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Front Page News
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The Green Deal Bulletin gives a summary of the latest news stories about the coalition government's scheme to encourage home efficiency improvements such as double glazing, insulation and energy efficient boilers with no upfront payment and financed by savings on energy bills. PM under pressure to boost green deal incentives Further incentives urged to increase take up of the Green Deal Mortgage lenders and the Green Deal: raw deal or no big deal? Discussion of who will pay for the Green Deal if repayments are not met British hope their Green Deal will cut energy imports by $5 Billion a year Brief article about UK energy officials visiting the United States to share information about the Green Deal Queen’s Speech: 'Reform of the electricity market' Details of Energy Bill which proposes reform of the electricity market Queen’s Speech Briefing Notes Includes further information about the Energy Bill The BBA launches Installer Guide for The Green Deal British Board of Agrément has produced an installer guide to outline the key requirements that installers need to comply with if they wish to operate under the Green Deal. More information from the British Board of Agrément on the Green Deal...
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Welcome to the latest issue of Residential Bulletin, a selection of freely available online items relating to residential issues. UK Housing Market Residential market trends An update on current trends based on data published by Land Registry, Nationwide and Rightmove CBRE UK Residential Viewpoint May 2012 [Type market trends in the keyword box and click on search] Europe Residential markets in Germany (Executive Summary) Current developments, prospects and opportunities in the residential sector. [View the report after free registration] Asia High-end residential prices largely flat across Asia Luxury residential markets in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Mumbai. Jones Lang LaSalle The Residential Index May 2012...
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Welcome to this week's Commercial Property Market Information Update, a selection of the 10 top free online items on commercial property and related topics including the business and economic background and covering both UK and international markets. UK-business, economics, finance ICAEW / Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) Quarter two 2012 Business confidence has improved in the last three months, suggesting the UK will return to growth in Q2 2012. Despite a strong rebound in the Confidence Index, BCM supports the view that the UK’s economy will continue to ‘zig-zag’ over the next 12 months, with economic recovery still very fragile. UK - commercial property CBRE: In_retail magazine Spring 2012 Insightful overview of what’s going on in the High Street: reports of the High Street’s demise are greatly exaggerated ; expectations of a return to normal after four years downturn are now fading ; private equity deals are increasingly being seen as the reason why some retailers have taken a beating; the evolution of e-commerce ; speculative development activity is close to a record low and investment activity is at a very low ebb. [Highlight Retail in the Sectors box, then click on search] United Kingdom: Complying with a tenant break clause 09 May 2012 Article by Joe Brightman (Attwells Solicitors) Important recent case of Avocet Industrial Estates LLP v Merol Ltd [2011] showing the consequences of a tenant not complying with the terms of a break clause. [You may need to register (free) to view this article in full] CBRE Global Investors: UK Propertywatch - Q2 2012 Europe AEW Europe: European Real Estate Quarterly April 2012 Highlights – Real Estate Investment Markets - Office Market - Retail Market – Logistics Market – Residential Market – Economy and Capital Markets – Individual Country Data and Commentary. Asia Pacific DTZ : Property Times India Offices Q1 2012 2 May 2012 Demand remains subdued Provides an analysis of the office market in a key RICS market, India: economic and real estate overview; Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, and Hyderabad markets. [You need to register (free) to view DTZ reports] Jones Lang LaSalle: China Property Market Monitor - April 2012 Highlights key developments or trends in a RICS key market, China, in China's real estate market during the past month, with a focus on Guangzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu, Beijing and Shanghai property market. Jones Lang LaSalle: The Office Index May 2012 Important index of rental movements in the key city office markets across the Asia Pacific region. This issue sees a slowing of office rental increases across the region but capital values proving to be more resilient. United States/Americas CBRE Global Investors: US PropertyWatch - 2Q 2012 International Propertywire: premier global property news service International news relating to commercial property, hot topics, free guides and online magazine....
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A Valuer's Guide to the Red Book 2012 - May 2012 Fully revised to reflect the Red Book 2012, this guide includes: a clear commentary on the latest changes to the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards; a handy Red Book route map summarising key stages for every valuation; sample questions and answers; common problems and how to avoid them. Price: £30.00 CESMM4 - Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement - May 2012 Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM) has proved to be extremely resilient in meeting the needs of those engaged in preparing contracts based on traditional ‘measure & value’ principles. CESMM4 may be used with any conditions of contract for civil engineering work that includes measurement. Price: £65.00 CESMM4: Examples - May 2012 This book provides a comprehensive range of examples of diagrams and bills of quantities based on Section 8, works classification, of CESMM4. The example bill pages illustrate the application of the rules of measurement in all classes of CESMM4. Price: £40.00 CESMM4: Handbook - May 2012 The handbook has been completely updated and includes new text to bring it in line with the changes and new material contained within CESMM4. The handbook explains the amendments which have been made to make CESMM4 contract neutral and inclusive of the latest technologies. Price: £70.00 Arenas for the Future - May 2012 Arenas of the Future is a new book that covers all aspects of stadium and arena design including: Green Goal and LEED certification, energy, emergency power, renewable power, and more. Price: £50.00 Understanding the JCT Standard Building Contract - May 2012 This ninth edition of David Chappell’s bestselling guide has been revised to take into account changes made in 2011 to payment provisions, and elsewhere. Price: £24.99 (TBC) Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book, 2nd edition - July 2012 Now substantially revised and fully up-to-date with NRM1 and NRM2, the Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book remains the essential reference for newly qualified and student quantity surveyors. Price: £18.99 (TBC) To buy your copies in person, please get in touch with us on +44 (0)207 334 3776 or bookshop@rics.org To have your copies delivered, please pre-order online at RICS Books...
