Local Authority Building & Maintenance March/April 2023

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

MODULAR & OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

H100 FIFE HYDROGEN HOMES

SGN celebrates key milestones for worldfirst hydrogen project with Fife Council

DECARBONISING SCHOOLS

LABM finds out how the installation of a new low carbon heating system has helped Woodland Primary School become the lowest carbon emitting school in County Durham

THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS

6 News Housing 2023 H100 Fife hydrogen homes National Retrofit Hub Installer Show Bromford’s factory-built homes

7 Roofing Insights with A. Proctor Group The true cost of simplifying the roofing detail

9 Under Warranty

In the first in a new regular series, Global Home Warranties offers advice on reducing construction delays

10 Housing Fit for the Future

Nigel Sedman, Executive Director of Homes at ForHousing, discusses the social model of disability

12 View from the Supply Chain Doorco Technical & Sales Manager, Ian Glenister reports on the current trends and forecasts for doors in social housing

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

13 Decarbonising schools Woodland Primary School is now the lowest carbon emitting school in County Durham thanks to help from Vaillant

17 Improving airtightness

The airtightness benefits of vapour permeable air barriers

20 Reducing Energy Costs

TROX UK offers advice on tackling laboratory energy costs

Advice for local authorities on carrying out maintenance work in live environments

34 Safety First for Roof Spaces

As the inclusion of effective solar PV on roofscapes becomes more commonplace, local authorities need to ensure they include safety-first protection measures

36 Round-up

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

38 Delivering Water Savings and Inclusive Bathrooms

How the lifetime cost of bathroom adaptations is driving change in sanitaryware and shower design

40 Public Bathroom Accessibility

The Off-Site Homes Alliance on unlocking the benefits of modular for social housing

ROOFING, CLADDING

MODULAR & OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION Reducing energy costs in

QS Supplies discusses the findings of its survey of UK public toilets and offers advice to local authorities on making them more accessible

42 Safety Net

A d v i c e o n f u n d i n g f o r r e p l a c e m e n t e l e c t r i c a l k i t c h e n a p p l i a n c e s a n d h e l p i n g s o c i a l h o u s i n g r e s i d e n t s s u r v i v e t h e c o s t - o f - l i v i n g c r i s i s

43 Round-up

Editor

Claire Clutten

labm@hamerville co uk

Advertisement Manager

Jacob Tatum

jtatum@hamerville co uk

Group Advertising Manager

Craig Jowsey

Digital Manager

Jasmine Smith

JSmith@hamerville co uk

Digital Assistant

David Molloy

Design

Adeel Qadri

Group Production Manager

Carol Padgett

Circulation Manager

Kirstie Day

Managing Editor

Terry Smith

Printed by WALSTEAD ROCHE

Published by Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF 01923 237799

Email: labm@hamerville co uk

In March, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced his Spring Budget and despite introducing a number of positive measures surrounding devolution, additional funding for levelling up and regeneration, there was a common theme amongst the responses across the built environment sector –‘ more investment needed to improve the quality and energy efficiency of the country’s homes’ and ‘ energy efficiency remains the missing piece of the puzzle’

There was another notable absence too housing Gavin Smart, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing expressed his disappointment that the Chancellor didn’t use the Spring Budget as an opportunity “to restore local housing allowance to the 30th percentile”, as the CIH and others had called for

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite and low-income households struggle with high fuel bills, the three-month extension of the Energy Price Guarantee is welcome, however, it only offers a short reprieve As the National Housing Federation points out, ‘ even with the Energy price Guarantee in place, energy costs have doubled in the past year, and it is predicted this could force 7 5 million households into fuel poverty’ That’s a staggering number of people teetering on the edge of the affordability precipice

Greater support is needed for energy efficiency measures, says Gavin Smart, to help tackle the root causes of current energy pressures

budgets this year ‘risks undermining their ability to tackle homelessness, promote inclusive economic growth, help deliver net zero and other key priorities for Londoners’ They are calling for more ambitious action to tackle the deepening homelessness crisis in the capital

© 2023

Subscriptions to LABM are available at the following rates:

UK: 1 year £30 00 post paid Europe and Overseas:

1 year £50 00 post paid

Airmail: 1 year £65 00

post paid

Following the budget announcement, UK100 Interim Chief Executive Jason Torrance said, “the Chancellor’s focus on energy security, energy bill and devolution is a welcome statement of intent but we ’ re worried the measures themselves miss the mark” The cross-party network of local authorities has reiterated its call for a ‘long-term solution targeted at the most vulnerable’

Public sector procurement body, SCAPE, shares concerns around council budgets Group Chief Executive Mark Robinson says “ any longterm reduction in local spending has the potential to limit the positive effects of ongoing regeneration plans”

The Government’s ongoing commitment to devolution is a welcome step Councils see devolution as necessary for delivering more positive outcomes for local communities To truly address local challenges, local authorities need the mandate to be able to take the lead on local policy decisions and where essential resources are directed

Director of Economics and Regeneration at Stantec, Stephen Cox says: “It is important to see more responsibilities being handed to local leaders as well as vital economic decisions being made at a local level While we welcome the investment and focus on levelling up the country, their needs to be a long-term emphasis placed on developing traditionally challenged areas through strategic economic restructuring ”

11,374 (1 July 2021 30 June 2022)

There is a growing consensus of opinion that government is overlooking the importance of energy efficiency and that the Chancellor has missed an opportunity to deliver a long-term more impactful solution

Ahead of the Spring Budget announcement, London Councils released figures showing that one child in every classroom in the capital is homeless The organisation says that the amount of savings boroughs need to make in their

To be removed from LABM’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email: circulation@hamerville.co.uk COVER

While there are a number of positives to be taken from the Spring Budget, many felt it didn’t hit the mark, or deliver the level of ambition needed to tackle the housing crisis and address the energy efficiency challenges surrounding existing homes What would you like to see from government in the months ahead to help tackle the challenges you and your local communities face?

We’d love to hear your thoughts, email us at labm@hamerville co uk

“ That’s a stagger ing number of people teeter ing on the edge of the afforda bility precipice…”

The new £9 2m Millside Spencer Academy in East Leake, Nottinghamshire, being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction

DIary DaTES

Housing 2023

Europe’s largest housing festival returns to Manchester Central this June The industry event for local authorities, housing associations, key partners and suppliers, housebuilders and developers will run from the 27th to 29th June The conference sessions will tackle key subjects such as governance, funding, the cost-of-living crisis, housing delivery, net zero, building safety, tenant engagement and digital transformation

The event offers over 150 hours of CPD content, networking opportunities, the chance to participate in workshop debates and find out about all the latest solutions for social and affordable housing in the exhibition

More information on the show here www rdr link/laj001

Installer Show

The show for heat, water, air and energy technology professionals will be taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from the 27th to 29th June The show provides an opportunity to engage with suppliers and see all the latest product innovations, as well as attend live debates and seminars in the elemental content theatres

New for this year ’ s event is an interactive demonstration area Installing the Future In the Housing Hub, there will be discussions on delivering housing decarbonisation for retrofit and new-build schemes, offering expert advice and solutions Whilst in the Decarbonising Buildings Theatre, visitors will be able to hear all the latest best practice on how to maximise the energy efficiency of buildings

More information on the show here www.rdr.link/laj002

Gas distribution company SGN hosted senior members of Fife Council and local housing associations on the 8th March to mark the beginning of construction of the H100 Fife hydrogen homes demonstration facility Participants also welcomed the news that the project has surpassed its minimum goal of signing up 270 participants and is continuing to allow more households to opt-in

The new demonstration facility will comprise of two hydrogen show homes where visitors will be able to try out domestic hydrogen appliances The facility is due to open this summer and is being built by contractors Marshalls Construction in Fife Energy Park alongside the project’s hydrogen production and storage site Boiler manufacturers Baxi and Worcester Bosch are project partners and will be providing hydrogen boilers for the show homes and for the project

The H100 Fife project enables households in Buckhaven and Denbeath to opt-in to be supplied with hydrogen through a new network which is due to go live in 2024 It will be the first 100% green hydrogen-to-homes zero carbon network anywhere in the world and will provide important evidence to help the UK decarbonise home heating

Support for the project means SGN has surpassed its goal of at least 270 participants, with more households being encouraged to opt-in

SGN CEO Mark Wild OBE says: “We’re delighted to announce that we ’ ve gone beyond our minimum target of 270 households registering to take part in H100 Fife, and are still welcoming more homes in the area We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we ’ ve received from residents and the wider community

“The demo homes will allow people to see for themselves that hydrogen boilers and appliances are very similar to their natural gas equivalents We look forward to successfully delivering the project and providing critical evidence which will help decarbonise home heating ”

Chair of Levenmouth area Committee Councillor Colin Davidson comments: “The H100 Fife project continues to gather pace and support from residents and businesses

I am very pleased over 270 households have volunteered to participated so far, and that SGN continues to engage and support residents to highlight the huge benefits it’ll bring SGN is also providing much needed support to local organisations and causes, demonstrating their commitment to Levenmouth and the surrounding area ”

Councillor David ross, Leader of Fife Council, adds: “I am delighted to help mark the start of construction of the hydrogen demonstration facility By enabling residents, visitors and businesses to see clean, green hydrogen in action the H100 Fife project will demonstrate to local people how Fife is at the forefront of tackling climate change ”

Roofing Insights with

Simplying the details

©esdras700/AdobeStock

National Retrofit Hub

Construction industry organisations join forces to create a new National Retrofit Hub.

