, and the A338 Southern Salisbury Junction, as well flood mitigation works and enhancements to the River Avon.

A selection of two, three and four-bedroom homes are currently available to reserve at Rowden Chase, with prices starting from £315,000. The two showhomes are built in the three-bedroom Mason and four-bedroom Goldsmith house designs.

For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/rowden-chase or call the sales team on 01249 510345.

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Small housebuilders cannot play their pivotal part in solving the UK’s housing crisis unless they’re given better access to flexible development finance, Andrew Smith from Phoenix Funding says.

He says that SME developers are often overlooked in the national housing debate, despite being the best people to deliver smaller, regional and more complex sites that larger housebuilders and businesses won’t prioritise.

Andrew’s warning comes as the UK faces major pressure on housing delivery, with Savills estimating that we’re going to be 42% short of the Government’s target of 1.5m new homes in the next five years.

Smaller housebuilders now deliver just 9% of new homes, down from 40% in the 1980s, according to the Federation of Master Builders’ Small House Builders’ Survey 2025. The same research found that 47% of small builders see planning as their biggest constraint, while one third cite a lack of suitable sites, according to Federation of Master Builds.

Andrew says that if policymakers and the property industry are serious about increasing housing supply, they need to look beyond planning reform and land availability, and address the finance barriers that prevent smaller developers from getting viable schemes moving.

Andrew Smith, founder of Phoenix Funding, said:

“SME developers have a huge role to play when it comes to helping the UK Government hit its target. However, they currently can’t do that under the current terms, with many finance options remaining slow, over rigid and extremely inconsistent.

These are often the developers that’ll take on smaller sites that may be more complex, and local schemes that larger housebuilders won’t want to know, and may not prioritise.

The issue we currently face is not the lack of ambition, or viable projects. In many of these cases, the barrier is finding funding that’s able to accurately reflect the timeline, the risk, and the overall practical realities of the scheme.”

Andrew discusses a potential solution for the current problem, and how housebuilders can help the Government meet its 1.5m housing target by the year of 2028/29.

Andrew says many SME developers operate with tighter cashflow, smaller teams and less margin for delays than national housebuilders, making the speed and structure of finance critical.

He says delays in funding decisions, unclear lending criteria, rigid drawdown structures and a lack of appetite for complex projects can all hold back otherwise viable developments.

“If we’re serious about meeting the target that the Government has set, then we need a funding environment that gives smaller developers the confidence to, not only move quickly, but plan properly and bring projects to completion without any delays.

Small developers are often working on the sites that can make a huge difference to communities locally, whether this is a small residential scheme, a heavy refurbishment or infill plots, things that typically won’t suit the model of a major housebuilder.

However, these types of projects still need funding that understands the reality of the development. A lender needs to not only look at their setting-stone checklist, but also look at the quality of the scheme, the borrower’s previous history, the full exit plan and the timescales.

When funding takes too long, developers can lose sites, lose contracts, miss deadlines or even see massive increased costs before the work has even started. It doesn’t just hurt the developer, it’s killing the potential to help resolve the housing crisis here in the UK.”

Andrew suggests that better support is needed for SME developers, and this would help decrease the reliance on smaller groups of major housebuilders.

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Yorkshire housebuilder Newett Homes has begun works on a new 27-home development in Birchencliffe, following the acquisition of a 2.4-acre parcel of land on Yew Tree Road.

The £11 million scheme will transform the greenfield site into a high-quality residential development comprising a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes across seven house designs.

The carefully considered scheme has been designed with sustainability in mind, and all homes will include solar panels and EV charging points as standard and achieve an EPC rating of A or above.

Located in a semi-rural setting with convenient transport links to both Huddersfield and Halifax, Cedar Grove will offer buyers a balance of countryside living and convenient connectivity.

The site is surrounded by an original dry-stone wall, which will be fully refurbished, and homes will be built using traditional-style stone bricks, keeping the development in harmony with the character of the surrounding area.

As part of the scheme, the housebuilder will also contribute approximately £240,000 towards local education, transport improvements, green space and biodiversity enhancements.

