Over 250 industry executives from across the industry including contractors, surveyors, civil engineers and architects from across the industry contributed to the survey results, captured in a new report Trend Insights: Sustainability in Construction.
74 percent of respondents put sustainability at the forefront of the global construction industry. The report reveals that growth of sustainable construction is viewed as inevitable, with client demand the main driver among contractors, followed by internal company policy and targets. Contractors offering the most sophisticated range of sustainable services will be ideally positioned to benefit.
Currently cost and lack of government support are perceived to be the key obstacles to growth in the sustainable sector; however 85 percent of respondents thought that sustainable construction methods should be used despite the increase to the cost of projects. Key report findings include:
68 percent of contractors report a growth in demand for sustainable methods from clients in the last five years.
85 percent stated that sustainable construction methods should be used despite the increase in cost of projects
64 percent of contractors stated that sustainable construction capabilities are now very important or important when competing for clients
72 percent of contractors in the survey were members of a sustainable business group or a green certification body
The full report, titled as “Trend Insight: Sustainability”, is available from timetricreports.com.
Persada JCB has opened a dedicated, purpose-built new headquarters in Indonesia, supported by manufacturer JCB. Based in Palembang, Sumatera, Persada’s brand new, $1 million-facility provides businesses with access to JCB’s entire family of machines – as well as specialist support and maintenance services.
Anthony Azis, Marketing Director Persada JCB, says, “We want our customers to understand for themselves how we can better support their businesses through this new facility. It means our technicians can take care of our customer’s JCB machines, whatever their condition. By ensuring they achieve maximum uptime through parts availability or on-demand technical support, we are making good JCB’s aim to make their lives easy in a hard world.”
The new facility, set over a 2,400-square-metre site, provides an unrivalled level of technical support. A 25-strong team will overhaul machines in the dealership’s workshop and deliver other services including: on-site assistance, local spare-part services, and the telematics-based machine monitoring system – LiveLink–which enables customers and Persada to track and maintain their machines. This is all backed up by a 24/7 hotline that delivers help to customers, wherever and whenever they need it.
Visitors to the dealership in Palembang will gain the full JCB experience, with greater access to JCB’s world-leading family of machines. The full range is available at the new facility, including popular models such as the 3CX and 3DX Backhoe Loaders, the JS205 and JS305 Tracked Excavators, and a range of telescopic handlers. The range is also set to include the new JCB116 Soil Compactor, which delivers up to 15 percent fuel savings and vastly improved compaction performance against the outgoing model.
This new partnership between JCB and Persada is evidence of a wider strategic move from JCB to support customers and their businesses across the region. Persada have ambitious plansto open similar facilities in all of Sumatera’s provinces including – Jambi, Bengkulu, Aceh, Bangka & Belitung and Batam – by 2020.
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. recently announed that it has completed its acquisition of WS Atkins plc (“Atkins”), one of the world’s most respected consultancies in design, engineering and project management, with a leadership position across the infrastructure, transportation and energy sectors. Headquartered in the UK, Atkins is a geographically diversified global company with approximately 18,000 employees in the US, Middle East and Asia, together with a leading position in the UK and Scandinavia.
“SNC-Lavalin is continuing to deliver on its strategy of establishing itself in the top 3 in our industry globally. By combining our two highly complementary businesses, we are solidifying SNC-Lavalin’s position as one of the largest fully integrated professional services firms in the world, while improving our margins and balancing our business portfolio,” said Neil Bruce, President & CEO.
The acquisition of Atkins creates a global fully integrated professional services and project management company – including capital investment, consulting, design, engineering, construction, sustaining capital and operations and maintenance. This acquisition increases the company’s customer base, geographic reach and scale, while strengthening its position globally to develop and capitalise on the infrastructure, rail and transit, nuclear and renewables markets.
The acquisition is expected to improve SNC-Lavalin’s quality of earnings, adding approximately C$3.5 billion of consistent comparatively high-margin revenue, with ongoing revenue from framework and master service agreements, providing long-term repeat business. It further reduces our business risk profile and is expected to improve overall margins, as Atkins operates a consultancy business model, adds a significant amount of reimbursable projects, and fixed-price lump sum contracts do not carry any procurement or construction risk.
Heath Drewett, Group Finance Director and Executive Director of Atkins, now becomes President of Atkins, SNC- Lavalin’s fifth business sector, and a member of SNC-Lavalin’s executive committee, reporting directly to Neil Bruce.
Over the coming months, teams from both organisations will work together to integrate both companies in order to create value for all stakeholders and realise expected synergies from the acquisition. SNC-Lavalin has a strong record of successful integrations and is committed to leveraging the best practices from each organisation to ensure that the two companies are combined with speed, diligence and efficiency.
