24 minute read
Aceplant
January 2022
First of its kind
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made possible within the Bucket Bundie range.
- Diesel And AdBlue Bucket Bundie for J A Jackson
Established in 1967, J A Jackson Quarries & Recycling Ltd are a family run business who supply quarried and recycled aggregates. Providers of sustainable building materials, aggregates and ready-mix concrete, the company also provide domestic and commercial skip hire and have a fully licenced waste transfer station and facilities for inert tipping. J A Jackson operates a fleet of more than 20 tippers, artics, skip wagons and concrete mixers.
The company’s quarries in Preston,
Leyland and Lancaster are all within easy reach of the region’s motorway network making access and distribution as efficient and effective as possible.
J A Jackson have recently added the first combined Diesel / AdBlue
Bucket Bundie Fuel Bowser to their fleet provided by manufacturers,
Ace Plant.
Ace Plant, home of the ‘Bundie Bowser’ fuel storage range, are a plant hire and sales company based in Buckinghamshire who utilise their engineering roots to manufacture Fuel Storage Solutions and Dust Suppression equipment for hire and sale throughout the UK. Based on the same concept as the patented Bucket Bundie Fuel Bowser, Ace Plant’s Bucket Bundie Store was seen shortlisted in the Institute of Quarrying’s Excellence Awards in the knowledge and innovation category - a fantastic accolade for the ‘Bundie Bowser’ name.
Ace Plant have recently launched the first Bucket Bundie that is capable of carrying both Diesel and AdBlue at the same time. This capability can already be seen in Ace Plant’s static, site tow and road tow ranges but has finally been J A Jackson first found out about the Ace Plant Bucket Bundie Bowser after searching the internet about fuel bowsers. They liked the fact that the Bucket Bundie can be transported by existing site machinery without the need for a tractor. These units remove the need for lifting chains as well as the need for the operator to leave the safety of the machine’s cab to attach any chains. It features a patented bucket loading system with special slots above the support legs that allow a wheel loader operator to easily pick up and move the bowser using the machine’s front bucket. With the loader bucket crowded back, the Bucket Bundie is held securely for safe transport across rough ground – this combination works much better than a towed bowser which can be difficult to move and reverse – particularly on rough terrain. J A Jackson say that the Bucket Bundie will be a benefit to their business as the unit will result in “less risk of contamination and we no longer need to use the 5 gallon drums”. In turn, this also makes refuelling a faster and safer processes with less risk of spillage. The Bucket Bundie Bowser is available in three different capacities: 450L, 1000L & 2250L.
To find out more visit www.aceplant.co.uk or call 01908 562191.
The never-ending lifecycle of copper
When it comes to construction and plumbing materials, how many products out there truly stand the test of time?
Plastic materials have become extremely popular in recent years due to their affordability and, with contractors under pressure with fixed price contracts, many look to these cheaper materials as a solution. However, there are actually a number of serious environmental problems with using plastic materials and, once they reach the end of their life, they often end up in landfill or on beaches.
Copper, on the other hand, is one of the few items that you’ll never see lying in a skip or on a beach.
For plumbing, copper has a unique superpower that no other pipe has – it lives forever.
The problem with plastic
Since its invention six decades ago, plastic use has grown exponentially and resulted in over 8.3 billion metric tons of various plastics and, according to National Geographic, 91% of all plastics produced in the world have not been recycled.
When it comes to the construction industry, nearly every new build home nowadays uses plastic pipes in both underfloor and plumbing applications and this is mainly down to the plastics industry focusing on the benefits, while downplaying the environmental impact.
Plastic is made up of synthetic materials and polymers, making the recycling process extremely complicated. As a result, plastics manufacturers are still attempting to work out how to separate and reuse the components of plastics and any claims that plastic pipes are fully recyclable is simply greenwashing.
For example, multi-layer composite (MLC) tube, consisting of layers of plastic and aluminium, is a prime example of commonly used tube that cannot be recycled. Additionally, plastic compounds such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) all deteriorate over time, making them less and less suitable for recycling.