Newett Homes chief executive, Will Newett, said: “We’re pleased to see work starting on site at Cedar Grove and to be bringing forward a thoughtfully designed development that will deliver a boutique range of distinctive new homes for the area.

“Cedar Grove reflects our approach to delivering developments that are carefully designed around their surroundings. We’ve built a strong reputation in the area for creating high-quality homes, and this scheme has been thoughtfully planned to complement its semi-rural setting while offering buyers sustainable, energy-efficient living.

“Alongside delivering a mix of private and affordable homes, we’re also proud to be making a meaningful contribution towards local amenities to benefit the wider community for years to come.”

Initial groundworks are underway at Cedar Grove and construction is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. The first homes will be released for sale in June.

For more information, or to register interest visit newetthomes.co.uk/westyorkshire/cedargrove

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New mindset needed to protect from water bankruptcy as droughts and temperatures on the rise

Following predictions that Summer 2026 will see droughts in the UK, ACO Technologies is urging those involved in projects that include drainage to ensure they are implementing sustainable practices around water management.

The ongoing climate emergency has seen a drop in April’s rainfall by 23% when compared with the average, and the unusually dry month paves the way for droughts later on in the year.

Longer-term forecasts predict that a “super El Niño” weather pattern will make Summer 2027 the hottest on UK records, which further shows the need for the industry to implement water sustainability best practices as a high priority in every project.

Implementation is complex, however, as the challenge is twofold: that of needing to conserve water in dry spells as well as manage increasing extreme and frequent rainfall events.

ACO advises engineers to adopt a straightforward methodology, keeping four key principles in mind at each stage of their projects:

• Collect: Design drainage collection systems to handle extreme rainfall events (such as 1-in-100-year storm), with additional capacity to reflect future impacts from climate change
• Clean: water must be treated before continuing downstream. Tools such as the Simple Index Approach in the Ciria SuDS manual can help engineers design solutions that remove pollutants including metals and hydrocarbons.
• Hold: Attenuating water on site and releasing it at a controlled rate helps reduce flood risk. This can be achieved through nature‑based solutions (NbSs) such as swales and ponds – supported where needed by engineered attenuation – to ensure reliable performance while delivering biodiversity and amenity benefits.
• Reuse: Blue‑green roofs integrate engineered design with nature‑based solutions, capturing and reusing rainwater to support green infrastructure while delivering predictable, performance‑driven water management. This approach enhances amenity and biodiversity, reduces urban temperatures and mimics natural water cycles.

Terry Wilkinson, Specialist Design & Application Engineer at ACO, said: “We’re seeing more and more examples of extreme weather at both ends of the spectrum. Water stress and water scarcity are eventually going to become water bankruptcy unless large-scale change happens soon. By shifting our mindsets with the way we approach projects to one that prioritises collect, clean, hold, reuse as a guide, we can make sure that we’re looking after the water we have and using it wisely to benefit the environment.”

For more on ACO’s efforts to help the environment, see ACO.co.uk.

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Ariston, the UK’s market leader in thermal comfort, has expanded its range of air conditioners with the launch of its new monoblock split range, Prios Net.

The Prios Net range is Ariston’s first series of mountable air conditioning units, offering easy installation and a range of features that make it suitable for both residential and light commercial applications. Comprising an outdoor and indoor unit, the Prios Net uses R32 refrigerant to offer superb levels of efficiency and performance, contributing to a significant reduction in energy consumption and costs for the end user, without compromising on comfort.

Air conditioning units in the Prios Net range have an energy rating of up to A+++ and offer a COP of up to 4, giving them an outstanding sustainability rating. To help users save even further on energy bills, the units offer an ECO Mode feature to automatically set conditions, target temperature and fan speed when in cooling mode.

The units are equipped with a WiFi key to allow for easy smart control through the Ariston Clima app and come with a remote control for an elevated level of control. For added convenience, the air conditioning system has a unique Follow Me feature, using the remote control’s location to deliver precise temperature exactly where the user needs it.

