How:

Continuous improvement

The first ambition described in the Construction Playbook is "set clear and appropriate outcome-based specifications that are designed with the input of industry to ensure we drive continuous improvement and innovation."

Kier has been collecting and analysing productivity data across our projects for over 15 years. Thanks to the repeatable platform design approach, we are able to dive into the granular detail of every aspect of design to enable continuous improvement.

We also need respond to changes in policy and regulations, as well as as technical developments. For example, kSchool will need to continue improving to meet the DfE Construction Framework 2025 (CF25) embodied carbon targets which become progressively more ambitious throughout the life of the framework.

So what?

Industrialised construction enables holistic continuous improvement, even where it introduces short-term programme impacts. We are building more complex, future-proof assets — not just faster ones.

Watch: Deyes High School was completed using the kSchool platform design.

CF25 embodied carbon targets

2028

2025

2030

New Prison Programme:

Evolving the solution

Through continuous improvement of the reference design, we have enhanced security, buildability and waterproofing details from HMP Five Wells to HMP Millsike. We have also adapted the design to incorporate advances in technology including solar and air source heat pumps.

The following outcomes highlight the impact of this continuous improvement in houseblock design:

Horizontal modules (increased 188%), including corridors in ancillary buildings.
Cast-ins for underfloor heating mats (increased 32%).
Cast-in components (increased 12%).
Increased use of precast structural elements resulting in additional delivery certainty.
Fully electric systems (removing gas) and increased MEP efficiency mean that it will use approximately a quarter of the energy used to heat traditional Victorian prisons.
Increased area of rooftop PV provision (7% vs HMP Five Wells).
Reduced embodied carbon (−14.9%).