The Stone Federation is celebrating the success of its first Stone Symposium – The Case for Stone. This one-day conference held in July at America Square Conference Centre in London explored the carbon-saving credentials of natural stone with a host of seminars, case studies and panel discussions. 

Amin Taha, Stirling Prize-shortlisted architect and a speaker at the symposium commented that: “This may have been the first ever meeting of the entire vertical supply and delivery chain. Quarry owners, stonemasons, engineers and architects, contractors and developers all sharing their knowledge, experience and ambition for decarbonising the construction sector.” 

The seminar programme featured some of the leading voices around natural stone’s sustainability credentials and prompted some engaging Q&A sessions with the audience. Sixteen different speakers from the world of architecture, engineering, design, academia, quarrying and stonemasonry brought their expertise and passion to proceedings. The sessions ranged from exploring how innovative approaches to stone are being used to transform everything from world-famous cathedrals to secondary school health centres. Delegates explored the synergy between the quarries and the next generation of architectural talent enthused by the case for stone. The headline-grabbing 15 Clerkenwell Close and Mix Awards Finalist, The Stone Tapestry were used as examples of how different architects are seeking to challenge, spark conversation and push the boundaries in the way that stone is used. And finally, there were some fascinating examples of the systems being developed to fully utilise stone’s load-bearing potential in mainstream construction.  

This wide range of topics were delivered by an industry-leading panel of speakers: Amin Taha (GROUPWORK), Tim Gledstone (Squire and Partners), Steve Webb (Webb Yates Engineers), Steve McKechnie (Arup), Juliet Haysom (Architectural Association), Natasha Huq (Groves Raines Architects Studios), Joe Chilvers (Adam Richards Architects), Niki-Marie Jansson (Newcastle University), Pierre Bidaud (The Stonemasonry Company), Michael Poultney (Albion Stone), Marcus Paine (Hutton Stone Co), Valérie Bergeron (Polycor), Peter Fisher (Bennetts Associates), Manuel dos Anjos (FMDC), Ryno Nel and Mark Walden (Szerelmey). Alongside the presentations, the Stone Symposium featured a number of panel discussions which were chaired by award-winning journalist, Luke Hanrahan. Luke first discovered stone’s sustainability story when he produced and presented a piece for the BBC which explored Amin Taha’s 15 Clerkenwell Close project and the journey of the stone bricks that Albion Stone, Hutton Stone and Polycor were bringing to the market. Luke brought his journalistic curiosity to the mix which created some truly fascinating and informative discussions. 

Alongside the seminars, the event also featured a small exhibition area featuring the Stone Symposium’s sponsors: ALS by Airelimestones, CED Stone Brick & Facades, Cotswold Natural Stone, Paye Stonework & Restoration, Stamford Stone Co., Stone Cladding Systems and Welsh Slate. This vibrant space provided the backdrop for a number of networking opportunities that took full advantage of the blend of professionals gathered at the event. In summary, this first Stone Symposium was a truly unique event and one that The Stone Federation feel was a significant milestone in the push to see stone return to its rightful place as the leading sustainable construction material. Another Stone Symposium is planned for Scotland in the New Year. 

The highly-successful Heritage Open Days (HODs) is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the latest programme launching tomorrow (6 September) and running until 15 September. There will be more than 5,400 events taking place across England for the duration of the festival.

Founded in 1994, it is the country’s largest festival of history and culture and during the three decades since Heritage Open Days began it has grown in scope and scale. It began as a weekend dedicated to revealing buildings not normally open to the general public and is now a a ten-day festival, celebrating a myriad different aspects of heritage and culture. During its 30 years, there has been more than 100,000 events and over 39 million visits and it has grown from just 700 events in the first year to over 5,250 in 2023. 

Still committed to its founding principles of free access and being community-led, it’s a much-loved event that many look forward to every year. Hundreds of activities will adopt this year’s theme, Routes – Networks - Connections, bringing together the past and present in a festival that includes workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks and activities for all the family. 

Laura Chow, head of charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating 30 years of this wonderful festival. Our players are helping to keep the doors open and free for everyone. We hope even many more people will come out to explore, celebrate and enjoy England’s national heritage.” 

For further information, and to enquire about registering your event, visit heritageopendays.org.uk.

Sintered stone brand, Neolith has launched a new collection called Atmosphere, which has been created using new technology to provide a more realistic and naturalistic aesthetic. 