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Welcome to the latest issue of Residential Bulletin, a selection of freely available online items relating to residential issues. UK Housing Market Mainstream A round up of recent house price results records continuing decreases in prices as illustrated by 0.6% decrease in March ( Land Registry ) 0.4% decrease in April ( Halifax ) 0.2% decrease in April ( Nationwide ) UK Rents London rents predicted to rise by 3.25% over next 12 months ( Young Index Private Rented Sector Sentiment Report ) Flooding insurance alert Council of Mortgage Lenders warns that households in flood risk areas are going to have difficulty in finding insurance cover after the agreement between the Government and Association of British Insurers ends in 2013. Mortgage lenders and insurers viewpoints outlined. CML News and Views (8) 2 May 2012 Squatting becomes a criminal offence Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 which received Royal Assent on 1 May has made squatting in residential property a criminal offence. Beds in sheds task force A national task force headed by Housing Minister Grant Shapps and Immigration Minister Damien Green with representatives from the police, UK Border Agency and representatives from local government has been set up to tackle the issue of sheds and outbuildings being illegally let out to migrants, many of whom have entered the UK illegally. DCLG News Release 30 April 2012...
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Construction Specifications: Practice Guide This publication is from The Construction Specifications Institute, http://www.csinet.org, an organisation in the United States. The book comes with a companion website and is a good preparation for the CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) exam. It contains a good introduction with useful overviews and explanations, and a very detailed contents list and index. It would be a good source of information generally on project management, building information modelling, and an introduction to construction documents in use in the United States. Price: £55.00 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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Welcome to this week's Commercial Property Market Information Update , a selection of the 10 top free online items on commercial property and related topics, including the business and economic background and covering both UK and international markets. UK - commercial property BCSC: Shopping Centre Development Pipeline 2012 The primary aim of this study is to focus attention on what is actually happening with retail regeneration on developments over 50 000 sq ft. The research focuses on town centre development rather than out of town or supermarket schemes. DTZ: Money into Property 2012 UK 24 April 2012 Filling the Gap. Part of DTZ's flagship publication "Money into Property " which charts the development and structure of the global investment market, this report focuses on the UK and provides an in-depth look at the current state of the real estate market together with our outlook for local investment opportunities. [You will need to register (free) to view DTZ reports] Savills: Shopping Centre and High Street Bulletin Quarter 1 2012 April 2012 2012 will be the turning point in this consumer cycle. Trading remains tough. Some retailers believe that there will be an Olympic boost this summer. Only 12 shopping centres were sold in Q1 2012 totalling £461.m. The high street investment market has started quietly this year. Prime high street yields are likely to remain at their current level in the near future but secondary yields could harden. [You will need to register (free) to view Savills' reports] Europe Pramerica Real Estate Investors: European Quarterly Outlook April 2012 Executive summary:macro-economic themes - implications for commercial real estate; Economic trends: concerns over the future of the Eurozone; Transactions and pricing: investment activity retreating; Debt markets: banks under pressure to reduce exposure; Property markets: offfice - take-up weakens but there are signs of recovery; retail bifurcation between low and high end; logistics weal occupier outlook; Investment performance: investors focus attention on North European offices; attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunties - Europe. Asia Pacific/Oceania DTZ: Money into Property 2012 Asia Pacific 26 April 2012 Growth expands beyond China Part of DTZ's flagship publication "Money into Property " which charts the development and structure of the global investment market, this report focuses on the Asia Pacific region and provides an in-depth look at the current state of the real estate market together with our outlook for local investment opportunities. [You will need to register (free) to view DTZ reports] United States/Americas Pramerica Real Estate Investors: Latin American Quarterly Outlook April 2012 Executive summary:macro-economic themes - implications for commercial real estate; Economic trends:growth steady in Mexico and Chile, Brazil faces challenges; central banks changing course in Brazil and Chile; Property markets: low-income housing continues positive trend; retail outlook improving across the region; office strong employment climate keeps demand robust; autos driving demand in Mexico; Brazil's industrial market strong; Attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunties - Latin America. International DTZ: Money into Property 2012 Global 26 April 2012 "Money into Property" charts the structure of the global investment market, covering 42 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. Provides a global focus and an in-depth look at the current state of the real estate market together with our outlook for local investment opportunities. [You will need to register (free) to view DTZ reports] Savills: Insights World Cities Review Spring 2012 Presents the latest figures for ten world class cities. Discover cities compared in 2012 and the differences between 'old' and 'new' cities. The City UK: Monthly Economic Reports April 2012 (Oxford Economics) Global - Brazil – China – GCC – – India – Russia – South and Sub-Saharan Africa – Turkey – Asean....
