With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Andrew Keer has transitioned from working with Axter on shared client projects and getting to know the team through involvement in industry working groups, to now joining the team as Axter’s new Product Manager – Blue Roof Systems.
Andrew brings a depth of technical expertise, as well as a passion for collaboration and shared values around sustainability. He is passionate about working with a product he believes in, something he has always focused on throughout his career.
We sat down with Andrew to discuss the impact of the changing requirements for sustainable drainage and water attenuation, and why a multifunctional blue roof solution offers fantastic opportunities for delivering projects’ regulatory requirements and supporting other sustainability goals.
A Journey Through the Roofing Industry
Over the last three decades, Andrew has navigated multiple roles in marketing, sales, contracts, and business development before focusing on technical aspects of roof-mounted plant supports and drainage systems.
Throughout this, Andrew has been driven by a commitment to technical proficiency and product expertise. “Dealing with a product I believe in and have technical expertise in has always been key for me," Andrew explains.
The Transition to Blue Roofs
Andrew's focus for the last decade has been on blue roofs, a crucial element in modern architecture for managing water runoff. With the tightening requirements for controlling stormwater, particularly in urban environments, blue roofs have become essential.
“Blue roof solutions – both at podium and roof levels – are in line with current SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) best practice, and recently updated legislation and planning requirements," Andrew shares. “We’re already seeing how key construction projects in the UK are benefiting from this SuDS process, controlling stormwater 'at source', particularly on tight, urban sites, and providing a solution at the top of the SuDS hierarchy for planning requirements.”
“Blue roofs offer a multifunctional rainwater attenuation system used in various areas of a roof and can be combined with various surface finishes to suit the location it is deployed – including green roofs to paved terraces; hard and soft landscaping at podium levels; and from amenity areas, up to plant & trafficked areas,” he adds, “This delivers measurable and quick benefits to project costs and schedules, but also significant advantages at the planning stages.”
Expertise and Collaboration at Axter
For Axter’s clients, Andrew’s expertise and extensive industry experience brings significant value to design and specification teams, especially in cities where traditional below ground drainage options are limited. This could simply be due to tight urban sites with little space, issues with contaminated land, high water tables, or existing site services at ground level.
Andrew argues that an integrated approach is key. "Axter brings together waterproofing, ancillary products, surface finishes, and attenuation systems," he says, “This comprehensive product offering means that design teams receive comprehensive support from the initial stages of a project through to completion, with products that seamlessly integrate.”
Andrew's involvement with industry guidance documents and steering groups, including the industrial working group within the Society of Public Health Engineers (SoPHE) and CIRIA’s (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) Susdrain – of which Axter is an official supporter – underscores his commitment to advancing industry standards and leadership in the field of sustainable water management.
Andrew is a member of the Susdrain steering group and is providing expertise for the planned launch to CIRIA’s guidance on the delivery of blue roofs.
“With the need for SuDS greater than ever before, Susdrain - which was created by CIRIA – brings together specialists to collaborate and develop best practice. It offers independent up-to-date guidance, case studies, and tools which are a much need resource for all professionals, from engineers, to planners, developers and architects, as well as the public, increasing knowledge and facilitating SuDS implementation,” Andrew adds.
The Importance of Early Engagement
Andrew emphasises the need for early engagement in project planning. "Blue roofs require input from architects, civil engineers, public health engineers, and structural engineers early in the project to ensure a cohesive approach," he explains. “This collaborative method helps address the diverse needs of complex projects, ensuring successful outcomes.”
Retrofit and Refurbishment: A Growing Focus
While new developments have been a big focus of the new SuDs legislation, Andrew believes blue roofs have a vital role to play in supporting retrofit and refurbishment of existing buildings.
"There is a significant drive in the industry to include systems like green roofs, biosolar, and blue roofs as the construction industry increasingly focuses on improving & reinvigorating our existing buildings," he says.
Learn more about the opportunities refurbishment offers and how it can deliver improvements in performance here: Does your roof need a new lease of life?
Why Axter?
Andrew's decision to join Axter was influenced by his previous collaborations with the team. "I've worked extensively with the Axter team over the past few years, and it was a natural evolution to join them," he shares, “My familiarity with the team and their projects has made the transition seamless, and it is all built on my experience of how Axter’s breadth of solutions and exemplary service adds value to clients.”
Andrew also collaborated with members of the Axter senior team on a variety of industry bodies. “As well as working together on client projects, Michael Anaxagorou, Axter’s Sales Director, and I are both involved in the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), as part of the technical committee. I’ve also joined Phillip Wilcox-Moore, our MD, on multiple industry collaborations and recently we have been working together on the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LWRA) installation subcommittee.”
Above are pictures of Andrew taken at the Eastern Region Training Centre with some of the Axter team.
Passion Projects and Industry Trends
Throughout his career, Andrew has been involved in notable projects like the Liverpool One shopping centre and the new Hammersmith Police Station. These projects highlight his ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver effective solutions. He worked with Axter on the Station Hill development in Reading – learn more about the project here.
Andrew observes significant shifts in the industry, particularly the emphasis on environmental credentials and creating liveable spaces.
“Developers, contractors and architects are all increasingly focused on the environmental credentials of products and linking them together to make sure they all work smoothly to deliver their sustainability goals and regulatory requirements,” Andrew shares. The legislative and corporate drive for all companies to deliver environmental strategies & benefits has also made building owners and tenants eager to embrace and work in buildings featuring these credentials.
“This is an area where Axter stands out with its comprehensive sustainability strategy and that considering the environmental impact is embedded at every stage from products to design and installation – and to team training including the Carbon Literacy course which I, like all the team, have taken.”
He adds, "Axter also looks at how roofs can have a positive impact in the broadest sense – as green spaces for people and communities. I think this will become more valued across the industry as we see greater focus on the importance of creating environments that people want to be in, and balancing work-life aspects has become more crucial.”
Looking Ahead
Andrew's vision for the future involves continuing to innovate and support collaboration across the industry. By integrating products and expertise, Axter aims to provide comprehensive solutions that meet evolving environmental and construction standards. Andrew's insights and experience will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the success of client projects and increasing the awareness of the value blue roofs can offer.
