A Construction Industry Update: December 2024

The latest Glenigan report presents a promising outlook for the UK construction industry, with significant growth projected across key sectors. As specialists in sustainable ventilation solutions, we at KE Fibertec are encouraged by the report's findings, which align with our goals of providing innovative and energy-efficient solutions for construction projects. The emphasis on sustainability, the rise of public sector investments, and the push for better collaboration provide exciting opportunities for growth in the industry, and we are eager to play our part in these developments.

Commercial Developments and Sustainability
One of the most promising trends highlighted in the Glenigan report is the substantial 9% increase in commercial projects that are moving to the main contract stage. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for energy-efficient and sustainable commercial spaces, including offices and retail spaces. For KE Fibertec, this is particularly significant, as our Textile Based Ventilation (TBV) systems are perfectly positioned to meet the needs of this evolving market.

We understand that commercial developers and contractors are prioritising sustainability in their projects, and our TBV solutions align with these expectations. Unlike traditional metal duct systems, our textile ducts are lightweight, flexible, and easy to install, which reduces construction time and costs. Furthermore, our ducts are designed to improve energy efficiency by enhancing air distribution and reducing the reliance on mechanical ventilation, which can be costly to operate and maintain. As businesses increasingly seek to reduce their carbon footprint, the efficiency of our systems supports these sustainability goals.

With the growing emphasis on green building standards, we also recognise that the demand for eco-friendly products will continue to rise. Our yarn-dyed textiles are a prime example of our commitment to sustainability; by using less water during production, we save over 1 million litres of water annually. We’re proud to offer a solution that not only enhances air quality but also supports energy efficiency in the built environment.

Public Sector Growth: Schools and Healthcare
The public sector, particularly in areas like healthcare and education, is expected to see substantial growth, with over £20 billion in public sector projects expected to come to fruition in 2025. This presents a tremendous opportunity for our products to make a real impact in spaces where health, safety, and comfort are paramount.

We have already seen the demand for our systems grow in schools, hospitals, and other public sector buildings, where TBV solutions have proven to be highly effective. Our textile ducts provide consistent airflow while being easy to clean and maintain - an essential feature in healthcare and educational environments, where hygiene is critical. Additionally, the flexibility and adaptability of our system make it ideal for these types of buildings, where layouts may change over time or be required to accommodate new needs.

In healthcare environments, the importance of air quality cannot be overstated. Hospitals, medical centres, and care homes all require ventilation systems that are not only efficient but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the occupants. Our TBV systems offer superior air distribution, ensuring that each room receives the right amount of fresh air without causing uncomfortable drafts or temperature fluctuations. This makes them particularly suitable for the sensitive environments of healthcare buildings, where air quality directly impacts patient outcomes.

Similarly, schools are increasingly focused on creating comfortable, healthy spaces for learning. With the growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality for students and staff, we provide a solution that enhances the learning environment while helping schools achieve their sustainability targets. The ability to tailor the system to meet the specific needs of a classroom, gym, or assembly hall makes our textile ducts a versatile and efficient choice for educational buildings.

Sustainability at the Core of Construction
Sustainability is at the heart of the Glenigan report’s findings, with the construction industry predicted to see a 15% rise in sustainability-focused projects in the coming years. This growth is a direct response to increasing pressure from both regulatory bodies and the public to reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption. At KE Fibertec, we are excited to see this shift and are fully committed to supporting these goals.

Our Textile Based Ventilation systems play a crucial role in helping builders and developers meet sustainability targets. By improving energy efficiency and reducing the need for high-energy mechanical ventilation systems, our products contribute to the overall reduction in energy consumption within buildings. Additionally, the lightweight nature of our textile ducts means they require fewer raw materials to manufacture, and they can be easily reused or recycled at the end of their life cycle.

We also support the circular economy in construction. Our commitment to reducing environmental impact extends to every aspect of our operations. From our innovative yarn-dying process that reduces water consumption to our use of sustainable materials, we are working towards a more sustainable future for the construction industry. As the UK government strives for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, we are proud to be a part of the solution by offering products that are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Collaboration and Innovation
The Glenigan report places a strong emphasis on collaboration as a key driver of progress in the construction industry, particularly as we move towards 2025. At KE Fibertec, we couldn’t agree more. We believe that effective collaboration between contractors, architects, engineers, and manufacturers is essential to delivering successful projects that meet the growing demands of sustainability, cost-efficiency, and innovation.

With the increasing adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction, we have embraced this technology to streamline the design, installation, and operation of our TBV systems. BIM allows us to provide accurate 3D models of our products, which contractors and engineers can integrate into their building plans. This not only helps optimise the placement and performance of our ventilation systems but also ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.

As the use of BIM grows, we remain committed to providing the necessary technical support and expertise to our partners. Whether it’s through our extensive product knowledge, on-site support, or digital tools, we are always ready to collaborate with our clients to achieve the best outcomes for their projects. We also recognise the increasing need for flexible, adaptable solutions that can evolve alongside a project. Our TBV systems are designed to be easily adjusted, reconfigured, and expanded as the needs of a building change over time, ensuring that they remain effective and efficient throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Building a Better Future Together
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are excited by the many opportunities that the Glenigan report highlights. Whether it’s responding to the growing demand for sustainable commercial spaces, supporting the expansion of the public sector, or driving innovation through collaboration, we at KE Fibertec are ready to help shape the future of the UK construction industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation, delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions that not only meet the needs of today’s projects but also contribute to a better future for generations to come. The Glenigan report has provided us with invaluable insights into the state of the industry.