The acquisition is expected to deliver approximately C$120 million in cost synergies – approximately C$30 million from SNC-Lavalin and C$90 million from Atkins – by the end of the first full financial year. These synergies would mainly include eliminating corporate and listing costs, optimising corporate and back-office functions and shared services, streamlining IT systems, and real estate consolidation where appropriate.
As previously announced by Atkins, Atkins shareholders voted in favour of the acquisition at a meeting convened by order of the High Court of Justice in England and Wales (the “Court”) and a general meeting, both held on June 26, 2017. The acquisition was structured as a scheme of arrangement and the Court sanctioned the scheme on June 29, 2017. Following the sanction of the Court, the acquisition became effective in accordance with its terms on July 3, 2017.
Acquisition Financing Update The aggregate cash consideration for the acquisition of £20.80 per Atkins share in cash for a total consideration of approximately C$3.6 billion was financed using the net proceeds from the Corporation’s previously announced C$880 million public bought deal offering of subscription receipts completed through a syndicate of underwriters; a C$400 million concurrent private placement of subscription receipts with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec a C$1.5 billion loan2 from the Caisse to SNC-Lavalin Highway Holdings Inc.; a new £300 million unsecured term loan with a syndicate of North American banks as well as approximately £200 million drawn under the Corporation’s existing syndicated credit facility.
With the closing of the acquisition now effective, each subscription receipt will be exchanged for one common share in the capital of the Corporation without additional consideration and without further action by the holders of subscription receipts. Holders of subscription receipts are also entitled to receive a cash amount for each subscription receipt equivalent to the dividend paid by the Corporation on each Common Share on June 1, 2017, less any applicable withholding taxes.
SNC-Lavalin expects that trading in the subscription receipts will be halted from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) before the opening of the market on July 4, 2017, that the transfer register maintained by the subscription receipt agent will be closed and that the subscription receipts will be delisted by the TSX after close of business on July 4, 2017. Trading on the TSX of the underlying Common Shares is expected to begin at the opening of the market on July 4, 2017.
It is expected that settlement of the consideration to which the relevant Atkins shareholders are entitled will be effected not later than 14 days after the Effective Date, in accordance with the terms of the scheme of arrangement.
Philips Lighting recently announced the completion of Hanoi’s latest luminous landmark, the Nhat Tan Bridge.
An Urban Icon-in-Technicolour Each night, the new lighting system bathes the bridge in a prism of colours, turning the structure into an ever-changing work of art. The new architectural lighting illuminates the five majestic spans, along with the cables that run high above the bridge.
Now, all who cross Hanoi’s Red River are met with the Nhat Tan Bridge’s five colourful spans, which symbolise the five ancient gates to this capital city. The bridge, built in 2015, is currently Vietnam’s longest “cable-stayed” bridge, a technological advance over the suspension bridge. A vital, visible link between Hanoi and its main airport, the newly illuminated Nhat Tan Bridge is already attracting tourists and locals alike.
Advanced Lighting Technology The Nhat Tan Bridge uses the cloud-based Philips ActiveSite lighting management system to remotely monitor, maintain, and manage the lighting system. The actual light points on the bridge’s spans are Philips Color Kinetics, which can create a staggering 16.7 million different colours, enabling the bridge to be lit in special colours to commemorate events and holidays.
Keeping Lighting Sustainable Like most of the world’s tourist-destination cities, Hanoi is in the process of becoming an even “smarter,” more sustainable city. And the bridge’s new system supports Hanoi’s sustainability goals. Compared to conventional lighting, the new long-life LED system may deliver up to 75 percent energy savings, as well as saving on operation and maintenance costs.
The land parcel at Beach Road is a plum CBD fringe commercial site that should generate good interest amongst developers and investors. With 88,313 square metres of GFA, the site can be developed for office use (minimum 61,820 square metres) and retail use (maximum 3,000 square metres), while hotel, service apartment and residential use are also allowed. Conservation of the former Beach Road police station on the site will enhance the character of the development making it more interesting.
The office component would increase the critical mass of new office buildings in the vicinity, together with South Beach Tower and Duo Tower.
The triggering of this site comes in tandem with positive investment sentiments in the office property market and also at a time when office rents appear to be firming after two years of decline. Seven bidders contested keenly for the Central Boulevard site in November 2016 and it would not be surprising if the unsuccessful parties in that tender contest again, for the subject site. If residential use is incorporated in the development, it would coincide with an expected upturn in the residential market.
