Mandatory sharing of ground investigation data under the proposed Geotechnical Data Sharing Bill is “critical” to cutting project cost and risk, AtkinsRéalis geotechnical engineer and Engineering Geology chair Dr Jacqueline Skipper told NCE. Skipper argues that making borehole logs, in situ test results and laboratory data publicly accessible would reduce duplicated site investigations, improve desk studies and help identify legacy hazards earlier in design. For contractors and consultants, she says the Bill could materially change tender pricing, contingency allowances and early-stage geotechnical risk allocation.

The Federation of Master Builders is urging the UK government to introduce mandatory licensing for all building trades as part of reforms to create a Single Construction Regulator, arguing current “halfway house” measures leave “vast gaps of no regulation”. Chief executive Brian Berry says responsible SMEs are being undercut by rogue traders operating with little oversight, causing serious financial and emotional harm to homeowners. The FMB wants the new regulator’s scope expanded to administer a state‑controlled licensing scheme that sets a clear competence baseline and strengthens enforcement.

Future Homes Hub has created an Embodied Carbon and Resource Efficiency Board (ECREB) to lead delivery of the New Homes Sector Transition Plan on embodied emissions from materials, transport and construction processes. The board, co‑chaired by Department for Business and Trade deputy director Fergus Harradence and Barratt Redrow group sustainability director Bukky Bird, convened its first meeting on 16 March. Early work will focus on resource efficiency and waste reduction to cut embodied carbon and cost, complementing the forthcoming Future Homes Standard for operationally zero‑carbon‑ready homes.