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According to Jim Sinopoli, managing principal of Smart Buildings, facility management is undergoing a significant process of evolution and transformation. The days when the facilities management (FM) or engineering group was housed in a small office in the basement next to the elevator mechanical room are long gone. The profile and value of the facilities management team has become more visible and critical as organizational executives grapple with energy, building costs, finances and occupant expectations. However there's still work to do for FM to be fully appreciated and seen as a strategic internal organization and valuable asset. The increasing pressures, challenges and expectations of FM are unlike those of other business functions. Building operators are now dealing with advanced technology, new building components, increased levels of building complexity, managing energy demand, procuring new energy supplies, a changing skill set and knowledge base for personnel, etc. The transformation is disruptive and will eventually destroy old priorities and processes. Given that the Spring season is known for renewal and regrowth, now may be a good time to get ready for the new FM reality. For Jim the high priority "To-Dos" are as follows: 1. Start with the Data Data is the gateway for managing building performance. If you don't have a data management policy, develop one. Identify the information that is strategic to the performance of the building and the facility management organization and then work backward to identify the set of data to support your metric. Review your data management system (not to be confused with a BMS), the use of third-party data such as energy markets or weather, and confirm the accuracy of data sources such as sensors and metering within a building. 2. Invest in People In many parts of the world, ongoing management and operation of buildings is simply underappreciated, undervalued and an afterthought. And with the talent pool shrinking, so are the skill sets and knowledge bases of what it takes to operate and maintain a changing facility. A priority To-Do item is to focus on attracting, recruiting, and retaining the best talent. You may want to reassess your recruiting, especially for younger men and women. This is a demographic that has slightly different motivations, such as the public image and values of the company, and is often committed to social and environmental responsibility. Spurred on by the imperatives of energy and sustainability, building systems themselves and the technology of the systems are changing. With that, the role of technicians and engineers is also being redefined. 3. Develop a Plan to Update Your Technology Upgrading technology is a constant, not static endeavor. If you're sitting on systems older than five years without any significant upgrades or controllers older than ten years than you may want to start with an assessment of your current internal operational systems and building systems. Particular attention should be paid to the building management system (BMS), as this tends to be the go-to daily operational tool and the depository for much of the building system data points. It's probably time to at least pilot the emerging integrated building management systems (IBMS). The use of advanced software applications integral to an IBMS, such as fault detection or alarm management, has demonstrated significant financial payback in energy and operational costs. 4. Build Better Relationships and Communicate Results Facility management touches everyone within a building. While some of this is the daily interaction with occupants to resolve issues, and is important, the strategic relationships are with the C-suite and IT, as well as groups involved with capital planning, business strategies and finances. Within the organization, FM needs to regularly communicate, convey and even promote its accomplishments, reminding others that many times the largest asset in a company is its facilities. Moreover, you must make the case as to why the management and performance of the building is in their (the organization's) best interest and a crucial part of the business and culture. View Jim Sinopoli's full article RICS FM standards RICS has opened its global industry consultation on strategic facilities management (FM) standards, and is seeking input from expert professionals to shape the final documents. The emerging standards, which will be published in late 2012, are designed to provide greater certainty and consistency in FM processes, and form part of a wider campaign in markets around the world to promote the value of strategic property advice to business. The standards suite open for consultation includes Facilities Management Core Principles, The Strategic Role of Facilities Management in Business Performance and a facilities management positioning paper. To contribute to the consultation please access, and make comments directly on, the documents below: RICS facilities management positioning paper RICS facilities management standards - core principles The strategic role of facilities management in business performance, 3rd edition The consultation closes on 24 May 2012....
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RICS Library has been offering our members access to Ebsco Business Source, a full text database of an extensive collection of ejournals for a few years now. Ebsco have recently introduced an addtional part of the service called Ebsco Business Source Plus which we are trialling for 30 days. As well as the current content it has three key additional services. 1. An additional 1400+ full text journals 2. Interactive company reports and intelligence 3. Associated Press News and links to 850,000 web new services – creating a streamlined tool to find content outside of EBSCO. To see this content just go to our e-resources page . You will need to use your member login to see the page as this is a member only service. Click on Search EBSCO e-journals. Once you see the Ebsco search screen try a search and you will see new blocks of information on the right hand side headed "Associated Press feed" and web news. We'd love to know what you think so email us on library@rics.org and tell us if you find it useful. Be quick because the trial ends at the end of May....
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Just added to the Library ebooks collection, The Impact of Building Information Modelling by Ray Crotty, published in 2011. Find other BIM items in our online library catalogue...