The initiative, launched at the Building centre in london in march, is a response from industry to the growing need to make our building stock greener and more energy-efficient

The National retrofit hub is backed by over 40 organisations including innovate UK, Trustmark, Sustainable Development Foundation, UK Green Building council and the Federation of master Builders

lynne Sullivan, chair of the National retrofit hub comments: “The creation of the National retrofit hub is a means to bring clarity to those who work in the retrofit sector by signposting and sharing best practice to speed up the roll out of greener homes creating the hub will cement links with the finance community and the skills providers to enable locally based delivery programmes to be scaled up and deliver significant economic and social benefits ”

Read the full story visit our website here www rdr link/laj003

Factory-built homes

housing association, Bromford, is building 28 new homes at Stockwells in moretonin-marsh, all of which are being built in sections by leading modular housebuilder ilke homes The first modules have been transported from ilke’s Yorkshire factory to Gloucestershire and representatives from Bromford, ilke homes and cotswold District council were in attendance to watch them arrive and be craned into place millie Nicholls, regeneration project manager at Bromford says: “Not only will customers benefit from living in a-rated homes which require less energy to run, it is another step for us to making sure all of our homes have at least a c Energy performance certificate rating by 2028 ”

Traditionally in pitched roof construction in the UK, a ventilated cavity was required below the underlay to ensure no condensation in the building This ventilated cavity allows air to be drawn in at the eaves and carried up through the roof and out at the ridge, carrying the moisture-laden air with it The drive to improve energy efficiency and increase insulation and airtightness has resulted in introducing higher levels of insulation along with a vapour permeable underlay that could be airtight or air permeable

Developed and manufactured in the UK over 25 years ago, the a proctor Group’s roofshield underlay is highly permeable to water vapour and is also air permeable its air permeable design means that there would be airflow through the roofspace, comparable to that of traditional ventilation, so a roof with insulation at ceiling level would function in the same way as a typically ventilated roof roofshield roofs do not require ventilation openings at the eaves or ridge, regardless of the roof ’ s size, shape, or layout Omitting low-level ventilation means loft insulation can be placed further into the eaves, making it simpler to detail the junction between the roof and wall insulation, minimising heat loss in this area as Building regulations demand lower U-values, up to 500mm of insulation may be needed at the ceiling level, so ensuring a ventilation path at the eaves becomes harder Simply pulling back the insulation could lead to a “cold bridge” at the ceiling level at the eaves This could lead to condensation and or black mould on the ceiling

it is essential to emphasise the potential savings that can be realised in terms of simplified design, installation, and the reduced likelihood of condensation-related problems and customer-related callbacks in addition, the extra-over cost of material and labour for cutting in, fitting eaves vents, installing vent tiles, and having to dress these from inside the rood is unnecessary when using roofshield

In the first in a new series of articles from A Proctor Group, we look at the true cost

of simplifying the roofing detail.

Calculating the cost of time lost

The UK is in cr itical need of more affordable housing, and local author ities and housing associations are carr ying out the essential wor k to provide them But delays in the constr uction process are frequent, and much time is lost amongst piles of paperwor k and rectifying flawed installations Delays could be avoided by wor king with specialist onsite sur veyors provided by a Str uctural Warranty provider, says Global Home Warranties

The UK is currently facing a severe housing crisis, with a report by the Centre for Cities1 announcing a 4 3 million backlog of houses missing from the market due to never being built The need to build more housing is only growing, and local authorities and housing associations need to be able to complete the crucial build projects with as little delay as possible But, in reality, building work is rarely delivered on time according to most industry estimates Some experts have even suggested that only one in 10 projects meet deadlines and it is a costly mistake with millions of pounds in lost productivity every year Some experts have suggested that project costs frequently increase by as much as 20% in some cases because of time lost due to issues which could have been identified with a regular surveyor inspection throughout the build process

Cost of paperwork

The soaring cost of paperwork is one area in which many housing associations, developers and housebuilders lose out on money and time A recent YouGov survey2 states that UK Construction workers are now spending an average of 90 hours a year per employee on paperwork alone, comprising nearly 40 hours reading

paperwork, 38 hours filling out forms and 14 hours searching for mislaid documents

On average, this is costing up to £1,500 per employee

By working in partnership with a good warranty company, form filling can be kept to a minimum Adopting a robust Structural Warranty scheme also helps lessen the risk of facing serious structural problems that can come as a result of faulty work completed by contractors An onsite surveyor can identify any potential problems before they happen, ensuring there are no severe delays to the process

Jim Edwards, Commercial Director for Global Home Warranties, explains: “Housing associations need to ensure they have a robust risk management process throughout the build period, which is why companies like ours should be on site to inspect work at every major stage of the construction process, starting from the moment that concrete is poured into foundations ”

“By working closely with us we can have a surveyor on site at precisely the right time which means no lost wages, no losses on materials and no new paperwork to arrange new deliveries which could cost thousands of pounds for one lost day on even the smallest project ”

With governments in both the UK and Ireland calling on the construction industry

to build even more new homes then those pressures will not be easing any time soon

Warranty providers

Perhaps it is time to look at warranty providers such as Global Home Warranties, which has a team of onsite experts on-hand to oversee the vital steps in housebuilding to increase efficiency onsite and with onerous paperwork They can help reduce waste through inspecting and detailing areas of concern promptly and save lost time on site, which in turn reduces the chances of lost revenue

Instead of being another area of administration, a good home warranty company should be helping to save local authorities and housing associations thousands of pounds in lost time and improved quality control All eyes are on affordable housing in the UK at present, the projects must be carried out with as little risk as possible so that there is a robust process surrounding the building throughout its lifecycle

1 https://www centreforcities org/publication/thehousebuilding-crisis/

2 https://re-flow co uk/news/construction-research

n More information on Global Home Warranties and its services here www globalhomewarranties com

Jim Edwards, Commercial Director at Global Home Warranties

Social model of disability

Ever ybody benefits when we wor k from the social model of disability, says Nigel Sedman, Executive Director of Homes at ForHousing.

“When we design for disability

first, you often stumble upon solutions that are better than those when we design for the norm ” This quote from deaf human-centered designer, Elise roy, sums up a journey we are on at Forhousing

In recent years we have shifted our culture, so we make decisions through the lens of the social model of disability But what is this? And why is it so important?

What comes to mind when you see the word ‘disability’? There is a good chance it might mean something very personal to you, because one in five working-age adults (21%) are disabled (Scope)

When a similar question came up during a work discussion about improving accessibility, I will be honest with you my initial thinking did not take into account the diversity and breadth of experiences and barriers disabled people face

According to Disability rights UK, there is no single definition of disability in use in the UK When it comes to living independently, disability is a “physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities ”

This conversation with colleagues opened my mind and educated me on the social model of disability

Writer and disability activist Sinead Burke pretty much sums it up; “I often forget that I’m a little person It’s the physical environment and society that remind me ”

In essence, the social model of disability does not focus on an individual’s

disability but on the barriers in society that disable them

Unfortunately, disability is very often presented through the ‘medical model’ in that an individual has a health issue that needs to be treated or fixed “The medical model looks at what is ‘ wrong ’ with the person and not what the person needs It creates low expectations and leads to people losing independence, choice and control in their own lives,” explains disability equality charity Scope

Implementing the social model

So how exactly have we been moving towards the social model at Forhousing?

W e f i r s t s p e n t s o m e t i m e i d e n t i f y i n g p l a c e s t h a t w o u l d r e a l l y b e n e f i t f r o m d e s i g n i m p r o v e m e n t s t o m a k e t h e m m o r e i n c l u s i v e

Let’s take harriet Street’s sheltered accommodation in Walkden as an example Sean, who works in our adaptations team, brought a problem area to a discussion forum following lots of feedback from tenants and staff that the walkway was too narrow and steep The walkway to harriet Street sheltered accommodation was causing people issues Some were even reluctant to leave their homes due to fear of falling

The proposed solution? “We need to speak to people first and understand what the challenges are before we do any work,” said Sean from the adaptations team

We created surveys and spent time chatting with tenants at coffee mornings From here, we could make some informed

decisions about the changes and kept tenants updated every step of the way

The path was widened, and the uneven surface was levelled out and resurfaced to ensure it was suitable for wheelchair users and a handrail was installed In just eight weeks, the area was transformed Not only does it look more welcoming, but the relatively small changes have had a huge impact on people and their wellbeing

people have commented: “I’m really happy because I feel safe now ”

Instead of putting the onus on people to adapt how they live, we have adapted the environment This has also influenced the launch of our ‘Social Model of Disability Budget’ Forhousing colleagues can now nominate areas that could be improved for everybody

Equity, diversity and inclusion is something we are really passionate about at Forhousing As part of this, we are now committed to framing everything through the social model of disability, to improve lives and make more things possible for more people Whilst we won’t achieve perfection, we are confident that designing and making decisions with this approach in mind, will benefit disabled people and the whole community just as it has done in harriet Street

Harriet Street before Harriet Street after

D o o r s p e c i f i c a t i o n

O ve r t h e l a s t d e c a d e, D o o r C o h a s b e e n d e s i g n i n g a n d m a nu fa c t u r i n g c o m p o s i t e d o o r s t h a t h ave b e e n f i t t e d i n t o 1 , 0 0 0 s o f s o c i a l h o u s i n g h o m e s t h r o u g h i t s n e t wo r k o f t r u s t e d fa b r i c a t o r s a n d i n s t a l l e r s a c r o s s t h e U K H e r e, Te c h n i c a l & S a l e s M a n a g e r, I a n G l e n i s t e r r e p o r t s o n w h a t t h e c u r r e n t t r e n d s a n d fo r e c a s t s a r e w h e n i t c o m e s t o d o o r s i n t h e s o c i a l h o u s i n g s e c t o r.

Collaboratively, DoorCo has been delivering on large partnering and framework agreements with many RSLs via a network of window and door fabricators and installers that specialise and therefore understand the pressures of the social housing sector Our aim is to provide the best doors for residents in terms of stability, security and aesthetics

Our doors have been designed specifically for the UK market and are manufactured in the world’s most technologically advanced door production facilities, and our Macclesfield hub of warehouses holds up to 60,000 doors and 150,000 of our unique FLiP glazing cassettes Our door products are PAS24: 2016, Doc Q & L & M compliant

We are members of the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM), meeting their strict code of good practice, which is focused on ensuring the highest standards of operational professionalism in the market We also recently won Component Supplier of the Year in the industry-renowned G22 Awards.