The range's unique selling point is the new digital texture incorporated in the WhiteSands and Rapolano colours, which features reliefs synchronised that provide a new level of realism and naturalness.

According to the brand, Neolith WhiteSands is: "inspired by the vast and serene white dunes of White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, and captures the essence of the silence and immensity of this place. Its soft texture and pale colour reflect the sunlight, creating a bright and spacious effect in any room."

The next product, WhiteSands: "evokes the peace of the original desert landscapes that inspired this colour, bringing a fresh look as well as serenity to modern interior design. It is produced with all-new digital texture technology for an unbeatable, even more natural finish with gentle relief yet still easy to clean. Neolith WhiteSands has the resistance and beauty of white sand dunes to transform any space into an oasis of peace."

Neolith Rapolano is inspired by Inspired by the Italian stone known as Rapolano often used in 16th century Renaissance Italian palaces which is becoming more and "gets its essence from Tuscan quarries where stone was moulded by nature and man for centuries. This colour evokes a feeling of peace, wellbeing and contemplation, all while adding a touch of Italian history to today’s interior design with its exclusive texture and Full Body technology."

Spanish limestone used in Europe’s 14th and 15th Century Gothic cathedrals inspired Neolith Artisan and: "its use in interiors fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere that creates a conscious connection with nature." 

The final product, Neolith Ignea was created in homage to volcanic landscapes and its colour comes from the cooled matter. It features a 'riverwashed' texture and the 98R seal for recycled material. This formulation, which uses up to 98% recycled materials in its manufacturing, is part of Neolith's sustainability strategy and Zero Waste policy and promoting even more sustainable processes and products.

Atmosphere will be available shortly through Neolith's own international distribution centres, as well as through the brand's global network of distributors.

 

New research has revealed a steady growth in the construction sector's efforts towards sustainability, showing that the number of Net Zero projects – and those achieving environmental targets – is on the rise.

The Sustainable Futures Report 2024, conducted by NBS in association with RIBA indicates the number of Net Zero projects being commissioned has increased with six in ten industry professionals having worked on a Net Zero project in the past year. This compares to around half of the respondents in 2022.

Almost 600 people working within the built environment completed the survey that aims to understand sustainability attitudes and protocols in the construction sector. Since launching in 2022, it has provided an industry benchmark for evolving views and opinions, shaping best practice guides on the journey to Net Zero.

Figures revealed that around four in ten respondants had ‘accomplished sustainability’ and this sentiment was felt most strongly amongst clients but was slightly lower for architects. These statistics could indicate that target-based construction is making a difference. This is alongside other factors such as product availability, and the increasing use of building product data to allow architects to ascertain the ‘greenest’ product or material.

Barriers to sustainability, however, do persist with cost being cited as the number one barrier but clients are clearly starting to see the downstream value of sustainable assets, which is also backed up by the increase in certification to BREEAM within the commercial sector.

Positively, seven in ten firms now measure emissions compared with just five in ten back in 2022. Those setting carbon reduction goals have also risen and over half of firms now have carbon offsetting strategies in place compared to just over a third in 2021.

Focusing on the sustainability priorities list, ‘Embodied carbon’ ranked fourth, with ‘Net zero operational carbon’ taking the top spot. However, this is likely due to legislation covering operational efficiency but not embodied carbon. When asked to rank the importance of the life cycle analysis stages from environmental product declarations, embodied carbon took first place.

The report also touched on the role manufacturers play in helping architects achieve low-carbon outcomes. Nine in ten agreed that robust specification is important for achieving sustainable outcomes. Within that, nearly all architects agree that manufacturers should supply digital information on the green credentials of their products to boost their chances of specification.

Dr. Lee Jones, head of sustainability at NBS parent company, Byggfakta Group, said: "The construction industry's green momentum is building, with NBS reporting a small boost in net-zero projects and environmental targets being met. These are welcome figures and show that, whilst much more must be done, the sector is progressively aiming for a sustainable future.

“Certainly, I’d expect to see new significance given to areas like sustainable land use and biodiversity, especially given the recent introduction of new legislation as part of the 2021 Environment Act. Going forward, I would like to see legislation around net zero building practices going further, covering embodied carbon as well as operational efficiency. For the industry to truly achieve sustainable outcomes, it needs the Government to take a stronger lead, supporting with policy and incentives.”