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Dilapidations - RICS Guidance Note 6th edition This is particularly relevant to practitioners in view of the recent adoption of a formal pre-action protocol under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). Price: £40.00 RICS Valuation - Professional Standards 2012 (the Red Book) Effective from 30/Mar/12, the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards replaces all previous issues of the Red Book and is completely compliant with IVS (International Valuation Standards, published by the International Valuation Standards Council) and its standards also reinforces the RICS VRS (Valuer Registration Scheme). Price: £120.00 (RICS Members) / £200.00 (Non RICS Members) Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution in Construction Part of the QS & Construction Standards this guidance note summarises what is meant by dispute avoidance and dispute resolution; it identifies in outline only the key issues that all surveyors should understand in respect of these distinct substantive areas. Price: £30.00 Retention Part of the QS & Construction Standards (Black Book) this guidance note introduces the subject of retentions by looking at the general principles, including areas such as law, reasons for introduction within a contract: levles of retetion, and how amounts are deducted, certified or released. Price: £30.00 Managing the Design Delivery This note provides guidance on managing the process of delivering design, and it is based in the context of construction projects. Price: £30.00 Global Trends in Real Estate Finance This book addresses the emerging complexity in contemporary real estate markets by discussing the history, merits and implications of a range of products and processes. It also examines are the changes in the practices and environment needed to ensure the success of these property products. Price: £76.50 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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RICS London Bookshop has received an all new range of branded RICS gifts: Lapel Pin The real mark of belonging to one of the UK's foremost professional organisations. The RICS lapel pin is a quiet statement of authority, in silver with an official purple rics logo in hard enamel on a silver backing. Price: £4.40 + VAT Mechanical Card Case Present your business cards in style. This pocket-sized case features a silver snap closure engraved with the RICS logo and has a handy mechanism that advances the cards when opened. Price: £13.20 + VAT Two-tone Business Card Case This two tone, nickel plated case has a smooth matt finish highlighted by a chrome-effect trim. Featuring a soft lined interior, the outer case has been strengthened to survive everyday knocks. It is finished with a laser engraved RICS logo. Price: £13.20 + VAT Ceramic Earthenware Mug This earthenware mug features the RICS logo in corporate purple. The wider dimensions allow for quicker cooling and the shorter height fits easily under the majority of coffee machines. Price: £9.90 + VAT Commuter Umbrella Designed by Scotchlight for easy operation on the move, this smaller version of the large umbrella has a unique LED pivoting torch feature on the handle. It is finished with a high visibility strip and a wrist strap. Price: £24.20 + VAT Mini Maglite The Mini-Maglight packs powerful illumination into a compact shape to make it a frequently used accessory. Finished in a durable black coating it is presented in its own stylish case, it is ideal for providing light in the darkest corners and hard-to-see places. Price: £18.15 + VAT Scotchlight Umbrella Suitable for fieldwork in very poor conditions, this is a lightweight and sturdy umbrella by Scotchlight. The umbrella features a 14mm aluminium shaft, fibreglass ribs and a windproof frame, along with an automatic push-button opening, ergonimically curved handle and a high visibility strip. Finished with the RICS logo in striking white. Price: £24.20 + VAT Oval Cufflinks Wear your professional membership on your sleeve. This pair of oval cufflinks is a stylish accessory for any surveyor and clearly demonstrates your RICS membership. Diamond engraved with the RICS logo they are presented in a contemporary navy gift box. Price: £15.95 + VAT Smooth Leather Folder Whether for day-to-day use at work, or for presenting and protecting documents, this smooth premium leather folder is a useful everyday accessory or a high quality corporate gift. It features a handy gift closure, an array of useful pockets and an A4 notepad. It is finished with an embossed RICS logo. Price: £41.80 + VAT Steel Travel Mug Contemporary stainless steel travel mug, combining syle with function. The lock tight lid keeps drinks warm for longer and prevents spillage while you're on the move. A tapered base ensures it fits into most car cup holders. Price: £12.10 + VAT Victorinox Huntsman Knife A genuine toolbox from the makers of the original Swiss Army Knife. This handy tool includes two main blades, corkscrew, saw, bottle opener, reamer punch with sewing eye. 15 features in all. Price: £35.75 + VAT We continue to stock the perennial favourites: Golf Umbrella This high quality golf-style umbrella is supported by a strong fibreglass frame and is finished with the RICS logo on alternate panels. Price: £21.00 + VAT Melborne Nappa Business Card Holder The quality Melbourne Nappa leather used in the business card holder adds a little luxury to your desk. Providing space for 96 business cards, the holder is discreetly embossed with the RICS logoand is the perfect way to organise your contacts. Price: £21.50 + VAT Round Vanity Compact Mirror A stylish circular compact mirror set with one standard and one magnifying mirror. The perfect on-the-go item, it is finished in polished chrome and comes with a protective pouch. Price: £11.00 + VAT Silk Tie Navy with Amber Mesh Design This high quality 100% silk tie comes in a navy and amber mesh weave with the RICS logo. Price: £22.50 + VAT Silk Tie Steel Grey Tight Weave Design This high quality 100% silk tie comes in a sleek grey finish with the RICS logo. Price: £22.50 + VAT To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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RICS London