Better homes

The growing pressure on landlords to improve living environments for their tenants is intensifying Whether this is improved energy efficiency as part of the decarbonisation drive for Net Zero or creating more aesthetically pleasing homes and better communities, the challenge is very real. Sourcing the correct products from a robust and reliable supply chain is paramount in meeting this complex challenge The

composite door is a solution that supports the challenge from both sides

Efficiency solution

The integrity and performance of the composite door is widely recognised as one of the best doors for U-value performance they are designed to be energy-efficient As suppliers we are constantly innovating to ensure that this performance is always one step ahead of what is required For example, product changes were made last year well in advance of the changes made to Approved Document L, and we have also already switched all our door glass over to laminated glass, ahead of the proposed changes to Building Regulations, that will now come into force next year

Delivering differentiation

Where composite doors come into their own is in meeting the pressures being put on landlords to deliver more aesthetically pleasing homes and improve the ‘kerb appeal’ of their housing stock Diversity is easily achieved thanks to constant innovation and investment in this area to deliver a wide variety of design and colour options

Colour

Colour has been an important factor for the window and door market for a long time and as a key supplier, we ensure our customers can deliver the very latest trends to the market, whether that is colour scheming effectively with a variety of shades that can create, for example the popular coastal, rural and urban

schemes, or offer premium alternatives to the ever-popular standard colours of Red, Blue, Green, Anthracite Grey and Chartwell Green

Design

When it comes to overall design, the choices of doors available far exceeds the traditional moulded designs we’re used to seeing in this market Enhanced designs like the Farmhouse and Monza II are becoming increasing popular as costeffective alternatives that can be ordered in volume to satisfy large contracts on a very quick turnaround. Glass and glazing choices also have a significant impact on design and there is a wide choice of options, from alternative cassette designs with a flat woodgrain finish to bespoke decorative glass that are readily available to complement housing schemes

The market is evolving; DoorCo and our network of specialist door fabricators and installers understand what it takes to deliver a reliable, secure and relevant supply chain to support the social housing sector in satisfying this change

n For more information on DoorCo and its composite doors visit: www.door-co.com

“As supplier s we are constantly innovating to ensure that this perfor mance is always one step ahead of w hat is required.”

Decarbonising schools

Since the 1980s, Woodland Primary School in Bishop Auckland, County Durham had relied on oil to provide its heating and hot water needs However, when the school’s oil heating system came to the end of its life, a more sustainable option was needed With funding secured for the project from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme via the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now the Department for Energy Security & Net-Zero), Durham County Council called on the expertise of Vaillant to specify a low carbon heating system that would reduce running costs and improve overall efficiency

Based in a remote part of Durham, Woodland Primary School is a small school, with a capacity of just 42 pupils, that up until recently relied on a 68kW oil boiler for its heating and hot water capabilities The boiler had come to the end of its useful life, and was starting to breakdown more frequently, shutting the school on several occasions

The school was originally built in 1968, yet over the years the fabric of the building had been improved with double-glazing and cavity wall insulation In addition, its network of underground hot water pipes had recently been decommissioned and upgraded to wall-mounted pipes, which

provided an ideal base to install a new, low carbon heating system In this case, four Vaillant aroTHERM plus air source heat pumps were specified to transition the school from oil to a more sustainable heating solution

Pre-sales support

Malcolm Johnson, Energy Conservation Adviser at Durham County Council, says:

“We established early in the project that the oil boiler at Woodland Primary School

would be replaced with a heat pump solution However, with the tight time constraints and additional challenges with the fabric of the building itself, we needed to call on outside expertise to calculate the size and volume requirements as well as which type of heat pump would be most suitable ”

As a result, the Council approached Energist Solutions, who recommended Vaillant having previously worked with their team of experts Dean Southern,

LABM gets the lowdown on the first school in County Durham to decarbonise with the help of Vaillant heat pumps

The school’s existing oil boiler was replaced with four Vaillant aroTHERM plus heat pumps

The sensoCOMFORT control continuously monitors the heat demand

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Air source heat pumps are most efficient when operating at low temperatures, so system balancing is crucial to ensuring they run at optimal efficiency By carrying out heat loss calculations in the building, Vaillant determined that new radiators with a larger surface area would be required to ensure the heat was distributed evenly, and these would be fitted during the school summer holidays to avoid any interruption to the children’s learning

“T h e Wo o d l a n d P r i ma r y

S c h o o l p ro j e c t h a s

a c h i eve d s eve ra l ‘ fi r s t s ’ i n

C o u n t y D u r h a m . I t i s t h e fi r s t

s c h o o l t o g e t a i r s o u rc e

h e a t p u m p s , fi r s t t o g e t

g ro u n d - m o u n t e d s o l a r

p a n e l s , a n d t h e fi r s t t o

b e n e fi t f ro m g ra n t f u n d i n g

u n d e r t h e P u b l i c S e c t o r

D e c a r b o n i s a t i o n S c h e m e . ”

Commercial Development Director at Energist Solutions says: “Woodland School is located in a rural area where winters can be very cold It was important that we specified a heat pump system that would be able to meet the school’s heating and hot water demands, even when the outside temperature was very low The aroTHERM plus was ideal for meeting these needs, and we knew that by working with Vaillant we would be supported with technical support and robust warranties ”

Vaillant’s end-to-end expertise and support team is available to specifiers across every aspect of heating design, under The Vaillant Standard This includes pre-planning, system design, consultancy services and aftersales support

Securing the right funding

In 2021, the UK government allocated an additional £3 9bn of new funding to support the decarbonisation of heat This included

an allocation of £1 425bn to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which would provide grants for local authorities and other public bodies to use to decarbonise heat in public sector buildings and install energy efficiency measures

As a local authority responsible for numerous public buildings off the mains gas grid, Durham County Council had already identified through its Climate Emergency Response Plan to replace oil boilers with low carbon alternatives as a key action

Supported by an enthusiastic school Office Manager and Head Teacher, the Low Carbon Team at Durham County Council applied to the PSDS through Salix Finance to cover the cost of the project

The team successfully secured £113,000 of the total £122,000 project cost to upgrade Woodland Primary School, which included the design and installation of the aroTHERM plus heat pump cascade system, 31 ground-mounted solar panels and converting all lighting in the school to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Woodland Primary School is the first school in the region to benefit from the PSDS funding, with the remaining £9,000 funded from the Council’s own ‘Invest to Save’ budget

The perfect balance

The school’s existing oil boiler was replaced with four Vaillant aroTHERM plus heat pumps, located where the oil storage tank used to be, away from the main school building It was deemed that two 12kW units would provide the heating requirements, with an additional two 10KW units being able to alternate between heating and hot water demand

The aroTHERM plus uses a natural refrigerant R290 which gives a global warming potential of just 3 and an ErP rating of A+++ The use of R290 also means the school can achieve greater comfort levels and allows domestic hot water to be stored at a useable temperature so that legionella cycles can take place without the need for a backup heater The heat pumps were installed alongside a large buffer tank and large hot water tank, both of which were in the original boiler house

Continuous supply

The rural primary school initially wanted the new heating system to be integrated with the existing Building Management System (BMS) Working with Vaillant and their design team, Energist were able to adapt the legacy BMS system to work with the Vaillant 720 sensoCOMFORT control, to monitor the energy usage for the school whilst ensuring a continuous supply of power via the adaption to a three-phase supply

By installing the sensoCOMFORT control, the heat demand is continuously monitored and the aroTHERM plus units can switch on automatically as required

New, ground-mounted solar PV panels were also installed at the rear of Woodland Primary School’s playing fields There are 31 panels in total, with each panel delivering 455W, resulting in a peak power of 14 1KW The heat pump units will all be in operation during the winter months, however only one will be required in warmer weather Utilising solar panels has also helped to reduce the amount of electricity the heat pumps consume from the grid

The solar panels provide the school with a way to generate their own electricity that can be used for their own purpose, as

A large buffer tank and large hot water tank were installed in the original boiler house

well as a means to generate revenue The surplus electricity generated by the solar panels is captured through an energyharvesting device and used to pre-heat the hot water tank Any further surplus is sold back to the grid, helping to generate additional funds for the school

From a budgeting perspective, generating energy independently from the grid means the school can better manage its overheads at a time when energy prices are fluctuating more than ever before

Leading the way

Malcolm Johnson says: “The Woodland Primary School project has achieved several ‘firsts’ in County Durham It is the first school to get air source heat pumps, first to get ground-mounted solar panels, and the first to benefit from grant funding under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

“We embraced the challenges of this project, and the expertise from Vaillant was vital in delivering the heat pump

solution We have been really impressed with the aroTHERM plus heat pumps, and the high level of service we received from Vaillant’s expert team, including their support in the pre-planning, help with designing the plans and consultancy when we ran into any issues ”

Steve Cipriano, Commercial Director at Vaillant comments: “Ground source heat pumps were initially considered for Woodland Primary School, however, through our consultation it was advised that because of the preparatory works that would be needed prior to the installation, it would be impossible to achieve this within the project timescales

“It was also crucial for the school that they avoided closures and further disruptions to the pupils, whilst still significantly reducing their carbon emissions An additional benefit of installing air source heat pumps is that we could be confident in assuring the customer that this technology could be

installed in time for heating season, whereas ground source heat pumps often take much longer Air source would also offer better access for installers should any issues arise ”

Woodland Primary School is now the lowest carbon emitting school in County Durham, reducing its carbon emissions from 22 1 tonnes per annum to 4 9 tonnes This figure is expected to reduce even further as the electricity grid is decarbonised

These successes have also allowed Durham County Council to scope out more carbon reduction projects in the region, based on the tangible results of Woodland Primary School

With thanks to Vaillant for preparing this article

n More information on the Vaillant aroTHERM plus heat pumps here www.rdr.link/laj004

Improving air tightness

A. Proctor Group discusses how the installation of vapour per meable air barr iers can improve air tightness in education and healthcare buildings

The importance and need for improving airtightness within public buildings such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and healthcare facilities is critical The drivers for airtightness go beyond compliance with current Building Regulations, emphasised further by the massive increases in energy costs and the need to maintain healthy buildings Effective design must address the balance between airtightness and managing the moisture in buildings, thereby placing the wellbeing of occupants as paramount

The latest version of ‘Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L’ acknowledges the importance of getting airtightness right, explicitly mentioning that “when carrying out work in new dwellings, care should be taken to reduce unwanted heat loss through infiltration ” For example, highlighting the challenges of potential penetration of the air barrier as a result of internal building services and structural penetrations The use of an external airtight barrier such as Wraptite from the A Proctor Group is specifically designed to overcome

the risk of damage to the traditional internal air barrier approach that can occur with internal service works

