Introduction Every building project starts with the same crucial decision: which materials will deliver the right balance of performance, cost, and sustainability? For decades, the default answers have been concrete, steel, timber, brick, glass, or stone. These are familiar, readily available, and embedded in industry standards. But what looks affordable [...]

Introduction The construction industry is at the heart of the climate challenge. Around 40 percent of global carbon emissions are linked to buildings and infrastructure, from the energy used in producing steel and concrete to the maintenance required to keep assets operational. Clients, regulators, and end users are no longer [...]

Introduction The drive toward net zero is reshaping the construction industry. From schools and hospitals to data centres and transport infrastructure, projects are expected to use environmentally friendly building materials that not only reduce carbon but also prove safe, durable, and efficient in practice. Traditional choices like steel, concrete, and [...]

Introduction The global construction industry is under pressure to transform. Clients, governments, and end users are demanding that infrastructure projects reduce embodied carbon, improve durability, and deliver long-term value. Traditional materials such as steel, concrete, and timber have delivered the built environment for centuries, but they are no longer sufficient [...]

Introduction Every building project starts with the same crucial decision: which materials will deliver the right balance of performance, cost, and sustainability? For decades, the default answers have been concrete, steel, timber, brick, glass, or stone. These are familiar, readily available, and embedded in industry standards. But what looks affordable [...]

Introduction Switching to Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) can deliver benefits in durability, safety, and sustainability, but many engineers and specifiers hesitate because they are less familiar with its standards, design parameters, and installation requirements. In reality, specifying GRP follows a logical process similar to traditional materials, with a few key [...]

Introduction The drive towards Net Zero is transforming how industries approach material selection. From transport and utilities to construction and data infrastructure, every project is now assessed not only for performance but for its environmental impact over its entire lifecycle. Reducing carbon emissions requires a combination of design efficiency, operational [...]

Introduction Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) has been used in industrial and infrastructure projects for decades, yet some engineers and contractors still question whether it can be relied upon for structural applications. Misconceptions about its strength, stability, and suitability often stem from outdated information or experiences with early-generation composites. Modern GRP [...]

Introduction For decades, steel has been the default choice for structural components, platforms, walkways, and safety systems across industries. Its strength, availability, and familiarity make it a comfortable specification for engineers, architects, and contractors. Yet familiarity does not always mean it is the best choice for every application. As performance [...]

Introduction Data centres are under increasing pressure to meet ambitious sustainability targets while continuing to operate at maximum reliability. Reducing carbon emissions is no longer limited to improving energy efficiency. Designers and operators are now expected to consider the full lifecycle impact of materials, from manufacturing through to end-of-life. For [...]