According to the University of Wisconsin Madison, around 100 million tons of multilayer thermoplastics are produced globally each year and, because there is no way to separate the polymers, almost all of that plastic ends up in landfills or incinerators. As it stands, there are no recycling frameworks in place for these materials, so their ‘recyclability’ is currently nothing but theoretical. Research by CORDIS supports the evidence that these types of pipes are not recyclable, stating that “conventional non-recyclable pipes for heating plumbing systems are manufactured from non-recyclable cross linked PEX. They are also made of PEX/AL, which comprises a layer of aluminium sandwiched between two PEX layers.”
Furthermore, CORDIS analysis also states that attempting to recycle these types of pipes “results in highly toxic by-products.”
So, with the world waking up to the plastics problem, why are we still allowing plastic pipes in our homes? Only 9% of the world’s plastic has ever been recycled, so every time you
choose plastic pipes over sustainable alternatives, the world’s plastic problem gets a little bit worse.
Copper’s credentials
Copper has a major advantage as a construction material in that it can be recycled again and again without losing any of its properties, performance, or value. There is also no difference in the quality of recycled copper and mined copper, so they can be used interchangeably – copper used once will be identical to that used 1,000 or 1,000,000 times.
Copper has been recycled and reused for as long as the material itself has been in use and there is a fully developed scrap-collecting infrastructure in place which has existed for centuries. When they come to the end of their life, copper pipes are taken to a scrap merchant and, unlike plastic pipes, are 100% recycled. They simply go into the furnace and are melted down to form a block of pure copper which is stretched out, made into brand new tubes, and cut to size.
Put simply, copper is copper. Unlike other materials such as plastics, copper and copper alloys have standard components which do not vary between manufacturers, so when you buy copper, you know exactly what you’re getting. This also means they can be returned to their constituent elements once they have fulfilled their purpose. As a result, around half of Europe’s copper demand is currently being met by recycled materials and research suggests that there are approximately 5.6 billion metric tons of copper in circulation – a figure more than sufficient to surpass both current and future demand.
What’s more, according to the International Copper Association, the recycling of copper requires up to 85% less energy than primary production and, around the world, this saves 40 million tons of CO2 – the equivalent emissions of 16 million cars.
The professional choice
Copper has long been the material of choice when it comes to supplying water, heating, and gas to buildings and the tradition of copper tubes is one that spans centuries. Not only is it the sustainable choice, with a neverending lifecycle, but it also has a number of other desirable properties.
Copper is proven to be the healthy choice and supports your health and wellbeing due to its naturally occurring anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties which discourage the growth of harmful organisms. Additionally, due to its unique thermal properties, copper water systems can safely withstand thermal shocking at 70 degrees Celsius to effectively kill waterborne bacteria such as legionella pneumophila.
Not only does copper support your health and wellbeing, it is also the safer option for use in the construction industry. For example, its incredibly high melting point means copper pipes won’t melt, burn, or give off toxic fumes in a building fire like plastic will. An official building code report published by the International Code Council cites plastic material like piping as a “dangerous void” because of how it can melt, burn, and spread fires. Many plastics are intumescent materials, which means they grow in size in the event of fire, which creates extreme fire hazards because of how they allow fires to spread. Furthermore, copper tube offers fantastic versatility and use across utilities including water, heating, gas, and air conditioning – all while offering a greater choice and longevity. Being able to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and exposure to UV and oxygen, it can be used for a range of purposes and across a multitude of environments without the integrity being altered. As the metal isn’t permeable, the chance of leakage or contamination from outside sources is also incredibly low.
Standing the test of time
Put simply, copper lasts a lifetime and investing in this material is much more beneficial and cost-effective in the long run.
If installed with care, copper pipes in homes can outlast the life of the house, minimising the need to spend additional money in the future. And what’s more, they can still be recycled and reused at the end of the building’s lifetime.