The development of the subject site augurs well for the office market as it will increase the supply of quality office space in the CBD fringe that is more affordable than those in prime CBD. In the CBD, the potential supply of office space is approximately 18 percent of its investment grade stock while in the CBD fringe, it is less than 2 percent, reflecting the uneven spread of new supply between the two sub-markets. JLL had recently released a white paper on office decentralisation highlighting the need for more office space outside the CBD, especially in the decentralised sub-market to provide more affordable office space options to businesses.
The 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon concluded on 20 May 2017 after three days of industry discussions, international dialogues, commercial engagements and knowledge sharing in Myanmar. Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), BuildTech Yangon 2017 is the leading industry event focusing on the value chain for the build environment sector in Myanmar.
Graced by the Guest of Honour, U Zaw Aye Maung, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Ministry Yangon Region Government, BuildTech Yangon 2017 focused on green buildings, key solutions and technologies, redefining Myanmar’s building and construction sector. Attended by high profile delegates, dignitaries and key decision makers, the event took a focused approach in addressing key policies in the country’s city development.
Advancing the Green Building Network in Myanmar A highlight this year was the inaugural Green Building Conference, an innovative two- day event designed to help nurture sustainable and green development whilst fostering the formation of a National Green Building Council in Myanmar.
The World Green Building Council (WGBC) participated in BuildTech Yangon for the first time this year, supported by the Singapore Green Building Council, the country’s representative to the eminent international group. WGBC held several meetings with local industry associations to discuss the development and nurturing of Myanmar’s green building movement.
Delegates to the Green Building Conference had access to sessions on a range of topics that included cases studies on recent green projects and introductions to green buildings and green architecture. Panel discussions with a wide range of experts on the topics of Regulations, Certifications & Policies Building and Housing adapted to Climate Change and Innovative Solutions towards a Greener Yangon were well received.
Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “The inaugural Green Building Conference was a tremendous success, and we are thankful for the experts in green building construction who took time from their busy schedules. The Green Building Committee and Building Engineering Institute welcome the opportunity to be able to collaborate closely with local and regional green building experts and authorities in the region.”
Delegates and visitors also saw the latest in green technologies and sustainable and energy efficient solutions at the Green Pavilion. Participating companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand showcased a wide array of innovative products, solutions, and materials on the trade floor.
Mr. Ryo Lau K.S, Sales Engineer of Master Wire Cable Sdn Bhd said, “As a Malaysian company that has taken the plunge to explore opportunities, we have identified a gap in the manufacturing and supply of cables in Myanmar. There is a vast potential in Yangon as the city expands its infrastructure and building construction capabilities and needs. We are happy to have obtained good sales leads at the trade show.”
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA) and the Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL) was renewed to further extend their collaboration in advancing the industry. I&H Engineering Co., a joint venture between the Myanmar Ministry of Construction and I&H Asia Pacific, launched their new factory located just outside of Yangon, while trade missions from across the region held closed-door networking sessions.
Championing Industry Leaders Mg Mya Hnin Bi from THS Construction was the winner of this year’s highly anticipated brick laying competition, which featured a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building. The national competition saw 20 companies competing to win the accolades, and spurring improvements in brick layer techniques and skillsets in the local construction sector.
The objective of this national competition aimed to increase the skill level of workers in the industry as well as to incentivise award winners to further their skills in similar international brick laying competitions. Brick laying is an important and essential skill that is much-needed in the construction industry. Competitions such as this will encourage workers to sign up to bricklaying courses in Myanmar’s effort to stay ahead.
Some 1,000 guests also came together for the MCEA annual gala which took place on 19 May 2017. Awards, jointly presented by MCEA and Sphere Exhibits, were given to young construction entrepreneurs for their exemplary contributions to the industry and community. They included Diamond, Gold and Silver Awards for the Best Contractors and Best Projects, and individual accolades for MCEA’s Man of the Year and the Builder of the Year Award.
Jon Prudhoe, Managing Director. Image courtesy of Navigant.
Navigant, a specialised, global professional services firm, announced on May 16, 2017 that Jon Prudhoe, managing director, will assume leadership responsibility for the Asia Pacific region of Navigant’s Global Construction practice. As a result of the appointment, Jon will now be a member of the practice’s leadership team.
Prudhoe is one of the few experts worldwide equally capable of opining on matters of both delay and quantum. Based in Singapore for the past 16 years, he has been appointed as an expert witness on many of the region’s largest and most complex disputes. Jon will continue to actively deliver expert and advisory services to our global clientele in the building, civil engineering, infrastructure, transportation, petrochemical, utility, shipbuilding, and on and offshore oil and gas sectors.
