With a record number (60) of tall buildings completed in Londoni alone last year and over 500 more in the pipeline, there is no doubt that the trend for high-rise construction is continuing, but according to the new research, it appears those responsible for the design and delivery of these buildings are being presented with significant challenges.

Uponor’s report, ‘High-Rise and Net-Zero Buildings of Tomorrow: Is the Construction Industry Ready?’ draws on the findings of a survey of over 200 construction professionals, which examined the expectations facing the sector with regards to the delivery of suitable high-rise buildings in relation to three key themes: healthy buildings, technology in construction and net-zero buildings, and how realistic these expectations really are.

Emerging from the research was the view that buildings shape our health and well-being on a daily basis with 89% of those surveyed agreeing. However, almost two thirds of those surveyed said that in the current climate, creating a truly healthy building simply isn’t possible without compromise. The report, produced by Uponor in conjunction with mechanical and electric (M&E) consultants from across the UK, also reveals expert opinion on net-zero buildings and the use of technology in construction, with debate on how the evolving nature of the industry is affecting their work and how the sector can overcome the challenges exposed.

James Griffiths, project development director at Uponor, said: “Uponor has worked in the high-rise sector for many years and has played a crucial role in the delivery of safe and fit-for-purpose water delivery systems in some of the best-known buildings in the UK. Now however, it is time for us to look forward and to gain insight into the future of the sector and see how the industry needs to respond in order to meet current and future expectations, particularly where water management in high-rise is concerned.

“Our tall buildings are no longer feats of engineering in themselves; demands require them to be net-zero, support the health and well-being of their inhabitants and utilise the latest in modern technology in their construction. It seems the sky is the limit for the future of high-rise in the UK and this report looks into how feasible this is for our industry.”

High-Rise and Net-Zero Buildings of Tomorrow: Is the Construction Industry Ready?’ report can be downloaded  at www.uponor.co.uk/specification/whitepaper