Copper has a much longer lifespan than cheaper alternatives and is one of the only construction and plumbing materials which can be infinitely recycled – it literally lasts forever!
So, we would encourage anyone who is looking for a reliable product which is sustainable and truly stands the test of time to choose copper. It’s a solution that is perfectly placed to serve the construction industry now and for future generations.
Make the right choice. Choose copper. www.cuspuk.com
As The Focus On Climate Change Continues To Grow So Does The Need For Net Zero Buildings And Improving Our Carbon Footprint.
GEZE’s ECdrive T2 automatic sliding doors with a thermally broken profile system – the GCprofile Therm - offer a solution.
The GCprofile Therm accommodates up to 32 mm glass thickness in either twopane insulation glass with 2x ESG 6mm, UG value 1.0, or threepane insulation glass with 3x ESG 4 mm, UG value 0.8.
The profile system uses slim aluminium frames which reduce visible sightlines by approx. 30 mm – giving designers greater ability to produce a clean design aesthetic while providing greater efficiency.
With increased performance for leaf weight of up to 140 kg, the GCprofile Therm also boasts improved air tightness (compared to other ISO profile systems), better sound insulation and improved wet weather durability aided by its fit and an optional floor guide with drainage.
It can be combined with manual and motorised GEZE hook bolt locks, without losing thermal separation and the appearance of the system remains discreet, even with locking.
A new brochure has been produced to explain the package. This is available by calling the marketing team on 01543 443015 or emailing info.uk@geze.com.
For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk
f i r m a n g l a s s . c o m Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed units. Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base. Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated and fire rated glass. w w w With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure and domestic Products • Toughened glass • Processing • CNC shaping • Laminated glass • Toughened and laminated constructions
f• EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays • Fabric and decorative interlays • Structural interlays
• Specialist insulating glass units • Anti–slip glass • Fire rated glass • UV bonding • Electric switchable glass • Heated glass • Decorative glass • Sandblasting • ColorfirmTM back painted glass Applications • Structural glazing • Glass floors
w• Partitions • Roof lights • Balustrades • Full height barriers • Canopies • Staircases • Treads and stringers • Shower screens • Shelving • Glass doors • Acoustic reduction • Fire rated
w w w . f i r m a n g l a s s . c o m Glass Excellence Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed units. Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base. Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated and fire rated glass. With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure and domestic Products w• Toughened glass • Processing • CNC shaping • Laminated glass • Toughened and laminated • • • Decoration Wall cladding Splashbacks constructions • Privacy • EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays • Technical Support • Fabric and decorative interlays • Nationwide Coverage • Structural interlays
• Specialist insulating glass units • Anti–slip glass • Fire rated glass • UV bonding • Electric switchable glass • Heated glass • Decorative glass • Sandblasting • ColorfirmTM back painted glass Applications • Structural glazing • Glass floors • Partitions • Roof lights • Balustrades • Full height barriers • Canopies
• Staircases • Treads and stringers • Shower screens • Shelving • Glass doors • Acoustic reduction • Fire rated
Shopspec_glazingexcellence-2018:Firman 01/03/2018 17:04 Page 1 c o m Established in 1975 Firman independent glass processo toughened glass, laminated units. Glass is rs in the glass an one of the leading UK, manufacturing d specialist sealed f i r m a n g l a s s Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base. Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated and fire rated glass. w w w With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure and domestic
P • Glaroducts Toughened glass ss Excellence • Processing • CNC shaping
.• Laminated glass • Toughened and laminated constructions • EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays • Fabric and decorative interlays • Structural interlays • Decoration • Wall cladding • Splashbacks • Privacy
Further information is available from • • o Technical Support Nationwide Coverageur sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com
Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com In association with www.firmanglass.com
