NEWS
Fraser Millar has called for higher energy-efficiency standards in Northern Ireland’s building regulations as part of the drive to meet net zero targets. The progressive housebuilder hosted members of the All-Party Group on Climate Action and Sustainable NI at its 219-unit Lancaster Park development in Four Winds, Belfast, where cutting-edge Passivhaus construction techniques have significantly reduced energy use. John Carrigan, Director with Fraser Millar, said, “Passivhaus principles are setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency in the housing market, which supports homeowners and far exceeds Northern Ireland’s current building regulations. “Passivhaus homes use 70 to 90% less energy than conventional homes with more than 90% of the heat generated within the home staying in the home, potentially saving residents hundreds of pounds on heating bills every year. “Not only that, but they are designed to promote higher air quality due to continuous ventilation and a heat recovery system that reduces pollutants and dust which can be beneficial to those with allergies.” www.frasermillar.co.uk FRASER MILLAR CALLS FOR HIGHER ENERGY- EFFICIENCY STANDARDS IN NEW HOMES
Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.
DOWDS GROUP DELIVERS £30M TRANSFORMATION AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL
Dowds Group, in partnership with McLaren and DSSR, has successfully completed a transformative £30m infrastructure upgrade at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. The milestone project sets a new benchmark in healthcare construction, enhancing patient care, improving staff wellbeing and modernising critical hospital facilities to meet the highest standards of compliance, sustainability and efficiency. This latest project follows delivery of the Alliance Healthcare Medical Diagnostic Imaging Centre in Belfast, a new healthcare facility offering a variety of scans.
The Woolwich project included modernisation of critical areas such as operating theatres, pathology, delivery suites, a special care baby unit and wards. The multidisciplinary contractor was recently named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte, earning its gold accolade at an awards ceremony in Dublin. The Ballymena-based Group has over 210 employees and operates another office at King’s Cross in London, where it partnered with non-profit Cook for Good in September to prepare 100 meals for people in need in the community. www.dowdsgroup.com
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME AIMS TO SUPPORT HOUSING PROFESSIONALS
Choice Housing is highlighting the benefits of an apprenticeship programme launched as a partnership between leading housing organisations, the Chartered Institute of Housing and NRC. The Northern Ireland Level Three Apprenticeship in Housing Practice is an innovative educational programme designed to empower the next generation of housing professionals. Initiated through the Housing Sectoral Partnership, the programme was developed in response to an identified skills gaps in the housing sector. Edel McLaughlin, Learning and Development Officer
L-R: (back row) Julie Steele, Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland, and Edel McLaughlin, Choice Housing, with (front row) student participants Jake Agnew and Clodagh Magee.
at Choice Housing, said, “We are excited to be part of this vital initiative that not only addresses the current challenges in the housing sector but also promotes housing as a first-choice career. “With a diverse curriculum tailored to the needs of various housing organisations, this programme will support apprentices in providing front-line services that meet the needs of our communities.” www.choice-housing.org
L-R: David Millar, Fraser Millar Director, and Kurtis Dickson, Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
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