The Wraptite system is the only selfadhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA It combines the critical properties of vapour permeability

and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane This approach saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the energy efficiency demands in buildings

Air leakage through cracks, gaps, holes, and improperly sealed elements such as

The Wraptite system is BBA certified

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The high vapour permeability of the Wraptite air barrier allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion

Airtightness in education buildings

doors and windows can cause a significant reduction in the performance of even thermally insulated envelopes, in some cases reducing their effectiveness by up to 70% In addition, unmanaged or uncontrolled airflow can act as a carrier for moist air, drawing it in from the outside or pushing it from the inside outwards into walls, ceilings, and roofs The impact of this uncontrolled moist air movement can have a detrimental effect on the life of the building and the health of its occupants

A vital element of the design and construction is to maximise energy efficiency Controlling spiralling energy costs is particularly key in educational facilities such as schools and colleges

The high-performance airtightness qualities of the Wraptite air barrier system have been installed at a state-of-the-art development at St Dunstan’s College a co-educational independent school in Catford, London The project comprises a new Junior School, STEM building and Sixth Form Hub

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, phase one includes a new junior school with specialist facilities for art, music and performance, and phase two includes the construction of the STEM Centre and Sixth Form Hub Including this airtightness barrier within the facade will ensure “as-designed” performance, narrowing the gap between asdesigned and actual energy performance and reducing the likelihood of potential failures to meet required airtightness levels

Airtightness in healthcare buildings

An example of the effectiveness of the external air barrier system is providing an efficient airtightness solution at two new-build extensions to the Connolly Hospital in Dublin The project consisted of two phases, a new laboratory building in phase one, with a brand-new accident & emergency facility constructed in phase two

Designed by architects MCA Dublin, awardwinning drylining contractors McLaughlin Taylor of Donegal installed the Wraptite System as an external air barrier and alternative to a traditional standard breather membrane The use of conventional membranes would have required mechanical fixing and added to the installation time As an alternative, the Wraptite self-adhesive membrane was applied externally, quickly, and easily to the external steel frame in continuous pieces

Gio Fusco of McLaughlin Taylor

comments: “The application of the selfadhesive Wraptite System was quick and easy to apply in a single application, with no requirement to return for additional fixings We used Wraptite for both phases, and the air permeability test results were consistently excellent with both buildings achieving a rating of close to or just below 2m3/hm2 ”

The system is applied externally quickly and efficiently as part of the rainscreen system, is compliant with Part B regulation changes and has BBA approval for unrestricted use in relevant buildings over 11m/18m

The self-adhesive membrane fully bonds directly to the substrate, requiring no mechanical attachment and little seals or tapes to suppress air leakage around junctions or penetrations Internal air barriers can be complex and costly to install due to accommodating building services such as electrical, lighting, heating, and drainage systems

Positioning an air barrier outside the structural frame simplifies the process of maintaining the integrity of the envelope, with fewer building services and structural penetrations to be sealed

The successful design of effective airtightness within public buildings such as schools, colleges, hospitals and healthcare facilities must be part of a wider holistic system approach Thus, the best practice is one that balances energy efficiency, heat loss, and managing moisture without compromising the integrity of the building envelope or the wellbeing of the occupants

Wraptite is a self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier

“We used Wra ptite for both phases , and the air per mea bility test results were consistently excellent with both buildings achieving a rating of close to or just below 2m3/hm2 ”

Re d u c i n g e n e r g y c o s t s

Ian Thomas, Product Manager – LabControls at TROX UK, offers advice on air management strategies and tackling laborator y energy costs

The current energy crisis is of particular concern for sites incorporating facilities for scientific testing and teaching The energy consumption of laboratories is often more than three or four times that of offices on a square metre basis 1 This can mean that laboratory buildings are responsible for between 50 and 80% of the total energyrelated (non-residential) carbon emissions of research-intensive universities

Government research facilities, hospitals and private sector laboratories are similarly affected, with energy consumption presenting significant financial and environmental challenges There are a number of measures that can be taken, however, to reduce laboratory energy consumption without compromising health and safety, or the integrity of research

administration, meetings or general teaching Accurate zoning could mean that air change rates could be reduced safely in low risk areas of the site to reduce the site’s overall energy consumption

A sensible next step is to analyse air change rates in the laboratory areas at the weekend, or overnight, at times when these facilities are unoccupied Expert advice is, of course, recommended, but there may be valuable opportunities to adjust the BMS to reduce air change rates for the air conditioning systems at times of non-occupation Local overrides can be used to ensure that, if personnel should be working out of usual work hours, the air changes can be re-established at times when the BMS has put the building into reduced mode

than average demand for conditioned air has a significant knock-on effect across the site, driving up the energy consumption of air conditioning system components such as Air Handling Units, chillers and fans

The energy consumption of the fume cupboard is dependent largely on whether it operates on constant or variable air volumes (VAV) A VAV fume cupboard reduces extraction automatically when the sash is closed For the example above, this figure drops from 225 l/s to just 55 l/s

Step

1: Review existing air management strategies

An understanding of existing air supply and extraction across the site will provide a firm foundation for any energy-saving project Often air change rates are set on a site-wide basis This can result in higher air change rates necessary for laboratories being applied in areas used for

Step 2: Identifying major energyconsuming devices

The higher energy consumption of laboratories is driven largely by the use of fume cupboards A 900mm wide fume cupboard with a maximum sash height of 500mm and face velocity of 0 5 m/s would extract approximately 225 l/s of conditioned air from the room This higher

Fume cupboard ventilation

when the sash is down, reducing the conditioned air requirement by 170 l/s So transitioning older fume cupboards from constant to variable air volume has significant energy saving potential

Relatively minor changes to day-to-day operation of VAV fume cupboards could also unlock significant energy savings Sashes are often left open when individuals are away from the fume cupboards, resulting in unnecessary consumption of conditioned air It is a relatively simple operation to install technology to close sashes automatically to conserve energy

A PIR (passive infrared) sensor can identify that no one is present at the fume cupboard After a set time a visual or audible alarm is triggered to indicate that the sash have been left up An auto sash closer can then work in conjunction with the sensor to close the sash automatically, preventing unnecessary extraction of conditioned air

Further energy savings could also be possible by upgrading or reactivating control features of the existing fume cupboards It is quite common for fume cupboards to have control capability already resident but not currently configured for operation Existing features could be brought into operation, or more advanced control could be retrofitted to the existing lab ‘hardware’ to maximise return on capital investment whilst providing new energy efficiency and safety capabilities

Step 3: Room air management

The most significant energy reductions, however, can be achieved by integrating fume cupboard air supply and extraction with the wider air management systems to prevent wastage Installing a room air management system (such as the TROX EASYLAB system) makes it possible for all input and extract air for the laboratory to be controlled automatically to ensure that the required ventilation strategy and levels of safety are maintained Supply and extraction of the fume

volumes For example, if the fume cupboards are open and extracting air, there is not the same requirement for the room system to carry out this process By scaling down room exhaust air extraction in line with fume cupboard extraction, the room air management system is able to prevent wastage associated with oversupply of conditioned air, improving energy efficiency significantly (see Figures 1 and 2 below)

Step 4: Local heat extraction

Finally, installing equipment such as ventilated down flow tables, canopy hoods or fume exhaust ‘snorkels’ can take away heat at source, thereby reducing demand on the site-wide cooling and ventilation system These can be particularly helpful where cooling demand relates to intensive usage of IT equipment on laboratory benches

1 Peter James and Lisa Hopkinson, ‘Carbon, Energy and Environmental Issues Affecting Laboratories in Higher Education A Supplement to the HEEPI Report on General Regulations and Schemes on the Topic’, August 2011

n For more information on improving the environmental performance of local authority buildings incorporating laboratories visit www rdr link/laj006

cupboards (or other technical air management devices) is automatically balanced and offset in line with changing requirements, reducing the total supply and extract

Figure 1

Figure 2

Fume cupboards

Natural ventilation: a sound investment for schools

The benefits of natural ventilation in educational settings are widely recognised and yet putting the theor y into practice continues to be a challenge for many local author ities Huw Poppy from leading ventilation solutions manufacturer Passivent discusses how ear ly engagement can help specifiers adopt a natural ventilation strategy that will reduce long-ter m costs and provide an immediate boost to health and wellbeing.

The importance of natural ventilation within a school environment cannot be underestimated The recent pandemic has brought many of the health benefits into sharper focus but the need to balance effective ventilation with other key issues such as thermal comfort, energy efficiency and acoustics, has also highlighted the fact that greater attention needs to be given to the choice of ventilation strategy at the initial design stage of a project

Achieving compliance

There is an abundance of information, guidance and regulations relating to ventilation within schools and this can

often be hard to navigate The most specific requirements are those outlined in Building Bulletin 101 “Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools” and Building Bulletin 93 “Acoustic design of schools performance standards”

The choice of ventilation system must also meet the newly updated Building Regulations, from new stricter targets on ventilation in Part F, conservation of energy as outlined in Part L and the acoustic requirements set out in Part E The difficulty of choosing a compliant ventilation system and strategies is compounded by the practical consideration of budgets, from the initial outlay to ongoing operational and maintenance costs

The natural solution

Natural ventilation is not only a compliant choice, but it can be the most costeffective Put simply, natural ventilation is the method of ventilating an internal space without the requirement of fans Such systems are reliant on natural forces including external-to-internal temperature difference, wind pressure and buoyancy essentially the force that makes warm air rise This means that natural ventilation is cheaper to run, easier to maintain and is silent in operation

However, these benefits can only be brought to fruition if natural ventilation is considered at the earliest design stage This is because every school building is different and will have individual

Aerial view of Sunningdale School Sunderland Image ©Matthew Nichol Photography

Inside a classroom at Sunningdale School Image ©Matthew Nichol Photography

requirements. For example, whereas large sports hall and atriums lend themselves to a displacement ventilation strategy, ICT suites will be at a greater risk of overheating and different ventilation rates will be needed for science laboratories. Through early engagement with the supply chain, natural ventilation can be considered and if appropriate, ‘designed in’ to as many areas as possible to allow for cross flow of air, stacks and general planning of air paths and circulation throughout the building.

