CMA3003: INTRODUCTION TO THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CHOSEN PROJECT: HS2 RAILWAY PROJECT, UK

STUDENT ID
MODULE LEADER
DATE OF SUBMISSION

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 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................3

BODY..............................................................................................................................................3

INVESTIGATING THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY...........................................................................................................3

SELECTING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT...........................................................................................5

IDENTIFY THE MAIN PROFESSIONALS AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES INVOLVED IN YOUR
SELECTED PROJECT.......................................................................................................................6

HIGHLIGHT THE BENEFITS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO THE UK ECONOMY AND

LOCAL COMMUNITIES...................................................................................................................9

REFLECTION ON THE SELECTED UK CONSTRUCTION PROJECT..................................................11

CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................12

REFERENCES............................................................................................................................13

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Introduction

The construction industry is a critical component of the UK economy, providing jobs, driving
economic growth, and supporting local communities. The industry is responsible for the
construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, and
energy networks, which are essential for economic growth, trade, and quality of life. This essay
will investigate the various sectors of the built environment within the construction industry,
identify the main professionals and professional bodies involved in the High Speed 2 (HS2)
railway project, and highlight the benefits of the construction industry to the UK economy and
local communities.
The HS2 railway project is a large-scale infrastructure project that has been subject to much
discussion and debate in recent years. The project has the potential to transform connectivity and
economic growth in the country, and its successful completion relies on the collaboration of
various professionals and professional bodies. This essay will identify the main professionals and
professional bodies involved in the HS2 project, their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to
the project. Additionally, the essay will highlight the social and financial benefits that the HS2
project has brought to the local community. Overall, this essay will provide insight into the
construction industry, its importance to the UK economy, and its potential to drive positive
change in local communities.

Body

Investigating the various sectors of the built environment within the construction
industry

The construction industry is a vital contributor to the economy of any country. It is a sector that
encompasses a broad range of activities, including the design, planning, construction, and
maintenance of infrastructure and buildings. The construction industry is generally divided into
two sectors: the public sector and the private sector.
The public sector comprises organizations that are owned and operated by the government at the
national, state, or local levels. These organizations are responsible for the construction,

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maintenance, and operation of public infrastructure, such as highways, bridges, airports, schools,
hospitals, and government buildings. The public sector construction industry is heavily regulated,
and the procurement process is often complex, involving numerous stakeholders.
On the other hand, the private sector comprises organizations that are owned and operated by
individuals or private companies. These organizations are responsible for the construction of
commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. The private sector construction industry is
driven by market demand and competition and is subject to market forces.
Within these two sectors, there are various sub-sectors of the built environment, including:
 Residential Construction: This sector includes the construction of single-family homes,
multi-family dwellings, and apartments. According to the US Census Bureau, the
construction of single-family homes increased by 5.5% in 2021, while multi-family
housing construction increased by 14.2%.
 Commercial Construction: This sector includes the construction of offices, retail stores,
hotels, restaurants, and other commercial buildings. The commercial construction
industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with a global market size of $11.2
trillion in 2019.
 Industrial Construction: This sector includes the construction of factories, warehouses,
power plants, and other industrial facilities. The industrial construction market is
expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2021 to 2028.
 Infrastructure Construction: This sector includes the construction of highways, bridges,
tunnels, airports, seaports, and other public infrastructure. According to a report by Grand
View Research, the global infrastructure construction market size was valued at $5.73
trillion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028.
 Environmental Construction: This sector includes the construction of projects aimed at
preserving the environment, such as green buildings, sustainable infrastructure, and
renewable energy projects. The environmental construction market is expected to grow at
a CAGR of 8.2% from 2021 to 2028.
In conclusion, the construction industry is diverse and includes various sectors of the built
environment. These sectors differ in terms of ownership, regulation, and market forces. The
public sector is responsible for the construction of public infrastructure, while the private sector
is responsible for the construction of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. The

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construction industry is an essential contributor to the global economy and is expected to
continue growing in the coming years.