• Specialist insulating glass units • Anti–slip glass • Fire rated glass • UV bonding • Electric switchable glass • Heated glass • Decorative glass • Sandblasting • ColorfirmTM back painted glass Applications • Structural glazing • Glass floors
w• Partitions • Roof lights • Balustrades • Full height barriers • Canopies • Staircases • Treads and stringers • Shower screens • Shelving • Glass doors • Acoustic reduction • Fire rated
w w w . f i r m a n g l a s s . c o m Shopspec_glazingexcellence-2018:Firman 01/03/2018 17:04 Page 1 Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed units. . Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base. . Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated and fire rated glass. . With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure and domestic
Glass Excellence oducts
Toughened glass
iProcessing CNC shaping
Laminated glass
Toughened and laminated constructions
EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays
Fabric and decorative interlays
Structural interlays • Decoration • Wall cladding • Splashbacks • Privacy • Technical Support • Nationwide Coverage
• Specialist insulating glass units • Anti–slip glass • Fire rated glass • UV bonding • Electric switchable glass • Heated glass • Decorative glass • Sandblasting • ColorfirmTM back painted glass plications Structural glazing Glass floors Partitions Roof lights Balustrades Full height barriers Canopies
• Staircases • Treads and stringers • Shower screens • Shelving • Glass doors • Acoustic reduction • Fire rated
Glass Ex r m a n g l a s s . c o m Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed units. Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base. Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated cellence and fire rated glass. With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including archit • •ect Decoration Wall claddingural, retail, leisure • Splashbacks and domestic • • Privacy Technical Support • Nationwide Coverage
Glass Excellence
ACADEMY
BESA welcomes Budget boost for green skills
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has applauded the Chancellor for setting aside £3.8bn for education and skills with particular focus on additional support for SMEs and the creation of new T-levels to help young adults take up vocational careers.
The new funds announced in this week’s Budget back up promises made by the government in last week’s Net Zero strategy to create 440,000 ‘green collar’ jobs by 2030 to help decarbonise key sectors of the economy including heating and cooling of buildings.
The Budget also contained news of a business rates reduction scheme for firms looking to install heat networks, solar panels, and battery storage. The Association said this would provide welcome impetus to technologies that will play a key role in reducing the 40% of global carbon emissions linked to the built environment.
BESA welcomed the continued commitment to the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which the government says could reach up to 11 million adults giving them the opportunity to gain a new qualification for free. However, the Association said it was important to target this funding at areas where there are key skills gaps including building services. The Chancellor also restated his commitment to the Help to Grow scheme, which BESA thinks could provide useful additional support to SMEs to help boost their productivity and business growth.
Comprehensive
The Association said employers should work with the government to finalise a more comprehensive national plan for low carbon skills to help create the two million jobs needed to help fully decarbonise the economy by 2050. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) only about 200,000 people are currently employed in sectors directly linked to decarbonisation including energy efficiency and renewables.
“The government is clearly committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment but delivering that vision will require a huge expansion and upskilling of the workforce in key sectors like engineering and construction,” said BESA
President Neil Brackenridge.
“UK vacancies are at their highest levels since records began at 1.1 million (according to ONS) but there are still thousands of young people, in particular, looking for work,” he added. “Many now aspire to careers where they can have an impact on the climate crisis.
“However, this will require a considerable increase in the number of people guided towards technical training – like T-levels and vocational degrees – with a particular emphasis on STEM subjects. So, the additional funding announced today by the Chancellor is very welcome, but it needs to be backed up by a comprehensive skills plan to ensure it is spent wisely.”