Dr. Stephen Hamil, innovation director at NBS, added: "Research studies like the NBS Sustainable Futures Report are invaluable in guiding our industry toward a greener future and understanding our progress on the path to net zero. Yet it’s only by leveraging robust construction data, that we collectively drive the progress needed to meet our environmental goals and build a more sustainable world.”

To download the NBS Sustainable Futures Report 2024, click here.
 

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) and the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) have announced a partnership aimed at expanding resources, education and advocacy for surface fabricators across the globe. This strategic alliance will empower fabricators with the tools and support needed to excel in an increasingly competitive industry. 

The collaboration between ISFA and WFF will bring a wealth of new opportunities to surface fabricators, including access to cutting-edge training programs, enhanced advocacy efforts and a broader network of resources. By combining the strengths of both organizations, the partnership will create a unified voice to address the challenges fabricators face in today’s rapidly evolving market. 

Founded by a group of dedicated fabricators in 1997 and based in the United States, ISFA has a longstanding foundation in the surfacing industry as a trusted resource, providing education, standards, community, industry advocacy and other tools that foster growth and success for its members. Initially an organization focused on manufactured surfaces like solid surface and engineered stone, today ISFA represents fabricators and industry professionals who work with all kinds of materials, including stone.  

Launched in 2020 and based in the United Kingdom, WFF’s objectives are to promote professionalism across the industry, including best practices, standards and regulations that foster health and safety in the workplace. The WFF is a unified representative voice for the industry on matters of industry-wide importance, including silica safety. According to the WFF website, there are more than 2,000 surface fabrication businesses in the UK, some of which are also ISFA members.  

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Worktop Fabricators Federation,” said Marissa Bankert, executive director of ISFA. “Our goals are perfectly aligned, and this partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to support and elevate the surface fabrication industry. By combining our resources and expertise, we can offer unparalleled support to fabricators around the world.”  

Key Initiatives of the partnership include: 
 

• Expanded Educational Programs: The partnership will introduce comprehensive learning modules covering the latest techniques, technologies and best practices in surface fabrication. These programs will be available to fabricators worldwide, ensuring consistent quality and innovation across the industry. 
• Global Advocacy: ISFA and WFF will work together to represent the interests of surface fabricators on a global scale. By advocating for fair regulations, sustainable and safe working practices, and industry standards, the partnership aims to protect and promote the interests of fabricators everywhere. 
• Resource Sharing: Members of both ISFA and WFF will benefit from access to a shared repository of resources, including technical guides, market research and industry insights. This collaborative approach will help fabricators stay ahead of trends and maintain a competitive edge. 
   

“Partnering with ISFA is a natural progression for both of our organisations,” added Nigel Fletcher, operations officer at WFF. “Together, we are stronger and more capable of addressing the needs of fabricators, whether they are just starting out or are established industry leaders. This collaboration is about ensuring that all fabricators have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.” 
 

MP Skills has become a member of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, the first and only membership body in England dedicated to supporting mental health first aiders. This association, launched by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, represents a significant step forward a commitment to enhancing mental health support and fostering a culture of wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.

As an active instructor member of MHFA England, MP Skills is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and support. Inclusion in the Association of Mental Health First Aiders allows MP Skills to offer unparalleled resources and ongoing support to its mental health first aiders, ensuring they are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Julie Edwards, MP Skills’ instructor member of MHFA England, said: "I have delivered the new MHFA two-day course that was launched in 2022 in house and to external customers. The big difference in the course now is that it offers ongoing support to the learners, which is extremely important for the learners to support them in their MHFAider role. Training providers that do not have MHFA instructor’s member status do not have this association, so this will set our MHFA status apart from other providers."

MP Skills’ membership provides exclusive access to:

• A comprehensive resource library with toolkits, guidance, animations, and core mental health concepts to support mental health first aiders
• A signposting database through Hub of Hope, connecting us to local and national mental health services for additional support
• Regular reminders for well-being check-ins with individuals that MHFAiders are supporting
• 24/7 text-support services through Shout, offering advice and reassurance on mental health conversations and post-conversation support
• Exclusive webinars to deepen and broaden mental health knowledge via the Online Learning Hub
• Access to the digital MHFA manual. As updates are made this manual is updated for all MHFAiders so they always have the latest version
• A monthly newsletter with updates and exclusive resources to support MHFAiders in their roles.

MP Skills’ participation in the association aligns with the new two-day MHFAider course launched by MHFA England in late 2022. This updated course provides ongoing support and reflects the latest guidance and statistics, enhancing the learning experience. Through its membership, MP Skills can deliver this streamlined, high-quality training both online and face to face, simplifying administration and ensuring consistency.