Putting natural ventilation into practice — Sunningdale School, Sunderland

A recently completed project by Passivent is a great example of natural ventilation in action and illustrates the benefits of adopting this strategy at the earliest possible stage. Passivent worked closely with the design team at Sunderland City Council to create a natural ventilation strategy for the new Sunningdale School

in Sunderland that was tailored for the SEND environment with the whole building in mind.

Passivent’s proposal was for a ventilation strategy that would not only provide effective cross ventilation in the classrooms but would also reduce noise pollution during operation — a critical consideration for a SEND environment. By utilising natural ventilation, the school will also benefit from reduced energy usage without the need for mechanical fans.

Two of Passivent’s thermal acoustic window Aircool units were installed vertically in each classroom for the fresh air intake. These units allow the incoming air to be warmed via heater coils, with acoustic baffles helping to minimise noise. The used air is then exhausted at the back of the classroom at a slightly higher level through the two standard window Aircool units installed horizontally.

Passivent’s Litevent Airstract rooflight/ventilators were also specified

and installed along the school’s corridors, with the roof lights providing a great source of natural daylight and the Airstract terminal function in this combined unit providing controllable natural ventilation. Passivent’s Litevent system reduces the need for artificial lighting thereby reducing further energy consumption.

Installed in both the dining and main hall are multiple Airscoop roof ventilation terminals which ventilate the large open spaces, providing fresh air whilst displacing any stale used air. Passivent’s iC8000 Controller controls the entire ventilation system, which is split into 21 zones. The controls modulate the natural ventilation system and monitor carbon dioxide levels as well as internal and external temperatures to always ensure an optimal learning environment.

Through early engagement with ventilation specialists, natural ventilation strategies can have a much bigger part to play in the creation of new schools across the UK. As the Government’s ambitious school rebuilding programme continues apace, now is the time to take a fresh approach.

n For more information on Passivent’s natural ventilation solutions here www.rdr.link/laj007

Passivent’s Airscoop Terminals were installed at Sunningdale School. Image ©Matthew Nichol Photography

Passivent’s thermal acoustic window Aircool units were installed vertically in each classroom at Sunningdale School. Image ©Matthew Nichol Photography

“Passivent’s proposal was for a ventilation strategy that would not only provide effective cross ventilation in the classrooms but would also reduce noise pollution during operation. ”

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Chr is Mur phy, Head of Operations at leading maintenance, compliance and decarbonisation contractor, Novus Proper ty Solutions, discusses the difficulties that come with carr ying out maintenance wor ks in public buildings, and some of the key ways to overcome them

Wo r k i n g i n l i v e e n v i r o n m e n t s

Local authorities and other government bodies have a responsibility to ensure all public buildings comply with the latest health and safety regulations

Maintenance both planned and reactive plays a vital role in keeping schools, hospitals and other buildings safe for both staff and end users

Regular maintenance works are particularly important for public buildings due to their high traffic nature, which contributes to rapid wear and tear With this in mind, regular planned maintenance offers the most cost-effective solution for keeping public buildings safe reducing the need for urgent reactive maintenance works But with any type of maintenance work in public buildings comes unique challenges

Carrying out maintenance works in public buildings often means working in live environments, which presents a series of unique challenges Each type of public building from schools and hospitals to museums and leisure centres operates differently, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to practical considerations

For example, regular maintenance works in schools can be planned for outside of term-time, whereas hospitals operate on a 24-hour, 365-day schedule so whether the maintenance work is planned or reactive, staff and patients must be considered as a priority

Three key steps

While each type of public building presents its own unique considerations, there are three key steps that can be applied to carrying out maintenance works in any live environment: planning, infection control, and minimising disruption

Planning

Forming a robust plan for scheduled maintenance projects is the best way to overcome the unique challenges of working in public buildings Local authorities should collaborate with staff in public buildings as well as the chosen contractor to ensure works can be carried out safely, cost-effectively and with minimal impact on users While reactive maintenance works cannot be predicted, it’s important to have

some plans in place for if and when issues arise Having a general plan for how a particular public building would operate should reactive maintenance be required will save time and hassle in the future

Infection control

While infection control in public buildings particularly while contractors are on site has always been a priority, this is more important than ever as local authorities continue to plan for a postpandemic future

Taking steps to prevent and control the spread of infection should be a priority for any public building maintenance project, where live environments mean staff and service users are more likely to come into contact with contractors This is particularly important in settings such as hospitals, where patients may be even more vulnerable to infection Fortunately, there are several relatively easy measures that can be implemented for both planned and reactive maintenance projects

While dust is inevitable with any type of maintenance and construction work, contractors can take steps to minimise

Carrying out maintenance projects in public buildings often means adapting to working in live environments

how much is produced From regular housekeeping and restricted access to negative-pressure ventilation and covering vents, there are a number of measures that can be taken to keep levels of dust on site to a minimum

The correct disposal of waste is also key to infection control in public buildings

Debris should be removed regularly from construction zones in airtight containers, ideally when the building is closed to the public Where this is not possible, such as in hospitals, waste management schedules can be implemented so that contractors and staff can work together to reduce the risk of contact between service users and debris

What’s more, it’s important not to forget the value of social distancing Creating physical space between contractors and both staff and service users wherever possible is one of the best ways to reduce the potential spread of infection Not only does this create a safer environment for potentially vulnerable service users but also for on-site maintenance teams who, if

they become ill, could delay the works being completed

Minimising disruption

Infection control goes hand-in-hand with minimising disruption By choosing to operate at times where public buildings are unoccupied, the risk of spreading infection is lowered too For example, maintenance works in schools is often noisy and requires temporary classroom moves for students, so planning maintenance to take place outside of term is ideal as it not only minimises disruption but also prevents contact with contractors reducing the risk of spreading infection

Where this is not possible there are still ways to minimise disruption to service users, from implementing noise reduction measures to communicating with users before and during the works

It’s also always worth asking the chosen contractor what extra measures they can take to minimise disruption

Specialist maintenance contractors like

Novus are able to provide added services such as mobile units as temporary spaces, which can be utilised by staff and service users who will be most affected

A partnered approach

All of these steps are easiest to implement in collaboration with the chosen contractor Public buildings such as schools and hospitals often require a higher level of communication and flexibility between local authority and contractor, so it’s important to choose a trusted contractor for any maintenance work in these settings Treating the contractor relationship as a partnership rather than simply as an external company ensures work will be completed to the highest standards with minimal disruption to staff and service users

n For more information on Novus Property Solutions and its services visit www rdr link/laj008

SCHooLS, HoSPITALS & PUbLIC bUILDINGS RoUND-UP

Wall protection installed at Countess of Chester Hospital

Gradus has supplied and installed a range of bespoke wall protection solutions throughout the new Same Day Emergency Care building at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The range of wall protection solutions installed CHR160 combination rails in colour Pebble, which combines a handrail and a wall guard element in a single profile. This provides wall protection against impacts from wheeled traffic, whilst offering a comfortable grip handrail to give reassuring pedestrian support and guidance.

Gradus CGH5090 High Impact Corner Guards were also chosen to protect the corners, which are the most vulnerable area of a building, whilst WGS200 and WGA100 Wall Guards all in colour Pebble, were also used to protect the walls from impact and abrasion damage.

www.rdr.link/laj009

eCLIQ solution secures hospital site

Security expert Abloy UK supplied NHS Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, with the eCLIQ electromechanical solution for their on-site facilities management and security. NHS Raigmore approached Abloy UK to discuss a key management solution that would meet the latest regulations, has the capability to monitor the use of keys and can easily revoke access from lost or stolen keys. Abloy UK recommended eCLIQ, a web-based locking and key management solution. The system was installed throughout the estate, with 82 locks fitted by Raigmore’s facilities management team and 42 keys issued to staff and contractors. Installation was easy as the cylinders do not require a power output. The solution uses web management software providing valuable insights into when, where and by who the keys are used. Facilities management have a detailed overview and control of access across the hospital as the system logs the time and user of the key every time it’s used.

n More information on the full range of Abloy solutions available here www.rdr.link/laj010

n More about Gradus’ wall protection solutions here

Taking a collaborative approach to innovation

According to recent research by Shelter, the UK needs to build at least 340,000 homes per year and of that at least 150,000 good quality affordable homes in order to address a shortage of homes, yet the average annual output continues to be below that figure

With the social housing sector continuing to face a range of challenges, this has highlighted the important role that innovation in project delivery will play in boosting current productivity levels It has also been a key factor in the increased attention from social housing providers in the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in their acceleration strategies to deliver high-quality affordable

homes, as Mike Ormesher, Project Director at the Off-Site Homes Alliance (OSHA) explains: “The benefits of MMC has been very well documented, helping to speed up the delivery of social housing in communities where they are most needed

“The approach to OSHA has been quite astonishing, as social housing providers (RPs and LAs) approach us to deliver MMC homes that meet new performance and high-quality standards and of course, affordability ”

Addressing the housing shortage

Mike continues: “The industry now widely accepts that the use of MMC technologies is key to addressing the housing shortage and performance challenges, as a

completely joined-up strategy It’s a view also supported by Homes England, making commitment to increased use a key prerequisite for its strategic partners MMC are now the new norm as we drive up standards towards zero energy bills and zero carbon footprint ambitions

“We’ve been using MMC for decades Our first recorded volumetric houses (Henry Manning Modular Cottages) were being shipped from Great Britain to Australia as far back as 1827 in timber frame The real contrast today that differentiates “the old” from “the new ” MMC philosophy is that we are now ‘designing in’ real performance, sound value engineering, significant safety, and robust compliance measures at every stage

“We’ve drastically improved our Df MA processes for integrating MMC technologies into the actual construction delivery process too The compliance measures and processes we now have for MMC systems (e g working with strategic partners such as NHBC Accepts, BOPAS and numerous others now well founded for MMC management) are far more robust than ever before

“The approaches we now follow, are far more appropriate for testing too, rather than trying to test hundreds if not thousands of individual components separately, in the hope that they all work together on the end product (our homes)

The Off-Site Homes Alliance (OSHA) talks to LABM about unlocking the benefits of modular for social housing through collaboration.