“Jon is a key asset in the marketplace and we are fortunate to have his assistance in our collective effort to grow the practice for the benefit of our clients,” said Darin L. Buchalter, managing director and leader of Navigant’s Global Construction practice.
Navigant’s Global Construction practice offers expert and advisory services that address execution risks throughout the lifecycle of capital investment and strive for the best possible outcomes for contractors, owners, architects and engineers, insurers, investors, lenders and their counsel.
On 8-10 June, 2017, Impact Exposition Center will be hosting INTERMAT Asean, the new 3 days show for the Construction Industry in Southeast Asia.
INTERMAT ASEAN derived from INTERMAT Paris, the international meeting place for equipment & materials, machinery and technology, poised to be the essential must-visit event for all construction industry professionals in Southeast Asia. It is the result of a new collaboration between Impact, the leading exhibition organizers in Thailand, Comexposium, one of the world leading exhibition organizers, and the Thai Contractors Association.
By focusing on the heavy construction market, INTERMAT ASEAN positions itself in a different way from the other trade shows in the ASEAN region. 300 companies will be exhibiting to fulfill the region’s infrastructure demands in production, transportation, handling, building, lifting and drilling.
Moreover, around 10,000 industry’s decision-makers, key players and users are expected to attend the show. They will have the opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers, interact with the world’s biggest brands, discover the latest trends and technological innovations, exchange and debate with industry specialists.
Highlights of INTERMAT ASEAN 2017
INTERMAT ASEAN distinguishes with three highlights of the fair. First, INTERMAT ASEAN is introducing an outdoor working demonstration area with live demonstrations. It gives exhibitors the opportunity to demonstrate the performance of their machinery and equipment in real-life worksite conditions. Building and civil engineering professionals will be able to discover manufacturers’ know-how and the way plant and equipment is developing towards better safety and productivity.
Secondly, INTERMAT ASEAN Conference will take place alongside the exhibition on June 8 & 9 and will be dedicated to industry trends, progressing in technical and non-technical aspects of the industry and formulating growth strategies. It will bring together some of the leading names within both academia and industry, featuring global experts. This unique program looks at ASEAN’s construction and infrastructure industry from different core angles like sustainability and green materials, the use of technology for construction and infrastructure, innovating for the future, technical presentations on different subjects, industry challenges. Apply online. Early bird discount before April 30th. Registration also includes invitation to the exhibitor networking dinner and guided tour of the outdoor demonstration area.
Finally, companies with projects and investments will have the opportunity to apply for the VIP Buyers program, the best way to build business connections with INTERMAT ASEAN’s network of construction industry professionals. Apply online.
INTERMAT ASEAN is definitely the place to be if you are working in the construction and infrastructure industry. More info and visitor registration on asean.intermatconstruction.com. Use promotional code: PROMOSING and get a chance to win free conference passes !
BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.
The latest in green building technologies as well as quality and interior finishings are some of the key features at the 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon, Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform serving the fast-growing construction and development sector. Held at the Myanmar Convention Centre from 18 to 20 May, this highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world in an expansive 10,000-square-metre space.
Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), leading companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand will showcase the latest equipment, machinery and solutions in a wide selection of exhibits catering to the construction, machinery, building materials and mechanical engineering segments.
According to BMI Research, the Asia construction sector’s growth is expected to hit 5.3 percent this year, with growth in emerging and frontier South and Southeast Asian markets, supporting the soft demand in China and many developed countries. Increased efforts by governments to encourage private participation in infrastructure projects will also boost the sector, with Myanmar being one of the brightest spots for construction in the world.
U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “Myanmar’s construction industry is forecasted to grow at an annual average rate of 10.37 percent over the next five years, with a total worth of US$13.5 billion by 2020. This is driven by the government’s commitment to updating essential services and infrastructure, and providing better housing as the country re-engages the international community and the global marketplace.”
“This presents a tremendous opportunity for companies looking to participate in Myanmar’s growth and BuildTech Yangon 2017 provides an ideal platform in Yangon where international firms can meet the important decision makers driving Myanmar’s building boom.”
Myanmar’s Growing Focus on Green Buildings and Sustainability 2017 will also see the launch of the inaugural Green Building Conference which will bring together keynote speakers and thought leaders such as Tai Lee Siang, Chair of the World Green Building Council as well as subject matter experts from Myanmar and around the world.
Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “As Yangon’s construction activity continues to expand, there is a desire by developers, government agencies and the public to build buildings and facilities that are able to leverage new thinking for green building technologies and materials to be better for the environment and the people who work, live and play in them. The Green Building Conference is a good opportunity for learning new ideas and technologies and I look forward to learning and exchanging experiences and knowledge with many experts and practitioners who will be attending.”
