Steel requirements for infrastructure
On 13th December 2016, the government released new data showing how they plan to use 3 million tonnes of steel for infrastructure projects by 2020, as part of moves to support the UK steel industry.
For the first time, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy will start publishing their indicative future steel requirements on an annual basis. This complements the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline, which lists more than £500 billion of planned private and public investment.
The projects identified in the pipeline include nuclear power stations, flood defences, bridges, wind farms, railways, motorways, and so on. Largest of these is Hinkley Point C, which will require 200,000 tonnes of rebar and 600,000 tonnes of embedment plates, as well as large quantities of structural steelwork. High Speed 2 (HS2) will also require in excess of 2 million tonnes of steel from 2020 onwards.
The announcement came alongside changes to government procurement guidance, in conjunction with the Steel Council, intended to make it easier for UK steel manufacturers to plan and bid for upcoming government contracts.The procurement guidance changes will also apply to materials such as ceramics, cement and aluminium.
Business and energy secretary Greg Clark said:
‘Wider social and environmental benefits’ should now be factored in by government purchasers when deciding on where to source steel. As well as this, purchasers have to be sure that the entire chain of chosen suppliers complies with relevant legislation and best practice. These updates build on the changes made in response to the steel crisis back in Autumn 2015, with the aim being to level the playing field for UK companies.
“These changes will ensure that UK steel companies can better plan for the long term, giving them an even greater chance of securing government contracts.
“We want UK companies big and small to be bidding for and winning government contracts which is why our upcoming Industrial Strategy is so important. This strategy will ensure we make the right investments in science, research, skills and infrastructure so that British industry wins contracts by producing the best goods and services.”
Gareth Stace, director of UK Steel, and Deirdre Fox, chair of the procurement and commercial working group of the Steel Council, said:
“This is a welcome announcement which moves the procurement process on a step further and will ensure that more UK produced steel will be used in a greater range of government funded projects.”
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the trade union Community said:
“We welcome today’s change to procurement rules as another step towards a joined-up industrial strategy that supports our steel industry. Using public sector procurement to deliver for the UK’s steel producers has been a key demand of our Save our Steel campaign and an issue we have consistently raised with government for many years.
“The changes the government made last year were positive and showed they were starting to listen to the voices of steelworkers and their employers. Today’s change is a welcome improvement, which we need to see put into practice so that UK companies are winning contracts and we can continue down the path towards a sustainable future for our steel industry.”
The full pipeline of projects is available to view here.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Delivering for tenants; National Retrofit Hub
New report offers recommendations to strengthen energy efficiency standards to protect private renters.
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.