The compliance measures and processes for MMC systems are far more robust than ever before

MODULAR & OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

It is also far easier for the more advanced accreditation, certification and ultimately MMC warranty bodies, to build in QA procedures, roles and responsibility insight, management processes, skills, training records, system design and installation manuals, material schedules, testing records and drawing control etc, as part of the MMC delivery process ensuring better securitisation and asset management This is due to the holistic approaches now afforded using MMC philosophy ”

Future of construction

As we require more consumer insight and control to manage energy, wellbeing, comfort levels and certainly safety levels, and as we start to reach our target dates for future homes and zero carbon, the use of MMC has never been more aligned and is without doubt the future of construction across the board

We should start thinking, control over production, available insight into the end product, and ease of management for transparent compliance procedures Then MMC means something This is what OSHA has taken on as part of its well-established

and defined strategic management process or MMC Eco-system as its now known to its clients and strategic partners, overcoming any hurdles that do or may exist in the MMC delivery programmes, now being managed for its clients

Collaborative approach

The key aspect that has been missing over the many years that we have been trying to perfect the delivery of MMC solutions is undoubtedly the collaborative interaction between the client, the design team and the supply chain This is down to the fact that our modus operandi is geared towards traditional contracting processes OSHA and its clients have reviewed this in great detail and its approach to delivery is overcoming those barriers as a true collaboration

When you add the additional USPs of OSHA of aggregated demand, from the growing number of social housing providers and local authorities, a well-designed MMC pattern book and zero carbon playbook, all coordinated via an expert MMC project

management office and project director, you start to see and feel the real benefits of collaborative engagement from the start of a project, with expert insights at every level, leaving each expert and authority to shine in their own field of expertise, as a very efficient team

Finally, the development of a carefully crafted MMC framework (almost two years in the making) along with 13 carefully selected volumetric and panelised system manufacturer partners, across many MMC technologies, ensures that working with OSHA, its processes and partnership culture, takes away the fears or misconceptions of MMC delivery, now that we are all well on our journey towards high performance, high quality and truly affordable housing

OSHA’s next step is to build the client base of the alliance from RPs to local authorities, city regions and combined authorities because based on its original mantra, “ we are better together than we can be alone”

Using MMC you can now ‘design in’ real performance, sound value engineering, significant safety, and robust compliance measures at every stage of the process

“The a pproach to OSHA has been quite astonishing, as social housing provider s (RPs and LAs) a pproach us to deliver MMC homes that meet new perfor mance and high-quality standards and of cour se, afforda bility.”

MMC can help to speed up the delivery of social housing

Insulation for life

Rising energy bills have affected us all, but social housing residents have felt the impact of increasing tar iffs dispropor tionately Here, Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK outlines how housing providers can improve their homes’ energy, as well as fire safety and acoustic perfor mance, for now and the longer ter m

Areport by the National Housing Federation in November last year found that social housing residents’ heating bills would reduce by 42% if their homes were insulated and draught-proofed, equating to a saving of over £700m The same report also highlighted the inordinate impact of rising energy costs on residents, with those in the least efficient homes rated EPC G spending up to

15 5% of their income on heating bills, almost five times the national average based on October 2022 prices

These figures highlight the scale of the challenge, but also the opportunity to reduce the carbon and financial impact of the UK’s leaky homes through an effective building fabric Yet to realise these improvements, housing providers must think longer-term especially when it comes to insulation

Consistency is key

Insulation’s ability to perform is twofold Firstly, it is critical to specify insulation that will continue to provide energy-saving benefits well beyond installation and secondly, ensure it is fitted correctly in the first place

For insulation to be effective and remain so, dimensional stability is key as the air pockets within it help prevent heat transfer Squashed and sagging insulation

As stone wool insulation is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock it has a natural, innate non-combustibility, making it ideal solution for use in high-rise housing

Stone wool insulation slabs are designed to knit together, creating a seamless fit

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

such, social housing providers must stringently monitor the quality of works and ensure insulation is fitted successfully to achieve the required performance once a property occupied

term safety and comfort of buildings, and the wellbeing of residents

whether in the wall, roof, or floor can affect these energy-saving capabilities

Made from basalt rock, stone wool insulation has proven dimensional stability and can maintain its shape and properties over time across a wide range of temperatures Its high-density semi-rigid composition also means it is resilient to building movement when fitted under compression and will not slump in the cavity or sag in a loft In fact, when independently tested, stone wool insulation has been shown to provide consistent performance for up to 55 years1 without a drop in its thermal properties

The importance of fit

While changes to Approved Document L in England place greater scrutiny on closing the gap between designed and as-built performance, performance gaps often occur in areas that cannot be seen As

The first step in achieving this designed performance is to be certain that insulation is installed contiguously and without gaps Again, the composition of stone wool insulation makes this process easier as it is highly pliable so can be closely friction fitted, without the need for impractical levels of precision cutting This simplicity minimises the margin for error, supporting reliable and effective thermal performance that reduces thermal bridging

This process also applies to abutments between insulation boards, another area that can be prone to thermal leakage As stone wool insulation slabs are designed to knit together, they create a seamless fit that supports the delivery of designed U-values and ongoing thermal performance that will help to reduce financially debilitating energy bills for decades to come

Additional value

Increasing energy costs and the housing sector’s focus on decarbonisation have necessitated a focus on thermal efficiency as the primary driver for insulation choice Yet thermal performance should not be seen in isolation or focused on in detriment to other critical factors that affect the long-

As stone wool insulation is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock, it has a natural, innate non-combustibility, meaning that many solutions achieve a European Reaction to Fire Classification of A1 the highest possible rating Stone wool insulation products also present a solution for high-rise housing for both new-build and retrofit recladding scenarios following the ban on combustible materials in the external walls of relevant buildings over 18m (2) in England which came into force in 2018

A further benefit of stone wool is its breathability, which allows air vapour to pass through its structure and escape This helps reduce the risk of damp and mould and the health implications and remedial works they bring

With noise from neighbours one of the most common anti-social behaviour complaints, the acoustic performance of chosen insulation is an additional consideration that will benefit both the occupier and housing provider’s resourcing Due to its dense, non-directional fibre orientation and an open porous structure, stone wool traps sound waves and reduces sound energy and can be used to prevent unwanted noise both within a home and from external sources

With the decarbonisation of social housing stock expected to cost over £36bn in England alone3 and take housing associations many years to deliver, it is an exercise that is important to get right, as well as one to avoid repeating By opting for stone wool insulation that is proven to perform thermally across a building’s lifetime, social housing providers can ensure this historic investment has a lasting impact on current and future generations, and through the material’s additional benefits, safeguard health, safety, and wellbeing for years to come

1 FIW (German test and research institute) Durability Project Mineral Wool, 2016

2

In England, ADB also provides guidance on the use of combustible materials in residential buildings over 11m and in Scotland the ban applies to buildings over 11m

“Made from basalt rock, stone wool insulation has proven dimensional sta bility and can maintain its sha pe and proper ties over time across a wide range of temperatures . ”

on ROCKWOOL’s stone wool insulation solutions here

Stone wool insulation’s breathability allows air vapour to pass through its structure and escape, helping to reduce the risk of damp and mould

Safet y f i r s t f o r r o o f s p a c e s

A s t h e i n c l u s i o n o f e f fe c t i ve s o l a r P V o n r o o f s c a p e s b e c o m e s m o r e c o m m o n p l a c e, l o c a l a u t h o r i t i e s w h o a r e c h a r g e d w i t h d e l i ve r i n g s u s t a i n a bl e, h i g h q u a l i t y a n d s a fe h o u s i n g s o l u t i o n s fo r t h e i r t e n a n t s s h o u l d e n s u r e t h ey s e l e c t b e s t i n c l a s s s o l u t i o n s t h a t a l s o i n c l u d e s a fe t y - f i r s t p r o t e c t i o n m e a s u r e s. H e r e, S t u a r t N i c h o l s o n , R o o f S y s t e m s D i r e c t o r a t M a r l ey, o u t l i n e s s o m e o f t h e key c o n s i d e ra t i o n s

Amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations, which became mandatory from June 2022, signal a key milestone in the steps to achieving net zero by 2050

All those responsible for specifying and constructing new homes, including the

local authority sector, must ensure continued compliance with the uplift changes to Part L which states all new homes are designed and constructed to produce 31% lower carbon emissions

We are also advancing towards the introduction of the Future Homes Standard

in 2025 At that point, all newly constructed homes need to be specified as highly energy-efficient, use renewable technology solutions and be zero carbon ready

Ensuring the nation’s housing stock, including local authority properties, is measurably more energy-efficient is a

vital element of the national net zero strategy; one that puts the adoption of sustainable building and roofing solutions under the spotlight

The solar solution

Improvement in energy efficiency (and lower carbon emissions) set out in the Part L amendments simply can’t be delivered by enhancing the building fabric on its own

As a result, and to meet the immediate Part L challenge, we are seeing an increase of solar PV on the roofscape, together with a highly efficient boiler, as the easiest and most cost-effective way to meet the new carbon reduction targets In fact, Solar Energy UK predicts that the Part L changes could lead to a five-fold increase in the number of new homes specified with renewable solar technology on the roof

Solar PV technology is a tried and tested solution, which is readily available and has become much more affordable as its popularity soars Aside from its cleaner and sustainable energy generating capabilities, solar can also make a positive contribution to easing household energy costs, an aspect that tenants will readily welcome as energy costs remain at historically high levels

Ensure total safety with ArcBox

As the provider of a market-leading integrated solar panel roof offering SolarTile that is gaining traction with local authority new-builds across the UK, Marley is also working to ensure that any potential concerns about safety and longlasting protection for homes and tenants are alleviated

To support this, SolarTile now also offers the assurance of a safety protection solution The recently launched solar connector enclosure, ArcBox offers peace of mind following solar panel installation and comes as part of a holistic and proven renewable system solution available from Marley

While the risk of electrical fire caused by solar PV on the roof is extremely low, safety remains a primary concern for those charged with a duty of care for tenants As such, ArcBox has been innovatively designed to further enhance safety standards across all types of solar connections

Independently verified by the KIWA fire test laboratory and Loughborough University, ArcBox forms part of Marley’s comprehensive full roof system, underpinned by a 15-year guarantee It is suitable for solar projects in both domestic and commercial settings such as homes as well as schools, hospitals or care homes

