Paslay Group, a leading airport consultancy firm, announced today its selection to provide Executive Program Management (EPM) services for the Charleston International Airport’s (CHS) Terminal Development Program. This strategic partnership will support the airport’s ambitious expansion plans in one of the fastest-growing regions in the US. CHS, South Carolina’s busiest airport, experienced a record-breaking year in 2023 with 6.2 million passengers, a significant 15% increase compared to 2022. To accommodate this growth and enhance the passenger experience, the airport is currently in the design phase of its Terminal Development Program. This program includes potential additions of up to nine new gates across both the East and West Concourses, an expanded ticketing hall and security checkpoint, a modernized baggage handling system, and improvements to the terminal loop road. “Our 2023 numbers demonstrate that CHS is South Carolina’s favorite airport among airline passengers, and our growth trends are expected to continue,” said Elliott Summey, CHS CEO and executive director. “We’re pleased to partner with Paslay Group to ensure overall success of our program so that Charleston International Airport continues to provide Lowcountry business and leisure passengers and our airline partners an exceptional experience.” Paslay Group’s proven expertise will be crucial in leading…
A new research project, “Retrofit Revisit,” sheds light on the long-term effectiveness of home energy retrofits, providing valuable lessons for future efforts to improve the UK’s housing stock. Led by Marion Baeli of 10 Design and Julie Godefroy of CIBSE, the study examined ten retrofit projects a decade after their initial upgrades. “Retrofit Revisit” was supported by Innovate UK, Historic England, and various industry partners. It focused on diverse housing types across the UK, many of which were considered pioneering “deep retrofit” examples a decade ago. These projects aimed for significant reductions in carbon emissions. The findings are encouraging. Despite some minor fluctuations over time, the retrofitted homes continue to outperform the non-retrofitted housing stock in terms of energy efficiency. Residents also reported increased comfort, particularly during cold weather, and lower energy bills. Marion Baeli, Principal – Sustainability Transformation at 10 Design said:“In publishing “Retrofit Revisit,” our goal is to boost confidence in the lasting benefits of retrofitting while also emphasizing the insights gained from building performance evaluations and identifying areas needing further research to ensure the reliability and longevity of building fabric and operations. Through this collaborative research effort, we aim to support the nationwide retrofitting of existing homes…
MTR Corporation, the operator behind Hong Kong’s renowned public transport network, has appointed Mace as its Programme Management Partner (PMP) for the delivery of its new railway extension projects. This strategic partnership brings Mace’s global infrastructure expertise to Hong Kong, bolstering MTR’s project delivery capabilities. Under the agreement, Mace will establish an integrated Project Management Office (PMO) for MTR’s Capital Works team. This PMO will streamline the implementation of project management functions and digital systems, aligning with MTR’s vision for digital transformation and optimized project delivery. “We are honored to partner with MTR in delivering these critical railway extensions,” said Davendra Dabasia, CEO for Mace Consult. “This collaboration reflects MTR’s commitment to pushing boundaries and aligns perfectly with Mace’s mission of redefining complex program delivery.” MTR’s existing railway network is a vital component of Hong Kong’s public transport system, facilitating approximately 4.45 million passenger journeys on weekdays with an impressive near-perfect punctuality record (99.9%). The new partnership aims to further enhance MTR’s Capital Works team’s PMO capabilities, enabling them to implement best-in-class practices in areas like Integrated Project Controls, digital services, and NEC contracting. Mace brings a proven track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in major economic hubs globally….
U Mobile, a leading mobile and digital services provider, has completed strategic partnerships with four Network Facility Providers (NFPs) to expedite the rollout of its second 5G network in Malaysia. The collaborations with Bullish Aim, EdgePoint Towers, Naza Communications, and OCK Group Berhad will enhance U Mobile’s ability to deliver wider and faster 5G coverage across the country. Under the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), U Mobile will work closely with the NFPs to streamline the 5G site infrastructure deployment process. This includes optimizing site acquisition, permitting, and construction to accelerate network expansion. Additionally, the partnerships will explore cost-effective solutions for various infrastructure requirements, such as built-to-suit sites, co-locations, and site upgrades. “We are excited to partner with these industry leaders to accelerate our 5G network rollout,” said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile. “By leveraging their expertise and infrastructure, we can deliver a superior 5G experience to our customers and contribute to Malaysia’s digital transformation.” The collaboration with these NFPs aligns with the government’s dual 5G network model, which aims to foster healthy competition and drive innovation in the telecommunications sector. U Mobile is committed to playing a pivotal role in bringing the benefits of 5G technology…
The “Salvează o inimă” Association, a non-profit dedicated to supporting children with critical medical needs, announces a groundbreaking initiative that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline fundraising campaigns. This innovative project tackles the urgency of securing life-saving surgeries and treatments for children facing complex medical conditions. The AI integration aims to maximize the impact of every donation and provide prompt assistance to families in desperate need. The association has developed a mobile app that seamlessly connects with banks via APIs, enabling secure and convenient donations directly from the app. Donors receive instant confirmation via email or SMS, fostering a sense of transparency and trust. “Artificial intelligence helps us make a real-time analysis of the situation in order to make rapid adjustments to the fundraising strategy, but it also allows us to offer donors information about the efficiency of the campaigns they have contributed to,” Vlad Plăcintă, president of the “Salvează o inimă” Association said. The AI system generates personalized thank-you messages utilizing ChatGPT, fostering a deeper connection with donors. Additionally, the platform employs AI algorithms to analyze transaction patterns, ensuring the security of donations by identifying and promptly addressing unusual activities. “Integrating artificial intelligence into our fundraising activities is an…