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The Electric Heating Company are one of the foremost suppliers of electric heating and hot water products in the UK since 2005
Schöck Isokorb for award winning ‘Sky-House’ scheme
The ‘Sky-House’ development, at Oughtibridge Mill to the north of Sheffield, comprises forty highspecification homes. The term ‘Sky-House’ being derived from the spacious feel of the properties, which benefit from unrivalled views and offer bright and airy living, complete with riverside balconies. Designed by CODA Architecture, it is built very much with sustainability in mind and minimising any risk of thermal bridging at the balcony detailing is critical. The load-bearing structural thermal break that easily achieves this; and most effectively helps the project meet compliance with the necessary Building Regulations (and the impending Future Homes Standard criteria) is the Schöck Isokorb. Specifically it is the Schöck Isokorb T type SK for concreteto-steel connectivity that is incorporated at Oughtibridge Mill. This is a complete system thermal break. It is unique in being the only formally UK approved product that satisfies the load-bearing and thermal insulation requirements for this type of application, providing assurance to the end-user that the safest product has been selected for their building needs. The avoidance of thermal bridging is extremely important for a number of reasons. Any local heat loss will result in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building. Also, low internal surface temperatures in the area of any thermal bridge can cause condensation and this in turn is likely to result in structural integrity problems. Mould growth too is a possible risk, which in a residential situation can cause asthma and allergies.
Award winning scheme
Oughtibridge Mill ‘Sky-House’ is an award winning scheme – recipient of the Development of the Year (fewer than 50 homes) at the Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards 2021. It is part of a wider scheme for 320 new homes that will enable the regeneration of this former industrial mill site. It had been a flourishing paper mill from Victorian times until its closure in 2007 and renovation of the old mill building for use as a mixeduse food hall, community hub and leisure facility is underway. To reference the industrial history of the area, a sensitive contemporary design style features saw-toothed roofs on the three and four-bed townhouses.
All Isokorb products are fully compliant
In addition to its comprehensive range of Isokorb solutions for concrete-to-steel, concrete-toconcrete and steel-to-steel – Schöck also offers a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and have the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. The temperature factor requirement (fRSI) used to indicate condensation risk, which for residential buildings must be equal to, or greater than, 0.75 is also easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.
Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or visit the website at www.schoeck.com for full details of the Isokorb range
Zentia launches apprenticeship programme
Six raw recruits have joined Zentia’s new apprenticeship programme.
Leading ceiling systems manufacturer Zentia has launched a formal apprenticeship programme at its two factories in the UK.
The company has taken on six recruits in a variety of roles for its ceiling tiles and grid/suspension system factories in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.
They include a laboratory technician, two process operators, a manufacturing engineer, HR administrator and HSE technician, some of whom are combining on-thejob training with a day a week at college, over 18 to 42 months.
Zentia already employs seven former apprentices from as long ago as the 1990s in roles ranging from engineering supervisor, project engineer, process improvement engineer and junior control systems engineer to shift maintenance technician.
Project engineer Paul Snowdon joined Zentia (evolved from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions) in 1990, aged 16, as one of four mechanical and electrical apprentices. Choosing the mechanical route, he learned a multitude of skills including turning, milling and pipefitting, as well as completing day release at Newcastle College to study. Since completing his apprenticeship, he has experienced several roles in the engineering department, had the opportunity to travel with the company to other plants, and been involved in exciting initiatives.
He said: “I can’t thank the ex-fitters and staff past and present enough for the support I have received over the years. An apprenticeship really is a stepping stone to a new career and my advice would be work hard, take advantage of the wealth of experience around you, enjoy it, and you will meet some very interesting people. You will more than likely meet friends for life, just like I have. “In our industry I really believe the apprenticeship route is second to none, getting hands-on experience whilst studying for your qualifications. These are exciting times for Zentia, with the heavy investment in the plant and new equipment. Zentia have identified key roles and skills across both plants and as a result have recruited talented young individuals to fill the gaps and become valued members of the Zentia family. Hopefully, these young individuals will move the Zentia brand forward and share in their successes.”
Zentia’s head of HR Nicky Gallagher explained that the company had historically had a level of success in recruiting mechanical and electrical apprentices and seeing their careers develop as they moved on into permanent roles. But these opportunities had been on an ad-hoc, sporadic basis rather than in set numbers or annually.
She said: “As we look to further grow our business, people development is high on our agenda and apprenticeships form part of this activity. I’m therefore delighted we now have the opportunity to launch the Zentia Apprenticeship Programme, and our plan is to recruit further apprentices each year.