In the coming months, MP Skills will also offer the new Mental Health Awareness course to industry, broadening its training portfolio and providing even more opportunities for individuals to engage with up-to-date, relevant mental health education.

Membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders underscores MP Skills' dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in delivering mental health training and support. As a leader in mental health support, MP Skills say they are proud to be part of this pioneering community, working together to transform how we talk about and support mental health.

For more information about MP Skills’ mental health training courses and to learn more about its membership of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, visit: www.mpskills.co.uk

The Stone Federation has announced its new Stone Federation president (2024-2026) as Adrian Attwood, executive director of Stone Federation member, DBR Limited. Attwood succeeds former president, Chris Kelsey.

A handover took place at the Stone Federation Members’ Event and AGM which was hosted at The Building Society in London in August. An accredited conservator with more than 30 years of experience in historic building conservation, Attwood has led restoration projects on some of the UK’s major landmarks, including the Parliamentary Estate.

He named ‘collaboration’ as the theme of his presidential term, pledging to champion the talent, skill, and expertise of those working in the stone industry. “Our strategy is to elevate the exceptional talent within our sector while nurturing the next generation of craftspeople, through the Stone Federation’s extensive network. After all, a unified voice is a powerful voice. 

"Sustainability, ethical sourcing, and carbon measurement are also top priorities for me. I’m committed to helping the Federation amplify these vital messages, promoting natural stone as a responsible and sustainable choice for both environmental wellbeing and high-quality construction," he said.

Throughout his career, Attwood has been passionate in his support for widening access to heritage crafts and was instrumental in the establishment of the QEST DBR scholarship.
He added: “Our industry is at a crossroads, facing a critical skills shortage. Now, more than ever, we need to champion the practitioners who are the backbone of our craft. My focus will be on advocating for the development and recognition of expertise within the stone industry, ensuring that we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also foster the next generation of stonemasons and technicians who will carry it forward. I look forward to using the platform that the Stone Federation presidency will give me to collaborate with people within our sector and beyond to help put craft skills in the spotlight.”

In his speech to members at the Members' Event and AGM, Adrian thanked Chris Kelsey, the outgoing president, for his steadfast commitment to the Federation and all he had done during his term of office to promote the Federation and support the membership.

Stone Federation's chief executive, Jane Buxey, welcomed Attwood and said: "I would like to thank Chris for all that he has achieved for the Federation over his time as president. From the launch of The Stone Academy to the growth and strengthening of the Interiors & Surface Materials Focus Group, Chris' legacy will be felt for many years to come. I look forward to working alongside Adrian and seeing how his expertise and passion for the industry, and in particular the promotion of the craft of stonemasonry and use of the material as a sustainable solution will benefit the Federation and our members."
 

Following the news that eight cases of artificial-stone related silicosis in the UK have been reported, the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) has issued a statement for those who work in the stone industry.

The statement urges the use of correct health and safety protocols saying: "good quality factory management, water-based dust-suppression and proper monitoring of workers’ health are still absolutely de rigueur in a well-run worktop factory, immaterial of the precise material under the saw". 

It also details its concerns regarding the recent reported cases of silicosis: "to speak on the evidence in the UK: it is a source of great concern to the WFF that cases have now been identified in the UK of individuals who manifest silicosis as a result of occupationally-acquired exposure to RCS dust while fabricating stone worktops.
The detailed understanding of the causes and exposures in these cases is still in its infancy. WFF is already working with the medical experts to identify common data sets to help us all map out their occupational exposure history, and identify any learnings that could help further improve factory management."

To read the full statement, click this link.

Launched in 2020, the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) is a non-profit organisation representing businesses using industrial fabrication methods to manufacture large format slabs for surfaces, made from natural stone and similar man-made materials.

The Federation's objectives and goals are to promote professionalism across the surfaces and stone masonry industries, including the promotion of good working practices and policies for health & safety in the workplace. The WFF is a unified representative voice for the fabricators on matters of industry-wide importance. Providing education, improving industry standards; nurturing collaboration between material suppliers and related markets, sharing experiences and uniting for the common benefit of the industry. A primary goal is to align our community of leading fabricators and suppliers as a membership, providing guidance to (KBB) designers and furniture installers. Delivering factual, impartial advice to all related trades and the consumer.