Selecting construction project

The High Speed 2 (HS2) is a UK government-backed project aimed at building a new high-speed
railway line connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. The project was first
announced in 2009 by the UK government, and the HS2 Act received royal assent in 2017,
allowing construction to begin.
The construction of the HS2 railway project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 involves the
construction of a new high-speed railway line between London and Birmingham, covering a
distance of 225 km. This phase started in 2017, with enabling works, such as the demolition of
buildings, site clearance, and utility diversions taking place. Main construction works
commenced in 2018, and the phase is expected to be completed by 2029.
Phase 2 of the HS2 railway project involves the construction of a Y-shaped route that extends to
Manchester and Leeds. This phase was given the go-ahead in 2020 and involves significant
earthworks, tunnelling, and the construction of stations. Phase 2a involves the construction of a
route between Birmingham and Crewe, while Phase 2b involves the construction of a route
between Crewe and Manchester, and between Birmingham and Leeds. Phase 2 of the project is
expected to be completed by 2040.
The main activities that took place during the HS2 project's main phases include:
 Planning and Development: This phase involved the development of the project's
business case, route alignment, environmental assessments, and engagement with
stakeholders. The planning phase started in 2009 and continued until 2017 when the HS2
Act received royal assent.
 Enabling Works: This phase involved site clearance, demolition of buildings, utility
diversions, and ground investigations. The enabling works phase started in 2017 and
continued until 2019, preparing the sites for the main construction works.
 Main Construction Works: This phase involves the construction of the railway line,
tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and stations. The main construction works phase started in
2018 and will continue until the completion of the project.

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  Testing and Commissioning: This phase involves the testing of the railway systems and
equipment to ensure they meet safety and operational standards. The testing and
commissioning phase will take place closer to the project's completion.
The HS2 railway project has faced some opposition from local communities and environmental
groups, citing concerns about the environmental impact, disruption to communities, and the
project's cost. However, supporters of the project argue that it will boost the UK's economy,
create jobs, and provide much-needed capacity to the country's railway network.

Identify the main professionals and professional bodies involved in your selected
project

The High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project is a large-scale infrastructure project that involves
various professionals and professional bodies. These professionals and bodies play a crucial role
in the successful completion of the project. In this section, we will identify the main
professionals and professional bodies involved in the HS2 project, their roles, responsibilities,
and contributions to the project.
Professionals Involved in the HS2 Project
1. Civil Engineers: Civil engineers play a vital role in the design, construction, and
maintenance of the HS2 railway project. They are responsible for the design and
construction of the railway line, tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure. They also
ensure that the project meets safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
2. Project Managers: Project managers are responsible for the overall management of the
HS2 project. They oversee the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of the
project, ensuring that it is completed on time, within budget, and to the required
standards.
3. Quantity Surveyors: Quantity surveyors are responsible for cost management and control
on the HS2 project. They estimate the project's cost, prepare budgets, and monitor costs
throughout the project's lifecycle.
4. Architects: Architects are responsible for the design and aesthetics of the HS2 project's
buildings and structures. They work with civil engineers to ensure that the project's
design meets functional requirements while also being visually appealing.