This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.
Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said, “Sustainable and green development is key to the construction industry as we help create homes and work spaces for the growing urban population. It plays an essential role in building a vibrant, creative and productive city – by ensuring healthy living and reducing the impact on the environment. As the leading trade show in Myanmar for the construction sector, we believe that BuildTech Yangon 2017 has an important role in sharing the best practices and knowledge from green developments around the world as an extension to its ongoing efforts supporting the development of Yangon as a mega city.”
Recognising Innovators and Leaders of the Construction Industry This year, a special brick laying competition will be introduced to the trade floor. This project is open to construction companies and will showcase a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building.
MCEA will also be hosting its annual Gala on the 19 May, where a select group of delegates and luminaries of the construction sector will come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers in the 3rd Construction Entrepreneur Awards.
The Awards were conceptualised to recognise the best and brightest of construction professionals who have succeeded in raising local standards and skills, and in incorporating the latest construction technologies into the entire ecosystem. Sphere Exhibits & MCEA will jointly award four main awards: Best Contractor Awards, Best Project Awards, Individual Awards and Builder of the Year Awards.
This year’s exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.
BuildTech Yangon 2017 is supported by the Association of Myanmar Architects, International Facilities Management Association, Singapore Chapter, Italian Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Master Builders Association Malaysia;; Malaysia Timber Council, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Green Building Council, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Building Ceramic Association, Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association and WSH (Asia).
Visitors can click here to pre-register before May 9, 2017 to attend the trade show or the Green Building Conference. Delegates attending the conference are entitled to continuing industry development points by the Myanmar Engineering Council.
One Bangkok is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand.
TCC Assets (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frasers Centrepoint Limited (“FCL”) will jointly develop ‘One Bangkok’, Thailand’s first and largest fully integrated district built on people-centric principles and a focus on environmental sustainability and smart-city living. Out of the total land area of 16.7 hectares, the project has a generous allocation of 8 hectares of green and open space to the city centre. It promises to become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021.
The project, called One Bangkok, is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand with an estimated investment value of approximately US$3.5 billion. The project promises to become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021. Mr Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Chairman of TCC Group and FCL, said, “The fundamental aim in the planning and design of One Bangkok is to enhance Bangkok’s stature as a key gateway city in Asia.”
One Bangkok is a fully integrated “city-within-a-city” district. When all components are completed in 2025, it will have a gross floor area of 1.83 million square metres, comprising five Grade A office towers built to LEED and WELL standards, five luxury and lifestyle hotels, three ultra-luxury residential towers, a comprehensive array of retail offerings within differentiated retail precincts, as well as a rich variety of civic areas, and art and culture facilities.
Eight hectares of its total land area of 16.7 hectares is dedicated to greenery and open spaces. The land is leased from the Crown Property Bureau and enjoys a prime location right next to Bangkok’s largest central park – Lumphini Park – with direct linkages to the city’s mass transit systems, as well as easy access to the expressway network.
An estimated 60,000 people will live and work in the district when complete. Image courtesy of Atchain.
Mr Charoen said, “We are honoured to be entrusted by the Crown Property Bureau to turn this important plot of land in the heart of the city into a showpiece district. It is a responsibility that I am privileged to carry and I affirm my commitment to ensure the creation of something exceptional and transformational.”
He added, “With One Bangkok, I hope to enhance global confidence in Thailand as the epicentre of ASEAN and a key gateway and lifestyle city in Asia, as well as bring prosperity to all associated with the project, whether as tenants, owners, or business partners.”
“To accomplish this game-changing endeavour, I have placed my confidence in two TCC Group companies that perfectly complement each other, combining the financial strength and local knowhow of TCC Assets with the enormous international property development expertise of Frasers Property,” Mr Charoen noted. He added that One Bangkok ‘s design will be sensitive to its social and cultural context, incorporating Thailand’s heritage, and make the district an integral part of the city. TCC Assets holds 80.1 percent, and Frasers Property Holdings holds 19.9 percent.
One Bangkok is the first project in Thailand to target LEED Platinum certification. for Neighborhood Development. Image courtesy of Atchain.
Ms Su Lin Soon, a real estate professional and Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok, said, “Accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability are top priorities in our urban planning. New quality standards, international best practices and diversity in the mix of uses and architecture are fundamental features of the master plan, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Supported by local expertise from Plan Associates, and A49, the master plan combines both international and local experiences from the most influential architectural and urban planning firms.”
She added, “One Bangkok will also be the first district in Thailand to be built entirely around sustainability principles and to LEED for Neighbourhood Development Platinum standards.