Bookshop stocks a number of titles dealing with Facilities Management, including: Hazards and the Built Environment This book sets out to explore the challenges facing the built environment and examines the strategies that must be taken if built-in resilience is to be realised in the future and built assets safeguarded. Price: £41.99 Facilities Management: Innovation and Performance This book follows on directly form Keith Alexander's textbook Facilities Management: Theory and Practice and focuses on four new themes which have been identified as keys to the new strategy: organisational change and learning, innovation, performance and the knowledge workplace. Price: £37.50 Detail Practice - Energy Efficient Upgrades This volume is a practical guide with concrete recommendations for realizing energy-related renovation measures - it accompanies the planner from design to execution. All energy-related issues are treated according to their goals. Price: £24.00 Building Sustainabilty in the Balance This book explores issues surrounding the decision whether to demolish or retain a building. It introduces the concept of the "triple bottom line" of economic, environmental and social sustainability and advocates an approach to decision making that involves the views and interests of all stakeholders. Price: £38.99 Specifying Buildings This book covers the whole process and takes into account key issues such as minimising risk and sustainable practices. New case studies, research materials and reviews illustrate how to translate design intent into building assembly. Price: £24.99 Carbon Management of Real Estate (RICS Guidance Note) This guidance outlines how carbon management can provide real commercial returns as well as making a significant contribution to climate change. Price: £30.00 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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RICS UK Commercial Real Estate Agency Standards 1st Edition The RICS UK Commercial Estate Agency Standards is aimed at commercial real estate agents, but it also offers a useful source of reference for clients, and other stakeholders. It refers only to direct property ownership for both occupation and investment, not to forms of indirect investment. What is covered - Ethics: dealing with conflicts of interest - Securing instructions - Disposals: marketing the property - Acting for the seller: implementing the disposal - Letting a property - Acquisitions; and more. Price: £97.50 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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RICS London Bookshop stocks a number of titles dealing with Delays in Construction, including: Construction Delays, Extensions of Time and Prolongation Claims This book provides guidance on delay analysis, particularly in relation to extensions of time submissions. It gives readers information and practical details to be considered in formulating and resolving extension of time submissions and time-related prolongation claims. Price: £80.00 Delay and Disruption Claims in Construction This practical guide describes issues such as contractual obligations, how to write delay and disruption claims, legal reasoning behind validating claims, and the application of Critical Path Methods to calculate time delays and damages. Price: £37.50 Delay and Disruption in Construction Contracts Keith Pickavance's title discusses at length the practice and law of proof of causation in delay and disruption related claims, in various jurisdictions. It covers the practice of change management and project control in construction and civil engineering contracts. Price: £295.00 Delay Analysis in Construction Contracts This book is a practical guide to the process of delay analysis and includes an in-depth review of the primary methods of delay analysis, together with the assumptions that underlie the precise calculations required in any quantitative delay analysis. Price: £68.99 Delay in the Performance of Contractual Obligations This book deals systematically with the topic of delay in the contractual context. In the first part of the book there is a general discussion of the law for determining the time of performance, both where a time is set by the contract and where the contract is silent as to time. Price: £131.00 Damages for Delay to Completion (RICS Practice Standard) The guidance note introduces the topic of damages to delay to completion by lookng at the general principles of the issue including areas such as law, reasons for introduction with a contract. levels of damages, and how sums are deducted, certified or released. Price: £30.00 About Time: Delay Analysis in Construction About Time provides a straightforward reference for everyone working in the building and civil engineering industry who needs to understand delay claims. Price: £47.50 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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Construction Adjudication This book established itself as the key authority on adjudication when it was first published. It has now been revised to reflect the authors' experience of adjudication in practice and to cover the large number of court decisions. It features useful appendices on adjudication materials. Price: £71.99 Case in Point - Construction Adjudication This book is written for surveyors who are acting on behalf of their client in a dispute or as an adjudicator. With key case summaries written in plain English linked by explanatory text, this guide enables you to have a detailed understanding of the legal framework and practical implications of adjudication. Price: £28.50 Coulson on Construction Adjudication The new edition of this established and popular text has been painstakingly revised to provide comprehensive coverage of these new legislative changes, as well as to analyze the wealth of decisions under clear headings, explaining the scope and limits of an adjudicator's decision. Price: £230.00 Statutory Adjudication This book has been written for the parties to adjudication, particularly those new to the process. It takes a straightforward, practical approach to the subject, dealing with the process step-by-step. Price: £49.99 A Commentary on the ICE Adjudication Procedure summarises the