All Comment articles
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CommentThe net zero carbon buildings standard: tough but achievable?
The new standard is the most ambitious attempt to limit carbon emissions from buildings to date. What is behind it, and when will it start to make a difference?
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CommentHere we go again… if the industry won’t change, we must change the way we operate within it
The collapse of ISG is the latest illustration of a trading model still stuck in ‘inexorable decline’. The industry’s survival requires wise leadership, better decision-making and a focus on what is working rather than what is not, says Mark Farmer
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CommentGrenfell shames us all – but our politicians are just as culpable
Those named and blamed in Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s report largely got what they deserved, but they were not alone in the way they operated. We may have learnt and changed since 2017, but there is still a long way to go, says Richard Steer
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CommentGrenfell: a tale of systemic failures
A legal overview setting out the findings of the inquiry’s final report, its recommendations and the potential ramifications for construction
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CommentLabour’s housebuilding dream could be a nightmare to realise
It seems shrewd of the new government to have got housebuilders onside at an early stage, bt is all the talk of large-scale social, affordable and accessible housing provision realistic, asks Richard Steer
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CommentWill Labour backbenchers try to block planning reform?
The election result means many traditionally anti-development constituencies now have Labour MPs with small majorities. Will they oppose Starmer’s green belt plans? And if so will he stand up to them, asks Paul Smith.
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CommentA new government – and a chance for construction to be heard
Keir Starmer steps in to No10 with much to do and the economy in a perilous state. He would be wise to engage with the built environment sector more successfully than his predecessors, says Richard Steer
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CommentWhat we need now is good governance
With the general election looming, it is worth reflecting on what is required to deliver the best outcomes within our industry, writes Paul Beeston of RLB
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CommentThis election should bring us back to the centre
The policies of the Liberal Democrats are positive and progressive. The party could have real influence on how we are governed for the next five years, says Richard Steer
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CommentFix planning to fix housing? It’s just a mantra, not the truth
Over and over, politicians have sworn to slash the red tape, but that’s not the key – housebuilders won’t build if there’s no prospect of profit
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CommentWho will speak up for the builders?
The Co-op Live debacle is symtomatic of the awful PR that too often plagues our sector when high-profile projects go wrong, says Richard Steer
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CommentConstruction industry gossip: a tour of the Palace of Westminster, the trouble with Co-op Live and another QS is sold abroad
The latest chatter around the industry
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CommentIt’s time to take mental health in construction as seriously as physical safety
Two people in the industry take their own lives every day. Employers must do more to address their workers’ mental wellbeing for the benefit of all, writes Thomas & Adamson’s Rob Bewick
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CommentWe’re a nation of NEETs. Something must be done
The UK has one of the worst productivity rates in Europe and we need to get more people working. Who will take ownership of this national tragedy, asks Richard Steer
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CommentEssential law: Termination, part four
As part of our essential law series, Patricia Nathan-Amissah and Mark Barley consider whether you can terminate under common law and under the contract simultaneously
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CommentConstruction industry gossip: housing block naming conundrum, cycle lane claims and a unique footy challenge
The latest chatter around the industry
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CommentIntensification must come with flexibility built in
We undoubtedly need more building in our cities, but it must be easily changeable if we are to extend its shelf-life, writes Sadie Morgan
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CommentElection year: why there is so much at stake for construction
Politicians are looking for a positive message and ways to kick-start economic growth,which might be why they are suddenly keen to be seen visiting construction sites