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 5. Environmental Specialists: Environmental specialists are responsible for assessing and
mitigating the HS2 project's environmental impact. They identify potential environmental
risks, propose mitigation measures, and ensure that the project complies with
environmental regulations.
6. Contractors: Contractors are responsible for the construction of the HS2 project. They
provide the workforce, equipment, and materials necessary to build the railway line,
tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Professional Bodies Involved in the HS2 Project
1. Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE): The ICE is a professional body that represents civil
engineers in the UK. It sets standards for the profession, provides training and
development opportunities, and promotes the importance of civil engineering in society.
The ICE has been involved in the HS2 project from the planning phase, providing
guidance on the project's design and construction.
2. Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA): The RIBA is a professional body that
represents architects in the UK. It sets standards for the profession, provides training and
development opportunities, and promotes the importance of architecture in society. The
RIBA has been involved in the HS2 project from the design phase, providing guidance on
the project's buildings and structures.
3. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): The RICS is a professional body that
represents quantity surveyors and other property professionals in the UK. It sets standards
for the profession, provides training and development opportunities, and promotes the
importance of property in society. The RICS has been involved in the HS2 project from
the cost management phase, providing guidance on cost estimation, budgeting, and
monitoring.
4. Chartered Institution of Environmental Health (CIEH): The CIEH is a professional body
that represents environmental health professionals in the UK. It sets standards for the
profession, provides training and development opportunities, and promotes the
importance of environmental health in society. The CIEH has been involved in the HS2
project from the environmental assessment phase, providing guidance on environmental
risk identification, mitigation, and compliance.

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Professional Role Responsibility

Quantity Cost management Estimate project cost, prepare budgets, and monitor
Surveyor and control costs throughout the project's lifecycle

Design and aesthetics Work with civil engineers to ensure that the
Architect of buildings and project's design meets functional requirements
structures while also being visually appealing

Assess and mitigate

Identify potential environmental risks, propose
Environmental the project's
mitigation measures, and ensure that the project
Specialist environmental
complies with environmental regulations
impact

Provide the workforce, equipment, and materials

Construction of the
Contractor necessary to build the railway line, tunnels, bridges,
project
and other infrastructure

Table : Roles and Responsibilities of Professionals Involved in the HS2 Project

Professional Role Contribution

Body

Institution of Set standards for the profession, provide Provide guidance on the
Civil Engineers training and development opportunities, and project's design and
(ICE) promote the importance of civil engineering in construction
society

Royal Institute Set standards for the profession, provide Provide guidance on the
of British training and development opportunities, and project's buildings and
Architects promote the importance of architecture in structures
(RIBA) society

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 Royal Institution Set standards for the profession, provide Provide guidance on cost
of Chartered training and development opportunities, and estimation, budgeting, and
Surveyors promote the importance of property in society monitoring
(RICS)

Chartered Set standards for the profession, provide Provide guidance on

Institution of training and development opportunities, and environmental risk
Environmental promote the importance of environmental identification, mitigation,
Health (CIEH) health in society and compliance

Table: Roles and Responsibilities of Professional Bodies Involved in the HS2 Project

The HS2 railway project involves a range of professionals and professional bodies, including
civil engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, environmental specialists, and
contractors. These professionals and bodies have distinct roles and responsibilities that contribute
to the successful completion of the project. The professional bodies, in particular, provide
guidance, set standards, and promote the importance of their respective professions in society,
ensuring that the project meets the required standards and complies with regulations.

Highlight the benefits of the construction industry to the UK economy and local
communities

The construction industry is a vital contributor to the UK economy, providing jobs, driving
economic growth, and supporting local communities. In this section, we will highlight the
benefits of the construction industry to the UK economy and local communities and the social
and financial benefits of the HS2 railway project to the local community.
Benefits of the Construction Industry to the UK Economy
1. Job Creation: The construction industry is a significant employer in the UK, providing
jobs to over 2.4 million people in 2020. The industry also supports jobs in other sectors,
such as manufacturing and services, through the supply chain.