requirements of the Act and elucidates their appliaction to construction adjudication. It also explains the adjudication procedure in detail (with notes on each clause) and provides guidance for the practical application of the adjudication of the procedure. Price: £20.00 Adjudication Contracts JCT 2011 Adjudication Agreement (Adj) Appropriate where the adjudicator is to be appointed in respect of a construction dispute that has arisen under a JCT contract. Price: £10.80 (incl. VAT) JCT 2011 Adjudication Agreement (Named Adjudicator) ADJ/N Price: £10.80 (incl. VAT) NEC3 Adjudication Contract The NEC3 Adjudicator’s Contract (AC) should be used for the appointment of an Adjudicator to decide disputes under the NEC family of contracts. It may also be used for the appointment of an Adjudicator under other forms of contract. Price: £15.00 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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Leasehold Disputes - A Guide to Leasehold Valuation This book contains full coverage of the relevant case-law and legislation relating to the main areas of dispute such as service and administration charges, repairs, right to information, duty to consult, insurance, variation of leases and forfeiture. Price: £30.00 Commercial Conflict Manangement and Dispute Resolution This book serves to give a neat and brief overview for professionals. Those studying or working in commerce generally, construction project management, construction management, and construction law will find this to be an invaluable book. Price: £19.99 The Law of Construction Disputes It is an easily accessible text covering both the history of construction disputes and their resolution both through the common law, civil and Sharia law along with all current relevant legislation, case law and standard forms such as the JCT, NEC3 and FIDIC Conditions of Contract. Price: £290.00 Causation and Delay in Construction Disputes This book shows how to identify and avoid problems during the project, and analyses claims for delay.The new edition takes account of case law since 1999 and has new sections on adjudication, risk allocation and the Delay and Disruption Protocol. Price: £67.50 Chern on Dispute Boards: Practice & Procedure - Save £20.00 This book provides the knowledge necessary for those actively involved in dispute board work as well as for those who need to learn the process.This book has been superceded by a new edition. Price: £89.50 | £69.50 Dilapidations and Service Charge Disputes - A Practical Guide This title bridges the gap between heavy-weight legally focussed case law publications and the lighter weight guidance notes. It provides invaluable stage-by-stage guidance to surveyors, lawyers, landlords and tenants involved in these specialist areas of property disputes. Price: £38.99 Dispute Boards Outlines the various contract procedures which require or permit the use of Dispute Boards. It gives a detailed explanation of interpretation and application of each requirement, both practical and legal/contractual, referring to the international Conditions of Contract published by FIDIC as well as to other published procedures where relevant. Price: £55.00 Forms of Contract Rules for Dispute Review Boards - The Beige Book The IChemE International Forms of Contract provide for the appointment of a Dispute Review Board (DRB). This method of dispute resolution is gaining increasing favour for large and complex projects, providing a forum in which a variety of issues can be considered by an experienced independent DRB before entering the formal Disputes Resolution procedure. Price: £20.00 Neighbour Disputes Provides a practical guide for those seeking to resolve disputes between neighbours who are at war with each other - whether it be about noise, overhanging branches, the position of a fence, or some other irritation that has sparked neighbour rage. Price: £39.00 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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RICS is calling for members' views on the EU consultation 'Policy Options for the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Waters' The European Commission will present its 'Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources' this year. This document will assess the implementation and achievements of EU water policy as well as identify gaps and shortcomings. On the basis of this analysis, the blueprint will identify actions to strengthen water policy and to address ongoing vulnerability of the water environment. The recent Fitness Check of EU Freshwater Policy and the ongoing assessment of the River Basin Management Plans of the EU member states, conducted by the European Commission in 2010-2012, show that the adequacy of the current water legislative framework is relevant to enable the protection and restoration of clean water across Europe and its long-term, sustainable use. However, there are fundamental weaknesses in the implementation of the current water legislation as well as conflicts between water policy and other EU policies' objectives. The European Commission's blueprint will thus address implementation issues, the integration of water and other policies' objectives, as well as the gaps in the current EU policy framework. More background on this consultation can be found in the accompanying consultation document . Take part in the consultation (RICS members only) In order to respond to the European Commission's consultation, RICS is calling on members with the relevant expertise to answer the consultation's questionnaire via an onlnie survey. RICS would welcome responses to this survey by 22 May. We request that you only answer the questions that are relevant to your field of expertise. Take the survey now The questionnaire follows the major expected themes of the blueprint on the challenges for future EU water policy - tools for water management, unlocking measures, economic instruments, governance, knowledge base and global issues. Questions are asked about specific options to address different problems arising within these themes. There are 18 substantive questions on key issues for the blueprint. Most questions use 'tick boxes', and there are also opportunities to elaborate on your responses....
