Delegates from across the built environment gathered at the Transforming Infrastructure Performance conference, hosted by the ICE in November.
Leaders from the built environment sector came together last week to discuss how to bring about a step-change in infrastructure productivity and delivery at a conference hosted by the ICE.
The Transforming Infrastructure Performance (TIP) Live conference aims to put into action the vision for innovation and reform in infrastructure delivery set out in the TIP: Roadmap to 2030 report.
The report, created by the Infrastructure and Project’s Authority, focuses the TIP agenda on five key areas:
- Data and insight
- Business and delivery models
- Market capacity and productivity
- Environment and sustainability
- Expertise and capability
Applying the principles in the UK
John Glen MP addressed built environment sector professionals in his first public speech since stepping into the role of paymaster general and minister to the Cabinet Office. He outlined how some of these principles are currently being applied.
“Now is the time for the UK to be at the forefront of creativity, innovation and a green future,” he told attendees.
New methods of construction would provide economic stability and opportunity to the UK regions, he stated.
Data and digital
Opening the conference, Glen highlighted the important role that data and digital insight are playing in improving productivity across the sector.
Referencing Yorkshire’s new prison, HMP Millsike, he described how changes to the supply chain and a digital focus has helped to reduce cost and risk.
He went on to mention another new prison built at Fosseway.
“The new HMP Fosseway was also built 22% faster than in traditional build. All thanks to 70% of the project using modern methods of construction,” Glen said.
Infrastructure spending
Later, Cat Little, from HM Treasury, spoke to attendees about why TIP is crucial in the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.
Little highlighted the Treasury’s perspective on this year’s spending and where infrastructure investment sits in the public sector.
Strong relationships
Nearly 300 conference delegates also heard from Mark Reynolds, Mace Group and chair of the Construction Leadership Council, who outlined the importance of developing strong client/supplier relationships.
Path to carbon neutral construction
Matt Palmer, executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), highlighted how LTC is a pioneering project for carbon neutral construction.
Palmer spoke about how carbon reduction should be a constant and fundamental part of executive management conversations as well as supporting the operational use of PAS 2080.
“How do you decarbonise big infrastructure? Firstly, know your numbers. It’s very simple. PAS 2080 is a very good piece of kit. Just follow it and do it,” he said.
The infrastructure lifecycle
The ICE believes that interventions at each stage of the infrastructure lifecycle can increase the efficiency and performance of assets.
It has recently published a ready-reference guide that provides practical advice to assist professionals in doing this.
The Infrastructure Lifecycle guidance provides at-a-glance advice on actions that can be taken to improve productivity and deliver infrastructure projects more efficiently and effectively.
Transforming Infrastructure Performance Live
TIP Live, hosted by the ICE, is a conference co-convened by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, the Infrastructure Client Group, the Construction Leadership Council and the National Infrastructure Commission.
John Glen MP's speech to the Transforming Infrastructure Performance conference can be found in the UK government website.
The next TIP Live conference will take place in Manchester on 27 February.