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 2. Economic Growth: The construction industry contributes significantly to the UK's GDP,
with a contribution of £118 billion in 2019. The industry's growth and investment also
stimulate economic growth in other sectors, such as retail, hospitality, and finance.
3. Infrastructure Development: The construction industry is responsible for building and
maintaining critical infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, and energy networks.
This infrastructure is essential for economic growth, trade, and quality of life.
4. Innovation and Technology: The construction industry is a hub for innovation and
technology, driving advancements in materials, building techniques, and digital
technologies. This innovation and technology can benefit other sectors, such as
manufacturing and engineering.
Social Benefits of the HS2 Railway Project to the Local Community
1. Improved Connectivity: The HS2 railway project will improve connectivity between
cities, enabling faster and more efficient travel. This improved connectivity can benefit
local communities by increasing access to job opportunities, education, healthcare, and
cultural experiences.
2. Reduced Congestion: The HS2 railway project will reduce road and air congestion,
reducing travel times and improving air quality. This reduction in congestion can benefit
local communities by reducing noise pollution and improving the local environment.
3. Community Engagement: The HS2 railway project has engaged with local communities
throughout the planning and construction process, addressing concerns, and providing
opportunities for input. This community engagement can benefit local communities by
increasing transparency, trust, and collaboration.
4. Employment Opportunities: The HS2 railway project has provided employment
opportunities for local communities, including apprenticeships and jobs in the supply
chain. This employment can benefit local communities by providing income, skills
development, and career advancement opportunities.
Financial Benefits of the HS2 Railway Project to the Local Community
 Business Opportunities: The HS2 railway project has created business opportunities for
local suppliers, contractors, and service providers. This business can benefit local
communities by increasing economic activity, income, and employment opportunities.

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  Increased Property Values: The HS2 railway project has increased property values in
some areas, benefiting property owners and increasing local tax revenue. This increase in
property values can benefit local communities by providing a financial incentive for
investment in the area.
 Regeneration: The HS2 railway project has the potential to stimulate regeneration in
areas along the railway line, increasing property values, employment opportunities, and
local economic activity. This regeneration can benefit local communities by improving
the local environment and increasing social and economic opportunities.
The construction industry is a vital contributor to the UK economy, providing jobs, driving
economic growth, and supporting local communities. The HS2 railway project has brought
significant social and financial benefits to the local community, including improved connectivity,
reduced congestion, community engagement, employment opportunities, business opportunities,
increased property values, and regeneration. These benefits demonstrate the importance of the
construction industry to the UK economy and its ability to drive positive change in local
communities.

Reflection on the selected UK construction project

I selected the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project as it is a large-scale infrastructure project that
has been subject to much discussion and debate in recent years. The project is one of the UK's
largest infrastructure projects and has the potential to transform connectivity and economic
growth in the country. I am particularly interested in the project's impact on local communities,
including the social and economic benefits it brings.
One recommendation to improve the project would be to increase the focus on sustainability and
environmental impact. The construction industry has a significant environmental footprint, and it
is important to ensure that the HS2 railway project minimizes its impact on the environment.
This could include investing in renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and
increasing the use of sustainable materials in construction. The project could also consider ways
to mitigate the impact on local wildlife and habitats, such as rewilding initiatives and the creation
of green corridors.
Overall, the HS2 railway project is an exciting development for the UK construction industry,
with the potential to bring significant benefits to local communities and the wider economy. It is

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important to ensure that the project is completed to the required standards, while also considering
the impact on the environment and local communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the construction industry plays a crucial role in the UK economy, providing jobs,
driving economic growth, and supporting local communities. The High Speed 2 (HS2) railway
project is one example of a large-scale infrastructure project that highlights the industry's
importance. The HS2 project involves various professionals and professional bodies, including
civil engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, environmental specialists, and
contractors. These professionals and bodies have distinct roles and responsibilities that contribute
to the project's successful completion. The HS2 project has brought significant social and
financial benefits to the local community, including improved connectivity, reduced congestion,
community engagement, employment opportunities, business opportunities, increased property
values, and regeneration.
It is important to note that the construction industry should prioritize sustainability and
environmental impact while completing projects like HS2. The industry has a significant
environmental footprint, and steps must be taken to minimize the impact on the environment.
Overall, the HS2 project is an exciting development for the UK construction industry,
demonstrating the industry's ability to drive positive change in local communities and the wider
economy.

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