All Comment articles – Page 47
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CommentConstruction is all at sea
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. Construction has a lot to learn from yacht racing
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CommentEnergy efficiency measures are a benefit not a burden
With the UK’s power capacity margin falling to low levels, demand side reduction is vital to keep the country in business
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CommentLending is not just needed for residential
The coalition’s focus on housebuilding ignores the perilous state of the industry as a whole. All types of project need access to funding - fast
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CommentThe skills gap and how to fill it
Anyone in construction who dares to peer into the future will be confronted by a looming skills gap and an ageing workforce. David Blunkett calls for some imaginative forward planning
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CommentHow structural engineers contribute to sustainability
What contribution can a structural engineer make to designing and delivering a sustainable building? The answer depends on who is marking the paper
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CommentWe must keep the Code for Sustainable Homes
Abolishing the Code for Sustainable Homes as part of the government’s review of housing standards would be a retrograde step
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CommentIt’s time to kick-start a housing revolution
Local government holds a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the communities in which we live
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CommentA happy workplace
Happy workers are more productive than miserable ones, but what generates happiness in the first place? Here’s the secret according to Stephen Gee at John Rowan and Partners, which topped our Good Employer Guide this week
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CommentSchool building: United we stand
The Education Funding Agency’s baseline school designs have opened up divisions between architects and contractors when what is needed is greater collaboration
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CommentLandmark projects: How to spot a flop from 100 yards
Projects likely to lose a contractor millions of pounds don’t always have ‘failure’ written all over them, but there are warning signs that should make anyone pause
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CommentTime to think small
Infrastructure investment may be the key to economic recovery, but projects need to start now - and that means focusing on less showy but ‘oven ready’ local schemes
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CommentNot perfect but good enough for these austere times
Baseline school designs: some may think we’re selling our children short but we need to look at a system that can deliver in tough times
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CommentFragmented construction industry
If we just look after our own interests we’ll never get the government to listen to us
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CommentGarden Cities: Learning from the regions
Politicians discussing garden suburbs and cities at next week’s Conservative conference would do well to look further than London and Hertfordshire
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CommentInfrastructure investment
The CBI’s latest survey restates the business case for continued investment in infrastructure, but progress is still worryingly slow
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CommentCash flows and the supply chain
Cash is king - but with less of it around, contractors are taking different approaches to their supply chain
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CommentCabinet reshuffle: The pain game
Despite firms going bust, and young people being denied entry to the industry, the government is still posturing. It needs to act
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CommentPlanning system reform: Devil is in the details
Ian Tant says more detail is needed on the proposed reforms to the planning system launched today
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CommentPSBP: Invest wisely in education
A new academic year begins but we are still in the dark as to how the Priority Schools Building Programme will be funded - so here’s a few ideas for a fairer, more balanced system
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CommentUK economy: Let's get real
Politicians need to take charge of the economy and borrow to see a return on investment