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RICS London Bookshop carries a number of titles on Dilapidations, including: BCIS Dilapidations Price Book 2011 This is an essential title for anyone providing cost advice to landlords or tenants on costs of complying with Schedules of Dilapidations also other built environment professionals undertaking dilapidations work. Price: £199.00 Dilapidations and Service Charge Disputes: A Practical Guide This title offers practical guidance on the related topics of dilapidations and service charge disputes, bridging the gap between heavy-weight legally focussed case law publications and the lighter weight guidance notes. Price: £38.99 Dilapidations: A Guide to Best Practice This RICS Guidance Note includes all the latest information required to undertake a successful schedule of dilapidations. This essential guidance includes direction on: best practice in dilapidations instructions, constraints on surveyors, and more. Price: £40.00 Case In Point: Dilapidations When handling a dilapidations claim you need to be up to date with the latest case law. This book takes an excellent approach, ordering case summaries by points of surveying practice, to assist you in understanding the law of dilapidations. Price: £28.50 To buy your copies in person, please visit RICS London Bookshop To have your copies delivered, please order online at RICS Books...
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A building contractor once complained to me about an RICS appointed arbitrator, who he said had a conflict of interest. It seems the arbitrator called a meeting and one party came represented by a solicitor, while the other party, (the building contractor) came without any professional representation. As he walked into the meeting room the arbitrator, who shall remain nameless, recognised the solicitor as someone who represented another party in a completely unrelated arbitration about 6 months before. As quick as you like, he said to the solicitor "Hi John, how's things with you"? The fact is the arbitrator only knew the solicitor professionally. I was subsequently reassured by the arbitrator that there was no relationship between him and the solicitor other than a professional one. He said they never communicated or met in a social context, and I found no evidence of a relationship that would give rise to a perception that the arbitrator would be biased in favour of the solicitor. I told the arbitrator that he would probably avoid similar complaints in the future if he was less familiar and referred to the solicitor, and other people he knew professionally, as "Mr." when speaking within the confines of an arbitration meeting. This happened over 10 years ago, and the thing is, if the arbitrator's relationship with the solicitor was more than professional, it would probably have been very difficult to prove. But 10 years ago we didn't have Facebook, Twitter or Linked In. I came across an article via Linked In this morning, which comments on new circumstances that might give rise to potential challenges to arbitrators, based on conflicts of interest arising out of social networking. The essence of the argument is that social media creates relationships which are very visible and sites like Facebook leave a public record which others can easily view. The author concludes that there should be guidelines which determine which virtual “relationships” require disclosure, waiver, or disqualification. He also questions whether an arbitrator’s use of social media sites should be discoverable by the parties. I put this to former President of RICS, Graham Chase. He recently Chaired the RICS Working Party on Conflicts of Interest in dispute resolution, and developed a comprehensive guidance note on the subject. Graham's view (which I agree with) is that relationships, no matter how they are formed, should be disclosed under the best practice guidelines with social media simply supplying the evidence of a fact. He went on to explain that relationships developed on social media sites were not to be ignored in this context. At the end of the day, says Graham “ they are a physical manifestation of what actually is happening. Nothing more, nothing less...
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On Tuesday 01 May, RICS will launch its International Dispute Board Training and Accreditation Programme. This is a new scheme which will provide chartered surveyors and other professionals with an opportunity to qualify as a member of the RICS Dispute Board Register. This evening event is free to attend and will be at RICS HQ in Parlaiment Square London (17:30 start). Introductions from Bob Davis, Chair of RICS Dispute Board Working Party, will be followed by our Key note speaker Mr Justice Ramsey QC, who is the former Head of the Technology and Construction Court. RICS President, See Lian Ong will be there and we will reveal how you can become an RICS regsitered dispute board member, and what we wil be doing to promote Dispute Boards and the Register to global markets. If you're interested in coming along, contact Fay Hartland: fhartland@rics.org...
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Welcome to the latest issue of Residential Bulletin, a selection of freely available online items relating to residential issues. House prices UK Mainstream A round up of recent house price results. 0.2% increase February 2012 ONS . NB (CLG House price index has been replaced by ONS House Price Index) Prime London markets increased by 2.8% 1 Qr 2012 Savills Regional markets increased by an average 0.6% 1 Qr Savills UK Private sector rents Rents fall by 0.3% in March ( LSL Buy to Let Index )...
