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If you require guidance that is not currently included in our selection of tutorial movies, then please let us know by emailing us at info@constructionresale.co.uk.

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS AND GAMES COUNTDOWN INSPIRE BUSINESS INNOVATION CHALLENGE

Henry Playfoot, co-creator, says: “With London being the centre of the world’s attention in just over four years time, a whole host of challenges requiring technologically advanced scientifically innovative solutions have been created. By encouraging London businesses to consider and respond to these new situations, London SciTech Challenges will inspire innovations with widespread practical future application.

“Whether it’s considering how to serve fast food on a vast scale without creating mountains of packaging; developing ‘wave-type’ technologies which generate power from the footfall of thousands of people; or creating new prosthetic solutions inspired by the challenges faced by Paralympic athletes, London SciTech Challenges is a catalyst to help small to medium-sized businesses innovate.”

As well as the Institution of Civil Engineers, the BBC, UK Sport, National Physical Laboratory, the London Sustainability Exchange and Sustain are the organisations championing this unique initiative which launches on Wednesday 14^th May.

Jacki Bell, Director of ICE London, comments: “The Institution of Civil Engineers is proud to be involved in the London Sci-Tech Challenge. As Engineers we have to provide innovative and unique solutions every day.

“This opportunity to engage further with SMEs and Universities offers a great way of ensuring that we continue to design and develop the most efficient and effective solutions to the engineering challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Henry Playfoot adds: “In the competitive global marketplace, it is essential that the UK, and London as its capital, steps up the drive for innovation. With just 46% of London firms active in innovation, the capital falls well behind the UK average of 64%- another reason why an initiative like London SciTech Challenges is so relevant.”

London SciTech Challenges are divided into six different areas, each championed by a different organisation. Each champion defines 2 challenges which articulate recognised innovation gaps – market opportunities – for their sector:

Athletic Performance, Sport & Health (Champion: UK Sport)
Media & Broadcasting (Champion: BBC)
Engineering & Construction (Champion: Institution of Civil Engineers)
Food Technology & Distribution (Champion: Sustain)
Environmental Legacy (Champion: London Sustainability Exchange)
Research & Monitoring Devices (Champion: National Physical Laboratory)

Businesses respond to specific challenges with a brief outline of their idea and are then linked to the most relevant academic institution to help take their ideas forward. The results of these collaborations are then reviewed by the partner organisations and showcased via a series of exhibitions and events in 2009.

A full list of the challenges and entry details can be found by visiting www.scitechchallenges.com.

Congratulations to Ramboll Whitbybird Winners of the 2008 E3 Award

2008 has seen the launch of the E³ Award – Excellent Engineers working with Education in London. This joint initiative between IMechE, ICE and the Industrial Trust, sponsored by ConstructionResale.co.uk, has been established to promote and encourage the valuable experiences which engineers can offer to the engineers of the future.

Ramboll Whitbybird progresses new technologies in energy generation and searches for new ways to use energy and materials effectively and economically. The company has collaborated with many schools/universities in various ways; their involvement with schools has long been seen as being important top the company and always ensure that time is made available to support any initiative.

An online model to help the construction industry meet Site Waste Management Plan (SWMPs) legislation, which comes into force on April 6 2008, has been launched by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Companies with building projects valued at more than £300,000 will need a SWMP.

An online model to help the construction industry meet Site Waste Management Plan (SWMPs) legislation, which comes into force on April 6 2008, has been launched by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Companies with building projects valued at more than £300,000 will need a SWMP.

WRAP Procurement Programme project manager Jim Wiltshire explained that the template can be used to demonstrate good and best practice and follows the construction life cycle from pre-design to project completion and review.

The tool will enable contractors to develop key performance indicators for waste and materials, as well as monitoring performance.

WRAP programme manager for waste minimisation and Mervyn Jones said: “The template will lead construction professionals through both the development and implementation of the plan at each stage of construction.”

An informal Government consultation on SWMP guidance, first published February 15 2008, is underway and will close on March 20 2008. Information is available through Netregs and Envirowise. Final guidance will be published to coincide with SWMP taking effect on April 6 2008.

For more information on WRAP’s template visit www.wrap.org.uk/construction