“B y s e l e c t i n g a b e s t i n

c l a s s f u l l y i n t e g ra t e d ro o fi n g s y s t e m f ro m a s i n g l e s o u rc e ; o n e t h a t i n c l u d e s a h i g h

p e r fo r m i n g s o l a r P V s o l u t i o n

a n d s a fe t y - d r i ve n a n c i l l a r y

c o m p o n e n t s s u c h a s

A rc B ox , l o c a l a u t h o r i t i e s

c a n c o n fi d e n t l y p ro c e e d

w i t h t h e i r s u s t a i n a b i l i t y

a g e n d a s ”

and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solar projects, or any building where DC cabling must be installed in the vicinity of roofing made of combustible materials

Integrated roofing systems

As traction towards net zero continues to gather pace, renewable technologies, such as solar PV are here to stay They will be a critical part in how the construction industry undertakes the transformation of homes into more sustainable and energy-efficient places in which tenants live and connect

Part L and the forthcoming Future Homes Standard are regulatory milestones for local authorities looking to create the type of energy-efficient and comfortable homes needed for their tenants

By selecting a best in class fully integrated roofing system from a single source; one that includes a high performing solar PV solution and safetydriven ancillary components such as ArcBox, local authorities can confidently proceed with their sustainability agendas Doing so will mean they can generate tenant outcomes that deliver cleaner energy, address energy cost concerns, help tackle the climate emergency and guarantee safety for homes and households

n For more information on Marley’s SolarTile and ArcBox solutions, please visit www.rdr.link/laj012

Solar can also make a positive contribution to easing household energy costs

New built-in cavity barrier

Knauf Insulation launches Rocksilk RainScreen FFCB (Fixed-face Cavity Barrier), the at is fixed to the face of the insulation and built in to des during construction The patented nonustible solution was developed in response to feedback from installers and contractors It is part of a certified system that provides fire resistance for up o 90 minutes insulation and integrity (EI90) in the esidual cavities of buildings with masonry façades

Rocksilk RainScreen FFCB is non-combustible with uroclass A1 reaction to fire classification It is part of ertified system that comprises Rocksilk RainScreen sheathing insulation for behind masonry façades he fixings It has been tested for use with steel timber frames, masonry and concrete substrates be used for both high and low-rise constructions

n For more information about the new cavity barrier visit www rdr link/laj013

New recladding guide available from ROCKWOOL Stone wool insulation manufacturer, ROCKWOOL, has added to its suite of industry support resources with the launch of the Recladding with ROCKWOOL guide for specifiers

Following the ban on combustible materials in relevant new buildings over 18 metres (ADB updated for England June 2022), many building owners are recladding existing buildings with noncombustible materials that comply with the updated regulations

The guide includes ROCKWOOL stone wool products, such as NyRock Rainscreen 032 and NyRock Frame Slab 032, which are purpose-designed for ventilated rainscreen cladding They are also independently classified as either A1, or A2-s1, d0 and therefore non-combustible

H e d l e y T h o m p s o n , R e c l a d d i n g a n d F a ç a d e s S e c t o r M a n a g e r a t R O C K W O O L , s a y s : “ T h i s n e w g u i d e o f f e r s v a l u a b l e s u p p o r t f o r s p e c i f i e r s , p r o v i d i n g a n o v e r v i e w o f t h e R O C K W O O L v e n t i l a t e d r a i n s c r e e n a n d f l a t r o o f r a n g e s i n o n e p l a c e , a l o n g w i t h a l l o f t h e r e l e v a n t t e c h n i c a l i n f o r m a t i o n a n d f i r e s t a n d a r d s d a t a ”

n Download the specifier guide here www rdr link/laj014

Stoventec Glass specified for new-build school in the Midlands

StoVentec Glass rainscreen cladding was specified for a new two-storey science block at Wolverhampton Girl’s High School, following its successful use on the school’s new sixth-form building completed in 2018 Sto’s Head of Sales, Ashley Wainwright says: “The intention was to harmonise the new science building with its surroundings by reflecting the attractive landscaping of the surrounding site, and the StoVentec Glass system was specified again due to the high degree of reflectivity it provided, coupled with its impressive durable and robust characteristics ”

New white paper supports specifiers to design out risk in pitched roofs

Marley has released an in-depth white paper examining the critical factors associated with pitched roof design, installation, and ongoing liability ‘Design Risk & Liability Designing Out Risk in Pitched Roofs’ provides specifiers with a comprehensive overview of the main considerations when designing and installing high-performing and safe pitched roof solutions

It illustrates the primary areas of risk and liability that face specifiers and housebuilders, as well as highlights the potential risks surrounding individual component selection versus the advantages of a full roof specification process The free to download white paper makes for essential reading for those involved in roofing specification, ensuring they can deliver the most effective design and installation processes It also covers the basics of roof design, including the assessment of pitched roofs and the range of components required to deliver a best-practice installation

n Download the white paper here www.rdr.link/laj016

A bespoke sub-construction forms part of this rainscreen cladding system, which can easily be adjusted on-site to accommodate any uneven surfaces This creates a ventilated cavity, which enables the walls of the building to breathe and allows them to dry rapidly Sto’s tempered safety glass panels, which are factory-bonded to the company ’ s rugged and resilient StoVentec carrier boards, are then fixed to the sub-construction on-site

n More information on the StoVentec Glass system here www.rdr.link/laj015

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

When it comes to tenant bathrooms, functionality, maintenance and cost have traditionally dr iven product choice. However, Stuar t Reynolds, UK Mar keting & Product Management Director at AKW, a leading provider of inclusive solutions, is seeing the life-time cost of the adapted bathroom installation becoming more impor tant, as tenants look to manage r ising household bills This is also dr iving change in inclusive sanitar yware and shower design

Housing associations are increasingly looking at creative ways to help tenants with their bills; from reducing the rent of tenants living in less energy-efficient homes to employing specialist energy officers1 A significant amount of energy is required to collect, treat, and supply clean water, and with water bills hitting the headlines as England and Wales see the largest rises to their water bills in almost 20 years2 water conservation makes both environmental and financial sense

As a well-known supermarket is renowned for saying ‘ every little helps’, and by using inclusive sanitaryware and showers that have been designed to promote water- and energy-saving, the long-term savings ultimately benefit tenant bills

Cost-effective over the long-term Delivering tenant bathrooms that promote inclusivity over the long-term has been on the agenda for many housing managers for some time now Back in 2021, the

ateam at AKW interviewed a range of housing association managers to ask them what their biggest needs were when it came to inclusive tenant bathrooms Not surprisingly, ‘ easy to keep clean’ and ‘low in maintenance’ were high up the list, along with ‘long-lasting’ and ‘contemporary looking’

There was also demand mentioned by all of them for bathrooms that were ‘ as futureproof as possible’ Although ‘future-proof ’ in this instance referred to a bathroom that could accommodate a tenant’s present and future physical needs, there is also a growing argument for energy and water efficiency to be included as part of this ‘future-proof ’ equation

Bathroom design and water saving Showers Showers are an obvious place to start when it comes to energy- and water-savings in inclusive bathrooms

Replacing a bath with a shower uses less water in an inclusive bathroom adaptation However, according to Waterwise, the average showerhead still uses 12 litres of

water per minute (with power showers using around 15 litres) If the average shower is 10 minutes long that’s up to 150 litres of water with every shower3 Cutting a 10-minute shower to four minutes can save up to 90 litres of water per shower4 However, for those who find showering difficult due to mobility issues, speeding up a shower isn’t always possible, so installing a reduced or variable flow electric unit that has different flow options makes sense

Reduced and variable flow electric showers are just as quick to install as standard showers yet can be more costeffective in terms of the water saved over the shower’s lifespan AKW’s SmartCare

Plus care shower has been designed with flow rate in mind, and the flow can be adjusted via audible and illuminated indicators, making it easy to use, even for those with visual impairments It also has automatic shut off after 30 minutes in case the user forgets to turn off the water Toilets When it comes to inclusive bathroom design and toileting the 3/6

AKW’s Livenza Plus basins feature wheelchair friendly semi pedestals

litre toilet flush is well known for promoting water efficiency However, the small push button mechanism can be difficult for those with mobility issues to operate That is why AKW has designed

its Livenza Plus toilet range to include a 3/6 litre lever and raised push button flush mechanism option, allowing users to choose based on their mobility needs

Also, more housing associations are encouraging the use of toilet cistern displacement devices in their housing stock, as these can save up to 5,000 litres of water per year per toilet5 A final point worth noting when it comes to water saving is that although it might seem counter-intuitive, it takes more water to manufacture toilet paper than it does to operate an efficient bidet So, for those tenants who need a bidet, such as AKW’s non-permanent Side-Entry Bidet solution, there are additional environmental benefits from their use Wash basins It sounds obvious but the deeper the wash basin, the more the user is tempted to fill it Over the years wash basins have been redesigned to be more practical to use for those with mobility issues, whilst also keeping an eye on water usage For example, AKW’s Livenza

Plus basins not only have wheelchair friendly semi pedestals, but the smaller wash basin in the range offers 62% less volume than the largest one, allowing for significant water saving potential

Sanitaryware and shower design is evolving to suit today’s needs

Contemporary and water-efficient designs are on the rise, so is it time to make sure that your new or refurbished inclusive bathrooms meet tenant’s financial as well as functional needs

1 https://www insidehousing co uk/insight/insight/ energy-crisis-what-housing-associations-are-doingto-help-tenants-and-staff-78058

2 https://news sky com/story/water-bills-in-englandand-wales-to-rise-by-the-most-in-almost-20-years12801171

3 Waterwise org uk, August 2022

4 Waterwise org uk August 2022

5 South Staff Water Report, Water use in Your Home n For more information download AKW’s latest water and energy cost saving guide here

AKW SmartCare Plus

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

QS Supplies discusses the need to improve disabled access to public toilets, referencing the findings of its latest study, and offers advice to local authorities on making public toilets accessible

In recent years, there's been growing awareness of the importance of accessible public toilets in the UK

However, for people with disabilities or mobility issues, accessing these facilities can still be a significant challenge

And as this latest study by QS Supplies shows, access to disabled facilities largely depends on where people live

