News: Construction adds value to peoples’ lives

22 January 2020

We often celebrate great projects, but we don’t always recognise the VALUE they add to the quality of life and business.

The aim of the construction industry is to build infrastructure and buildings to improve the quality of peoples lives: homes that are warm and healthy and leisure facilities to keep us fit, hospitals to deal with increasing demand; schools for future generations; and roads and rail to keep us moving; In fact almost everything we do involves something the industry has built.

We often celebrate great projects, but we should also recognise the VALUE they add to the quality of life and business.  That’s why the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards are keen to see more entries into the VALUE category. (Closing date 17th February 2020)

If you know of a project that has delivered extraordinary outcomes for the owners and/or users, then we want to hear from you.  We want to learn how their needs and wellbeing were considered throughout the design and construction process and what enabled them to work or live better when the work was complete. An important element is to demonstrate how whole life cost is a major consideration to ensure that ongoing use and maintenance is sustainable.

To give you an example of what we are looking for check out last year's winner  M25 EMI Waterproofing

Repairs to surfacing and waterproofing defects on the M25 network have historically been temporary and reactive. The new Enhanced Maintenance Interventions team has been using new technology and methods to proactively identify defective surfacing and plan effective permanent repairs with whole life cost and value in mind.  In 2018 eight separate repair schemes saved 26-night shifts, 7,800-man hours and over £1million.

This entry is a great example of turning a challenge on its head to deliver increased value for its customer.  As well as real cash savings, the team has improved the management of repairs, productivity and working conditions. Importantly, motorway closures have been reduced

Watch the video