CIBSE Certification has launched a new scheme to assess the competency of individuals offering management system specialist services. CIBSE is aware of the challenges facing organisations and consultants operating in the Built Environment, as they drive to implement effective management systems and address challenges e.g. decarbonisation, net zero and the Building Safety Act. In response, CIBSE Certification has launched a new scheme to assess the competency of individuals offering management system specialist services. Kieran O’Brien, Director of CIBSE Certification said: “This scheme should help organisations easily find suitable resources, as they deal with increasing costs, skills shortages, frameworks to manage competency of staff and suppliers”. He went on to add “Consultants can utilise the scheme register offered by CIBSE to demonstrate their capabilities and engage with potential customers”. CIBSE Certification has for many years run accredited schemes and registers for the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, Low Carbon Consultants, Display Energy Certificates, and Energy Performance Certificates since 2007, and offers management system certification to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 50001. The new Management System Specialist scheme where certified individuals appear on a register will provide invaluable support to help both organisations and consultants engage, as they work together to address Industry…
Standard Solar, a leading commercial and community solar developer and asset owner, today announced the acquisition of a 4.98-megawatt (MW) solar project in Doña Ana County, New Mexico from developer Energy Management, Inc. (EMI). The Bent Bow project, which EMI began development of in 2021, was one of six in Doña Ana County selected as part of New Mexico’s Request for Proposals for Community Solar projects initiative. More than 50 applications were submitted for projects in Doña Ana County. Bent Bow contributes to the 30 MWs allocated to El Paso Electric under the act. The Community Solar Act, which caps the initial years’ total community solar deployment at 200 MWs across three investor-owned utilities, aims to facilitate energy access to low-income households and individuals in non-viable locations for rooftop solar. The act mandates that at least 30% of the energy from community solar arrays be dedicated to low-income subscribers, ensuring equitable benefits from New Mexico’s shift towards renewable energy. This project supports the state’s environmental objectives and enhances community involvement and energy independence, bringing tangible benefits to the local community. Jim Gordon, President of EMI, said, “As a first mover in this market we were able to secure an award…
The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) announced the second round of recipients for its HerMaP Africa small grants program. This initiative, generously supported by the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program, empowers organizations, groups, and individuals working with African heritage. Funding for Local Projects with Lasting Impact A total of $333,000 was awarded to 26 projects across 17 African nations. These projects focus on both the protection and promotion of local cultural and natural heritage, aiming to contribute to the socio-economic development of communities. This builds upon the initial $220,000 awarded in the first round earlier this year, bringing the program total to over $550,000. By year’s end, HERITΛGE expects to award a total of $1 million through the HerMaP Africa program. Unlocking Potential, Empowering Communities “We are extremely pleased to announce this second round of small grant awards for African projects. We are already seeing what the scheme is doing to unlock the potential of heritage in Africa and make a difference for the development of local communities through the work undertaken by the first 19 grantees,” said HERITΛGE Director, Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis. “Heritage has the ability to empower and we are already seeing local communities using our grants, in…
CIBSE has unveiled a transformative project titled “Building Performance Reimagined.” This pioneering report, commissioned by CIBSE and researched by Arup, diverges from typical CIBSE publications, focusing not on system sizing, maintenance, or controls, but on a holistic and future-oriented perspective on building performance. Exploring new horizons The core aim of the Building Performance Reimagined project is to push the boundaries of traditional engineering practices and prepare CIBSE members for future challenges. It delves into the dynamic and evolving landscape of building performance, extending beyond the familiar realms of energy efficiency and carbon reduction. It prompts engineers to consider future forms of ‘value’ in the built environment, and the major cultural and systemic shifts required to unlock that value. Four performance metrics for future challenges The report proposes four key performance metrics to guide the shift towards health and resilience: Expanding the role of building services engineers The project reframes the role of building services engineers in wiser systems and society. Their responsibilities now extend beyond ensuring basic functionality and energy efficiency to enhancing all forms of life within and around a site, promoting biodiversity and social equity through design decisions and interactions. Moreover, engineers are increasingly tasked with influencing the…
Avangrid has announced a significant milestone today with the receipt of full federal approval for the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for its New England Wind 1 and 2 offshore wind projects. This approval, following the favorable Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the Biden Administration in April 2024, represents a critical step forward, largely completing the federal permitting process for Avangrid’s 791-megawatt New England Wind 1 project. “Completing the federal permitting program for New England Wind is a remarkable achievement made possible by diligence of our team, the engagement of our stakeholders, and the thorough and rigorous review from our federal partners,” said Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra. “Building offshore wind infrastructure is a complex and unique endeavor, and rightly held to a high regulatory standard. The approval of our COP reflects the depth of our expertise, our exhaustive and detailed planning, and our ability to deliver these critical projects. By securing all federal, state, regional, and local permits, New England Wind 1 has the potential to put shovels in the ground next year and deliver thousands of jobs, local investment, and needed clean energy before the end of the decade.” New England Wind 1 and 2 have the potential…