QS Supplies' researchers found the location of every public toilet in the UK from the Great British Public Toilet Map website Then they used the data to calculate the percentage of accessible toilets for every UK council region as well UK cities with a population above 50k, as well as for every London borough

In this article, we'll take a look at the survey results, explain why disabled access to public toilets is central to building inclusive communities, and outline what local authorities can do to improve their facilities

History of accessible toilet access

The first efforts to improve accessible toilet access in the UK began in the 1980s, when some local authorities started to install accessible toilets in public places

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was introduced in 1995, making it illegal to discriminate against disabled people in access to goods, services, and facilities

This bill included access to public toilets, meaning local authorities were required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure facilities were accessible to disabled people

The introduction of the Building Regulations in 2004 set out specific standards for designing new buildings and refurbishments, including accessible toilet access

The 2010 Equality Act strengthened the legal requirements for disabled access It required public authorities to take proactive steps to ensure that their services were

P u b l i c b a t h r o o m a c c e s s i b i l i t y

accessible to disabled people, including the accessibility of public toilets

Today, most public toilets in the UK must provide disabled access Local authorities have also been encouraged to consider the needs of a broader range of users, such as people with dementia, autism, or other sensory impairments, when designing, maintaining, and upgrading public toilet facilities

Public toilet accessibility in the UK

According to the QS Supplies survey, Edinburgh has the highest proportion of accessible public toilets, with Brighton and Hove not far behind with similar figures of around two-thirds of the facilities being accessible

But despite these high numbers, the conditions of the toilets have received criticism in both cities This year, Councillor Robert Nemeth expressed embarrassment over the state of public loos along the stretch of West Hove extending to Hove Lagoon, citing filthy facilities and toilet seats covered in excrement as some of the issues residents have reported

All of the 10 UK cities with the worst accessible public toilets are in England, with York being the worst But the city is

taking steps to improve the situation

York recently won a grant to install new public bathrooms with extra facilities for people with disabilities

Accessibility in the capital

According to the QS Supplies study, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has the highest proportion of accessible toilets However, with only nine public bathrooms in total, the situation is far from ideal

Barnet has one of the lowest proportions of accessible toilets, with only seven out of 40 (17 5%) public bathrooms providing such facilities Hounslow has an even lower proportion (11 1%)

One proposed solution is the "Spend A Penny" campaign, where one penny from the price of every London bus and tube journey would fund almost 700 public toilets

Improving public toilet facilities

Local governments can make public bathrooms more accessible to those with disabilities and mobility issues by following these tips: Conduct an accessibility audit: Carry out an accessibility audit of public toilet facilities

t h e wo r s t a c c e s s i b l e p u b l i c

t o i l e t s a r e i n E n g l a n d .

in the local area This identifies the barriers and challenges people with disabilities face when accessing local facilities

Improve existing facilities: Existing facilities should be properly equipped with essential features, including hoists and changing tables

Put up clear signage: Clear signage helps people with disabilities locate accessible toilets Signage should be easy to read and understand, with clear symbols and text

Provide training for staff: Train staff who work in public toilet facilities on how to use equipment, such as hoists, and assist people with disabilities

Involve people with disabilities in the process: Involve local people with disabilities in the planning and designing of facilities Set up workshops and focus groups to gain insight into their needs

Consider the needs of different disabilities: Consider the needs of people with various disabilities when designing accessible public toilet facilities, such as people who use wheelchairs, hearing or visual impairments, and cognitive or developmental disabilities

P r i o r i t i s e s a f e t y a n d s e c u r i t y : Pe o p l e w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s m a y b e m o r e v u l n e r a b l e t o h a r a s s m e n t o r a s s a u l t F a c i l i t i e s s h o u l d b e w e l l - l i t , s a f e, a n d s t a f f e d a s m u c h a s p o s s i b l e

Provide alternative solutions: When it's not feasible to provide accessible public toilet facilities, local authorities should consider alternative solutions, including mobile toilets

Monitor and evaluate: Monitor new facilities and evaluate their impact on people with disabilities

More than one in five people in the UK are living with some form of disability

Ensuring they have access to proper public bathroom facilities should be a top priority for local authorities looking to build and foster inclusive communities where everyone can lead safe, dignified lives

“A l l o f t h e U K c i t i e s w i t h

. . ”

S a f e t y n e t

Ollie Gray, Business Development Director of Char is, explains how funding for the replacement of electr ical kitchen appliances can help social housing residents sur vive the cost-of-living cr isis

While it is generally well known and accepted that hardship grants are available to help support vulnerable social residents with energy bills and supermarket vouchers, the actual scope of what you can buy is actually far wider someone on benefits may be eligible to apply for a grant to help them refurbish their home, whether it is replacing worn out furniture with new items or swapping inefficient electrical kitchen appliances with higher energy-rated, energy-efficient replacements, or indeed investing in the latest cooking technology, such as air fryers and slow cookers, which use significantly less energy than traditional ovens t o t h i s e n d , c h a r i s p r o a c t i v e l y p u r s u e s p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h o r g a n i s a t i o n s

t h a t c a n w o r k w i t h t h e c o m p a n y t h r o u g h i t s c h a r i s s h o p p l a t f o r m i n t h e m o r e p r a c t i c a l d i s t r i b u t i o n o f f u n d s W o r k i n g i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s , c h a r i t i e s a n d l o c a l a u t h o r i t i e s , v u l n e r a b l e c l i e n t s l i v i n g w i t h s u b s t a n d a r d ( o f t e n u n r e g u l a t e d , n o n - c o m p l i a n t ) e l e c t r i c a l a p p l i a n c e s c a n v e r i f y e l i g i b i l i t y c r i t e r i a a n d e n s u r e t h a t t h e m o s t n e e d y h a v e a c c e s s t o f u n d s t h a t c a n h e l p t h e m w i t h e s s e n t i a l i t e m s

charis has made the scheme quick and simple for all parties involved a resident can approach their housing association, and together they can fill in an eligibility form online through the charis shop providing the applicant meets the relevant criteria, a voucher or digital payment card will be issued in minutes, which can be redeemed with participating retailers such as Argos, currys and Asda

Collaboration and support

We are looking at a much longer term, more stable process to providing help and support, as opposed to simply throwing money at a problem as a temporary solution Much like it is better to give someone the right equipment and teach them to fish enabling them to buy A+++ energy rating appliances that are going to help reduce their energy bills to more selfsustainable levels

F o r e x a m p l e , s w i t c h i n g f r o m a D - r a t e d t o a n A + + + r a t e d w a s h i n g m a c h i n e c o u l d r e d u c e c o s t s b y 5 0 % A c - r a t e d f r i d g e t y p i c a l l y u s e s 2 3 2 k W h p e r y e a r

r

r

e d f r i d g e w

o 7 2 k

h

e t o h o u s e h o l d b i l l s equally, it eases the stress that many households go through when the family budget is limited and unpredictable events happen, such as the washing machine breaking down and there are no spare funds to replace them too often, families rely on old, inefficient, and unpredictable appliances that should be swapped out as a matter of course having a safety net through the charis shop can stop households that are on edge from going under recently, charis and tillo came together to extend the number of retail outlets available to households through the shop this collaboration is an example of how our targeted assistance will help to optimise the public funding allocated to hardship to ensure that the benefits of the grants are felt over a longer period of time

n

KItchens, BAthrooMs & DIsABILIty neeDs

Ollie Gray, Business Development Director of Charis

“Having a safety net through the Char is Shop can stop households that are on edge from going under.”

Sleek tapware collection launched

Deva by Methven, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of tapware and showers, has extended its bathroom tapware range with the launch of its new Henley collection, which includes a Basin Mixer, Bath Shower Mixer, and Bath Filler Featuring a sleek, chrome finish with stylish curves and a smooth flat surface, the range offers professionals a choice of luxury, high-quality tapware to suit all modern bathroom styles

To ensure water-saving, the Henley Basin Mixer benefits from a 4l/min flow regulator and is suitable for high pressure systems, whilst the Bath Shower Mixer and Bath Filler are compatible with all plumbing systems The Basin Mixer also features an easy-to-use lever handle to effortlessly operate the temperature and flow control and is supplied with a press top waste For ultimate peace of mind, the new Henley collection is also supplied with a 12-year warranty

n For more information on the Henley collection visit www.rdr.link/laj020

New recycled washroom range

Phoenix is a new range of washroom products from laundry and hygiene solutions provider Elis that combines style, functionality and sustainability, without compromising on quality The products are manufactured in the UK and contain an average of 85% recycled ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, offering the same durability, reliability and life expectancy as existing Elis washroom products but with four times less CO2 emissions ( 4x less CO2 emissions produced during production than nonrecycled plastic) Products include liquid and foam soap dispensers, cotton towel and paper roll dispensers for hand drying, toilet roll dispensers and toilet hygiene solutions, including seat sanitiser and a sanitary disposal unit A range of responsiblysourced consumables is also available

n For more information on the Phoenix range visit www.rdr.link/laj021

Advertisement index

this issue of Local Authority Building & Maintenance. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information

A Proctor Group (page 11)

www rdr link/LAJ100

A Proctor Group ............................(page 7)

www rdr link/LAJ101

Andreas Stihl Ltd (page 2/IFC)

www rdr link/LAJ102

Autopa Ltd (page 26)

www rdr link/LAJ103

BPD Passivent ..............................(page 16)

www rdr link/LAJ104

BPD Glidevale ............................(page 29)

www rdr link/LAJ105

Clovis Canopies (page 26)

www rdr link/LAJ106

DoorCo ..........................................(page 15)

www rdr link/LAJ107

Horne Eng Co Ltd (page 39)

www rdr link/LAJ108

InstallerSHOW (page 8)

www rdr link/LAJ109

Marley Ltd ....................................(page 30)

www rdr link/LAJ110

Metro Rod ....................................(page 19)

www rdr link/LAJ111

Onduline Bldg Prods Ltd (page 33)

www rdr link/LAJ112

Pro Builder Live ................(page 44/OBC)

www rdr link/LAJ113

Rockwool UK Ltd (page 37)

www rdr link/LAJ114

Samuel Heath & Sons (page 4)

www rdr link/LAJ115

Sunray Timer Fire Doors ..........(page 25)

www rdr link/LAJ116

Titon Hardware Ltd ....................(page 19)

www rdr link/LAJ117