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Welcome to this week's Commercial Property Market Information Update , a selection of the 10 top free online items on commercial property and related topics including the business and economic background and covering both UK and international markets. UK - commercial property Acuitus: cPad Market Flash – Commercial Property Auction Data April 2012 Sales volumes and sale rates are both up while buyers have increasingly looked beyond the confines of London and the south east for investments. CBRE: Scottish Offices Market View Q1 2012 More quarterly take-up in the Glasgow office market since Q2 2010. Demand in Edinburgh’s office market has held up well this quarter, 13% over previous quarter and 31% more than the long-term average quarterly average. Aberdeen is again the best performing Scottish city in terms of office take-up in Q1 2012. [Click on the pdf at right of screen] Cushman & Wakefield: The UK Property Investment Market - April 2012 Prime yields were broadly stable at an average of 5.76% in March, but secondary yields found themselves under increasing pressure. In fact it is only a lack of transactional evidence which has prevented a marked outward shift thus far. [You will need to sign up (free) with the Knowledge Center to view C & W reports] GVA: The Big Nine: quarterly review of the regional office occupiers market Q1 2012 Prospects for the regional office market have improved significantly since the end of 2011. Improved market sentiment has encouraged occupiers with upcoming lease events to start their property search while quality stock is still available. Birmingham – Bristol – Cardiff – Edinburgh – Glasgow – Leeds – Liverpool – Manchester – Newcastle. UK – facilities management FM World: Sustainability still tops FM agenda 19 April 2012 Sustainability is still one of the most significant issues for facilities and property managers despite the last two years of economic hardship, according to panellists at this week’s FM & Property Event. Europe BNP Paribas: Western Europe Investment at a Glance Q1 2012 No end in sight to markets divergence - April 2012 On a rolling year basis, total investment volume amounted to Euros 41.4bn in our nine primary markets in Q1 2012. The 9% average increase compared to the previous year differs among individual countries of course. [You will need to create an account (free) to view BNP Paribas reports] BNP Paribas: Western Europe Offices at a Glance Q1 2012 16 April 2012 Economic downturn ends vacancy rate decline - April 2012 The downward trend for office demand in the second half of 2011 was confirmed in early 2012. Globally, Q1 2012 saw weaker activity in most of the 9 primary Western European office markets compared to the same period last year. [You will need to create an account (free) to view BNP Paribas reports] IPD: IPD Pan-European Annual Property Index - results for the year to 31st December 2011 The IPD Pan-European Annual Property Index measures the combined performance of real estate markets in eighteen countries.The Index is based on the IPD indices for Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain,Sweden, Switzerland and the UK and the KTI index for Finland. The return in 2011 in local currencies was 6.6%. MENEA Jones Lang LaSalle: Dubai Real Estate Market Overview - Q1 2012 Signs of investor confidence have returned and the Dubai investment market continues to witness strong interest for high quality, well located, income producing assets. Asia Pacific/Oceania Knight Frank: Hong Kong Monthly April 2012 – review and commentary on Hong Kong’s property market Grade A office market remained the weakest Hong Kong property sector in March. The retail sector combined to outperform on the back of strong retailer demand. The residential market posted further rebounds during the traditional peak season. [Click on Asia Pacific and Commercial in the Refine box then click on title] International Knight Frank: Global Real Estate Markets 2012 Annual Global Real Estate Markets report provides an overview of commercial property trends across the world, with analysis for markets in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. [Click on Global in Refine box then on title]...
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The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) Volumes 1 and 2 are being launched at RICS Parliament Square on Tuesday 24/Apr/2012 . Buy both publications together at the RICS London Bookshop and get a £10 discount! NRM 1 - Order of Cost Estimating and Cost Planning for Capital Building Works NRM 1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works, provides fundamental guidance on the quantification of building works for the purpose of preparing cost estimates and cost plans. Price: £45.00 | Students: £30.00 NRM 2 - Detailed Measurement for Capital Building Works The rules have been written to provide a standard set of measurement rules that are understandable by all those involved in a construction project. They provide advice and best practice guidance to RICS members involved in the cost management of construction projects worldwide. Price: £45.00 | Students: £30.00 To buy your copies in person, please get in touch with us on +44 (0)207 334 3776 or bookshop@rics.org To have your copies delivered, please pre-order online at RICS Books...
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Yesterday I attended a debate organised by the ENDS report around "How long can business continue to lead the sustainability agenda?". It was stated from the start that the underlying question was "how sustainability can improve business commercial performance?". A very inspiring discussion was led by a panel of experts: Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business at Mars & Spencer; John Elkington, Executive Chairman of Volans; Alan Knight, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Business in the Community and Chairman of the Global Association of Corporate Sustainability Officers; and Sally Uren, Deputy Chief Executive of Forum for the Future. Mike highlighted the need to adapt to future markets (such as BRICS markets) as well as to future consumers, who are becoming more and more demanding about the quality of the product they buy. He called for a global policy change in order to bring consistency to those changing markets. John reminded the audience that the shift towards sustainability was currently taking place within a 50-70 year period, and that it would be completed when all the old generation will retire. He also highlighted that some significant changes were now taking place in businesses, going beyond recycling and CSR: indeed, John made clear that sustainability had a much wider scope and implied a transformational change. Alan saw the leaders of the sustainability agenda as the stakeholders of a triangle: businesses, governments and citizens, all having different and complementary roles to play. He highlighted citizens' behaviour change as a key element, which can't be completely induced by Government's laws or businesses' offering but which can drive those two other sides of the triangle. Sally saw the role of pioneer businesses as fundamental to lead change, and the role of governments as stating that pioneers' practice should be the norm. She called for more collaboration and regrouping between those pioneers, in order to be stronger in front of the barriers they face, mainly coming from the financial investment community. The Q&A session led to a high level debate around the mindset changes of consumers and businesses: while the former seem to increasingly need more than just "buying stuff" to be happy, businesses seem to increasingly have a holistic approach to sustainability, and as such see more of its benefits then its costs (hence why even Exxon Mobil and financial investors are now exploring the issue). So the next sustainability debate's question may well be "how can we continue to benefit from sustainability?"....
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