Air conditioners in the Prios Net range have an AIRFLOW Comfort feature, automatically directing airflow upwards for cooling and downwards for heating and working with the natural circulation of air to maintain consistent temperatures. The units have 12 pre-set air flow speeds including TURBO, HIGH, MED, LOW and SILENCE so the user can easily select their desired temperature. For enhanced comfort, the air conditioning units are ultra silent for minimum noise disruption, operating at a level of 21dBa, and can be set to SLEEP Mode, automatically adjusting the operation of the indoor unit to make the room more comfortable at night and the mornings gentler. The DISPLAY OFF feature shuts the indoor unit’s display off to eliminate any light source, especially at night.

Both indoor and outdoor components on the Prios Net air conditioners are self-cleaning and offer advanced air purification to remove harmful gases and fine particles for cleaner air. This function also keeps the unit prepared for the next run and maintains a long-lasting high performance. The outdoor component is also rustproofed to ensure longevity and overall durability of the unit.

To cut down further on maintenance, Prios Net air conditioners also run self-diagnostics and continuous monitoring, shutting down the unit automatically in the event of a malfunction. After a power interruption, it resumes operation using the previous settings including mode, temperature, fan speed and flap position.

Edoardo Pauletta, Country Manager at Ariston commented: “We’re delighted to launch our new Prios Net range, offering our customers a better choice when it comes to heating and cooling their homes using renewable technology.

“Air conditioning units in this range offer an outstanding level of efficiency without compromising on quality, helping users save energy costs while contributing to a greener future. The range of features make it extremely user-friendly and easy installation allows us to continue our commitment to supporting installers.”

For more information on Ariston’s range of solutions, including the Prios Net range, visit: www.ariston.com/en-uk/ Or explore our profile on NBS source: Ariston Group UK Ltd | Overview | NBS Source.

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Regional homebuilder Allison Homes is celebrating the success of its apprenticeship scheme, as it prepares to welcome a new intake to its East and Central regions.

Allison Homes launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2021 and has since trained over 30 apprentices in various trades. As part of the scheme, the developer has formed close partnerships with several colleges, including University Academy Holbeach, Grantham College, Norwich College and colleges within Inspire Education Group, such as Peterborough College and Stamford College, where the housebuilder is also a sponsor of the innovative Modern Methods of Construction Centre.

Last year, a group of six bricklaying and carpentry apprentices joined the company, reinforcing its commitment to developing young talent and tackling the skills shortages within the industry. Earlier this year, apprentice Leoni McDougall won the regional heat of the Guild of Bricklayers Championship, and has now progressed to the national finals in Leeds, taking place this June.

Former apprentice Leland Moore has also recently returned to the company as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager, demonstrating how impactful the scheme can be.

To select the next intake of apprentices, Allison Homes hosted an apprentice selection day for the second consecutive year, after seeing great success in 2025.

On the day, a group of 13 students were welcomed to the company’s Peterborough head office, where they were given a tour and received talks from construction managers, allowing them to learn all about Allison Homes, the wider construction industry and the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship.

Following the event, five new students have been selected to start an apprenticeship this September, including Kian Bassett from Norwich College. The apprentices will be working on developments across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, enabling them to learn on the job and see first-hand how homes are built from the ground up.

Zoe Evans, HR Director at Allison Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our apprenticeship scheme and always strive to find new, exciting ways to encourage young people to consider construction as a viable industry. Across the business, we’re incredibly committed to investing in young talent and teaching them the essential skills they need to build fulfilling careers.

“Our first apprentice selection day in 2025 was a huge success, so we’re delighted to have hosted the event again this year for new students to tour our office and see what we’re all about. We’re now looking forward to welcoming the next cohort of apprentices, helping to inspire and support the next generation as much as possible.”

Learning at Work Week highlights the importance and benefits of continual learning and development. To find out more, visit https://www.learningatworkweek.com/.

To find out more about Allison Homes, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/.

For information on starting a career with Allison Homes, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/careers/.

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